Effect of antioxidant on tooth sensitivity after bleaching.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant (sodium ascorbate) on tooth sensitivity after two in-office bleaching techniques (light-activated and chemical bleaching). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients aged 18-25 were bleached in four groups according to bleaching materials and/or antioxidant used. Group A: Maxillary right quadrant received light-activated bleaching with antioxidant. Group B: Maxillary left quadrant received light-activated bleaching without antioxidant. Group C: Mandibular right quadrant received chemical bleaching without antioxidant. Group D: Mandibular left quadrant received chemical bleaching with antioxidant. The tooth sensitivity was recorded using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Schiff Scale (SS) immediately after treatment, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month follow-up periods. RESULTS: Group B exhibited higher sensitivity values than Group A. This difference was statistically significant on the first day after treatment (p = 0.027* in NRS and p = 0.046* in SS). Furthermore, antioxidant incorporation in Group D led to a reduction in teeth sensitivity values compared to Group C. This disparity was highly significant on the first day after treatment (p = 0.001* in NRS and p < 0.001** in SS). CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant (10% sodium ascorbate) reduces the intensity of tooth sensitivity at the different follow-up periods, especially after 1 day from bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using 10% sodium ascorbate after bleaching is advisable to reduce post-operative tooth sensitivity.

Evaluation of masticatory performance and patient satisfaction for conventional and 3D-printed implant overdentures: a randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: This crossover clinical study aimed to evaluate and compare masticatory performance and patient satisfaction for patients rehabilitated with conventional heat-cured acrylic resin and 3D-printed mandibular implant overdentures retained with bar attachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen completely edentulous healthy participants received new conventional dentures. In the mandible, four interforaminal implants were inserted. Following the stage of osseointegration, the bar was constructed in a trapezoidal configuration. Each patient randomly received the following overdentures using a crossover design: (1) conventional heat-cured acrylic resin overdenture and (2) 3D-printed overdenture (developed by scanning of mandibular conventional overdenture). The masticatory performance was assessed by conducting a two-colour mixing ability test at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 masticatory cycles. Moreover, the McGill Denture Satisfaction Questionnaire (MDSQ) was employed to assess patient satisfaction. Evaluation was performed after 3 months of using each overdenture. Paired sample t tests were used to compare the masticatory performance and MDSQ scores of patients for both prostheses. RESULTS: No significant difference in masticatory performance was reported between the two types of overdentures. Regarding patient satisfaction, only the esthetic aspect was significantly better for conventionally processed overdentures than for printed overdentures. Insignificant differences were observed regarding other MDSQ items between the two overdentures. CONCLUSION: Within this clinical study, 3D-printed implant overdentures showed promising results in terms of chewing efficiency and patient satisfaction compared to conventionally fabricated implant overdentures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov : NCT06148727.(28/11/2023).

Towards unlocking the biocontrol potential of Pichia kudriavzevii for plant fungal diseases: in vitro and in vivo assessments with candidate secreted protein prediction.

BACKGROUND: Plant fungal pathogens cause substantial economic losses through crop yield reduction and post-harvest storage losses. The utilization of biocontrol agents presents a sustainable strategy to manage plant diseases, reducing the reliance on hazardous chemical. Recently, Pichia kudriavzevii has emerged as a promising biocontrol agent because of its capacity to inhibit fungal growth, offering a potential solution for plant disease management. RESULTS: Two novel Pichia kudriavzevii strains, Pk_EgyACGEB_O1 and Pk_EgyACGEB_O2, were isolated from olive brine samples. The microscopic characterization of the strains revealed similar structures. However, there were noticeable differences in their visual morphology. Based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences, Pk_EgyACGEB_O1 and Pk_EgyACGEB_O2 strains assigned by GenBank IDs MZ507552.1 and MZ507554.1 shared high sequence similarity (~ 99.8% and 99.5%) with P. kudriavzevii, respectively. Both strains were evaluated in vitro against plant pathogenic fungi. The strains revealed the ability to consistently inhibit fungal growth, with Pk_EgyACGEB_O2 showing higher effectiveness. In addition, both P. kudriavzevii strains effectively controlled grey mold disease caused by B. cinerea in golden delicious apples, suggesting their potential as sustainable and eco-friendly biocontrol agents for post-harvest diseases. Based on a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline, candidate-secreted proteins responsible for the potent antifungal activity of P. kudriavzevii were identified. A total of 59 proteins were identified as common among the P. kudriavzevii CBS573, SD108, and SD129 strains. Approximately 23% of the secreted proteins in the P. kudriavzevii predicted secretome are hydrolases with various activities, including proteases, lipases, glycosidases, phosphatases, esterases, carboxypeptidases, or peptidases. In addition, a set of cell-wall-related proteins was identified, which might enhance the biocontrol activity of P. kudriavzevii by preserving the structure and integrity of the cell wall. A papain inhibitor was also identified and could potentially offer a supplementary defense against plant pathogens. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed the biocontrol capabilities of P. kudriavzevii against plant pathogenic fungi. The research focused on screening novel strains for their ability to inhibit the growth of common pathogens, both in vitro and in vivo. This study shed light on how P. kudriavzevii interacts with fungal pathogens. The findings can help develop effective strategies for managing plant diseases.

Autophagy-related gene and protein expressions during blastocyst development.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the expression of autophagic genes and proteins during blastocyst development and differentiation. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. Between March 2018 and November 2019, 30 females aged 30.13 ± 4.83 years underwent an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle at Madina Fertility Center. ICSI was used to develop and incubate 82 leftover embryos to day 5. Then, the embryos were divided into two groups based on their developmental structure: group D (n = 49) included embryos that developed into blastocysts, whereas group A (n = 33) included arrested embryos. These embryos were used to investigate the autophagic gene and protein expressions. The current study was approved by the Clinical Trial Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, following the ethical standards of scientific research (Registration no. 0303721). RESULTS: Embryos that developed into blastocysts on day 5 (group D) had significantly higher relative expression of the LC3 gene (1.11 ± 0.52) and beclin-1 gene (1.43 ± 0.34) and beclin-1 protein expression (3.8 ± 0.028) than those that did not develop into blastocysts on day 5 (group A) [0.72 ± 0.18 (P = 0.03), 0.35 ± 0.12 (P = 0.0001), and 3.14 ± 0.05, (P = 0.0001), respectively]. In contrast, mTOR and PIK3C3 protein expression was significantly higher in group A (arrested embryos) than those in group D (developed embryos) (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, the expression of the eIF4E gene was significantly lower in group D embryos (0.32 ± 0.07) than that in group A embryos (4.38 ± 1.16) (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This work identifies  autophagy as a well regulated process required to maintain cell allocation and differentiation during late preimplantation embryo developmental stages.

Comparison between Two Design Concepts of Four Implants Placement Used to Support Telescopic Mandibular Overdenture: A Prospective Study of Implant Marginal Bone Height Changes.

AIM: The aim of this present study was to compare two placement designs of four implants used to support a telescopic mandibular overdenture regarding the marginal bone height changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each patient received four implants. Two anterior implants were installed vertically in the canine area. Patients were randomized into two groups according to the direction of posterior implants installed in the premolar area. Group I: where the implants were installed vertically parallel to the anterior implants and group II: where the implants were installed 30º distally. The implants were delayed loaded with a telescopic mandibular overdenture. The implant's marginal bone changes were evaluated after 6 and 12 months of overdenture insertion. RESULTS: Mean marginal bone loss of anterior implants showed a statistically significant difference between both groups. The vertically parallel posterior implants in group I showed statistically significant higher marginal bone loss than posterior implants in group II after follow-up periods. The 30º distally tilted posterior implants maintained the implant marginal bone after 12 months of overdenture insertion. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with telescopic overdenture supported by four parallel implants is a promising successful treatment option. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tilting the posterior implants will improve the anteroposterior spread that in turn increases the support and the survival rate of the implants. Also, using this technique gives us an opportunity to use fewer implants.

Surgical outcome of children with medulloblastoma: a retrospective study of a 405-patient series from Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE-57357).

PURPOSE: To analyze the impact of increasing the extent of resection (EOR) on the survival rates and on the surgical outcome of children with medulloblastoma. METHODS: A series of consecutive 405 children operated for medulloblastoma between July 2007 and April 2018 was identified. The details of pre-operative data, surgical interventions, post-operative complications, and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis showed no advantage of gross total resection (GTR) over near and subtotal resection regarding over all (OS) (p=0.557) and progression free survival (PFS) (p=0.146). In the same time, increasing the EOR was not associated with higher morbidity. Tumor dissemination at onset correlated to worse OS (KM: p=0.003, OR 1.999, 95% CI: 1.242-3.127; p = 0.004) and PFS (KM: p<0.001, Cox: OR 2.171, 95% CI: 1.406-3.353; p<0.001). OS was significantly affected in patients < 3 years old (KM: p=0.011, OR 2.036, 95% CI: 1.229-3.374; p = 0.006), while PFS was worse among patients who had pre-op seizures (KM: p=0.036, Cox: OR 2.852, 95% CI: 1.046-7.773; p=0.041) or post-op pseudomeningocele (KM: p=0.021, Cox: OR 2.311, 95% CI: 1.123-4.754; p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical excision of medulloblastoma is the standard of care, there was no significant benefit for GTR over near or subtotal resection on the OS or PFS rates that are mainly influenced by the patient's age and tumor dissemination. However, GTR should be targeted, as it is not associated with increased incidence of mutism or other surgery-related complications.

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy versus Electroacupuncture on Postnatal Scanty Milk Secretion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Postnatal scanty milk secretion is a common complaint. Some physical and medical interventions were advocated to help milk production. These interventions should be effective and safe for the mother and the infant. This study aimed to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy and electroacupuncture on postnatal scanty milk secretion. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled study conducted on 60 healthy primiparous mothers with insufficient lactation. They were randomly divided into three equal groups: group A (control), group B (those who received low-power He-Ne laser beam on both breasts), and group C (those who received faradic current stimulation at Spleen 6, Liver 3, and Small Intestine 1 acupuncture points on both sides). All participants received 10 mg Domperidone three times a day and were given advice about lactation, nutrition, and fluid intake. Evaluation was done before and after the treatment program. RESULTS: The mean serum prolactin, infant weight, and visual analog scale (VAS) score were significantly increased in the three groups posttreatment when compared with their corresponding levels pretreatment. Posttreatment serum prolactin was significantly elevated in group C more than the other two groups (p = 0.001 and 0.012, respectively). Also, it was significantly elevated in group B more than in group A (p = 0.001). The mean value of infant weight was significantly elevated in group C when compared with its corresponding values in both groups A (p = 0.001) and B (p = 0.029). The VAS score was significantly increased in both groups B and C when compared with group A (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture is more effective than low-level laser therapy in increasing postnatal scanty milk secretion. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03806062.

Modified cesarean hysterectomy technique for management of cases of placenta increta and percreta at a tertiary referral hospital in Egypt.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a modified type II radical hysterectomy on maternal morbidities and mortality in cases with abnormally invasive placenta (AIP). METHODS: 63 cases with AIP were managed at one of the largest referral centers in Egypt in a prospective study design. This technique entails devascularization of the uterus laterally on both sides and to clamp the uterus at the lowest possible point just below the level of the placenta while sparing the ureters. RESULTS: The difference between pre- and post-operative hemoglobin was only about 1 gm/dl, and the mean blood loss was 1673 ± 958 ml. There was a significant drop in the post-operative need for blood and blood product replacement, packed red blood cells (p = 0.013), fresh red blood cells (p < 0.001), and plasma units (p = 0.012). Operative time (skin to skin) averaged 190 ± 58.2 min as the technique is slow and utilizes meticulous hemostatic steps. ICU admission was 4.8% with a mean total hospital stay of 8.6 ± 3.6 days. Histopathological examination revealed 58 cases of placenta increta and five percreta cases. We also had 16 bladder injuries (25.4%) and two ureteric injuries, and no maternal mortalities. CONCLUSION: This technique reduces maternal morbidity and mortality while performing cesarean hysterectomy for cases with AIP.

A 24-Month Follow-Up of a Custom-Made Suture-Button Assembly for Syndesmotic Injuries of the Ankle.

In the present retrospective analysis, we introduce a custom suture-button fixation device for acute ankle syndesmotic injuries that allows for early weightbearing without another planned operation for hardware removal. We evaluated 87 consecutive ankles in 87 patients (49 males [56.32%] and 38 females [43.68%]). Of the 87 patients, 15 (17.24%) withdrew or were lost to follow-up, leaving 72 patients (82.76%) in the present study. Their mean age was 35.2 (range 17 to 67) years. Nineteen patients (26.39%) presented with a pure syndesmotic disruption, and 53 (73.61%) had associated malleolar fractures. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score improved significantly from 31.2 ± 4.2 preoperatively to 88.5 ± 5.3 at an average of 24 months postoperatively (p < .0043). Revision was undertaken because of implant failure in 4 ankles (5.56%). Two revisions (2.78%) were performed in 2 ankles because of early weightbearing in the first 2 weeks after surgery. The third patient (1.39%) underwent revision at 5 weeks postoperatively. This syndesmotic reduction failure was attributed to failure of the threads, which was noted at the second surgery. The fourth patient (1.39%), a 66-year-old male, underwent revision at 5 months postoperatively because of persistent infection. An 18-month postoperative radiograph was available for all patients. The medial clear space had significantly decreased, from 8.2 ± 3.1 mm preoperatively to 3.5 ± 2.2 mm at 18 months postoperatively (p < .0344). Likewise, the tibiofibular clear space had decreased significantly, from a mean of 8.8 ± 3.7 mm preoperatively to a mean of 3.7 ± 2.2 mm at 18 months postoperatively (p < .0322). In conclusion, suture-button fixation described in the present report delivered satisfactory functional outcomes and anatomic reduction at minimum of 18 months after surgery.

Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion-Derived Ejection Fraction: A Simple and Valid Tool in Adult Males With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Validation of a mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE)-derived formula to calculate the ejection fraction where EF = 4.8 × MAPSE (mm) + 5.8 in adult males with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic assessment of LV function generally requires expert echocardiographer and is somewhat subjective and prone to reader discordance. MAPSE has been suggested as a surrogate measurement for LV function. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 170 male patients with systolic dysfunction by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was carried out. MAPSE and ejection fraction measured by qualitative visual inspection, M-mode, and biplane modified Simpson's rule were measured. MAPSE-derived EF was compared against other conventional methods to measure EF using Bland-Altman analysis and independent t-test. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between average MAPSE and EF measured by M-mode (r = 0.554, P < 0.001), Simpson's rule (r = 0.585, P < 0.001), and visual inspection (r = 0.611, P < 0.001). An average MAPSE cutoff value <= 5 provided the best balanced sensitivity (67.1%) and specificity (76.5%) to predict EF < 30%. The mean difference between MAPSE-derived EF and EF measured by visual inspection and by Simpson's method was 3.86 ± 5.24% and 3.57 ± 5.97%, respectively. The least mean difference of 0.5 ± 5.69% was present between MAPSE-derived EF and M-mode-measured EF (P value 0.2). CONCLUSION: MAPSE-derived EF using the equation EF = 4.8 × MAPSE (mm) + 5.8 is a valid technique in adult males with severely impaired LV EF.

Functional and morphological myocardial changes in hepatitis C virus patients with end-stage liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular complications are common in liver transplant recipient. This study aims to evaluate functional and morphological myocardial changes in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 84 patients with HCV-related ESLD. They were subjected to 2D-echocardiography and CMR. The presence, distribution, and percentage of delayed myocardial enhancement (DME) were estimated. RESULTS: The mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 21.5 ± 6.3. In CMR, all patients showed good global left ventricular (LV) systolic function (mean ejection fraction = 66.5 ± 8.6%; range: 55-80) with normal wall thickness and motion. Left ventricle was mildly dilated in 25 patients (30%). Grade I and grade II diastolic dysfunction was detected in 81 patients (96.4%) with dilated left atrium in 25 patients (30%). Variable degrees of DME were detected in 70 patients (83.3%) with mean percentage of DME (%DME) being 19.5 ± 16% (range: 4-52). A significant negative correlation was found between %DME and LV ejection fraction (r = -0.7; p < 0.001), cardiac output (r = -0.5; p = 0.013), cardiac index (r = -0.5; p = 0.02), and serum albumin level (r = -0.5; p = 0.01). The %DME ≥19% was associated with 85.7% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity for detection of LV ejection fraction <60% as assessed by echocardiography (area under curve = 0.89; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: DME with CMR is a common finding among patients with HCV-related ESLD. The extent of DME is significantly associated with global LV systolic function.

A minimum three-year clinical and radiological follow up of the utilisation of a Cementless Multihole Mega cups in conversion hip arthroplasty--a prospective analysis.

UNLABELLED: The introduction of multihole mega cup has proposed innovative answers in the management of acetabular impediments that ensued from the use of bipolar hemiarthroplasty. This study bestows a prospective analysis of the outcome of conversion surgery from bipolar hemiarthroplasty to total hip replacement in patients with acetabular complications.Forty-two patients, 22 men and 20 women, with a mean age of 59 years (range 46-69 years) who experienced complex acetabular deficiencies following bipolar hemiarthroplasty, were converted to total hip replacement between January 2008 and June 2010. Pain was the main complaint in all cases. It was primarily confined to the groin region. Limping due to shortening of the affected limb was the second main complaint (30 cases). All cases had erosion of the acetabulum with varying degrees of protrusion. Cementless mutihole cups with augmentation by autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest and large metal heads' sizes were used for conversion in all cases. After a minimum follow-up of 36 months, Harris hip scores (HHS) improved from a mean of 36.8±6.8 (range 21-59) preoperatively to a mean of 85.9±5.6 (range 71 to 94) postoperatively. Thirty six (85.7%) patients experienced no groin pain postoperatively while six patients (14.3%) described limited improvement. Postoperative complications included: dislocation in two cases which were reduced and did not result in a poor outcome later on. No patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term results at minimum three years follow-up of multihole mega cup were encouraging regarding high capability of acetabular reconstruction with less morbidity of recipient site. Significant pain and functional improvement were noticeable, however further longer term studies are consequently recommended.

Assessment of immunological changes in Epstein-Barr virus co-infection in Egyptian chronic HCV patients.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a major role in liver pathology. Similar to other members of the herpesvirus family, EBV establishes a persistent infection in more than 90% of adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of EBV and chronic hepatitis C co-infection (HCV) on biochemical and immunological responses in patients. The study was conducted in 62 patients and 33 apparently healthy controls. Patients were divided into three groups: group I, consisting of 31 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), group II, consisting of eight patients with EBV infection and without HCV infection and group III, consisting of 23 patients with EBV and chronic HCV. The percentage of CD3⁺ cells, helper CD4⁺ cells and CD19⁺ B-cells was measured by flow cytometry. Human interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-15 levels were measured by an ELISA. The levels of liver alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes were higher in EBV/HCV patients compared to that in EBV and HCV mono-infected patients. EBV/HCV patients had significantly reduced percentages of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ cells compared to EBV patients. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced in EBV/HCV patients (3.86 pg/mL) compared to CHC patients (6.76 pg/mL) and normal controls (4.69 pg/mL). A significant increase in serum IL-15 levels was observed in EBV/HCV patients (67.7 pg/mL) compared to EBV patients (29.3 pg/mL). Taken together, these observations suggest that HCV and EBV co-infection can potentiate immune response dampening in patients.

Role of tranexamic acid-soaked gelatin sponge in minimizing rectus sheath hematoma after cesarean section in women treated with warfarin, a simple tool for high-risk cases, a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to illustrate the impact of applying the tranexamic acid impregnated in a gelatin sponge between the anterior rectus sheath and the Rectus Abdominis muscle during Cesarean section (CS) in minimizing rectus sheath hematoma (RHS) in women treated with Warfarin. METHODS: A clinical trial was carried out on 63 pregnant women attended for elective CS, who on antenatal warfarin anticoagulation started from 13 weeks gestation to 36 weeks then shifted to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH), and with an indication for postnatal warfarin anticoagulation. They were randomly assigned on the day of the scheduled CS into three equal groups (21 women for each). Group 1 had two pieces of gelatin sponges soaked with one ampoule of tranexamic acid. Group 2 had two pieces of gelatin sponges not soaked with tranexamic acid. Group 3 (control group) had no gelatin sponge applied. All patients underwent postoperative assessment done for hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), estimated blood loss (EBL), amount and nature of discharge collected from the sub-rectus drain, complications (RHS, wound infection, thromboembolism), need for re-operation, and need for blood transfusion. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding the postoperative Hb (10.66 ± 1.13 vs. 9.77 ± 0.69, P = 0.009), between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding the postoperative HCT (31.87 ± 3.59 vs. 28.54 ± 1.85, P = 0.001), between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding EBL (442.19 ± 244.46 vs. 744.38 ± 267.05, P = 0.003), between Group 1 and Group 3 regarding EBL (442.19 ± 244.46 vs. 664.29 ± 343.97, P = 0.040), and between Group 1 and Group 3 regarding the discharge amount from the sub rectus drain (190.48 ± 100.77 vs. 307.14 ± 127.76, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid-soaked gelatin sponges are safe and effective in reducing postoperative drainage and EBL. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: At ClinicalTrials.gov in June 2022 (NCT05439694).

Evening primrose oil: a comprehensive review of its bioactives, extraction, analysis, oil quality, therapeutic merits, and safety.

Oil crops have become increasingly farmed worldwide because of their numerous functions in foods and health. In particular, oil derived from the seeds of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) (EPO) comprises essential fatty acids of the omega-6 (ω-6) series. It is well recognized to promote immune cells with a healthy balance and management of female ailments. The nutrients of interest in this oil are linoleic acid (LA, 70-74%) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 8-10%), which are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that account for EPO's popularity as a dietary supplement. Various other chemicals in EPO function together to supply the body with PUFA, elevate normal ω-6 essential fatty acid levels, and support general health and well-being. The inclusive EPO biochemical analysis further succeeded in identifying several other components, i.e., triterpenes, phenolic acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols of potential health benefits. This comprehensive review capitalizes on EPO, the superior product of O. biennis, highlighting the interrelationship between various methods of cultivation, extraction, holistic chemical composition, sensory characters, and medicinal value. Besides the literature review, this study restates the numerous health advantages of primrose oil and possible drug-EPO interactions since a wide spectrum of drugs are administered concomitantly with EPO. Modern techniques to evaluate EPO chemical composition are addressed with emphasis on the missing gaps and future perspectives to ensure best oil quality and nutraceutical benefits.

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease rat model: Emerging role of SIRT1.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex form of neurodegenerative dementia. Growing body of evidence supports the cardinal role of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in neurodegeneration and AD development. Recently, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) have made their mark for a wide array of regenerative medicine applications, including neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Ad-MSCs in AD rat model, and to explore the possible implication of SIRT1. Ad-MSCs were isolated from rat epididymal fat pads and properly characterized. Aluminum chloride was used to induce AD in rats, and afterward, a group of AD-induced rats received a single dose of Ad-MSCs (2 × 106 cell, I.V per rat). One month after Ad-MSCs transplantation, behavioral tests were done, brain tissues were collected, then histopathological and biochemical assessments were performed. Amyloid beta and SIRT1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whereas expression levels of neprilysin, BCL2 associated X protein, B-cell lymphoma-2, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and nerve growth factor in hippocampus and frontal cortex brain tissues were assessed using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our data demonstrated that transplantation of Ad-MSCs alleviated cognitive impairment in AD rats. Additionally, they exhibited anti-amyloidogenic, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, as well as neurogenic effects. Furthermore, Ad-MSCs were found to possibly mediate their therapeutic effects, at least partially, via modulating both central and systemic SIRT1 levels. Hence, the current study portrays Ad-MSCs as an effective therapeutic approach for AD management and opens the door for future investigations to further elucidate the role of SIRT1 and its interrelated molecular mediators in AD.

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) leaves attenuate indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Malus domestica Borkh, the apple tree, exhibited numerous pharmacological properties including antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial activities. The present work aimed to annotate the secondary metabolites from a butanol fraction of apple leaves (BLE), evaluate the gastro-protective and healing effects of this fraction against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats and to identify its mechanism of action. BLE (100, and 200 mg/kg) was orally administered in rats as an acute treatment against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in comparison with famotidine as reference anti-ulcer drug. The stomachs of rats were collected to determine the ulcer index, the preventive ratio, measure the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and estimate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Furthermore, we evaluated both inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the gastric tissues. We also performed histopathological study of gastric mucosa using H&E stain and periodic Schiff base stain to evaluate both gastric injury scores and gastric mucus content respectively. Pretreatment with BLE markedly lowered the severity of gastric injury induced by indomethacin, decreased oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and COX-2 expression in the examined gastric tissues. The gastric healing effect of BLE was associated with increased mucoglycoproteins, and HSP70 expression. Additionally, gastric healing effect of high dose of BLE was superior to that of famotidine in decreasing gastric injury scores, COX-2, inflammatory cytokines, lipid peroxidation and in increasing gastric mucin content, HSP70, and reduced glutathione. These findings indicate that BLE is effective in accelerating ulcer healing by boosting HSP70 expression, and decreasing COX-2 expression, oxidative stress, and gastric inflammation which might be related to the presence of 21 phytoconstituents.

Brain-targeted delivery of Valsartan using solid lipid nanoparticles labeled with Rhodamine B; a promising technique for mitigating the negative effects of stroke.

The brain is a vital organ that is protected from the general circulation and is distinguished by the presence of a relatively impermeable blood brain barrier (BBB). Blood brain barrier prevents the entry of foreign molecules. The current research aims to transport valsartan (Val) across BBB utilizing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) approach to mitigate the adverse effects of stroke. Using a 32-factorial design, we could investigate and optimize the effect of several variables in order to improve brain permeability of valsartan in a target-specific and sustained-release manner, which led to alleviation of ischemia-induced brain damage. The impact of each of the following independent variables was investigated: lipid concentration (% w/v), surfactant concentration (% w/v), and homogenization speed (RPM) on particle size, zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE) %, and cumulative drug release percentage (CDR) %. TEM images revealed a spherical form of the optimized nanoparticles, with particle size (215.76 ± 7.63 nm), PDI (0.311 ± 0.02), ZP (-15.26 ± 0.58 mV), EE (59.45 ± 0.88%), and CDR (87.59 ± 1.67%) for 72 hours. SLNs formulations showed sustained drug release, which could effectively reduce the dose frequency and improve patient compliance. DSC and X-ray emphasize that Val was encapsulated in the amorphous form. The in-vivo results revealed that the optimized formula successfully delivered Val to the brain through intranasal rout as compared to a pure Val solution and evidenced by the photon imaging and florescence intensity quantification. In a conclusion, the optimized SLN formula (F9) could be a promising therapy for delivering Val to brain, alleviating the negative consequences associated with stroke.