Ultrasonic synthesis of green lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract: a sustainable approach for enhanced anticancer and antibacterial therapy.

Ultrasonic manufacturing has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to synthesize lipid-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. This study presents the novel ultrasonic preparation of lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract, repurposed for anticancer and antibacterial use. High-frequency ultrasonic waves enabled the precise self-assembly of DSPE-PEG, Span 40, and cholesterol to form nanocarriers encapsulating the therapeutic extract without the use of toxic solvents, exemplifying green nanotechnology. Leveraging the inherent anticancer and antibacterial properties of Scutellaria barbata, the study demonstrates that lipid encapsulation enhances the bioavailability and controlled release of the extract, which is vital for its therapeutic efficacy. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the increase in size and successful encapsulation post-loading, along with an augmented negative zeta potential indicating enhanced stability. A high encapsulation efficiency of 91.93% was achieved, and in vitro assays revealed the loaded nanocarriers' optimized release kinetics and improved antimicrobial potency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to the free extract. The combination of ultrasonic synthesis and Scutellaria barbata in an eco-friendly manufacturing process not only advances green nanotechnology but also contributes to sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The data suggest that this innovative nanocarrier system could provide a robust platform for the development of nanotechnology-based therapeutics, enhancing drug delivery efficacy while aligning with environmental sustainability.

Physicochemical properties as a function of lomefloxacin biological activity.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The goal is to discover QSAR of Lomefloxacin as antibacterial activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A number of lomefloxacins analogs activities were studied by program Windows Chem SW. The analogues were obtained and energy minimization was carried out through Molecular Modeling Program, the calculations were performed using General Atomic and Molecular Electronic Structure System (GAMESS) software. RESULTS: Results: There were six descriptions (N-quinoline more (-) ev charge, Kinetic Energy, Potential Energy, Log p, Log S, F6 charge) results have highly compatible of physicochemical properties with lomefloxacin analogs activities. It can be used to estimate the activities depending on QSAR equation of lomefloxacin analogs. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The parameters used for calculation were depending on the quantum chemical was employed in deriving from computational study of properties and can used to predict the activities of certain analogs of Lomefloxacins as antibacterial compounds.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome: A Case Embedded With All the Features of Spectrum.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous vascular disorder characterized by a facial birthmark known as a port-wine stain (PWS), eye abnormalities, and abnormal blood vessels in the brain. It is basically a multisystem disorder that can involve the nervous system, skin, and eyes (phakomatosis). We report a case of a 14-year-old female who presented to the outpatient department with a complaint of upper lip swelling. She had a visible PWS since birth on the left side of her face, which was extending onto the right side of the face as well. She had two episodes of paroxysmal hemiparesis that were four years apart. Moreover, she was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was three years old. She was treated for glaucoma as well when she was nine years old. She was diagnosed with SWS based on her medical history, grossly visible PWS, and neuroimaging findings. Treatment is mostly symptomatic, as no definitive treatment is yet available.

In silico study, synthesis, and antineoplastic evaluation of thiazole-based sulfonamide derivatives and their silver complexes with expected carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity.

This study aimed to design, synthesize, and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of novel thiazole-sulfanilamide derivatives, specifically compounds M3, M4, and M5, through molecular docking and biological assays. The synthesis utilized essential chemical compounds, including sulfanilamide, chloro-acetyl chloride, thiourea, derivatives of benzaldehyde, and silver nitrate. The docking study was carried out using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software, and cytotoxic activity was predicted by MTT assay. The synthesized compounds demonstrated a reduction in the viability of cancer cells. Compound M5 had an IC50 of 18.53 µg/ml against MCF-7 cells, comparable to the IC50 of cisplatin. Additionally, compounds M3 and M4 had higher S scores than acetazolamide, indicating greater binding affinity to the active pocket of the receptor. Incorporating the thiazole ring in the synthesized compound augmented their flexibility and affinity for binding to the receptor. The inclusion of the metal complex additionally heightened the compounds' capacity to impede cellular growth.

Knowledge and attitude about intrauterine contraceptive devices among patients attending the National Guard Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate women's knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of the intrauterine device (IUD) for contraceptive purposes and to explore eventual misconceptions about its benefits, and disadvantages. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) outpatient department at King Khalid National Guard Hospital in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It involved women aged 15-55 years, who attended the outpatient OB/GYN clinic from July 2018 till May 2019. A validated self-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and clinical data; including, medical and surgical history, obstetrical and gynaecological history. RESULTS: Of 269 participants, 32.3% reported a positive history of unintended pregnancy, and 28.6% declared using or having used IUD, with copper being the most frequent type (17.8%). A majority (81.4%) of the respondents viewed IUD as a contraceptive method only. In comparison, more than 70% declared not knowing the type of IUD used for bleeding control, cycle regulation, endometriosis treatment, cervix cancer prevention, and endometrial hyperplasia. Further, 21.9% and 55.4% believed that IUD increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and infections, respectively. CONCLUSION: Women attending outpatient clinics in our centre had poor knowledge levels about IUDs, with several misconceptions and apprehensions, especially regarding the risk of genital infections and ectopic pregnancy, which may constitute a significant psychological barrier use.

Association of Oral Health and Mini Nutritional Assessment in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-analyses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether poor oral health is associated with a higher risk of malnutrition based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) or MNA-SF (short form) in older adults. STUDY SELECTION: For this meta-analysis, cohort and cross-sectional studies with adults 65 years and older, reporting oral health outcomes (i.e. edentulism, number of teeth) and either the MNA or MNA-SF were selected. Four electronic databases were searched (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE) through June 2020. Risk of bias was assessed with the checklist by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale. RESULTS: A total of 928 abstracts were reviewed with 33 studies, comprising 27,559 participants, aged ≥65 being ultimately included. Meta-analyses showed that the lack of daily oral hygiene (teeth or denture cleaning), chewing problems and being partially/fully edentulous, put older adults at higher risk of malnutrition (p<0.05). After adjustment for socio-demographic variables, the included studies reported lack of autonomy for oral care, poor/moderate oral health, no access to the dentist and being edentulous with either no dentures or only one denture were risk factors significantly associated with a higher risk of malnutrition (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings may imply that once elders become dependent on others for assistance with oral care, have decreased access to oral healthcare, and lack efficient chewing capacity, there is increased risk of malnourishment. Limitations of the study include heterogeneity of oral health variables and the observational nature of the studies. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

Left-Sided Poland Syndrome With No Hand Anomalies: A Case Report.

A 22-year-old female presented to the surgical outpatient department with a complaint of left-breast hypoplasia. Upon physical examination, the left anterior chest wall was depressed, the left pectoral region was flattened, and the nipple was displaced. The absence of the pectoralis major sternocostal head was visible during shoulder abduction. Physical examination of the hands did not show any signs of ipsilateral digital abnormality. Chest X-ray revealed hyper translucent left-sided hemithorax with crowding of ribs and faint left breast soft tissue. A computed tomography scan (CT scan) reported a complete non-visualization of the left-sided pectoralis major, minor, and serratus anterior. Hence, a diagnosis of Poland syndrome involving left hemithorax in a female patient was established. The patient decided to have reconstructive surgery for purely cosmetic reasons.

Attenuation of metabolic dysfunctions in the skeletal muscles of type 1 diabetic rats by Stevia rebaudiana extracts, via AMPK upregulation and antioxidant activities.

BACKGROUND: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves are well-known for their sweetness and have been used as a non-caloric sweetener in several countries. It has numerous therapeutic properties which have been proven safe and effective over hundreds of years. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the possible antioxidant effects of stevia extracts and their role in regulating AMPK in type-1 diabetic rats. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague Dawely rats were divided into: (1) normal control (NC) group; normal rats receiving 0.5 ml normal saline, (2) DM group; diabetic rats receiving 0.5 ml normal saline, (3) DM + MSE group; DM rats receiving 200 mg/kg of methanolic extract of stevia, (4) DM + S group; DM rats receiving 2 mg/kg of pure stevioside, and (5) DM + CGA group; DM rats receiving 10 mg/kg of pure chlorogenic acid. Four weeks after treatment, AMPK activity, GLUT4 mRNA and oxidative stress markers were measured in frozen muscles. Also, fasting blood glucose in serum, insulin and HbA1c were measured at the end of experiment. RESULTS: DM caused a significant increase in serum fasting glucose, HbA1c and muscle MDA with significant reduction in serum insulin, muscle SOD, catalase, GPx, AMPK activity and GLUT4 expression (p < 0.05). Treatment with stevia extract, pure stevioside and chlorogenic acid caused significant improvements in the studied parameters (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that stevia extracts and derivatives may improve metabolic dysfunction in skel- etal muscles via upregulation of AMPK and GLUT4 and suppression of oxidative stress.

Three new di-O-glycosyl-C-glucosyl flavones from the leaves of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart..

Three hitherto unknown di-O-xylosyl-C-glycosyl flavones were isolated from the leaves of Caesalpinia ferrea. The structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated by conventional methods and spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, as well as by HRESIMS.

A flavonol triglycoside and investigation of the antioxidant and cell stimulating activities of Annona muricata Linn.

Chemical investigation on leaves of Annona muricata resulted in the isolation of the flavonol triglycoside, quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnosyl-(1″″ → 6″)-ß-sophoroside, together with twelve known phenolics. The structures of these compounds were established by 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry data. The in vitro antioxidant studies of the investigated aqueous ethanol extract and its column fractions were accomplished using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. A stimulating effect on HaCaT human keratinocytes by the leaf extract was also assessed. Il-6 production after UV irradiation was not influenced by A. muricata leaf extract.

Constitutive phenolics of Harpephyllum caffrum (Anacardiaceae) and their biological effects on human keratinocytes.

Assessment of the UV protecting potential of an aqueous methanol leaf extract of Harpephyllum caffrum proved that it possesses a distinct radical scavenging effect and inhibits the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 by human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) following UV radiation. Phytochemical investigation of this extract led to isolation and structural determination of the hitherto unknown phenolics, kaempferol 3-O-(2″-sulphatogalactopyranoside), its quercetin analogue and 3-methoxyellagic acid 4-O-galactopyranoside in addition to 18 known phenolic compounds. The structures were determined by spectroscopic and conventional methods of analysis. Flavonoid sulphatoglycosides which have been rarely found in nature were major phenolic constituents of this plant, and this is the first report of the isolation of any of them from Anacardiaceae. The extract was found to diminish UV phototoxic reaction of keratinocytes. However, the isolated kaempferol sulphatogalactopyranoside did not interact with UVB triggered IL-6 production of HaCaT keratinocytes.

Deuteromycols A and B, two benzofuranoids from a Red Sea marine-derived Deuteromycete sp.

Two benzofuranoids, deuteromycol A, 6,7-dihydroxy-2-[1'-hydroxy-(1'→5″)-2″,3″,4″-trihydroxy-2″,3″-dihydropyran]benzofuran and deuteromycol B, 1-(6,7-dihydroxy benzofuran-2-yl)methyl acetate have been isolated from the ethanol extract of the marine-derived fungal strain MF 003 (Deuteromycete) obtained from Red Sea mangrove drift wood. Deuteromycols A and B contain a catecholic nucleus that to the best of our knowledge is unusual in association with marine fungi secondary metabolites. Structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D-and 2D-NMR spectroscopic studies as well as on mass spectrometric analysis. Besides, the extracts exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity.

Polyoxygenated flavonoids from Eugenia edulis.

Leaves of Eugenia edulis contain the new polyoxygenated flavonoid derivatives, gossypetin-3,8-dimethyl ether-5-O-beta-glucoside; gossypetin-3,5-dimethyl ether, and myricetin-3,5,3'-trimethyl ether. In addition, ten known polyphenolics were also isolated and identified. All structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, including ESI-MS and 13C NMR.

Caffeoyl sugar esters and an ellagitannin from Rubus sanctus.

The new natural caffeoyl esters, 3,6-di-O-caffeoyl-(alpha/beta)-glucose and 1-O-caffeoyl-beta-xylose, together with the hitherto unknown natural tannin, 2,3-O-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-4,6-O-sanguisorboyl-(alpha/beta)-glucose, have been isolated from the aqueous alcohol aerial part extract of Rubus sanctus. Establishment of all structures was based on the chemical and spectral evidence, including ESI-MS and 2D NMR.

Acylated flavonol diglucosides from Lotus polyphyllos.

Three acylated flavonol diglucosides, kaempferol 3-O-beta-(6"-O-E-p-coumaroylglucoside)-7-O-beta-glucoside; quercetin 3-O-beta-(6"-O-E-p-coumaroylglucoside)-7-O-beta-glucoside; isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-(6"-O-E-p-coumaroylglucoside)-7-O-beta-glucoside were isolated from the whole plant aqueous alcohol extract of Lotus polyphyllos. The known 3,7-di-O-glucosides of the aglycones kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin were also characterized. All structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence.