Evaluating the Sensitivity of Different Molecular Techniques for Detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Patients with Pulmonary Infection.

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of detecting drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)-specific DNA in sputum specimens from 48 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of MTBC DNA in the specimens was validated using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF system and compared with a specific PCR assay targeting the IS6110 and the mtp40 gene sequence fragments. Additionally, the results obtained by multiplex PCR assays to detect the most frequently encountered rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol resistance-conferring mutations were matched with those obtained by GeneXpert and phenotypic culture-based drug susceptibility tests. Of the 48 sputum samples, 25 were positive for MTBC using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test. Nevertheless, the IS6110 and mtp40 single-step PCR revealed the IS6110 in 27 of the 48 sputum samples, while the mtp40 gene fragment was found in only 17 of them. Furthermore, multiplex PCR assays detected drug-resistant conferring mutations in 21 (77.8%) of the 27 samples with confirmed MTBC DNA, 10 of which contained single drug-resistant conferring mutations towards ethambutol and two towards rifampin, and the remaining nine contained double-resistant mutations for ethambutol and rifampin. In contrast, only five sputum specimens (18.5%) contained drug-resistant MTBC isolates, and two contained mono-drug-resistant MTBC species toward ethambutol and rifampin, respectively, and the remaining three were designated as multi-drug resistant toward both drugs using GeneXpert and phenotypic culture-based drug susceptibility tests. Such discrepancies in the results emphasize the need to develop novel molecular tests that associate with phenotypic non-DNA-based assays to improve the detection of drug-resistant isolates in clinical specimens in future studies.

Rapid adsorption of benzotriazole onto oxidized carbon cloth as an easily separable adsorbent.

A commercial carbon cloth (CC) was oxidized by HNO3 acid and the features of the plain and oxidized CC were evaluated. The results of characterization illustrated that HNO3 oxidization duplicated the oxygen-containing functional groups and the surface area of the CC. The adsorption performance of the plain and oxidized CC (Oxi-CC) toward benzotriazole (BTR) was compared. The results disclosed that the uptake of BTR by oxidized CC was greater than the plain CC. Thence, the affinity of oxidized CC toward BTR was assessed at different conditions. It was found that the adsorption was quick, occurred at pH 9 and improved by adding NaCl or CaCl2 to the BTR solution. The kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that the surface of Oxi-CC is heterogeneous and the adsorption of BTR follows a physical process and forms multilayer over the Oxi-CC surface. The regenerability and reusability study illustrated that only deionized water can completely regenerate the Oxi-CC and that the Oxi-CC can be reused for five cycles without any loss of performance. The high maximum adsorption capacity of Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model (252 mg/g), ease of separation and regeneration, and maintaining the adsorption capacity for several cycles revealed the high efficiency and economical and environmental feasibility of Oxi-CC as an adsorbent for BTR.

Breast Cancer Management Timelines in a Tertiary Care Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Makkah City, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent form of cancer and a leading cause of death among women worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, it accounted for 31.8% among females of all new cancer cases reported in 2018. Following the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, there was a complete redistribution of healthcare resources to face this crisis, which caused a significant delay in the management of various diseases, including BC. There is currently a lack of research in our region on the facility time interval in BC management. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap by determining the timelines of diagnosis, management, and factors influencing the delay. METHODS: This observational retrospective study included all female patients diagnosed with BC at or referred to King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2020 and August 2021. The data for this study were obtained from a centralized electronic chart review of all included patients at the KAMC center. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 50 ± 11 years. In terms of the disease management duration, 20 patients (26.3%) completed their management within 30 days, 28 patients (36.8%) had a management duration between 31 and 60 days, and the management duration of 28 patients (36.8%) exceeded 60 days. Patient deposition showed a significant association with delay (p = 0.033). A higher incidence of delays at the initiation of treatment was observed in patients who failed to attend appointments (p < 0.001). Among patients who skipped two or more appointments, 12 individuals (80%) experienced a delay of more than 60 days. Moreover, appointment cancellation was associated with delayed treatment initiation (p = 0.03). Patients' age and comorbidity showed no significant association (p = 0.49, p = 0.24, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the significant impact of patient deposition and canceled or skipped appointments on delayed initiation of therapy for BC patients. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on other malignancies.

Detection and quantification of perioperative heparin-like effects by rotational thromboelastometry in living-donor liver transplant recipients: A prospective observational study.

Background and Aims: Heparin-like effects (HLEs) can affect hemostasis during liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the perioperative incidence and severity of HLE with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Material and Methods: ROTEM and aPTT were measured intraoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, and 7. HLE was identified if ROTEM INTEM/HEPTEM CT-ratio was >1.25 and severe forms of HLE when ratio was ≥2. Based on aPTT, HLE was defined when aPTT ratio was >1.25 (patient aPTT/control aPTT). Results: Thirty-eight recipients were included. Variable degrees of HLE were detected by aPTT-ratio and INTEM/HEPTEM CT ratio. No significant correlation existed between both ratios. Based on INTEM/HEPTEM CT ratio, HLE was detected in 7/38 during anhepatic phase, 19/38 post-reperfusion, 10/38 on POD1, 4/38 on POD3, and 0/38 on POD7. Four cases of severe HLE were identified by INTEM/HEPTEM CT ratio only in the anhepatic phase. Postoperative infusion of unfractionated heparin led to mild-moderate HLE on POD1 and 3 as evident by both tests. Red blood cell and plasma transfusion were higher with severe HLE (1350 ± 191 ml and 3558 ± 1407 ml). Composite adverse outcome of any complication or death within 3 months for patients without HLE, mild-moderate HLE, and severe HLE as detected by ROTEM was 27.8%, 42.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. Conclusion: INTEM/HEPTEM CT ratio was able to detect and quantify HLE as aPTT ratio. The ability of the INTEM/HEPTEM CT ratio to identify severe HLE earlier in the anhepatic phase needs to be studied in a larger population. HLE is self-limiting, but when identified in a severe form, it is associated with worse outcome.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) selective agonist G1 attenuates the neurobehavioral, molecular and biochemical alterations induced in a valproic acid rat model of autism.

AIMS: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising prevalence in boys rather than girls. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activation by its agonist G1 showed a neuroprotective effect, similar to estradiol. The present study aimed to examine the potential of the selective GPER agonist G1 therapy on the behavioral, histopathological, biochemical, and molecular alterations induced in a valproic acid (VPA)-rat model of autism. MAIN METHODS: VPA (500 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered to female Wistar rats (on gestational day 12.5) to induce the VPA-rat model of autism. The male offspring were intraperitoneally administered with G1 (10 and 20 µg/kg) for 21 days. After the treatment process, rats performed behavioral assessments. Then, sera and hippocampi were collected for biochemical and histopathological examinations and gene expression analysis. KEY FINDINGS: GPER agonist G1 attenuated behavioral deficits, including hyperactivity, declined spatial memory and social preferences, anxiety, and repetitive behavior in VPA rats. G1 improved neurotransmission and reduced oxidative stress and histological alteration in the hippocampus. G1 reduced serum free T levels and interleukin-1ß and up-regulated GPER, RORα, and aromatase gene expression levels in the hippocampus. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study suggests that activation of GPER by its selective agonist G1 altered the derangements induced in a VPA-rat model of autism. G1 normalized free T levels via up-regulation of hippocampal RORα and aromatase gene expression. G1 provoked estradiol neuroprotective functions via up-regulation of hippocampal GPER expression. The G1 treatment and GPER activation provide a promising therapeutic approach to counteract the autistic-like symptoms.

Preparation and characterization of chemically cross-linked zwitterionic copolymer hydrogel for direct dye and toxic trace metal removal from aqueous medium.

In this work, a zwitterionic copolymer hydrogel with adsorption affinity toward anionic dye and cationic trace metal was prepared by a free radical copolymerization of cationic ([3-(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MPTC)) and anionic (sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate (SVBS)) monomers. Bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate was used as a cross-linker and its effect on the adsorption properties of the prepared hydrogel was evaluated. The prepared materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and N2 adsorption at 77 K analysis. FTIR and EDX analysis demonstrated the successful preparation of poly(MPTC-co-VBS). XRD and SEM analysis showed that the poly (MPTC-co-VBS) is amorphous and has quasi-honeycomb morphology with large pores. Increasing the amount of the cross-linker enhanced the adsorption of direct blue 71 dye (DB71) and Pb(II) ions. The highest removal of DB71 and Pb(II) was achieved after 2 h using 1.5 g/L of poly(MPTC-co-VBS); however, the optimum solution pH was 3 for DB71 and 5 for Pb(II). The kinetics and isotherm studies illustrated that the surface of poly(MPTC-co-VBS) is heterogenous with small-sized homogenous pitches and the DB71 and Pb(II) adsorption onto poly(MPTC-co-VBS) is favorable. Finally, poly(MPTC-co-VBS) is more efficient in removing DB71 and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions than many other reported adsorbents.

Simultaneous decolorization of anionic and cationic dyes by 3D metal-free easily separable visible light active photocatalyst.

To overcome the hard and costly post-treatment separation of ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (UGCN), it was supported on polyurethane foam (PUF). The ratio of PUF/UGCN was optimized for the removal of a mixture of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. The characteristics of the composite photocatalyst and its photocatalytic performance were detailly studied. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared results proved the successful preparation of UGCN and PUF and that the PUF/UGCN composite combines the features of both pure materials. The transmission electron microscopy illustrated the ultrathin nanosheet shape of the UGCN, while the scanning electron microscope showed the highly porous 3D-hierarchical structure of PUF. Compared to the pure components, the composite photocatalyst with PUF/UGCN mass ratio of 4 achieved better decolorization of MO and almost same decolorization of MB as UGCN. Neutral pH and 1 g/L of the composite photocatalyst were the optimum conditions for MB/MO mixture decolorization. The composite photocatalyst kept its efficiency for five successive cycles. Hydroxyl radicals were the dominant in the degradation of MB, while superoxide radicals were the most influencer in MO degradation. Conclusively, supporting UGCN onto PUF kept the photocatalytic efficiency of UGCN toward MB decolorization and improved its efficiency toward MO. Moreover, it enabled the reuse of the composite photocatalyst and facilitated the post-treatment separation process.

One-Step Room-Temperature Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoscale Zero-Valent FeCo by Hydrazine Reduction: Effect of Metal Salts and Application in Contaminated Water Treatment.

The effect of initial salt composition on the formation of zero-valent bimetallic FeCo was investigated in this work. Pure crystalline zero-valent FeCo nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained using either chloride or nitrate salts of both metals. Smaller NPs can be obtained using nitrate salts. Comparing the features of the FeCo prepared at room temperature and the solvothermal method revealed that both materials are almost identical. However, the room-temperature method is simpler, quicker, and saves energy. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of the FeCo NPs prepared using nitrate salts at room temperature demonstrated the absence of oxygen and the presence and uniform distribution of Fe and Co within the structure with the atomic ratio very close to the initially planned one. The particles were sphere-like with a mean particle size of 7 nm, saturation magnetization of 173.32 emu/g, and surface area of 30 m2/g. The removal of Cu2+ and reactive blue 5 (RB5) by FeCo in a single-component system was conformed to the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The isotherm study confirmed the ability of FeCo for the simultaneous removal of Cu2+ and RB5 with more selectivity toward Cu2+. The RB5 has a synergistic effect on Cu2+ removal, while Cu2+ has an antagonistic effect on RB5 removal.

Simultaneous removal of Pb2+ and direct red 31 dye from contaminated water using N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxamide loaded chitosan nanoparticles.

This study reports the preparation of a new material that can remove synthetic dyes and trace metals simultaneously. A new coumarin derivative was synthesized and its chemical structure was inferred from spectral data (FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR). Meanwhile, chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) were prepared then used as a carrier for two different concentrations of the coumarin derivative (C1@CsNPs and C2@CsNPs). The TEM, SEM and DLS findings illustrated that the prepared nanocomposites exhibited spherical shape and small size (less than 200 nm). The performance of the prepared material for the removal of an anionic dye (direct red 31, DR31) and cationic trace metal (Pb2+) was evaluated in unary and binary systems. The results revealed that complete removal of 10 mg L-1 of DR31 and Pb2+ in unary system was achieved at pHo 3.0 and 5.5 using 0.5 and 2.0 g L-1, respectively, of C2@CsNPs. The adsorption of DR31 and Pb2+ followed different mechanisms as deduced from the effect of pHo, kinetic, isotherm and binary adsorption studies. The adsorption of DR31 followed the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. While, the adsorption of Pb2+ followed Freundlich isotherm model and Elovich kinetic model. In the binary system, the co-presence of DR31 and Pb2+ did not affect the adsorption of each other's. Overall, the prepared material showed promising results for the removal of anionic dyes and cations trace metals from contaminated water.

A dual-functional sulfone biscompound containing 1,2,3-triazole moiety for decolorization and disinfection of contaminated water.

Water decontamination from toxic dyes and pathogenic microorganisms is critical for life on Earth. Herein, we report the synthesis of sulfone biscompound containing 1,2,3-triazole moiety and evaluation of its dye decolorization and biocidal and disinfection efficiencies. The decolorization efficiency was tested under different experimental conditions, while the biocidal action was examined against various types of waterborne pathogens, and the disinfection of some pathogenic microbes was executed in artificially contaminated water. The findindgs illustrated that the solution initial pH (pHi) affected the decolorization efficiency significantly. About complete removal of 10 mg/L malachite green (MG) dye was achieved after 10 min using 3 g/L of the sulfone biscompound at pHi 6. The pseudo-second-order equation suited the adsorption kinetics accurately, while the equilibrium data was suited by Langmuir isotherm model. Electrostatic, n-π, and π-π interactions brought about the adsorption of MG onto the sulfone biscompound. The biocidal results indicated that the sulfone biscompound had a powerful antibacterial potential against the tested bacterial species. Likewise, the distinction trail revealed that after 70-90 min of direct contact with an effective dose, the tested pathogens could be completely eliminated (6-log reduction). Overall, the newly synthesized sulfone biscompound can efficiently remove cationic dyes and disinfect contaminated water.

Multi-exposure human health risks assessment of trihalomethanes in drinking water of Egypt.

The present study aims to assess the probable lifetime cancer and non-cancer risks of exposure to the trihalomethanes in Egypt's drinking water through ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. A total of 1667 drinking water samples were collected from twenty-three Egyptian governorates over a three-years period. The concentrations of total trihalomethanes ranged between 29.07 and 86.01 µg/L and were always below the maximum contamination level recommended by the Egyptian standards (100 µg/L). Chloroform was the most prominent trihalomethanes species, while bromoform was rarely detected. The cancer risk study revealed that, among the investigated paths, inhalation poses the greatest risk. And bromodichloromethane had the highest impact to cancer (69%), followed by chlorodibromomethane (28%). Geographically, the highest cancer risk value was found in Matruh governorate (42.2 × 10-6) and the lowest was in Minya governorate (1.0 × 10-6). The cancer risk for the studied governorates, except Minya governorate, was higher than the level recommended by the USEPA (1.0 × 10-6). Hazard index (HI) study revealed that the ingestion pathway caused higher HI values than the dermal pathway and that chloroform had the highest contribution to HI value. However, the values of HI were below unity in all studied governorates demonstrating that there would be negligible non-cancer risk.

Contamination of the marine environment in Egypt and Saudi Arabia with personal protective equipment during COVID-19 pandemic: A short focus.

Plastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems are major concerns globally, and the situation was exacerbated after the outbreak of COVID-19. Clean-up campaigns took place during the summer season (June-August 2020) in two coastal cities in Egypt (Alexandria and Hurghada) and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to document the abundance of beach debris through public involvement, and then remove it. A total of 3673, 255, and 848 items were collected from Alexandria, Hurghada, and Jeddah daily, respectively. Gloves and face masks (personal protective equipment "PPE") represent represented 40-60% of the total plastic items collected from each of the three cities, while plastic bags represented 7-20% of the total plastics litter collected from the same cities. The results indicated the presence of 2.79, 0.29, and 0.86 PPE item m-2 in Alexandria, Hurghada and Jeddah, respectively. This short focus provides an assessment of the environmental impacts of single-use gloves and masks used for COVID-19 protection from June to August 2020. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first such information from the Middle East, specifically Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It highlights the need for further knowledge and action, such as safe, sustainable, and transparent waste management processes related to COVID-19 to reduce the negative impacts now, as well as in future events. Furthermore, this study helps in achieving key components of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This short focus can serve as a multipurpose document, not only for scientists of different disciplines but for social media and citizens in general.

Chemopreventive Potential of Myrtenal against Nitrosamine-Initiated, Radiation-Promoted Rat Bladder Carcinogenesis.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of myrtenal, a natural monoterpene, against bladder carcinoma in rats induced with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) and promoted with γ-ionizing radiation (γ-IRR) as well as to assess the involvement of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative damage in tumor development. Histopathological examination of rat bladder revealed the presence of noninvasive papillary transitional cell carcinoma (Grade 2) in sections from BBN group indicating the credibility of the applied carcinogenesis model. Myrtenal treatment caused improvement in urinary bladder mucosa with cells more likely in Grade 1. Administration of myrtenal to BBN-treated rats exhibited downregulation in the expressions of COX-2, NF-kB and STAT-3 associated with suppression of inflammatory cytokines levels of TNF-α and IL-6 as well as biomarkers of oxidative damage (MDA & NO). In addition, myrtenal treatment caused a significant increase in caspase-3 activity and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Data obtained suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect and the induction of apoptosis contributed largely to the beneficial antitumor effects of myrtenal in rats with BBN/γ-IRR-induced bladder carcinoma. Present findings, in addition to benefits described in other pathologies, indicated myrtenal as a potential adjuvant natural compound for the prevention of tumor progression of bladder cancer.

Multifunctional 3D cationic starch/nanofibrillated cellulose/silver nanoparticles nanocomposite cryogel: Synthesis, adsorption, and antibacterial characteristics.

We report a new 3D nanocomposite cryogel combines the advantages of cationic starch (Cs), nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Cs was the main component of the cryogel while NFC was used as a filling agent to enhance the mechanical properties of the produced cryogel. Both Cs and NFC endow the cryogel with adsorption properties while Ag NPs enhances its antibacterial properties. Ag NPs was green synthesized with the aid of microwave radiation using NFC as reducing and stabilizing agent. The prepared Ag particles were free of impurities with sizes <10 nm and good stability in solution. Two different concentrations of the prepared Ag NPs were added to a mixture of Cs and NFC and subjected to freeze drying to get porous cryogel (3D microstructure). The Ag NPs free cryogel has highly porosity smooth surface with large surface area. Adding Ag NPs decreased these features and increased the 3D roughness. Optimum adsorption of reactive blue 49 was observed after 30 min of contact with 1.5 g/L of the cryogel at pH 1. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm were best described by the pseudo-first-order and Freundlich equations, respectively. All prepared cryogels have notable antibacterial properties that were significantly improved by adding Ag NPs. Overall, the new 3D composite cryogel can efficiently remove dyes and bacteria from wastewater.

Hazardous inorganic disinfection by-products in Egypt's tap drinking water: Occurrence and human health risks assessment studies.

This study is the first that monitored the presence and levels of chlorite, chlorate and bromate in tap drinking water of Egypt. Three hundred and eight samples were collected from 22 governorates across Egypt and were analyzed using a standardized ion chromatography method. Forty-seven samples were contaminated by one or more of the inorganic disinfection by-products (DBPs) and only 12 samples exceeded the admissible maximum contamination levels (MCLs). The ratio of samples detected, and exceeding the MCLs were low relative to the global literature. Chlorate was the most prevalent inorganic DBPs (40 samples; concentration <12-4082 µg/L) followed by bromate (12 samples; concentration <3-626 µg/L) then chlorite (5 samples; concentration <12-123 µg/L). Chlorite was always below the MCL and had no human health risk even for the worst-case scenario. Bromate is a real challenge as it poses a significant cancer risk even for the median concentrations. None of the inorganic DBPs was detected in the tap drinking water of Beheira, Cairo, Gharbia, Giza, Kafr El Sheikh, Luxor, Monufia, and Suez governorates. This study manifested the importance of routine monitoring, and implementing counter measures to control the levels of the hazardous inorganic DBPs in tap drinking water.

Probiotic-prebiotic-synbiotic modulation of (YAP1, LATS1 and NF2 mRNAs/miR-1205/lncRNA SRD5A3-AS1) panel in NASH animal model.

AIM: To investigate the prophylactic efficacy of gut microbiota-based treatments on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) management via modulation of Hippo signaling pathway-related genes (YAP1, LATS1 and NF2), and their epigenetic regulators (miR-1205 and lncRNA SRD5A3-AS1) retrieved from in-silico data analysis. MATERIALS & METHODS: Histopathological, biochemical, molecular and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to assess the effects of multistrain probiotic mixture and prebiotic inulin fiber on high sucrose high fat (HSHF) diet-induced NASH in rats. These treatments were administered orally either alone or in combination, along with HSHF diet. RESULTS: Both probiotic mixture and prebiotic inulin fiber attenuated steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis grades in HSHF diet-induced NASH rats. Moreover, the applied treatments significantly prevented the elevation of serum liver enzymes and improved lipid panel. At the molecular level, both treatments down-regulated hepatic YAP1 mRNA and miR-1205 expressions, and concomitantly up-regulated the expression of hepatic LATS1& NF2 mRNAs and the lncRNA SRD5A3-AS1. At the protein level, both treatments decreased the hepatic content of the inflammatory marker IL6 and the fibrotic marker TGFß1. Moreover, an observable reduction in α-SMA together with noticeable elevation in LATS1/2 protein expression levels were detected in liver sections compared to the untreated rats. CONCLUSION: Probiotic mixture and prebiotic inulin fiber, either alone or in combination, attenuated NASH progression and ameliorated both fibrosis and hepatic inflammation in the applied animal model. The produced effect was correlated with modulation of the retrieved (YAP1, LATS1 and NF2) - (miR-1205) - (lncRNA SRD5A3-AS1) RNA panel.

4-Phenylbutyric acid and rapamycin improved diabetic status in high fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes through activation of autophagy.

An accumulating body of evidence supports the role of autophagy in the pathophysiology of T2DM. Also, abnormal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response that has been implicated as a cause of insulin resistance (IR) could also be affected by the autophagic status in ß-cells. The present study was designed to investigate whether autophagy is regulated in T2DM as well as to investigate the modulatory effect of the ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) and the autophagy inducer rapamycin (Rapa) on the autophagic and diabetic status using type 2 diabetic animal model with IR. Treatment of diabetic rats with either 4-PBA or Rapa improved significantly the states of hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia, increased the antioxidant capacity, reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation and ER stress and increased the autophagic flux. The obtained improvements were attributed mainly to the induction of autophagy with subsequent regulation of ER stress-oxidative activation and prevention of ß-cell apoptosis.

Bi2O3-BiFeO3 Glass-Ceramic: Controllable ß-/γ-Bi2O3 Transformation and Application as Magnetic Solar-Driven Photocatalyst for Water Decontamination.

Glass and glass-ceramic materials containing photoactive and magnetic crystalline phases were prepared from Fe2O3 and Bi2O3 using the conventional melt method. All samples were characterized in terms of formed phases, morphological analyses, optical properties, and magnetic properties. Formation of the photoactive tetragonal ß- and body-centered cubic γ-Bi2O3 phases along with the magnetic BiFeO3 and Fe3O4 phases was revealed. However, the crystalline structure relied on the composition and the applied heat-treatment time. ß-/γ-Bi2O3 transformation could be controlled by the heat-treatment time. The samples exhibited variable magnetic properties depending on their composition. All of the samples showed excellent absorbance in visible light with an optical band gap of 1.90-2.22 eV, making them ideal for solar-light-driven photocatalysis. The best performance was recorded for the sample containing equal amounts of Fe2O3 and Bi2O3 due to the formation of γ-Bi2O3/BiFeO3 heterojunction in this sample.

Removal of Hazardous Contaminants from Water by Natural and Zwitterionic Surfactant-modified Clay.

In this study, natural clay (NC) was collected from Saudi Arabia and modified by cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) at different conditions (CAPB concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature). NC and modified clay (CAPB-NC) were characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption at 77 K. The adsorption efficiency of NC and CAPB-NC toward Pb2+ and reactive yellow 160 dye (RY160) was evaluated. The adsorption process was optimized in terms of solution initial pH and adsorbent dosage. Finally, the adsorption kinetics and isotherms were studied. The results indicated that NC consists of agglomerated nonporous particles composed of quartz and kaolinite. CAPB modification reduced the specific surface area and introduced new functional groups by adsorbing on the NC surface. The concentration of CAPB affects the adsorption of RY160 tremendously; the optimum concentration was 2 times the cation exchange capacity of NC. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of CAPB-NC toward RY160 was about 6 times that of NC and was similar for Pb2+. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics for both adsorptive. RY160 adsorption on CAPB-NC occurs via multilayer formation while Pb2+ adsorption on NC occurs via monolayer formation..