Assessing anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant capacities in green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and solvent-based plant extracts.

Cancer and diabetes represent significant challenges in the field of biomedicine, with major and global impacts on public health. Acacia nilotica, commonly called 'gum arabic tree,' is recognized for its unique biomedical properties. The current study aimed to investigate the pharmacological potential of A. nilotica-based zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in comparison to the ethanol and methanol-based extracts against cancer, diabetes, and oxidative stress. Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs was performed using barks of Acacia nilotica. Different techniques for the characterization of ZnO-NPs, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transmission Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), were utilized. The morphological analysis of ZnO-NPs revealed that the fine NPs have mean particle sizes of 15 ± 1.5 nm. For the solvent based-extraction, leaves and barks were utilized and dissolved into ethanol and methanol for further processing. The MTT assay revealed that the optimum concentration of ZnO-NPs to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cell line HepG2 was 100 µg/mL where 67.0 % inhibition was observed; and both ethanol- and methanol-based extracts showed optimum inhibition at 100 µg/mL. The DPPH assay further demonstrated that 250 µg/mL of ZnO-NPs and 1000 µg/mL of both ethanol- and methanol-based extracts, as the optimum concentration for antioxidant activity (with 73.1 %, 68.9 % and 68.2 % inhibition respectively). The α-Glucosidase inhibition assay revealed that 250 µg/mL of ZnO-NPs and 10 µg/mL of both ethanol- and methanol-based extracts as the optimum concentration for antidiabetic activity (with 95 %, 93.7 % and 93.4 % inhibition respectively). The study provided interesting insights into the efficacy and reliability of ZnO-NPs for potential pharmacological application. Further research should be focused on examining specific pathways and the safety of ZnO-NPs in comparison to solvent-based extracts.

Morphology of the Sella Turcica in Individuals With Different Skeletal Malocclusions in Upper Egypt Assessed Using Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morphology of sella turcica (ST) in individuals with different skeletal malocclusions in upper Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 300 lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult patients of both sexes, varying ages from 18 to 30 years, were selected and divided into three equal groups, group (1): skeletal class I (control group), group (2): skeletal class II, and group (3): skeletal class III. Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms were taken from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University. The tuberculum and dorsum sella, the floor of ST, and posterior and anterior clinoid processes (ACPs) were drawn. The direct measurements such as diameter (APD), depth (D), and length(L) of sella were measured using Silverman and Kisling methods. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in depth (D) between class I and class II, with class II having a greater depth. Also, the largest diameter (APD) was found in the class III group. A significant difference was found in diameter (APD) between the two age groups (from 18 to 24 years and from 25 to 30 years) Conclusion: The larger diameter values were seen in the skeletal class III subjects, while the larger depth values were observed in the class II subjects. The older age group (25-30 years) has a greater diameter than the younger one. Highly significant differences were found in length and depth between the sexes.

Green solutions: evaluating the impact of Chlorella sorokiniana and Anabaena laxa on captan phycoremediation.

This study explores the use of algae for phycoremediation, focusing on how Chlorella sorokiniana and Anabaena laxa detoxify water contaminated with captan, a common fungicide. The efficiency of these species in absorbing captan and the associated biochemical changes were evaluated to assess their potential for environmental protection. Microalgae were exposed to captan concentrations of 15 and 30 mg/L, and various parameters, including captan uptake, chlorophyll (Chl) a, carotenoid levels, and changes in metabolic profiles (soluble carbohydrates, organic acids, amino acids, and fatty acids), were measured. Results showed Anabaena had a higher captan absorption capacity (141.7 µg/g at 15 mg/L and 239.3 µg/g at 30 mg/L) compared to Chlorella (74.43 µg/g and 162 µg/g). Increased captan uptake reduced the growth of both species, as indicated by lower Chl a levels. Both species accumulated osmo-protectants and antioxidants as defense mechanisms, with soluble sugars increasing by 83.49% in Chlorella and 68.87% in Anabaena, and carotenoids increasing by 60.42% and 46.24%, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed distinct species-level responses, with Anabaena showing greater tolerance. The study concludes that both species can effectively remediate captan, with Anabaena being more efficient, indicating their potential for mitigating agrochemical impacts in aquatic environments and promoting sustainable agriculture and water management.

This study uniquely demonstrates the superior capability of Anabaena laxa over Chlorella sorokiniana in remediating captan-contaminated water, highlighting distinct biochemical responses and enhanced tolerance mechanisms. By detailing species-specific metabolic adaptations, it underscores the potential of Anabaena for more effective phycoremediation. This novel insight into the differential resilience of microalgae species offers a promising approach to mitigating agrochemical pollution, advancing sustainable agriculture, and improving water management practices.

Improving the acoustic performance of flexible polyurethane foam using biochar modified by (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane coupling agent.

This study aims to investigate the potential of integrating natural biochar (BC) derived from eggshell waste into flexible polyurethane (FPU) foam to enhance its mechanical and acoustic performance. The study explores the impact of incorporating BC at various weight ratios (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 wt. %) on the properties of the FPU foam. Additionally, the effects of modifying the BC with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) at different ratios (10, 20, and 30 wt. %) and the influence of diverse particle sizes of BC on the thermal, mechanical, and acoustic characteristics of the FPU composite are investigated. The functional groups, morphology, and elemental composition of the developed FPU composites are analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Characteristics such as density, gel fraction, and porosity were also assessed. The results reveal that the density of FPU foam increased by 4.32% and 7.83% while the porosity decreased to 50.22% and 47.05% with the addition of 0.1 wt. % of unmodified BC and modified BC with 20 wt. % APTMS, respectively, compared to unfilled FPU. Additionally, the gel fraction of the FPU matrix increases by 1.91% and 3.55% with the inclusion of 0.1 wt. % unmodified BC and modified BC with 20 wt. % APTMS, respectively. Furthermore, TGA analysis revealed that all FPU composites demonstrate improved thermal stability compared to unfilled FPU, reaching a peak value of 312.17°C for the FPU sample incorporating BC modified with 20 wt. % APTMS. Compression strength increased with 0.1 wt. % untreated BC but decreased at higher concentrations. Modifying BC with 20% APTMS resulted in an 8.23% increase in compressive strength compared to unfilled FPU. Acoustic analysis showed that the addition of BC improved absorption, and modified BC enhanced absorption characteristics of FPU, reaching Class D with a 20 mm thickness. BC modified with APTMS further improved acoustic properties compared to the unfilled FPU sample (Class E), with 20% modification showing the best results. These composites present promising materials for sound absorption applications and address environmental issues related to eggshell waste.

A Comprehensive Insight and In Silico Analysis of CircRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Step toward ncRNA-Based Precision Medicine.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are cardinal players in numerous physiological and pathological processes. CircRNAs play dual roles as tumor suppressors and oncogenes in different oncological contexts, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their roles significantly impact the disease at all stages, including initiation, development, progression, invasion, and metastasis, in addition to the response to treatment. In this review, we discuss the biogenesis and regulatory functional roles of circRNAs, as well as circRNA-protein-mRNA ternary complex formation, elucidating the intricate pathways tuned by circRNAs to modulate gene expression and cellular processes through a comprehensive literature search, in silico search, and bioinformatics analysis. With a particular focus on the interplay between circRNAs, epigenetics, and HCC pathology, the article sets the stage for further exploration of circRNAs as novel investigational theranostic agents in the dynamic realm of HCC.

Exploring stevioside binding affinity with various proteins and receptors actively involved in the signaling pathway and a future candidate for diabetic patients.

Introduction and Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and is one of the main global health concerns. Synthetic sugar substrate has many side effects such as leukemia, bladder cancer, hepatotoxicity, breast cancer, headache, and brain toxicity. The WHO and FDA has recently banned some of the synthetic sugar alternatives due to their carcinogenic effects. Objective and Methodology: Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to investigate the safety and binding affinity of Stevioside with Glucose Transpoter-4 (GLUT-4), Akt, Insulin Receptor (IR) and Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) to confirmed that Stevioside is one the potent natural sweetener/drug for diabetes. This study delves into the molecular interaction between Stevioside and key diabetic proteins: GLUT-4, Akt, IR and IRS-1. A precise molecular docking approach was used to simulate the binding affinity of Stevioside to these proteins. The pharmacokinetic properties of the molecule should be taken into consideration as important variables throughout the virtual screening process. Results: The result of active site analysis of GLUT-4, Akt, IR and IRS-1 showed a zone of 2158.359 Ǻ2, 579.259 Ǻ2, 762.651 Ǻ2, and 152.167 Ǻ2 and a volume of 2765.094 Ǻ³, 355.567 Ǻ³, 686.806 Ǻ³, and 116.874 Ǻ³, respectively. Docking analysis of the Stevioside compound showed the highest docking energy with scores of -9.9 with GLUT-4, -6.7 with Akt, -8.0 with IR and -8.8 with IRS-1. Studies indicated that it remains undigested by stomach acids and enzymes and is not absorbed in the upper small intestine. Further, tests revealed no hepatotoxicity, AMES toxicity, or skin sensitivity, making it a promising candidate for safe consumption as drug metabolism. Conclusion and Recommendations: Instead of other sugar alternatives, Stevioside will help diabetic patients with a lower chance of infections, lowered blood pressure/blood sugar, and increased glucose uptake in diabetic muscles. Stevioside is a natural sweetener, and the current study recommends its usage in various dietary products for diabetic patients.

Fellowship for Academic Generalists in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Is It Overdue?

Academic specialists in general obstetrics and gynecology are clinicians practicing the full breadth of the specialty while also contributing to medical education and scientific discovery. Residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology provide exposure to research training that is variable but frequently limited. This creates challenges for junior faculty and in many cases limits their research productivity, typically measured by published original research articles and grant funding. This frequently disadvantages academic specialists in promotion compared with their subspecialty fellowship-trained colleagues. A few research fellowship programs were recently launched to address this issue. However, these programs are not uniform and encounter challenges such as sustainable funding. In this article, building on knowledge from current academic specialist fellowship programs, we discuss the needs, challenges, and proposed solutions. We also propose some details needing further discussion among the academic obstetrics and gynecology community. We discuss how such fellowships can integrate with current development and training opportunities such as the Women's Reproductive Health Research award, Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health award, other K and K-type career development programs, NIH T32 grants, and clinical research courses for obstetricians and gynecologists. Academic specialist fellowship programs can have synergy with other women's health fellowship programs offered by other specialties. They can additionally leverage institutional resources. We conclude by summarizing a proposed model for academic specialist research fellowship programs.

Dispensing patterns of antidepressant and antianxiety medications for psychiatric disorders after benign hysterectomy in reproductive-age women: Results from group-based trajectory modeling.

BACKGROUND: Women with gynecologic disorders requiring a hysterectomy often have co-existing psychiatric diagnoses. A change in the dispensing pattern of antidepressant (AD) and antianxiety (AA) medications around the time of hysterectomy may be due to improvement in gynecologic symptoms, such as pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, or the emotional impact of the hysterectomy. Unfortunately, these dispensing patterns before and after hysterectomy are currently undescribed. OBJECTIVES: To model the dispensing patterns of AD and AA medications over time among women with psychiatric disorders before and after benign hysterectomy for endometriosis and uterine fibroids; and to characterize clusters of patients with various dispensing behaviors based on these patterns. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: This is a study of women who underwent a benign hysterectomy using data from the Merative MarkertScan® Research Databases (Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Inclusion criteria were reproductive-aged women (18-50 years), diagnosis of at least one mood or anxiety disorder, and at least one dispensing of AD or AA medications. We measured monthly adherence and persistence of AD/AA medication use over 12 months after hysterectomy. Group-based-trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify trajectory groups of monthly AD/AA medication dispensing over the study period. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with individual dispensing trajectory patterns. RESULTS: For a total of 11,607 patients, 6 dispensing trajectory groups were identified during the study period: continuously high (27.0%), continuously moderate (21.9%), continuously low (17.9%), low-to-high (10.0%), moderate-to-low (9.8%), and low-to-moderate (13.4%). Compared with the continuously high group, younger age, no history of a mood disorder, and uterine fibroids were clinical predictors of low dispensing. The discontinuation rate at 3 months after hysterectomy was higher at 88.6% in the continuously low group and at 66.5% in the continuously low-to-moderate group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that GBTM identified six distinct trajectories of AD/AA medication dispensing in the perioperative period. Trajectory models could be used to identify specific dispensing patterns for targeting interventions.

Dispensing patterns of antidepressant and antianxiety medications for psychiatric disorders after benign hysterectomy in reproductive-aged women: Results from the group-based trajectory modelingWomen with gynecologic disorders often have coexisting psychiatric diagnoses. A change in the dispensing pattern of antidepressant and antianxiety medications may be due to improvement in gynecologic symptoms or the emotional impact of the hysterectomy. However, static measures, such as the proportion of days covered or medication possession ratio, may not adequately predict meaningful dispensing patterns. Using the group-based trajectory modeling, 6 distinct patterns of medication dispensing over the perioperative periods of women with benign hysterectomy are identified and therefore used to assess how certain clinical characteristics influence these dispensing patterns. This study concludes that trajectory modeling may be a more appropriate approach to investigating dispensing patterns among women with preexisting psychiatric conditions.

A comparative study of PMMA/PEG polymer nanocomposites doped with different oxides nanoparticles for potential optoelectronic applications.

PMMA/PEG and PMMA/PEG doped with SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3 were fabricated using the solution-casting technique. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), which revealed that the amorphous nature of PMMA/PEG blend doped with Al2O3 was hindered by the crystalline nature of those doped with SiO2 and TiO2. The absorption of PMMA/PEG blend doped with Al2O3 is higher, band gap energies were decreased from 4.90 eV for PMMA/PEG blend to 4.03 eV, 3.09 eV, and 2.09 eV for SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3 doped PMMA/PEG blend, respectively. The dielectric constant, ε' has a high value (2 × 104) for samples PMMA/PEG and SiO2/PMMA/PEG. While dielectric loss ε ″ -values decreased to < 100 for TiO2/PMMA/PEG and Al2O3/PMMA/PEG. Further, the fabricated composite SiO2/PMMA/PEG led to improvement the optical and dielectric properties compared with PMMA/PEG for optoelectronic such as manufacturing of optical fiber cables application. The results show TiO2/PMMA/PEG and Al2O3/PMMA/PEG are multifunctional can be used as low-permittivity nanodielectric and substrates to design the next generation of flexible electronic devices.

NLRP3 inflammasome pathway involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic associated fatty liver disease.

The prevalence of Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been steadily increasing worldwide, paralleling the global epidemic of obesity and diabetes. It is estimated that approximately one-quarter of the global population is affected by MAFLD. Despite its high prevalence, MAFLD often goes undiagnosed due to the lack of specific symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe liver-related complications such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression levels of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing proteins (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 [NLRP3] inflammasome pathway components, NLRP3 and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) genes in patients with MAFLD with various degrees of steatosis and fibrosis. Participants were classified into two equal groups; MAFLD group: consisted of 120 patients with different degrees of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis based on fibro scan results. The non-MAFLD group was comprised of 107 participants. Molecular analysis of pyrin domain-containing protein 3 and IL-1ß relative gene expressions was performed in the blood of all participants, using Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Patients with post-MAFLD hepatic fibrosis had significantly higher relative gene expression levels of IL-1ß and NLRP3; with IL-1ß > 1.1 had AUC of 0.919, sensitivity of 88.33, specificity of 96.26, PPV of 96.4, and NPV of 88 and 92.3 accuracy (p value < 0.001). NLRP3 > 1.33 had a sensitivity of 97.5, specificity of 99.07, PPV of 99.2, NPV of 97.2, and 98.3 accuracy with an AUC of 0.991 (p value < 0.001) as predictors of post-MAFLD hepatic fibrosis.. A significant increase in the mean relative gene expression levels of both IL-1ß and NLRP3 found in patients with early fibrosis (F0-F1-2); 31.97 ± 11.8 and 6.76 ± 2.18, respectively; compared with patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis stages (F2-F3); 2.62 ± 3.71 and 4.27 ± 2.99 (p < 0.001 each). The present study provides novel evidence for the possible involvement of IL-1ß and NLRP3 inflammasome in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease pathogenesis and could be valid markers for the early detection of post-MAFLD hepatic fibrosis.

Novel sulfonic groups grafted sugarcane bagasse biosorbent for efficient removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.

In this research, we reported the synthesis of effective sulphonated sugarcane bagasse (SCB@SA) biosorbent based on agriculture waste materials via a simple diazotization strategy for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and Bismarck Brown R(BB) dyes from waste water samples. First, the sugarcane bagasse (SCB) waste was collected, grinded, and sieved to obtain the desired size. Secondly, the SCB powder is modified with sulfanilinic acid (SA) via the formation of its diazonium salt to introduce sulfonic groups on the SCB surface. Different advanced techniques were applied to characterize the prepared materials before and after the adsorption process viz. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Different parameters affecting the adsorption process of both MB and BB were studied. Because of the higher correlation coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.999) and lower error functions, the equilibrium MB and BB adsorption isotherms for a single-dye system fit Langmuir with maximum adsorption capacity reaching to 127.48 and 166.75 mg/g for MB and BB, respectively. Moreover, the RL values obtained for both dyes lie between 0 and 1, indicating that MB and BB adsorption by SCB@SA is a favorable process. Besides, the error functions' values of the pseudo-2nd-order are significantly lower than those of the pseudo-1st-order, implying that the adsorption MB and BB onto SCB@SA biosorbent fitted the pseudo-2nd-order kinetic model in a chemosorption manner. In the thermodynamic studies, the adsorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and has less randomness. In addition, the SCB@SA biosorbent could be reused in five cycles maintaining on suitable adsorption efficiency. Finally, the MB and BB dyes could be adsorbed on the SCB@SA biosorbent via three mechanisms including π-π stacking, columbic attraction, and hydrogen bonding.

Vortioxetine Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Multiple Sclerosis in Mice via Activation of PI3K/Akt/CREB/BDNF cascade and Modulation of Serotonergic Pathway Signaling.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition characterized by immune cell infiltration and cytokine overproduction that led to myelin sheath inflammatory assaults, thus causing axonal destruction. The former consequently provokes motor impairment and psychological disorders. Markedly, depression is one of the most prevalent lifelong comorbidities that negatively impacts the quality of life in MS patients. Vortioxetine (VTX), a multi-modal molecule prescribed to manage depression and anxiety disorder, additionally, it displays a promising neuroprotective properties against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. To this end, the present study investigated the potential therapeutic efficacy of VTX against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS in mice. Notably, treatment with VTX significantly ameliorated EAE-induced motor disability, as evident by enhanced performance in open field, rotarod and grip strength tests, alongside a reduction in immobility time during the forced swimming test, indicating a mitigation of the depressive-like behavior; outcomes that were corroborated with histological examinations and biochemical analyses. Mechanistically, VTX enhanced serotonin levels by inhibiting both serotonin transporter (SERT) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme, thereby promoting the activation of serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor. The latter triggered the stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade that entailed activation/ phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). This activation increased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and myelin basic protein (MBP) contents that mitigated demyelination in the corpus callosum. Furthermore, VTX suppressed phospho serine 536 nuclear factor kappa B (pS536 NF-κB p65) activity and reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. The results underscore VTX's beneficial effects on disease severity in EAE model of MS in mice by amending both inflammatory and neurodegenerative components of MS progression.

Common Beverage Consumption and Benign Gynecological Conditions.

The purpose of this article is to review the effects of four commonly consumed beverage types-sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), caffeinated beverages, green tea, and alcohol-on five common benign gynecological conditions: uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anovulatory infertility, and primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Here we outline a plethora of research, highlighting studies that demonstrate possible associations between beverage intake and increased risk of certain gynecological conditions-such as SSBs and dysmenorrhea-as well as studies that demonstrate a possible protective effect of beverage against risk of gynecological condition-such as green tea and uterine fibroids. This review aims to help inform the diet choices of those with the aforementioned conditions and give those with uteruses autonomy over their lifestyle decisions.

Natural Peroxides from Plants: Historical Discovery, Biosynthesis, and Biological Activities.

Naturally occurring peroxides received great interest and attention from scientific research groups worldwide due to their structural diversity, versatile biological activities, and pharmaceutical properties. In the present review, we describe the historical discovery of natural peroxides from plants systematically and update the researchers with recently explored ones justifying their structural caterogrization and biological/pharmaceutical properties intensively. Till the end of 2023, 192 peroxy natural products from plants were documented herein for the first time implying most categories of natural scaffolds (e.g. terpenes, polyketides, phenolics and alkaloids). Numerically, the reported plants' peroxides have been classified into seventy-four hydro-peroxides, hundred seven endo-peroxides and eleven acyl-peroxides.  Endo-peroxides (cyclic alkyl peroxides) are an important group due to their high variety of structural frameworks, and we have further divided them into "four-, five-, six and seven"-membered rings. Biosynthetically, a shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind the formation of plant-derived peroxides are addressed as well.

The Concentration of Uranium-238 in Soil Samples from the Central Maysan Governorate Determined Using ICP-MS.

ABSTRACT: In this particular investigation, 30 surface soil samples taken from various locations across the Middle Omara governorate in southeastern Iraq were analyzed using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), and several of these, as far as the researchers know, had never been analyzed previously. The results are presented and compared with those from a different study. The studied soil samples had <100 ppm of uranium, which shows they are composed of overloads and garbage rather than mineable stocks. This article describes and assesses the uranium content in the Middle Omara Governorates. Additionally, all 30 exposed earth samples had uranium below the detection threshold. The results show that the samples of surface soils under investigation have uranium concentrations below the permissible maximum (11.7 ppm) established by UNSCEAR in 1993.

Natural dyes developed by microbial-nanosilver to produce antimicrobial and anticancer textiles.

Developing special textiles (for patients in hospitals for example) properties, special antimicrobial and anticancer, was the main objective of the current work. The developed textiles were produced after dyeing by the novel formula of natural (non-environmental toxic) pigments (melanin amended by microbial-AgNPs). Streptomyces torulosus isolate OSh10 with accession number KX753680.1 was selected as a superior producer for brown natural pigment. By optimization processes, some different pigment colors were observed after growing the tested strain on the 3 media. Dextrose and malt extract enhanced the bacteria to produce a reddish-black color. However, glycerol as the main carbon source and NaNO3 and asparagine as a nitrogen source were noted as the best for the production of brown pigment. In another case, starch as a polysaccharide was the best carbon for the production of deep green pigment. Peptone and NaNO3 are the best nitrogen sources for the production of deep green pigment. Microbial-AgNPs were produced by Fusarium oxysporum with a size of 7-21 nm, and the shape was spherical. These nanoparticles were used to produce pigments-nanocomposite to improve their promising properties. The antimicrobial of nanoparticles and textiles dyeing by nanocomposites was recorded against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The new nanocomposite improved pigments' dyeing action and textile properties. The produced textiles had anticancer activity against skin cancer cells with non-cytotoxicity detectable action against normal skin cells. The obtained results indicate to application of these textiles in hospital patients' clothes.

Hypoxia in uterine fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic opportunities.

Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors in females affecting up to 70% of women world-wide, yet targeted therapeutic options are limited. Oxidative stress has recently surfaced as a key driver of fibroid pathogenesis and provides insights into hypoxia-induced cell transformation, extracellular matrix pathophysiology, hypoxic cell signaling cascades, and uterine biology. Hypoxia drives fibroid tumorigenesis through (1) promoting myometrial stem cell proliferation, (2) causing DNA damage propelling transformation of stem cells to tumor initiating cells, and (3) driving excess extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Common fibroid-associated DNA mutations include MED12 mutations, HMGA2 overexpression, and Fumarate hydratase loss of function. Evidence suggests an interaction between hypoxia signaling and these mutations. Fibroid development and growth are promoted by hypoxia-triggered cell signaling via various pathways including HIF-1, TGFß, and Wnt/ß-catenin. Fibroid-associated hypoxia persists due to antioxidant imbalance, ECM accumulation, and growth beyond adequate vascular supply. Current clinically available fibroid treatments do not take advantage of hypoxia-targeting therapies. Growing pre-clinical and clinical studies identify ROS inhibitors, anti-HIF-1 agents, Wnt/ß-catenin inhibition, and TGFß cascade inhibitors as agents that may reduce fibroid development and growth through targeting hypoxia.

Bundle care approach to reduce device associated infections in post-living-donor-liver transplantation in a tertiary care hospital, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Device-associated infections (DAIs) are a significant cause of morbidity following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We aimed to assess the impact of bundled care on reducing rates of device-associated infections. METHODS: We performed a before-and-after comparative study at a liver transplantation facility over a three-year period, spanning from January 2016 to December 2018. The study included a total of 57 patients who underwent LDLT. We investigated the implementation of a care bundle, which consists of multiple evidence-based procedures that are consistently performed as a unified unit. We divided our study into three phases and implemented a bundled care approach in the second phase. Rates of pneumonia related to ventilators [VAP], bloodstream infections associated with central line [CLABSI], and urinary tract infections associated with catheters [CAUTI] were assessed throughout the study period. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the automated Vitek-2 system. The comparison between different phases was assessed using the chi-square test or the Fisher exact test for qualitative values and the Kruskal-Wallis H test for quantitative values with non-normal distribution. RESULTS: In the baseline phase, the VAP rates were 73.5, the CAUTI rates were 47.2, and the CLABSI rates were 7.4 per one thousand device days (PDD). During the bundle care phase, the rates decreased to 33.3, 18.18, and 4.78. In the follow-up phase, the rates further decreased to 35.7%, 16.8%, and 2.7% PDD. The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumonia (37.5%) and Methicillin resistance Staph aureus (37.5%) in VAP were noted. The primary causative agent of CAUTI was Candida albicans, accounting for 33.3% of cases, whereas Coagulase-negative Staph was the predominant organism responsible for CLABSI, with a prevalence of 40%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of utilizing the care bundle approach to reduce DAI in LDLT, especially in low socioeconomic countries with limited resources. By implementing a comprehensive set of evidence-based interventions, healthcare systems can effectively reduce the burden of DAI, enhance infection prevention strategies and improve patient outcomes in resource-constrained settings.

Assessing thallium phycoremediation by applying Anabaena laxa and Nostoc muscorum and exploring its effect on cellular growth, antioxidant, and metabolic profile.

Thallium (Tl), a key element in high-tech industries, is recognized as a priority pollutant by the US EPA and EC. Tl accumulation threatens aquatic ecosystems. Despite its toxicity, little is known about its impact on cyanobacteria. This study explores the biochemical mechanisms of Tl(I) toxicity in cyanobacteria, focusing on physiology, metabolism, oxidative damage, and antioxidant responses. To this end, Anabaena and Nostoc were exposed to 400 µg/L, and 800 µg/L of Tl(I) over seven days. Anabaena showed superior Tl(I) accumulation with 7.8% removal at 400 µg/L and 9.5% at 800 µg/L, while Nostoc removed 2.2% and 7.4%, respectively. Tl(I) exposure significantly reduced the photosynthesis rate and function, more than in Nostoc. It also altered primary metabolism, increasing sugar levels and led to higher amino and fatty acids levels. While Tl(I) induced cellular damage in both species, Anabaena was less affected. Both species enhanced their antioxidant defense systems, with Anabaena showing a 175.6% increase in SOD levels under a high Tl(I) dose. This suggests that Anabaena's robust biosorption and antioxidant systems could be effective for Tl(I) removal. The study improves our understanding of Tl(I) toxicity, tolerance, and phycoremediation in cyanobacteria, aiding future bioremediation strategies.

This study presents novel insights into thallium (Tl) phycoremediation using Anabaena laxa and Nostoc muscorum, crucial for addressing the increasing contamination concerns stemming from high-tech industries. Elucidating the tolerance mechanisms and physiological responses of these cyanobacterial species to Tl(I) exposure. It highlights the potential of Anabaena laxa as an effective bio-remediator, offering a sustainable solution to mitigate Tl(I) environmental impact.

Methamphetamine detection using portable capillary electrophoresis coupled with a swab-based extraction device.

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most virulent illicit drugs that can be synthesized from household materials leading to its prevalent trafficking and local manufacturing in clandestine drug laboratories (clan labs). The significant problems of tracing MA in clan labs and monitoring drug abusers lie in the lag time between sample collection and analysis and the number of tests done. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a rapid separation technique amenable to miniaturization and field testing. Herein, we developed a simple transient isotachophoretic (tITP)-CE method to detect MA and its precursor pseudoephedrine (PSE) in clan labs and non-invasive biological fluids. The method was implemented on the ETD-100, a commercial fully automated portable CE instrument with an integrated swab-based extraction system. Within 2 min of insertion of the swab, MA and PSE were automatically extracted with a leading electrolyte (LE) and then separated on covalently modified capillaries. The ETD-100 showed a limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of MA 0.02 and 0.05 µg/swab and 0.02 and 0.06 µg/swab of PSE, with an enhancement factor of 118 and 328, respectively, when compared to a normal non-tITP injection. The intra and inter-day relative standard deviation in terms of migration time were in the range of 0.75-1.93 % for both MA and PSE and were 2.0-2.4 % for both MA and PSE peak height. The method was demonstrated with the detection of spiked MA and PSE on different household materials as well as in non-invasive biological fluids with a recovery above 60 %.