Biocompatibility and radiosensitivity of a fiber optical-based dosimeter: biological applications.

This study introduces a cutting-edge fiber-optic dosimetry (FOD) sensor designed for measuring radiation in biological settings. The accuracy and precision of dosimeters for small animals, particularly prolonged exposure to nonuniform radiation fields, are always challenging. A state-of-the-art in-vivo dosimeter utilizing glass-encapsulated Thermoluminescence cylindrical detector (TLD) was introduced. The FODs are implanted into the rat during a prolonged irradiation scenario involving 137Cs where the rat has the freedom to move within a heterogeneous radiation domain. The implantation surgery was verified with X-ray computed tomography (CT) in addition to biochemical and pathological tests to assess the biocompatibility of FOD in vivo. A versatile FOD is designed for industrial and medical fields, which demand accurate and resilient radiation dosimeters. The dose measurements are associated with precise two-dimensional (2D) radiation distribution imaging. Three cylindrical FODs and three standards TLD_100 for each rat were tested. The measurements of peak irradiation before and after exposure reveal greater stability and superior sensitivity when compared to standard thermo-luminescence detectors in an in-vivo animal test. To the best of our knowledge, FOD testing on live animals is presented for the first time in this paper. Regarding the safety and biocompatibility of FOD, no morphological signs with any kind of inflammation or sensitivity toward the FOD material have been remarked. Moreover, with the current FOD, there is no oedema between the epidermal, dermal, and subdermal sections at the site of implantation. The results also show the stable levels of white blood cells (lymphocytes, granulocytes, MID) as blood inflammatory markers before surgery and at the time of extraction of the implanted dosimeters, thus confirming the biocompatibility for each optical fiber cylinder dosimeter. As a result, the new dosimeters have excellent biocompatibility in living tissues and have 100% accurate reusability intensity of the delivered radiation doses compared to TLD_100 which demonstrated a 45% reduction in its intensity accuracy.

Studies on the effect of curcumin and quercetin in the liver of male albino rats exposed to gamma irradiation.

Ionizing radiation produces deleterious effects on living organisms. The present investigation has been carried out to study the prophylactic as well as the therapeutic effects of treated rats with quercetin (Quer) and curcumin (Cur), which are two medicinal herbs known for their antioxidant activities against damages induced by whole-body fractionated gamma irradiation. Exposure of rats to whole-body gamma irradiation induced a significant decrease in erythrocyte (RBC), leukocyte (WBCs), platelet count (Plt), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct %), mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean erythrocyte volume (MCV); a high increase in plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); a nonsignificant statistical decrease in the mean value of serum glutathione (GSH); a significant increase in plasma alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), serum total protein, serum total cholesterol levels, total triglycerides levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels; and with marked histological changes and structural changes measured by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Applying both quercetin and curcumin pre- and postexposure to gamma radiation revealed a remarkable improvement in all the studied parameters. The cellular damage by gamma radiation is greatly mitigated by the coadministration of curcumin and quercetin before radiation exposure.

Radioprotective potential of whey protein against gamma irradiation-induced lingual damage.

Introduction: Ionizing radiation (IR) is effectively used in the treatment of oral malignancies; however, it might also significantly harm the surrounding tissues. Whey protein isolate (WP) is a protein derived from milk that exhibits a wide range of bioactivities. Therefore, the present research aimed to delineate the mitigating impact of WP against gamma irradiation-induced lingual damage. Methods: Rats were randomized into 5 groups: Control (saline, orally, 14 days), WP (WP; 0.5 g/kg b. w., orally, 14 days), IR (saline, orally, 14 days, exposed to 6 and 3 Gy on days 4 and 6, respectively), WP+IR (WP was given orally for 14 days before and after IR exposure; exposed to 6 and 3 Gy on days 4 and 6, respectively), and IR+WP (WP, orally, started 24 h after 1st IR exposure till the end of the experiment) groups. Samples were collected at two-time intervals (on the 7th and 14th days). Results and Discussion: Oxidative stress was stimulated upon IR exposure in tongue, indicated by boosted malondialdehyde (MDA) level, along with a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. Additionally, IR exposure depicted an increase of serum IgE, inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, along with overexpression mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor/p65 (NF-κB/p65), and down-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA levels in tongue tissue. Moreover, IR triggered alterations in lingual histological architecture. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of WP mitigated oxidative damage, inflammation, and desquamation that were brought on following IR exposure. The protective administration of WP markedly decreases IR-induced lingual harm compared to the mitigation protocol. Our findings recommend WP supplements to the diets of cancer patients undergoing IR that might aid radioprotective effects.

A Fiber-Optical Dosimetry Sensor for Gamma-Ray Irradiation Measurement in Biological Applications.

In this paper, we propose a novel fiber-optical dosimetry sensor for radiation measurement in biological applications. A two-dimensional (2D) fiber-optical dosimeter (FOD) for radiation measurement is considered. The sensors are arranged as a 2D array in a tailored holder. This FOD targets accurate industrial and medical applications which seek more tolerant radiation dosimeters. In this paper, the FOD sensors are subjected to gamma-ray radiation facilities from the 137Cs gamma-ray irradiator type for low doses and 60Co gamma-ray irradiator for high doses. For better evaluation of radiation effects on the FOD sample, the measurements are performed using eight sensors (hollow cylinder shape) with two samples in each dose. The sensors were measured before and after each irradiation. To the author's knowledge, the measurements of FOD transplanted inside animals are presented for the first time in this paper. A 2D simulation program has been implemented for numerical simulation based on the attenuation factors from the absorbed dose inside the in vivo models. A comparison between the FOD and the standard thermo-luminescence detector is presented based on the test of in vivo animal models. The results indicate that the proposed FOD sensor is more stable and has higher sensitivity.

The effect of immediate neoadjuvant electromotive instillation of mitomycin C with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin versus BCG alone in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The clinical effect of neoadjuvant intravesical instillation of chemotherapy immediately before transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) has been a subject of recent research. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of immediate neoadjuvant electromotive instillation of mitomycin C before transurethral resection for patients with non-muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was a randomized clinical trial carried out on 50 patients diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer. Patients were classified into two groups: Group I consisted of 25 patients who received neoadjuvant electromotive drug administration of mitomycin C before TURBT and intravesical bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) per week for 6 weeks; Group II consisted of 25 patients who were treated with TURBT followed by intravesical BCG per week for 6 weeks alone (standard of care). Patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months by cystoscopy. RESULTS: Patients who received neoadjuvant electromotive drug administration of mitomycin C before TURBT in combination with BCG had a low recurrence rate compared with those who received BCG alone (12.0% vs. 48.0%, respectively; p=0.012) and a longer disease-free interval (88.0% vs. 52.0%, respectively; p=0.012). Four patients developed progression to muscle-invasive disease (16.0%) in the BCG alone group. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.516). Regarding adverse effects, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant intravesical electromotive drug administration of mitomycin C before TURBT is safe; reduces recurrence rates and enhances the disease-free interval compared with TURBT followed by BCG alone.

Cinnamon modulates the pharmacodynamic & pharmacokinetic of amlodipine in hypertensive rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cinnamon on the pharmacodynamic (PD) & pharmacokinetic (PK) of amlodipine in hypertensive rats. The hypertensive control group of Wistar rats received L-NAME (40 mg/kg, daily, orally) only. The cinnamon group of rats was treated with cinnamon (200 mg/kg, daily, orally) along with L-NAME. Following 14 days treatment period, blood pressures of rats were monitored at designated intervals over 24 h utilizing a tail-cuff system for measuring blood pressure. To assess the oral PK; amlodipine was administered as a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg to rats and blood samples were collected at specified intervals over 24 h and analysed by UPLC-LC MS/MS. Synergistic decreased in rat's blood pressure was observed in presence of cinnamon + amlodipine. Simultaneous administration of cinnamon ameliorates the Cmax and AUC0-t of amlodipine, the Cmax and AUC0-t was 11.04 ± 1.01 ng/ml and 113.76 ± 5.62 ng h/ml for the cinnamon + amlodipine group as compared to 4.12 ± 0.49 ng/ml and 48.59 ± 4.28 ng h/ml for the amlodipine alone group. The study demonstrates that the use of cinnamon considerably decreases the blood pressure levels and enhances the PK parameters of amlodipine in hypertensive rats.

Efficacy of iron-silver bimetallic nanoparticles to enhance radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the primary cancer treatment methods. Radiosensitizers are used to enhance RT and protect healthy tissue. Heavy metals have been studied as radiosensitizers. Thus, iron oxide and iron oxide/silver nanoparticles have been the main subjects of this investigation. A simple honey-based synthesis of iron (IONPs) and iron-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (IO@AgNPs) were prepared followed by characterization with transmission electron microscope (TEM), absorption spectra, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, Ehrlich carcinoma was induced in 30 adult BALB/c mice and divided into 6 groups. Mice of group G1 were not treated with nanoparticles or exposed to irradiation (control group), and group G2 and G3 were treated with IONPs and IO@AgNPs respectively. Mice of group G4 were exposed to a high dose of gamma radiation (HRD) (12 Gy). Groups G5 and G6 were treated with IONPs and IO@AgNPs followed by exposure to a low dose of gamma radiation (LRD) (6 Gy) respectively. The impact of NP on the treatment protocol was evaluated by checking tumor growth, DNA damage, and level of oxidative stress in addition to investigating tumor histopathology. Additional research on the toxicity of this protocol was also evaluated by looking at the liver's cytotoxicity. When compared to HRD therapy, combination therapy (bimetallic NPs and LRD) significantly increased DNA damage by about 75% while having a stronger efficacy in slowing Ehrlich tumor growth (at the end of treatment protocol) by about 45%. Regarding the biosafety concern, mice treated with combination therapy showed lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in their liver tissues by about half the value of HRD. IO@AgNPs enhanced the therapeutic effect of low-dose radiation and increased the efficacy of treating Ehrlich tumors with the least amount of harm to normal tissues as compared to high radiation dosage therapy.

Evaluation of short-term outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a single Egyptian institution experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) became the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in the last few years. We aimed to evaluate the radiological, pathological responses to NAC, and the 30-day surgical outcomes after RC in MIBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study involving adult patients with localized urothelial MIBC who received NAC followed by RC at the National Cancer Institute of Egypt (NCI-E) for 2 years (2017 and 2018). Out of 235 MIBC cases, we recognized 72 patients (30%) who fitted the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: A cohort of 72 patients with a median age of 60.5 years (range 34-87). Hydronephrosis, gross extravesical extension (cT3b), and radiologically negative nodes (cN0) were depicted initially in 45.8, 52.8, and 83.3% of patients, respectively. Gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) was the rampant NAC employed in 95.8%. Radiological evaluation post NAC using RECIST v1.1 revealed a response rate (RR) of 65.3% in bladder tumor and progressive disease in the former and lymph nodes encountered in 19.4 and 13.9%, respectively. The median time from the end of NAC to surgery was 8.1 weeks (range 4-15). Open RC and ileal conduit were the most common types of surgery and urinary diversion, respectively. Pathological down-staging was encountered in 31.9%, and only 11 cases (15.3%) achieved pathological complete response (pCR). The latter was significantly correlated with the absence of hydronephrosis, low-risk tumors, and associated bilharziasis (p = 0.001, 0.029, and 0.039, respectively). By logistic regression, the high-risk category was the only independent factor associated with a poor likelihood of achieving pCR (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.1-16.7; p = 0.038). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 5(7%) patients, and 16(22%) experienced morbidity, with intestinal leakage being the most frequent complication. cT4 was the only significant factor associated with post-RC morbidity and mortality compared to cT2 and cT3b (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results are further supporting the radiological and pathological benefits of NAC in MIBC, evidenced by tumor downstaging and pCR. The complication rate after RC is still considerable; hence, more larger studies are necessary to postulate a comprehensive risk assessment tool for patients who would get the maximum benefit from NAC, hoping to accomplish higher complete response rates with ultimately increased adoption of the bladder preservation strategies.

Amygdalin-folic acid-nanoparticles inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer and enhance the effect of radiotherapy through the modulation of tumor-promoting factors/ immunosuppressive modulators in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) cells often develop multiple mechanisms of chemo- and radio-resistance during tumor progression, which is the major reason for the failure of breast cancer therapy. Targeted nanomedicines have tremendous therapeutic potential in BC treatment over their free drug counterparts. Searching for chemo- and radio-sensitizers to overcome such resistance is therefore urgently required. The goal of this study is to evaluate and compare the radio-sensitizer efficacy of amygdalin-folic acid nanoparticles (Amy-F) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of Amy-F on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and IC50 were assessed using MTT assay. The expression of proteins involved in several mechanisms induced by Amy-F in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, including growth inhibition, apoptosis, tumor growth regulators, immuno-modulators, and radio-sensitizing activities were evaluated via flow cytometry and ELISA assay. RESULTS: Nanoparticles demonstrated sustained Amy-F release properties and apparent selectivity towards BC cells. Cell-based assays revealed that Amy-F markedly suppresses cancer cell growth and improves radiotherapy (RT) through inducing cell cycle arrest (G1 and sub-G1), and increases apoptosis as well as reduces the proliferation of BC by down-regulating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK/P38), iron level (Fe), nitric oxide (NO), and up-regulating the reactive oxygen species level (ROS). Amy-F has also been shown to suppress the expression of the cluster of differentiation (CD4 and CD80), and interfere with the Transforming growth factor beta (TGF- ß)/Interferon-gamma (INF-g)/Interleukin-2 (IL-2)/Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced suppression in its signaling hub, while up-regulating natural killer group 2D receptor (NKG2D) and CD8 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the novel Amy-F either alone or in combination with RT abrogated BC proliferation.

Changes in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Losartan in Experimental Diseased Rats Treated with Curcuma longa and Lepidium sativum.

The current study investigated "pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics interactions" of losartan with Curcuma longa (CUR) and Lepidium sativum (LS) in hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced by oral administration of L-NAME (40 mg/kg) for two weeks. Oral administration of CUR or LS shows some substantial antihypertensive activity. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of hypertensive rats was decreased by 7.04% and 8.78% 12 h after treatment with CUR and LS, respectively, as compared to rats treated with L-NAME alone. LS and CUR display the ability to potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effects of losartan in hypertensive rats. A greater decrease in SBP, by 11.66% and 13.74%, was observed in hypertensive rats treated with CUR + losartan and LS + losartan, respectively. Further, both the investigated herbs, CUR and LS, caused an increase in plasma concentrations of losartan in hypertensive rats. The AUC0-t, AUC0-inf and AUMC0-inf of losartan were increased by 1.25-fold, 1.28-fold and 1.09-fold in hypertensive rats treated with CUR + losartan. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in AUC0-t (2.41-fold), AUC0-inf (3.86-fold) and AUMC0-inf (8.35-fold) of losartan was observed in hypertensive rats treated with LS + losartan. The present study affirms that interactions between CUR or LS with losartan alter both "pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics" of the drug. Concurrent administration of losartan with either CUR or LS would require dose adjustment and intermittent blood pressure monitoring for clinical use in hypertensive patients. Additional investigation is necessary to determine the importance of these interactions in humans and to elucidate the mechanisms of action behind these interactions.

Sinapic acid ameliorates cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyopathy by modulating NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in streptozocin induced diabetic rats.

Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia-arbitrated mitochondrial oxidative insult is key reason for cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. Sinapic acid (SA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid (a polyphenolic acid) present in multiple plants and possesses several pharmacological activities. In this study, we examined the cardio protective effects of SA on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cardiac insults. STZ and both STZ induced diabetes and normal control rats were administered with 20 and 40 mg/kg SA for 12 weeks. STZ rats demonstrated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Additionally, STZ administered rats exhibited various histological changes in the cardiac muscles and significantly enhanced CK-MB and LDH. The significant enhancement of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic markers, and the capacity to curb oxidative stress was significantly abridged in the STZ induced diabetic heart. Chronic treatment with SA (20-40 mg/kg) ameliorated the increased level of glucose, lipid, and cardiac function markers and curtailed histological changes in the cardiac muscles. Chronic treatment also repressed inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis thereby and restoring antioxidant defenses in the myocardium of STZ induced diabetic rats. STZ induced cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyopathy by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. Sinapic acid ameliorates cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyopathy via improvement of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Thus, SA possesses possible therapeutic value for the prevention of diabetic cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyopathy via the NRF2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways.

Eudragit-Coated Sporopollenin Exine Microcapsules (SEMC) of Phoenix dactylifera L. of 5-Fluorouracil for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery.

In this study, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded pollens of Phoenix dactylifera and their coating with ERS was done and evaluated for the colon-targeted delivery of 5-FU to treat colon cancer. Sporopollenin exine microcapsules (SEMC) from the pollens of Phoenix dactylifera were extracted by the reflux method and 5-FU into SEMC was encapsulated by the vacuum-assisted loading method. 5-FU loaded SEMC was coated with Eudragit® RS-100 (ERS) by the organic solvent-evaporation technique under vacuum to avoid the discharge of 5-FU in the stomach and small intestine. Morphological and physicochemical characterization of drug-loaded SEMC (coated/uncoated) was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, XRD, and DSC. The encapsulation and drug loading were determined by the direct method, and an in vitro release study was performed in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF/SIF). The colon-specific delivery of 5-FU from the SEMC was assessed in terms of pharmacokinetics and gastrointestinal tract distribution after oral administration in rats. The successful encapsulation and loading of 5-FU into SEMC by a vacuum-assisted loading technique and its coating with ERS by a solvent-evaporation technique were achieved. SEM images of uncoated SEMC have shown porous structures, and coating with ERS reserved their morphology with a smooth surface and discrete microstructures and the 5% w/v ERS acetone solution. ERS-coated SEMC sustained the release of 5-FU until 24 h in SIF, while it was up to 12 h only from uncoated SEMC. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 5-FU from uncoated SEMC was 102.82 µg/mL after 1 h, indicating a rapid release of 5-FU in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This concentration decreased quickly with a half-life of 4 h, AUC0-t was 264.1 µg/mL.h, and MRT0-inf was 5.2 h. The Cmax of 5-FU from ERS-coated SEMC was 19.47 µg/mL at 16 h. The Cmax of 5-FU in small intestines was 406.2 µg/g at 1 h from uncoated SEMC and 1271.5 µg/g at 12 h from coated SEMC. Conclusively, a 249.9-fold higher relative bioavailability of 5-FU was achieved with the ERS-coated SEMC in colon tissues than that from uncoated SEMC.

Atypical pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration with variable phenotypes in an Egyptian family.

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by an accumulation of iron within the brain. In the present report, we describe a family with 4 affected siblings presenting with variable clinical manifestations, e.g., parkinsonian features, dystonia and slow disease progression over 5 years. Exome sequencing revealed a causative variant in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene (PANK2). Variant NM_024960.6:c.710C > T was homozygous in all affected subjects. Our report describes the first genetically confirmed cases of PKAN in the Egyptian population. Studying genetics of neurodegenerative diseases in different ethnicities is very important for determining clinical phenotypes and understanding pathomechanisms of these diseases.

Gastroprotective Effect of Sinapic Acid on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats: Involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Signaling and Antiapoptotic Role.

Background: In the current study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of sinapic acid (SA) in terms of the mechanism underlying its gastroprotective action against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Methods: These effects were examined through gross macroscopic evaluation of the stomach cavity [gastric ulcer index (GUI)], alteration in pH, gastric juice volume, free acidity, total acidity, total gastric wall mucus, and changes in PGE2. In addition, we evaluated lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), antioxidant systems (catalase and glutathione), inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)], apoptotic markers (caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2), nuclear factor-κB [NF-κB (p65)], NO levels, and histopathological staining (H and E and PAS). Results: In rats with ethanol-induced ulcers, pre-treatment with SA (40 mg/kg p. o.) decreased the sternness of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries by decreasing the GUI, gastric juice volume, free acidity, and total acidity. In addition, the pH and total gastric mucosa were increased, together with histopathological alteration, neutrophil incursion, and increases in PGE2 and NO2. These effects were similar to those observed for omeprazole, a standard anti-ulcer drug. SA was shown to suppress gastric inflammation through decreasing TNF-α, IL-6, and MPO, as well as curbing gastric oxidative stress through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and restoration of depleted glutathione and catalase activity. SA inhibited Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and caspase-3 activity, and restored the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2; these findings indicate the antiapoptotic potential of SA, leading to enhanced cell survival. SA also repressed NF-κB signaling and increased IκBα. Moreover, SA upregulated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), thereby restoring depleted antioxidant defense enzymes and implicating the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Conclusion: These results suggest that the prophylactic administration of SA (40 mg/kg) can ameliorate ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats primarily via the modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling and subsequent enhancement of cell viability.

Break the Silence: Knowledge and Attitude Towards Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Egyptian Youth.

Sexual health and education are rarely investigated in the Middle East countries, including Egypt. We performed the current study to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards sexual health practices among Egyptian youth. A self-administered questionnaire was translated from English to Arabic. After pilot-testing, the eligible population was invited to fill it online. Nine-hundred and fifty-five participants filled the questionnaire (53% males and 88.5% single). Around 61% of the participants were of the opinion that sexual education is necessary and rejected the notion that sexual education is religiously prohibited. Only 26% discussed sex-related matters with a parent. Although over 80% think that masturbation is either prohibited, wrong or medically harmful, 62% have masturbated before. Living with parents was not associated with less masturbation (p = 0.23). Moreover, although 85% of the participants think that watching pornography is either wrong or prohibited, 74% have watched porn clips before (significantly more frequent among males: p < 0.0001). A quarter of the responders indicated that they have been touched by a stranger/relative against their will. In conclusion, the majority of surveyed Egyptian youth expressed unfavorable attitudes towards masturbation and watching pornography -despite being quite common- and supported the importance of sexual education.

Promising preventive and therapeutic effects of TaibUVID nutritional supplements for COVID-19 pandemic: towards better public prophylaxis and treatment (A retrospective study).

Adjuvant nutritional treatment is a commonly overlooked topic when treating lethal viral diseases as COVID-19 pandemic. We recently introduced TaibUVID nutritional supplements (nigella sativa, chamomile and natural honey) as adjuvants for COVID-19 contacts, patients and public prophylaxis. TaibUVID Forte adds costus, senna and fennel to TaibUVID. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews confirmed evidence-based therapeutic benefits of TaibUVID components in treating many human diseases e.g. diabetes mellitus and hypertension, common co-morbidities in COVID-19 patients. Double-blind clinical trials for treating COVID-19 patients with TaibUVID supplements were inapplicable. In this retrospective study in Egypt, COVID-19 patients and contacts knew TaibUVID via social media and voluntarily used them. 65% of COVID-19 patients (n = 13) received both pharmacological treatments and adjuvant TaibUVID nutritional supplements. 35% (n = 7) received TaibUVID only. Lymphopenia rapidly improved to lymphocytosis upon regular TaibUVID intake. TaibUVID nutritional supplements helped COVID-19 contacts' prophylaxis. 70% of COVID-19 contacts (n = 14) (on regular TaibUVID intake) did not get SARS-COV2 infection. 30% (n = 6) were not using TaibUVID regularly and got mild flu-like symptoms and upon using both TaibUVID and pharmacological treatments, all improved and got negative nasopharyngeal swabs PCR. COVID-19 contacts were mainly physicians (40%, n = 8) (dealing with COVID-19 patients daily) and members of physicians' families (45%). Main presentations reported by COVID-19 patients (n = 20) were cough (90%), fever (55%), anosmia (45%), taste loss (45%), sore throat (45%), respiratory difficulty (45%) and malaise (35%). TaibUVID inhalation therapy (nigella sativa/anthemis/costus solution nebulization) was used by 65% of COVID-19 patients (n = 13) and alleviated respiratory manifestations e.g. cough and respiratory difficulty and was life-saving in some cases. 70% of COVID-19 patients (n = 14) improved in 1-4 days, 25% (n = 5) improved in 5-10 days while 5% improved in more than 10 days. TaibUVID nutritional supplements were tolerable and significantly satisfactory (P<0.01). 81.25% of COVID-19 patients (n = 13) did not report side effects. 18.25% (n = 3) reported mild diarrhea, sweating and hyperglycemia (not confirmed to be due to TaibUVID supplements). 31.25% of patients (n = 5) were satisfied by 100% with TaibUVID nutritional supplements. 37.5% (n = 6) of patients were satisfied by 75%. In conclusion, TaibUVID nutritional supplements are recommended for public prophylaxis (to decrease emergence of new cases) and treatment in COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical trials and further investigations are recommended.