Unlocking the potential of organoids in cancer treatment and translational research: An application of cytologic techniques.

Patient-derived organoid models hold promise for advancing clinical cancer research, including diagnosis and personalized and precision medicine approaches, and cytology, in particular, plays a pivotal role in this process. These three-dimensional multicellular structures are heterogeneous, potentially maintain the cancer phenotype, and conserve the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic patterns of the parental tumors. To ensure that only tumor tissue is used for organoid development, cytologic validation is necessary before initiating the process of organoid generation. Here, we explore the technology of tumor organoids and discuss the fundamental application of cytology as a simple and cost-effective approach toward organoid development. We also underscore the potential application of organoid development in drug efficacy studies for lung cancer and head and neck tumors. Additionally, we stress the importance of using fine-needle aspiration to generate tumoroids.

Potential Use of Acrocomia aculeata Pulp Oil in the Modulation of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Especially in Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The fruit oil from Acrocomia aculeata (Macauba or Bocaiuva) is highly rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, emerging as a natural source of high potential for the modulation of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), like diabetes. Its effects on chronic NCDs are poorly studied yet. Our review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic results of pharmaceutical preparations containing Acrocomia aculeata pulp oil that are used for chronic NCDs. METHOD: A search was performed using PICO acronyms in English, Portuguese, and Spanish languages in the MEDLINE®, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACs, and CENTRAL Cochrane Library databases. The degree of agreement for selection and eligibility was significant (Kappa= 0.992; 95% CI: 0.988-0.996). The difference between the intervention and control groups for blood glucose reduction was 63.5 ± 69.5 mg/dL (p<0.0001). RESULT: Overall, an improvement percentage of 55.1 ± 0.1 was observed for the variables associated with chronic NCDs, which represented 89.96% of the relative risk reduction (efficacy). CONCLUSION: The Acrocomia aculeate pulp oil exhibited promising results in experimental studies for glycemic control and reduction of a specific tumor, indicating a good potential to be explored for chronic NCDs treatment.

Suppression of VEGF and inflammatory cytokines, modulation of Annexin A1 and organ functions by galloylquinic acids in breast cancer model.

The ongoing development of novel drugs for breast cancer aims to improve therapeutic outcomes, reduce toxicities, and mitigate resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Doxorubicin (Dox) is known for its significant side effects caused by non-specific cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of galloylquinic acids (BF) and the beneficial role of their combination with Dox in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mouse model, as well as their cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. The EAC-mice were randomized into five experimental groups: normal saline, Dox (2 mg/kg, i.p), BF (150 mg/kg, orally), Dox and BF combined mixture, and a control group. Mice were subjected to a 14-day treatment regimen. Results showed that BF compounds exerted chemopreventive effects in EAC mice group by increasing mean survival time, decreasing tumor volume, inhibiting ascites tumor cell count, modulating body weight changes, and preventing multi-organ histopathological alterations. BF suppressed the increased levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and TNF-α) and the angiogenic marker VEGF in the ascitic fluid. In addition, BF and their combination with Dox exhibited significant cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells by inhibiting cell viability and modulating Annexin A1 level. Moreover, BF treatments could revert oxidative stress, restore liver and kidney functions, and normalize blood cell counts.

Fourteen immunomodulatory alkaloids and two prenylated phenylpropanoids with dual therapeutic approach for COVID-19: molecular docking and dynamics studies.

The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health burden. To date, there is no highly effective antiviral therapy to eradicate the virus; as a result, researchers are racing to introduce new potential therapeutic agents. Alternatively, traditional immunity boosters and symptomatic treatment based on natural bioactive compounds are also an option. The 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) crystal structure, the main proteolytic enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, has been unraveled, allowing the development of effective protease inhibitors via in silico and biological studies. In COVID-19 infected patients, the loss of lung function, and mortality are reported to be linked to several inflammatory mediators and cytokines. In this context, the approach of introducing immunomodulatory agents may be considered a dual lifesaving strategy in combination with antiviral drugs. This study aims to provide immunomodulatory natural products exhibiting potential protease inhibitory activities. Selected groups of alkaloids of different classes and two prenylated phenylpropanoids from the Brazilian green propolis were in silico screened for their ability to inhibit COVID-19 3CLpro protease. Results showed that compounds exhibited binding energy scores with values ranging from -6.96 to -3.70 compared to the reference synthetic protease inhibitor O6K with a binding energy score of -7.57. O6K binding energy was found comparable with lead phytochemicals in our study, while their toxicity and drug-likeness criteria are better than that of O6K. The activities of these molecules are mainly ascribed to their ability to form hydrogen bonding with 3CLpro crucial amino acid residues of the catalytic site. In addition, the molecular dynamics simulations further showed that some of these compounds formed stable complexes as evidenced by the occupancy fraction measurements. The study suggested that the major immunomodulators 3ß, 20α-diacetamido-5α-pregnane, (20S)-(benzamido)-3ß-(N,N-dimethyamino)-pregnane, and baccharin are 3CLpro inhibitors. Biological screenings of these phytochemicals will be valuable to experimentally validate and consolidate the results of this study before a rigid conclusion is reached, which may pave the way for the development of efficient modulatory bioactive compounds with dual bioactions in COVID-19 intervention.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Novel Preclinical Study of Galloylquinic Acid Compounds from Copaifera lucens with Potent Antifungal Activity against Vaginal Candidiasis Induced in a Murine Model via Multitarget Modes of Action.

Vaginal candidiasis is a medical condition characterized by the overgrowth of Candida spp. in the vaginal cavity with complex recurrent pathogenicity as well as tolerance to antifungal therapy and hence is awaiting more safe and effective treatments. This work aimed to assess the potential antifungal activity of galloylquinic acid compounds (GQAs) from Copaifera lucens leaves against vaginal Candida albicans. The antifungal susceptibility test was performed against 20 isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) C. albicans using agar diffusion and broth microdilution assays. The results showed that GQAs exhibited strong antagonistic activity against the test isolates, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 26 to 38 mm and low MICs (1 to 16 µg/mL) as well as minimum fungicidal concentrations (2 to 32 µg/mL). The MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay confirmed the safety of GQAs against the Vero cell line, showing a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 168.17 mg/mL. A marked difference in the growth pattern of the treated and untreated pathogens was also observed, where a concentration-dependent reduction in the growth rate occurred. Moreover, a pronounced fungicidal effect was demonstrated 6 h after treatment with 1× the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), as evidenced by time-kill assays, where the number of survivors was decreased a 6-fold. GQAs effectively inhibited and eradicated about 80% of C. albicans biofilm at 6 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, GQAs disturbed the fungal membrane integrity, induced cell lysis, and reduced the virulence factors (proteinase and phospholipase) as well as the catalase activity. Moreover, the ergosterol content in the plasma membrane decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the altered mitochondrial membrane potential was associated with an increased release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol, suggesting the initiation of early apoptosis in GQA-treated cells. Transcriptional analysis revealed that all test genes encoding virulence traits, including SAP1, PLB1, LIP1, HWP1, and ALS1, were markedly downregulated in GQA-treated cells compared to the control. The in vivo murine model of vaginal candidiasis further confirmed the therapeutic activity of GQAs (4 mg/kg of body weight) against C. albicans. This work comprehensively evaluated the antifungal, antivirulence, and antibiofilm activities of GQAs against C. albicans isolates using in vitro and in vivo models, providing molecular-level insights into the antifungal mechanism of action and experimental evidence that supports the potential use of GQAs for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Our work presents a new perspective on the potential use of GQAs as safe and highly effective phytochemicals against MDR C. albicans. This microorganism colonizes the human vaginal epithelium, causing vaginal candidiasis, a condition characterized by recurrent pathogenicity and tolerance to traditional antifungal therapy. Based on the results of in vitro tests, our study reports GQAs antifungal modes of action. These compounds exhibited an anticandidal effect by deactivating the fungal hydrolytic enzymes, reducing ergosterol content in the plasma membrane, altering the potential of the mitochondrial membrane, and inducing apoptosis. Additionally, GQAs showed high activity in eradicating the biofilm formed by the fungus via the downregulation of HWP1, ALS, SAP, PLB, and LIP genes, which are constitutively expressed in the biofilm. In an in vivo murine model of vaginal candidiasis, GQAs further demonstrated strong evidence of their effectiveness as an antifungal therapy. In this regard, our findings provide novel insights into the potential therapeutic use of these phytoactive molecules for vaginal candidiasis treatment.

Insights on recent innovations in bladder cancer immunotherapy.

Bladder carcinoma is the most common genitourinary cancer, with a high prevalence and global incidence. In addition to early detection by cytology, the management of bladder cancer has recently advanced, not only by improvements in conventional treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy, but also through the introduction of immunotherapeutic strategies. The number of approved immunotherapeutic agents has dramatically increased, with various preclinical and clinical applications in cancer drug discovery. Some bladder cancer immunotherapies include immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, cytokine-based therapy, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. This review provides an overview of some of the innovative immunotherapeutic agents approved and in development that can potentially be used in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Novel antitumor activity of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acid compounds with doxorubicin in solid Ehrlich carcinoma model via the Notch signaling pathway modulation.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the potential synergistic effect of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acid compounds from Copaifera lucens with doxorubicin via the modulation of the Notch pathway in solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice model. MAIN METHODS: The solid tumor model was induced by subcutaneous inoculation of Ehrlich carcinoma cells in the right hind limb of mice, after serial syngeneic cell passages in the peritoneal cavity. Sixty mice were allocated into five groups including treated groups with galloylquinic acid compounds, doxorubicin, and their combination. Normal and tumor control groups were also assigned. Tissue homogenates were collected to measure the levels of the Notch-1, Hes-1, Jagged-1, TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF, as well as SOD, MDA, and GSH. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of tumor or control tissues were also performed for the levels of NF-κB p65, cyclin D1 and caspase 3 activity. KEY FINDINGS: Our results showed that the combined treatment of galloylquinic acid compounds with doxorubicin significantly decreased the levels of the Notch-1, Hes-1, Jagged-1, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF, NF-κB p65, and cyclin D1 in tumor tissues. Moreover, the compounds induced cancer cell death as evidence by increasing the caspase 3 activity, and they possessed potent inhibitory effects on oxidative stress. SIGNIFICANCE: Galloylquinic acid compounds exhibited promising antineoplastic effects and promoted the chemosensitivity of doxorubicin, mainly by modulating the Notch signaling pathway and its downstream effectors. These compounds may be considered in solid tumors treatment for improving the efficacy and reducing the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents.

Right Ventricular Growth and Function After Balloon Valvuloplasty for Critical Pulmonary Valve Stenosis in Infants and Neonates.

Little data are published about right ventricular (RV) growth and function in infants and neonates after balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) for critical valvular pulmonary stenosis (PS). We aimed to assess the RV growth and function during 1 year after BPV for critical valvular PS in neonates and infants. A total of 41 infants and neonates with isolated critical valvular PS who underwent BPV from August 2016 to Sep 2018 were enrolled in the study. Complete Echocardiographic examination was performed to all infants before, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after BPV. The RV systolic pressure and transvalvular pulmonary pressure gradient significantly decreased 1 week after BPV and continue to decrease more slowly during the period of follow-up. During follow-up, RV end-diastolic dimension increased significantly, whereas RV anterior wall thickness significantly decreased. The mean diameters of pulmonary valve annulus and tricuspid valve annulus significantly increased after BPV over the period of follow-up. RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction improved significantly as reported by reduced RV Tei index and tricuspid annular systolic velocity and increased RV E/A ratio. RV growth and function were significantly improved after BPV for critical PS in infants and neonates and catch-up growth of right ventricular structures occurred after 6 months of BPV.

Synthesis and evaluation of eco-friendly carboxymethyl cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol/CuO bionanocomposites and their use in coating processed cheese.

In the present study, we formulated and characterized CMC/PVA/CuO bionanocomposites to evaluate their use in coating processed cheese. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were prepared and added to a mixed solution of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using compositions of 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9% (w/v). The CMC/PVA/CuO bionanocomposites were prepared by a solution casting method and used for coating processed cheese. The fabricated bionanocomposite films and CuO-NPs were characterized by TEM, SEM, EDEX, XRD, DLS, and FT-IR analysis. Inclusion of CuO-NPs decreased the gas transmission rate (GTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the prepared film. Also, the bionanocomposite suspensions exhibited high but variable inhibitory effects against several pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The impact of coating of processed cheese surfaces with the prepared bionanocomposite films on microbiological, physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of the processed cheese were assessed during 6 months of cold storage. Coating cheese with film containing CuO-NPs eliminated mould growth on the cheese surface and decreased significantly (P < 0.05) the total bacterial count of the cheese. Furthermore, coating of cheese decreased the moisture losses and retarded the increase in the cheese hardness during storage. The highest acceptability at the end of the storage period was given for processed cheese coated with the bionanocomposite containing 0.9% CuO-NPs. Thus, the obtained CMC/PVA/CuO bionanocomposite films could be a promising candidate for cheese packaging applications.

Preparation and potential applications of casein-polysaccharide conjugates: a review.

Glycation of casein and caseinates with polysaccharides via Maillard reaction is a simple and environmentally safe way to prepare new food ingredients of improved functional properties. Sodium caseinate has been used mainly to prepare conjugates with several polysaccharides particularly maltodextrins and dextrans. The functional properties of these conjugates are influenced by the used polysaccharides and heating conditions. Under optimal heating conditions substantial improvements have been evident in their emulsification and foam properties of these conjugates. Casein-polysaccharide conjugates have several potential applications in food processing and microencapsulation. This article gives an overview on their formation and potential uses. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diagnostic significance of miR-21, miR-141, miR-18a and miR-221 as novel biomarkers in prostate cancer among Egyptian patients.

Prostate cancer (PC) is considered as the fifth cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The exact etiopathogenesis is unclear; however, genetic predisposition, hormonal influencers, lifestyle and environmental factors act as major contributors. It has been found that several miRNAs may play a crucial role in cancer initiation and progression. Here, in this study, we evaluated the peripheral blood levels of miR-21, miR-141, miR-221 and miR-18a expression among 80 prostate cancer patients (50 localised and 30 metastatic) and 30 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients compared to 50 normal control subjects, using RT-PCR. Our results of analysis of miR-21, miR-141, miR-18a and miR-221 in the plasma of PC patients showed that miR-18a is a powerful discriminator of PC patients from healthy controls as it had the highest AUC (0.966; 95% CI, 0.937-1.000), while miR-221 provided better differentiation of metastatic from localised PC (sensitivity was 92.9% at 100% specificity), and when we combine miR-18a and miR-221 for differentiating patients with MPC, it will increase the sensitivity to 96.4% at a specificity of 100% (AUC, 0.997; 95% CI, 0.988-1.0) (p < .000). This current study recommends that analysis of these miRNAs might have clinical value in enhancing PSA testing.

Preparation and Properties Nano-encapsulated Wheat Germ Oil and its Use in the Manufacture of Functional Labneh Cheese.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is a growing interest to develop novel versions of traditional dairy products by upgrading their health properties. The use of wheat germ oil (WGO) known by its health-promoting effects, in the fortification of dairy products such as Labneh represents a challenge. This study was aimed to prepare nano-encapsulated WGO and to develop Labneh enriched with nano-encapsulated WGO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The WGO was encapsulated in casein micelles by pH changes and ultra-sonication. Transmission electron microscopy and laser light scattering characterized the size and shape of the prepared WGO capsules and their zeta potential was determined. The antioxidant activity and oxidative stability of encapsulated WGO were measured. Labneh was made from standardized (3% fat) milk and by replacement 50% of milk fat with free and encapsulated WGO, respectively. Labneh was analyzed for gross composition, textural parameters, colour and sensory properties during cold storage for 20 days. RESULTS: High encapsulation efficiency (>95%) of different levels of WGO (0.3 to 1.2%) in casein micelles was obtained. The encapsulated WGO had a spherical shape and nano sizes. The particle sizes increased with the increase of the encapsulated level of WGO. The encapsulated WGO retained high DPPH scavenging activity and exhibited high oxidative stability. Labneh made with encapsulated WGO had composition and quality comparable to the control. CONCLUSION: Functional Labneh of acceptable quality and high antioxidant activity could be prepared by replacement of 50% of milk fat with encapsulated WGO.

Development of bionanocomposite materials and its use in coating of Ras cheese.

The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize bionanocomposite materials, and to evaluate its use in the coating of Ras cheese. The bionanocomposite materials were made from mixture of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol with loading of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) from (0.5-2%). The prepared nanoparticles as well as the bionanocomposites were evaluated using, XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR and final contact angle. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the fabricated bionanocomposites were evaluated. The impacts of coating Ras cheese with the prepared bionanocomposite on weight losses and microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the Ras cheese were assessed during ripening in comparison to the uncoated cheese. Coating of cheese decreased the weight and moisture losses but didn't affect the normal ripening changes in the microbiological, chemical and textural properties of Ras cheese. Coating cheese with film containing 2% TiO2-NPs eliminated mold growth on the cheese surface.

A rare case of duplicated vas deferens discovered accidentally during varicocelectomy.

Congenital anomalies of the male urogenital tract include a variety of structural abnormalities. These abnormalities could affect either the male external genitalia, internal genitalia or both. Congenital anomalies of the vas deferens are rare and may include unilateral or bilateral (agenesis, atresia, duplication, ectopy or diverticulum) that could be complete or segmental. In addition, they may be isolated anomalies of the vas deferens or may be associated with other congenital anomalies elsewhere especially in the male urogenital tract. Those anomalies may be discovered during genital examination (either clinically or radiologically) or even during inguinal surgeries as in hernia repair, vasectomy, orchiopexy and varicocelectomy. Thus, proper evaluation should be made for the cases of duplicated vas deferens to avoid the accidental injury during the operation and to exclude other associated congenital anomalies. Besides that, the undiagnosed cases may lead to failure of vasectomy procedure. Here, we report a case of duplication of the vas deferens in a 33-year-old male that was accidentally discovered during spermatic cord dissection for varicocelectomy.

Novel bionanocomposite materials used for packaging skimmed milk acid coagulated cheese (Karish).

Bionanocomposites have attracted a tremendous level of consideration as alternatives for a broad group of commercial materials based on petroleum-derived compounds and used for coating cheese. Sustainable, economical and environmentally compatible materials based on chitosan (CS), poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), glycerol (Gy) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were prepared. Moreover, the prepared bionanocomposites (CS/PVA/Gy/TiO2-NPs) were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, WVTR and mechanical strength. The developed CS/PVA/Gy/TiO2-NPs bionanocomposites exhibited homogeneous, compact morphological features and enhanced mechanical and barrier properties. Also, the prepared bionanocomposite exhibited variable inhibitory effects against several pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Karish was made and coated with the prepared bionanocomposite containing 1, 2 and 3% TiO2-NPs, and cold stored. Changes in the weight losses, cheese composition, microbiological quality, textural parameters, and sensory properties were followed during storage for 25 days. Coated Karish cheese retained acceptable quality until the end of the storage period, while uncoated developed surface fungi growth and deteriorated quality after 15 days. Karish cheese coated with the bionanocomposite containing 3% TiO2-NPs ranked the highest acceptability at the end of storage period.

Brazilian medicinal plants with corroborated anti-inflammatory activities: a review.

CONTEXT: Inflammatory disorders are common in modern life, and medicinal plants provide an interesting source for new compounds bearing anti-inflammatory properties. In this regard, Brazilian medicinal plants are considered to be a promising supply of such compounds due to their great biodiversity. OBJECTIVES: To undertake a review on Brazilian medicinal plants with corroborated anti-inflammatory activities by selecting data from the literature reporting the efficacy of plants used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, including the mechanisms of action of their extracts and isolated compounds. METHODS: A search in the literature was undertaken by using the following Web tools: Web of Science, SciFinder, Pub-Med and Science Direct. The terms 'anti-inflammatory' and 'Brazilian medicinal plants' were used as keywords in search engine. Tropicos and Reflora websites were used to verify the origin of the plants, and only the native plants of Brazil were included in this review. The publications reporting the use of well-accepted scientific protocols to corroborate the anti-inflammatory activities of Brazilian medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory potential were considered. RESULTS: We selected 70 Brazilian medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory activity. The plants were grouped according to their anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action. The main mechanisms involved inflammatory mediators, such as interleukins (ILs), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase (COX) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). CONCLUSIONS: The collected data on Brazilian medicinal plants, in the form of crude extract and/or isolated compounds, showed significant anti-inflammatory activities involving different mechanisms of action, indicating Brazilian plants as an important source of anti-inflammatory compounds.

The Synthesized Plant Metabolite 3,4,5-Tri-O-Galloylquinic Acid Methyl Ester Inhibits Calcium Oxalate Crystal Growth in a Drosophila Model, Downregulates Renal Cell Surface Annexin A1 Expression, and Decreases Crystal Adhesion to Cells.

The plant metabolite 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid methyl ester (TGAME, compound 6) was synthesized, and its potential effect on calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal binding to the surface of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells type I (MDCKI) and crystal growth in a Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian tubule (MT) model were investigated. Membrane, cytosolic, and total annexin A1 (AxA1), α-enolase, and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) amounts were examined by Western blot analysis after subcellular fractionation, then confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of cultured cells. Pretreatment of MDCKI cells with TGAME for up to 6 h significantly diminished COM crystal binding in a concentration-dependent manner. TGAME significantly inhibited AxA1 surface expression by immunofluorescence microscopy, whereas intracellular AxA1 increased. Western blot analysis confirmed AxA1 expression changes in the membrane and cytosolic fractions of compound-treated cells, whereas whole cell AxA1 remained unchanged. TGAME also significantly decreased the size, number, and growth of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals induced in a Drosophila melanogaster MT model and possessed a potent antioxidant activity in a DPPH assay.

Glycation of whey proteins: Technological and nutritional implications.

Whey proteins are globular proteins that have received much attention due to their high nutritional value and characteristic functional properties. In addition to being part of the protein system in milk, they constitute the main proteins in whey and whey protein products. Interaction of whey proteins with reducing sugars and carbohydrates via Maillard reaction have been extensively studied in milk and in model systems. Glycation of individual whey proteins results in variable increases in their solubility, thermal stability, antioxidant activity, and emulsion and foam stabilization. Limited glycation of whey protein products particularly whey protein isolates (WPI) using polysaccharides has been studied with the aim to produce conjugates with modified functional properties and acceptable sensory properties. An overview is presented here on the effect of glycation on individual whey proteins and whey protein products and the potential uses of the glycated whey proteins.

Prospective Analysis on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Semen Parameters in Males with Unexplained Infertility.

We evaluated the role of Tribulus terrestris in males with unexplained infertility and its effect on serum testosterone and semen parameters. Thirty randomized male patients presenting to Andrology outpatient clinic complaining of idiopathic infertility were selected. They were given Tribulus terrestris (750 mg) in three divided doses for three months. The effect of Tribulus terrestris on serum testosterone (total and free) and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as its impact on semen parameters in those patients, was studied. No statistically significant difference was observed in the levels of testosterone (total and free) and LH and semen parameters (sperm concentration or motility, or abnormal forms) before and after the treatment. In addition, no statistically significant correlations were observed between testosterone (free and total) and LH and semen parameters before and after the treatment. Tribulus terrestris was ineffective in the treatment of idiopathic infertility.

Bone Cutting Forceps: A Safe Approach for Saving Strangulated Penis.

Penile strangulation is considered a rare andrological emergency that may lead to a wide range of complications. Penile strangulation may be related to mental retardation in children or hypersexuality, abnormal sexual preferences in adults. This case report shows a 23-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with agonizing pain related to a metallic ring placed at the base of the penis for more than 8 hours during an attempt of masturbation. Removing this metallic ring and saving the patient's penis from gangrene without causing injury were very challenging. Patient was successfully managed and had an uneventful recovery.