Recent Advances in the Synthesis of MXene Quantum Dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) with ultrahigh surface-to-volume ratio, abundant edge active sites, forceful quantum confinement and other remarkable physio-chemical properties, have garnered considerable research interest. MXene QDs, as an emerging member of them, have also attracted wide attention in the last six years, and shown great achievements in many fields. This critical review systematically summarizes the various methods for synthesizing MXene QDs. The characteristics and corresponding applications of various MXene QDs are also presented. The advantages and disadvantages of various synthetic methods, and the limitations of corresponding MXene QDs are compared and highlighted. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of synthesizing MXene QDs are proposed. We hope this review will enlighten researchers to the fabrication of more advancing and promising MXene-based QDs with proprietary properties in diverse applications.

Detecting beta-amyloid glycation by intrinsic fluorescence - Understanding the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

We monitor early stages of beta-amyloid (Aß1-40) aggregation, one of the key processes leading to Alzheimer's disease (AD), in the presence of high glucose concentrations by measuring Aß1- 40 intrinsic fluorescence. The multiple peaks and their shifts observed in the time-resolved emission spectra (TRES) reveal the impact of glycation on Aß1- 40 oligomerisation. The results show that formation of the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) alters the aggregation pathway. These changes are highly relevant to our understanding of the pathophysiology of AD and the implication of AGE and diabetes in these pathways.

Cu2+ Effects on Beta-Amyloid Oligomerisation Monitored by the Fluorescence of Intrinsic Tyrosine.

A non-invasive intrinsic fluorescence sensing of the early stages of Alzheimer's beta amyloid peptide aggregation in the presence of copper ions is reported. By using time-resolved fluorescence techniques the formation of beta amyloid-copper complexes and the accelerated peptide aggregation are demonstrated. The shifts in the emission spectral peaks indicate that the peptides exhibit different aggregation pathways than in the absence of copper.

Allergy and related clinical symptoms among medical students and interns.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, types, clinical presentations, triggers, and predictors of allergic disorders among medical students and interns at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used for this study in which 600 medical students and interns were selected by a multistage stratified random sampling. A validated, confidential, self-administered questionnaire was used during 2016 / 2017. It asked about the previous diagnosis of allergic disorders, associated factors, types, clinical symptoms and the triggering allergenic. Descriptive & inferential statistics were done and logistic regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of diagnosed allergic disorder(s) among the participants was 36.2%.The commonest types of allergy were skin (33.8%) followed by respiratory (29.5%) presentations. The most frequently reported allergenic triggers were the house dust (45.6%) and smoke (30.4%). The first allergy predictor was family history of allergic disorders (aOR= 4.35, 95 % CI: 2.96-6.39), followed by female gender. Regarding the outcome of allergy on students' life, 16.1% occasionally missed classes, and 28.6% had sleep disturbance during allergic attacks. CONCLUSION: Allergy represents an important problem among medical students and interns. Family history and female gender were the predictors of allergy. Skin and respiratory allergies were the most common types. House dust and smoke were the commonest allergenic triggers. Detection of allergens and management of cases of allergy among medical students and interns are needed. Education and conduction of awareness campaigns about allergy are needed.

Clinical associations between acetylcholine levels and cholinesterase activity in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid and periodontal diseases.

AIM: The oral mucosa possesses a non-neuronal cholinergic system. This study aimed to determine clinical evidence for a role of cholinergic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty healthy participants, 52 patients with gingivitis and 49 with periodontitis were recruited. Full periodontal parameters were recorded and saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected. Levels of acetylcholine and inflammatory mediators were quantified using commercially available assay kits. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities were measured using a published biochemical assay. RESULTS: Acetylcholine levels are significantly elevated in saliva and GCF, whereas GCF levels of butyrylcholinesterase activity are significantly decreased, in patients with periodontal diseases. Acetylcholine levels in saliva and GCF correlated positively with clinical markers of disease severity and with increased levels of IL-17A and IL-17F. In contrast, butyrylcholinesterase activity levels in GCF showed significant negative correlations with clinical markers of disease severity and IL-17A and IL-17F levels. None of the findings were due to smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated acetylcholine levels and reduced butyrylcholinesterase activity are clinically associated with periodontal diseases and elevated levels of IL-17A and IL-17F. Therefore, non-neuronal cholinergic mechanisms may influence IL-17 biology and the aetiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases and therefore are possible therapeutic targets.

Undesirable effects of COVID-19 vaccination on Saudi population: A descriptive study, Winter 2022.

Objective: The development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines was a crucial preventative measure toward controlling the pandemic. Several side effects have been reported. This study investigated the long-term side effects reported by the Saudi population. post-COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: The cross-sectional study involved Saudi participants of both genders, aged ≥16 years, and had received at least one dose of any of the available vaccines in Saudi Arabia. They were asked to fill out an online questionnaire divided into three sections: Demographics, medical history, and side effects that appeared post-COVID-19 vaccines. Results: The findings indicated that the undesirable effects were reported by 82% of the participants. These side effects involve three categories: The most common, additional or reported, and persistent side effects. The most common side effects were pain at the site of injection (88.16%), bone pain/joint pain (68.7%), and fatigue (68.46%). Menstrual disorders (n = 46), hair loss (n = 34), and memory problems (n = 19) were reported by participants as additional side effects. Among all side effects, fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, and menstrual disorders were the most persistent side effects. Moreover, 190 participants reported that they were diagnosed with diseases soon after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine including COVID-19, thyroid gland disorder, and irritable bowel disease. The quality of life of some of the participants was affected by post-COVID-19 vaccines, as 25.28% had anxiety, 21.22% had depression, and 33.16% had discomfort. Conclusion: These findings may contribute to understanding the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on the Saudi population's health and public opinion about these vaccines.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) in Combination with PCA and PLS-DA for the Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of 1-Isopentyl-3-pentyl-1H-imidazole-3-ium Bromide against Bacillus subtilis.

In the current study, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of lab-synthesized drug (1-isopentyl-3-pentyl-1H-imidazole-3-ium bromide salt) and commercial drug tinidazole againstBacillus subtilis. The changes in SERS spectral features were studied for unexposed bacillus and exposed one with various dosages of drug synthesized in the lab (1-isopentyl-3-pentyl-1H-imidazole-3-ium bromide salt), and SERS bands were assigned associated with the drug-induced biochemical alterations in bacteria. Multivariate data analysis tools including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) have been utilized to analyze the antibacterial activity of the imidazole derivative (lab drug). PCA was employed in differentiating all the SERS spectral data sets associated with the various doses of the lab-synthesized drug. There is clear discrimination among the spectral data sets of a bacterial strain treated with different concentrations of the drug, which are analyzed by PLS-DA with 86% area under the curve in receiver operating curve (ROC), 99% sensitivity, 100% accuracy, and 98% specificity. Various dominant spectral features are observed with a gradual increase in the different concentrations of the applied drug including 715, 850, 1002, 1132, 1237, 1396, 1416, and 1453 cm-1, which indicate the possible biochemical changes caused in bacteria during the antibacterial activity of the lab-synthesized drug. Overall, the findings show that imidazole and imidazolium compounds generated from tinidazole with various alkyl lengths in the amide substitution can be effective antibacterial agents with low cytotoxicity in humans, and these results indicate the efficiency of SERS in pharmaceuticals and biomedical applications.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for studying the interaction of organometallic compound bis(1,3-dihexylimidazole-2-yl) silver(i) hexafluorophosphate (v) with the biofilm of Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli biofilms are a major cause of gastrointestinal tract diseases, such as esophageal, stomach and intestinal diseases. Nowadays, these are the most commonly occurring diseases caused by consuming contaminated food. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of probiotics in controlling multidrug-resistant E. coli and reducing its ability to form biofilms. Our results substantiate the effective use of probiotics as antimicrobial alternatives and to eradicate biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant E. coli. In this research, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was utilized to identify and evaluate Escherichia coli biofilms and their response to the varying concentrations of the organometallic compound bis(1,3-dihexylimidazole-2-yl) silver(i) hexafluorophosphate (v). Given the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that form biofilms, understanding the impact of potential antibiotic agents is crucial for the healthcare sector. The combination of SERS with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) enabled the detection and characterization of the biofilm, providing insights into the biochemical changes induced by the antibiotic candidate. The identified SERS spectral features served as indicators for elucidating the mode of action of the potential drug on the biofilm. Through PCA and PLS-DA, metabolic variations allowing the differentiation and classification of unexposed biofilms and biofilms exposed to different concentrations of the synthesized antibiotic were successfully identified, with 95% specificity, 96% sensitivity, and a 0.75 area under the curve (AUC). This research underscores the efficiency of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy in differentiating the impact of potential antibiotic agents on E. coli biofilms.

The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an important worldwide medical concern, necessitating a greater understanding of the molecular processes driving its development. The Wnt/-catenin signaling cascade is established as a central player in PCa pathogenesis, and recent research emphasizes the critical involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in this scenario. This in-depth study seeks to give a thorough examination of the complex relationship between ncRNAs and the Wnt/ß-catenin system in PCa. NcRNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been recognized as essential regulators that modulate numerous facets of the Wnt/ß-catenin network. MiRNAs have been recognized as targeting vital elements of the process, either enhancing or inhibiting signaling, depending on their specific roles and targets. LncRNAs participate in fine-tuning the Wnt/ß-catenin network as a result of complicated interplay with both upstream and downstream elements. CircRNAs, despite being a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have been implicated in PCa, influencing the Wnt/ß-catenin cascade through diverse mechanisms. This article encompasses recent advances in our comprehension of specific ncRNAs that participate in the Wnt/ß-catenin network, their functional roles, and clinical relevance in PCa. We investigate their use as screening and predictive indicators, and targets for treatment. Additionally, we delve into the interplay between Wnt/ß-catenin and other signaling networks in PCa and the role of ncRNAs within this complex network. As we unveil the intricate regulatory functions of ncRNAs in the Wnt/ß-catenin cascade in PCa, we gain valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis. The implementation of these discoveries in practical applications holds promise for more precise diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the care of PCa patients. This comprehensive review underscores the evolving landscape of ncRNA research in PCa and the potential for innovative interventions in the battle against this formidable malignancy.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the study of interaction of an antibacterial agent ([bis(1,3-dipentyl-1H-imidazol-2(3H)-ylidene)silver(i)]bromide) with Bacillus subtilis bacterial biofilms.

Bacterial resistance towards antibiotics is a significant challenge for public health, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has great potential to be a promising technique to provide detailed information about the effect of antibiotics against biofilms. SERS is employed to check the antibacterial potential of a lab synthesized drug ([bis(1,3-dipentyl-1H-imidazol-2(3H)-ylidene)silver(i)] bromide) against Bacillus subtilis and to analyze various SERS spectral features of unexposed and exposed Bacillus strains by observing biochemical changes in DNA, protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents induced by the lab synthesized imidazole derivative. Further, PCA and PLS-DA are employed to differentiate the SERS features. PCA was employed to differentiate the biochemical contents of unexposed and exposed Bacillus strains in the form of clusters of their representative SERS spectra and is also helpful in the pairwise comparison of two spectral data sets. PLS-DA provides authentic information to discriminate different unexposed and exposed Bacillus strains with 91% specificity, 93% sensitivity and 97% accuracy. SERS can be employed to characterize the complex and heterogeneous system of biofilms and to check the changes in spectral features of Bacillus strains by exposure to the lab synthesized imidazole derivative.

Molecular and pathological investigation of avian reovirus (ARV) in Egypt with the assessment of the genetic variability of field strains compared to vaccine strains.

Avian orthoreovirus (ARV) is among the important viruses that cause drastic economic losses in the Egyptian poultry industry. Despite regular vaccination of breeder birds, a high prevalence of ARV infection in broilers has been noted in recent years. However, no reports have revealed the genetic and antigenic characteristics of Egyptian field ARV and vaccines used against it. Thus, this study was conducted to detect the molecular nature of emerging ARV strains in broiler chickens suffering from arthritis and tenosynovitis in comparison to vaccine strains. Synovial fluid samples (n = 400) were collected from 40 commercial broiler flocks in the Gharbia governorate, Egypt, and then pooled to obtain 40 samples, which were then used to screen ARV using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with the partial amplification of ARV sigma C gene. The obtained RT-PCR products were then sequenced, and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed together with other ARV field and vaccine strains from GenBank. RT-PCR successfully amplified the predicted 940 bp PCR products from all tested samples. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the analyzed ARV strains were clustered into six genotypic clusters and six protein clusters, with high antigenic diversity between the genotypic clusters. Surprisingly, our isolates were genetically different from vaccine strains, which aligned in genotypic cluster I/protein cluster I, while our strains were aligned in genotypic cluster V/protein cluster V. More importantly, our strains were highly divergent from vaccine strains used in Egypt, with 55.09-56.23% diversity. Sequence analysis using BioEdit software revealed high genetic and protein diversity between our isolates and vaccine strains (397/797 nucleotide substitutions and 148-149/265 amino acid substitutions). This high genetic diversity explains the vaccination failure and recurrent circulation of ARV in Egypt. The present data highlight the need to formulate a new effective vaccine from locally isolated ARV strains after a thorough screening of the molecular nature of circulating ARV in Egypt.

Association between Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients on Hemodialysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the association between hypertension (HTN) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A chart review-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on HD patients who had received HD for at least 6 months. Demographic, hemodynamic, and laboratory data were retrieved from the BestCare system, and the main outcomes were blood pressure before and after dialysis, and the presence of AF. Our sample consisted of 304 HD patients; 162 (53%) were male, and the mean age was 63 ± 18 years. Sixty-eight (20%) had AF, of whom 44 (64.7%) were male, with a mean age of 73 ± 12 years. The risk of AF increased by 0.4 [odds ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.06; P <0.001] for every year of age. Almost the entire sample (66.45%, n = 202) was hypertensive, and those patients had a mean age of 64 ± 17 years, and nearly one-third had a body mass index in the obese category (28.7%, n = 58). In addition, with every increase in the Charlson comorbidity index score by two points, there was a 40% increased risk of developing HTN (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.17-5.18; P = 0.017). The risk factors for the development of HTN and AF in HD patients were found to be increasing age for AF and female sex for HTN. The presence of HTN and diabetes increased the risk of developing AF seven-fold after HD.

Review of the potential pharmacological role of erucic acid: a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.

This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the pharmacological properties of erucic acid (EA) and highlight areas that require further research. EA is an omega-9 fatty acid found in certain vegetable oil, such as rapeseed oil has demonstrated favourable effects in rodents, including ameliorating myocardial lipidosis (fat accumulation in the heart muscle), congestive heart disease, hepatic steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver), and memory impairments. These findings have prompted regulatory bodies to establish limits on EA content in food oils. The studies were performed on rodents and led to caution on ingesting the EA at high levels. Moreover, EA is frequently utilized as a nutritional supplement for the treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy, myocardial disease, and memory improvement. The review of the article indicated that EA improves cognitive function, has a part in Huntington's disease, interacts with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, inhibits elastase and thrombin, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties, and inhibits influenza A virus. This article elucidates the pharmacological effects of EA, an omega-9 fatty acid.

Impact of the Flavonoid Quercetin on ß-Amyloid Aggregation Revealed by Intrinsic Fluorescence.

We report the effects of quercetin, a flavonoid present in the human diet, on early stage beta-amyloid (Aß) aggregation, a seminal event in Alzheimer's disease. Molecular level changes in Aß arrangements are monitored by time-resolved emission spectral (TRES) measurements of the fluorescence of Aß's single tyrosine intrinsic fluorophore (Tyr). The results suggest that quercetin binds ß-amyloid oligomers at early stages of their aggregation, which leads to the formation of modified oligomers and hinders the creation of ß-sheet structures, potentially preventing the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

A Forme Fruste of Marfan Syndrome: A Case Report.

Marfan syndrome (MFS), an inherited connective tissue disorder, is caused by a mutation in the FBN1 gene. MFS is characterized by manifestations in the musculoskeletal system (joint laxity, scoliosis), the cardiovascular system (aortic dilation), and the ocular system (ectopic lens). We report a case of a 37-year-old male with a genetically confirmed MFS. His mother and brother were also both confirmed cases of MFS. While the patient exhibited the characteristic physical features of MFS in general appearance, he did not show any cardiac manifestations of the disease. This report highlights a case of the familial occurrence of MFS and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the forme fruste of MFS.

Monitoring the Assembly and Aggregation of Polypeptide Materials by Time-Resolved Emission Spectra.

Polypeptide assembly and aggregation are the common forms of its physiological and pathological activity, and monitoring them on a molecular level is critical for resolving numerous medical (e.g., onset of neurodegenerative diseases) or biological problems. Sensitivity of the intrinsic fluorescence of protein to its assembly, aggregation, or complexation offers a noninvasive methodology for identifying and determining different stages of these processes. In this protocol, we present the approach based on the time-resolved emission spectra (TRES), which reveals the number of fluorescent residues, the presence of dielectric relaxation, and the changes in fluorescence kinetics during aggregation.

Comparison of quality of life in children undergoing peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVES: To record pediatric end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients' quality of life (QOL) in relation to peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Chronic kidney disease is a rising global epidemic yielding worldwide prevalence of 11-13%. It could possibly lead to ESRD, thus imposing serious burdens on patients and reducing their QOL. These burdens may affect their family members as well. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 23 pediatric ESRD patients aged 2-18 years who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in July 2018. Data were collected using the validated Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM 3.0 ESRD Module questionnaire. Results: The sample included HD (n=9, 40.9%) and PD (n=14, 60.9%) patients. According to the parent-proxy report, we found that the QOL among PD pediatric patients was significantly higher than HD patients (p=0.045). Also, male HD patients had a significantly better QOL on the interaction subscale (70.83±15.95 compared to 30.00±24.00 for females [p=0.023]). Conclusion:   Quality of life was found to be better among PD pediatric patients in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Repurposing Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Treatment of Candida albicans Infections.

Acetylcholine modulates the virulence of Candidaalbicans and regulates an appropriate immune response to infection in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Indeed, the evidence suggests that C. albicans possesses a functional cholinergic receptor that can regulate filamentous growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, G. mellonella immune cell subsets possess repertories of cholinergic receptors which regulate an effective and appropriate cellular immune response to C. albicans infection. This study aimed to investigate the cholinergic receptor subtype involved in regulation of filamentous growth and biofilm formation by C. albicans and determine the roles of cholinergic receptors in modulation of G. mellonella immune cell subsets. The general muscarinic receptor agonist, pilocarpine hydrochloride, inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation and pathogenicity, a phenomenon that could be reversed using the general muscarinic receptor antagonist, scopolamine. Pilocarpine hydrochloride protected G. mellonella larvae from C. albicans infection via inhibition of C. albicans filamentation and appropriate regulation of cellular immunity. However, scopolamine abrogated the capacity of pilocarpine hydrochloride to protect G. mellonella larvae from C. albicans infection. Furthermore, acetylcholine and pilocarpine hydrochloride exhibited differential modulatory capabilities on Galleria mellonella hemocyte responses to C. albicans The data in this article demonstrate that a muscarinic receptor modulates C. albicans filamentation and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the results suggest that G. mellonella hemocyte subsets possess unique repertoires of cholinergic receptors that regulate their differentiation, activation, and function in contrasting manners. Therefore, targeting cholinergic receptors by repurposing currently licensed cholinergic drugs may offer novel therapeutic solutions for the prevention or treatment of fungal infections.IMPORTANCECandida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen with an estimated crude mortality rate of 40%. The ability of the organism to switch from the yeast to hyphal form and produce biofilms are important virulence factors. C. albicans infections are combatted by the host immune system. However, Candida triggers a strong inflammatory response that, if not appropriately regulated, can damage host tissues. Therefore, it is important that the host immune response eliminates the fungus but limits tissue damage. This study provides evidence that targeting cholinergic receptors cannot only curb the virulence of C. albicans by inhibiting filamentous growth and biofilm formation but can also appropriately regulate the host immune response to induce rapid clearance with limited damage to vital tissues. This article provides evidence that repurposing licensed drugs that target cholinergic receptors may offer novel therapeutic solutions for the prevention or treatment of fungal infections.