Serum CYFRA 21-1 and CK19-2G2 as Predictive Biomarkers of Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatitis C-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among Egyptians: A Prospective Study.

Background and aim: Cytokeratin 19 (CK19)-positive HCC is a subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with poor biological behavior and resistance to different treatments including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The current study aimed to investigate the predictive value of serum CK 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) and serum CK 19 fragment 2G2 (CK 19-2G2) for TACE response in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC. Methods: This prospective study assessed the pretreatment serum CYFRA 21-1 and CK 19-2G2 levels in 64 patients with HCV-related naïve HCC who underwent TACE to predict 1-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR). Additionally, 40 healthy individuals were included as controls. Pretreatment alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was also measured for comparison. Results: After exclusions, 60 patients completed TACE sessions, and the 1-year OS was 52%, and ORR post TACE was 71.8%. HCC patients with elevated levels of CYFRA 21-1, CK 19-2G2, or baseline AFP measuring ≥400 ng/ml have decreased 1-year OS and PFS after TACE. Serum CK19-2G2 was an independent predictor of 1-year OS using multivariate hazard regression analysis. Pretreatment normal serum CYFRA 21-1 levels (P = 0.047), serum AFP measuring <400 ng/ml (P = 0.016), and lower AST (P = 0.002) were independent predictors of ORR to TACE using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive ability of pretreatment elevated serum CYFRA 21-1, AFP measuring ≥400 ng/ml, AFP + CYFRA 21-1, AFP + CK 19-2G2, or AFP + CYFRA 21-1+ CK19-2G2 to predict nonresponse (progressive disease) to TACE (area under the curve = 0.795, 0.690, 0.830, 0.725, and 0.850, respectively). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that incorporating the measurement of serum CYFRA 21-1 or CK19-2G2 levels, along with AFP, during the initial diagnosis can aid in predicting poor 1-year OS, PFS, and ORR to TACE in patients with HCV-related HCC.

Psychopharmacotherapy of Pica-How Much Do We Know?

There is little evidence for psychopharmacotherapy in pica. A few studies reported some benefit from the use of SSRIs, atypical antipsychotics and methylphenidate. That said, evidence to deploy these agents remains, at large, flimsy. Here, despite scarcity, we review available literature and draw some generalities that can inform decision-making on clinical grounds.

Correction: Belal et al. Therapeutic Potential of Zeolites/Vitamin B12 Nanocomposite on Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis as a Bone Disorder: In Vivo Study and Bio-Molecular Investigations. Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 285.

In the original publication [...].

In vitro evaluation of the mechanical and optical properties of 3D printed vs CAD/CAM milled denture teeth materials.

This laboratory research aimed to assess the Flexural strength, fracture toughness, Volumetric wear and optical properties of various recent 3D-printed denture tooth materials and compare them to CAD/CAM milled materials. Four 3D-printed denture tooth materials (Lucitone Tooth, OnX, Flexcera Ultra +, and VarseoSmile Crown Plus) and one CAD/CAM milled denture teeth material (Ivotion Dent) were used to fabricate fifteen specimens for each material (with total no. of 300 specimens). Tests were conducted according to ISO standards to assess flexural strength, fracture toughness, color staining, and volumetric wear. All materials were printed, washed, cured, or milled following the manufacturer's instructions. Flexural strength and fracture toughness values were obtained by a universal testing machine. Volumetric wear was evaluated using a non-contact optical profilometer. Color stability outcomes were obtained via a spectrophotometer for determining L*a*b* values, with color change (ΔE2000) based on the CIEDE2000 formula. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc analysis (α = 0.05). All 3D-printed materials exhibited higher flexural strength values than the milled material (p < 0.05). For fracture toughness, two of the 3D-printed materials showed higher values than the milled material, while the other two had lower values. Insignificant variances in volumetric wear were detected between the materials (p > 0.05). Color staining results varied, with milled materials generally demonstrating better-staining resistance compared to the 3D-printed materials. 3D-printed denture tooth materials exhibit good mechanical and optical properties, presenting a cost-effective and efficient alternative to CAD/CAM milled materials for denture tooth fabrication.

Arrhythmic prognosis according to left ventricular systolic dysfunction severity in cardiac sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines present varying classes of recommendations for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) utilization in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ventricular arrhythmia risk in CS patients with ICDs and varying degrees of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. METHODS: The study included CS patients with an ICD and LVEF <50% at index evaluation. The primary outcome was survival free of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) after ICD implantation and was assessed comparatively for LVEF ≤35% vs 36%-49% and for primary vs secondary prevention ICD indication. RESULTS: The study included 61 patients (median age 57 years; 61% male) with LVEF 36%-49% (n = 23) or LVEF ≤35% (n = 38). An ICD was implanted for secondary prevention in 24% and 44% of the LVEF ≤35% and 36%-49% groups, respectively (P = .11). The primary outcome did not differ between the 2 groups in univariable analysis (LVEF ≤35% vs 36%-49%: hazard ratio [HR] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-1.82; P = .67). In multivariable analysis, secondary prevention ICD indication was the only significant predictor of incident sustained VT/VF (HR 2.86; 95% CI 1.23-6.67; P = .015). Mean sustained VT/VF event burden was higher in the secondary compared with the primary prevention ICD patients (0.47 vs 0.11 events per patient-year; P = .005) but did not differ significantly between LVEF ≤35% and 36%-49% patients. CONCLUSION: CS patients with ICD indications and LVEF 36%-49% carry similarly high arrhythmic risk as those with LVEF ≤35%. Patients with secondary prevention ICDs have the highest overall risk.

Evaluating the pharmacological activities of Aloe perryi-Silver nanoparticles induced apoptosis against colon cancer cells (HCT-116).

Aloe perryi has been studied and possesses several activities, including antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties. In this study, A. perryi was used as a reducing agent of silver ions into silver nanoparticles. Aloe perryi-silver nanoparticles (APS-NPs) were characterized and evaluated using characterization techniques. However, the antioxidative, antibacterial, and anticancer assays were studied to evaluate the pharmacological activities of APS-NPs. APS-NPs were developed and changed to dark brown and the maximum absorption was 442 nm. SEM (5-583 nm), TEM (4-110 nm), XRD (21.84 nm), and zeta potential analysis (63.39 nm) revealed that the APS-NPs were nano-sized, and the APS-NPs had a cubic crystalline structure, according to the XRD results. FTIR analysis suggested that functional groups of A. perryi metabolites were involved in forming APS-NPs. The zeta potential indicated that the APS-NPs were negatively charged (-32 mV), suggesting good stability. APS-NPs showed significant antioxidative stress activity by reducing DPPH-free radicles in a dose-dependent manner. APS-NPs-induced antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii). APS-NPs reduced the cell viability and cell migration of the human colon tumor cell line (HCT 116) compared with controls, indicating that APS-NPs could play a role in reducing metastasis and inducing cell apoptosis against colon cancer. In conclusion, the nanoparticle synthesis from A. perryi extract demonstrated excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities, thus suggesting that our APS-NPs have the potential to be used as antioxidative and antibacterial in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Radionuclides transfer from soil-to-tea leaves and concomitant doses to the Malaysian populace.

One of the most well-liked energizing drinks is now tea, which is primarily used in Malaysia. The natural radioactivity in the associated soils where tea plants are cultivated plays a major role in determining the presence of radionuclides in tea leaves. The present study assesses the transfer of radionuclides from soil-to-tea leaves and then estimates the committed effective doses through tea consumption. Tea leaves and the associated soils were obtained from the largest tea plantation area, which is located in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. The marketed tea leaves in powdered form were obtained from the supermarkets in Kuala Lumpur. HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry was used to determine the prevailing concentrations of long-lived radioactive materials in tea leaves. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in tea soils ranged from 49 to 101.7 Bq kg-1, 74.5-124.1 Bq kg-1 and 79.6-423.2 Bq kg-1, respectively, while the respective values in tea leaves are 14.4-23.8 Bq kg-1, 12.9-29.5 Bq kg-1 and 297-387.5 Bq kg-1. Transfer factors of radionuclides showed typical values (<1.0) except for the 40K. The threshold tea consumption rates suggest that one should not consume more than 67 g of tea leaves per day (around 4 g of tea leaves are needed for making 1 cup of tea, so 17 cups per day) to avoid negative health effects. Committed effective doses due to tea consumption are found to be lower (5.18-6.08 µSv y-1) than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (2000) reference dose guidance limit of 290 µSv y-1 for foodstuffs; however, it should be noted that the guidance limit is recommended for all foodstuffs collectively. Providing data on natural radioactivity in tea leaves grown in Malaysia, this study may help people manage a healthy lifestyle.

Atorvastatin lowers breast cancer risk by reversing an early tumorigenic signature.

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge with complex molecular mechanisms. While many studies have explored genetic markers in breast carcinogenesis, few have studied the potential impact of pharmacological interventions such as Atorvastatin on its genetic landscape. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular distinctions between normal and tumor-adjacent tissues in breast cancer and to investigate the potential protective role of atorvastatin, primarily known for its lipid-lowering effects, against breast cancer. Searching the Gene Expression Omnibus database identified two datasets, GSE9574 and GSE20437, comparing normal breast tissues with tumor-adjacent samples, which were merged, and one dataset, GSE63427, comparing paired pre- and post-treated patients with atorvastatin. Post-ComBat application showed merged datasets' consistency, revealing 116 DEGs between normal and tumor-adjacent tissues. Although initial GSE63427 data analysis suggested a minimal impact of atorvastatin, 105 DEGs post-treatment were discovered. Thirteen genes emerged as key players, both affected by Atorvastatin and dysregulated in tumor-adjacent tissues. Pathway analysis spotlighted the significance of these genes in processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle control. Moreover, there was a noticeable interaction between these genes and the immunological microenvironment in tumor-adjacent tissues, with Atorvastatin potentially altering the suppressive immune landscape to favor anti-tumor immunity. Survival analysis further highlighted the prognostic potential of the 13-gene panel, with 12 genes associated with improved survival outcomes. The 13-gene signature offers promising insights into breast cancer's molecular mechanisms and atorvastatin's potential therapeutic role. The preliminary findings advocate for an in-depth exploration of atorvastatin's impact on.

Promising superabsorbent hydrogel based on carboxymethyl cellulose and polyacrylic acid: synthesis, characterization, and applications in fertilizer engineering.

The combination of hydrogel and fertilizer as slow release fertilizer hydrogel (SRFH) has become one of the most promising materials to overcome the shortcomings of conventional fertilizer by decreasing fertilizer loss rate, supplying nutrients sustainably, and lowering the frequency of irrigation. The hydrogel based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) (CMC/PAA) was synthesized. All materials, Vinasse, hydrogel (CMC/PAA) and (Vinasse/CMC-PAA) were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The formed hydrogel was applied to control the salinity of Vinasse to use it as a cheap and economical fertilizer. The results showed that using the prepared hydrogel with Vinasse (V/CMC-PAA) as a slow-release organic fertilizer decreased the EC value through the first six hours from 1.77 to 0.35 mmohs/cm. Also, using V/CMC-PAA can control and keep the potassium as fertilizer for 50 days. The productivity per feddan from the sugar cane crop increased by about 15%, and the number of irrigations decreased from 5 to 4 times.

The Management of Dysfunctional Gallbladder Disease and the Role of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Symptom Improvement: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a disorder characterised by abdominal pain of biliary origin (i.e., sudden steady pain at the right upper quadrant of the abdomen or the epigastrium, the absence of gallstones on ultrasound (US)), and a decreased gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) on a cholecystokinin-cholescintigraphy hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (CCK-HIDA) scan. Patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of biliary obstruction, but lacking gallstones, yet exhibiting abnormal gallbladder emptying, may find therapeutic benefit from laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Common symptoms include recurrent, intense, and enduring pain, often exacerbated by fatty food consumption, localised in the upper right quadrant or epigastric region. This pain may radiate to the back or shoulder, persisting for at least 30 minutes but not exceeding several hours, and it is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Abnormal gallbladder emptying is typically indicated by a GBEF below 35% on cholescintigraphy following cholecystokinin administration. Objective This study represents a single-centric review focusing on 88 patients over a five-year period who presented with features of dysfunctional gallbladder and underwent cholescintigraphy. The primary aim was to identify whether there is any role for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in symptom improvement among these patients. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study involving data collection using electronic medical records. Eighty-eight patients who underwent the HIDA scan between January 2019 and December 2023 at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH) were identified and separated into two groups, either hypofunctioning gallbladder (EF<35% ) or hyperfunctioning gallbladder (EF>80%). Normal HIDA scan patients (EF between 35%-80%) were excluded. The frequency of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and subsequent symptom improvement were recorded. Results Fifty-one patients were diagnosed with gallbladder dyskinesia (BD). Of these, 36 patients (30 females, mean age 43) were diagnosed with hypofunctional gallbladder (EF<35%), where 17 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, resulting in symptom improvement in 10 patients (58.8%). Conversely, 15 patients were diagnosed with hyperfunctional gallbladder (13 females, mean age 48.6). Only two patients (13%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 100% symptom improvement in both patients. Conclusions In conclusion, our retrospective study highlights the significance of the HIDA scan in identifying gallbladder hypofunction among patients presenting with biliary symptoms. The findings establish the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a management approach, with a notable proportion of patients experiencing symptom improvement (58.8%). These results contribute to our understanding of biliary dysfunction management and emphasise the importance of individualised treatment strategies for optimal patient outcomes. Further, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing symptom resolution in this patient population.

The Oncologic Outcomes of Bilateral Central Lymph Node Dissection in Unilobar Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Its Risks: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background Indications for performing a prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remain controversial. Thyroidectomy and central neck dissection (CND) are often recommended in all cases with proven differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and clinically positive lymph nodes (LNs), as well as in high risk for micro-metastasis patients with T3-T4 tumors or established metastatic nodes in the lateral compartments. Aims The aims of this study were to ascertain the role of performing bilateral central LN dissection in unilobar PTC in improving the oncological outcomes and outline the risks involved. Methods This was a department-based, prospective cohort study. We included all 20 patients who had unilobar PTC and underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral CND. A postoperative histopathological analysis was used to identify metastatic central LNs. Results Twenty total thyroidectomies plus bilateral CNDs were performed, of which 10 were prophylactic bilaterally (those with N0), and all 20 were prophylactic on the contralateral side of PTC. Conventional risk factors (age, tumor size, and extrathyroidal extension) were not associated with performing a pCND. The presence of unilobar PTC by preoperative FNAC was the only factor associated with performing bilateral CND. Positive ipsilateral LNs were retrieved in 55% of CNDs, while positive contralateral LNs were retrieved in only 15% of the patients. Conclusions The incidence of contralateral cervical LN metastasis in patients with unilateral PTC is low, while there is clear evidence of postoperative morbidity from routine contralateral CND in unilobar PTC. Contralateral CND in patients with unilobar PTC may be reserved for high-risk patients: males, those aged ≤45 years, tumors larger than 1.0 cm, and cases with extrathyroidal extension and micro-calcification on ultrasound.

Long-distance electron transport in multicellular freshwater cable bacteria.

Filamentous multicellular cable bacteria perform centimeter-scale electron transport in a process that couples oxidation of an electron donor (sulfide) in deeper sediment to the reduction of an electron acceptor (oxygen or nitrate) near the surface. While this electric metabolism is prevalent in both marine and freshwater sediments, detailed electronic measurements of the conductivity previously focused on the marine cable bacteria (Candidatus Electrothrix), rather than freshwater cable bacteria, which form a separate genus (Candidatus Electronema) and contribute essential geochemical roles in freshwater sediments. Here, we characterize the electron transport characteristics of Ca. Electronema cable bacteria from Southern California freshwater sediments. Current-voltage measurements of intact cable filaments bridging interdigitated electrodes confirmed their persistent conductivity under a controlled atmosphere and the variable sensitivity of this conduction to air exposure. Electrostatic and conductive atomic force microscopies mapped out the characteristics of the cell envelope's nanofiber network, implicating it as the conductive pathway in a manner consistent with previous findings in marine cable bacteria. Four-probe measurements of microelectrodes addressing intact cables demonstrated nanoampere currents up to 200 µm lengths at modest driving voltages, allowing us to quantify the nanofiber conductivity at 0.1 S/cm for freshwater cable bacteria filaments under our measurement conditions. Such a high conductivity can support the remarkable sulfide-to-oxygen electrical currents mediated by cable bacteria in sediments. These measurements expand the knowledgebase of long-distance electron transport to the freshwater niche while shedding light on the underlying conductive network of cable bacteria.

Sustained dual delivery of metronidazole and viable Lactobacillus crispatus from 3D-printed silicone shells.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome in which there are limited lactobacilli and an overgrowth of anaerobic and fastidious bacteria such as Gardnerella. The propensity for BV recurrence is high, and therapies involving multiple treatment modalities are emerging to meet this need. However, current treatments requiring frequent therapeutic administration are challenging for patients and impact user compliance. Three-dimensional (3D)-printing offers a novel alternative to customize platforms to facilitate sustained therapeutic delivery to the vaginal tract. This study designed a novel vehicle intended for dual sustained delivery of both antibiotic and probiotic. 3D-printed compartmental scaffolds consisting of an antibiotic-containing silicone shell and a core containing probiotic Lactobacillus were developed with multiple formulations including biomaterials sodium alginate (SA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and kappa-carrageenan (KC). The vehicles were loaded with 50 µg of metronidazole/mg polymer and 5 × 107 CFU of L. crispatus/mg scaffold. Metronidazole-containing shells exhibited cumulative drug release of 324.2 ± 31.2 µg/mL after 14 days. Multiple polymeric formulations for the probiotic core demonstrated cumulative L. crispatus recovery of >5 × 107 CFU/mg scaffold during this timeframe. L. crispatus-loaded polymeric formulations exhibited ≥2 log CFU/mL reduction in free Gardnerella in the presence of VK2/E6E7 vaginal epithelial cells. As a first step towards the goal of facilitating patient compliance, this study demonstrates in vitro effect of a novel 3D-printed dual antibiotic and probiotic delivery platform to target BV.

Efficacy of zeolites in radon adsorption: state of the art and development of an optimized approach.

Radon is a radioactive noble gas omnipresent in the environment, being part of the 238U and 232Th decay chains present in the Earth's crust. The gas can easily leak through the ground but also be present in natural construction materials and migrate into indoor places where it can be a carcinogen when inhaled. Studying the content and removal of indoor radon is crucial for the evaluation and mitigation of its radiological risks to public health. For more than 100 years, the removal by adsorption of the radon has been performed on activated charcoal. There is little progress in the field of radon adsorption at ambient conditions; the main progress is in the use of zeolite materials, having well-defined three-dimensional porous structures and radiation resistance. This study concerns a report on the state of the art of the application of zeolites in radon adsorption. Furthermore, an optimized approach for measuring the radon content in indoor environments and, consequently, its removal has been proposed. Adsorption systems based on zeolites have the potential to replace activated charcoal as a material of choice, allowing to facilitate the development of simple and compact radon adsorption systems.

Exploring the thermoluminescence characteristics of smartphone screen safety glasses for retrospective dosimetry applications.

In clinical settings, standard dosimeters might miss radiation mishaps. Retrospective dosimeters could help to track personnel (such as patients and other staff who don't wear dosimeters) exceeding safe limits and assess long-term exposure trends. This study has investigated key thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetric characteristics, including the glow curve structure, dose-response, energy dependence, sensitivity and fading of various safety glasses that are used as screen protectors of smartphones subjected to photon irradiation. Among the studied glasses, the HD Anti-Peep safety glass for iPhone has been found to exhibit a linear dose-response with a regression coefficient of 99% within the dose range of 2-10 Gy. Moreover, all the safety glasses showed independence with respect to photon energy of 6 MV and 10 MV. The TL glow curves of the samples showed a broad glow peak between 125 °C and 325 °C at 10 Gy. The TL kinetic parameters of the safety glasses were also studied by analyzing the glow curves using the peak shape and initial rise method. The geometric factor (µg) is found to be within the range of 0.43-0.53, which indicates the suitability of applying Chen's general-order formula to calculate the kinetic parameters such as activation energy, frequency factor and trap lifetime. The activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) are found in the range of 0.31-0.54 eV and 4.55 × 103 to 2.12 × 106 s-1 respectively obtained via the peak shape method. The relatively long trap lifetime and observed thermoluminescence features indicate that the HD Anti-Peep safety glass offers a better option to estimate dose retrospectively to ensure the safety of human health.

Design of silver-zinc-nickel spinel-ferrite mesoporous silica as a powerful and simply separable adsorbent for some textile dye removal.

Silver-zinc-nickel spinel ferrite was prepared by the co-precipitation procedure with the precise composition Ag0.1Zn0.4Ni0.5Fe2O4 for bolstering pollutant removal effectiveness while upholding magnetic properties and then coated with a mesoporous silica layer. The surface characteristics and composition of Ag0.1Zn0.4Ni0.5Fe2O4@mSiO2 were confirmed using EDX, FT-IR, VSM, XRD, TEM, SEM, and BET methods. The surface modification of Ag-Zn-Ni ferrite with a silica layer improves the texture properties, where the specific surface area and average pore size of the spinel ferrite rose to 180 m2/g and 3.15 nm, respectively. The prepared spinel ferrite@mSiO2 has been utilized as an efficient adsorbent for eliminating methyl green (MG) and indigo carmine (IC) as models of cationic and anionic dyes from wastewater, respectively. Studying pH, Pzc, adsorbent dosage, dye concentration, and temperature showed that efficient removal of MG was carried out in alkaline media (pH = 12), while the acid medium (pH = 2) was effective for IC removal. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics were found to be good fits for the adsorption data. Both dyes were adsorbed in a spontaneous, endothermic process. A possible mechanism for dye removal has been proposed. The adsorbent was effectively recovered and reused.

Exploring chromone-2-carboxamide derivatives for triple-negative breast cancer targeting EGFR, FGFR3, and VEGF pathways: Design, synthesis, and preclinical insights.

Chromone-based compounds have established cytotoxic, antiproliferative, antimetastatic, and antiangiogenic effects on various cancer cell types via modulating different molecular targets. Herein, 17 novel chromone-2-carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against 15 human cancer cell lines. Among the tested cell lines, MDA-MB-231, the triple-negative breast cancer cell line, was found to be the most sensitive, where the N-(2-furylmethylene) (15) and the α-methylated N-benzyl (17) derivatives demonstrated the highest growth inhibition with GI50 values of 14.8 and 17.1 µM, respectively. In vitro mechanistic studies confirmed the significant roles of compounds 15 and 17 in the induction of apoptosis and suppression of EGFR, FGFR3, and VEGF protein levels in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Moreover, compound 15 exerted cell cycle arrest at both the G0-G1 and G2-M phases. The in vivo efficacy of compound 15 as an antitumor agent was further investigated in female mice bearing Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma. Notably, administration of compound 15 resulted in a marked decrease in both tumor weight and volume, accompanied by improvements in biochemical, hematological, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters that verified the repression of both angiogenesis and inflammation as additional Anticancer mechanisms. Moreover, the binding interactions of compounds 15 and 17 within the binding sites of all three target receptors (EGFR, FGFR3, and VEGF) were clearly illustrated using molecular docking.

Repeated Peritonitis in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient: An Unusual Case of Bacillus licheniformis With Vancomycin Failure Despite Sensitivity.

Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) is an aerobic, gram-positive, spore-forming rod typically found in soil, decaying organic matter, vegetables, and water, and occasionally part of normal gut flora. This report highlights a case of unusual repeated peritonitis caused by B. licheniformis, with three episodes occurring over six months, all of which were sensitive to vancomycin yet presented an unclear cause for recurrence. Peritonitis represents a significant cause of mortality, hospitalization, and failure of peritoneal dialysis catheters, leading to forced transitions to hemodialysis. The rarity of B. licheniformis as a pathogen in human infections emphasizes the critical need for precise microbial identification and customized therapeutic strategies.

Lipoplexes' Structure, Preparation, and Role in Managing Different Diseases.

Lipid-based vectors are becoming promising alternatives to traditional therapies over the last 2 decades specially for managing life-threatening diseases like cancer. Cationic lipids are the most prevalent non-viral vectors utilized in gene delivery. The increasing number of clinical trials about lipoplex-based gene therapy demonstrates their potential as well-established technology that can provide robust gene transfection. In this regard, this review will summarize this important point. These vectors however have a modest transfection efficiency. This limitation can be partly addressed by using functional lipids that provide a plethora of options for investigating nucleic acid-lipid interactions as well as in vitro and in vivo nucleic acid delivery for biomedical applications. Despite their lower gene transfer efficiency, lipid-based vectors such as lipoplexes have several advantages over viral ones: they are less toxic and immunogenic, can be targeted, and are simple to produce on a large scale. Researchers are actively investigating the parameters that are essential for an effective lipoplex delivery method. These include factors that influence the structure, stability, internalization, and transfection of the lipoplex. Thorough understanding of the design principles will enable synthesis of customized lipoplex formulations for life-saving therapy.

Anterior Distal Femoral Hemiepiphysiodesis Using Coronally Oriented 8-plates for the Correction of Fixed Knee Flexion Deformities in Children-Preliminary Results.

INTRODUCTION: The original technique for guided growth of the distal femur for correction of pediatric fixed knee flexion deformities (FKFDs) involves the utilization of two 8-plates inserted on either side of the trochlear groove, a technique that has been frequently linked to the development of persistent postoperative knee pain and crepitus. The present study aimed to assess the preliminary results of a novel technique where the two 8-plates are fixed in the coronal plane, one on each of the medial and lateral surfaces, so that they occupy the anterior part of the distal femur. METHODS: Our study was a prospective case series that included cases with FKFD of >10 degrees in children with at least 12 months of predicted growth remaining. The preoperative knee flexion contracture angle was documented. The surgical procedure entailed the insertion of 2 coronally oriented 8-plates on the medial and lateral surfaces of the distal femur as anterior as possible to the axis of the femur without encroachment on the trochlear groove. The duration of time required to attain full knee extension and any complications encountered were recorded. Wilcoxon signed-rank was used to compare the preoperative and final contracture angles. The level of statistical significance was set at P <0.05. RESULTS: Thirteen knees in 8 patients (6 boys and 2 girls) were included. The median age was 11 years (6 to 14). There was a significant improvement in the FKFD for the whole cohort from 25 degrees (14 to 42) to 0 degrees (-9 to 8), P <0.05. The median rate of correction was 2.0 degrees/month (0.9 to 5.8). The time till full correction was 14 months (4 to 25). Postoperative knee pain and metalware-related complications were not reported by any patient during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Guided growth of the distal femur using coronally oriented 8-plates is an effective procedure for the treatment of FKFDs in children. This modified technique may achieve faster correction while minimizing the risk of postoperative knee pain compared with the conventional technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.