Assessment of galectins -1, -3, -4, -8, and -9 expression in ovarian carcinoma patients with clinical implications.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Galectins have been recently tackled by many researchers in the field of cancer due to their role in tumorigenesis, disease progression, and metastasis. Thus, they are currently involved in biomarkers research on several types of cancer. In ovarian cancers, few studies were carried out to evaluate galectins expression profiling. Hence, our present study was executed to evaluate the mRNA expression of galectins -1, -3, -4, -8, and -9 in epithelial ovarian cancers. METHODS: Fifty-six tumor samples of ovarian carcinomas were analyzed for mRNA expression using qRT-PCR, and fold-changes were calculated in comparison to tissue samples of 26 women with normal ovaries. RESULTS: The results of the present paper emphasize the importance of galectins as predictors for targeted therapy. LGALS1, LGALS3, LGALS4, LGALS8, and LGALS9 were found to be mostly overexpressed in ovarian carcinoma patients with the following percentage: 78.6%, 92.9%, 66.1%, 87.5%, and 85.7% respectively. Moreover, galectins -3 and -9 were found to be significantly elevated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.044 and p = 0.011). Also, upregulation of galectin-1 and -9 were statistically significant in stages IIB, IIC, and IIIB (p = 0.002) in FIGO staging. CA19.9 is positively correlated to galectin-4 expression (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Our findings strengthen the role of galectins in carcinogenesis, disease progression, and lymphnode metastasis in ovarian carcinomas. And since these galectins are mostly overexpressed, they could be promising markers for targeted therapy to reduce disease progression and metastasis process.

Ovarian Reserve Following Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy vs Cyst Deroofing for Endometriomas.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Because laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy of endometriomas is known to adversely impact patient ovarian reserve, the search for other techniques of surgical management is ongoing. The present study was undertaken to evaluate laparoscopic cyst deroofing as a feasible alternative. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University maternity hospital. PATIENTS: Women diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriomas. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were managed with either laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy or cyst deroofing. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 122 women with endometriomas were randomized to either laparoscopic cystectomy (group 1) or laparoscopic cyst deroofing (group 2). The primary endpoint was the effect on ovarian reserve based on changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) values. At 1 month postsurgery, anti-Müllerian hormone values were significantly decreased (p < .001) from preoperative values, from 4.25 ± 0.87 ng/mL to 1.66 ± 1.02 ng/mL in group 1 and from 4.2 ± 1.69 ng/mL to 2.15 ± 1.48 ng/mL in group 2. In addition, antral follicle count and ovarian volume decreased significantly (p < .001) in both groups by 1 month postsurgery. The decreases in these 3 parameters were more significant (p < .001) in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cyst deroofing of endometriomas appears to be a promising alternative to laparoscopic cystectomy, with less postoperative decrease in ovarian reserve; however, the higher rate of endometrioma recurrence warrants future clinical research to determine the optimal surgical management of endometriomas.

Rectal vs. sublingual misoprostol before cesarean section: double-blind, three-arm, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The commonest surgical procedure for women is cesarean delivery. Postpartum hemorrhage and intra-operative blood during cesarean delivery is a major concern to all obstetricians. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of the adjuvant use of misoprostol and oxytocin in decreasing intra-operative blood loss in cesarean delivery. METHODS: This was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial including 636 term pregnant woman scheduled for cesarean section at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between February 2013 and February 2014. Participants received either 400-µg misoprostol rectally or sublingually or placebo before cesarean section together with 5-IU oxytocin IV. The main outcome measure was intra-operative blood loss. Difference between the three groups was analyzed using one-way ANOVA test (for numeric variables) and Chi-square test (for categorical variables). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Intra-operative blood loss was higher in patients who did not receive misoprostol (Placebo Group) (295-1075 ml, 641.7 ± 135.7) than those who received it, regardless the route of administration, rectal (135-830 ml, 457.5 ± 140.7; P < 0.001), and sublingual (135-680 ml, 357.8 ± 129.7; P < 0.001). In addition, sublingual route was associated with significantly lower estimated intra-operative blood loss compared to rectal administration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol with oxytocin is an effective drug-combination for decreasing intra-operative blood loss during cesarian section with clinical superiority to sublingual over rectal route.

Overexpression of the potassium channel TPKb in small vacuoles confers osmotic and drought tolerance to rice.

Potassium (K(+) ) is the most important cationic nutrient for all living organisms. Vacuolar two-pore K(+) (TPK) channels are important players in the regulation of cellular levels of K(+) but have not been characterised in rice. In order to assess the role of OsTPKb, a K(+) selective ion channel predominantly expressed in the tonoplast of small vacuoles, we generated overexpressing (OX) lines using a constitutive promoter and compared their phenotypes with control plants. Relative to control plants, OX lines showed better growth when exposed to low-K(+) or water stress conditions. K(+) uptake was greater in OX lines which may be driven by increased AKT1 and HAK1 activity. The enhanced K(+) uptake led to tissue K(+) levels that were raised in roots and shoots. Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses showed a higher cytoplasm: vacuole K(+) ratio which is likely to contribute to the increased stress tolerance. In all, the data suggest that TPKb can alter the K(+) status of small vacuoles, which is important for general cellular K(+) homeostasis which, in turn, affects stress tolerance.

Monitoring and Detection of Insecticide Resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Evidence for Field-Evolved Resistance in Egypt.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is a notable insect pest that invades major cereal crops, causing significant damage and loss. Resistances of 2nd instar larvae of two Egyptian field populations of S. frugiperda, collected from the Fayoum and Giza governments, were measured against eight insecticides, including traditional insecticides (profenofos and cypermethrin), bio-insecticides (emamectin benzoate, spinosad, and Bacillus thuringiensis), and insect growth regulators (IGRs) (lufenuron, diflubenzuron, and methoxyfenozide). In addition, the synergistic effects of three synergists (Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM), and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) were assessed, and the activities of detoxification enzymes (acetylcholine esterase (AChE), cytochrome P-450 (CYP-450), carboxylesterase (CarE), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were also determined. Resistance surveillance revealed that the Fayoum field population showed moderate resistance to cypermethrin (RR = 5.75-fold), followed by spinosad (RR = 2.62-fold), and lufenuron (2.01-fold). On the other hand, the Giza population exhibited significant resistance to cypermethrin only (RR = 3.65-fold). Our results revealed that emamectin benzoate was the most effective insecticide, with an LC50 value of 0.003 mg/L for the Fayoum population and 0.001 mg/L for the Giza population, compared to the susceptible strain (0.005 mg/L). Among the biological insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis was the least toxic insecticide of all the tested strains. Synergism assays indicated that DEM and TPP had the most synergistic effect on spinosad (SR = 8.00-fold for both), followed by PBO (SR = 5.71-fold) for the Fayoum population, compared with spinosad alone. The assay of detoxification enzymes showed that GST activity significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the two field strains compared to the susceptible strain. However, no significant changes were observed among the tested strains in CYP-450, CarE, or AChE. The findings of this study provide substantial insights into tracking and managing the development of insecticide resistance in S. frugiperda in Egypt.

Moringa oleifera flowers: insights into their aroma chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties.

BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera is a highly nutritious plant widely used in traditional medicine. RESULTS: The aroma constituents present in the fresh flowers of M. oleifera versus the hydrodistilled oil and hexane extract were studied using GC-MS. Aldehydes were the major class detected in the fresh flowers (64.75%) with E-2-hexenal being the predominant component constituting > 50%. Alkane hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and aldehydes constituted > 50% of the hydrodistilled oil, while alkane hydrocarbons exclusively constitute up to 65.48% of the hexane extract with heptacosane being the major component (46.2%). The cytotoxicity of the hexane extract was assessed on RAW 264.7 macrophages using the MTT assay which revealed no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations of 1 µg/mL and displayed IC50 value at 398.53 µg/mL as compared to celecoxib (anti-inflammatory drug) with IC50 value at 274.55 µg/ml. The hexane extract of Moringa flowers displayed good anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the hexane extract was found to be 12.51 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g extract and 0.16 ± 0.01 mg RuE/g extract, respectively. It displayed moderate antioxidant activity as indicated by the in vitro DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum (PBA) assays. No metal chelating properties were observed for the extract. The enzyme inhibitory potential of the hexane extract was evaluated on acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterases (for neuroprotective assessment), α-amylase and α-glucosidase (for antihyperglycemic assessment), and tyrosinase (for dermoprotective assessment) revealing promising results on cholinesterases, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that M. oleifera leaves can be considered as a multidirectional ingredient for preparing functional applications.

The Effects of Various Teaching Methods on Chest X-ray Interpretation Skills Among Medical Students and Interns: A Systematic Review.

Chest X-ray (CXR) is a common tool used in medical practice. Medical students and interns should acquire knowledge of CXR interpretation, as it is an essential diagnostic tool for a large spectrum of diseases. This systematic review aimed to compare the effect of different intervention techniques on the competency of medical students and interns to demonstrate the level of confidence and competence in interpreting common presentations of CXRs. The population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) framework was used to formulate the review question. All related articles in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and Embase) were retrieved and the search was completed in March 2023 with no limiters on date and time. The number of relevant studies was 469. A multi-level approach through the Rayyan platform was used for the screening and exclusion processes. Eleven articles were included in the systematic review consisting of eight randomized controlled trials, one quasi-experimental study, one cross-sectional study, and one interventional cohort. Results showed significant effects of teaching methods utilizing deductive or inductive approach, clinical history, patient care comfort survey, and SAFMEDS (Say-All-Fast-Minute-Every-Day-Shuffled). Contrarily, no significant effect was shown by flipped classroom models and mixed and blocked practice, peer-assisted learning vs. expert-assisted learning, and Chester, an artificial intelligence tool. This review identified beneficial approaches that may enhance the learning outcomes of interpreting CXRs for medical students and interns, highlighting the remarkable impact of SAFMEDS on medical students' ability to identify CXR findings as well as the availability and practicality of online and e-learning resources for students.

Students' Perception of Quality of Learning Experience (Structure, Process and Outcome): Discipline Versus Problem Based Medical Curriculum and the Mediation Role of Process Quality.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is now incorporated into the curricula of most medical schools around the world. In comparison to the traditional curriculum, less is known about the influence of the adoption and implementation of a problem-based curriculum on the perceived structures, processes, and outcomes of learning experiences reported by students. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to compare the quality of learning experience of students enrolled in traditional discipline-based and problem-based medical curricula and (2) to explore the mediation effect of the process quality between the relationship of the structural quality and students' perception of learning experience outcomes. Through the distribution of an electronic survey, all 3rd and 4th year medical students enrolled in the discipline-based curriculum and the problem-based curriculum were invited to participate in the study. The students from both curricula completed the Student Experience Survey (SES), which was developed by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and Hayes Macro regression analysis were used. Students enrolled in the problem-based curriculum had higher perceived support and sufficient advice with higher perceived quality of learning experiences compared with students enrolled in the traditional curriculum, however they reported less enjoyment of their university life. The structural factors (t = 19.83, p ≤ 0.001) and process factors (t = 9.21, p ≤ 0.001) were associated with an increase in students' reported outcomes by 0.67 and 0.49, respectively. These findings explain the mechanism by which the structural factors, such as maintaining adequate facilities and support, may help in enhancing the process quality (e.g., learner-centered learning), which in turn can enhance learning experience outcomes.

Pivotal Role of Copper Nanoparticles Shelled by Turmeric or Sumac on Huh-7 Cell Line Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis and Antioxidant Capacity.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cancer is a complex interaction among multiple signalling pathways involving a variety of target molecules. Nanoparticles were used in cancer treatment because of their intrinsic anticancer properties. The use of plant extracts in the preparation of metallic nanoparticles as a convenient substitute has been proposed. This study assessed the cytotoxic, antioxidant and apoptotic effects of copper nanoparticles shelled with either turmeric or sumac biosynthesized as core-shell nanostructures on the liver tumour cell line (Huh-7). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The nanostructures were synthesized by sonochemical method and characterization was done to confirm the successful synthesis within the nanoscale. Cytotoxicity of nanostructures was investigated on Huh-7 and normal kidney epithelial cell lines (VERO). Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase were estimated in cell lysate to assess the antioxidant properties of nanostructures. Caspase-3 was also measured as an apoptotic marker. <b>Results:</b> Both nanostructures had low IC₅₀ on Huh-7 cells and a non-toxic effect on VERO cells. The cytotoxic effect was coupled with a significant increase in antioxidant activities and apoptotic efficiency compared to control. <b>Conclusion:</b> The findings summarized here support the utilization of biosynthesized copper with turmeric or sumac as core-shell nanostructures as a novel chemotherapeutic drug for cancer treatment that improves antioxidant effect that modulates the side effect of cytotoxicity. Also, it is obvious that copper nanostructure biosynthesized with turmeric has a more advanced effect than that of sumac.

The Role of miRNA-182 and FOXO3 Expression in Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: evaluating the role of FOXO3 mRNA and mi RNA 182-5P expression levels in BC patients. METHOD: 25 Samples of breast cancer and paired samples of non-cancerous tissues from the same resected breast were obtained from 25 female patients suffering from breast cancer and examined and analyzed by real time PCR to detect the expression levels of FOXO3 mRNA and mi RNA 182-5P. Patients' data were collected from patients medical records. RESULTS: Foxo3 m RNA expression was down regulated in BC tissues (1.37± 1.96) as compared to control group (23.62 ± 54.39) and decreased FOXO3 expression was associated with larger tumor size (p= 0.046), late histopathological grading (p= 0.002), late TNM staging (<0.001) and increased miR-182 expression (p= 0.025). We found that expression level of miR-182 was significantly higher among breast cancer group (1.10±1.15) as compared to the control group (0.58±0.96 ) with p value = 0.017. We noted a significant increased expression associated with larger tumor size (p= 0.002), late histopathological grading (p= 0.008), late TNM staging (p= 0.002) and decreased FOXO3 expression (p= 0.025). A significant negative correlation between miR-182 and FOXO3 mRNA fold expression with r = - 0.447, and a p value of 0.025, this could be attributed to miRNA targeting FOXO gene. COCLUSION: Down regulation of FOXO3 and up regulation of miR-182 expression was associated with advanced breast cancer. The negative correlation between miR-182 and FOXO3 mRNA could be attributed to miRNA targeting FOXO gene.

Factors affecting university image among graduate alumni: A case study of Qatar university.

Various factors influence the students' perception of universities and university image. This study explores five factors affecting university image among Graduate Alumni. Surveys, administered to 597 graduate alumni were assessed to determine Graduate Alumni perspectives toward their university. Findings revealed that the key factors that impacted graduate alumni affecting the university's image and reputation were gender, nationality, level of study, and the ability of the institution to equip graduates with certain specific skills. Based on these findings, the university should consider further examining these areas to provide a more in-depth understanding of how these factors work to shape graduate students' perspectives of the university and develop ways to address areas that need to be developed and improved.

vhcub: Virus-host codon usage co-adaptation analysis.

Viruses show noticeable evolution to adapt and reproduce within their hosts. Theoretically, patterns and factors that affect the codon usage of viruses should reflect evolutionary changes that allow them to optimize their codon usage to their hosts. Some software tools can analyze the codon usage of organisms; however, their performance has room for improvement, as these tools do not focus on examining the codon usage co-adaptation between viruses and their hosts. This paper describes the vhcub R package, which is a crucial tool used to analyze the co-adaptation of codon usage between a virus and its host, with several implementations of indices and plots. The tool is available from: https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/vhcub/.

A preliminary pilot randomized crossover study of uzara (Xysmalobium undulatum) versus ibuprofen in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

OBJECTIVE: Preliminary evaluation of efficacy and safety of uzara use in treatment of moderate and severe primary dysmenorrhea in comparison to ibuprofen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, comparative two way cross-over study comprised 60 single female students at Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt, aged 19-28 years with moderate (n = 46) or severe (n = 14) primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were randomized to take either uzara (80 mg/8 hours for two doses, then 40 mg/8 hours) then ibuprofen (400 mg/6 hours) in two subsequent cycles or vice versa. The pain intensity, using VAS, was recorded immediately before taking the medication (0 hour) and after 4, 12, 24, 48-60, 96-120 hours. Main outcome measures included effectiveness of pain relief defined as drop of VAS to 3 or less, patient's global evaluation of the drug, absence from school, the use of a rescue medication, and, in those who continued the treatment, the pain intensity difference (PID) at different points after start of medication and its sum (SPID). RESULTS: Uzara was comparably effective to ibuprofen (78.3% vs. 86.7% of cycles; respectively), with comparable rates of effectiveness on global evaluation (being around 50% for either drug), and rates of school absences (11.7% vs. 13.3%; respectively). The need for rescue medication was different (18.3% and 10%; respectively), albeit with no statistical significance. The means of PID at different time points and SPID were comparable, with significantly lower average mean of VAS scores compared to that felt with no medication (1.6 vs. 6.8, p<0.001). Side effects were less with uzara than ibuprofen (0% vs. 8.3%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Uzara might be as effective as ibuprofen in management of primary dysmenorrhea but with less side effects. These findings need to be confirmed by a properly designed trial with a larger sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN25618258.

Formulation and evaluation of metoclopramide solid lipid nanoparticles for rectal suppository.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to formulate and characterize metoclopramide solid lipid nanoparticles (MCP-SLNs) and incorporating it into suppository bases for treatment of nausea and vomiting, produced with chemotherapeutic agents, using one dose per day. METHODS: MCP-SLNs was prepared using high shear homogenization (hot homogenization) technique using different surfactants (tween 80, poloxamer 407, poloxamer 188 and cremophore) in two different concentrations (2.5% and 5%) then solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN), whose release percentage above 50%, was incorporated into suppository for treatment of nausea and vomiting. The prepared SLN and suppositories were then evaluated and characterized. KEY FINDINGS: Formulation of poloxamer 407 with compritol and drug (F9) produced highest in-vitro % release (80%). Transmission electron microscopy showed that SLN had round and spherical shape in form of solid dispersion or drug-enriched core. Particle size analysis of SLN showed a size range of 24.99-396.8 nm. Negative zeta potential proves complete drug entrapment. In-vivo study of MCP-SLN suppositories produced the same %GE as the market metoclopramide (MCP) suppository (Primperan) with sustained release effect. CONCLUSION: MCP-SLN suppositories (formula F) can reverse decrease in %GE because of emesis with sustained release effect. So it succeeded to be an alternative to MCP suppositories with no multiple dosing.