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In the current investigation, a comparative study between stems of two halophytic species; Atriplex halimus and Chenopodium amperosidies in a single step, efficient and environmentally safe phytosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is reported. The green synthesized AuNPs were characterized using various techniques. Results showed the formation of violet-colored, mostly spherical-shaped AuNPs with a particle size of 2–10 nm for A. halimus-AuNPs and up to 40 nm for C. amperosidies-AuNPs. The plasmon peak of UV–Visible spectroscopy appeared at 535 nm for both AuNPs samples, confirming the successful phytosynthesis of AuNPs. The cytotoxicity investigation using MTT assay denoted a comparatively higher efficiency of A. halimus-AuNPs than C. amperosidies-AuNPs in inhibiting the proliferation of human breast cancer cells (MCF7 cell line). The recorded cell viability was 35.64 μg/mL for A. halimus-AuNPs and 38.46 μg/mL for C. amperosidies-AuNPs. The antioxidant efficiency of A. halimus-AuNPs was one-fold higher than that of C. amperosidies-AuNPs. Likewise, the catalytic degradation efficiency of methylene blue by A. halimus-AuNPs was noticeably higher than that of the other sample. Thus, reflects the relatively higher efficacy of A. halimus’ stem aqueous extract in the phytosynthesis of AuNPs compared to those of C. amperosidies.

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a globally significant disease with increasing incidence and prevalence especially in the western world. It has severe complications such as pseudocyst, infection, renal failure, breathing problems, diabetes, malnutrition and chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to pancreatic cancer which is one of the worst types of cancer. Up till now, there is no licensed specific treatment for AP. Objective: This study investigated the therapeutic effects of Mito-TEMPO in treatment of L-Arginine induced acute pancreatitis in rats besides a possible involved mechanistic pathway. Materials and methods: Rats randomly allocated into 3 groups: (1) control (received normal saline), (2) L-Arginine treated (300mg/100gm, i.p once) & (3) L-Arginine+Mito-TEMPO treated (0.7mg/kg/ day, i.p for 7 days). After 7 days from AP induction, serum amylase & lipase, pancreatic inflammatory mediators “toll like receptor-4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-кB), NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B)”, oxidative parameters “malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH)”, an apoptotic marker “caspase-3” & pancreatic histopathological changes were estimated for all rats. Results: L-Arginine induced AP was evidenced by elevation of serum amylase & lipase, pancreatic inflammatory mediators “TLR-4, NF-кB, NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1, IL-1B”, oxidative parameters “MDA, MPO, NO”, the apoptotic marker “caspase-3” and infiltration of inflammatory cells proved through hematoxylin & eosin stain alongside with reduction of GSH content. All these harmful effects were improved significantly after administration of Mito-TEMPO. Conclusion: Mito-TEMPO can be introduced as a new therapy for the treatment of acute pancreatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.

Carbon steel is generally exposed to corrosion in acidic media, thus three nonionic surfactants based on pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives were designed and examined for the first time as inhibitors f...

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are common in our everyday lives. They have many origins and severe effects on individuals and environments where they inflict a great deal of health and psychological harm. The current study investigated the impact of high voltage (H.V.) EMF 5.4 kV/m for 2 and 4 h per day with a frequency equal to 50 Hz alternating current (AC) on body weight (b.wt), blood indices, and certain liver enzymes of albino rats after 25 days of exposure to the electromagnetic field. This work focuses on the therapeutic action of methanol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) leaves at a dose (5 mg/kg b. wt) against harmful EMF-induced effects. The findings showed that electromagnetic field exposure induced a substantial decrease in red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and catalase activity (CAT). Although white blood cells (WBCs), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels have increased significantly under EMF treatment. Treatment with R. officinalis showed attenuation in these parameters that were induced in rats exposed to H.V. These findings were followed by the histopathological analysis of the liver in the observations. Finally, we conclude that R. officinalis leaves extract offered substantial protection against H.V-induced liver damage and can be applied in drug production.

Testicular impairment is a serious complication of diabetes that is mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Physalis has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions. Thus, the present study investigated the ameliorative role of Physalis juice (PJ) prepared from the fruits against testicular damages in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups (n=6): control, orally administered 5 mL PJ/kg daily (PJ), injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 55 mg STZ/kg without treatment (STZ), or treated daily with PJ (STZ+PJ) or with 500 mg metformin/kg (STZ+Met), for 28 days. The STZ group showed a marked elevation in the blood glucose level by 230%, whereas remarkable declines in the serum levels of testosterone (44%), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (48%), and luteinizing hormone (LH) (36%), as compared to controls. In comparison to controls, the testis of the STZ group showed remarkable declines in the testis weight (15%), the glutathione (GSH) content (45%), mRNA and protein levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) (48 and 35%), mRNA and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (63 and 40%), catalase (CAT) (56 and 31%), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (51 and 44%), and glutathione reductase (GR) (62 and 43%), whereas marked elevations in the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β (169%), tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNFα) (85%), nitric oxide (NO) (96%), malondialdehyde (MDA) (83%), mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) (400 and 61%), and mRNA level of caspase-3 (Cas-3) (370%). Some histopathological alterations were observed in the testicular tissue of the STZ group. In contrast, PJ markedly alleviated all the abovementioned disturbances. In conclusion, PJ at a dose of 5 mL/kg attenuated the diabetes-associated testicular impairments, which may be due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions.

Recently, atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted great interest in electronic and opto-electronic devices for high-integration-density applications such as data storage due to their small vertical dimension and high data storage capability. Here, we report a memristor based on free-standing multilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with a high current on/off ratio of ∼103 and a stable retention for at least 3000 s. Through light modulation of the carrier density in the suspended MoS2 channel, the on/off ratio can be further increased to ∼105. Moreover, the essential photosynaptic functions with short- and long-term memory (STM and LTM) behaviors are successfully mimicked by such devices. These results also indicate that STM can be transferred to LTM by increasing the light stimuli power, pulse duration, and number of pulses. The electrical measurements performed under vacuum and ambient air conditions propose that the observed resistive switching is due to adsorbed oxygen and water molecules on both sides of the MoS2 channel. Thus, our free-standing 2D multilayer MoS2-based memristors propose a simple approach for fabrication of a low-power-consumption and reliable resistive switching device for neuromorphic applications.

Pistacia integerrima grows in some areas of Pakistan and some other south Asian countries such as Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. It is an important medicinal plant which has been traditionally used for the treatment of asthma, cough, and dysentery. In the present study, we intend to re-isolate bioactive compounds (I–III) from P. integerrima galls extracts. The chloroform extract was subjected to column chromatography that afforded three reported chemical constituents, 7-methoxynaringenin (I), 7-methoxy-3,5,7,4′-tetrahydroxyflavanone (II), and β-sitosterol (III). Compounds (I–III) were evaluated for multi-drug resistance (MDR) reversing effect by assessing their activity on various genes including transfected mouse gene, human mdrl gene, and transfected mouse T-lymphoma cell lines (L5178 and L5178Y). Compounds (I–III) exhibit significant dose-dependent MDR reversing effect against the T-lymphoma (mouse cell line). in-silico molecular docking investigations performed on compounds (I–III) showed a common binding site for these compounds and Rhodamine 123. Our findings indicated that the relative docking scores correlate satisfactorily with in vitro activities. It could be concluded that the inhibitory activity of compounds (I–III) is largely due to their interactions with the P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The present work could also contribute to the isolation of novel natural compounds that act as potent inhibitors for cancer treatment.

In this study, the removal of methylene blue dye (MB) from aqueous solution was examined using a novel green adsorbent to overcome the obstacles encountered in chemical methods. Ricinus communis (RC) aqueous seeds extract was herein used as a reducing and capping agent to synthesize a novel nano-zero-valent iron (RC-nZVI) for the adsorption of harmful MB. Structural and morphological characterization of the synthesized RC-nZVI were performed using several techniques, e.g., steady-state absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and zeta potential. The maximum efficiency of the removal was 96.8% at pH 6 and 25 °C. According to the kinetics study results, the adsorption process obeys the pseudo-first-order model. The experimental equilibrium data were fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity reached was 61.37 mg·g-1, and the equilibrium parameters were determined. The synthesized RC-nZVI possesses good reusability and can be considered as a potential economic and environmentally friendly adsorbent.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a worldwide health problem. Alternate-day fasting (ADF), although thought to be aggressive, has proven safety and efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term ADF against already established high-fat-fructose (HFF)-induced NASH, independent of the amount of calorie intake, and to study the effect of ADF on lipogenesis, apoptosis, and hepatic inflammation. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups: (1) negative control and (2) NASH group fed on HFF for 9 weeks, and then randomized into two subgroups of either HFF alone or with ADF protocol for 3 weeks. The ADF could improve HFF-related elevation in serum lactate dehydrogenase and could decrease the mRNA expression of lipogenesis genes; acetyl CoA carboxylase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α; apoptotic genes caspase-3, p53, and inflammatory cyclo-oxygenase 2; and immunohistochemical staining for their proteins in liver with upregulation of LC3 and downregulation of P62 immunoexpression. Moreover, ADF ameliorated HFF-induced steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis through hematoxylin and eosin, Oil Red O, and Sirius Red staining, confirmed by morphometric analysis, without significant weight loss. Significant correlation of morphometric parameters with levels of gene expression was found. These findings suggest ADF to be a safe effective therapeutic agent in the management of NASH

In the present study, one Streptomyces species was isolated from a soil sample that was collected in Khafr El Shikh Governorate. Actinomycetes are prolific producers of antibiotics and important suppliers to the pharmaceutical industry. They can produce a wide range of secondary metabolites. The isolate was purified and characterized by morphological, physiological, biochemical methods and using Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The isolate was found to be Streptomyces catenula like microorganism and was therefore called Streptomyces catenula MY 12. The Streptomyces metabolite was extracted using ethyl acetate solvent. The purified extract was used to study the effect against 3rd instar larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. The study showed deleterious effects on growth and development of G. mellonella larvae. The results demonstrated that the mortality increased with increase in concentration. The extract prolonged the larval—pupal periods and reduced both pupation and percentage of adult emergence. The LC50 and LC90 values were calculated. The consumed food by unirradiated and irradiated 3rd instar larvae of G. mellonella in each concentration was studied. The larvae consumed much media in control treatment and fewer amounts in the higher concentration of the extract. The SEM revealed that different malformation or abnormalities were observed in larval cuticle and associated sensilla in the form of tear and ridged tergum cuticle. Also, broken and fallen or scarcity of trichodea sensilla. Undistinguished segments tear sternum and destroy plural membrane. The spiracles were completely closed, and prolegs crochets disappeared.

In this research, we adopt an ecofriendly and sustainable approach to compare the potentiality and efficiency of Phragmites australis aqueous extracts of two different organs to fabricate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The aqueous extracts of plant roots and rhizome were used as alternative reducing agents to conventional chemicals. Various Characterization techniques were used; UV–Vis spectroscopy, Zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) equipped with elemental mapping in order to confirm the formation of zero-valent AuNPs, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our results demonstrated that both extracts of Phragmites australis are good candidates for the green-synthesis of AuNPs. Zeta potential was used to confirm the stability of AuNPs. The cytotoxic capacities of both AuNPs samples were validated using MTT assay which proved the inhibition of the growth and proliferation of human lung cancer cells (A549 cell line). Antioxidant potentialities were >10%. The phytosynthesized AuNPs exhibited high capacity in removing methylene blue and methyl orange dyes within just one min. This research offers an alternative solution to manage the accumulated unwanted biomass of a widely distributed aquatic macrophyte in aquatic ecosystems.

Purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate the bone tissue reactions to TotalFill Bioceramic (BC) and Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) sealers in gamma-irradiated rats. Materials and methods: In this study, round osseous bone defects were produced in the tibia of 48 male Albino rats (weighing120–150g). Group 1: 9 control non-irradiated rats, Group 2: 9 control irradiated rats, and Group 3: 30 irradiated rats in which the surgical cavities were filled with TotalFill sealer in the right tibia and ZOE in the left tibia. The assigned animals were euthanized on 7, 14, and 28 days. For histopathological examination, tissue sections stained with H & E were examined by a light microscope. Results: At 7 days, the inflammatory response of all studied groups (1, 2, and 3) showed no significant differences (p-0.092). The inflammatory response significantly decreased from 14 to 28 days in all groups, virtually disappeared in the non-irradiated group whilst intense inflammatory infiltrate was still observed in 40% of ZOE group samples with a significant difference between TotalFill vs. ZOE sealer (p- < 0.009). Bone tissue at 14 days showed severe resorption in many areas in irradiated animals that reversed at 28 days. In group 3 treated with TotalFill sealer, fiber condensation was observed in surgical cavity at 14 days which was replaced by trabeculae of bone tissue at 28 days while this event was focal in ZOE sealer. Conclusion: TotalFill sealer proved to be more compatible and has some repair potential than ZOE sealer in irradiated animals

Background The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important indicator of clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. Elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c level may be associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. This study will investigate the association of preoperative HbA1c levels with AKI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Results Forty patients undergoing elective CABG were enrolled in this cohort study. Patients are divided into 2 equal groups who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): patients with preoperative HbA1c 5.7–6.4% (group A) (prediabetics) and patients with preoperative HbA1c > or = 6.5% (group B) (diabetics). Acute kidney injury according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria developed in 11 patients (27.5%). There was a significant difference between the two groups as regards postoperative urinary NGAL, creatinine level on the 1st day, creatinine level on the 2nd day, urine output on the 1st day, and urine output on the 2nd day (p value was 0.001, 0.002, 0.006, 0.0002, and 0.012 respectively). Postoperative ICU stay duration was statistically significant in the diabetic group (P value 0.009). The need for renal replacement therapy was higher in the diabetic group, but it was not statistically significant between the two groups. Roc analysis shows AUC 0.922 with a significant p value ( Conclusion This study revealed that elevated preoperative HbA1c level above 7% showed an increase in incidence of post CABG acute kidney injury along with increase length of postoperative ICU stay.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of two Lactic Acid Bacteria strains (LAB) Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidilactici) and Lactococcus Lactis (L. Lactis)) isolated from fermented dairy products. In this study, 24 female rats were divided into three groups (8 rats per each group): (1) untreated group, (2) P. acidilactici group: rats fed orally with 108 CFU /ml skim milk, (3) L. Lactis group: rats fed orally with 108 CFU /ml skim milk for 6 weeks. Bodyweight gain, daily feed intake, relative weight organs, hematological parameters, ALT, AST, protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, and histopathological examinations of liver and kidney were determined at the end of the experiment. Results: In this analysis, statistical significance was found for certain parameters e.g. organ weights, hematology, and clinical chemistry; none of these improvements were expected due to the treatment since the changes remained close to controls, also, histological studies of the liver and kidney observed no and mild morphology changes in the liver or kidney. The current study indicates that administration of P. acidilactici and L. Lactis strains of LAB didn't harm laboratory rats and safe for animal or human consumption.

Seventy-five samples of selected meat products, including luncheon, beef burger, sausage, basterma, and kofta, were collected from Alexandria and New Borg El-Arab cities (Egypt). The samples were subjected to mycological examination as well as for detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) residues. Besides, the study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extracts from mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) and neem (Azadirachta indica), individually and in combination, on the growth of human pathogens Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus producing AFB1, as well as Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger which produce OTA. The obtained results revealed that sausage samples had the highest mould count with a mean value of 13.20×102/g, followed by basterma samples 12.05×102/g, then beef burger 7.39×102/g. In contrast, luncheon and kofta samples had the lowest count with a mean value of 5.51×102/g and 2.82×102/g. The findings revealed the antifungal potential of tested extracts. The total inhibition of A. parasitcus and A. niger growth was observed at 2 mg/mL of the combined extract. Salvia farinacea extract had the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content with a value of 174.1 and 52.6 mg g-1, respectively. Rutin was the major phenolic component in neem and combined extracts, accounting for 19123 and 8882 μg/g, respectively. Besides, the study investigated detoxification of AFB1 and OTA using combined extract in albino rats. The results confirmed the convenient and safe use of Salvia farinacea and Azadirachta indica extract and their combination as natural antifungal and antioxidant agents. The combined extract could be used as a natural preservative in food processing to control or prevent contamination.

Fingerprints consist of unique patterns of skin ridges and valleys, and are commonly described by three levels of feature details. Most fingerprint identification systems rely on matching only firs...

In recent decades, nanotechnology has become one of the most important modern trends in many industries (Subbiah, T, et al: 2005). Spinning and weaving industry is not far from this modern technology. Electro spun nanofibers have become the most common fibers in many vital applications such as sensors, tissue engineering, wound dressings, filtration, pharmacology, optical and electronic applications and other fields (Lannuttia, J, et al: 2007),(Matthew, T, et al: 2008), (Homaeigohar, S. S: 2011), (Lilin, L, et al: 2017) Problem of study: The polyacrylonitrile polymer (PAN) is one of the most widely used organic polymers. It has many properties that qualify it to be applied in various fields (Heikkila, P. and Harlin, A: 2009). The problem of this study is how to produce fine nanofibers of regular diameters of PAN polymer by electro-spinning technique, in order to be used in various applications. Objectives: This study aims to study the effect of differences in electric voltages, viscosity of the polymeric solution, and other factors on the properties of the produced PAN nanofibers. It aims also to Utilize the (SEM) microscopic technology to study the nature of the produced nanofibers. Methodology: By applying of electro-spinning technique, nanofibers were produced from polyacrylonitrile polymer (PAN) by using different electrical voltages (17 KV, 20 KV, 23 KV), as well as using different viscosity rates of the polymeric solution (5%, 10%, 15%), in order to obtain the most appropriate variables that help to produce the best image of the fibers in terms of accuracy of the diameters, their symmetry, and their purification from polymeric beads that reduce the efficiency of fibers. Results: The results showed that the diameter of the electro spun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers increased with increasing of the polymeric solution viscosity and the electrical voltage. The diameter of the fibers decreases with the decrease of the solution viscosity and the electrical voltage. The best parameters that lead to the production of fine PAN nanofibers with similar diameter and good appearance are; electric voltage of 23 kV, and viscosity of 10% of the polymeric solution. This study recommended the necessity of completing research and studies in the field of electro spinning of nanofibers, because of its great importance in nanofibers production with fine diameters, which can be used and applied in many fields of applicationsThis study also focuses on all applications, whose products depend basically on the nanofibers produced by electro-spinning, and highlights a comprehensive statistical presentation of scientific research that has been produced related to this technology. This study showed that since 2000, there were an approximate 20% increase annually in the number of journal articles published around the world that use the concept of "electro-spinning" in their research. Statistics have shown that USA, China and South Korea own nearly 70% of published articles, and the global market of nanofibers products has increased from 51.8 million dollars in 2007 to 67.1 million dollars in 2008 and to 80.7 million dollars in 2009, and to 101.5 million dollars by the end of 2010. This remarkable development has created an important strong economic market for nanofibers, which in turn led to the increase of manufacturers of nanofibers and production. According to statistics, it is expected that the global market for nanofibers products will grow from 927 million dollars in 2020 to $ 4.3 billion by 2023, with an annual growth rate of 36.2% for the period from 2020 to 2023.

Neuropathy is considered a critical complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Scientific studies are needed to relieve these painful complications. The current study aims to estimate the ameliorative role of Physalis juice (PJ) against neurological impairment in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Type 1 DM was induced after one week of injecting rats with 55 mg STZ/kg body weight. PJ-treated rats were orally administered 5 ml PJ/kg body weight per day for 28 days after induction of diabetes. A small piece of the cerebral cortex of rats was fixed and used for histopathological investigations. The remaining portion of the cerebral cortex was homogenized for biochemical and molecular analyses. As compared to the controls, STZ-injected rats showed significant elevations in the levels of blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor alfa, interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and expression levels of caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X-protein. Additionally, remarkable declines in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, monoamines, B-cell lymphoma-2, glutathione, as well as the activities and gene expression levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in STZ-treated rats were reported. Moreover, some histopathological alterations were observed in the brain cortex of the STZ-treated rats. On the other hand, the administration of PJ substantially reduced the blood glucose and alleviated the above-mentioned alterations in all the studied parameters of the cerebral cortex. In conclusion, an oral administration of 5 ml PJ/kg revealed a neuroprotective action against neurodegenerative diabetes-induced complications in rats, which might be due to the reported antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of PJ. Thus, further therapeutic studies are recommended to apply PJ in the treatment regimen of diabetes.

The anti-corrosion efficacies of two polymeric molecules, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and alginic acid (AA), on the corrosion of SABIC type-X60 carbon steel (CSX60) in 1.0 M HCl solutions were investig...

A study has been made to investigate the mechanism of dezincification and elelctrochemical behaviour 70/30 brass in sulphuric acid in absence and presence of Zinc Organa Amino Phosphate (ZOAP) inhibitor using the weight loss method, solution analysis and electrochemical technique. Attacked surfaces were analyzed by optical metallography and X -ray analysis. Results showed that 20 AP inhibitor is able to minimize the rate of dezincification due to the formation of a C4H6 (NH2)4 Zn3 (P3 O10)2. 9H2O complex compound on the metal surface.

In this study, citric acid was applied as a safe organic acid for the treatment of the brown macroalga Sargassum latifolium to facilitate the sequential extraction of fucoidan and alginate without cross contamination. Box-Behnken experimental design was used to investigate the effects of citric acid concentration, temperature, and time on fucoidan yield, its fucose and sulfate contents, and molecular weight (MW), while the investigated responses of the sequentially extracted alginate were yield, mannuronic/guluronic acid ratio (M/G) and MW. Under the optimized conditions, the fucoidan yield, fucose content, sulfate content, and MW were 6.55%, 21.01%, 30.92% and 7.12 × 103 Da, respectively, while alginate yield, M/G, and MW were 28.81%, 0.36, and 1.50 × 105 Da, respectively. The optimized products showed good Fe(III) chelating properties and the iron contents were 509.82 mg g−1 for fucoidan-Fe and 406.71 ± 5.18 mg g−1 for alginate-Fe. Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, fucoidan-Fe and alginate-Fe complexes released 46 and 57% iron, respectively, which are nutritionally relevant amounts. Both fucoidan and alginate showed potent antioxidant properties, but their Fe complexes exhibited a reduced activity. The results of the present study indicated that citric acid could support the basis for an economical biorefinery process for the sequential extraction of fucoidan and alginate. Additionally, these polysaccharides could be good candidates for the preparations of iron supplements.

Three species of freshwater planktonic green microalgae: Ankistrodesmus braunii, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, and Scenedesmus incrassatulus, were isolated from the Nile water in Upper Egypt. These microalgae were exposed to nutritional (nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron) limitations and salinity stress to study their effects on the algal growth and to elevate the lipid content within their cells. The results indicated that exposure to these conditions had a significant impact on the algal growth. The lipid content of the studied algae increased as a result of the salinity stress. The highest lipid content was recorded in A. braunii culture treated with 50 mM NaCl (34.4% of dry weight) and S. incrassatulus cultures treated with 100 mM NaCl (37.7% of dry weight) on the 6th day of cultivation, while the culture of A. falcatus treated with 100 mM NaCl recorded the maximum lipid content (53% of dry weight) on the 10th day of the experiment. The biodiesel quality parameters of the fatty acid methyl ester profile of S. incrassatulus appeared to be in agreement with the international criteria. S. incrassatulus could be regarded as a quite promising feedstock for the biodiesel production.

Background: Hydatid cyst is one of the most common cysts detected in the liver. Surgery is the preferredapproach in treatment, but surgery may have serious complications as anaphylaxis, implantation ofscolices, and formation of secondary cysts. Medical treatment with surgery decreases probability of thesecomplications.Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO), Albendazole (ABZ) and chitosannanoparticles (CS NPs) as drug carrier to increase the efficacy of ABZ and NSO.Material and Methods: Mice were infected with E. granulosus scolices and classified according to drugsschedule into five groups (G): G (3) was infected and treated with ABZ; G (4) was infected and treated withNSO; G (5) was infected and treated with NSO and ABZ; G (6) was infected and treated with ABZ loadedon CS NPs, G (7) was infected and treated with NSO loaded on CS NPs. Two control groups were assigned:G (1) was non infected non treated and G (2) was infected non treated. Four months post infection, micewere sacrificed and collected livers of each group were sectioned for histopathology.Results: Histopathological studies revealed that groups treated with drugs loaded on CS NPs contained nohydatid cysts with improvement in the degree of inflammation, necrosis, and congestion of hepatic tissue.Conclusion: It was concluded that the best curative effect was observed in groups treated with drugsloaded on CS NPs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in color stability of maxillofacial silicon after exposing it to natural weathering and disinfection using neutral soap (shampoo). Material and Methods: 60 specimens were prepared from addition linking vinyl polydimethyl siloxane and divided into 3 groups (n=20). The specimens were then conditioned differently as follows, Group I: Dark room storage (control group); Group II: Neutral soap disinfection; Group III: Outdoor natural weathering for 2 months. The color changes of the specimens were measured using a Reflective spectrophotometer (X-Rite, model RM200QC, Neu-Isenburg, Germany) using the Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage (CIE).5 The measurements were taken after 1 month then after two months (follow up period). Results: There was insignificance increase in color change in neutral soap (shampoo) group. There was significance increase in color change in natural weathering group. Also there was significance difference between groups after 1 month and two months. Conclusions: Exposure to outdoor natural weathering and the disinfection with neutral soap (shampoo) causes color alteration of the maxillofacial silicone.

Comorbid conditions of heart and liver disorders added to HCV-induced hepatic steatosis make co-administration of statins, and direct-acting antivirals is common in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction of atorvastatin and fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir “FDCSL” with rationalization to the underlying mechanism. A randomized, three-phase crossover study that involves 12 healthy volunteers was performed. Participants received a single-dose of atorvastatin 80 mg alone, atorvastatin 80-mg plus tablets containing 400/90 mg FDCSL, or tablets containing 400/90 mg FDCSL alone. Plasma samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for atorvastatin, sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and sofosbuvir metabolite “GS-331007,” and their pharmacokinetics parameters were determined. Compared to atorvastatin alone, the administration of FDCSL caused a significant increase in both areas under the concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0−∞) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of atorvastatin by 65.5% and 156.0%, respectively. Also, atorvastatin caused a significant increase in the AUC0−∞ and Cmax of sofosbuvir by 32.0% and 11.0%, respectively. Similarly, AUC0−∞ and Cmax of sofosbuvir metabolite significantly increased by 84.0% and 74.0%, respectively. However, ledipasvir AUC0−∞ showed no significant change after atorvastatin intake. The elimination rate in all drugs revealed no significant changes. After concurrent administration of FDCSL with atorvastatin, the AUC0−∞ of both atorvastatin and sofosbuvir were increased. Caution should be taken with close monitoring for possible side effects after co-administration of atorvastatin and FDCSL in clinical practice.

The worldwide increase in the number patients with high blood pressure poses serious clinical challenges. Little is known regarding the interactions between the various drugs used to treat heart diseases. The present study evaluates and compares the effects of administration of multiple doses of atorvastatin or lovastatin on the pharmacokinetics of aliskiren in rats in an effort to determine their underlying mechanisms. A total of 90 healthy female albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. All groups were treated with aliskiren by oral gavage at 8.57 mg/kg daily for 14 days. In addition to aliskiren, group 2 received atorvastatin at a dose of 1.143 mg/kg for 7 days. In addition to aliskiren, group 3 received lovastatin at a dose of 1.143 mg/kg for 7 days. After blood samples were collected at specific time intervals, aliskiren concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Relative to the control treatment, atorvastatin treatment resulted in non-significant alterations in the pharmacokinetic parameters of aliskiren. In contrast, lovastatin resulted in a significant increase in the area under the curve, peak plasma concentration, and elimination half-life by 21, 10, and 72%, respectively. Additionally, lovastatin significantly reduced oral clearance by 23%. Inhibition of aliskiren metabolism via the hepatic CYP3A subfamily and/or inhibition of intestinal P-glycoprotein and/or the CYP3A subfamily was identified as a possible mechanism. This study is the first to report that only lovastatin causes a marked increase in aliskiren bioavailability. Caution should be taken when lovastatin and aliskiren are administrated concomitantly in clinical practice.

The aim of this study is to find out a sustainable and cost-effective solution to manage hazardous shock loads from metal finishing and electro-coating industry. Results indicated that the main sources of hazardous wastewater are coming from batch chemical cleaning of degreasing basin (CCDB) (pH 13) and contains very hazardous chemicals, batch chemical cleaning of phosphating basin (CCPB) (pH 1.03) and contains high concentrations of iron (2300 mg/L) and zinc (2400 mg/L) and degreasing basin contents (DBC). Different treatment approaches were investigated. Results indicated that mixing CCDB with CCPB at their actual discharge allowed to form a self-coagulant of metal hydroxide which was utilized to treat the (DBC) followed by sedimentation. Removal efficiency of COD (87%), TSS (94%), and oil and grease (92%) were achieved. To compare the efficiency of this treatment approach, conventional chemical coagulation of DBC was carried out using FeCl3 but the amount was very high. In conclusion, results proved the advantage of using self-coagulation to treat DBC since it eliminates the use of external chemicals and provides an integrated solution for the three main sources of hazardous pollutants. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The manuscript provide an innovative and sustainable solution to the shock loads of hazardous wastewater generated from metal finishing and E-coating industry by utilizing iron-rich wastewater from chemical cleaning of phosphating basin and alkaline wastewater from chemical cleaning of degreasing basin to produce metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide was cost-effective and technically effectively than external coagulant in treating highly polluted degreasing basin content at due discharge time. Iron-rich wastewater could be used to produce self-coagulant of iron hydroxide. Mixing iron rich wastewater and alkaline wastewater produce iron hydroxide. Iron hydroxide is cost-effective in treating hazardous wastewater of degreasing basin.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating disease with unknown treatment. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by different mechanistic pathways. However, the role of retinoid receptors in lung fibrosis is still unclear. Forskolin (FSK), a potent inhibitor for the revolutionary hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway, has a promising antifibrotic effect on other organs such as the liver. This study investigates the interplay between the retinoid receptors modulation and the Hh signalling pathway in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Rats were randomised and administrated a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg of BLM alone and with ATRA, FSK and both of them. The effects of FSK and ATRA on lung functions, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]), retinoid markers (retinoic acid receptors [RAR] and rexinoid X receptors [RXR]) and Hh signalling markers (patched homolog 1 [Ptch-1], Smoothened [Smo] and glioblastoma-2 [Gli-2]) were assessed. In single therapies, ATRA and FSK ameliorated BLM-induced lung fibrosis. On the contrary, a combination of both drugs synergistically reversed the effect of BLM-induced lung fibrosis, as indicated by the enhancement of lung functions and the decrease of the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and collagen deposition. Additionally, FSK and ATRA ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation, reduced transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels and reversed the effect of BLM on the mRNA expression of Ptch-1, Smo and Gli-2. FSK inhibited the Hh pathway and also activated protein kinase A (PKA) that is, in part, involved in phosphorylation of RAR/RXR heterodimer (a key step in retinoid receptor activation). The present results suggest that a combination of FSK and ATRA has a promising therapeutic value for lung fibrosis management.

Salted fish products provide essential nutrients and make a significant contribution to nutrition. Chemical composition, water activity (aw), sodium chloride content, pH, and microbiological analysis of five different salted fish products originating from Egypt and Spain were investigated. Chemical quality parameters such as free fatty acids (FFA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) content, peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid value (TBA) were also evaluated. The chemical composition varies greatly among different salted fish types. Analysis of salted fish samples showed high contents of TVB-N and PV, while TBA values of all samples were quite low, indicating the limited formation of secondary lipid oxidation products. The highest FFA value was recorded for Sardine, whereas Maruca recorded the lowest FFA value. Total bacterial count ranged from 3.68 to 6.92, Lactobacillus count 1.08–5.02, yeast and mold counts 0.98–3.78, Staphylococcus count 1.21–5.18, and halophilic bacteria count 2.87–6.35 log10 CFU/g. No coliforms group was detected in all samples, while enterococci count, with a less than 1.0 log10 CFU/g, was detected only in Fesseikh, Mugel, and Moloha samples. It could be concluded in the Egyptian and Spanish salted fish, the differences are meaningful, and this might be related to the different geographical origins of fishes and the different manufacturing processes used.

Livestock has a significant contribution to methane emission as a portion of their ingested energy, which is wasted in the form of methane (2–15%), and ammonia (75–95%). Microbial fermentation in ruminants results in the loss of energy in methanogenesis and protein via ammonia nitrogen excretion, causing a decline in feed efficiency and acting as environmental pollutants. Antibiotics were used to reduce these losses in the rumen, but this approach was restricted in animal products. Some plants or their bioactive extracts/metabolites such as organo-sulphur compounds, saponins, essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins exhibited the potential to limit the methanogenesis by altering the rumen microflora. Plant extracts, including clove (Syzygium aromaticum) bud oil and clove extracts, were used as feed additives to manipulate rumen fermentation. Clove oil interacts with bacterial cells and inhibits the growth multiplication of methanogenic and deaminating bacteria. This results in a reduction in ammonia, nitrogen, methane, acetate concentration, and high propionate and butyrate concentrations. Eugenol is one of the bioactive constituents in clove that manipulate rumen fermentation by increasing propionate production, decrease acetate and methane production, and alter the proteolysis pattern, peptidolysis, and amino acid deamination in the rumen. The current review reports on using of clove phytochemicals and extracts in manipulating rumen fermentation to inhibit methanogenesis and energy loss as well as ammonia–nitrogen waste.

In the present study, high surface area boehmite nanopowder was recovered from aluminum cans waste. The sodium aluminate solution was first prepared by dissolving aluminum cans in NaOH solution and then, H2O2 solution was added to precipitate boehmite. The prepared boehmite was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption–desorption techniques. The thermal stability of the boehmite sample was investigated using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The feasibility of using the prepared boehmite powder as a new low-cost adsorbent for the treatment of oilfield produced water was investigated. For comparison, commercial activated carbon was used for the treatment of the produced water under the same conditions. The efficiency of both of boehmite and activated carbon in the treatment of produced water was determined by monitoring the values of a number of pollution indicators [i.e. turbidity, sulfides, sulfates, total organic carbon (TOC), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), and chemical oxygen demand (COD)] before and after the treatment. The boehmite powder showed very good efficiency in the treatment of the produced water, which is very close to that of commercial activated carbon under the same conditions. The effect of adsorbent dose, treatment time, and pH of the media on the adsorption efficiency of both of boehmite and activated carbon was examined at room temperature using chemical oxygen demand as a pollution indicator. The maximum capacity for COD reduction was 69.6% for boehmite and 83.5% for activated carbon at 40 g/l adsorbent dosage, pH7, and 24-h contact time. Graphic abstract

The present research was designed to study the positive effect of curcumin and the bad effects of dietary high fat diet (beef tallow) which causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, very harmful affecting health, also our study was designed to study the important role of curcumin, against (HFD-induced obesity). Sixty male albino rats weighing( 165-170gm), were be obtained from animal house at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine ,Zagazig University .After acclimatization at 23-25 0Cand and free availability of water and diet rats were divided into four main groups, each contains 15 rats for 12 weeks.G1(Control),G2(Curcumin),G3(HFD),G4(HFD+cur) .At the end of the experiment, all rats were euthansized and blood collected weekly to biochemical examination during 12 weeks. Our results after statistical analysis revealed that showed that rats Fed on curcumin (3% w/w), had a significant increase in (total glutathione ,GSH, glutathione quotient) and a significant decrease in oxidized glutathione level in hepatic tissue ,a significant increase in the activity of liver glutathione peroxidase and reductase but a significant decrease in the glutathione state in rats fed on beef tallow on G3 (HFD) when compared to the control group .a significant increase in glutathione state in G4(HFD+CUR) when compared to G3(HFD). our results revealed a significant increase in insulin level ,HDL ,and a significant decrease in blood glucose, TAG, total cholesterol ,MDA ,LDL in G2(Curcumin) and (HFD+CUR) but a small significant decrease in total bilirubin in only (HFD+CUR) group when compared to group 3(HFD). A significant decrease in insulin level, HDL-c in G3(HFD)when compared to curcumin group a significant increase in blood glucose, TAG , TC ,LDL-c ,VLDL, MDA, bilirubin in high fat diet .Rats fed on curcumin 3% showed a significant decrease in body weight gain but rats fed on beef tallow revealed a significant increase in body weight.

Background: Camel (Camelus dromedarius) is a vital animal to the daily life of the desert as a source of food and transportation, its milk is used as medicine for diverse ailments. Aim: This study was planned to evaluate the effect of two different feeding systems (farming and pastoral systems) on physiological and immunological indices of one-humped dromedary she-camels during different physiological stages. Material and methods: Forty female camels under farm and grazing systems were used from the Camel Experimental Flock in Matrouh (farming system) and Bedouin flock in a grazing unit in the same area (pastoral system). Blood samples were collected during different physiological stages to determine the desired parameters. Results: It was revealed that lymphocytes significantly increased in grazing camels as compared to farm ones. Leukocytes significantly increased in post-partum and lactation than other camels. The number of RBCs increased significantly in pregnant and lactating than other camels. Albumin increased significantly in pregnant and lactating camels and decreased in dry and post-partum. Results showed a significant increase in blood lipids including total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins in farm camels compared to grazing ones. Lactating and pregnant camels showed a significant increase in cholesterol compared to dry and post-partum. In lactating camels, insulin significantly increased compared to other groups. But, cortisol significantly increased in post-partum camels. Conclusion: Farm camels show better physiological and immunological profiles than grazing ones reflect the importance of supplementary feeding especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Background Hepatic encephalopathy exacerbates the morbidity, delays hospital discharge, and increases the rate of readmissions of cirrhotic patients, particularly those are admitted by acute variceal bleeding. We evaluated the performance of albumin-bilirubin score in prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding, in comparison to Child-Pugh and MELD scores. This prospective cohort study was conducted on 250 cirrhotic patients who were consecutively presented by acute variceal bleeding in the period from January to December 2020 at Tanta university emergency hospital. Albumin-bilirubin, Child-Pugh, and MELD scores were measured at admission, and then all patients were followed up for 4 weeks after endoscopic bleeding control for possible occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy Results Albumin-bilirubin, Child-Pugh, and MELD scores had significant performances in prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding; in this regard, albumin-bilirubin score had the highest accuracy (AUC 0.858, CI 0.802-0.914, sig 0.000) followed by Child-Pugh score (AUC 0.654, CI 0.574–0.735, sig 0.001) and then MELD score (AUC 0.602, CI 0.519–0.686, sig 0.031). The cumulative incidence of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with albumin-bilirubin grade 3 was found to be significantly more than that present in albumin-bilirubin grade 2; most of these hepatic encephalopathy cases occurred in the first 2 weeks of follow-up period. Conclusions Albumin-bilirubin score has a significant performance in risk prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding better than Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Albumin-bilirubin grades could be used as a risk stratifying tool to triage cirrhotic patients who will benefit from early discharge after bleeding control and those patients who will benefit from prophylactic measures for hepatic encephalopathy.

Background: Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Clinical studies revealed that both microRNAs and urotensin II (UTS2) play a significant role in the development of a...

The chemical profiling of the main phytoconstituents of total ethanolic extract (TEE) and its different fractions of Bignonia binata leaves was dereplicated using liquid chromatography-high resolution-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (LC-HR-ESI-MS), revealed the presence of various classes of secondary metabolites; eight phenylethanoids, two flavonoidal glycosides and two iridoids. Moreover, the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of the TEE and its different fractions were investigated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats and were compared with those of silymarin-treated group, revealing the highest potency of the EtOAc group, followed by the aqueous one in improving the CCl4-induced alterations in several biochemical parameters. Besides, EtOAc and aqueous fractions exhibited the most inhibition of CCl4-induced inflammatory mediators and improving the changes in the histopathological structures of the liver and kidney. In addition, the EtOAc fraction demonstrated the highest total phenolic content, whereas TEE showed the highest amount of total flavonoid content.

The aim of this study was to characterize multiscale interactions between high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and dentin collagen and associated matrix-metalloproteinases, in addition to the analysis of the effect of HIFU on bacterial biofilms and biological properties. Dentin specimens were subjected to 5, 10 or 20 s HIFU. XPS spectra were acquired and TEM was performed on dentin slabs. Collagen orientation was performed using Raman spectroscopy. Calcium measurements in human dental pulpal cells (hDPCs) were carried out after 7 and 14 days. For macrophages, CD36+ and CD163+ were analysed. Biofilms were analyzed using CLSM. Tandem mass spectroscopy was performed for the detection of hydroxyproline sequences along with human MMP-2 quantification. Phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen were detected in HIFU specimens. TEM images demonstrated the collagen network appearing to be fused together in the HIFU 10 and 20 s specimens. The band associated with 960 cm-1 corresponds to the stretching ν1 PO43-. The control specimens showed intensive calcium staining followed by HIFU 20 s > HIFU 10 s > HIFU 5 s specimens. Macrophages in the HIFU specimens co-expressed CD80+ and CD163+ cells. CLSM images showed the HIFU treatment inhibiting bacterial growth. SiteScore propensity determined the effect of HIFU on the binding site with a higher DScore representing better site exposure on MMPs. Multiscale mapping of dentin collagen after HIFU treatment showed no deleterious alterations on the organic structure of dentin.

Background: Calprotectin was identified as an endogenous activator of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and as receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE). Elevated plasma levels of calprotectin have been reported in a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions. Elevated calprotectin levels have been reported to predict microvascular alterations in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. Objective: To make an up to date review of serum level of calprotectin as a predictor for early diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients. Patients and methods: A total number of 90 subjects were included in the study after fulfillment of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Calprotectin was measured for all the 90 subjects. Results: Serum calprotectin levels were significantly higher in group III “diabetics with neuropathy” compared to group II “diabetics without neuropathy “and group I “healthy controls”. Conclusion: High levels of calprotectin were detected in type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

In the present study, quercetin was examined against lung human cancer cells using A549 and H69 cancer cell lines in addition to normal non cancer cells (W138). Two genes Bax and Bcl-2 that play an important role in apoptosis pathways were investigated. Also Immunohistochemical study for caspase-3 which is considered as indicator for apoptosis was performed. Quercetin showed good anti proliferative activity against tested lung cancer cell lines, IC50 values on A549 are 8.65, 7.96 and 5.14 µg/ml at 24, 48 and 72h respectively. Also significant effects of quercetin on Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were observed, that can prove its ability to induce apoptosis. On the other hand quercetin showed good therapeutic effects against cyclophosphamide induced lung toxicity that were observed in the histopathology study. In vitro studies were also performed such as cell cycle analysis through flowcytometry. The obtained results from all these performed analysis proved that quercetin can induce apoptosis in human lung cancer cells, additionally quercetin showed ability to reduce MDA and increase SOD and GSHP levels which indicates its ability in suppressing oxidative stress, Quercetin has played a therapeutic role in cyclophosphamide induced lung toxicity as it has improved restoring of the damaged lung tissue as discussed in this research work.

p-Sulfonatocalix[n]arenes have shown excellent potential for accommodating chemotherapeutic drugs through host–guest complexation and enhancing their anticancer activity. Betaine has been reported to exert an anticancer effect at high concentrations. In order to increase its concentration in cancer cells, we have complexed it with p-SC4, which releases its content in an acidic environment typical of cancer tissue. In this work, a host–guest complex of the chemically stable, natural, and safe active methyl donor (betaine) and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arenes (p-SC4) was designed and characterized using 1H NMR, UV, Job's plot analysis, DFT calculations, and molecular modeling for use in cancer therapeutics. The peak amplitude of the prepared host–guest complexes was linearly proportional to the concentration of betaine in the range of 1.0 × 10−5 M−1 to 2.5 × 10−4 M−1. The reaction stoichiometry between p-SC4 and betaine in the formed complex was 1 : 1. The stability constant for the complex is 8.9 × 104 M−1 which corresponds to a complexation free energy of −6.74 kcal mol−1. Complexation between betaine and p-SC4 was found to involve the insertion of the trimethylammonium group of betaine into the p-SC4 cavity, as supported by the experimental data. The complex displayed enhanced cytotoxic activities against breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) compared to free betaine. In conclusion, the host–guest complexation of betaine with p-SC4 increases its concentration in cancer cells, which warrants further investigation for cancer therapy.

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal cancers which is causing up to 3 million deaths annually worldwide. Therefore, management of lung cancer needs searching for new chemopreventive agents. This work was designed to inspect the chemopreventive potential of different extracts prepared from branches and leaves of Synadenium grantii for screening their effects on lung cancer cells (A549), then the most active extract was used for combating lung cancer induced in animal model. The in vitro results showed that, the methanolic extract was the most active extract against A549 cells with a notable cytotoxicity activity (IC50: 4.30±0.44 µg/ml), which was close to the activity of standard drug, doxorubicin (IC50: 3.50±0.40 µg/ml). The results of the in vivo experiment, revealed that in B(a)P-treated group, aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) transaminase activities as well as the levels of urea, creatinine, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Phosphotylinosital 3 Kinase (PI3K) were significantly increased comparing to control group. However, treatment with S. grantii ameliorated the increase in these parameters in both after- and before-treatment groups comparing with B(a)P-treated group. This improvement in biochemical results were also supported by improving in morphological and histopathological injuries induced by B(a)P, which indicated that methanolic extract of S. grantii has a chemoprevention effect on lung cancer.

Degradation kinetics and pathways of the antibiotic penicillin G (Pen) have been examined via oxidation by chromium trioxide (CrVI) in aqueous sulfuric and perchloric acid media. The oxidation reactions were monitored by spectrophotometry at 298 K. In both acidic media, penicillin G oxidation was set to proceed through acid catalysis. The stoichiometry of the reactions designated that 3 moles of Pen required 2 moles of CrVI. The kinetics of Pen oxidation in both acids was of the first order with regard to [CrVI] and less-than unity order with regard to [Pen] and [H+] in their variation. The rates of reactions displayed negligible impacts upon altering ionic strengths or dielectric constants of the reaction media. There was no intrusion of free radicals throughout the redox reactions. Addition of low concentrations of Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions enhanced the oxidation rates, while addition of Cr3+ as a described product did not noteworthily alter the rates. Under comparable investigational circumstances, the oxidation rates in HClO4 were almost 2-fold greater than in H2SO4. The oxidation products of penicillin G were identified by spectral analysis and spot tests as phenyl acetic acid, 2-formyl-5,5-dimethyl-thiazolidine-4-carboxlate ion, ammonium ion, and carbon dioxide. Reliance of reaction rates on temperature has been explored, and the activation and thermodynamic parameters were estimated and debated. In view of the noted reactions’ orders and products’ identification, a plausible mechanism for the oxidation reactions was suggested. The derived rate law was set to be in accordance with the acquired results. This study offers an unprecedented simple and low-cost treatment method for removal or degradation of certain pollutants for protecting the environment and human health.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a frequent worldwide disease. Surgery is the main policy oftreatment. The benzimidazoles are the drugs of choice as adjuvant therapy besides surgery, but they havesome drawbacks, so there is a pressing need to develop other safe and cheap drugs such as an herbalextract.Objectives: To increase the efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) administered either as monotherapy orcombined with albendazole, and using chitosan nanoparticles as a drug delivery system for both drugs.Material and Methods: E. granulosus protoscoleces were obtained by aseptic puncture of hydatidcysts. Mice infected by intraperitoneal inoculation with nearly 1000 protoscoleces per mouse weresubdivided into 7 groups: G2, infected non-treated; G3, treated with albendazole; G4, treated with NSO;G5, treated with NSO and albendazole; G6, treated with albendazole loaded on chitosan nanoparticles;G7, treated with NSO loaded on chitosan nanoparticles; G8, treated with albendazole and NSO loaded onchitosan nanoparticles. G1 included the non-infected, non-treated control mice. Serum was collected forbiochemical and serological assay. NO was measured according to nitric oxide assay colorimetric kit. Thesystemic level of TNF-α and IL-5 was determined in the plasma of mice using commercial enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay kits.Results: The results revealed that a significant increase of IL-5 occurred in all treated groups to reach thehighest value in G8. There was a significant decrease of TNF-α in all treated groups in comparison to G1and G2 (P

The effects of two expired antibacterial drugs, amoxicillin (Amo) cefuroxime (Cef), on the corrosion behavior of Sabic iron in 1.0 M HCl solution were examined using weight loss, galvanostatic pola...

Purpose: To investigate the kinetics of oxidative removal of two β-lactam antibiotics (A), namely, ampicillin and flucloxacillin.Methods: In this study, permanganate ion (MnO4-) was used as an oxidant in an alkaline medium at fixed ionic strength of 0.1 mol dm-3 and a temperature of 298 K utilizing a spectrophotometric technique. The obtained oxidation products were characterized using spot tests and FT-IR spectra.Results: The stoichiometry of the reactions was 1:4 (A : MnO4-). The reactions were a first order credence in [MnO4-] and fractional-first order kinetics in antibiotic and hydroxyl ion. Influence of ionic strength was successfully explored. Dependence of reaction rates on temperature was studied and the activation parameters were computed and discussed. A plausible mechanism for the oxidation reactions has been elucidated. A consistent rate-law expression was also derived.Conclusion: This study introduces a significant treatment method for antibiotic removal, thus helping to protect the environment and human health. Keywords: Permanganate, Antibiotics, Oxidative degradation, Kinetics, Mechanism

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Several modalities have been used to clear residual facial pigmentation in patients with extensive vitiligo; however, the ideal depigmenting agent does not yet exist. The use of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for depigmentation in universal vitiligo has been recently reported. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCA 100 % as a depigmenting therapy for recalcitrant facial pigmentation in Egyptian patients with universal vitiligo. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 50 patients with universal vitiligo who had residual spotted pigmentation on the face causing psychological distress. TCA was focally applied to cover the pigmented patches at 100 % concentration. The treatment was repeated every two weeks until complete depigmentation or for a maximum of five treatment sessions. RESULTS Excellent response to TCA treatment (> 90 % depigmentation) was reported in 80 % of the studied cases, partial response (50-90 % depigmentation) in 12 % and poor response (

BACKGROUND Although the etiopathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) is still unclear, inflammation, oxidative stress, and subsequent DNA damage might be considered role players in disease development. AIM We aimed at exploring the potential link between oxidative DNA damage and inflammation in AA patients through measuring 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), and one of the inflammatory mediators, C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS A total of 79 subjects (49 AA patients in addition to 30 apparently healthy control subjects) were tested for serum levels of 8-OHdG, HMBG1, and CRP. RESULTS Compared with the control group, serum 8-OHdG, HMBG1, and CRP levels were significantly elevated in the studied patients group (0.031

Novel pyrrole derivatives were synthesized by one-pot four components condensation reaction of khellin and/or visnagin carbaldehyde; amine derivatives; curcumin and nitro methane. In another approach with lack of curcumin molecular structure, new pyrrole derivatives were efficiently achieved using ethyl acetoacetate. Newly synthesized compounds were tested against human pancreas cancer cell lines (Panc-1), colon cancer cell line and (MCF-7), (HT-29) breast cancer cell line. The results showed that newly synthesized compounds exhibit a moderate to strong growth inhibition of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in comparison to the other two cell lines. Compounds which are combination between both Curcumin and khelline derivatives showed highest activity towards human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Molecular docking studies declared that these compounds occupied a pocket of “EGFR tyrosine kinase” (WT) and a pocket of “EGFAR Kinase domain PCSK9-∆C D374Y” (MT). In addition, our compounds are non-inhibitors of CYP2D6, which means that liver dysfunction effects are not expected. All newly synthesized strucrures are consistent with biological results and predicted to be safe.