Nano-therapeutics: The upcoming nanomedicine to treat cancer.

Nanotechnology is considered a successful approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Preferentially, cancer cell recognition and drug targeting via nano-delivery system include the penetration of anticancer agents into the cell membrane to damage the cancer cell by protein modification, DNA oxidation, or mitochondrial dysfunction. The past research on nano-delivery systems and their target has proven the beneficial achievement in a malignant tumor. Modern perceptions using inventive nanomaterials for cancer management have been offered by a multifunctional platform based on various nano-carriers with the probability of imaging and cancer therapy simultaneously. Emerging nano-delivery systems in cancer therapy still lack knowledge of the biological functions behind the interaction between nanoparticles and cancer cells. Since the potential of engineered nanoparticles addresses the various challenges, limiting the success of cancer therapy subsequently, it is a must to review the molecular targeting of a nano-delivery system to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cancer. This review focuses on using a nano-delivery system, an imaging system, and encapsulated nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

Generation of autoantibodies against glycated fibrinogen: Role in diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy.

The process of glycation, characterized by the non-enzymatic reaction between sugars and free amino groups on biomolecules, is a key contributor to the development and progression of both microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes, particularly due to persistent hyperglycemia. This glycation process gives rise to advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which play a central role in the pathophysiology of diabetes complications, including nephropathy. The d-ribose-mediated glycation of fibrinogen plays a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetes nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) by the generation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Glycated fibrinogen with d-ribose (Rb-gly-Fb) induces structural changes that trigger an autoimmune response by generating and exposing neoepitopes on fibrinogen molecules. The present research is designed to investigate the prevalence of autoantibodies against Rb-gly-Fb in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), DN & DR. Direct binding ELISA was used to test the binding affinity of autoantibodies from patients' sera against Rb-gly-Fb and competitive ELISA was used to confirm the direct binding findings by checking the bindings of isolated IgG against Rb-gly-Fb and its native conformer. In comparison to healthy subjects, 32% of T2DM, 67% of DN and 57.85% of DR patients' samples demonstrated a strong binding affinity towards Rb-gly-Fb. Both native and Rb-gly-Fb binding by healthy subjects (HS) sera were non-significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the early, intermediate, and end products of glycation have been assessed through biochemical and physicochemical analysis. The biochemical markers in the patient groups were also significant (p < 0.05) in comparison to the HS group. This study not only establishes the prevalence of autoantibodies against d-ribose glycated fibrinogen in DN but also highlights the potential of glycated fibrinogen as a biomarker for the detection of DN and/or DR. These insights may open new avenues for research into novel therapeutic strategies and the prevention of diabetes-related nephropathy and retinopathy.

Radiological and environmental hazards of granitic rocks in Wadi Faliq El Sahl and El Waar area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Chronologically, the main exposures in the study area include; tonalite, granodiorite, adamellite, Hammamat Sediments, monzogranite, syenogranite, rapakivi syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and dykes. This work aims to determine the suitability of the granitic rocks for using as ornamental stones through detecting their radiological and ecological impacts. The studied samples were measured radiometrically by using Na-I detector for determination of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K concentrations. External hazard indices (Hex) in some samples are more than unity, also, the (Raeq) are higher than the exemption limits (370 Bq.kg-1) exceeds the upper limit of exposure. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was applied to investigate the correlation between the radionuclides and the corresponding radiological hazard variables. Based on the statistical analysis, 232Th and 226Ra mainly contribute to the radioactive risk of the studied rocks. Regarding ecological indices, 42.1% of younger granite samples have Pollution load index values greater than 1, indicating deterioration, while the majority of older granite samples are lower than 1 suggesting perfection samples. Where, some sample from the older granitoids and younger granites have many radiological and ecological parameters greater than the recommended international limits, so, these samples should not be used in construction for safety reasons.

Exploring Kinnow mandarin's hidden potential: Nature's key to antimicrobial and antidiabetic gold nanoparticles (K-AuNPs).

This pioneering study aims to address the paradox of the highly regarded Kinnow mandarin fruit, whose valuable peels have been considered undesired remnants from industrial fruit juice production. The study proposes the utilization of these discarded peels to synthesize ecologically safe gold nanoparticles (K-AuNPs) through a one-pot method. The objectives of this research are to synthesize K-AuNPs using an ecologically safe single-step approach, utilizing discarded Kinnow mandarin fruit peels, and to assess their antibacterial and antidiabetic potential. The validation of K-AuNPs involved various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, and zeta-potential investigations. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis was compared to levofloxacin and Kinnow mandarin aqueous peel extract (KAPE). Furthermore, the anti-diabetic efficacy was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase experiments, comparing K-AuNPs to pure KAPE and the standard inhibitor acarbose. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of K-AuNPs from KAPE, as evidenced by UV-spectral profiles (527 nm), TEM micrographs (∼21 d. nm), dynamic light scattering (65 d.nm), and zeta-potential (-12 mV). The K-AuNPs demonstrated a superior zone of inhibition and lower MIC values against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis, surpassing levofloxacin and KAPE alone. Additionally, the K-AuNPs exhibited potent anti-diabetic efficacy, outperforming both pure KAPE and acarbose at a lower dosage. To sum up, the process of producing K-AuNPs utilizing Kinnow mandarin peel extracts demonstrates a powerful antibacterial and antidiabetic remedy sourced from previously discarded materials. These findings signify a significant leap forward in the domain of natural product exploration, with the potential to fundamentally reshape modern healthcare approaches.

Hemoglobin Levels, Anemia, and Their Associations with Body Mass Index among Pregnant Women in Hail Maternity Hospital, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The level of association between hemoglobin level/anemia and obesity during pregnancy is not yet fully understood. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hail Maternity Hospital in northern Saudi Arabia from March to May 2023 to assess the associations between hemoglobin levels, anemia, and obesity among pregnant women. Reproductive history was gathered through a questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated/computed from the women's weight and height. Linear and binary regression analyses were performed. A total of 334 pregnant women were enrolled. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age and parity were 33.2 (27.4-37.8) years and 3 (1-5), respectively. Of the 334 women, 52 (15.6%) were normal weight, while 87 (26.0%) were overweight and 195 (58.4%) were obese. In the multiple linear regression, parity (coefficient = -0.121, p = 0.001) and BMI (coefficient = 0.030, p = 0.006) were negatively associated with the hemoglobin level. Ninety-nine (26.9%) women had anemia. In the multivariate analysis, primiparity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30-0.97), increasing BMI (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89-0.97), and obesity (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16-0.61) were associated with decreased ORs of anemia. Increasing parity was associated with increased ORs of anemia (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05-1.32). Being overweight was not associated with anemia (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.27-1.16). In the current study, a high hemoglobin level and lower prevalence of anemia were observed among obese pregnant women.

Identification of Glycoxidative Lesion in Isolated Low-Density Lipoproteins from Diabetes Mellitus Subjects.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a precursor for advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which have a significant role in diabetes. The present study is designed to probe the immunological response of native and glycated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in experimental animals. The second part of this study is to probe glycoxidative lesion detection in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in diabetes subjects with varying disease duration. The neo-epitopes attributed to glycation-induced glycoxidative lesion of LDL in DM patients' plasma were, analyzed by binding of native and MG-modified LDL immunized animal sera antibodies using an immunochemical assay. The plasma purified human LDL glycation with MG, which instigated modification in LDL. Further, the NewZealand-White rabbits were infused with unmodified natural LDL (N-LDL) and MG-glycatedLDL to probe its immunogenicity. The glycoxidative lesion detection in LDL of DM with disease duration (D.D.) of 5-15 years and D.D. > 15 years was found to be significantly higher as compared to normal healthy subjects (NHS) LDL. The findings support the notion that prolonged duration of diabetes can cause structural alteration in LDL protein molecules, rendering them highly immunogenic in nature. The presence of LDL lesions specific to MG-associated glycoxidation would further help in assessing the progression of diabetes mellitus.

Developed a New Radiation Shielding Absorber Composed of Waste Marble, Polyester, PbCO3, and CdO to Reduce Waste Marble Considering Environmental Safety.

The usage of radiation is mandatory for modern life; in the same manner, controlling the outflow of harmful radiation is vital and could be achieved via employing a shielding material to eliminate any potential nuclear and radiation accidents and incidents. Considering this point, this study aims to manufacture composite samples based on waste marble as novel radiation shields. The physical and radiation shielding ability of the prepared shields were determined and analyzed. For this purpose, a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used to detect the incoming photons emitted from three point sources (Am-241, Cs-137, and Co-60). The radiation attenuation factors for the new marble-based composites were measured for some energies, ranging from 0.06 to 1.333 MeV. We examined the effect of increasing the PbCO3 and CdO contents on the physical properties and radiation attenuation factors of the newly developed radiation shielding absorber. We found that the density of the samples increases from 1.784 to 1.796 g/cm3 when the CdO changes from 0 to 12.5 wt%. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) for all marble compositions has the maximum value at 0.06 MeV, while the LAC decreases with increasing energy. The highest LAC was found for Marb-3, with a composition of waste marble (50 wt%), polyester (25 wt%), PbCO3 (17.5 wt%), and CdO (7.5 wt%). We studied the impact of the addition of CdO on the expense of PbCO3 and we found that the half value layer (HVL) decreases with increasing the CdO content. Hence, when there is no space problem, the newly developed radiation shielding absorber can be used to maintain the cost effectiveness and environmentally friendliness of products.

Association between Physical Activity Levels and Brain Volumes in Adults Visiting Radio-Imaging Center of Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is evidence to support the favorable impact of physical activity (PA) on brain volume. However, the empirical evidence exploring the relationship between physical and sedentary behavior remains mixed. We aimed to explore the relationship between PA and sedentary behavior and brain volume. METHODS: The study sample (n = 150, mean age = 39.7 years) included patients interviewed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) who underwent an MRI brain scan. From the images obtained, we measured total intracranial, gray matter, and white matter volume along with the hippocampus, amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Multivariable linear regression analysis was done. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Left hippocampus and overall PA were positively and significantly associated (ß = 0.71, p = 0.021) whereas time spent on vigorous physical activity showed a negative association (ß = -0.328, p = 0.049) with left hippocampal volume. CONCLUSION: We found a positive association between total PA and the left hippocampus, whereas vigorous PA showed a negative association with the left hippocampus.