Melatonin mitigates drought stress by increasing sucrose synthesis and suppressing abscisic acid biosynthesis in tomato seedlings.

The increasing prevalence of drought events poses a major challenge for upcoming crop production. Melatonin is a tiny indolic tonic substance with fascinating regulatory functions in plants. While plants can respond in several ways to alleviate drought stress, the processes underpinning stress sensing and signaling are poorly understood. Hereafter, the objectives of this investigation were to explore the putative functions of melatonin in the regulation of sugar metabolism and abscisic acid biosynthesis in drought-stressed tomato seedlings. Melatonin (100 µM) and/or water were foliar sprayed, followed by the plants being imposed to drought stress for 14 days. Drought stress significantly decreased biomass accumulation, inhibited photosynthetic activity, and stimulated senescence-associated gene 12 (SAG12) expression. Melatonin treatment effectively reversed drought-induced growth retardation as evidenced by increased leaf pigment and water balance and restricted abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation. Sugar accumulation, particularly sucrose content, was higher in drought-imposed seedlings, possibly owing to higher transcription levels of sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2 (SnKR2.2) and ABA-responsive element binding factors 2 (AREB2). Melatonin addition further uplifted the sucrose content, which coincided with increased activity of sucrose synthase (SS, 130%), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS, 137%), starch degradation encoding enzyme ß-amylase (BAM, 40%) and α-amylase (AMY, 59%) activity and upregulated their encoding BAM1(10.3 folds) and AMY3 (8.1 folds) genes expression at day 14 relative to the control. Under water deficit conditions, melatonin supplementation decreased the ABA content (24%) and its biosynthesis gene expressions. Additionally, sugar transporter subfamily genes SUT1 and SUT4 expression were upregulated by the addition of melatonin. Collectively, our findings illustrate that melatonin enhances drought tolerance in tomato seedlings by stimulating sugar metabolism and negatively regulating ABA synthesis.

A triterpenoid (corosolic acid) ameliorated AOM-mediated aberrant crypt foci in rats: modulation of Bax/PCNA, antioxidant and inflammatory mechanisms.

Corosolic acid (CA) is a well-known natural pentacyclic triterpene found in numerous therapeutic plants that can exhibit many bioactivities including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor actions. The current investigation explores the chemoprotective roles of CA against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were grouped in 5 cages; Group A, normal control rats inoculated subcutaneously (sc) with two doses of normal saline and fed orally on 10% tween 20; Groups B-E received two doses (sc) of azoxymethane in two weeks and treated with either 10% tween 20 (group B) or two intraperitoneal injections of 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil each week for one month (group C), while group D and E treated with 30 and 60 mg/kg, respectively, for 2 months. The toxicity results showed lack of any behavioral abnormalities or mortality in rats ingested with up-to 500 mg/kg of CA. The present AOM induction caused a significant initiation of ACF characterized by an increased number, larger in size, and well-matured tissue clusters in cancer controls. AOM inoculation created a bizarrely elongated nucleus, and strained cells, and significantly lowered the submucosal glands in colon tissues of cancer controls compared to 5-FU or CA-treated rats. CA treatment led to significant suppression of ACF incidence, which could be mediated by its modulatory effects on the immunohistochemical proteins (pro-apoptotic (Bax) and reduced PCNA protein expressions in colon tissues). Moreover, CA-treated rats had improved oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity indicated by increased endogenous antioxidants (SOD and CAT) and reduced lipid peroxidation indicators (MDA). In addition, CA ingestion (30 and 60 mg/kg) suppressed the inflammatory cascades, indicated by decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines consequently preventing further tumor development. CA treatment maintained liver and kidney functions in rats exposed to AOM cytotoxicity. CA could be a viable alternative for the treatment of oxidative-related human disorders including ACF.

Prevalence of Forward head posture among car and bike drivers and its relation with neck and cardiopulmonary health parameters- a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of Forward Head Posture (FHP) in car and bike drivers, and its potential correlation with neck and cardiopulmonary parameters. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 400 participants from urban and suburban areas around Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, including 200 car drivers and 200 bike drivers aged 18-65 years with a minimum five-year driving history. Neck health was assessed using measurements such as cervical range of motion and Neck Disability Index (NDI), cardiopulmonary parameters were evaluated through resting heart rate, blood pressure, and pulmonary function tests using the spirometry test, and FHP was assessed using Surgimap application. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (version 26.0) and included descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for binary data, and correlation analyses. RESULTS: The result show that difference in the mean FHP between car and bike drivers was statistically significant (p = 0.0001), indicating a higher prevalence of FHP among car drivers than among bike drivers. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between FHP and neck health metrics, especially cervical flexion (r = 0.71, p<0.05), (r = 0.78, p<0.05) and left-side rotation (r = 0.56, p<0.05), (r = 0.61, p<0.05) in car and bike drivers. Among the cardiopulmonary parameters, significant correlations with FHP were observed in resting heart rate (r = 0.33, p<0.05), (r = 0.42, p<0.05), spirometry results FVC (r = 0.29, p<0.05), FEV1 (r = 0.22, p<0.05), and FVC (r = 0.31, p<0.05) for car and bike drivers. CONCLUSION: We observed a higher incidence of FHP in car drivers, indicating that a prolonged static posture may lead to greater postural deviation than dynamic movement during biking. This association suggests that FHP could have wide-reaching implications for systemic health, beyond musculoskeletal issues. These findings have the potential to influence preventative strategies and interventions aimed at improving the overall health outcomes for drivers.

Awareness and Knowledge of Parents and Caregivers Regarding Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) is a common sleep disorder that can cause major health problems if untreated. Parental knowledge and awareness are critical for early detection and management of POSA in children. This study sought to measure parents' and caregivers' knowledge and awareness of pediatric POSA in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, as well as to uncover sociodemographic correlates of knowledge levels. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A structured survey was used to collect data on sociodemographic factors and knowledge of pediatric OSA. Data were examined using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The study included 393 parents and caregivers, 36.4% of whom were in the 18-30 year age group. Most were Saudis (n=385; 98%), and 212 (53.9%) were men. Most parents (n=378; 96.2%) had limited knowledge of pediatric OSA. Significant knowledge gaps were observed in recognizing POSA symptoms, understanding its impact on children's academic performance, and their association with mental health issues. Internet and social networking sites were the most common sources of knowledge about POSA (n=131; 33.33%), followed by knowing someone with OSA (n=103; 26.21%). Parents with more than eight children had a significant association with more knowledge than those without children (adjusted OR = 10.661, 95% CI: 1.367-83.139, p = 0.024). Conclusion The study identified significant gaps in the recognition of POSA symptoms and understanding its impact on their children's academic performance and mental health. Despite their limited knowledge, parents were receptive to early intervention for POSA. The study suggests that parents with more children had better knowledge of POSA, indicating that experiential learning may contribute to their understanding. The study recommends developing and assessing targeted education and awareness programs for parents, healthcare providers, and the public to improve POSA diagnosis, care, and outcomes.

Efficient nitrite determination by electrochemical approach in liquid phase with ultrasonically prepared gold-nanoparticle-conjugated conducting polymer nanocomposites.

An electrochemical nitrite sensor probe is introduced herein using a modified flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and SrTiO3 material doped with spherical-shaped gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) and polypyrrole carbon (PPyC) at a pH of 7.0 in a phosphate buffer solution. The nanocomposites (NCs) containing Au-NPs, PPyC, and SrTiO3 were synthesized by ultrasonication, and their properties were thoroughly characterized through structural, elemental, optical, and morphological analyses with various conventional spectroscopic methods, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The peak currents due to nitrite oxidation were characterized in detail and analyzed using conventional cyclic voltammetry (CV) as well as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) under ambient conditions. The sensor response increased significantly from 0.15 to 1.5 mM of nitrite ions, and the sensor was fabricated by coating a conducting agent (PEDOT:PSS) on the GCE to obtain the Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NCs/PEDOT:PSS/GCE probe. The sensor's sensitivity was determined as 0.5 µA/µM∙cm2 from the ratio of the slope of the linear detection range by considering the active surface area (0.0316 cm2) of the flat GCE. In addition, the limit of detection was determined as 20.00 ± 1.00 µM, which was found to be satisfactory. The sensor's stability, pH optimization, and reliability were also evaluated in these analyses. Overall, the sensor results were found to be satisfactory. Real environmental samples were then analyzed to evaluate the sensor's reliability through DPV, and the results showed that the proposed novel electrochemical sensor holds great promise for mitigating water contamination in the real samples with the lab-made Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NC. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for improving sensors for broad environmental monitoring applications using the electrochemical approach.

Ceftriaxone and MC-100093 mitigate fentanyl-induced cardiac injury in mice: Preclinical investigation of its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Drug addiction is considered a worldwide concern and one of the most prevailing causes of death globally. Opioids are highly addictive drugs, and one of the most common opioids that is frequently used clinically is fentanyl. The potential harmful effects of chronic exposure to opioids on the heart are still to be elucidated. Although ß-lactam antibiotics are well recognized for their ability to fight bacteria, its protective effect in the brain and liver has been reported. In this study, we hypothesize that ß-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone, and the novel synthetic non-antibiotic ß-lactam, MC-100093, are cardioprotective against fentanyl induced-cardiac injury by upregulating xCT expression. Mice were exposed to repeated low dose (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) of fentanyl for one week and then challenged on day 9 with higher dose of fentanyl (1 mg/kg, i.p.). This study investigated cardiac histopathology and target genes and proteins in serum and cardiac tissues in mice exposed to fentanyl overdose and ß-lactams. We revealed that fentanyl treatment induced cardiac damage as evidenced by elevated cardiac enzymes (troponin I). Furthermore, fentanyl treatment caused large aggregations of inflammatory cells and elevation in the areas and volumes of myocardial fibers, indicating hypertrophy and severe cardiac damage. Ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment, However, induced cardioprotective effects as evidenced by marked reduction in cardiac enzymes (troponin I) and changes in histopathology. Furthermore, ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment decreased the levels of hypertrophic genes (α-MHC & ß-MHC), apoptotic (caspase-3), and inflammatory markers (IL-6 & NF-κB). This study reports for the first time the cardioprotective effect of ß-lactams against fentanyl-induced cardiac injury. Further studies are greatly encouraged to completely identify the cardioprotective properties of ceftriaxone and MC-100093.

Inhibitors of the mTOR signaling pathway can play an important role in breast cancer immunopathogenesis.

This study explores the critical role of inhibitors targeting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in breast cancer research and treatment. The mTOR pathway, a central regulator of cellular processes, has been identified as a crucial factor in the development and progression of breast cancer. The essay explains the complex molecular mechanisms through which mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin and its analogs, exert their anticancer effects. These inhibitors can stop cell growth, proliferation, and survival in breast cancer cells by blocking critical signaling pathways within the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, the essay discusses the implications of using mTOR inhibitors as a comprehensive therapeutic strategy. It emphasizes the potential benefits of combining mTOR inhibitors with other treatment approaches to enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment. The evolving landscape of breast cancer research underscores the significance of mTOR as a therapeutic target and highlights ongoing efforts to improve and optimize mTOR inhibitors for clinical use. In conclusion, the essay asserts that inhibitors of the mTOR signaling pathway offer a promising approach in the fight against breast cancer. These inhibitors provide a focused and effective intervention targeting specific dysregulations within the mTOR pathway. As research advances, the integration of mTOR inhibitors into customized combination therapies holds excellent potential for shaping a more effective and personalized approach to breast cancer treatment, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for individuals affected by this complex and diverse disease.

Association of Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Patients With Hypothyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels can increase the cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with hypothyroidism, but the findings across studies have not been consistently conclusive. The aim of this study was to find the association between non-HDL-C and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with hypothyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this case-control study, a total of 120 subjects among which 60 diagnosed hypothyroidism patients and 60 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled, aged 30-65 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were measured. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were estimated. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and non-HDL-C were calculated. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean of BMI, WC, FBS, TSH, TC, TG, non-HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, SBP, and DBP were significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (p<0.001). However, the mean of T3, T4, and HDL-C were significantly reduced in cases compared to controls (p<0.001). Non-HDL-C has shown a significant positive correlation with age (r=0.345, p<0.01), TC (r=0.451, p<0.01), TG (r=0.269, p<0.05), LDL-C (r=0.402, p<0.01), and VLDL-C (r=0.269, p<0.05) among cases. However, non-HDL-C has shown a significant negative correlation with HDL-C (r=-0.330, p<0.05) among cases. Non-HDL-C significantly predicted cardiometabolic risk in patients with hypothyroidism (F(13,46)=3.500, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Non-HDL-C has shown a significant association with age and lipid abnormalities in patients with hypothyroidism. Non-HDL-C significantly predicts cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with hypothyroidism.

The effect of surface treatment and thermal aging on the bonding of clear aligner attachments to provisional resin-based material: shear bond strength analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of clear aligner attachments bonded to Bis-acryl provisional crowns. Methods: 120 cylindrical bisacrylic composite material (ProTemp type) specimens were prepared and divided into six groups (n = 20) based on surface treatment, control: (no treatment); super coarse grit diamond bur, carbide bur, alumina-blasting, non-thermal plasma treatment, and Er:YAG laser treatment. The features of treated surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A flowable composite resin (Transbond XT; 3M Unitek) was bonded to the specimens forming the attachment. Half of specimens were subjected to thermal cycling (5,000 cycles). SBS was measured before and after thermal cycling. Each specimen was loaded at the attachment/resin interface at a speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. The nature of the failure was analyzed using the composite remnants index (CRI). Two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD were used for data analysis α = 0.5. For CRI scores analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparison were used as post-hoc test. Results: SEM analysis showed that all surface treatments altered surface properties and increase surface bonding area. The specimens treated with plasma, Er:YAG laser, and alumina-blasting had higher SBS values before and after thermal cycling. In comparison to control plasma, Er:YAG laser, and alumina-blasting showed a significant increase in SBS (P < 0.001) while carbide and diamond bur groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Thermal cycling significantly decreased the SBS of control, carbide bur, diamond bur, and Er:YAG laser while no significant effect of alumina-blasting and plasma group. Er:YAG laser and plasma groups significantly exhibited more dominance for scores 2 and score 3 and the absence of score 0. Conclusion: Alumina-blasting, Er:YAG laser, or non-thermal plasma surface treatments increased the shear bond strength between clear aligner attachments and resin-based restorations.

Evaluation of colour change, marginal adaptation, fracture strength, and failure type in maxillary and mandibular premolar zirconia endo-crowns.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of different preparation designs on the mean colour change (ΔE*), marginal adaptation, fracture resistance, and fracture types of maxillary and mandibular premolar endocrowns (ECs). METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 extracted maxillary and mandibular premolars were treated endodontically, and each type was subdivided according to the remaining axial height (remaining walls on all surfaces; 2-4 mm) and 2 mm inside the pulp chamber. Specimens were immersed in coffee for 14 days, ΔE* was determined, marginal adaptation was observed, fracture forces test was conducted, and the samples were examined visually at 10× magnification to evaluate failure type and identify fracture origin. The data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, and significance between and within groups was evaluated through ANOVA. The p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The ΔE* values of the maxillary premolar with 2 mm axial height were the highest (6.8 ± 0.89 units), whereas the lowest value was observed in the mandibular premolar with 4 mm axial height (2.9 ± 0.53 units). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in teeth and design were observed. The marginal adaptation of the mandibular premolar with 4 mm axial height was the highest (30.20 ± 1.53 µm), whereas the lowest marginal adaptation was observed in the maxillary premolar with 2 mm axial height (14.38 ± 0.99 µm), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The maximum fracture force was observed in maxillary premolars with 2 mm axial height (2248.15 ± 134.74 N), and no statistically significant difference (p = 0.07) was observed between maxillary and mandibular premolars at 4 mm axial height. CONCLUSION: The recorded ΔE* values of the ECs were within clinically acceptable values or slightly higher, and the marginal adaption values were within acceptable and recommended clinical values in µm. EC preparation with 2 mm axial height in both arches recorded the highest fracture forces. Type III (split fracture) failure was recorded as the highest in the maxillary and mandibular premolar ECs with different axial wall heights.

A bitter flavonoid gum from Dorema aucheri accelerate wound healing in rats: Involvement of Bax/HSP 70 and hydroxyprolin mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Dorema aucheri gum (DAG) is a bitter flavonoid gum widely used for numerous medicinal purposes including wound recovery. The present work investigates the acute toxicity and wound-healing effects of DAG in excisional skin injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats (24) were clustered into four groups, each rat had a full-thickness excisional dorsal neck injury (2.00 cm) and addressed with 0.2 mL of the following treatments for 15 days: Group A (vehicle), rats addressed with normal saline; Group B, rats received intrasite gel; C and D, rats addressed with 250 and 500 mg/kg of DAG, respectively. RESULTS: The results revealed the absence of any toxic signs in rats who received oral dosages of 2 and 5 g/kg of DAG. Wound healing was significantly accelerated following DAG treatments indicated by smaller open areas and higher wound contraction percentages compared to vehicle rats. Histological evaluation revealed higher fibroblast formation, collagen deposition, and noticeably lower inflammatory cell infiltration in granulated skin tissues of DAG-addressed rats compared to vehicle rats. DAG treatment caused significant modulation of immunohistochemical proteins (decreased Bax and increased HSP 70) and inflammatory mediators (reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and magnified IL-10), which were significantly varied compared to vehicle rats. Moreover, topical DAG treatment led to significant upregulation of the hydroxyproline (HDX) (collagen) and antioxidant content. At the same time, decreased the lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in healed tissues obtained from DAG-treated rats. CONCLUSION: The present wound contraction by DAG might be linked with the modulatory effect of its phytochemicals (polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolic) on the cellular mechanisms, which justify their folkloric use and provokes further investigation as therapeutic drug additives for wound contraction.

Repair strength of 3D-printed denture base resins: Effect of surface treatment and repair material type.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of surface treatment and repair materials on the flexural strength of repaired 3D-printed denture base resins after thermal aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bar-shape specimens (64 × 10 × 3.3 mm) were designed as intact (control) specimens while repair specimens were printed in sections with 2.5 mm space for repair material. Printing was performed with either ASIGA or NextDent denture base material. In each material, one group received no surface treatment, while other repair groups were subjected to one of three surface treatments: (1) monomer application, (2) aluminium oxide particles-abrasion, or (3) both methods (aluminum oxide particles-abrasion and monomer application). Pairs were fixed in a customized mold then repaired with either autopolymerizing acrylic resin or flowable composite (n = 9). Repaired specimens were incubated for 48 h at 37°C in distilled water and then subjected to thermal cycling (5000 cycles). A 3-point bending test was used to evaluate the flexural strength using a universal testing machine, and mode of failure determined followed by fractured surface analysis using scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Both resin materials showed a significant decrease in the flexural strength of repaired specimens when compared to control ones (p < 0.001). Groups with no surface treatment had significantly lower flexural strength than those with surface treatment (p < 0.001). Groups treated with monomer application, and with aluminum oxide particles abrasion plus monomer application had similar flexural strength values (p > 0.05), which were higher than those treated with aluminum oxide particles abrasion alone (p < 0.001). Specimens repaired with composite resin showed higher flexural strength than those repaired with auto-polymerized resin (p < 0.05) however, specimens treated with aluminum oxide particles abrasion alone had similar values for both repair materials (p = 0.95). Adhesive failure was dominant in all repaired groups with auto-polymerized while cohesive and mixed were dominant with composite repair groups. CONCLUSION: Surface treatment improved the repair strength of 3D-printed denture base resins. Using composite resin for repair shows better strength with dominant cohesive and mixed failure suggesting that surface treatment and composite repair are suitable procedures for 3D-printed denture base repair.

Therapeutic Effects of Arctiin on Alzheimer's Disease-like Model in Rats by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Inflammasomes and Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects approximately 50 million people globally and is expected to triple by 2050. Arctiin is a lignan found in the Arctium lappa L. plant. Arctiin possesses anti-proliferative, antioxidative and anti-adipogenic. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of Arctiin on rats with AD by evaluating the expression of TLR4, NLRP3, STAT3, TGF-ß, cyclin D1, and CDK2. METHODS: AD was induced in rats by administering 70 mg/kg of aluminum chloride through intraperitoneal injection daily for six weeks. After inducing AD, some rats were treated with 25 mg/kg of Arctiin daily for three weeks through oral gavage. Furthermore, to examine the brain tissue structure, hippocampal sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and anti-TLR4 antibodies. The collected samples were analyzed for gene expression and protein levels of TLR4, NLRP3, STAT3, TGF-ß, cyclin D1, and CDK2. RESULTS: In behavioral tests, rats showed a significant improvement in their behavior when treated with Arctiin. Microimages stained with hematoxylin/eosin showed that Arctiin helped to improve the structure and cohesion of the hippocampus, which was previously impaired by AD. Furthermore, Arctiin reduced the expression of TLR4, NLRP3, STAT3, TGF-ß, cyclin D1, and CDK2. CONCLUSION: Arctiin can enhance rats' behavior and structure of the hippocampus in AD rats. This is achieved through its ability to reduce the expression of both TLR4 and NLRP3, hence inhibiting the inflammasome pathway. Furthermore, Arctiin can improve tissue fibrosis by regulating STAT3 and TGF-ß. Lastly, it can block the cell cycle proteins cyclin D1 and CDK2.

A review of heavy metals pollution in riverine sediment from various Asian and European countries: Distribution, sources, and environmental risk.

Riverine sediments are important reservoirs of heavy metals, representing both historical and contemporary anthropogenic activity within the watershed. This review has been conducted to examine the distribution of heavy metals in the surface sediment of 52 riverine systems from various Asian and European countries, as well as to determine their sources and environmental risks. The results revealed significant variability in heavy metal contamination in the world's riverine systems, with certain hotspots exhibiting concentrations that exceeded the permissible limits set by environmental quality standards. Among the studied countries, India has the highest levels of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) contamination in its riverine systems, followed by Iran > Turkey > Spain > Vietnam > Pakistan > Malaysia > Taiwan > China > Nigeria > Bangladesh > Japan. Heavy metal pollution in the world's riverine systems was quantified using pollution evaluation indices. The Contamination Factor (CF) revealed moderate contamination (1 ≤ CF < 3) throughout the geological units, with the exception of Pb, Cd, and Cu. The Contamination Degree (CD) classifies the contamination level into different categories: Low degree of contamination (CD < 6), moderate degree of contamination (6 ≤ CD < 12), considerable degree of contamination (12 ≤ CD < 24), and a very high degree of contamination (CD ≥ 24), while the Pollution Load Index (PLI) estimate the total amount of heavy metal pollution in riverine sediments, with Turkey having the highest PLI value of 6.512, followed by Spain, Vietnam, Taiwan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Iran, and Nigeria. In applied multivariate statistics, correlation analysis determined the fate and distribution of heavy metals in riverine systems, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) elucidated the potential sources, including industrial, agrochemical, mining, and domestic wastewater discharges, lubricant leakages, multiple geogenic inputs, erosion of mafic and ultramafic rocks, and minimal atmospheric deposition. As per Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) perspectives, Vietnam, Spain, and Turkey have the highest ecological risk, followed by Nigeria > Pakistan > Bangladesh > China > Taiwan > Japan and Iron, while the potential risks of ∑non-carcinogenic Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Co, Zn, and Mn for exposed human children and adults through ingestion and dermal contact were significantly influenced between acceptable to high risk, necessitating special attention from pollution control agencies.

Quality of Root Canal Fillings and Procedural Errors for In Vivo Studies Prepared in Different Clinical Settings and with Rotary Systems: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND This systematic review of the literature aimed to identify published studies and evaluate them on the quality of root canal fillings (RCF) and procedural errors with rotary systems for in vivo studies prepared for different clinical settings. MATERIAL AND METHODS A full literature exploration was conducted in Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Elsevier's Scopus, Embase, and PubMed for studies published between January 2020 and March 2024. A manual search was also performed by reviewing the references of selected papers. The following keywords were used: quality of root canal filling(s) OR quality of root canal obturation, root canal obturation OR endodontic treatment, clinical setting (academic, private, governmental), AND/OR procedural errors and rotary instrumentation. RESULTS Sixteen clinical studies were included in this review. The acceptance percentages for obturation length, density, and taper were 76.3%, 74.7%, and 82.5%, respectively, indicating significantly high, good ratios. The overall RCF recorded showed that 68.2% of root canal obturations were considered acceptable. Acceptable rates remained higher than unacceptable rates in academic, hospital, and private settings, and percentages ranged from 65.2% to 93.0%. Only 5 studies reported procedural errors, namely, ledge formation, separated instruments, apical perforation, transportation, lateral perforation, and root/foramen perforation. CONCLUSIONS Using rotary instruments for different root canal treatment steps as instrumentation and obturations is highly recommended. Among different clinical setting and practice, these instruments resulted in a good and acceptable RCF, overall quality performed by those instruments, and few procedural errors.

Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Some Hydrophytes: Antioxidant, Antiparasitic, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Properties and Mechanisms.

Few researches have explored the production of pharmaceuticals from aquatic plants. Therefore, this study explored, for the first time, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of ten aquatic plants. Aquatic plant shoots from various Nile River canals were collected, dried, and ground for aqueous extract preparation. Phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity were assessed using DPPH assays. Extracts were tested for antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities through standard in vitro assays, measuring IC50 values, and evaluating mechanisms of action, including cell viability and high-content screening assays. The results showed that the aquatic plants were rich in pharmaceutical compounds. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts exceeded that of vitamin C. The extracts showed promising antiparasitic activity against pathogens like Opisthorchis viverrini and Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values between 0.7 and 2.5 µg/mL. They also demonstrated low MICs against various pathogenic bacteria, causing DNA damage, increased plasma membrane permeability, and 90% biofilm inhibition. In terms of anticancer activity, extracts were effective against a panel of cancer cell lines, with Ludwigia stolonifera exhibiting the highest efficacy. Its IC50 ranged from 0.5 µg/mL for pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancer cells to 1.5 µg/mL for gastric cancer cells. Overall, IC50 values for all extracts were below 6 µg/mL, showing significant apoptotic activity, increased nuclear intensity, plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and cytochrome c release, and outperforming doxorubicin. This study highlights the potential of aquatic plants as sources for new, safe, and effective drugs with strong antiparasitic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.

Multifunctional Biocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Prospects for Regenerative Medicine and Controlled Drug Delivery.

This article presents a new method for preparing multifunctional composite biomaterials with applications in advanced biomedical fields. The biomaterials consist of dicalcium phosphate (DCPD) and bioactive silicate glasses (SiO2/Na2O and SiO2/K2O), containing the antibiotic streptomycin sulfate. Materials were deeply characterized by X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and ion-exchange measurement were applied in a simulating body fluid (SBF) solution. The main results include an in situ chemical transformation of dicalcium phosphate into an apatitic phase under the influence of silicate solutions and the incorporation of the antibiotic. The zeta potential showed a decrease in surface charge from ζ = -24.6 mV to ζ = -16.5 mV. In addition, a controlled and prolonged release of antibiotics was observed over a period of 37 days, with a released concentration of up to 755 ppm. Toxicity tests in mice demonstrated good tolerance of the biomaterials, with no significant adverse effects. Moreover, these biomaterials have shown potent antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting their potential use in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopedic and dental implants. By integrating the antibiotic into the biomaterial composites, we achieved controlled release and prolonged antibacterial efficacy. This research contributes to advancing biomaterials by exploring innovative synthetic routes and showcasing their promise in regenerative medicine and controlled drug delivery.

Evaluation of Spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines-incorporating Isoquinoline Motif as Antitumor, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Agents.

BACKGROUND: A series of novel 2-(isoquinolin-1-yl)-spiro[oxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines] were synthesized by a one-pot three-component reaction involving dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, 3- phenylimidazo[5,1-a]isoquinoline and N-alkylisatins in chloroform at ∼60 °C for 24 h. AIMS: This study aimed at the synthesis of novel spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines derivatives and in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity affinities in cross-correlations with their antiinflammation and radical scavenging capacities. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to use a one-pot, three-component reaction to synthesize a novel set of spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines derivatives. METHOD: A novel set of spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines (8a-i) was synthesized by a one-pot threecomponent reaction involving dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, 3-phenylimidazo[5,1-a]isoquinoline and N-alkylisatins in chloroform at ∼60 °C for 24 h. These new compounds were characterized by 1HNMR, 13C-NMR, and HRMS spectral data and screened for their antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. RESULTS: The new synthetic spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines (8a-i)-tested compounds displayed significant anti-inflammatory properties and were noncytotoxic on PDL fibroblasts. However, they lacked antioxidative-DPPH radical scavenging capabilities. Notably, Doxorubicin and cisplatin demonstrated antiproliferative effects on various cancer monolayers. Moreover, compounds 8b, 8d, 8f, 8h, and 8i exhibited pronounced viability reduction properties in colorectal and pancreatic cancer monolayers, as well as across skin, lung, prostate, and cervical adenocarcinomas, with higher cytotoxicity in mammary cancer cells MCF7 and T47D. None of the tested compounds had significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus or E. coli. However, compounds 8c, 8d, and 8f exhibited notable antifungal properties, indicating potential for further investigation. CONCLUSION: Eight new synthetic spiro[indoline-3,3-pyrroles] were prepared, characterized, and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. The compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory effects and promising cytotoxicity against various cancer monolayers, especially in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Some compounds also exhibited antifungal properties. However, they did not exhibit significant antibacterial activity.

Impact of prosthetic rehabilitation on oral health-related quality of life of Saudi Adults: A prospective observational study with pre-post design.

This study aimed to assess the impact of prosthetic treatment on the quality of life of partially/completely edentulous patients through the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) scale. This pre-post observational study was conducted in the College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, between November 2022 and September 2023. Eligible participants were those aged between 26 and 80, in need of prosthetic treatment, and able to complete the questionnaire voluntarily. The questionnaire presented to the patients had two sections; the first included demographic and dentures-related variables, and the second included the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Differences in overall OHIP-14 scores after treatment about demographic and prosthesis-related factors were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test/Kruskal Wallis test with a significance level of 0.05. Out of 108 participants, 65 were males, and 43 were females with an average age of 52 years with different prosthetic treatments (13.9 % fixed prostheses, 43.5 % removable partial, and 42.6 % complete dentures). 59.3 % brushed their teeth twice or more daily, and only 36.1 % checked them regularly. Comparison between the OHIP-14 items before and after treatment revealed that subjects exhibited improvement in all the domains. OHIP-14 scores did not differ significantly in terms of age, gender, and education after treatment. OHIP-14 score was considerably higher for patients with medical conditions (P = 0.007) and among complete denture wearers compared to patients with fixed prostheses (P = 0.025). Prosthetic treatment positively impacts oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), which improved after treatment, particularly in the social domain. There was an association between patients' medical condition, prosthesis type, and OHIP-14 score.

SEQUEL: Prevalence of dental caries in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis investigated the prevalence of dental caries throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between 2011 and 2023 as a follow-up to a previously published review in 2013 by Khan et al. and aimed to provide an update on the current status of caries prevalence in the KSA. A literature search was conducted, and thirty-three articles were included in the final analysis. To determine the prevalence of caries in primary teeth, the 2- to 12-year-old Saudi population was included in the search, and an age range of 6-18 years was used for permanent teeth. The prevalence of caries in the primary and permanent dentition was analyzed separately. As the included studies for the primary and permanent teeth had insignificant heterogeneity, fixed-effect models and forest plots were used to evaluate caries prevalence in both dentitions. In the primary dentition, the mean decayed-missing-filled teeth (dmft) index was 4.14 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 3.11-5.18), with an average prevalence of 75.43 %. For the permanent teeth, the mean DMFT (uppercase used for permanent dentition) was 1.28 (95 % CI: 0.93-1.64), with an average prevalence of 67.7 %. The average dmft/DMFT scores decreased in both primary and permanent teeth compared to the previous meta-analysis by Khan et al., suggesting a beneficial effect of preventative measures on caries prevalence. Continuing these measures is necessary to maintain the downward trend of caries prevalence in the KSA.