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Abstract This study investigates a nanoparticle-based doxycycline (DOX) delivery system targeting cervical cancer cells via the CD44 receptor. Molecular docking revealed a strong binding affinity between hyaluronic acid (HA) and CD44 (binding energy: -7.2 kJ/mol). Characterization of the HA-Chitosan nanoparticles showed a particle size of 284.6 nm, a zeta potential of 16.9 mV, and a polydispersity index of 0.314, with SEM confirming smooth surface morphology. The encapsulation efficiency of DOX-loaded nanoparticles was 89.32%, exhibiting a sustained release profile, with 67.45% released over 72 h in acidic conditions (pH 5.5). Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated a significant reduction in HeLa cell viability to 22% at 72 h, compared to 67% in normal HEK cells. Stability tests confirmed the maintenance of nanoparticle integrity and a consistent drug release profile over three months. Cell migration was reduced by 45%, and RT-PCR analysis revealed a 53% downregulation of TNF-α expression, suggesting effective targeting of inflammatory pathways. These results underscore the potential of HA-Chitosan-based DOX nanoparticles in improving cervical cancer treatment through enhanced targeted delivery and inhibition of tumor-promoting mechanisms.

Abstract Iron deficiency is a widespread micronutrient deficiency, impacting over 30% of the global population. Iron Folic Acid supplement is recommended for pregnant women to counter iron deficiency anemia and neural tube anomalies. Although Iron Folic Acid supplementation is integral to Ethiopian antenatal care, one in four women in Ethiopia experiences anemia during pregnancy suggesting poor compliance. This study aimed to investigate compliance level and associated factors of Iron Folic Acid supplementation among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Wuchale Woreda of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 pregnant women from March 20 to April 5, 2021, who were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interview, entered epi-data, and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with compliance level. All the results were presented with 95% confidence intervals. The compliance with Iron Folic Acid supplementation was 47.0%. Residing nearest to the health facility (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.32, 4.57), initiating antenatal care at health center (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI 1.17, 4.51), having a family size of 4 and above (AOR = 4.99; 95% CI 2.43, 10.24), and receiving information from health extension workers (AOR = 5.52; 95% CI 1.30, 23.54) increased compliance with Iron Folic Acid supplementation. Less than half of the pregnant women were compliant with Iron Folic Acid utilization. There is a need to prioritize promoting the importance of Iron Folic Acid supplementation through health education particularly by targeting pregnant women with identified factors.

Abstract Our current study reports the successful synthesis of thiolated chitosan-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery of 5-Fluorouracil. This process was achieved through the ionic gelation technique, aiming to improve the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic moiety by modifying the surface of the nanoparticles (NPs) with a ligand. We coated these NPs with hyaluronic acid (HA) to actively target the CD44 receptor, which is frequently overexpressed in various solid malignancies, including breast cancer. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM were used for the physicochemical analysis of the NPs. These 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) loaded NPs were evaluated on MDA-MB-231 (a triple-negative breast cell line) and MCF-10A (normal epithelial breast cells) to determine their in vitro efficacy. The developed 5-FU-loaded NPs exhibited a particle size within a favorable range (

Abstract This study aimed at encapsulation of commonly administered, highly cytotoxic anticancer drug Docetaxel (DTX) in camel milk fat globule-derived liposomes for delivery in triple negative breast cancer cells. Prior to liposomal encapsulation of drug, in silico analysis of Docetaxel was done to predict off target binding associated toxicities in different organs. For this purpose, the ADMET Predictor (TM) Cloud version 10.4.0.5, 64-bit, was utilized to simulate Docetaxel’s pharmacokinetic and physicochemical parameters. Freshly milked camel milk was bought from local market, from two breeds Brella and Marecha, in suburbs of Islamabad. After extraction of MFGM-derived liposomes from camel milk, docetaxel was loaded into liposomes by thin film hydration method. The physiochemical properties of liposomes were analyzed by SEM, FTIR and Zeta analysis. The results from SEM showed that empty liposomes (Lp-CM-ChT80) had spherical morphology while DTX loaded liposomes (Lp-CM-ChT80-DTX) exhibited rectangular shape, FTIR revealed the presence of characteristic functional groups which confirmed the successful encapsulation of DTX. Zeta analysis showed that Lp-CM-ChT80-DTX had size of 836.6 nm with PDI of 0.088 and zeta potential of − 18.7 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of Lp-CM-ChT80 turned out to be 25% while in vitro release assay showed slow release of DTX from liposomes as compared to pure DTX using dialysis membrane. The in vitro anticancer activity was analyzed by cell morphology analysis and MTT cytotoxicity assay using different concentrations 80 µg/ml, 120 µg/ml and 180 µg/ml of Lp-CM-ChT80-DTX on MDA-MB-231 cells. The results showed cytotoxic effects increased in time and dose dependent manner, marked by rounding, shrinkage and aggregation of cells. MTT cytotoxicity assay showed that empty liposomes Lp-CM-ChT80 did not have cytotoxic effect while Lp-CM-ChT80-DTX showed highest cytotoxic potential of 60.2% at 180 µg/ml. Stability analysis showed that liposomes were stable till 24 h in solution form at 4 °C.

Abstract Counterfeiting, in particular, the forgery of banknotes is a serious crime problem and has become a great challenge to the global economies. The forensic science experts have been utilizing chemical technique such as infrared spectroscopy to analyze genuine and counterfeit banknotes. Nevertheless, chemometrics techniques are required to further discriminate the banknotes. In this paper, an advanced fuzzy graph chemometrics method is used to discriminate genuine and counterfeit fifty Ringgit Malaysian (RM50) banknotes. The development of the technique, namely chemometrics fuzzy autocatalytic set (c-FACS) is presented in this paper, together with the results and its comparison to principal component analysis (PCA) method. The results from the c-FACS analysis showed distinct patterns and features of the counterfeit banknotes in the c-FACS plot. Furthermore, the new method is faster than PCA in authentication analysis of counterfeit banknotes. Hence, the c-FACS provides better performance in terms of computing time as compared to PCA, and has the potential in assisting the investigation involving counterfeit banknotes.

Abstract Gelatin is a protein substance that is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Gelatin is mainly derived from bovine and porcine sources. Fish gelatin is becoming alternative source of gelatin due to concern on health issue and religious constraints. Numerous studies for identification of gelatin sources have been reported. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used in combination with chemometrics fuzzy autocatalytic set (c-FACS) to distinguish between bovine, porcine and fish gelatins. The gelatin spectra at Amide and 1600–1000 cm−1 regions were analyzed using c-FACS and the results were compared to principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The results obtained from c-FACS method showed that each bovine, porcine and fish gelatin possessed dominant wavenumbers at 1470–1475 cm−1, 1444–1450 cm−1 and 1496–1500 cm−1 respectively, which represent their unique signatures. Furthermore, a clear distinction for porcine gelatin was observed in coordinated FACS. The c-FACS method is rigor and faster than PCA and LDA in differentiating the gelatin sources. The novel method promises at least another chemometrics method for FTIR related analysis and the possibilities for other applications are endless.

Electroacupuncture (EA) relieves visceral hypersensitivity (VH) with underlying inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the mechanism by which EA treats ileitis-induced VH is not clearly known. To assess the effects of EA on ileitis-induced VH and confirm whether EA attenuates VH through spinal PAR-2 activation and CGRP release, goats received an injection of 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic-acid (TNBS) solution into the ileal wall. TNBS-injected goats were allocated into VH, Sham acupuncture (Sham-A) and EA groups, while goats treated with saline instead of TNBS solution were used as the control. Goats in EA group received EA at bilateral Hou-San-Li acupoints for 0.5 h at 7 days and thereafter repeated every 3 days for 6 times. Goats in the Sham-A group were inserted with needles for 0.5 h at the aforementioned acupoints without any hand manipulation and electric stimulation. Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension, an indicator of VH, were recorded by electromyography. The terminal ileum and thoracic spinal cord (T 11 ) were sampled for evaluating ileitis at days 7 and 22, and distribution and expression-levels of PAR-2, CGRP and c-Fos on day 22. TNBS-treated-goats exhibited apparent transmural-ileitis on day 7, microscopically low-grade ileitis on day 22 and VH at days 7-22. Goats of Sham-A, VH or EA group showed higher (P < 0.01) VH at days 7-22 than the Control-goats. EA-treated goats exhibited lower (P < 0.01) VH as compared with Sham-A or VH group. Immunoreactive-cells and expression-levels of spinal PAR-2, CGRP and c-Fos in the EA group were greater (P < 0.01) than those in the Control group, but less (P < 0.01) than those in Sham-A and VH groups on day 22. Downregulation of spinal PAR-2 and CGRP levels by EA attenuates the ileitis and resultant VH.