Suppression of Root Rot Fungal Diseases in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the Application of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has become a safe replacement for conventional chemical synthesis methods to fight plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against root rot fungi of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), including Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium rolfsii. Among the eleven biosynthesized AgNPs, those synthesized using Alhagi graecorum plant extract displayed the highest efficacy in suppressing those fungi. The findings showed that using AgNPs made with A. graecorum at a concentration of 100 µg/mL greatly slowed down the growth of mycelium for R. solani, P. graminicola, S. rolfsii, and M. phaseolina by 92.60%, 94.44%, 75.93%, and 79.63%, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (75 µg/mL) of AgNPs synthesized by A. graecorum was very effective against all of these fungi, lowering the pre-emergence damping-off, post-emergence damping-off, and disease percent and severity in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, the treatment with AgNPs led to increased root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigor index of bean seedlings compared to the control group. The synthesis of nanoparticles using A. graecorum was confirmed using various physicochemical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Collectively, the findings of this study highlight the potential of AgNPs as an effective and environmentally sustainable approach for controlling root rot fungi in beans.

Predictors of the unfavorable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with alteplase, a multi-center randomized trial.

Worldwide, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in adults. Alteplase is the only approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and results in an improvement in a third of treated patients. We evaluated the post-stroke unfavourable outcome predictors in alteplase-treated patients from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. We assessed the effect of different risk factors on AIS outcomes after alteplase in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Our study included 592 AIS alteplase-treated patients. The relationship between risk factors, clinical presentation, and imaging features was evaluated to predict factors associated with poor outcomes. An mRS score of three or more was used to define poor outcomes. Poor outcome was seen in 136 patients (23%), and Patients with unfavourable effects had significantly higher admission hyperglycaemia, a higher percentage of diabetes mellitus, cardioembolic stroke, and a lower percentage of small vessel stroke. Patients with higher baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.12-1.71; P = 0.003), admission hyperglycaemia (OR 13.12; 95% CI 3.37-51.1; P < 0.001), and post-alteplase intracerebral haemorrhage (OR 7.41; 95% CI 1.69-32.43; P = 0.008) independently predicted unfavourable outcomes at three months. In AIS patients treated with alteplase, similar to reports from other regions, in patients from Egypt and Saudi Arabia also reveal that higher NIHSS, higher serum blood sugar, and post-alteplase intracerebral haemorrhage were the predictors of unfavourable outcomes three months after ischemic stroke.Trial registration: (clinicaltrials.gov NCT06058884), retrospectively registered on 28/09/2023.

Evaluation of Alternative Treatment Strategies for Bile Acid Malabsorption in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) is characterized by chronic watery diarrhea resulting from excessive bile acids in the feces. BAM is often an overlooked cause of chronic diarrhea, with its prevalence not being sufficiently researched. This review aimed to assess existing literature that explores diverse treatment strategies, to review the published studies that examine the various therapies for BAM patients, emphasizing their influence on clinical results. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and EMBASE. Our criteria for inclusion focused on randomized controlled studies (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of different treatment options for patients with BAM. To rank the treatments, we adopted the frequentist approach through the "netrank" function of the network meta-analysis (NMA). Moreover, we utilized the "netsplit" function in the NMA to separate direct and indirect evidence. Our analysis was carried out using RStudio version 1.4.1717 (2009 - 2021 RStudio, Inc.), and we used the "netmeta" and "meta" packages for NMA. Results: We found seven relevant articles involving 213 participants, the average age being approximately 50 years, including 53 males and 92 females. Of the drugs examined, tropifexor was proved to be the most effective in raising the fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) levels and reducing the 7 alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) levels, compared to the placebo (mean difference (MD) = 335.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) (334.86, 335.74), MD = -24.60, 95% CI (-25.37, -23.83); respectively). Compared to colesevelam and the placebo, liraglutide was more efficient in decreasing fecal bile acid concentration (liraglutide; MD = -19, 95% CI (-37.61, -0.39)). Conclusions: Tropifexor has been identified as the most successful medication in mitigating BAM symptoms. To ensure more accurate results, there is a need for randomized controlled clinical trials that involve a larger participant pool.

Transvenous Compared With Leadless Pacemakers: A meta-analysis comparing TP versus LP.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of leadless pacemakers (LPs) and transvenous pacemakers and to examine the safety of both methods. We included patients undergoing single-chamber pacemaker implantation, either LP or TVP. Our outcomes were successful implantation rate, major complication, vascular injury, tamponade, and pneumothorax. We performed a double-arm analysis comparing LP versus TVP, with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval. A total of 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Regarding efficacy endpoints, RR revealed no significant difference between the LP and transvenous pacemaker groups in terms of successful rate of implantation (RR = 1.00; P = 0.77). Regarding safety outcomes, LP experienced lower incidence of major complications (RR = 0.47; P = 0.01), infection (RR = 0.24; P = 0.001), and tamponade (RR = 0.36; P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding pneumothorax (RR = 0.35; P = 0.22) and vascular injury (RR = 1.55; P = 0.25). The study findings suggest that both LPs and TVPs have similar effectiveness. Moreover, the incidences of pneumothorax, vascular injuries, and major complications were found to be comparable between the 2 methods. However, LPs were found to have lower rates of infection and tamponade.

The membrane-associated ubiquitin ligase MARCHF8 stabilizes the human papillomavirus oncoprotein E7 by degrading CUL1 and UBE2L3 in head and neck cancer.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein E7 is a relatively short-lived protein required for HPV-driven cancer development and maintenance. E7 is degraded through ubiquitination mediated by cullin 1 (CUL1) and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3). However, E7 proteins are maintained at high levels in most HPV-positive cancer cells. A previous proteomics study has shown that UBE2L3 and CUL1 protein levels are increased by the knockdown of the E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated ring-CH-type finger 8 (MARCHF8). We have recently demonstrated that HPV16 upregulates MARCHF8 expression in HPV-positive keratinocytes and head and neck cancer (HPV+ HNC) cells. Here, we report that MARCHF8 stabilizes the HPV16 E7 protein by degrading the components of the S-phase kinase-associated protein 1-CUL1-F-box ubiquitin ligase complex in HPV+ HNC cells. We found that MARCHF8 knockdown in HPV+ HNC cells drastically decreases the HPV16 E7 protein level while increasing the CUL1 and UBE2L3 protein levels. We further revealed that the MARCHF8 protein binds to and ubiquitinates CUL1 and UBE2L3 proteins and that MARCHF8 knockdown enhances the ubiquitination of the HPV16 E7 protein. Conversely, the overexpression of CUL1 and UBE2L3 in HPV+ HNC cells decreases HPV16 E7 protein levels and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Our findings suggest that HPV-induced MARCHF8 prevents the degradation of the HPV16 E7 protein in HPV+ HNC cells by ubiquitinating and degrading CUL1 and UBE2L3 proteins.IMPORTANCESince human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein E7 is essential for virus replication; HPV has to maintain high levels of E7 expression in HPV-infected cells. However, HPV E7 can be efficiently ubiquitinated by a ubiquitin ligase and degraded by proteasomes in the host cell. Mechanistically, the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex cullin 1 (CUL1) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3) components play an essential role in E7 ubiquitination and degradation. Here, we show that the membrane ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated ring-CH-type finger 8 (MARCHF8) induced by HPV16 E6 stabilizes the E7 protein by degrading CUL1 and UBE2L3 and blocking E7 degradation through proteasomes. MARCHF8 knockout restores CUL1 and UBE2L3 expression, decreasing E7 protein levels and inhibiting the proliferation of HPV-positive cancer cells. Additionally, overexpression of CUL1 or UBE2L3 decreases E7 protein levels and suppresses in vivo tumor growth. Our results suggest that HPV16 maintains high E7 protein levels in the host cell by inducing MARCHF8, which may be critical for cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.

Radiometric characteristics of some metallic ores and nonmetallic deposits: an example, Wadi Al-Allaqi, South Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Hydrothermal alteration processes are connected to many mineral formations, particularly auriferous deposits. In this study, airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) data and the analysis of radioactive materials (eU, eTh, and K) are applied to search for regions with hydrothermal alteration activity. An example is presented from Wadi Al-Allaqi, South Eastern Desert, Egypt. GRS was used to analyse various radiometric data to address potential mineral deposit areas, to map regions potentially showing metallic ore mineralisation, and to point out new geological mineral resources. The Kd (potassium deviation), "F" parameter and Th-normalisation of the K and eU anomalies were calculated, and locating new exploratory targets in the study area that exhibit high F-parameter, Kd, and K/eTh values was recommended. Additionally, the research region has a few isolated enriched spots of (K). Therefore, GRS data was used to characterise and estimate potential metallic ores, nonmetallic deposits, and gold ore zones associated with the alteration zones. Results show that most of the known mineral deposits and gold occurrences in the area, according to the metallogenic map of Egypt, are located in zones with a ratio value of (0.25-0.30) (K%/(U or Th ppm)) maps which may suggest a moderate degree of alteration. Also, most mineral deposits and gold occurrences are found in intermediate altered zones, or K-enriched sites, with a Kd% of (0.2. The work represents an attempt to map hydrothermal alteration zones associated with mineral deposits in the Wadi Al-Allaqi area. Generally, natural radiation characteristics and attributes suggest criteria that can be used globally for regional mineral exploration.

Natural killer cell-mediated immune surveillance in cancer: Role of tumor microenvironment.

In the immunological surveillance against cancer, natural killer (NK) cells are essential effectors that help eradicate altered cells. The complex interactions that occur between NK cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are thoroughly examined in this review. The review examines how cytokine stimulation affects NK cell activation, focusing on the dynamic modulation of NK cell function within the TME. It looks at NK cell-related biomarkers such as PD-1/PD-L1, methylation HOXA9 (Homeobox A9), Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA), and NKG2A/HLA-E, providing critical information about prognosis and treatment outcomes. The changing landscape of immunotherapies-including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-NK cells, and cytokine-based interventions-is examined in the context of enhancing NK cell activity. The review highlights the potential pathways for precision medicine going forward, focusing on customized immunotherapies based on unique biomarker profiles and investigating combination medicines to produce more robust anti-tumor responses.

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Spasticity and Walking Performance among Individuals with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke and its associated complications are a major cause of long-term disability worldwide, with spasticity being a common and severe issue. Physical therapy, involving stretching exercises and electrical stimulation, is crucial for managing spasticity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with a conventional rehabilitation program (CRP) on plantarflexor muscle spasticity and walking performance among individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS: A pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) with two groups (active NMES and placebo) was conducted at the physical therapy departments of King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraydah, and Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (November 2020). The assessor and participants were blinded for the group assignment. The active NMES group received exercise and stimulation at the dorsiflexor muscles on the paretic leg for 30 min for 12 sessions. The placebo group received exercise and sham stimulation at the same position and duration as the active group. Of interest were the outcomes for plantarflexor muscle spasticity measured by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), gait speed measured by 10 m walk test (10-MWT), and functional mobility measured by functional ambulatory category (FAC). RESULTS: Nineteen participants were randomized into active NMES (n = 10) and sham NMES (n = 9) groups, with no significant baseline differences. Within the active NMES group, significant improvements were observed in MAS (p = 0.008), 10-MWT (p = 0.028), and FAC (p = 0.046), while only 10-MWT time improved significantly in the sham NMES group (p = 0.011). Between-group analysis showed that only MAS was significantly lower in the active NMES group (p = 0.006). Percent change analysis indicated a significantly higher increase in percent change for MAS in the active NMES group compared to the sham NMES group (p = 0.035), with no significant differences in other outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that NMES in the active group led to significant improvements in spasticity, walking performance, and functional ambulation. Further research is needed to determine the ideal parameters, protocols, and patient selection criteria for NMES interventions in stroke rehabilitation.

The membrane-associated ubiquitin ligase MARCHF8 stabilizes the human papillomavirus oncoprotein E7 by degrading CUL1 and UBE2L3 in head and neck cancer.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein E7 is a relatively short-lived protein required for HPV-driven cancer development and maintenance. E7 is degraded through ubiquitination mediated by cullin 1 (CUL1) and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3). However, E7 proteins are maintained at high levels in most HPV-positive cancer cells. A previous proteomics study has shown that UBE2L3 and CUL1 protein levels are increased by the knockdown of the E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated ring-CH-type finger 8 (MARCHF8). We have recently demonstrated that HPV upregulates MARCHF8 expression in HPV-positive keratinocytes and head and neck cancer (HPV+ HNC) cells. Here, we report that MARCHF8 stabilizes the E7 protein by degrading the components of the SKP1-CUL1-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex in HPV+ HNC cells. We found that MARCHF8 knockdown in HPV+ HNC cells drastically decreases the E7 protein level while increasing the CUL1 and UBE2L3 protein levels. We further revealed that the MARCHF8 protein binds to and ubiquitinates CUL1 and UBE2L3 proteins and that MARCHF8 knockdown enhances the ubiquitination of the E7 protein. Conversely, the overexpression of CUL1 and UBE2L3 in HPV+ HNC cells decreases E7 protein levels and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Our findings suggest that HPV-induced MARCHF8 prevents the degradation of the E7 protein in HPV+ HNC cells by ubiquitinating and degrading CUL1 and UBE2L3 proteins.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Objective: An intense desire to avoid contamination is one of the most common symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In March 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak was classified as a pandemic, authorities announced measures to control its spread, including hand washing, quarantine, social distancing and lockdowns. The disease spreads rapidly and has potentially serious complications, and adherence to the recommendations was strongly encouraged. These measures, both by their direct effect and as a consequence of their impact on care provision may trigger complications in patients with OCD. Method: An online survey was completed by 102 patients with a confirmed OCD diagnosis. The survey collected demographic data, medical and psychiatric history, and asked COVID-19 related questions, OCD-related questions, and included the Self-reported Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Checklist (Y-BOCS-II). Results: The results reveal that new OCD patterns started during the COVID-19 pandemic, including pathological doubt/checking (2.0%), a need for symmetry, order or precision (2.9%), religious pattern (2.9%), somatic/health pattern (4.9%), and a contamination/washing pattern (5.9%), which was the most reported among all patterns. The results also show an increase in overall severity of OCD (36.3%), and (27.5%) of participants also reported an increase in the overall severity of anxiety. Conclusions: The questionnaire completed by patients previously diagnosed with OCD revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic there was an increase in the severity of symptoms, with the greatest effect being in individuals with contamination/ washing patterns.

In-Ovo injection of melittin into Alexandria chicken eggs: a way for early immune acceleration.

This study intended to assess the properties of in-ovo administration of Melittin (MLT) on hatchability, chick yield, hematology, immunological indices and relative organs weight of Alexandria chickens at hatch. A total of 600 eggs with an average weight of (45.12 g), were gathered and split into five groups: a non-injected group or negative control (NC), a saline injection group or positive control (PC), and three concentrations of MLT (5, 10 and 15 µg of MLT per egg, respectively). On day 18 of incubation, eggs from the injection groups were injected into the amniotic fluid from the large end with the in-ovo injection solutions (0.2 ml per egg). Results indicated that 10 µg MLT/egg positively affected the weight and yield of chicks. In addition, our findings indicated that the in-ovo administration with 10 or 15 µg MLT/egg was superior in most of the immunological indicators (spleen and bursa relative weights, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, T cells and B cells). In conclusion, in order to improve the immune efficiency (early immune acceleration) of Alexandria chicks, which may contribute to offering a significant boost to their future performance, this study suggests injecting eggs with 5 or 10 µg MLT/egg.

A novel Corchorus olitorius-derived biochar/Bi12O17Cl2 photocatalyst for decontamination of antibiotic wastewater containing tetracycline under natural visible light.

Herein, a novel composite of Corchorus olitorius-derived biochar and Bi12O17Cl2 was fabricated and utilized for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) in a solar photo-oxidation reactor. The morphology, chemical composition, and interaction between the composite components were studied using various analyses. The biochar showed a TC removal of 52.7% and COD mineralization of 59.6% using 150 mg/L of the biochar at a pH of 4.7 ± 0.5, initial TC concentration of 163 mg/L, and initial COD of 1244 mg/L. The degradation efficiency of TC increased to 63% and the mineralization ratio to 64.7% using 150 mg/L of bare Bi12O17Cl2 at a pH of 4.7 ± 0.5, initial TC concentration of 178 mg/L, and COD of 1034 mg/L. In the case of biochar/Bi12O17Cl2 composite, the degradation efficiency of TC and COD mineralization ratio improved to 85.8% and 77.7% due to the potential of biochar to accept electrons which retarded the recombination of electrons and holes. The synthesized composite exhibited high stability over four succeeding cycles. According to the generated intermediates, TC could be degraded to caprylic acid and pentanedioic acid via the frequent attack by the reactive species. The prepared composite is a promising photocatalyst and can be applied in large-scale systems due to its high degradation and mineralization performance in a short time besides its low cost and stability.

Comparative biological activity of abamectin formulations on root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) infecting cucumber plants: in vivo and in vitro.

The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are considered one of the most destructive diseases in the world. In Egypt, farmers primarily rely on chemical nematicides, which have become costly to control. Currently, abamectin is a bio-based pesticide used as an alternative tool against Meloidogyne spp. on cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.). During the current research, four tested abamectin formulations were DIVA (1.8% EW), RIOMECTIN (5% ME), AGRIMEC GOLD (8.4% SC) and ZORO (3.6% EC) compared with two reference nematicides namely, CROP NEMA (5% CS) and TERVIGO (2% SC). The main results showed that, in vitro study elucidated that the most effective formulations of abamectin as a larvicidal were EW with LC50 value of 21.66 µg ml-1. However, in the egg hatching test, the formulations of abamectin SC (2%) and EW were the most effective in reducing egg hatching, with LC50 values of 12.83 and 13.57 µg ml-1. The calculated relative potency values showed diversity depending on the two referenced nematicides. On the other hand, in vivo study, the results indicated that, all tested formulations of abamectin recorded general mean reductions in root galls (23.05-75.23%), egg masses (14.46-65.63%). Moreover, the total population density declined by 39.24-87.08%. Furthermore, the influence of abamectin formulations, in the presence of root-knot nematodes, on the growth of cucumber plants parameters, such as root dry weight, root length, root radius, root surface area, shoot dry weight and shoot height, as well as the content of macro-elements (N, P and K) exhibited varying levels of response.

Updating the seismotectonic setting for the Gulf of Aqaba.

The Gulf of Aqaba is known for its high seismic activity in Egypt and the Middle East. An inversion technique was applied to 113 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 to 7.2 to distinct subsets of data based on tectonic regionalization to define the stress regime in the Gulf of Aqaba involving the Eilat basin, Aragonese basin, and Dakar basin. The stress inversion revealed two active stress patterns; an active strike-slip in the Eilat basin and a dominant extensional regime in the Dakar basin, whereas both strike-slip and extensional regimes coexist in the Aragonese basin. The stress pattern in the Eilat basin is consistent with the movement along the Dead Sea Transform Fault. In contrast, the extensional regime in the Dakar basin aligns with the extensional stress field throughout the northern Red Sea. The coexistence of two dominant types of stress regimes in the Aragonese basin is likely a result of the superposition of the two main neighbouring stress regimes: the strike-slip regime along the Gulf of Aqaba Dead Sea Transform Fault and the extensional stress state across the northern Red Sea. The orientations of the minimum principal stress in the three basins are almost similar, indicating ENE trending, nearly horizontal extension.

Migraine in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: The hidden pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of comorbid migraine in patients with bipolar disorder and those with schizophrenia and also examined the association between migraine comorbidity and disease characteristics in both disorders. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 150 patients with bipolar disorder and 150 with schizophrenia were evaluated for migraine diagnosis using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (3rd ed). Patients were selected from psychiatry outpatient clinics at Kasr Al Ainy hospitals, Cairo University.  The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were administered to the bipolar group, whereas the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was administered to the schizophrenia group. Both groups were evaluated by the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale. RESULTS: The diagnosis of migraine was made in 34 (22.7%) of the bipolar group and 24 (16.0%) of the schizophrenia group. Patients with schizophrenia showed a significantly higher frequency and intensity of migraine attacks on the Migraine Disability Assessment scale than did the bipolar group (p < 0.001). In the bipolar group, there was no significant difference between patients with and without migraine on the YMRS, HDRS, and CGI. Among patients with schizophrenia, the duration of the migraine attacks was positively correlated with CGI scores (r = 0.40, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Migraine was found to be a significant comorbidity in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks were higher in the schizophrenia than in the bipolar group.

Neurosurgery for intractable epilepsy in pregnancy: A case report.

We describe the management of a 39-year-old woman with intractable focal epilepsy whose condition deteriorated during pregnancy and who required emergency neurosurgery. A literature search did not identify any previous reports of epilepsy surgery in pregnancy. To our knowledge, this is the first time surgery was planned and executed in rapid order with a successful outcome, without obstetrical or surgical complications and seizure freedom achieved. The value of rapid communication between established women's health advanced nurse practitioner clinics, the multidisciplinary Epilepsy Surgery Group and specialist Obstetrical Epilepsy service is highlighted. A care cycle for pregnant women with refractory epilepsy is proposed.

Implication of nanotechnology to reduce the environmental risks of waste associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest global public health outbreak in the 21st century so far. It has contributed to a significant increase in the generation of waste, particularly personal protective equipment and hazardous medical, as it can contribute to environmental pollution and expose individuals to various hazards. To minimize the risk of infection, the entire surrounding environment should be disinfected or neutralized regularly. Effective medical waste management can add value by reducing the spread of COVID-19 and increasing the recyclability of materials instead of sending them to landfill. Developing an antiviral coating for the surface of objects frequently used by the public could be a practical solution to prevent the spread of virus particles and the inactivation of virus transmission. Relying on an abundance of engineered materials identifiable by their useful physicochemical properties through versatile chemical functionalization, nanotechnology offers a number of approaches to address this emergency. Here, through a multidisciplinary perspective encompassing various fields such as virology, biology, medicine, engineering, chemistry, materials science, and computer science, we describe how nanotechnology-based strategies can support the fight against COVID-19 well as infectious diseases in general, including future pandemics. In this review, the design of the antiviral coating to combat the spread of COVID-19 was discussed, and technological attempts to minimize the coronavirus outbreak were highlighted.

Comparative Study of DNA ploidy and BRAF Immunohistochemistry between Colonic Adenocarcinoma and Inflammatory Colonic Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction (SPF) in non-Lynch colonic adenocarcinoma, ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn disease (CD) which are known as risk factors, and colitis. We correlated ploidy and SPF with tumor grading, staging and BRAF expression. METHODS: All studied adenocarcinomas have intact mismatch repair genes as proved by immunohistochemistry. All were assessed for ploidy by automated image-based DNA cytometry and histograms were drawn. Immunostaining by anti-BRAF V600E was performed. Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) was done as a preliminary step for staging GI cancers. RESULTS: there is significant difference in DNA ploidy between groups; 77.5% and 17.5% of aneuploid cases are adenocarcinoma and UC. Groups are compared in terms of 2C, 4C, above 4C DNA content and SPF and significant difference is principally found between adenocarcinoma group and others. In adenocarcinomas, DNA ploidy is significantly correlated with tumor staging and grading. Regarding BRAF expression, there is significant difference between groups; all adenocarcinomas, 83.33% of UC were positive, while all cases of colitis, bilharzial colitis, CD were negative. There is significant relation between BRAF and SPF among all diploid cases including adenocarcinoma, and among non-neoplastic diploid cases. There is direct significant relation between BRAF intensity and adenocarcinoma staging. There is no significant difference between BRAF and ploidy among UC cases, although 75% of aneuploid UC are positive. DL helps in GI cancer staging. Routine laparoscopy before laparotomy, especially in cancers which have equivocal operability helps to avoid unnecessary laparotomies. CONCLUSION: Based on significant difference in ploidy between adenocarcinoma and UC and between SPF and ploidy, assessment of ploidy by DNA cytometry for UC and other colitis could therefore predict impending malignant transformation before development of colonic dysplasia. Also measuring SPF in adenocarcinoma helps to select patients who could greatly benefit from chemotherapy. DL has vital role in staging GI cancers.

Optimum heparin dose in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) was introduced many years ago aiming to reduce the known complications of conventional on-pump coronary surgeries. Heparin is required during the procedures, but the available protocols have diverse dosage regimens. The primary objective of this systematic review is to examine the effect of different heparin doses on the outcomes of OPCABG. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Four reviewers identified eligible clinical trials. Two reviewers extracted data and independently assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane tool. The primary outcome was the activated clotting time (ACT) at three minutes. The secondary outcomes were proportion of patients requiring blood products and the length of hospital stay. An aggregate data approach was used. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Three single-center randomized studies recruiting 256 patients were included. The studies compared low-dose (1.5-2 mg/kg) and high-dose (3 mg/kg) heparin boluses. The overall mean difference for ACT after three minutes between low- and high-dose heparin is - 126.16 (95% CI: - 142.19, - 110.14). The proportion of patients requiring blood products after surgery [odd ratio 1.27 (95% CI: 0.69, 2.32)] or the overall length of stay [mean difference -0.15 (95% CI: -0.84, 0.53)] did not differ between the heparin doses. CONCLUSIONS: In OPCABG, high-dose compared with low-dose heparin did not affect the utilization of more blood products or increased the overall length of stay. Unsurprisingly, ACT values were higher in the high-dose heparin group. Larger and adequately powered randomized clinical trials are indicated to resolve the uncertainty.

HPV upregulates MARCHF8 ubiquitin ligase and inhibits apoptosis by degrading the death receptors in head and neck cancer.

The membrane-associated RING-CH-type finger ubiquitin ligase MARCHF8 is a human homolog of the viral ubiquitin ligases Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus K3 and K5 that promote host immune evasion. Previous studies have shown that MARCHF8 ubiquitinates several immune receptors, such as the major histocompatibility complex II and CD86. While human papillomavirus (HPV) does not encode any ubiquitin ligase, the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 are known to regulate host ubiquitin ligases. Here, we report that MARCHF8 expression is upregulated in HPV-positive head and neck cancer (HNC) patients but not in HPV-negative HNC patients compared to normal individuals. The MARCHF8 promoter is highly activated by HPV oncoprotein E6-induced MYC/MAX transcriptional activation. The knockdown of MARCHF8 expression in human HPV-positive HNC cells restores cell surface expression of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) death receptors, FAS, TRAIL-R1, and TRAIL-R2, and enhances apoptosis. MARCHF8 protein directly interacts with and ubiquitinates the TNFRSF death receptors. Further, MARCHF8 knockout in mouse oral cancer cells expressing HPV16 E6 and E7 augments cancer cell apoptosis and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Our findings suggest that HPV inhibits host cell apoptosis by upregulating MARCHF8 and degrading TNFRSF death receptors in HPV-positive HNC cells.