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In this work, new chitosan derivative nanofibers that exhibit antibacterial properties were successfully fabricated. The two CS Schiff base derivatives (CS-APC and CS-2APC) were prepared by incorporating 4-amino antipyrine moiety in two different ratios, followed by a reductive amination to obtain the corresponding derivatives CS-APCR and CS-2APCR. Spectral analyses were used to confirm the chemical structure. The molecular docking evaluation of CS-APC, CS-APCR, and CS was conducted on DNA topoisomerase IV, thymidylate kinase and SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro) active sites. CS-APCR showed a well-fitting into the three enzyme active sites with docking score values of − 32.76, − 35.43 and − 30.12 kcal/mol, respectively. The nanocomposites of CS derivatives were obtained by electrospinning the blends of CS-2APC and CS-2APCR with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) at 20 kV. The morphology of the nanofibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that fiber diameters were significantly decreased when CS-2APC and CS-2APCR were incorporated into pure PVP to reach 206–296 nm and 146–170 nm, respectively, compared to 224–332 nm for pure PVP. The derivatives of CS and their nanofibers with PVP were found to have antibacterial activities against two strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Data revealed that CS-2APC nanofibers showed antibacterial activity to the two strains of E. coli less than CS-2APCR nanofibers.

Metal and metal oxides in nano-sized particles have recently shown great potentials to obtain multifunctional textiles. However, multifunctional textiles with durable characteristics are still challenging to achieve by using eco-friendly fixing agents. In this work, cotton, linen, viscose, polyester fabrics, and their blends with different weaving structures were treated by TiO2-NP emulsions containing an eco-friendly binding agent. Itaconic acid, a water-soluble monomer, was used as a green alternative to acrylic-based binding agent in order to provide durable finishing. The treatment parameters have been optimized on 100 % cotton fabrics. Hexamethyltriaminophosphine (HMTAP), organic compound contains phosphorus and nitrogen atoms, was employed as fire-retardant agent in the treatment emulsions by which at 2.5 %v/v superior performance on the vertical fire test was achieved. Nanoparticles deposition was confirmed by SEM-EDX test. Treated samples showed very high UPF values with all type of fabrics to reach 277, 144, 287 and 201 for cotton sample, cotton/PET, PET and PET/viscous, respectively. However, linen fabric with very loose weaving structure showed the lowest UPF values. Antimicrobial activities of the treated samples at as less as 1.5 % wt/v TiO2 showed over 90 % reduction of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, conducted under halogen light bulb, compared to the untreated.

Hydrogel is considered as a promising candidate for bioink in terms of biocompatibility, biodegradability, printability and supporting cellular behavior. Recently, carbohydrates derivatives containing alkyne and azide pendant functional groups have been used in medical applications due to their improved chemical, biological, functional properties, and their amenability for chemical reactions under mild conditions. In this work, a novel bioink was developed based on azide and alkyne of cellulose derivatives. Azido-hydroxyethyl cellulose (D.Sazido = 0.04) was synthesized via open-ring reaction of 1-azido-2,3-epoxypropane and characterized spectroscopically and titrimetrically. Alkyne derivative, propargyl carboxymethyl cellulose (D.Spropargyl = 1.72) was synthesized through coupling reaction with propargylamine in the presence of EDC and NHS. The click-gel scaffold was obtained by mixing the two novel candidates in the presence of copper (I) catalyst. Extrusion bio-plotting experiment was successfully conducted of the two solutions into coagulant Cu (I)/DMSO solutions and demonstrated the possibility of using the clickable cellulose derivatives as bioink precursors. Chemical and physical properties of the click-gel were demonstrated. The biocompatibility assay of the prepared click-gels showed high level of viability in the human skin fibroblast cells (HFB4) at concentration 100 μg/mL.

In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers were electrospun incorporated with lecithin, zero-charge natural segment, as non-biofouling nanofiltration membrane with tunable porous structures. Optimum conditions were studied to obtain nano-pore size capable of nano-scaled objects reduction using needle and needleless electrospinning apparatuses. Fiber diameters were in proportional relationship with PVP concentrations to range from 1.2 um to 34 nm at 10 to 5% wt/v PVP respectively. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was added and PVP fibers were photo-crosslinked to enhance the mechanical strength. Mechanical properties of electrospun fibers were enforced up to 279% in the presence of microcrystalline cellulose while increased by 125% when exposed to photo-crosslinking for 8 h by UV-light radiation. UV-crosslinking has significantly improved the hydrophobicity of the final mat to report contact angle bigger than 90° at 16 h. Protein adhesion test was conducted to indicate the capability of the electrospun membrane to bypass the blood-plasma products. Zero protein adhesion was recorded by adding only 2% wt/v of lecithin.

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, there has been no vaccine or specific antiviral medication for treatment of the infection where supportive care and prevention of complications is the current management strategy. In this work, the potential use of medicinal plants and more than 16 500 of their constituents was investigated within two suggested therapeutic strategies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 including prevention of SARS-CoV-2 RNA synthesis and replication, through targeting vital proteins and enzymes as well as modulation of the host's immunity through production of virulence factors. Molecular docking studies on the viral enzymes 3Clpro, PLpro and RdRp suggested rocymosin B, verbascoside, rutin, caftaric acid, luteolin 7-rutinoside, fenugreekine and cyanidin 3-(6′′-malonylglucoside) as promising molecules for further drug development. Meanwhile, the medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Cichorium intybus, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Nigella sativa, Anastatica hierochuntica, Euphorbia species, Psidium guajava and Epilobium hirsutum were enriched in compounds with the multi-targets PTGS2, IL2, IL1b, VCAM1 and TNF such as quercetin, ursolic acid, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin, glycerrhizin and apigenin. Enriched pathways of the molecular targets included cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway which are all closely related to inflammatory, innate and adaptive immune responses. The present study identified natural compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 for further in vitro and in vivo studies and emphasizes the potential role of medicinal plants in the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2.

Electrically conductive materials that are fabricated based on natural polymers have seen significant interest in numerous applications, especially when advanced properties such as self-healing are introduced. In this article review, the hydrogels that are based on natural polymers containing electrically conductive medium were covered, while both irreversible and reversible cross-links are presented. Among the conductive media, a special focus was put on conductive polymers, such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyacetylene, and polythiophenes, which can be potentially synthesized from renewable resources. Preparation methods of the conductive irreversible hydrogels that are based on these conductive polymers were reported observing their electrical conductivity values by Siemens per centimeter (S/cm). Additionally, the self-healing systems that were already applied or applicable in electrically conductive hydrogels that are based on natural polymers were presented and classified based on non-covalent or covalent cross-links. The real-time healing, mechanical stability, and electrically conductive values were highlighted.

Recent reports have shown that bromelain (BL), a pineapple extract, acts as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment and prevention of carcinogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate the possible mechanisms by which BL could radiosensitize tumor cells in vitro and in a mouse tumor model. BL has shown a significant reduction in the viability of the radioresistant human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cell line using cell proliferation assay. The in vivo study was designed using the Ehrlich model in female albino mice, treated with BL (6 mg/kg b. wt., intraperitoneal, once daily for 10 days) 1 hour before exposure to a fractionated dose of gamma radiation (5 Gy, 1 Gy for 5 subsequent days). The radiosensitizing effect of BL was evident in terms of a significant reduction in tumor volume, poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), the proliferation marker Ki-67 and nuclear factor kappa activated B cells (NF-κB) with a significant elevation in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in tumor cells. The present findings offer a novel insight into the radiosensitizing effect of BL and its potential application in the radiotherapy course.

From the environmental point of view, there is high demand for the preparation of polymeric materials for various applications from renewable and/or waste sources. New lignin-based spun fibers were produced, characterized, and probed for use in methylene blue (MB) dye removal in this study. The lignin was extracted from palm fronds (PF) and banana bunch (BB) feedstock using catalytic organosolv treatment. Different polymer concentrations of either a plasticized blend of renewable polymers such as polylactic acid/polyhydroxybutyrate blend (PLA-PHB-ATBC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a potential waste material were used as matrices to generate lignin-based fibers by the electrospinning technique. The samples with the best fiber morphologies were further modified after iodine handling to ameliorate and expedite the thermostabilization process. To investigate the adsorption of MB dye from aqueous solution, two approaches of fiber modification were utilized. First, electrospun fibers were carbonized at 500 °C with aim of generating lignin-based carbon fibers with a smooth appearance. The second method used an in situ oxidative chemical polymerization of m-toluidine monomer to modify electrospun fibers, which were then nominated by hybrid composites. SEM, TGA, FT-IR, BET, elemental analysis, and tensile measurements were employed to evaluate the composition, morphology, and characteristics of manufactured fibers. The hybrid composite formed from an OBBL/PET fiber mat has been shown to be a promising adsorbent material with a capacity of 9 mg/g for MB dye removal.

Cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun fibers have been used in different medical applications such as drug delivery systems to release various drugs. CA, usually available with a typical degree of substitution (DS) of 2.4–2.5, shows little control over the release rate of the incorporated substances, due to the lack of active functional groups. In this work, click chemistry was used to activate CA and produce crosslinked electrospun mats to provide sustained release for topical administration. CA was activated by introducing azide functional groups on the residual hydroxyl groups of the polymer chains with a DSAzido of 0.24 by a coupling reaction. Azido-CA was then electrospun to produce nanofibers, in which capsaicin and sodium diclofenac, as pain-relieving drugs were encapsulated. Propargylated maltose was synthesized as a crosslinker to the Azido-CA via triazole chemistry. Spectral analysis was used to confirm the chemical structure of the new derivatives and the click-matrices. SEM morphological analysis of the Azido-CA electrospun fibers showed a range of diameters from 140 to 270 nm, with clear, smooth surfaces. Samples of the matrices were assessed for cytotoxicity and showed an acceptable cell viability. In a rat model, sodium diclofenac and capsaicin-loaded electrospun mats of Azido-CA showed superior closure rates over the untreated rats and those treated with a commercial cream. Rats treated with electrospun mat of CA, Azido-CA loaded with drugs showed normal intact histological structure of the epidermis and dermis.

Punica granatum peel (PGP) is widely used in traditional medicinal purposes for chronic wounds owing to containing natural phenolics active components. In current study, active wound dressing hydrogel for chronic wound healing was prepared based on P. granatum peel crude extract (PGPC), ethyl acetate fraction (PGPEA) and their silver nanoforms (Ag-NPs). Methacrylated chitosan was synthesized as precursor to hydrogel and crosslinked by divinyl sulfone (DVS) in mild condition. Hydrogel was fully characterized by spectral morphological, mechanical and physical analyses. The integration of PGPEA silver nanoforms was formed with particle size of 15–56 nm to show minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) equal 63 for Staphylococcus aureus and 125 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The hydrogel-based wound dressing with/without the active ingredients showed acceptable cytotoxicity against fibroblast human cells for PGPC and PGPEA fraction over the silver nanoforms. Rat as animal model was considered to show the impact of the active wound dressing on diabetic wounds which was proved by histopathological examination. In addition, the significant intensity of immunopositivity signals of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in the epidermal cells have revealed the efficiency of Ag NPs-PGPEA-chitosan hydrogel for chronic wound curing.

Lignocellulosic materials such as agricultural residues have been identified as potential sustainable sources that can replace petroleum-based polymers. This study focused on the conversion of lignin extracted from bagasse to carbon fiber (CF) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). The highest extraction of lignin yield was achieved at 100 °C using 10% NaOH for 12 h. Carbon fibers were obtained by electro-spinning of bagasse lignin blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (11 wt/v %) followed by thermo-stabilization (250 °C) in an oxidizing atmosphere and further carbonization in an inert atmosphere (850 °C). Conventional hydrolysis process was used to extract cellulose nanocrystal from bagasse pulp. Morphological (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), spectral (Fourier transform infrared, FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermal characterization and surface area measurements have been carried out. Figures originated by SEM showed that CF ranges from 145 to 204 nm, while stabilized bagasse cellulose nanocrystal (SCNC) appeared as rod-shape like structure in the range of length 600–800 nm and diameter 5.33–19 μm. Characterization results revealed that CF exhibits microporous structure, while bagasse lignin and SCNC display mesoporous structure. In addition, the results proved that SCNC exhibits a percentage removal 71.56% for methylene blue dye in an aqueous solution.

In order to evaluate the effect of different types of phototherapy on oxidant/antioxidant status in hyperbilirubinemic neonates, an interventional randomized control trial was conducted on 120 neonates ≥35 weeks' gestational age with indirect hyperbilirubinemia reaching phototherapy level. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03074292. Neonates were assigned to three groups; 40 neonates received conventional phototherapy, 40 received intensive phototherapy and 40 received blue light-emitting diodes (LED) phototherapy. Complete blood count (CBC), total serum bilirubin (TSB), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) levels were measured before and 24 hours after phototherapy. TSB decreased postphototherapy in all three groups (p.05 for all), with significantly lower levels following intensive and LED phototherapy compared to conventional phototherapy (p.05 for both). TAC decreased postphototherapy in the three groups (p.05 for all). MDA and NO increased postphototherapy (p.05 for all), with the intensive phototherapy group having the highest levels followed by the conventional while LED phototherapy group showed the lowest levels in comparison to the other groups (p.05). Cu, Zn and Fe increased postphototherapy in all three groups (p.05 for all). Positive correlations were found between postphototherapy TSB with TAC, Cu and Zn (p.05) and negative correlations with MDA, NO and Fe (p.05) among neonates of the 3 studied groups. In conclusion, different photo therapies have an impact on oxidant/antioxidant balance and are associated with increased oxidative stress markers with the LED phototherapy being the safest.

Developing a multifunctional wound dressing that protects, cures and indicates the healing progress, is a new approach of investigation. Red cabbage extract (RCE), consisting of bioactive compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, bactericidal, antifungal, and antiviral activities, was utilized as a natural pH-sensitive indicator. Chitosan-based hydrogel, encapsulating RCE, was developed to obtain a smart therapeutic pH-sensitive wound dressing as antimicrobial bio-matrix provides a comfortable cushion for wound bed and indicates its status. Methacrylated-chitosan was crosslinked by different concentrations of methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) by which hydrogel mechanical and morphological properties were tuned. The proposed mechanism for hydrogel formation was confirmed by FT-IR. The coloristic properties of the RCE and the changes in color intensity as a function of pH were confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The effect of MBAA on the mechanical, swelling, release and morphological properties of hydrogel were investigated. MBAA (2.5% wt/v) in 2% wt/v chitosan showed preferable mechanical (20 KPa), swelling (1294% at pH 8 ± 0.2), and release (prolonged up to 5 days) properties. Hydrogel matrices, loaded on cotton gauze submerged in different pH buffer solutions, showed explicit color changes from green to red as pH changed from 9 to 4.

Encapsulation of volatile essential oils has been investigated to provide an active food packaging (AFP) material with more control over their fast release and pungent smell. In this work, Gum Arabic-based adhesive membrane was developed as a self-stick AFP material, delivering cinnamon essential oil (CEO) in vapor phase. Gum Arabic (GA) was grafted with butyl acrylate (BA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate [GA-g-poly(BA-HEMA)]. Adhesive membrane was characterized by means of spectral, physicochemical and rheological analysis. GA-adhesive membrane made of 5% wt/v GA, 3.5 m mol HEMA, and 87 m mol BA with 21 N/m tack are loaded with 4, 8 and 10% v/v of CEO and used for antimicrobial bioassays. GA-g-poly(BA-HEMA) membrane prolonged CEO release up to 2 days. 8%v/v CEO showed superior activities against both Gram negative and positive bacteria. Shelf-life of cheese samples, packed with the self-stick membranes loaded with cinnamon extract, has extended from 3 to 8 weeks. Cheese samples that inoculated with shiga toxin producing E. coli O157:H7 and packed in plastic boxes with the self-stick AFP (4, 8 and 10 % CEO), showed significant reduction in the total bacteria counts.

Purpose Cyclophosphamide (Cyp) is one of the most commonly used, wide spectrum chemotherapeutic agents. Cyp has multi-organ toxicities that are dose limiting, thus it's mostly used in chemotherapeutic combinations. Radiation is well known as a hazardous sort of energy, recent studies are interested in studying the beneficial therapeutic effects of low-dose gamma radiation. This study examined the protective effect of two different doses/dose-rates of irradiation either alone or combined with telmisartan against Cyp-induced cardiotoxicity. Materials and methods Rats were divided into seven groups; (1): Control, (2): Cyp, (3-4): 0.05 Gy low dose rate (LDR) irradiation, 0.25 Gy high dose rate (HDR) irradiation, respectively, prior to Cyp dose, (5-7): telmisartan either alone or with 0.05 Gy LDR-irradiation or 0.25 Gy HDR-irradiation, respectively, prior to Cyp dose. The current investigation studied the effect of Cyp alone or combined with different treatment regimens on serum cTn-I and LDH, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway (p65/IκB/IKK-α/IKK-s) in the myocardium. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1s, IL-6 and TNF-α were assessed in addition to histopathological examination of the heart. Results Low-dose irradiation attenuated cardiac enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB content, and histology, in both low and HDRs. Furthermore, the combination of low-dose irradiation with telmisartan (an angiotensin-II receptor type-1 blocker and a known cardio-protective drug) offered the best histological results. Conclusions Low-dose irradiation-induced amelioration is partially but not completely through canonical activation of NF-κB, and may have another atypical pathway. While telmisartan probably ameliorates NF-κB totally through canonical pathway.

Rechargeable batteries have been rapidly developed to meet the continuous demand for pursuing sustainable and renewable energy resources in order to reduce the fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emission. In such batteries, electric energy is produced a via reduction–oxidation reactions between two electrodes and electrolyte. In order to obtain such batteries with higher energy and power densities, nanoscaled functional electrodes have been an approach. In this review, electrospinning basics and challenges to develop bead-free and smooth electrospun fiber are briefly provided. Advanced techniques to produce functional electrospun fibers such as coaxial and emulsion electrospinning are described. Basics of voltaic cells were extensively illustrated by highlighting the role of each component in the cell. Differences between primary and secondary cells are explained. Applications of such functional nanofibers in the battery electrodes and electrolytes to enhance the overall performance are discussed. The discussion was focused on Metal-ion and metal–air batteries including the rule of the electrospun substrates on enhancing anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes performances. Electrochemical characteristics in terms of ionic conductivity, battery density, and capacity were highlighted. The add-on value in the performance of such advanced nanofibers in metal–air and metal-ion batteries is broadly highlighted.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by patches of depigmentation. Zinc is an antiapoptotic molecule that exhibits antioxidant properties. The study aimed to investigate the serum levels of zinc in vitiligo patients compared to healthy controls and to whether exists a correlation between disease severity and serum levels of zinc. Fifty patients with vitilgo (group A) and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls (group B) were recruited and serum zinc level was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and results were compared and correlated to each other and to disease severity and extension. The mean serum zinc levels in group A was 50.93 ± 11.02 in comparison to a mean of 77.09 ± 12.16 in group B (P = .049, T = -1.993). Vitiligo area severity index (VASI) scores in the vitiligo group ranged from 0.5 to 27 with a mean ± SD of (9.19 ± 4.47). A high statistically significant negative correlation was demonstrated between serum zinc levels and the extension of vitiligo (P value = .0001 and R value = - 0.835). A significant association exists between vitiligo and serum zinc levels. Serum zinc levels correlated negatively with vitiligo disease severity and extension. Zinc supplementation and use can be of potential importance in setting vitiligo treatment protocols.

This study hypothesizes that, bromelain (BL) acts as radiosensitizer of tumor cells and that it protects normal cells from radiation effects. In vitro and in vivo studies have been carried out to prove that assumption. In vitro MTT cell proliferation assay has shown that the irradiated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell line could be sensitized by BL pretreatment. In vivo: animals were randomly divided into 5 groups, Group 1: control (PBS i.p for 10 days), Group 2: Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) bearing mice, Group 3: EST + γ-radiation (fractionated dose, 1 Gy × 5), Group 4: EST + BL (6 mg/kg, i.p), daily for 10 days, Group 5: EST + BL for 10 days followed by γ-irradiation (1 Gy × 5). The size and weight of tumors in gamma-irradiated EST bearing mice treated with BL decreased significantly with a significant amelioration in the histopathological examination. Besides, BL mitigated the effect of γ-irradiation on the liver relative gene expression of poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1), nuclear factor kappa activated B cells (NF-κB), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α), and it restored liver function via amelioration of paraoxonase1 (PON1) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and albumin (ALB). It is concluded that BL can be considered as a radio-sensitizer and radio-protector, suggesting a possible role in reducing radiation exposure dose during radiotherapy.

Traditional solutions of food packing are limited for antimicrobial packaging materials that interact with the product to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In this work, adhesive composite was developed as an active packaging material using allyl isothiocyanate (AIC) in vapor phase. Such adhesive composite was made of gelatin electrospun fibers loaded by AIC and supportive adhesive sheet. Gelatin electrospun fibers loaded by AIC (2–10% v/v) into 24% wt/v gelatin solutions was produced using electrospinning apparatus at 15 kV, 15 cm air gap and 0.2 mL/h flow rate. This mat was supported by pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) made of hydroxyethyl cellulose backbone grafted by acrylic acid and methylbutyl acrylate [HEC-g-poly(AA-MBA)]. PSA was characterized in means of spectral, physicochemical and rheological analysis. Final product with AIC (2% v/v) showed significant antimicrobial activities against two food born bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Antimicrobial activities on cheese showed that gelatin nanofibers loaded by AIC (10% v/v), applied in the headspace, extended the shelf life of cheese from 4 weeks to 8 weeks.

Carbohydrates derivatives containing propargyl pending functional groups have been used in medical applications due to their improved chemical, biological, and functional properties. In this work, azide and alkyne pendant functional groups were introduced onto ethyl cellulose (EC) and β-cyclodextrin respectively in order to demonstrate the ability of scaffold formation by click chemistry. Technically, Azido-ethyl cellulose (D.S.Azido 0.19) and 2, 3, 6-O- propargylated β –cyclodextrin were synthesized and characterized as click-triggered candidates. The click-gel scaffold was obtained by mixing the two novel candidates in the presence of copper catalyst. Azido-EC was considered to produce clickable electrospun fibers blended with EC (290–620 nm) at 20 kV in order to functionalized EC substrate bearing azide groups to be amenable towards immobilization of an alkyne-terminated bio-molecules. The biocompatibility assay of the prepared click-triggered candidates showed very high level of viability in the human skin fibroblast cells (HFB4) at concentration 100 μg/ml.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) as essential fatty acids (EFAs) have shown medical significance towards wound healing process. However, EFAs whose chemical structures possess unsaturated double bonds are unstable to environmental degradation. Encapsulation of EFAs into protective layer was the basic approach to avoid such degradation. In this work, CLA was extracted from sunflower oil, purified and characterized by spectral analysis. CLA was loaded into two different substrates namely hydrophobic, cellulose acetate (CA), and hydrophilic, liposomal emulsions of poly (vinylalcohol) (PVA) and gelatin, polymers. Electrospinning parameters were optimized to obtain clear, smooth and bead-free fibers. 12 % wt/v of CA shows bead-free fibers with diameter in range of 440-300 nm loaded with CLA up to 26% wt/wt. While, CLA (3% wt/wt) is encapsulated into the liposomal emulsions of PVA and gelatin with average fiber diameters 252-400 nm and 120-200 nm respectively. The CLA encapsulation, morphology of the electrospun fibers, and fiber diameter were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Viscosity and conductivity of the prepared solutions for electrospinning were demonstrated. Biocompatibility was evaluated by measuring cell proliferation of skin fibroblast cells. The release profile was investigated by UV- Visible spectroscopy. CLA loaded into the electrospun showed lower peroxide values (PV) of CLA.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible protective role of the algae spirulina (Sp) against nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress which are the main secondary effects induced by the immunosuppressant drug CSA and/or ionizing radiation. In this study, male rats were given Sp (1 g/kg) either for 15 days before irradiation (6.5 Gy) or 5 days before and 10 days concomitant with CSA (25 mg/kg). Markers used to assess renal injury included serum creatinine, urea, glucose, albumin, protein, and lipid profile as well as kidney content of reduced glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)); nitrite and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, some trace elements (Zn and Mg) were estimated in kidney. Apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical estimation of caspase-3 expression in addition to histopathological examination. Results revealed that gamma radiation and/or CSA induced elevation in urea, creatinine, lipids, and glucose while decreasing albumin and protein levels. There was a noticeable increase in kidney content of GSH, TBARS, and nitrite. Meanwhile, profound decrease in kidney SOD activity was observed. Treatment with Sp significantly reversed the changes induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation in renal function tests. Spirulina also ameliorated kidney oxidative stress through decreasing GSH, TBARS, and nitrite kidney content while increasing SOD activity. Histopathological examination further confirmed Sp protective efficacy. Moreover, kidney caspase-3 expression that was triggered by CSA and/or gamma radiation was decreased. In conclusion, spirulina can be regarded as a promising renoprotective natural agent against renal injury induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation.

Edible packaging materials of encapsulated essential oils in biopolymers have been investigated to provide an effective and safe approach for food preservation. In this study, chitosan-based emulsions made of liposomes loaded with thyme essential oil (TEO) were investigated to extend the shelf-life of Karish cheese. Liposomal chitosan emulsions were prepared via reverse-phase evaporation method and its macrostructure was demonstrated. Chitosan-based emulsions with TEO/liposomes, prepared by 2% wt/v chitosan solutions, are stable over 2 months. GC/MS analysis of TEO showed that thymol and p-cymene are the major compounds with 30 and 13.7% respectively. Antimicrobial activities were assessed via visible microbial growth method and total bacteria counts of mesophilic, phsychrotrophic bacteria, yeast and mould over 4 weeks. Visible microbial growth test showed an explicit microbial growth, by the second week, for all cheese samples that are not coated or coated with chitosan solutions. Cheese samples coated with chitosan containing TEO 1 and 2 % v/v stayed safe with accepted microbial counts till the end of third week. However, samples coated with liposomal chitosan emulsions encapsulated TEO 1and 2% v/v remained in acceptable appearance and microbial counts up to 4 weeks. Coatings showed neutral effects on moisture content, pH and titratable acidity.

The moist dressing has been taken as an approach to maintain a wet environment for the wound and accelerate its healing process. Recently, more functionality has been imparted to wound dressings to monitor changes in skin pH and visually indicate the wound healing status. However, providing a biocompatible pH-sensing hydrogel made of green components, at a neutral medium, is yet to investigate. In this work, pH-sensitive natural dye, Curcuma Longa extract (CLE), was utilized as an easy and cost-effective pH-sensitive indicator. CLE was loaded in hydrogel made of hydroxyethyl cellulose grafted with green monomer, itaconic acid (IA), to prepare transparent, soft, and neutral pH-sensitive wound dressing. IA concentrations tuned gel porous structure (370–100 µm), mechanical (686–1186 N, load at break), swelling (up to1839% at neutral medium), and release properties. Hydrogel showed higher release percentages at pH (7.4), and longer release profiles at pH (8 ± 0.2) which suits wound healing applications. The coloristic properties of the CLE as a function of pH were confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Hydrogel matrices, loaded on cotton gauze and submerged in different pH buffer solutions, showed explicit color changes from visibly yellow for pH ≤ 7 and dark red for pH > 7.

The design procedure of regulators recommends the installation of weirs to help in dissipating kinetic energy of water and controlling the hydraulic jump downstream. With the construction of new regulators, the weir downstream the old one is no longer needed and obstruct the water way. These problems appeared downstream Rosetta and Damietta Barrages, for example. The objective of this paper is to study the behavior of weirs downstream of a hydraulic regulator with opened multiple sluice vertical gates. The one Dimensional Simulation Model SOBEK will be used in this study. The regulator considered for this analysis is Tesaa Regulator which was built in 1832 and is located across Bahr Moues at km 36.0. The first scenario suggested changing the dimensions of the existing weir with the existing bed levels. The second one considered dredging the canal to the design levels and keeping the dimensions of the existing weir as is. The second scenario is considered to be more expensive than the first one. It was, however, recommended to adopt the second scenario as it preserves the old regulator which is considered an Islamic archeological structure.

This research aims to investigate the influence of soluble starch; lactose; carboxymethyl cellulose; urea; and polyvinylpyrrolidone on synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Zinc acetate was used as a precursor under alkaline conditions to produce ZnO-NPs as a low-cost and efficient antimicrobial and UV-blocking agent. Characterization and antimicrobial functional properties of prepared nanoparticles were investigated and reported using FTIR, TGA, XRD, TEM, analysis, as well as antimicrobial assay, respectively. The results revealed that the thermal decomposition profile, size of ZnO-NPs, IR spectra, as well as antimicrobial activity of the prepared ZnO-NPs is governed by the type of capping agents. Crystallinity analysis showed identical patterns in peak intensities and width irrespective of the used capping agents. On the other hand, the obtained results disclosed that using soluble starch as a capping agent results in attaining lower particle size of 3–5 nm and higher antimicrobial efficacy as compared with the other capping agents.

This study suggested that methylseleninic acid (MSA) could respond to the inflammatory signaling associated with ionizing radiation-induced testicular damage. Mature male rats were divided into four groups: negative control, whole body γ-irradiated (IRR) (5 Gy), MSA (0.5 mg/kg, daily for nine consecutive days), and MSA+ IRR groups. MSA increased serum testosterone level and testicular glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as decreased the percentage of sperm abnormalities. Radiation prompted inflammatory signaling in the testes through increasing phospho-janus kinase1 (p-JAK1), phospho-signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) protein expressions. This induced increment in the inflammatory markers including nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) levels. Also, radiation induced elevation of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdhyde (MDA) levels with consequent reduction in testicular reduced glutathione level (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. MSA significantly counteracted the radiation effect on testicular nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (Socs3) protein expressions. In summary, this investigation proposed that MSA preserved spermatogenesis through increasing testosterone levels and GPx activity. Additionally, it diminished testicular inflammation by increasing of Nrf2 and Socs3 levels leading to reducing of p-JAK1, p-STAT3 and NF-κB levels. Histopathological examination results of testicular tissues showed a coincidence with the biochemical analysis.

The development of abnormal glucose tolerance in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is associated with alterations in the oxidant-antioxidant status. Zinc is an antioxidant and an essential element for insulin synthesis, storage, and secretion. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effect of oral zinc supplementation on glucose homeostasis in pediatric β-TM patients complicated with diabetes mellitus (DM).Eighty patients were randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group that received oral zinc in a dose of 40 mg/d for 12 wk and a placebo group. Hemolysis markers, serum ferritin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fructosamine, fasting C-peptide, urinary albumin excretion (UAE), and serum zinc levels were assessed. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated.Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were consistent among both groups. Baseline zinc levels were decreased in both groups compared with control values. After 12 wk, supplementation with zinc for the intervention group resulted in a significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin, FBG, fructosamine, HOMA-IR, and UAE, whereas fasting C-peptide was higher compared with baseline levels and with the placebo group (P0.05). Baseline serum zinc was negatively correlated to FBG (r = -0.534, P0.001) and fructosamine (r = -0.555, P0.001) but positively correlated to fasting C-peptide (r = 0.777, P = 0.002).Zinc supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in β-TM patients with DM reduced iron burden, decreased hyperglycemia, increased insulin secretion, and improved glycemic control without any adverse effects.

The present study was conducted to examine that impact of dietary xylanase (Xyl) and arabinofuranosidase (Abf) supplementation on the performance, protein and fat digestibility, the lipid peroxidation, the plasma biochemical traits, and the immune response of broilers. A total of 480, un-sexed, and one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into three treatments with eight replicates, where chicks in the first treatment were fed basal diets and served as the control, chicks in the second treatment were fed diets formulated with reductions of 90 kcal/kg, and chicks in the third treatment were fed the same formulated diets used in the second group as well as the Xyl and Abf combination (Rovabio&reg, Advance). Feed intake was decreased by the low energy diet, leading to an enhancement in feed efficiency enzyme supplementation in the low energy diet (p &lt, 0.015). Both protein and fat digestibility were improved (p &lt, 0.047) due to enzyme supplementation. Moreover, enzyme supplementation increased muscle total lipids content and decreased muscle thiobarbituric acid retroactive substance content. Furthermore, diets supplemented with Xyl and Abf exhibited an increase in antibody titers against the Newcastle disease virus (p &lt, 0.026). In addition, enzyme supplementation increased gene expression related to growth and gene expression related to fatty acid synthesis. It could be concluded that dietary Xyl and Abf supplementation had beneficial impacts on growth, nutrient digestibility, lipid peroxidation, immune response, and gene expressions related to growth and fatty acid synthesis in broiler chickens fed low-energy diets.

Chloramphenicol, antibiotic drug is widely used in the developing countries, may cause bone marrow suppression during its topical treatment and affecting red blood cells. Because the accumulation of high dose of chloramphenicol is necessary for this side effect, controlling its release rate is a possible approach to reduce the risk of its topical application. In the present work, chloramphenicol was encapsulated into gelatin electrospun fibers that cross-linked with non-toxic crosslinker. β-cyclodextrin, cyclic oligosaccharides of 7 membered-sugar ring, was selectively oxidized to cleave the carboncarbon bond in positions C-2 and C-3 of the glucose units to yield two aldehyde groups and end up with poly aldehyde β- cyclodextrin (PA-β-CD). Matrix was designed to control chloramphenicol release rate from nontoxic and biodegradable electrospun mat for topical applications. Bead-free electrospun fibers were produced at the concentration of 24 % w/v gelatin solution at 15 kV with gap distance of 17 cm with a flow rate of 2 ml/hr. Electrospun fibers were produced in the nanoscale (450-150 nm). 6 % of chloramphenicol was chosen to carry out the cross-linked matrices by using PA-β-CD. The encapsulation efficacy was investigated by UV-isible spectroscopy and the antimicrobial activities were demonstrated against Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative bacteria) and Candida albicans. The results showed that the samples have a strong inhibitory activity against all pathogenic microorganisms used.