Epidemiological observations and management challenges in extrapedal mycetoma: A three-decade review of 420 cases.

Mycetoma is a serious, destructive, disfiguring chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease affecting the subcutaneous tissues that spread to involve the skin, deep tissues and bone. The disease predominately affects the limbs, and extrapedal mycetoma is rarely reported. The reported extrapedal ones are characterised by high morbidity and mortality. This communication reports on 420 patients with extrapedal mycetoma seen and managed at the Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC), University of Khartoum, between January 1991 and December 2021. In this descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study, the electronic records of all mycetoma-confirmed patients seen during the study period were carefully and meticulously reviewed. The confirmed patients with extrapedal mycetoma were included in this study. The study included 420 patients with extrapedal mycetoma, 298 (70.7%) had eumycetoma, and 122 (29.3%) had actinomycetoma. There were 343 male patients (81.7%) and 77 (18.3%) females, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1. Their ages ranged between 1.5 and 95 years, with a median of 28 years. Most of the patients were students and farmers. The majority of patients were from El Gezira, North Kordofan, and the White Nile States. Mycetoma was painful in 21%, and a family history of mycetoma was recorded in 11.5% of patients. The buttocks (37.9%) and head and neck (16.9%) were affected most. Less frequently affected sites were the trunk and back (12%) each, abdominal and chest walls (4.5%) each and loin (1%). The prominent clinical presentation findings were multiple sinuses discharging grains (55%), massive swellings (46%), and lymphadenopathy (11.5%). Less commonly observed clinical findings were local hyperhidrosis (5.3%) and dilated tortuous veins close to mycetoma lesions (0.5%). The study showed that 204 patients (48.6%) had clinical improvement in terms of decreased lesion size and healing of sinuses following medical therapy. Sixty-six patients (15.7%) had no noticeable improvement. The lesion continued progressing despite treatment in 44 patients (10.5%). In the study, 118 patients were on regular follow-up, and in this group, a cure was documented in 25 patients (21.1%) with eumycetoma and 23 (19.4%) with actinomycetoma. Post-operative recurrence among eumycetoma patients was 40%, with a 1% mortality rate. The treatment outcome was unsatisfactory, characterised by a low cure rate, high recurrence (40%) and follow-up dropout (57%) rates. This emphasises the importance of early case detection and management, objective health education programmes and thorough patient counselling to urge people to seek treatment early and reduce dropouts.

Innovative assembled optode device for enhanced in-situ ceric ions (Ce4+) evaluation and preconcentration in its real human, foods, water, and alloy samples.

Cerium (Ce) are the most widely distributed rare earth element. However, humans exposed to Ce through inhalation have been reported to experience heat sensitivity, itching, and heightened taste and odour perception. The present study aims to develop an optical sensor device with a short response time and high selectivity for Ce amongst other ions in various environments. The potential applicability of a 6-hydroxy-5-((4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)diazenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (HHMDPD) assembled ligand as aceric ion (Ce4+)-selective caption optode was examined. After generating an ion pair with Tetra-n-octylammonium bromide (TOABr) and immobilizing on a tri-acetyl cellulose (TAC) membrane, the solubility of the HHMDPD ligand is improved. The constructed optode membrane reacts with Ce4+ by turning its orange colour to violet in Thiel buffer (pH of 5.5), which can be detected spectrophotometrically at λmax 667 nm. The measurement linearity was in the range of 0.70 - 18.7 × 10-6 mol/L of Ce4+ concentration with detection and quantification limits of 0.23 × 10-6 and 0.70 × 10-6 mol/L, respectively. Whatever the Ce4+ concentration in its real samples, the response time of the constructed device was 5.0 min. Additionally, it recorded repeatability and reproducibility with a %RSD of 1.37 and 2.55, respectively (n = 3). The proposed optode device exhibited complete reversibility, for multiple measurements, which could be easily achieved with the aid of a solution of HCl, 0.01 mol/L. The applicability of the proposed device has been effectively extended to analyze synthetic mixes corresponding to different Ce4+ real human, foods, water, and magnesium-based Ce4+ alloys.

Immunological effects of ractopamine in rabbits receiving the viral inactivated rabbit hemorrhagic disease vaccine.

Background: There is an obvious lack of information about the effects of ractopamine, a ß-adrenergic agonist, on the growth performance and immune responses of rabbits, particularly in those receiving the viral rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) vaccine. Aim: The current study was undertaken to study the effects of ractopamine on growth performances and immunological parameters in rabbits inoculated with the viral RHD vaccine. Methods: Experimental rabbits were grouped into four groups, the first acted as a control and received distilled water, the second received ractopamine, the third received inactivated RHD vaccine, and the fourth received both ractopamine, and inactivated RHD vaccine. Then, blood analysis, histopathological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations were followed. Results: The obtained results demonstrated that ractopamine induced significant increases in body weight gain, neutrophils, monocytes, nitric oxide, lysosome, and improved feed conversion rate. A significant decrease in lymphocytes with insignificant decreases in eosinophils, phagocytic % and index, serum total protein, α, ß, and γ globulin were observed. Vaccinated rabbits only showed a marked rise in WBCs, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, phagocytic index and activity, nitric oxide, lysosome activity, total protein, albumin, γ globulin, and a decrease in lymphocytes. Rabbits that received ractopamine and then vaccinated had insignificant increases in body weight, weight gain, WBCs, neutrophils, monocyte, eosinophils, basophils, phagocytic activity, and index, globulins besides a significant decrease in lymphocytes. Pathologically, rabbits that received ractopamine alone, with a vaccine or vaccinated only showed an increase in villus length, villus width, and absorption surface area. IHC of rabbits' liver and kidneys of the control and vaccinated group showed negative expression for caspase-3, but rabbits received ractopamine only or rabbits vaccinated and received ractopamine showed diffuse positive moderate expression for caspase-3. Conclusion: Ractopamine induced several adverse effects on the immune responses of the rabbits inoculated with the viral HRD vaccine.

Phenol-Formaldehyde/Pyrazole Composite: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of its Chromate Removal Efficiency.

In this study, we report the successful synthesis of a phenol-formaldehyde-pyrazole (PF-PYZ) compound through the surface functionalization of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) with pyrazole (PYZ). The resulting mixture was subjected to comprehensive characterization using a range of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The newly synthesized PF-PYZ material effectively removes Cr(VI) ions. Notably, a substantial elimination efficiency of 96% was achieved after just 60 min of contact time. The strategic incorporation of pyrazole (PYZ) as the principal functionalizing agent contributed to this exceptional performance. Notably, the functionalized PYZ sites were strategically positioned on the surface of PF, rendering them readily accessible to metal ions. Through rigorous testing, the optimal sorption capacity of PF-PYZ for Cr(VI) ions was quantified at 0.872 mmol Cr(VI)/g, highlighting the material's superior adsorption capabilities. The practical utility of PF-PYZ was further established through a reusability test, which demonstrated that the chromate capacity remained remarkably stable at 0.724 mequiv Cr(VI)/g over 20 consecutive cycles. This resilience underscores the robustness of the resin, indicating its potential for repeated regeneration and reuse without a significant capacity loss. Our work presents a novel approach to functionalizing phenol-formaldehyde with pyrazole, creating PF-PYZ, a highly efficient material for removing Cr(VI) ions. The compound's facile synthesis, exceptional removal performance, and excellent reusability collectively underscore its promising potential for various water treatments, especially oil field and environmental remediation applications.

Designing Thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione Core-Based, A2-D-A1-D-A2-Type Acceptor Molecules for Promising Photovoltaic Parameters in Organic Photovoltaic Cells.

Nonfullerene-based organic solar cells can be utilized as favorable photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices due to their enhanced life span and efficiency. In this research, seven new molecules were designed to improve the working efficiency of organic solar cells by utilizing a terminal acceptor modification approach. The perceived A2-D-A1-D-A2 configuration-based molecules possess a lower band gap ranging from 1.95 to 2.21 eV compared to the pre-existing reference molecule (RW), which has a band gap of 2.23 eV. The modified molecules also exhibit higher λmax values ranging from 672 to 768 nm in the gaseous and 715-839 nm in solvent phases, respectively, as compared to the (RW) molecule, which has λmax values at 673 and 719 nm in gas and chloroform medium, respectively. The ground state geometries, molecular planarity parameter, and span of deviation from the plane were analyzed to study the planarity of all of the molecules. The natural transition orbitals, the density of state, molecular electrostatic potential, noncovalent interactions, frontier molecular orbitals, and transition density matrix analysis of all studied molecules were executed to validate the optoelectronic properties of these molecules. Improved charge mobilities and dipole moments were observed, as newly designed molecules possessed lower internal reorganization energies. The open circuit voltage (Voc) of W4, W5, W6, and W7 among newly designed molecules was improved as compared to the reference molecule. These results elaborate on the superiority of these novel-designed molecules over the pre-existing (RW) molecule as potential blocks for better organic solar cell applications.

Clinical effectiveness of orange peel polymethoxy-flavonoids rich fraction as a palatal dressing material compared to Alveogyl: randomized clinical trial.

This study assessed the clinical effectiveness of orange peel polymethoxy-flavonoids rich fraction (OPMF) solid dispersion as a palatal dressing material, compared with Alveogyl, in a randomized clinical trial. After harvesting free gingival grafts for 18 patients in three groups, the donor site in group I received OPMF; group II received Alveogyl; and group III received placebo dough material. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score in group I showed the lowest value in week one without a significant difference. In week 2, there was a substantial decrease in pain in group I compared to group III. Week 4 showed reduced pain scores in all groups without significant differences. The results of the number of analgesic pills revealed, after 1 week, the lowest number of pills consumed in group I, with a considerable difference compared to group III. Healing process results showed that group I had the highest healing values in each interval, with a significant difference between group I and group III at 1 and 2 weeks. Color matching parameter showed slight differences between the groups' readings in favor of group I in all intervals without a statistically significant difference. The results suggest OPMF as a palatal dressing material that facilitates hemostasis, pain relief, and palatal wound healing.

The nutritional status of mycetoma affected patients seen at the Mycetoma Research Center, Sudan.

Nutrition plays a critical and crucial role in addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their complications, as they often contribute to malnutrition, which can worsen the impact of these conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the nutritional status of mycetoma patients, which has not been explored previously. This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at the Mycetoma Research Center (MRC), University of Khartoum, Sudan. The study included 179 confirmed mycetoma patients and an equal number of age- and sex-matched normal controls. The nutritional status of the mycetoma patients was assessed and compared with that of the control group. The majority of the patients were young adults with varying educational levels, predominantly from Central Sudan. The foot was the most commonly affected part; most patients had lesions more than 10 cm in diameter. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for both study groups, revealing that 43.5% of the patients and 53.6% of controls had a normal BMI. Furthermore, 36% of patients were underweight, contrasting with only 11% in the control group. Correlation analyses indicated no significant associations between BMI and age groups, educational levels, daily meals, food quantity, and appetite in the study population (p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in BMI concerning disease duration and affected sites (p = 0.0577). The Kruskal-Wallis test did not reveal significant differences in BMI means among the groups. The study revealed that most participants consumed three meals daily, and the control group showed a more robust appetite and consumed more food than the patient group (p = 0.005). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in the consumption of different food types between the patient and control groups and among different BMI categories (p = 0.025 and 0.040, respectively).

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Delivery of Ferulic Acid and Diosgenin Anticancer Natural Agents.

It was investigated whether loading multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with two natural anticancer agents: ferulic acid (FUA) and diosgenin (DGN), may enhance the anticancer effect of these drugs. The CNTs were functionalized with carboxylic acid (CNTCOOH) or amine (CNTNH2), loaded with the above pro-drugs, as well as both combined and coated with chitosan or chitosan-stearic acid. Following physicochemical characterization, the drug-loading properties and kinetics of the drug's release were investigated. Their effects on normal human skin fibroblasts and MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells, HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and A549 non-small-cell lung cancer cells were evaluated in vitro. Their actions at the molecular level were evaluated by assessing the expression of lncRNAs (HULC, HOTAIR, CCAT-2, H19, and HOTTIP), microRNAs (mir-21, mir-92, mir-145, and mir-181a), and proteins (TGF-ß and E-cadherin) in HepG2 cells. The release of both pro-drugs depended on the glutathione concentration, coating, and functionalization. Release occurred in two stages: a no-burst/zero-order release followed by a sustained release best fitted to Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics. The combined nanoformulation cancer inhibition effect on HepG2 cancer cells was more pronounced than for A549 and MCF7 cells. The combined nanoformulations had an additive impact followed by a synergistic effect, with antagonism demonstrated at high concentrations. The nanoformulation coated with chitosan and stearic acid was particularly successful in targeting HepG2 cells and inducing apoptosis. The CNT functionalized with carboxylic acid (CNTCOOH), loaded with both FUA and DGN, and coated with chitosan-stearic acid inhibited the expression of lncRNAs and modulated both microRNAs and proteins. Thus, nanoformulations composed of functionalized CNTs dual-loaded with FUA and DGN and coated with chitosan-stearic acid are a promising drug delivery system that enhances the activity of natural pro-drugs.

Design and synthesis of 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyrimidine derivatives as potent α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors: structure-activity relationship, in vitro, QSAR, molecular docking, MD simulations and drug-likeness studies.

In the present study, a series of 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyrimidine derivatives was designed, synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme inhibition assays. The outcomes proved that this class of compounds exhibit considerable inhibitory activity against both enzymes. Among the target compounds, compounds 4p and 6p demonstrated the most potent dual inhibition with IC50 = 0.087 ± 0.01 µM for α-glucosidase; 0.189 ± 0.02 µM for α-amylase and IC50 = 0.095 ± 0.03 µM for α-glucosidase; 0.214 ± 0.03 µM for α-amylase, respectively as compared to the standard rutin (IC50 = 0.192 ± 0.02 µM for α-glucosidase and 0.224 ± 0.02 µM for α-amylase). Remarkably, the enzyme inhibition results indicate that test compounds have stronger inhibitory effect on the target enzymes than the positive control, with a significantly lower IC50 value. Moreover, these series of compounds were found to inhibit α-glucosidase activity in a reversible mixed-type manner with IC50 between 0.087 ± 0.01 µM to 1.952 ± 0.26 µM. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were performed to affirm the binding interactions of this scaffold to the active sites of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) investigations showed a strong association between 1p-15p structures and their inhibitory actions (IC50) with a correlation value (R2) of 0.999916. Finally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were carried out to assess the dynamic behavior, stability of the protein-ligand complex, and binding affinity of the most active inhibitor 4p. The experimental and theoretical results therefore exposed a very good compatibility. Additionally, the drug-likeness assay revealed that some compounds exhibit a linear association with Lipinski's rule of five, indicating good drug-likeness and bioactivity scores for pharmacological targets.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The inclusion of biodiversity into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework: A strategic integration of ecocentric extinction accounting.

Traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics have primarily focused on promoting sustainable finance, positive screening, and sustainability reporting. However, recent research highlights the urgency for greater accountability and action to counter species extinction. This article explores the potential of ESG frameworks in guiding corporate and managerial decision-making to address biodiversity loss. As the current ESG indicators exhibit an anthropocentric bias, limiting their effectiveness for protecting biodiversity, this article aims to strategically integrate pragmatic extinction accounting with an ecocentric (deep ecology) perspective. This perspective addresses the root causes of biodiversity loss and offers support to species that are perceived as economically, socially, or culturally unimportant. We present our findings as a call to all stakeholders-business and policy decision-makers, conservationists, and environmental organizations-to formulate robust, inclusive, and ecologically sensitive strategies incorporating deep ecological perspectives. The findings of this study include recommendations for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This study provides an important contribution to stakeholder theory that supports non-human stakeholders. Besides, this paper showcases how the improved ESG framework could empower companies to confront extinction risks in a more proactive and accelerated manner.

A modified selective optical sensor for selenium determination based on incorporating xylenol orange in a poly(vinyl chloride) membrane.

A novel optical sensor has been developed to measure selenium ions. The sensor membrane was created by mixing xylenol orange (XO) and sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) with a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane that contained o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) as a plasticizer. XO was previously established for use in a colorimeter to measure selenium in water and other media. At pH 6.6, the color of the detecting membrane changed from orange to pink when in contact with Se4+ ions. Various variables affecting the uptake efficiency were evaluated and optimized. Under optimum conditions (i.e., 30% PVC, 60% o-NPOE, and 5.0% of both XO and NaTPB for 5.0 min as the response time), the proposed sensor displayed a linear range 10-175 ng mL-1 with the detection and quantification limits of 3.0 and 10 ng mL-1, respectively. Also, the precision (RSD%) was better than 2.2% for six replicate determinations of 100 ng mL-1 Se4+ in various membranes. For the detection of Se4+, the selectivity of the sensor membrane was investigated for a number of possible interfering inorganic cations, but no appreciable interference was found. With the use of a 0.3 M HCl solution, the sensor was successfully restored, and the response that may have been reversible and reproducible exhibited an RSD% of less than 2.0%. The sensor has been successfully used to analyze Se4+ ions in environmental and biological materials.

Curcumin Transferosome-Loaded Thermosensitive Intranasal in situ Gel as Prospective Antiviral Therapy for SARS-Cov-2.

Purpose: Immunomodulatory and broad-spectrum antiviral activities have motivated the evaluation of curcumin for Coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) management. Inadequate bioavailability is the main impediment to the therapeutic effects of oral Cur. This study aimed to develop an optimal curcumin transferosome-loaded thermosensitive in situ gel to improve its delivery to the lungs. Methods: Transferosomes were developed by using 33 screening layouts. The phospholipid concentration as well as the concentration and type of surfactant were considered independent variables. The entrapment efficiency (EE%), size, surface charge, and polydispersity index (PDI) were regarded as dependent factors. A cold technique was employed to develop thermosensitive in-situ gels. Optimized transferosomes were loaded onto the selected gels. The produced gel was assessed based on shape attributes, ex vivo permeability enhancement, and the safety of the nasal mucosa. The in vitro cytotoxicity, antiviral cytopathic effect, and plaque assay (CV/CPE/Plaque activity), and in vivo performance were evaluated after intranasal administration in experimental rabbits. Results: The optimized preparation displayed a particle size of 664.3 ± 69.3 nm, EE% of 82.8 ± 0.02%, ZP of -11.23 ± 2.5 mV, and PDI of 0.6 ± 0.03. The in vitro curcumin release from the optimized transferosomal gel was markedly improved compared with that of the free drug-loaded gel. An ex vivo permeation study revealed a significant improvement (2.58-fold) in drug permeability across nasal tissues of sheep. Histopathological screening confirmed the safety of these preparations. This formulation showed high antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 at reduced concentrations. High relative bioavailability (226.45%) was attained after the formula intranasally administered to rabbits compared to the free drug in-situ gel. The curcumin transferosome gel displayed a relatively high lung accumulation after intranasal administration. Conclusion: This study provides a promising formulation for the antiviral treatment of COVID-19 patients, which can be evaluated further in preclinical and clinical studies.

Efficient dye removal from industrial wastewater using sustainable activated carbon and its polyamide nanocomposite derived from agricultural and industrial wastes in column systems.

Sugar beet crown (SBC) waste was employed to produce sustainable activated carbon (AC) by a thermo-chemical activation procedure using a fixed ratio of H3PO4/SBC (1 : 1 w/w ratio) at 550 °C/2 h. An activated carbon/polyamide nano-composite (AC/PA) was also prepared through the polymerization of the fabricated AC (90%) with polyamide (PA, 10%) synthetic textile waste using a proper dissolving agent at a specified w/w ratio with the employed polymer (formic acid/PA = 82/18%). Both AC and its derivative AC/PA were employed in the remediation of dyes from industrial wastewater in column systems, and their efficiencies were compared at various applied experimental conditions. The adsorption of the industrial dye waste (IDW) was a pH-, flow rate-, and bed thickness-controlled process by the regarded adsorbents. Kinetic studies confirmed the suitability of the Thomas equation over the Yoon and Nelson model in predicting the dynamic adsorption process of IDW by AC and AC/PA as was assured by the close agreement among the calculated and experimental uptake capacities of both adsorbents at the same applied flow rates, suggesting the chemisorption nature of IDW adsorption. Additionally, electrostatic attraction was the leading mechanism of IDW adsorption by AC and AC/PA composite with some advantages of the former over the latter.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles produced by Zingiber officinale ameliorates acute toxoplasmosis-induced pathological and biochemical alterations and reduced parasite burden in mice model.

BACKGROUND: Although, approximately 30% of the world's population is estimated to be infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) with serious manifestations in immunocompromised patients and pregnant females, the available treatment options for toxoplasmosis are limited with serious side effects. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify novel potent, well tolerated candidates for treatment of toxoplasmosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Zingiber officinale against acute toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice. METHODS: The ethanolic extract of ginger was used to prepare ZnO NPs. The produced ZnO NPs were characterized in terms of structure and morphology using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV- spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared formula was used in treatment of T. gondii RH virulent strain. Forty animals were divided into four groups, with ten mice per group. The first group was the uninfected, control group. The second group was infected but untreated. The third and the fourth groups received ZnO NPs and Spiramycin orally in a dose of 10 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg/day respectively. The effect of the used formulas on the animals survival rate, parasite burden, liver enzymes -including Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)-, nitric oxide (NO) and Catalase antioxidant enzyme (CAT) activity was measured. Moreover, the effect of treatment on histopathological alterations associated with toxoplasmosis was examined. RESULTS: Mice treated with ZnO NPs showed the longest survival time with significant reduction in the parasite load in the livers and peritoneal fluids of the same group. Moreover, ZnO NPs treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and NO and a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of CAT enzyme. SEM examination of tachyzoites from the peritoneal fluid showed marked distortion of T. gondii tachyzoites isolated from mice treated with ZnO NPs in comparison to untreated group. T. gondii induced histopathological alterations in the liver and brain were reversed by ZnO NPs treatment with restoration of normal tissue morphology. CONCLUSION: The produced formula showed a good therapeutic potential in treatment of murine toxoplasmosis as demonstrated by prolonged survival rate, reduced parasite burden, improved T. gondii associated liver injury and histopathological alterations. Thus, we assume that the protective effect observed in the current research is attributed to the antioxidant capability of NPs. Based on the results obtained from the current work, we suggest greenly produced ZnO NPs as a chemotherapeutic agent with good therapeutic potential and high levels of safety in the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Green analytical chemistry and experimental design: a combined approach for the analysis of zonisamide.

Green analytical chemistry principles, as well as experimental design, are a combined approach adopted to develop sensitive reproducible stability indicating HPLC method for Zonisamide (ZNS) determination. The optimal conditions for three chromatographic parameters were determined using a central composite design of the response surface. Kromasil C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) was utilized with ethanol, H2O (30:70 v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min at 35 °C. Good reproducibility and high sensitivity were achieved along (0.5-10 µg/mL) concentration range. In contrast, the TLC-densitometric method was performed on aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60F254 as a stationary phase and chloroform: methanol: acetic acid (8:1.5:0.5 by volume) as a developing system. Reproducible results were obtained in the range of (2-10 µg/band). The chromatograms of HPLC and TLC were scanned at 280 nm and 240 nm, respectively. The suggested methods have been validated following ICH guidelines, and no statistically significant differences were detected between the results of the current study and the official USP method. It was also found that using experimental design implements the green concept by reducing the environmental impact. Finally, Eco-Scale, GAPI and AGREE were used to assess the environmental impacts of the suggested methods.

Awareness and Perceptions of the Impact of Tonsillectomy on the Level of Immunity and Autoimmune Diseases among the Adult Population in Abha City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The widespread misconception that tonsillectomy leads to a decrease in immunity may lead to fear and avoidance of the operation. This can result in a deterioration of the situation, such as sleep-related breathing issues, frequent infections, and an increase in complications. The current research was conducted to assess the awareness and perception with respect to the impact of tonsillectomy on the immune system and to assess the awareness and perception of the relationship between autoimmune diseases and tonsillectomy. This 6-month descriptive cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted among individuals who were 18 years and above living in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Out of the 800 study subjects, 104 (13%) had undergone tonsillectomy. Statistically significant associations were found between age group, education, income, and occupation among those who had undergone tonsillectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ages 18-30 years and 31-40 years (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.18-4.71, and OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.53-3.97) and education levels of high school, bachelors, and above (OR: 8.30, 95% CI: 3.05-22.58 and OR: 10.89, 95% CI: 4.23-28.05) were found to be associated with tonsillectomy status of the subjects. On the contrary, income levels of 5000-9000 and >9000 (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.36-1.17 and OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.42-1.42) and male gender (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.52-1.19) were found to be associated with non-tonsillectomy status of subjects. Almost 36% of study subjects thought that tonsillectomy affects immunity. Only 18% of study subjects thought that there is a relationship between tonsillectomy and autoimmune diseases. About one-third of the respondents had received this information from community members and social media. A small number of study subjects relied on public awareness programs. Therefore, social media can play a vital role in the community to remove misconceptions regarding tonsillectomy and its effect on immunity and autoimmune disease. Further educational interventional studies are required to see the correction to the public perception of tonsillectomy and its effect on immunity and autoimmune diseases.

Ginger Extract-Loaded Transethosomes for Effective Transdermal Permeation and Anti-Inflammation in Rat Model.

Introduction: Ginger extract (GE) has sparked great interest due to its numerous biological benefits. However, it suffers from limited skin permeability, which challenges its transdermal application. The target of the current work was to develop transethosomes as a potential nanovehicle to achieve enhanced transdermal delivery of GE through the skin. Methods: GE-loaded transethosomes were prepared by cold injection using different edge activators. The fabricated nanovesicles were evaluated for particle size, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The selected formulation was then laden into the hydrogel system and evaluated for ex vivo permeability and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan-induced rat-paw edema model. Results: The selected formulation comprised of sodium deoxycholate exhibited particle size of 188.3±7.66 nm, ζ-potential of -38.6±0.08 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 91.0%±0.24%. The developed transethosomal hydrogel containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was homogeneous, pseudoplastic, and demonstrated sustained drug release. Furthermore, it exhibited improved flux (12.61±0.45 µg.cm2/second), apparent skin permeability (2.43±0.008×10-6 cm/second), and skin deposition compared to free GE hydrogel. In vivo testing and histopathological examination revealed that the GE transethosomal hydrogel exhibited significant inhibition of edema swelling compared to free GE hydrogel and ketoprofen gel. The animals that were treated with ginger transethosome hydrogel showed a significant decrement in reactive oxygen species and prostaglandin E2 compared to untreated animals. Conclusion: Transethosomes might be a promising new vehicle for GE for effective skin permeation and anti-inflammation. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first utilization of transethosomes laden into hydrogel as a novel transdermal delivery system of GE.

Rutin Nanocrystals with Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Preparation and Ex Vivo/In Vivo Evaluation in an Inflammatory Rat Model.

Rutin is a polyphenolic flavonoid with an interestingly wide therapeutic spectrum. However, its clinical benefits are limited by its poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, rutin nanocrystals were prepared using various stabilizers including nonionic surfactants and nonionic polymers. The nanocrystals were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, morphology, colloidal stability, rutin photostability, dissolution rate, and saturation solubility. The selected nanocrystal formulation was dispersed in a hydrogel base and the drug release kinetics and permeability through mouse skin were characterized. Rutin's anti-inflammatory efficacy was studied in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The nanocrystals had a size in the range of around 270-500 nm and a polydispersity index of around 0.3-0.5. Nanocrystals stabilized by hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) had the smallest particle size, highest drug entrapment efficiency, best colloidal stability, and highest drug photostability. Nanocrystals had around a 102- to 202-fold and 2.3- to 6.7-fold increase in the drug aqueous solubility and dissolution rate, respectively, depending on the type of stabilizer. HP-ß-CD nanocrystals hydrogel had a significantly higher percent of drug released and permeated through the mouse skin compared with the free drug hydrogel. The cumulative drug amount permeated through the skin was 2.5-fold higher than that of the free drug hydrogel. In vivo studies showed that HP-ß-CD-stabilized rutin nanocrystals hydrogel had significantly higher edema inhibition compared with the free drug hydrogel and commercial diclofenac sodium gel. These results highlight the potential of HP-ß-CD-stabilized nanocrystals as a promising approach to enhance drug solubility, dissolution rate, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Two Versatile Pencil Graphite-Polymer Sensor Electrodes Coupled with Potentiometry and Potentiometric Titration Methods: Profiling Determinations of Vitamin V in Tablets and Urine Samples.

Herein, we developed a new pencil graphite ion-selective electrode strategy for the broadly used erectile dysfunction medication, sildenafil citrate (SC, vitamin V), for its automated potentiometry and potentiometric titration profiling in marketed tablets and human urine samples. The method was based on ion-pair complexation between SC and sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB) or phosphotungstic acid (PTA), embedded into a pencil-fabricated graphite sensor electrode coated with poly(vinyl chloride, PVC) matrix, which is pre-plasticized with two different pre-studied plasticizers. The modern fabricated electrodes have a proven fast near-Nernstian response for SC over the concentration range of 1.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-2 and 1.0 × 10-5 to 1.0 × 10-2 M, with LODs of 6.5 × 10-7 and 5.5 × 10-6 over a pH 3-6 for (SC-TPB)- and (SC-PTA)-based membrane sensors, of O-nitrophenyl octyl ether (O-NPOE) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP), respectively. The selectivity coefficients for different interferents, including many inorganic cations, sugars, and/or nitrogenous compounds, were tested and confirmed. Applications of the proposed method were conducted on the determination of SC in its tablets and urine samples under the proper conditions. The percent recovery values were compared with those obtained by an official method and showed an RSD ≤ 0.3% (n = 5).

Smart stability indicating spectrophotometric methods for determination of modafinil: the promising treatment for post-covid neurological syndrome.

Modafinil (MDF) is one of the neurostimulants with a potential effect in the COVID-19 ICU ventilated patients and post-COVID neurological syndrome treatment. Four rapid, simple and cost-effective stability indicating spectrophotometric methods were used for estimation of MDF in the presence of its acidic degradation product, namely; ratio difference (RD), first derivative of the ratio spectra (1DD), mean centering (MCR) and ratio subtraction method (RS). These methods were validated according to ICH guidelines and all methods revealed a good linearity in concentration range of (5-30 µg/mL) in addition to a good accuracy and precision with mean percentage recovery of 99.97 ± 0.305 for (RD), 100.10 ± 0.560 for (1DD), 100.02 ± 0.483 for (MCR) & 99.18 ± 1.145 for (RS) method. Specificity of the proposed methods was assessed and MDF was determined in the presence of up to 80% of its acidic degradation product for RD, 1DD, MCR and RS methods. The proposed methods were successfully applied for the determination of MDF in bulk powder and its tablet dosage form with mean percentage recovery of 100.33 ± 0.915 for (RD), 100.62 ± 0.985 for (1DD), 99.70 ± 0.379 for (MCR) and 100.21 ± 0.313 for (RS) method. The results obtained were statistically compared with those of official HPLC method and showed no significant difference with relevance accuracy and precision.