Thymoquinone Increases the Sensitivity of SW-480 Colon Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil.

Background: Studies have concentrated on the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, in diverse malignancies, such as colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of TQ-mediated anticancer properties are not yet fully elucidated. Objective: The present study has been designed to scrutinize the impact of TQ on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-mediated apoptosis in SW-480 cells. Materials and Methods: SW-480 cells were treated with TQ, 5-FU, and a combination of TQ + 5-FU. MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to evaluate apoptotic markers comprising Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-9 expression levels. The γ-H2AX protein expression was assessed by western blotting, and Annexin V flow cytometry was implemented to determine the apoptosis rate. Results: 5-FU significantly reversed the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent circumstance. The concurrent administration of TQ and 5-FU led to a substantial inhibition of cell growth in comparison to single treatments (p < 0.05). TQ also facilitated apoptosis via upregulating Bax and caspase-9 proapoptotic markers and suppressing antiapoptotic mediators, like Bcl-2. In addition, TQ augmented 5-FU-induced apoptosis in SW-480 cells. 5-FU, combined with TQ, increased the protein expression of γ-H2AX in SW-480 cells compared with groups treated with TQ and 5-FU alone. Conclusion: The present study's findings unveil the significance of TQ as a potential therapeutic substance in colorectal cancer, particularly through enhancing 5-FU-induced apoptosis.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding brucellosis in a rural population: A cross-sectional study.

Brucellosis is recognized as a significant global zoonotic infection that disproportionately affects low-income settings. A community cross-sectional survey was carried out in a rural setting of northwest Iran between February and May 2023. Rural individuals were interviewed according to a questionnaire with questions about demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to human brucellosis. We employed descriptive statistics to study knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns. In addition, we applied a multivariable logistic regression model to assess potential predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and practice related to brucellosis using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among 700 participants, 91.1% were aware of brucellosis, and 85.7% identified cows, sheep, and goats as primary transmission sources. 75.6% and 78.7% recognized transmission risks via unpasteurized and raw milk products. 60.5% understood the benefits of boiling milk and using gloves. Attitudinally, 64.3% perceived higher risk for livestock owners and supported practices like milk pasteurization (70.5%), protective gear (84.4%), handwashing (92.2%), and animal vaccination (71.0%). 90% expressed a need for more information. In practice, 44.8% exclusively consumed boiled and pasteurized milk, 37.8% consumed fresh cheese, and 92.2% solely consumed thoroughly cooked animal meat. Logistic regression revealed that higher education and no prior history of the disease correlated with good knowledge and attitudes, while older participants displayed inappropriate practices compared to their younger counterparts. This study highlights the reasonably high awareness of brucellosis, particularly regarding transmission sources and preventive measures. However, the gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices still exist, with education level emerging as a significant factor. To improve prevention practices, tailored interventions addressing age-related disparities are necessary.