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Wastewater treatment by microalgae is an eco-friendly and sustainable method for pollutant removal and biomass generation. Microalgae production under abiotic stress (such as salinity/salt stress) has an impact on nutrient removal and fatty acid accumulation. In this study, a freshwater microalgal strain (Desmodesmus communis GEEL-12) was cultured in municipal wastewater with various NaCl concentrations (ranging from 25–150 mM). The growth kinetics and morphological changes of the microalgae were observed. The nutrient removal, salinity change, fatty acid composition, and biodiesel quality under various groups were also investigated. The maximum growth of D. communis GEEL-12 was observed in the control group at 0.48 OD680nm. The growth inhibition was observed under high salt conditions (150 mM), which showed poor tolerance with 0.15 OD680nm. The nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removal significantly decreased from 99–81% and 5.0–5.9% upon the addition of 100–150 mM salt, respectively. Palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) were the most common fatty acid profiles. The abundance of C18:0 enhanced from 49.37%–56.87% in D. communis GEEL-12 upon high NaCl concentrations (100–150 mM). The biodiesel quality index of D. communis GEEL-12 under 50–75 mM salt concentrations reached the levels advised by international standards.

The purpose of this study was to test the protective effect of Withania somnifera (WS) against the harmful effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced kidney failure at the histological, biochemical, and immune levels in Wistar rats. The study assessed the biochemical and immunological changes in five groups (n = 6): Group 1 (G1) was the negative control, and the other rats received a single subcutaneous dose of HgCl2 (2.5 mg/kg in 0.5 mL of 0.9% saline solution) and randomly divided into 4 groups. Group 2 (G2) was the positive control and left without treatment. Groups 3, 4, and 5 (G3, G4, and G5) were treated with different doses of WS root powder for 30 days. The HgCl2-positive group showed significant signs of renal toxicity as reflected by increased levels of kidney function parameters (blood urea nitrogen, urea, and creatinine), inflammatory biomarkers, immunological indices (SDF-1, IL-6, NGAL, and KIM-1), and oxidative stress (SOD, TAC, CAT, GSH, and MDA). The positive group rats also showed drastic pathological changes in renal tissues. Different doses of WS treatment significantly reduced the levels of all biochemical markers and decreased pathological damage to the kidney tissues. The antioxidant, phenolic, and flavonoid constituents of WS root powder helped protect rats’ kidneys against HgCl2-induced kidney toxicity in male rats.

The production of nanoparticles enhances the bioactivity of biological molecules for drug delivery to diseased sites. This study explains how silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating enhanced the protection effects of vanillic acid in male diabetic rats with streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetes. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups (n=6) for this investigation. The first group (G1) is untreated, whereas diabetes was induced in the other three groups through STZ injection. Diabetic rats that were not getting therapy were included in the second group (G2, STZ-positive), whereas the other diabetic rats were divided into the third group (G3, vanillic acid-treated) and the fourth group (G4, vanillic acid-coated AgNPs treated). The treatment lasted four weeks. In G2, the induction of diabetes significantly (at P=0.05) increased in serum glucose, glycated proteins, renal indices, interleukin-6 (IL-6), K+, immunoglobulins, and lipid peroxidation, while decreased Ca++, Na+, and other antioxidants in the kidney tissue homogenate. In addition, pathological altered signs were present in the pancreas and kidneys of diabetic rats. The renal and pancreatic tissues were effectively enhanced by vanillic acid or vanillic acid-coated AgNPs, bringing them very close to their prediabetic conditions. Vanillic acid-coated AgNPs offered a stronger defense against STZ-induced diabetes and lessened the effects of hyperglycemia compared to ordinary vanillic acid. Additionally, using vanillic acid coated with silver nanoparticles greatly increased the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity and reduced inflammation when compared to using vanillic acid alone.

Natural copolymer (e.g., chitosan-loaded) and synthetic (e.g., silver nitrate-loaded) nanopolymers have many medical applications in drug delivery research for enhancing the effectuality of traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective activity of vanillic acid, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of vanillic acid, and silymarin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Rats were divided into five groups; the first group (G1) was a negative control, and the other rats were treated intraperitoneally with CCl4 to induce kidney toxicity twice weekly, and then divided into four groups, G2 was a positive control and left without treatment, the third group was treated with vanillic acid, the fourth (G4) was treated with vanillic acid-AgNPs, and the fifth (G5) was treated with silymarin. In G2, renal function indices (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) showed elevated levels indicating renal toxicity. Na, K, and Ca ions were decreased, whereas Cl− was increased. Antioxidants (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reduced, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were decreased, whereas lipid peroxidation was increased in the kidney tissue homogenate. IL1 was increased, whereas CYP-450 was decreased. In the treated group, all biochemical and renal tissue texture were alleviated as a result of treatment with vanillic acid in G3, vanillic acid AgNPs in G4, and silymarin in G5. Vanillic acid AgNPs and silymarin treatment in G4 and G5, respectively, were more efficient than vanillic acid in G5 in protecting the kidneys against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity.

Abstract Background During the last few decades, patients worldwide have been interested in using alternative medicine in treating diseases to avoid the increased side effects of chemical medications. Green coffee is unroasted coffee seeds that have higher amounts of chlorogenic acid compared to roasted coffee. Green coffee was successfully used to protect against obesity, Alzheimer disease, high blood pressure and bacterial infection. Methods This study aimed to investigate the probable protective activity of the green coffee methanolic extract, silymarin and their combination on CCl4-induced liver toxicity in male rats. Thirty Sprague – Dawley male albino rats were divided into 5 groups; control negative (G1) just got the vehicle (olive oil) and the other four groups received CCl4 dissolved in olive oil through an intraperitoneal injection and were divided into untreated control positive group (G2), the third group (G3) was treated with green coffee methanolic extract, the fourth group (G4) was treated with silymarin, and the fifth group (G5) was treated with a combination of green coffee methanolic extract and silymarin. Results In the positive control group treated with CCl4 (G2), the CCl4-induced toxicity increased lipid peroxidation, IL-6, kidney function parameters, liver function enzymes, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, and decreased irisin, antioxidants, CYP450 and high-density lipoprotein levels. Hepatic tissues were also injured. However, treating the injured rats in G3, G4 and G5 significantly improved the altered parameters and hepatic tissues. Conclusions Green coffee methanolic extract, silymarin, and their combination succeeded in protecting the male rats against CCl4 hepatotoxicity due to their antioxidant activity. Effect of green coffee methanolic extract mixed with silymarin in G5 was more efficient than that of green coffee methanolic extract in G3 or silymarin in G4.

Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have made it possible for persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to live a lifespan approaching that of people without HIV, without progressing to AIDS or transmitting HIV to sexual partners or infants. There is, therefore, increasing emphasis on maintaining health throughout the lifespan. To receive optimal medical care and achieve desired outcomes, persons with HIV must be consistently engaged in care and able to access uninterrupted treatment, including ART. Comprehensive evidence-based HIV primary care guidance is, therefore, more important than ever. Creating a patient-centered, stigma-free care environment is essential for care engagement. Barriers to care must be decreased at the societal, health system, clinic, and individual levels. As the population ages and noncommunicable diseases arise, providing comprehensive health care for persons with HIV becomes increasingly complex, including management of multiple comorbidities and the associated challenges of polypharmacy, while also attending to HIV-specific health concerns. Clinicians must address issues specific to preventive health, including cancer screening, providing recommended vaccinations, as well as promoting sexual health, including sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Clinicians also must address issues for specific populations, including persons of childbearing potential, including during preconception and pregnancy; children; adolescents; and transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This guidance from an expert panel of the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America updates the previous 2020 HIV Primary Care Guidance.

The leaf and twig aqueous extracts of Arabian balsam tree (Commiphora gileadensis) were tested to protect against alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia in hypercholesterolemic male rats. The antioxidants, high density lipoproteins, IgE and α-Amylase were decreased, whereas kidney function indices, liver function enzymes, triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoproteins and all immunoglobulins except IgE were increased as a result of alloxan administration. Moreover, the renal, hepatic and pancreatic tissue showed a drastic pathological damage. In G3 and G4, treating the diabetic rats with C. gileadensis leaf and twig extracts, respectively greatly ameliorated all biochemical parameters and the injured tissues and restored them nearly to the normal. In G4, the aqueous extract of C. gileadensis twig was more efficient in treating the diabetic rats than the leaf aqueous extract in G3. Both C. gileadensis leaf and twig aqueous extracts succeeded in adjusting the glucose levels of diabetic rats under hypercholesterolemic condition due to their antioxidant activity.

In the current study, the hepatoprotective activity of vanillic acid, silymarin, and vanillic acid-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was tested in male rats for four weeks. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). The 1st group was a negative control, the 2nd group was a positive control, the 3rd group was treated with 100 mg/kg b.w. of vanillic acid, the 4th group was treated with 100 mg/kg b.w. of vanillic acid–AgNPs, and the 5th group was treated with 50 mg/kg b.w. of silymarin. The CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity in the 2nd group was revealed by the liver function and all other biochemical tests. Liver enzymes, bilirubin, lipid peroxidation, lactate dehydrogenase, and interleukin-6 were elevated, whereas, total protein, antioxidant enzymes, and irisin were decreased compared to the negative control. The hepatic tissues were also injured as a result of the CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Treating the hepatotoxic rats with vanillic acid moderately protected the rats of the 3rd group, whereas treatment with vanillic AgNPs and silymarin in G4 and G5, respectively, greatly protected the rats against the CCl4 hepatotoxicity, approaching the normal biochemical levels and liver tissue appearance. The biochemical tests were confirmed by the histological investigations of liver tissue.

BACKGROUND: Current guidance on the selection of appropriate contraception for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To address this gap, an expert-led consensus program developed recommendations to support clinicians in discussing family planning and contraception with women and men with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: A multidisciplinary steering committee (SC) of 13 international clinical experts led the program, supported by an extended faculty of 32 experts representing 18 countries. A modified Delphi methodology was used for decision-making and consensus-building. The SC drafted 15 clinical questions focused on patient-centered care, selection of contraception, and timing of stopping/starting contraception and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Statements addressing each question were drafted based on evaluation of published evidence and the experts clinical experience. Consensus was reached if ⩾75% of respondents agreed (scoring 7-9 on a 9-point scale) with each recommendation. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 24 of 25 proposed recommendations, including how and when to discuss contraception, types and safety of contraceptives, and how to evaluate the most appropriate contraceptive options for specific patient groups, including those with significant disability or being treated with DMTs. CONCLUSION: These expert recommendations provide the first practical, relevant, and comprehensive guidance for clinicians on the selection of contraception in PwMS.

Mutations in five canonical Ras pathway genes (NF1, NRAS, KRAS, PTPN11 and CBL) are detected in nearly 90% of patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a frequently fatal malignant neoplasm of early childhood. In this report, we describe seven patients diagnosed with SH2B3-mutated JMML, including five patients who were found to have initiating, loss-of-function mutations in the gene. SH2B3 encodes the adaptor protein LNK, a negative regulator of normal hematopoiesis upstream of the Ras pathway. These mutations were identified to be germline, somatic or a combination of both. Loss of function of LNK, which has been observed in other myeloid malignancies, results in abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic cells due to cytokine hypersensitivity and activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. In vitro studies of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived JMML-like hematopoietic progenitor cells also demonstrated sensitivity of SH2B3-mutated hematopoietic progenitor cells to JAK inhibition. Lastly, we describe two patients with JMML and SH2B3 mutations who were treated with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. This report expands the spectrum of initiating mutations in JMML and raises the possibility of targeting the JAK/STAT pathway in patients with SH2B3 mutations.

As the microbiome field moves from descriptive and associative research to mechanistic and interventional studies, being able to account for all confounding variables in the experimental design, which includes the maternal effect1, cage effect2, facility differences3, as well as laboratory and sample handling protocols4, is critical for interpretability of results. Despite significant procedural and bioinformatic improvements, unexplained variability and lack of replicability still occur. One underexplored factor is that the microbiome is dynamic and exhibits diurnal oscillations that can change microbiome composition5-7. In this retrospective analysis of 16S amplicon sequencing studies in male mice, we show that sample collection time affects the conclusions drawn from microbiome studies and its effect size is larger than those of a daily experimental intervention or dietary changes. The timing of divergence of the microbiome composition between experimental and control groups is unique to each experiment. Sample collection times as short as only 4 hours apart can lead to vastly different conclusions. Lack of consistency in the time of sample collection may explain poor cross-study replicability in microbiome research. The impact of diurnal rhythms on the outcomes and study design of other fields is unknown but likely significant.

The biopreservation, flavoring, and coloration of foodstuffs, e.g., seafoods, with natural plant derivatives are major demands for consumers and overseers. Different colored plant parts, i.e., Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces, Curcuma longa rhizomes, and Rhus coriaria fruits, were extracted and evaluated as biopreservatives, antimicrobial and colorant agents for fish surimi from Oreochromis niloticus. All colorant plant extracts (CPEs) exhibited strong antibacterial activities against screened pathogens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. H. sabdariffa extract (HCE) was the most effectual antimicrobial CPEs. S. aureus was the most sensitive strain to CPEs, whereas S. typhimurium and P. aeruginosa were the most resistant strains. The exterior coloration of tilapia surimi with CPEs resulted in great bacterial count reduction in colored products; stored CPEs-colored surimi had enhanced sensorial attributes. HCE-exposed S. aureus indicated bacterial cell lyses in time-dependent manner. CPEs application as colorants and antibacterial and quality enhancing agents is recommended for seafoods’ biopreservation.