The effects of saline water consumption on sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, hormonal and antioxidants concentrations in Barki Rams.

The study aimed to assess the effects of water salinity on the sperm parameters, levels of cortisol, LH, FSH, testosterone and antioxidants as well as the testes' histopathology in Barki rams. Fifteen healthy Barki rams (1-1.5 years) were divided into three equal depending on the type of drinking water for nine months. The rams in the tap water group (TW, water that contained 350 ppm of total dissolved salts (TDS). Males in the high saline water group (HSW) were permitted to consume high saline water with 8,934 ppm TDS, whereas those in the second group were permitted to have moderately saline water (MSW, 4,557 ppm TDS). High salt concentration in drinking water had adverse effect on sperm viability, morphology and sperm cell concertation. Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde concentrations in blood were significantly higher in the MSW and HSW groups than in TW. There was a significant decrease in glutathione concentration as well as superoxide dismutase activity in TDS and HSW. Cortisol was most highly concentrated in the HSW, next in the MSW, and least in TW. The testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations in the HSW and MSW groups were significantly lower than in TW. As the salt concentration in drinking water increases, damage to testicular tissue. The MSW group demonstrating vacuolation of lining epithelial cells with pyknotic nuclei in the epididymis and necrosis and desquamation of spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules while HSW group displaying desquamated necrotic cells and giant cell formation in the epididymis, as well as damage to some of the seminiferous tubules and showed congestion, vacuolation of spermatogenic epithelium of seminiferous tubules, and desquamated necrotic spermatogenic epithelium. In conclusion, the salinity of the water has detrimental impacts on the sperm morphology, viability and concentration, hormones and antioxidant levels in Barki rams.

Effect of web-based health education on nursing students' knowledge, adaptive healthy measures and attitudes regarding polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, and it has emerged as a significant global public health issue. This study aimed to investigate the effects of web-based health education on nursing students' knowledge, adaptive healthy measures, and attitudes toward PCOS. METHODS: A two-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre-test and immediate post-test assessments was conducted. Study participants were recruited using a simple random sampling method from the Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt. A questionnaire consisting of six sections was developed to collect data, which was analyzed with the SPSS 23.0 using Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation test, and chi-square test analysis of variance. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a significant increase in knowledge scores post-intervention, with the web-based learning groups (32.2 ± 10.5) outperforming the traditional learning group (22.1 ± 10.2), with (p < 0.05). Similarly, there was a notable improvement in adaptive healthy measures scores post-intervention, with the web-based learning group (8.9 ± 2.4) showing better results than the traditional group (6.5 ± 2.9), with (p < 0.05). In terms of attitudes toward PCOS, the web-based group (18.2 ± 4.9) displayed a significant improvement compared to the traditional group (11.7 ± 5.2), with (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that web-based learning is more effective than traditional methods in enhancing nursing students' knowledge, adaptive healthy measures, and attitudes toward PCOS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered by Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: (NCT06192381|| https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ ) on 5-1-2024.

Menopausal symptom management: Fezolinetant's varied doses provide effective relief for vasomotor symptoms in women - A meta-analysis of 3291 participants.

Menopause represents the physiological transition when a woman's reproductive period ends associated with a variety of symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral Fezolinetant for treating vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Five electronic databases were searched from their inception until May 2023. Via the Cochrane risk of bias tool, two reviewers assessed the studies' quality. The primary outcomes were a decrease in VMSs frequency and severity and safety outcomes at 4 and 12 weeks. Data were extracted and then analyzed using RevMan software. This meta-analysis included six trials with a total of 3291 women that compared Fezolinetant to a placebo in the treatment of menopausal VMSs. After 4 and 12 weeks of therapy, fezolinetant at 30 mg QD or 45 mg QD substantially decreased the frequency and severity of VMSs per 24 hours compared to placebo. Fezolinetant at 90 mg BID, 30 mg QD, or 45 mg QD did not show a significant difference in the rate of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), headache, and TEAEs leading to permanent discontinuation compared to placebo. Fezolinetant proves to be a successful and well-tolerated remedy for menopausal women suffering from VMSs. Notably, the 45 mg daily dosage over 12 weeks exhibited significant efficacy. Nonetheless, extensive future trials are necessary to ascertain its long-term safety, effectiveness, and relative potency compared to alternative VMS treatments like hormone therapy.

La ménopause représente la transition physiologique lorsque la période de reproduction d'une femme se termine, associée à divers symptômes, notamment des symptômes vasomoteurs, tels que des sueurs nocturnes et des bouffées de chaleur. Cette revue systématique et méta-analyse visaient à évaluer l'efficacité et l'innocuité du Fezolinetant oral pour traiter les symptômes vasomoteurs associés à la ménopause. Cinq bases de données électroniques ont été consultées depuis leur création jusqu'en mai 2023. Via l'outil Cochrane sur le risque de biais, deux examinateurs ont évalué la qualité des études. Les principaux critères de jugement étaient une diminution de la fréquence et de la gravité des SVM ainsi que des critères de sécurité à 4 et 12 semaines. Les données ont été extraites puis analysées à l'aide du logiciel RevMan. Cette méta-analyse comprenait six essais portant sur un total de 3 291 femmes comparant Fezolinetant à un placebo dans le traitement des SVM ménopausiques. Après 4 et 12 semaines de traitement, le fézolinetant à la dose de 30 mg une fois par jour ou de 45 mg une fois par jour a considérablement réduit la fréquence et la gravité des SMV toutes les 24 heures par rapport au placebo. Le fézolinetant à la dose de 90 mg deux fois par jour, de 30 mg une fois par jour ou de 45 mg une fois par jour n'a pas montré de différence significative dans le taux d'événements indésirables survenus pendant le traitement (TEAE), de maux de tête et de TEAE conduisant à un arrêt définitif par rapport au placebo. Le fézolinetant s'avère être un remède efficace et bien toléré pour les femmes ménopausées souffrant de VMS. Notamment, la dose quotidienne de 45 mg sur 12 semaines a montré une efficacité significative. Néanmoins, de futurs essais approfondis sont nécessaires pour vérifier son innocuité, son efficacité et sa puissance relative à long terme par rapport aux traitements alternatifs du VMS comme l'hormonothérapie.

Fetal gender prediction by monitoring circulating steroid hormones and some biochemical parameters in maternal dromedary camels.

To predict the sex of the foetus, healthy pregnant dromedary camels (n = 24) were included. Blood samples were collected for measurements of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol as well as total proteins, albumin, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Statistical analysis revealed differences between pregnant camels and pregnant camels in terms of female or male foetuses depending on the actual sex of the born calf. The results revealed that testosterone and ALP concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) greater in camels given to males than in those given to calves. There were strong positive correlations between male calf birth and testosterone and ALP concentrations (r = 0.864; P < 0.0001 and r = 0.637; P < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower (P lower in camel calved males than in females). There were significant negative correlations between male calf birth and the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations (r =-0.401; P = 0.052; r =-0.445; P = 0.029 and r =-0.400; P = 0.053, respectively). The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, calcium/phosphorus ratio, magnesium, and albumin and the albumin/globulin ratio were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the two groups. In conclusion, testosterone could be used as a biomarker to determine the sex of foetuses in dromedary camels.

Impact of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin on murine trichinellosis.

Trichinellosis is one of the global food-borne parasitic diseases that can cause severe tissue damage. The traditionally used drugs for the treatment of trichinellosis have limited efficacy against the encysted larvae in the muscular phase of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin against different phases of Trichinella in experimentally infected mice. A total of 120 male Swiss albino mice were divided into two major groups (n = 60 of each), intestinal and muscular phases. Then, each group was subdivided into 10 subgroups (n = 6); non-infected control, infected non-treated control, infected ivermectin treated, infected atorvastatin treated, infected mesenchymal stem cells treated, infected combined ivermectin and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and ivermectin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and a full dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated, and infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and half dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated. Mice were sacrificed at days 5 and 35 post-infection for the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. The assessment was performed through many parameters, including counting the adult intestinal worms and muscular encysted larvae, besides histopathological examination of the underlying tissues. Moreover, a biochemical assay for the inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels was conducted. In addition, levels of immunohistochemical CD31 and VEGF gene expression as markers of angiogenesis during the muscular phase were investigated. The combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin showed the highest significant reduction in adult worms and encysted larvae counts, the most noticeable improvement of the histopathological changes, the most potent anti-inflammatory (lowest level of IL-17) and anti-angiogenic (lowest expression of CD31 and VEGF) activities, and also revealed the highly effective one to relieve the oxidative stress (lowest level of SOD, GSH, and lipid peroxidase enzymes). These observed outcomes indicate that adding mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin to ivermectin synergistically potentiates its therapeutic efficacy and provides a promising candidate against trichinellosis.

Synergistic effect of gold nanoparticles anchored on conductive carbon black as an efficient electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of anti-COVID-19 drug Favipiravir in absence and presence of co-administered drug Paracetamol.

Favipiravir (FVP) is introduced as a promising newly developed antiviral drug against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, the accurate determination of FVP is of great significance for quality assessment and clinical diagnosis. Herein, a novel electrochemical sensing platform for FVP based on gold nanoparticles anchored conductive carbon black (Au@CCB) modified graphite nanopowder flakes paste electrode (GNFPE) was constructed. Morphological and nanostructure properties of Au@CCB have been investigated by TEM, HRTEM, and EDX methods. The morphology and electrochemical properties of Au@CCB/GNFPE were characterized by SEM, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and EIS. The Au@CCB nanostructured modified GNFPE exhibited strong electro-catalytic ability towards the oxidation of FVP. The performance of the fabricated Au@CCB/GNFPE was examined by monitoring FVP concentrations in the absence and presence of co-administered drug paracetamol (PCT) by AdS-SWV. It was demonstrated that the proposed sensor exhibited superior sensitivity, stability, and anti-interference capability for the detection of FVP. The simultaneous determination of a binary mixture containing FVP and the co-administered drug PCT using Au@CCB/GNFPE sensor is reported for the first time. Under optimized conditions, the developed sensor exhibited sensitive voltammetric responses to FVP and PCT with low detection limits of 7.5 nM and 4.3 nM, respectively. The sensing electrode was successfully used to determine FVP and PCT simultaneously in spiked human plasma and pharmaceutical preparations, and the findings were satisfactory. Finally, the fabricated sensor exhibited high sensitivity for simultaneous detection of FVP and PCT in the presence of ascorbic acid in a real sample.

Tailoring confined CdS quantum dots in polysulfone membrane for efficiently durable performance in solar-driven wastewater remediating systems.

In this work, CdS quantum dots (QDs) were successfully confined in polysulfone membrane (PSM) to develop a photoactive membrane under solar illumination that was suited in wastewater remediating system. The CdS@PSM membranes were prepared using the nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) approach. Optical measurements show the confinement of CdS quantum dots (QDs) in the PS matrix within the narrowest band gap (2.41 eV) at 5 wt% loading. PS has two strong emission peaks at 411 and 432 nm due to photoelectron-hole recombination on pure PSM's surface. Adding 1 wt% CdS QDs to PSM reduced the earlier peak and blue-shifted the latter, within the appearance of three emission peaks attributed to the near band-edge emission of confined CdS QDs. Overloading CdS reduced all emission peaks. Moreover, fluorimetric monitoring of •OH radicals indicates that PSM produces the least amount of photogenerated •OH radicals while CdS@PSM(5 wt%) achieved the highest productivity. Examining the developed membranes in detoxifying methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution of natural pH 8.1 showed weak adsorption in dark over 90 min of contact while switching to solar illumination significantly photodegrade MB where the degradation efficiency starts from 49% for pure PSM to 79% for CdS@PSM(5 wt%). Influence of pH was found crucial on photodegradation efficacy. Acidic pH 3 showed the weakest photodegradation efficacy, while the alkaline pH 12 was 18.88 times more effective. The used CdS@PSM (5 wt%) was successfully photo-renovated by soaking in 10 mL of NaOH solution under Solar illumination for 15 min to be used in 4 consecutive photodegradation cycles with insignificant decrease in efficacy. These findings are promising and could lead to a high-efficiency, sustainable photocatalytic suite.

Satisfaction and anxiety level during clinical training among nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Quality is a primary concern of health care agencies worldwide. A conducive clinical training environment is essential for nursing students to be capable of enhancing their learning experiences and achieving the desired training outcomes. AIM: This study aimed to examine the satisfaction and anxiety levels during clinical training among nursing students. TYPE OF STUDY: A descriptive -analytical cross-sectional study design was utilized. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University and Colleges of Applied Medical Sciences in Alnamas and Bisha, University of Bisha. Sampling method: A convenience sampling technique was used. SAMPLE SIZE: a sample of 1052 undergraduate nursing students. The data was gathered via a structured questionnaire including the socio-demographic characteristics and nursing students' satisfaction with the hospital and laboratory training. Additionally, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was adopted to measure the anxiety level. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied sample was 21.9 ± 1.83 years, and 56.9% are females. Moreover, 90.1% & 76.4% of the nursing students were satisfied with their hospital and laboratory training. Furthermore, 61.1% & 54.8% of the students had mild levels of anxiety regarding their hospital training and laboratory training, respectively. CONCLUSION: The undergraduate nursing students had a high level of satisfaction with their clinical training at the hospitals and laboratories. Moreover, they had mild anxiety related to hospital and laboratory clinical training. RECOMMENDATIONS: Developing clinical orientation and training programs and improvement strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the clinical training environment. The establishment of a modern, tastefully designed, and fully stocked skill lab for the college's student training should receive more attention. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Through the provision of ongoing education about different method of practice, nursing was intended to shape future professional nurses who master core competencies of the profession. Organizations may benefit from developing a comprehensive strategy to achieve an effective teaching program.

Evaluation of rotary file system (Kedo-S-Square) in root canal preparation of primary anterior teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, pediatric endodontics has witnessed various advances including use of rotary files in pulpectomy. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate taper, amount of dentin removal and instrumentation time of the pediatric rotary Kedo-S Square file, hand K-files and H-files in primary canines using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: 60 primary canines were randomly assigned into three groups; A1 Kedo-S-Square rotary file (group I), hand stainless steel K file (group II) and hand stainless steel H file (group III). Teeth were mounted in vinyl poly siloxane impression material templates to be scanned before and after instrumentation by CBCT scans using Ondemand 3D software. Shaping ability of the files were evaluated in terms of taper of the canal and amount of dentin remaining of each group. Instrumentation time was recorded using a digital stopwatch. RESULTS: Kedo-S Square removed a significantly less amount of dentin in both apical (P < 0.002) and coronal thirds (P < 0.014). Taper of the preparations showed significant differences as Kedo-S Square file showed good taper in maximum number of root canals, while maual K- and H-files showed poor taper in maximum number of root canals (P < 0.0001). Rotary Kedo-S Square files required less instrumentation time (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of rotary Kedo-S Square files resulted in better conservation of tooth structure, superior tapering ability and least instrumentation time compared to hand K- and H-files.

Effect of Two Different Rehabilitation Approaches on Pulmonary Functional Tests, Neuromuscular Functions and Quality of Life in Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

Background and Objectives: Children with juvenile myasthenia gravis have a variety of symptoms, ranging from isolated intermittent ocular complaints to overall muscle weakness with or without respiratory insufficiency. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a specialized physical therapy with or without partial body weight supported treadmill training on pulmonary functional tests, neuromuscular functions, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: Thirty children, ranging in age from 13 to 16 years, were distributed randomly into two study groups (A or B). Both groups underwent a designed physical therapy program. In addition, group A underwent the partial body weight supported treadmill training. The treatment was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks successively. Pulmonary functional tests (FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and MVV), neuromuscular function tests (compound motor action potential, isometric muscle force of biceps brachii and rectus femoris, balance, walking endurance, and fatigue), and quality of life were measured before and after 12 successive weeks. Results: A significant improvement in all investigated variables were recorded in both groups in favor of group A. Conclusions: Both a specialized physical therapy and partial body weight supported treadmill training are effective in terms of enhancing pulmonary functional tests, neuromuscular functions, and quality of life. Partial body weight supported treadmill training is an excellent adjunctive to the physical therapy program.

Effect of adding plyometric training to physical education sessions on specific biomechanical parameters in primary school girls.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the effect of adding a school-based plyometric training program (PMT) to physical education (PE) sessions on the strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school girls. METHODS: Students from grades 3-6 were randomized equally to a plyometric or control group. In the control group, students took their regular PE classes twice a week. In the plyometric group, students performed PMT twice a week during the initial 20 minutes of every PE session. The Lido Linea closed kinetic chain isokinetic dynamometer, Star excursion balance test (SEBT), and sit-and-reach test were used to assess muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, respectively, before and after nine weeks of training. RESULTS: The improvement in extension peak force (p=0.04) and extension total work (p<0.001) was more prevalent in the PMT group than in the control group. SEBT scores had improved significantly (p<0.05) for all directions in the PMT group, except in the anterior direction, which was highly significant (p<0.001). Hamstring and lower back flexibility had improved more in the PMT group than in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Adding PMT to regular PE classes has a positive and notable effect on muscle strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school students.

Assessment of modulatory activity of Uncaria tomentosa extract against fipronil immunotoxicity in male rats.

This study has investigated the effect of using the Uncaria tomentosa (UT) extract against immunotoxicity that induced by fipronil (FP) in male Wistar rats. Twenty-eight, male Wistar rats were assigned randomly into four groups (7 rats each). Control group received distilled water. FP group received FP 9.7 mg/kg b. wt orally via gastric tube. UT group received 120 mg/kg b. wt. of UT extract orally. FP-UT group received both FP and UT (9.7 and 120 mg/kg b.wt, respectively) for 30 days. Hematological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), estradiol, histamine and immunoglobulin E (IGE) were assayed. Histopathological and electron microscopical examinations were performed to the lymphoid organs. Hematological parameters, were decreased in the FP group than the control group. There was a rise in MDA of FP group followed by a decrease in TAC content with histological and ultrastructure degenerative changes. UT extract treatment ameliorated the FP-induced perturbations for the former parameters. The results showed that FP treatment exerted an immunotoxic effect through acting as an endocrine disruptor and allergic, pro-inflammatory that was confirmed by histopathological and ultrastructure study of the lymphoid organs. Uncaria tomentosa extract could successfully modulate FP-induced immunotoxicity by diminishing all the studied parameters.

Effect of twister wrap orthosis on foot pressure distribution and balance in diplegic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of twister wrap orthosis (TWO) on foot pressure distribution and postural balance in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Thirty children with spastic diplegic CP, with ages ranging from 6 to 8 years, were assigned randomly into two groups. The control group received the conventional physical therapy and ankle foot orthosis (AFO), whereas the study group received the same program as the control group in addition to TWO. Measurement of foot pressure distribution using a pressure platform as well as stability indices using the Biodex Stability System was performed before and after 12 weeks of the treatment program. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant increase in mean and peak planter pressure on forefoot and rear foot with a significant decrease on mid foot after treatment (P⟨0.05). The study group showed a significant improvement in balance after treatment (P⟨0.05) while there was no significant difference in the control group. After treatment, the study group showed significant improvement in planter pressure and balance compared with the control group (P⟨0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TWO could provide correction of foot pressure distribution and improve postural balance in children with spastic diplegic CP.

GSK-3ß heterozygous knockout is cardioprotective in a knockin mouse model of familial dilated cardiomyopathy.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) plays a central role in both cardiac physiology and pathology. Herein we want to clarify the role of GSK-3ß in familial dilated cardiomyopathy. We generated a mouse model carrying a heterozygous knockout mutation of GSK-3ß (GSK-3ß(+/-) KO), together with a ΔK210 knockin mutation in cardiac troponin T (ΔK210 cTnT KI), which was proved to be one of the genetic causes of familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). GSK-3ß(+/-) KO prevented the slow and rapid deterioration in left ventricular systolic function accompanying heart failure (HF) in DCM mice with heterozygous and homozygous ΔK210 cTnT KI mutations, respectively. GSK-3ß(+/-) KO also prevented cardiac enlargement, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and markedly reduced the expression of cardiac ß-myosin heavy chain isoform, indicative of HF, in DCM mice with homozygous ΔK210 cTnT KI mutation. GSK-3ß(+/-) KO also extended the life span of these DCM mice. This study suggests that the inhibition of GSK-3ß is cardioprotective in familial DCM associated with ΔK210 cTnT mutation.

Molecular docking and in vivo protective effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) against metabolic dysfunction in high-fat, high-sodium diet-fed rats.

Okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) have been used as a functional vegetable as they contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other bioactive molecules that protect the body from several chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to look at the involvement of okra constituents (mucilage and flesh) in the prevention of metabolic dysfunctions induced in a rat model by a high-fat, high-salt (HF/NaCl) diet. Okra mucilage was extracted using an ultrasonic method, freeze-dried, characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tested for swelling ratio and radical scavenging activity. Okra flesh (skin and seeds) was separated from pods; characterized using SEM; and tested for dietary fiber content, phenolic profile, and radical scavenging activity. The significance of okra bioactive compounds in inhibiting human salivary amylase, glutamine : fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was investigated using molecular docking. Rats were fed an HF/NaCl diet and orally treated daily with freeze-dried okra mucilage or flesh (100 mg per kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Glucose, insulin, inflammatory indicators (CRP, TNF-α, and interleukin 6), oxidative markers (red blood cell lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, nitric oxide, and superoxide dismutase), lipid profile, estradiol, feces lipids as well as femur and urine calcium were measured. The molecular docking findings showed the interaction of quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which are the most abundant phenolic compounds in okra pods, with the studied proteins, which gives an indication of the mechanism of okra's anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Okra mucilage and flesh significantly reduced glucose, insulin, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and urine calcium levels while significantly increasing feces lipid and femur calcium levels. The findings suggested that okra mucilage and flesh seem to be promising candidates for protection against metabolic dysfunction.

Industrial-scale feasibility for textile wastewater treatment via Photocatalysis-adsorption technology using black sand and UV lamp.

Dye-contaminated wastewater is a major environmental problem that requires effective and affordable treatment methods. This study investigates an innovative approach using black sand filtration assisted by UV light to remove methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. The motivation is to develop a sustainable low-cost wastewater treatment technology. Black sand's composition of iron oxide and other metal oxides enables the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The effects of operating parameters, including pH, bed height, flow rate, and initial MB concentration, were examined using a fixed-bed column system. The maximum adsorption capacity was 562.43 mg g-1 at optimal pH 10, 15 cm bed height, 50 ppm MB, and 53.33 mL min-1 flow rate. Mathematical models effectively described the experimental breakthrough curves. For real textile wastewater, black sand with a UV lamp removed 50.40% COD, 73.68% TDS, 43.82% TSS, and 98.57% conductivity, significantly outperforming filtration without UV assistance. Characterization via XRD, XRF, FTIR, zeta potential, and SEM revealed black sand's photocatalytic properties and mechanism of MB adsorption. The findings demonstrate black sand filtration plus UV irradiation as a feasible, sustainable technology for removing dyes and organics from wastewater. This method has promise for the scale-up treatment of textiles and other industrial effluents.

Protective effect of tomato pomace extract encapsulated in combination with probiotics against indomethacin induced enterocolitis.

Tomato pomace (TP), an antioxidant-rich byproduct, may be suitable for noble applications. The regulation of ROS generation and the anti-inflammatory response can help to prevent ulceration. The purpose of this study was to examine TP for antioxidants, in silico anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to protect against ulceration and erosion triggered by indomethacin. Tomato pomace extract (TPE) was encapsulated either alone or with probiotics to maximize its potential effect. These microcapsules were investigated in indomethacin-treated rats. TPE demonstrated antioxidant activity as well as high levels of carotenoids (15 mg/g extract) and polyphenols. Because of their binding affinity as well as hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions with the active sites of TNF-α and IL-1ß inflammatory cytokines, ellagic acid and rutin may be implicated in the anti-inflammatory effect of TPE, according to the docking study. TPE microcapsules, either alone or in combination with probiotics, demonstrated a protective effect against enterocolitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by the decrease in stomach and intestinal MDA, NO, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and the increase in CAT, SOD, and GSH activities. The produced microcapsules are suggested to be promising candidates for protection against gastric ulcers and erosion.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan-coated noisomal doxorubicin for enhanced its medical application.

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize chitosan-coated noisomal doxorubicin for the purpose of enhancing its medical application, particularly in the field of cancer treatment. Doxorubicin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent, was encapsulated within noisomes, which are lipid-based nanocarriers known for their ability to efficiently deliver drugs to target sites. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, was used to coat the surface of the noisomes to improve their stability and enhance drug release properties. The synthesized chitosan-coated noisomal doxorubicin was subjected to various characterization techniques to evaluate its physicochemical properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a spherical structure with a diameter of 500-550 ± 5.45 nm and zeta potential of +11 ± 0.13 mV with no aggregation or agglomeration. Chitosan-coated noisomes can loaded doxorubicin with entrapping efficacy 75.19 ± 1.45%. While scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed well-defined pores within a fibrous surface. It is observed that chitosan-coated niosomes loading doxorubicin have optimum roughness (22.88 ± 0.71 nm). UV spectroscopy was employed to assess the drug encapsulation efficiency and release profile. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) helped determine the thermal behavior, which indicated a broad endotherm peak at 52.4 °C, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis provided information about the crystallinity of the formulation with an intense peak at 23.79°. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the formation of new bonds between the drug and the polymer. The findings from this study will contribute to the knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the synthesized formulation, which is crucial for ensuring its stability, drug release kinetics, and biological activity. The enhanced chitosan-coated noisomal doxorubicin has the potential to improve the effectiveness and safety of doxorubicin in cancer treatment, offering a promising strategy for enhanced medical applications.

Correction: Exploring the potential impact of applying web-based training program on nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice: A quasi-experimental study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297071.].

Exploring the potential impact of applying web-based training program on nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice: A quasi-experimental study.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has gained significant importance in clinical practice worldwide, including in nursing. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of applying a web-based training program on nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding EBP. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design was utilized with a purposive sample of 64 professional nurses who agreed to participate. The study took place in different hospitals and primary healthcare centers in the Bisha Governorate, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. A four-week standardized web-based training program was implemented using an online learning approach. Nurses were provided with an online self-rated data collection tool through the Google Forms platform. The findings indicated a highly significant difference in the total knowledge and EBP skills mean scores of the post-intervention (53.08±15.9) and (66.03±8.95), respectively compared to pre-intervention (P<0.05). Additionally, there was marked improvement in the mean scores of the positive attitude of the training sessions post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. The program was also well-received by the nurses in terms of quality and usability. The program has the potential to enhance nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward EBP. Therefore, healthcare organizations may consider adopting web-based training as a means of continuing professional education to promote EBP competencies among nurses.