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AbstractA series of chloroacetamide derivatives (1-22) was synthesized to address the urgent need for new antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. The chemical structures were confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. Most compounds inhibited in vitroGram-positive bacteria S. aureusand B. cereusas well as Gram-negative bacteria (E. coliand P. aeruginosa)and yeast (C. albicans). Interestingly, compound 13 showed the broadest spectrum, especially against B. cereus(MIC = 10 mg/L). Compounds 6 and 20 displayed potent activity against C. albicans(EC50= 197.02 and 189.13 mg/L, respectively). All compounds exhibited antioxidant activity, with 14 compounds surpassing α-tocopherol (standard) in DPPH radical scavenging. In silicoanalyses were conducted using molecular docking, drug-likeness data, physicochemical properties, and ADMET parameters to evaluate the potential of the compounds. Molecular docking simulations against the active sites of NADPH oxidase, penicillin-binding protein (bacterial target), and lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (fungal target) revealed favorable binding energies for the majority of the compounds, indicating good affinity towards the targeted proteins. Overall, the research on novel multifunctional chloroacetamide derivatives is a valuable contribution to the field of biological chemistry and has the potential to lead to the development of new and improved products for a variety of microbes.

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AbstractSesame oil (SO) has been exhibited to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant influences. The goal of this experiment was to look into SO’s hepato-protective properties and underlying processes in valproic acid (VPA)-induced hepatotoxicity. Molecular docking was carried out to clarify the functional and structural underlying mechanism of SO ameliorative effect. Mice were given 8 mL/kg/day of SO (orally) and 100 mg/kg/day of VPA (i.p.) for 21 days. The results revealed that VPA caused a considerable increase in hepatic malondialdehyde levels while decreasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme. There was also a significant rise in serum levels of interleukins 1β and 6 (IL-1β and IL-6) and a significant decrease in hepatic (PXR) gene expression level. SO co-administration with VPA significantly normalized the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status and upregulated the gene expression level of PXR. In silico docking analysis results confirmed these results. This study concluded that supplementation of SO attenuated VPA-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, it was recommended as a dietary supplement for protection against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Mixed oxy-compositions are lately used for water treatment that might be exploited as photo-catalyst, and adsorptive materials for the disposal of water pollutants. Cupric oxide (CuO), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), and graphene oxide (GO)-based nanocomposites show an interest in water treatment applications owing to the adsorptive feature of carbon-based nanoparticles (NPs), besides low band gap of metal oxides that boosts photo-catalytic process. CuO/La2O3/GO-based nanocomposites are prepared and tested for their thermal stability, and dye removal activity. The change in nanocomposites structure upon the incorporation of CuO and La2O3into GO nanosheets is inspected via TEM micrographs showing a decline in lanthana rod length to be 200 nm on average. Additionally, the improved roughness structure and the compact grain size appear in SEM micrographs reports CuO grain size reduction reaching an average size of 250 nm. The roughness parameters of CuO/La2O3/GO are extraordinarily heightened in which the supreme value of roughness average is 7.6 nm. Ternary nanocomposite exhibits a maximum value (85%) as a methylene blue (MB) dye removal. Based on these obtained results, the fabricated nanocomposites are recommended for water treatment due to their enriched physicochemical and morphological features as well as the better thermal stability and exerted dye removal activity.

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Due to its numerous potential applications, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2; moly), one of the newly developing transition metals dichalcogenides (TMDCs), has exceptionally drawn high interest. Particularly in solution-based applications, MoS2has potential that has not yet been completely realized. The structural and morphological characteristics of MoS2films prepared by two diverse approaches for example chemical vapor deposition (moly/CVD) and autoclave (moly/AC) methods were investigated by scanning electron microscopy supported by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), FTIR, transmission scanning microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The anti-corrosive performance of the uncoated and coated steel was investigated in 1.0 M HCl. Electrochemical tools such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) were completed to measure the corrosion protection properties. The moly/CVD and moly/AC coated 5-layer steel substrates showed a protection capability of 94.2 and 98.2%, respectively. The effect of the synthetic strategy and the film thickness on the corrosion characteristics was examined. Before and after exposure to the corrosive solution, the surface morphology of the uncoated and coated steel specimens was described using SEM. These MoS2thin films are a new and cost-effective alternative to improve steel corrosion resistance and could be used to protect steel in environments with chloride acidic medium due to their unique physicochemical properties.

In this work, the effects of CoxZn1-xFe2O4(x= 0, 0.5, 1) nanofillers on the PVDF polymer were scientifically studied. The structure and magnetic and optical properties were studied. XRD confirms the synthesis of nanofiller in a single phase. FTIR confirms the formation of nanoferrites. HRTEM shows that the prepared nanoferrites have a cubic-like shape. Also, the size and agglomeration increase with Co-Zn Fe2O4nanoferrites compared to the other singles one. The effect of adding nanoferrites into PVDF matrix was studied using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, VSM, and UV-Vis. XRD and FTIR approved the complexation between PVDF polymer and nanoferrites. Also, addition of nanoferrites into PVDF leads to decrease the semi-crystalline nature of PVDF. FESEM showed that embedding nanoferrites into PVDF polymers creates pores and PVDF/Co-Zn Fe2O4increases the pore size on the PVDF surface. The magnetic properties of PVDF were enhanced by adding the nanofiller. For example, saturation magnetization was increased from 269.31E−6to 62.052E−3by adding CoFe2O4to PVDF polymer. Band gap calculation showed that PVDF/Co-Zn Fe2O4has the lowest band gap energy which makes it useful in photochemical and electronic applications.

Nanomaterials, especially ferrites, have various applications in mechanical, electrical, and optical fields. However, their abilities in environmental applications remain unexplored. In this work, the flash auto-combustion method has been used to prepare three different compositions of CuFe2O4, Zn-CuFe2O4, and Co-CuFe2O4nanocomposite. The structure, spectroscopic, surface, and morphological properties of the prepared samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR, BET, and HRTEM, respectively. According to XRD analysis, the prepared ferrites consist of nanocrystalline particles with sizes of 24.5, 37.5, and 32.6 for CuFe2O4, Zn-CuFe2O4, and Co-CuFe2O4, respectively. Zn-CuFe2O4and Co-CuFe2O4 had asingle cubic phase, while a tetragonal phase was formed in CuFe2O4. The addition of cobalt and zinc to copper ferrite increased the crystallite size and the lattice parameters. The absorption band in FTIR spectra, which represents the stretching vibrations along the [MetalO] bond at the octahedral (B) position, was nearly constant (412 Cm−1) by the addition of Zn to CuFe2O4. The surface area and quantity of gas adsorbed on the surface of Co-CuFe2O4 were the highest. The greatest force constants [(Ko = 1.37 & KT = 1.32 105 dyne/cm] were detected in Zn-CuFe2O4. Co-CuFe2O4exhibited the highest saturation magnetization as well as magnetocrystalline anisotropy. From FESM, the particles have a homogeneous distribution, which is confirmed by the appropriate synthesis method. The nanonanosamples had an average particle size of 79 nm, 66 nm, and 56 nm for CuFe2O4, Co-CuFe2O4, and Zn-CuFe2O4, respectively. The surface area and quantity of gas adsorbed on the sample surface were increased by doping Cu ferrite with Co and Zn. All the prepared samples were tested for heavy metal (Cr6+) removal from the water; they demonstrated promising results after optimizing the experimental conditions at pH 7 and contact time 50 min, and these values reached 54%, 90%, and 93% for CuFe2O4, Zn-CuFe2O4, and Co-CuFe2O4nanocomposite, respectively.

ABSTRACTCinnamomum verum essential oil and its main component, cinnamaldehyde, were incorporated into nanoemulsions to improve their stability and activity. Oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions were prepared using the high-energy ultra-sonication method. Cinnamon oil nanoemulsion exhibited a more vigorous DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 1.81 mg/L) than the standard α-tocopherol (IC50 = 9.16 mg/L). Cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion exhibited the highest antibacterial action against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 175 and 150 mg/L, respectively). It was also displayed the highest inhibition against Candida albicans (EC50 = 19.92 mg/L). Cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion was the most active against mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus and A. niger (EC50 = 38.20 and 134.80 mg/L, respectively). It also presented the highest activity against spore germination. This study describes antimicrobials and antioxidants based on nanoemulsions made from natural products that can be used to treat microbial infections.

Development of wound bandages with suitable performance to accelerate the healing process. Biocompatible, nontoxic, and thermally stable materials were required to enhance the healing period. Cellulose Acetate (CA) with a different contribution of nanoparticles such as antimony (III) oxide (Sb2O3) and samarium (III) oxide (Sm2O3) as the loaded drug through the film casting method. The tests used include scanning tunneling microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology of the film samples presents a variety in roughness and porosity with diameters between 3 and 7 μm for Sb2O3@CA. In addition, the good distribution of crystalline materials is represented for the rod shapes Sb2O3/Sm2O3/GO@CA with a diameter between 0.4 and 1 μm. The cell viability measured at extremely low doses was around 118% of the control sample. Then, at a dosage of 3500 g/mL, the viable cells dropped to about 43% when the nanoparticles were loaded into CA.

AbstractContextHyperglycaemia plays an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is a common complication in diabetics.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the efficacy of Commiphora opobalsamumstem bark butanol fraction in ameliorating liver injury associated with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats.Materials and methodsThe butanol fraction was applied to high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MSn) to identify the most bioactive metabolites. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight), while treatment with the plant extract was performed (100 mg/kg body weight) for three weeks after diabetic induction for one month.ResultsThirty eight metabolites were tentatively identified from the butanol fraction of C. opobalsamumstem bark. Insulin, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and high density lipoprotein levels in diabetic rats were significantly low (p < 0.05), while glucose, α-amylase, malondialdehyde, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and DNA fragmentation levels were significantly high. Treatment with the plant extract showed improvements in the seleced parameters by variable degrees. Conclusion:The plant extract is considered as a promising natural therapeutic agent against liver injury, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperlipidaemia, and DNA damage.

Coagulopathy, cytokine release, platelet hyperactivity and endothelial activation are regarded as potential major contributors to COVID-19 morbidity. Complement activation might provide a bridge linking these factors in severe COVID-19 illness. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of selected complement factors in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The study included 300 hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19 infection. Complement factors (C3, C3a, C4, sC5b-9) were assessed by commercial ELISA kits. Outcome parameters included mortality, intensive care unit admission and duration of hospital stay. It was found that survivors had significantly higher serum C3 (median (IQR): 128.5 (116.3–141.0) mg/dL vs 98.0 (70.0–112.8)?mg/dL, p<0.001) and C4 (median (IQR): 36.0 (30.0–42.0) mg/dL vs 31.0 (26.0–35.0)?mg/dL, p<0.001) levels when compared with non-survivors. On the other hand, it was shown that survivors had significantly lower C3a (median (IQR): 203.0 (170.3–244.0) ng/mL vs 385.0 (293.0–424.8) ng/mL, p<0.001) and sC5b-9 (median (IQR): 294.0 (242.0–318.8) ng/mL vs 393.0 (342.0–436.5)?ng/mL, p<0.001) levels when compared with non-survivors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified C3a (OR: 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99), p<0.001) and C4 (OR: 0.92 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.98), p=0.011) levels as significant predictors of mortality. In conclusion, serum levels of complement factors are related to mortality in severely ill patients with COVID-19.

•A novel transposon, Tn7382,co-harboring blaNDM-1and aphA6was described in two extensively drug resistant Acinetobacter baumanniifrom patients in Egypt.•The potential mobility of Tn7382was demonstrated using comparative genomic analysis of two A. baumanniistrains (TP1 and TP2) previously isolated from the same patient in USA and whose chromosomal sequences were retrieved from the NCBI database.•A transposition mechanism was proposed as a two-step process.•Potential targets for Tn7382insertion were identified in Acinetobacterspecies and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae.

[Display omitted] • Two novel nanocomposites ZnO@PANi and ZnSiO@PANi were synthesized and afforded excellent protection against acidic chloride-induced steel corrosion. • The protection capacity of ZnSiO@PANi (98.6%) was more pronounced than ZnO@PANi (92.3%) at a dose of 150 ppm. • The protection capacity increases with increasing the solution temperature, which indicates the chemical adsorption mechanism. • Molecular modeling data corroborated the findings of the experimental examination. Two novel nanocomposites based on polyaniline functionalized ZnO and ZnO-SiO 2 nanoparticles (ZnO@PANi and ZnSiO@PANi) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as protective films for steel pipelines in the pickling process at 25–55 °C. The prepared nanocomposites were described using different spectroscopic characterization methods including UV–vis, FTIR, DLS, XPS methods, and other physicochemical techniques including XRD, FESEM, and HR-TEM. The novelty of these films is in the fact that the ZnO and ZnO-SiO 2 nanoparticles are functionalized by polyaniline which is electrochemically stable in acidic solution and has high conductivity. Electrochemical systems such as open circuit potentials (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) were utilized to attain the kinetics and mechanistic findings of the corrosion protection route. The outcomes indicate that the two fabricated ZnO@PANi and ZnSiO@PANi are efficient acidic corrosion inhibitors. The protection performance of ZnSiO@PANi (98.6%) was more pronounced at a dose (150 mg/L) than ZnO@PANi (92.3%) and individual PANi (83.4%) as achieved from PDP findings. The effect of temperature and flowing conditions reinforces further the performance of both nanocomposites. Surface characterization using FESEM/EDS delivered more indication for the steel surface protection with the ZnO@PANi and ZnSiO@PANi nanocomposites. Molecular modeling using DFT calculations and MC simulations supported the experimental findings. The binding energies of the compounds and Fe interface follow the order of ZnO@PANi > ZnSiO@PANi, which is in good agreement with the empirical results. An important suggestion of these results is the probability of substituting traditional toxic small molecules with cost-effective and non-toxic polymeric nanocomposites as protective films for use in the oil and gas industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIf cost contingency is too high, it might cause the construction project to be uneconomic, aborted, and lock-up funds not available for other organizational activities; if too low, it may result in unsatisfactory performance outcomes. To predict the simulated cost contingency (SCC), a Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is applied. However, the use of simulation in most cases is difficult, cumbersome and rarely used in the construction industry. The objective of the current research is to develop ANN and regression based (RB) models to predict the SCC for building projects due to the variability of steel reinforcement (SR) prices. For all the adopted scenarios in dealing with the independent variables, the results revealed that on the average, ANN models are more powerful than RB models in theoretical modeling of SCC when comparing its predicted value with its actual simulated value. On the contrary, RB models outperform ANN models from practical point of view when comparing predicted SCC with its real value. Thus, contractors are advised to adopt RB models in predicting SCC for the practicality in estimating cost contingency. However, the developed models are expected to be highly beneficial for contractors in making SCC calculations easier.

3,5,6‐Trichloropyridin‐2‐yl derivatives were synthesized and tested for antimicrobial activity. The chemical structures were inferred from the correct accurate spectroscopic and analytical data of the 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and MS techniques. The compounds were examined and screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus(G+), Staphylococcus aureus(G+), Escherichia coli(G−), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(G−). In addition, the compounds were evaluated as candidacidal agents against Candida albicans. Compounds 5, 7, and 8were superior against bacteria to the standard. In both in vitro experiments and in silico studies, these compounds proved to be the most effective against bacteria and candida. A number of parameters relating to the physicochemical properties, drug‐likeness, and ADMET parameters have been simulated. Lipinski's parameter assessment showed that the synthesized compounds had good permeability in biological membranes and good gastrointestinal absorption (Log Sof −4.06 to −5.77 and PSA <140). Molecular docking to the active sites of penicillin‐binding protein 2a (PDB: 1VQQ), and lanosterol 14‐alpha demethylase (PDB 1EA1), as target proteins, revealed that most compounds displayed minimal binding energy and have a good affinity toward the active pocket of each enzyme. This is the first article to describe the antimicrobial properties of 3,5,6‐trichloropyridin‐2‐yl‐based molecules derivatives. 3,5,6‐Trichloropyridin‐2‐yl based molecules derivatives were synthesized. The compounds were designed to meet the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. Most of compounds exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to amoxicillin. Molecular docking and ADMET parameters of the compounds were in silico computed.

AbstractThe spread of fungal growth causes enormous economic, agricultural, and health problems for humans, such as Aspergillussp., which produce aflatoxins. Thus, the inhibition of aflatoxin production became a precious target. In this research, the thioesterase (TE) domain from Polyketide synthase enzyme was selected to employ the in silicodocking, using AutoDock Vina, against 623 natural compounds from the South African natural compound database (SANCDB), to identify potential inhibitors that can selectively inhibit thioesterase domain. The top ten inhibitors components were pinocembrin, typhaphthalide, p-coumaroylputrescine, dilemmaone A, 9-angelylplatynecine, 2,4,6-octatrienal, 4,8-dichloro-3,7-dimethyl-, (2e,4z,6e)-, lilacinobiose, 1,3,7-octatriene, 5,6-dichloro-2-(dichloromethyl)-6-methyl-, [r*,s*-(e)]-(-)- (9ci), lilacinobiose, 1,3,7-octatriene, 5,6-dichloro-2-(dichloromethyl)-6-methyl-, [r*,s*-(e)]-(-)- (9ci), 1,3,7-octatriene, 1,5,6-trichloro-2-(dichloromethyl)-6-methyl-, [r*,s*-(z,e)] and 9-angelylhastanecine and that depending on the lowest binding energy, the best chemical interactions and the best drug-likeness. The results of those components gave successful inhibition with the thioesterase domain. So, they can be used for inhibition and controlling aflatoxin contamination of agriculture crop yields, specially, pinocembrin which gave promising results.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Herein, a comparative study (Structural, Thermal, Mechanical, and Electrical) between the Neat-epoxy resin polymer matrix and the epoxy resin polymer decorated with (Ag-CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) and (Mg-CuO) nanosheets, has been done in order to provide the advantages of the incorporation of the CuO nanofillers into the epoxy resin polymer. Hybrid nanocomposites of Ag-CuO/Epoxy and Mg-CuO/Epoxy have been constructed via coprecipitation reaction. The average crystal, chemical, and morphological structures of Ag-CuO/Epoxy and Mg-CuO/Epoxy hybrid nanocomposites, as well as their constituent individual phases and epoxy matrix have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). It was observed that the coupling between (Ag-CuO) NPs or (Mg-CuO) nanosheets, and the epoxy networks improved the physical/chemical characteristics of the Neat-Epoxy by giving it a new fascinating performance that meets the advanced applications needs. Mg-CuO nanofillers changed the epoxy plastic behavior to show the ductile property. (Ag-CuO) NPs improved the epoxy thermal stability, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and lowest its activation energy. The Ag-CuO/Epoxy nanocomposite can be a low-cost candidate for use in many electronic applications. While, Mg-CuO/Epoxy had a wider elasticity region in the stress-strain curve. Finally, the hybrid nanocomposite between the Neat-Epoxy and (Ag/Mg-CuO) NPs introduces the solution for more functional applications, than the individual constituent phases and the matrix.

Background: Spondyloarthritis is a well-known chronic inflammatory disorder; despite recent advances, its genetic basis remains poorly understood. Recently, long non-coding RNA (H19) was identified to be associated with various human cancers and studied in some autoimmune diseases. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has been shown to have good sensitivity and specificity in detecting enthesitis. The Belgrade Ultrasound Enthesitis Score (BUSES) has recently been proposed as a comprehensive ultrasound enthesitis scoring system for differentiating between individuals with enthesitis associated with spondyloarthritis and those without spondyloarthritis. Aim: The current work aimed to study the role of long non-coding RNA (H19) as a potential biomarker in axial spondyloarthritis and its relationship with the different disease parameters (clinical and laboratory), disease activity, and functional status as well as the relation between long non-coding RNA (H19) and articular manifestations using ultrasonographic assessment of enthesitis. Results: Long non-coding RNA (H19) expression was statistically higher in axial spondyloarthritis patients than controls; there are no statistically significant correlations between long non-coding RNA (H19) relative expression and any of the listed parameters (ESR, CRP, ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, BUSES, SPARCC index, mSASSS). As regards the Spearman correlation of Belgrade Ultrasound Enthesitis Score, it showed a statistically significant positive correlation with ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI, and BASMI (pvalue: 0.002, 0.02, and 0.046, respectively). Conclusion: Both long non-coding RNA (H19) and Belgrade Ultrasound Enthesitis Score have good discriminative ability between patients with axial spondyloarthritis and normal population; this suggests a possible role in early diagnosis for patients with axial spondyloarthritis who do not fulfill ASAS classification criteria. Their role to monitor the disease activity still needs further studies to be established. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is much more accurate in the assessment of enthesis than clinical examination. Further studies are needed to study the correlation between ultrasonographic entheseal scores and activity markers either clinically or laboratory.

Background: Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in developing various cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a unique condition characterized by the coexistence of cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances, where chronic inflammation may exacerbate disease progression and severity. This study investigated how different hematological inflammatory cells and mediators can serve as predictive indicators of severe OSA. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 150 patients suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underwent polysomnography (PSG) to confirm the diagnosis. Based on their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the patients were categorized into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe OSA. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of inflammatory blood cells and mediators at the time of diagnosis. Results: Among the 150 patients studied, 90 were diagnosed with OSA, and 43 had severe OSA, representing a prevalence rate of 47.7%. Patients with severe OSA were notably older and more likely to have diabetes mellitus and hypertension. After adjusting for age and sex, each one-unit increase in Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels was associated with a doubling in the likelihood of having moderate and severe OSA (p&lt; 0.05 for all). However, hypertension was linked to a 16-fold increase in the likelihood of moderate and severe OSA (p= 0.01). Conclusion: Our research indicates that comorbidity and inflammatory cells and markers (SIRI, CRP, and ESR) are significantly related to the severity of OSA.

Alzheimer’s disease (ad) is a neurological condition that worsens over time and is characterized by the buildup of amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain parenchyma. Neuroprotection and cholinesterase inhibition have been the two primary techniques used in the creation of medications to date. In ad, a novel sort of programmed cell death known as ferroptosis takes place along with iron buildup, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione deficiency. The objective of the current investigation was to examine the neuroprotective and anti-ferroptotic role of nanocurcumin and Donepezil against model of aluminum chloride AlCl3and D-galactose induced ad. The experiment was performed on 70 rats divided into (G1: control, G2: NCMN, G3: Donepezil, G4: ad-model, G5: Donepezil co-treatment, G6: NCMN co-treatment and G7: NCMN+Donepezil co-treatment). Hematological parameters and biochemical investigations as oxidative stress, liver function, kidney function, iron profile and plasma fibrinogen were evaluated. Treatment with Nanocurcumin alone or in combination with Donepezil improved oxidative stress, liver functions, and kidney functions, improve iron profile and decreased plasma fibrinogen.HighlightsD-galactose and AlCl3treatment impaired rats’ capacity to acquire spatial cues and maintain recognition memories.Nanocurcumin alleviated D-Gal and AlCl3-induced passive avoidance memory deficit in rats.Nanocurcumin as a protective agent, anti-coagulant and anti-ferroptotic.The combination of Nanocurcumin treatment and donepezil demonstrated potential as a therapeutic approach.Graphical Abstract

This study, uses two polyfunctional monomers (PFMs) namely ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a bifunctional monomer and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) as a trifunctional monomer were used as co-agents in irradiation crosslinking of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber (EPDM). The effect of concentration of each PFM and irradiation dose on the crosslinking density, gel content, swelling behavior in motor and brake oils, in addition to the mechanical and thermal stability properties of EPDM was investigated in detailed. The results showed a remarkable increase in the gel content, crosslinking density and mechanical properties as the concentration of PFMs increased from 1 to 5 phr (parts per hundred parts of rubber). The various blends of EPDM with the trifunctional monomer express the highest gel content and crosslinking density than those with the bifunctional monomer. The addition of 5 phr of TMPTA to EPDM causes a dramatic improvement in tensile strength (TS) of the prepared blend reached to 188% compared to neat EPDM at 50 kGy. At the same time, the maximum TS of the blend containing 5 phr of EGDMA achieved only 41% compared to neat EPDM at an irradiation dose of 100 kGy. The swelling of irradiated samples in brake oil revealed a stronger oil resistance than motor oil. For all irradiated samples, the oil uptake decreased with the irradiation dose up to 100 kGy. The EPDM samples containing 5 phr of TMPTA recorded the highest oil resistance at 100 kGy. The results also showed that the addition of PFMs and irradiation treatment of the various prepared blends improved the thermal stability of EPDM. Finally, neat EPDM and the blends containing 1 and 3 phr of EGDMA can be used as radiation dosimeters in the very high dose range (50–200 kGy).

Aim:The authors aimed to examine antibiotic resistance genes and representative virulence determinants among 100 Klebsiella pneumoniaeisolates with an emphasis on capsular serotypes and clonality of some of the isolates. Methods:PCR amplification of (rmpA, rmpA2, iutA, iroNand IncHI1Bplasmid) and (NDM, OXA-48, KPC, CTX-M-15, VIM, IMP, SPM) was conducted. Wzi sequencing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed. Results:K2 was the only detected serotype in the authors' collection. RMPA2was the most common capsule-associated virulence gene detected. All studied isolates harbored OXA-48-like (100%) and NDM (43%) (n = 43). ST147 was the most common sequence type. Conclusion:This work provides insight into the evolution of the coexistence of virulence and resistance genes in a tertiary healthcare setting in Cairo, Egypt.

Coagulopathy, cytokine release, platelet hyperactivity and endothelial activation are regarded as potential major contributors to COVID-19 morbidity. Complement activation might provide a bridge linking these factors in severe COVID-19 illness. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of selected complement factors in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The study included 300 hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19 infection. Complement factors (C3, C3a, C4, sC5b-9) were assessed by commercial ELISA kits. Outcome parameters included mortality, intensive care unit admission and duration of hospital stay. It was found that survivors had significantly higher serum C3 (median (IQR): 128.5 (116.3–141.0) mg/dL vs 98.0 (70.0–112.8) mg/dL, p<0.001) and C4 (median (IQR): 36.0 (30.0–42.0) mg/dL vs 31.0 (26.0–35.0) mg/dL, p<0.001) levels when compared with non-survivors. On the other hand, it was shown that survivors had significantly lower C3a (median (IQR): 203.0 (170.3–244.0) ng/mL vs 385.0 (293.0–424.8) ng/mL, p<0.001) and sC5b-9 (median (IQR): 294.0 (242.0–318.8) ng/mL vs 393.0 (342.0–436.5) ng/mL, p<0.001) levels when compared with non-survivors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified C3a (OR: 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99), p<0.001) and C4 (OR: 0.92 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.98), p=0.011) levels as significant predictors of mortality. In conclusion, serum levels of complement factors are related to mortality in severely ill patients with COVID-19.