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Commonly used antimicrobial agents are no longer effective due to their overuse or misuse. In addition, many medicinal plant extracts can combat infectious diseases due to their main active constituents or secondary metabolites. The current study aimed to assess the bioactivities of Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf extract (LE) against different multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. The ethyl acetate extract of a Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf was analyzed using GC–MS, which identified 27 key bioactive compounds. The major constituents found were as follows: 7-acetyl-6-ethyl-1,1,4,4-tetramethyltetralin, isopropyl myristate, thiocarbamic acid, N,N-dimethyl, S-1,3-diphenyl-2-butenyl ester, hahnfett, cyclopentane acetic acid, 3-oxo-2-pentyl-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and dotriacontane. Our study demonstrated that the LN leaf was a rich source of other important phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The relative biosafety of the L. nudicaulis LE was determined from the elevated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 262 μg/mL, as calculated from the cytotoxicity assay against the Wi-38 normal cell line. Conversely, 12.7 and 24.5 μg/mL were the recorded low IC50 values for the tested extract against the MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancerous cell lines, respectively, reflecting its potent activity against the tested cancerous cell lines. Microbiologically, the susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested extract showed a growth inhibition zone diameter, in the well diffusion assay, ranging from 11.34 ± 0.47 to 26.67 ± 0.47 mm, and a percent inhibition (PI) value of 50–106.2%, reflecting its acceptable activity. In addition, the broth microdilution assay recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in the ranges of 15.625–1,000 μg/mL and 125–1,000 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the L. nudicaulis LE revealed showed promising activity and high selectivity against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the extract exhibited natural anticancer activities with safe low concentrations, indicating its potential as a superior candidate for future studies of its active constituents.

This study explores the functional characteristics (erosion, corrosion, mechanical damage, and microstructural features) of non-stick cookware made from aluminum alloys. Typically coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE-Teflon) or ceramic for non-stick properties, we conducted a systematic investigation using corrosion, abrasion, and mechanical tests on six types of cookware from different manufacturers (Manuf-1-6). The cookware was heated at various temperatures [Room temperature (RT), 100, 175, 250, & 350 °C] and times (45 & 120 min). Tests included Taber wear, Adhesive Pull-off, hot & RT corrosion, and surface roughness measurements. Characterization involved optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Ceramic-coated cookware from Manuf-4 demonstrated superior mechanical strength, wear, and corrosion resistance due to refined microstructures. Manuf-1's PTFE-coated cookware also performed well. Optimal results were observed when heating below 250 °C for up to 45 min. Prolonged heating and temperatures beyond 250 °C adversely affected internal structures of all cookware. Thus, it is advisable to use Al-based non-stick cookware below 250 °C for a maximum of 45 min.

Scientific backgrounds: Development of nanostructured biodegradable alloys has generated a great deal of interest in the recent years as they offer promising bioactive materials for reconstruction of bony defects following traumatic fractures or surgical excision of tumors. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the biocompatibility of Iron–Manganese -based alloys (Fe–Mn) with addition of copper (Cu), Tungsten (W) and cobalt (Co) to obtain 3 different alloys namely, Fe–Mn–Cu, Fe–Mn–W, and Fe–Mn–Co on normal oral epithelial cell line,and their possible anticancer effect on MG-63: osteosarcoma cell line. Materials and methods: The sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used to assess cell viability percentage of both cell lines after exposure to discs of the proposed experimental alloys. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of such alloys against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was tested using disc diffusion susceptibility (Kirby-Bauer method) and colony suspension method. Results: The cell viability percentage of oral epithelial cell line showed a significant increase in all the experimental groups in comparison to the control group. The highest percentage was observed in Fe–Mn–Co group, followed by Fe–Mn–W then Fe–Mn–Cu, at 24 and 72-h intervals, respectively. While the cell viability percentage of osteosarcoma cell line showed significant increase in all the experimental groups at 24-h intervals, it showed a significant drop in all the study groups at 72-h intervals. The lowest percentage was observed in Fe–Mn–Cu group, followed by Fe–Mn–W then Fe–Mn–Co. Moreover, all the examined study groups didn't show any inhibition zones against E. coli reference culture. Conclusions: The novel nanostructured biodegradable Fe–Mn–Cu, Fe–Mn–W, and Fe–Mn–Co metal alloys exhibit good biocompatibility on oral epithelial cell lines with the enhancement of cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner that favors bone regeneration. On the other hand, all the alloys manifested possible anticancer activity against MG-63: osteosarcoma cell line. Furthermore, our study sheds the light on the importance of Co, W and Cu as promising alloying elements. However, the antibacterial activity of the examined alloys is still questionable. Clinical relevance: The novel nanostructured biodegradable Fe–Mn–Cu, Fe–Mn–W, and Fe–Mn–Co metal alloys offer promising bioactive materials for reconstruction of bony defects following traumatic fractures or surgical excision of tumors, In addition, they could be excellent alternatives for undegradable or non-resorbable alloys that are commonly used. Moreover, they could be used as beneficial 3D printing materials to obtain patient-specific medical implants that favor bone regeneration in addition to manufacturing of plates and screws suitable for fracture fixation.

The present study examined the migration of elements from aluminum cooking pots to foods after the cooking process. This study investigated the impact of pot quality (manufacturer), pot type (traditional or pressure cooker), water supply (tap water/mineral water), food acidity, salt, spices, temperature, and cooking time on the migration of elements into cooked food. The cooking experiments were conducted to simulate the actual cooking conditions. Standard food simulant B, with 3% (w/v) acetic acid, was used in subsequent cooking trials to confirm the results. Three methods were employed to analyze the elements in the food: ICP-MS, EDS-SEM, and XPS. The cooking pots used in this investigation were examined using a Spectromaxx metal analyzer to characterize their chemical composition. The concentration of aluminum in cooked food samples increased significantly when using an aluminum pressure cooker. Food acidity, cooking duration, and the type of aluminum pot (traditional/pressure cookers) all affected the concentration of elements that migrated into the food. The aluminum level increased from 80.17 to 133.7 µg/g when tomato sauce was added to the food. Increasing the heating time resulted in an increased aluminum content (157.9 µg/g) in the cooked food. Aluminum pressure cookers exhibited the highest amount of aluminum migration into the food. Foods cooked in a pressure cooker made by manufacturer (3) contained the highest aluminum content (252.7 µg/g), which increased the risk of exceeding the daily intake limit of aluminum. The prepared food samples under all conditions showed a safe health profile for daily intake of all elements (Fe, As, Cd, and Pb), except for Al, which exceeded the daily intake limit when using pressure cookers for extended cooking times. The results of element migration into food simulants were consistent with those of food samples. The results confirmed that SEM-EDS and XPS techniques are not suitable for quantifying the elements that migrated into food samples due to their detection limits.

Abstract Background Hemophilic arthropathy results in pain, deformity, and disability with severe impairments, activity limitation, and thus productivity loss. Also patterns of treatment interfere with patients’ life, so the quality of life should be assessed when evaluating treatment. The aim of this work was to assess the quality of life of children with hemophilic arthropathy and its relation to clinical joint health. Results The study was carried out on fifty boys with hemophilic arthropathy. All patients were subjected to thorough local clinical assessment of the most affected and/or target joint using Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS 2.1) and assessment of quality of life using Haemo quality of life (Haemo-Qol) questionnaire children and parent versions. Among the fifty hemophilic patients, 36 (72%) patients were hemophilia A and 14 (28 %) patients were hemophilia B. The age at first hemarthrosis ranged from 1 to 8 years with a mean of 2.40±1.78. While the number of joints affected in the studied patients ranged from 2 to 13 joints with a mean of 7±3.25. As regards the severity, 23 patients (46%) had severe, and 27 (54%) had moderate hemophilia. Forty four (88%) patients had different degrees of anemia. There was significant correlation between child Haemo-QoL with degree of anemia (r = 0.291, P = 0.040), mainly with view and school dimensions. There were significant correlations between child and parent Haemo-QoL and HJHS with each of the following: factor activity level, duration of the disease, duration of joint disease, number of bleeding attacks last year, and number of joints affected. Synovectomy was done for 5 (10%) patients. The total child Haemo-QoL score was statistically significantly lower after the intervention (P=0.043), with a significant improvement in physical health, feeling, view, family, school and sports, treatment, and dealing dimensions. In the current study, there were significant positive correlations between child and parent Haemo-QoL and HJHS scores. Conclusions The quality of life in patients with hemophilic arthropathy was influenced by the joint health, factor activity level, disease duration, number of bleeding attacks, number of joints affected (during life), duration of joint disease, and presence of hepatitis C virus.

Abstract Background Avian tuberculosis is a chronic and zoonotic disease that affects a wide variety of birds, mammals, and humans. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium in some domestic birds based on molecular diagnosis, antibiogram profile, and PCR-based detection of inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB antibiotic resistance-related genes. Methods A total of 120 fecal samples were collected from small flocks of house-reared domestic birds at Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The collected samples were processed and subjected to the bacteriological examination. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the recovered isolates was performed using the broth microdilution method for the detection of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The genetic detection of the IS901confirmatory gene, inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB genes was carried out using PCR. Results The frequency of M. avium subsp. avium was 4.1% (5/120); 10% (4/40) in ducks, and 2.5% (1/10) in geese. The identification of the recovered isolates was confirmed using PCR, where all the tested isolates were positive for IS901confirmatory gene. The results of the broth microdilution method revealed that most of the recovered isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline, and doxycycline, and harbored the inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB genes. Conclusion In brief, to the best of our knowledge this is the first report that emphasized the emergence of avian tuberculosis in house-reared domestic birds in Egypt. The emergence of MDR- M. avium subsp. avium is considered a public health threat. Emerging MDR-M. avium subsp. avium in domestic birds are commonly harbored the IS901, inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB genes. Azithromycin and clofazimine revealed a promising in-vitro antibacterial activity against M. avium subsp. avium.

Abstract Proteus mirabilis is a common opportunistic pathogen causing severe illness in humans and animals. To determine the prevalence, antibiogram, biofilm-formation, screening of virulence, and antimicrobial resistance genes in P. mirabilis isolates from ducks; 240 samples were obtained from apparently healthy and diseased ducks from private farms in Port-Said Province, Egypt. The collected samples were examined bacteriologically, and then the recovered isolates were tested for atpD gene sequencing, antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm-formation, PCR detection of virulence, and antimicrobial resistance genes. The prevalence of P. mirabilis in the examined samples was 14.6% (35/240). The identification of the recovered isolates was confirmed by the atpD gene sequencing, where the tested isolates shared a common ancestor. Besides, 94.3% of P. mirabilis isolates were biofilm producers. The recovered isolates were resistant to penicillins, sulfonamides, β-Lactam-β-lactamase-inhibitor-combinations, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, macrolides, and quinolones. Using PCR, the retrieved strains harbored atpD, ureC, rsbA, and zapA virulence genes with a prevalence of 100%, 100%, 94.3%, and 91.4%, respectively. Moreover, 31.4% (11/35) of the recovered strains were XDR to 8 antimicrobial classes that harbored bla TEM , bla OXA-1 , bla CTX-M , tetA, and sul1 genes. Besides, 22.8% (8/35) of the tested strains were MDR to 3 antimicrobial classes and possessed bla TEM , tetA, and sul1genes. Furthermore, 17.1% (6/35) of the tested strains were MDR to 7 antimicrobial classes and harbored bla TEM , bla OXA-1 , bla CTX-M , tetA, and sul1 genes. Alarmingly, three strains were carbapenem-resistant that exhibited PDR to all the tested 10 antimicrobial classes and shared bla TEM, bla OXA-1, bla CTX-M, tetA, and sul1 genes. Of them, two strains harbored the bla NDM-1 gene, and one strain carried the bla KPC gene. In brief, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the emergence of XDR and MDR-P.mirabilis in ducks. Norfloxacin exhibited promising antibacterial activity against the recovered XDR and MDR-P. mirabilis. The emergence of PDR, XDR, and MDR-strains constitutes a threat alarm that indicates the complicated treatment of the infections caused by these superbugs.

Abstract Background Meat-products are considered an enriched media for mycotoxins. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of toxigenic Aspergillus species in processed meat samples, HPLC-quantitative measurement of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A residues, and molecular sequencing of aflR1 and pks genes. One hundred and twenty processed beef meat specimens (basterma, sausage, and minced meat; n = 40 for each) were collected from Ismailia Province, Egypt. Samples were prepared for total mold count, isolation, and identification of Aspergillus species. All samples were analyzed for the production of both Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A mycotoxins by HPLC. Molecular identification of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus was performed using PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region; furthermore, the aflR1 and pks genes were sequenced. Results The total mold count obtained from sausage samples was the highest one, followed by minced meat samples. The prevalence of A. flavus was (15%), (7.5%), and (10%), while the prevalence of A. ochraceus was (2.5%), (10%), and (0%) in the examined basterma, sausage, and minced meat samples, respectively. Using PCR, the ITS region was successfully amplified in all the tested A. flavus and A. ochraceus strains. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in six basterma samples (15%). Moreover, the ochratoxin A was detected only in four sausage samples (10%). The aflR1 and pks genes were amplified and sequenced successfully and deposited in the GenBank with accession numbers MF694264 and MF694264, respectively. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning the HPLC-Molecular-based approaches for the detection of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in processed beef meat in Egypt. The production of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in processed meat constitutes a public health threat. Aflatoxin B1 is commonly associated with basterma samples. Moreover, ochratoxin A was detected frequently in sausage samples. The routine inspection of mycotoxins in processed meat products is essential to protect human consumers.

This work aims to study the influence of Al2O3 in CrFeCuMnNi high-entropy alloy matrix composites (HEMCs) on their microstructure, phase changes, and mechanical and wear performances. CrFeCuMnNi-Al2O3 HEMCs were synthesized via mechanical alloying (MA) followed by hot compaction (550 °C at 550 MPa), medium frequency sintering (1200 °C), and hot forging (1000 °C at 50 MPa). The XRD results demonstrate the formation of both FCC and BCC phases in the synthesized powders, which were transformed into major stable FCC and minor ordered B2-BCC phases, as confirmed by HRSEM. The microstructural variation of HRSEM-EBSD, in terms of the coloured grain map (inverse pole figures), grain size distribution, and misorientation angle, was analysed and reported. The grain size of the matrix decreased with the increase in Al2O3 particles owing to the higher structural refinement by MA and zener pinning of the incorporated Al2O3 particles. The hot-forged CrFeCuMnNi-3 vol.% Al2O3 sample exhibited an ultimate compressive strength of 1.058 GPa, which was 21% higher than that of the unreinforced HEA matrix. Both the mechanical and wear performance of the bulk samples increased with an increase in Al2O3 content due to solid solution formation, high configurational mixing entropy, structural refinement, and the effective dispersion of the incorporated Al2O3 particles. The wear rate and coefficient of friction values decreased with the increase in Al2O3 content, indicating an improvement in wear resistance owing to the lower domination of abrasive and adhesive mechanisms, as evidenced by the SEM worn surface morphology.

This study investigates the influence of 3 vol.% Al2O3, 3 vol.% TiO2, and 3 vol.% Y2O3 in the CrFeCuMnNi equimolar high-entropy alloy on its microstructural changes and corrosion resistance. These oxide-dispersed high-entropy composites (ODS-HECs) were synthesized via high-energy ball milling (50 h) followed by uniaxial hot-compaction (550 MPa, 45 min), medium-frequency sintering (1100 °C, 20 min), and hot forging (50 MPa). The microstructures of the developed composites produced a stable FCC phase, a small amount of ordered BCC-B2 structure, Fe2O3, and corresponding dispersed oxide phases. The corrosion of the developed high-entropy composites was tested in 3.5% NaCl solution using several electrochemical techniques. The results revealed that the corrosion rate (RCorr) decreased with the incorporation of oxide particles. Among the investigated samples and based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results, CrFeCuMnNi-3 vol.% TiO2 ODS-HECs were seen to possess the highest value of corrosion resistance (RP). The change in the chronoamperometric current with time indicated that the CrFeCuMnNi alloy suffered pitting corrosion which decreased when Al2O3 was added, forming a CrFeCuMnNi-3 vol.% Al2O3 sample. In contrast, the incorporation of a 3 vol.% Y2O3, and 3 vol. TiO2, prevents pitting.

In this study, AA5083–WC composites were developed by ball milling followed by hot consolidation. The microstructures of the developed composites were investigated using XRD, SEM, EDX, and EBSD. The developed composites exhibited a homogeneous dispersion of WC particulates in the AA5083 matrix without any interactions at the matrix/reinforcement interface. The results confirmed the development of a refined equiaxed grain structure of AA5083–WC composites where the EBSD results revealed an average grain size of 4.38 µm and 3.32 µm for AA5083–6%WC (AW-6) and AA5083–12%WC (AW-12) composites, respectively. The results showed that incorporating WC particulates in the AA5083 alloy matrix significantly improved the compressive stress–strain behaviour and considerably enhanced the resistance to wear and friction. The AA5083–12%WC (AW-12) composite displayed the maximum strength and the highest resistance to wear and friction, whereas the as-milled AA5083 alloy (AW-0) exhibited the lowest strength and the least resistance to wear and friction. The AA5083–12%WC (AW-12) composite exhibited the optimum mechanical and tribological behaviour of the developed composites, making it a promising candidate for tribological applications.

In this study, corrosion-resistant AA5083—BN/WC composites were developed for tribological applications through adequate control of the reinforcement content (WC and BN) in the matrix (AA5083 alloy). The effects of 6% and 12% tungsten carbide (WC) as well as 6% and 12% boron nitride (BN) additions on the corrosion behavior of AA5083 aluminum composite in 3.5% NaCl solution were carried out. Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP), changes in the chronoamperometric current with time (CCT), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized. The polarization results showed that the addition of 6% WC to the AA5083 alloy matrix improved its resistance to corrosion (RP). Rp exhibited an additional increase by adding 12% WC to the matrix. The values of RP were observed to increase for the AA5083 composite when adding 6% BN, and the highest RP values were recorded for the composite that contains 12% BN. The results obtained by the CPP method were confirmed by CCT and EIS measurements, where the presence of WC and BN protected the developed AA5083- BN/WC composites against corrosion. The corrosion resistance revealed an additional improvement with an increase in WC and BN content from 6% to 12%. The results also confirm that pitting corrosion decreased in the presence of WC and BN in the fabricated composites.

FeMn30Cu5 is a biodegradable and multi-component alloy that can be used to repair bone defects in load-bearing parts in the medical field. This work focuses on studying the influence of milling time and ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) on the mechanical behavior of FeMn30Cu5 alloys via mechanical alloying and hot-forging. Three different milling times (1, 5.5, and 10 h) and BPRs (5:1, 10:1, and 15:1) were used as the main independent variables. MA was performed at 300 rpm in ethanol; the synthesized powders were dried, hot-compacted at 550 MPa, and sintered under an inert atmosphere (1000 °C, 15 min) using a medium-frequency induction furnace and hot-forging. The mechanical behavior in terms of Vickers hardness, compressive stress–strain curves, and percentage theoretical density was investigated. This experimental work revealed that both milling time and BPR significantly influenced the grain size reduction owing to variations in the severe plastic deformation and mechanical collisions produced by the milling medium. The hardness and ultimate strength of the FeMn30Cu5 alloy processed at 10 h and 15:1 BPR were 1788.17 ± 4.9 MPa, which was 1.5 times higher than those of the same alloy processed at 1 h and 5:1 BPR (1200.45 ± 6.5 MPa). Austenite iron (g-Fe), ferrite-iron (a-Fe), a-Mn, and a-Cu phases were observed in XRD and SEM images. The formed a-Mn and a-Cu overlapped with the g-Fe lattice because of the diffusion of Mn and Cu atoms during sintering and hot-forging. The incorporated 30 wt.% of Mn and 5 wt.% of Cu stabilize the austenite phase (good for MRI scans in medical applications), which contributed to promoting superior mechanical properties with milling time (10 h) and BPR (15:1) due to severe structural defects.

Problem: Immune system dysregulation is a major cause of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (URM). Women with URM need screening for their pregnancy microenvironment and immune regulators, to prevent spontaneous abortion. Method of study: In this study we evaluated NKT-like cell subsets in peripheral venous blood of women with URM using flow cytometry. The expression levels of specifically related Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2), Th2 cytokine (IL-4), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The percentage of CD16+CD56+NKT-like (Double Positive NKT-like; DPNKT-like) cell subset, and the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated in blood of non-pregnant and pregnant patients with URM compared with the healthy control groups, and these parameters were significantly increased after pregnancy in the same patients with URM. Based on the prevalence of the candidate immunological factors in patients with URM, the prognostic significance of the NKT-like cell subsets, IFN-γ and IL-2 profiles were evaluated as potential predictors of URM. A cut-off point of 2.55% for DPNKT-like cell subset in the blood and cut-off values of 39.5 and 20.5 pg/ml for the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2, respectively could be used for the prediction of the risk of spontaneous abortion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that described the prognostic significance of the aforementioned immunological parameters before and after pregnancy, and highlighted the correlation of NKT-like cells and the candidate Th1 cytokines with pregnancy loss in women with URM. Conclusions: DPNKT-like cells, IFN-γ and IL-2 patient profiles could be used as markers to predict the risk of miscarriage in patients with URM.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) play an eminent role in the regulation of immune responses to invading pathogens during sepsis. TLR genetic variants might influence individual susceptibility to developing sepsis. The current study aimed to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms of the TLR2 and TLR4 with the risk of developing sepsis with both a pilot study and in silico tools. Different in silico tools were used to predict the impact of our SNPs on protein structure, stability, and function. Furthermore, in our prospective study, all patients matching the inclusion criteria in the intensive care units (ICU) were included and followed up, and DNA samples were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology. There was a significant association between TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphisms and sepsis under the over-dominant model (p = 0.043). In contrast, we did not find a significant difference with the TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism with sepsis. However, there was a significant association between TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphisms and Acinetobacter baumannii infection which is quite a virulent organism in ICU (p = 0.001) and post-surgical cohorts (p = 0.033). Our results conclude that the TLR2 genotype may be a risk factor for sepsis in adult patients.

Sepsis is a serious infection-induced syndrome with serious ramifications, especially in intensive care units. Global concern motivated the investigation of the role of related genes’ polymorphism in predicting the liability to infection, sepsis, septic shock and survival. Among these genes is the gene encoding mannose-binding lectin (MBL), with its remarkable importance in the immune system. However, the previous studies showed conflicting results and ambiguity that urged us to engage with this issue in the Egyptian population. Prediction of functional and structural impacts of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was done using in silico methods. A prospective observational study was conducted in intensive care units; one hundred and thirty patients were followed up. Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology. MBL SNPs showed a remarkable high frequency in our population, as well. No significant association was found between MBL2 genotypes and any of our analyses (sepsis, septic shock and survival). Only septic shock and age were independently associated with time of survival by Cox regression analysis. Our study may confirm the redundancy of MBL and the absence of significant impact on sepsis liability and mortality in adult patients.

The densification behavior of FeCrCuMnTi (HEA1), FeCrCuMnTiV (HEA2), and FeCrCuMnTiVZn (HEA3) equiatomic high-entropy alloys (HEAs) was explored using different uniaxial quasi-static controlled compaction (1 mm/min). These HEAs were synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA, speed: 300 rpm, BPR: 10:1, time: 25 h). Various phase formations, structural characteristics (crystallite size, lattice strain, and lattice constant), thermo-dynamic calculations, powder surface morphologies, detailed microstructural evolutions, and chemical compositions were examined using X-ray diffraction, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The XRD results revealed the formation of multiple solid solutions (FCC, BCC, and HCP) due to the variation in entropy, and the presence of high-strength elements (Cr, Ti, and V) in the developed HEA alloys. The synthesized powders were consolidated into bulk green samples with different compaction pressures starting from 25 to 1100 MPa under as-milled and milled under stress recovery conditions (150 °C, 1 h). The incorporation of V in the FeCrCuMnTi HEA resulted in improved densification due to a greater reduction in particle size, and high configurational entropy. Furthermore, the stress-recovered powder samples produced more relative density owing to the elimination of lattice strain. Several linear and non-linear compaction models were applied to predict densification behavior. The non-linear Cooper and Eaton model produced the highest regression coefficients compared to the other models.

In this research work, the nanostructured Fe-Mn (BM0), Fe-Mn-Cu (BM1), Fe-Mn-W (BM2), and Fe-Mn-Co (BM3) biodegradable alloys were successfully synthesized using mechanical alloying. The microstructure of the synthesized alloys was examined using XRD, SEM equipped with EDS, and HRTEM techniques. The results obtained based on these techniques confirmed the development of nanostructured BM0, BM1, BM2, and BM3 alloys and homogenous solid solutions with an even elemental dispersion. The compressibility of the synthesized alloys was investigated experimentally and empirically in the as-milled conditions and after applying a stress relief treatment (150 °C for 1 h). The load applied for compaction experiments ranged from 25–1100 MPa with a rate of 1 mm/min. According to the experimentation performed in the current study, the relative density of the as-milled BM0, BM1, BM2, and BM3 alloys was 72.90% and 71.64%, 72.32%, and 72.03%, respectively. After applying the stress relief treatment, the density was observed to increase to 75.23%, 77.10%, 72.65%, and 72.86% for BM0-S, BM1-S, BM2-S and BM3-S samples, respectively. A number of compaction models were tested to identify the optimum models for predicting the compressibility behavior of nanostructured Fe-Mn, Fe-Mn-Cu, Fe-Mn-W, and Fe-Mn-Co alloys in the as-milled and stress-relieved conditions.

Commonly used antimicrobial agents are no longer effective due to their overuse or misuse. In addition, many medicinal plant extracts can combat infectious diseases due to their main active constituents or secondary metabolites. The current study aimed to assess the bioactivities of Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf extract (LE) against different multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. The ethyl acetate extract of a Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf was analyzed using GC–MS, which identified 27 key bioactive compounds. The major constituents found were as follows: 7-acetyl-6-ethyl-1,1,4,4-tetramethyltetralin, isopropyl myristate, thiocarbamic acid, N,N-dimethyl, S-1,3-diphenyl-2-butenyl ester, hahnfett, cyclopentane acetic acid, 3-oxo-2-pentyl-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and dotriacontane. Our study demonstrated that the LN leaf was a rich source of other important phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The relative biosafety of the L. nudicaulis LE was determined from the elevated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 262  μg/mL, as calculated from the cytotoxicity assay against the Wi-38 normal cell line. Conversely, 12.7 and 24.5  μg/ mL were the recorded low IC50 values for the tested extract against the MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancerous cell lines, respectively, reflecting its potent activity against the tested cancerous cell lines. Microbiologically, the susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested extract showed a growth inhibition zone diameter, in the well diffusion assay, ranging from 11.34  ±  0.47 to 26.67  ±  0.47  mm, and a percent inhibition (PI) value of 50–106.2%, reflecting its acceptable activity. In addition, the broth microdilution assay recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in the ranges of 15.625–1,000  μg/mL and 125–1,000  μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the L. nudicaulis LE revealed showed promising activity and high selectivity against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the extract exhibited natural anticancer activities with safe low concentrations, indicating its potential as a superior candidate for future studies of its active constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]