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The aim the present study was to investigate the impact of novel pentavalent organobismuth and organoantimony complexes on membrane integrity and their interaction with DNA, activity against Sb(III)‐sensitive and ‐resistant Leishmania strains and toxicity in mammalian peritoneal macrophages. Ph3M(L)2 type complexes were synthesized, where M = Sb(V) or Bi(V) and L = deprotonated 3‐(dimethylamino)benzoic acid or 2‐acetylbenzoic acid. Both organobismuth(V) and organoantimony(V) complexes exhibited efficacy at micromolar concentrations against Leishmania amazonensis and L. infantum but only the later ones demonstrated biocompatibility. Ph3Sb(L1)2 and Ph3Bi(L1)2 demonstrated distinct susceptibility profiles compared to inorganic Sb(III)‐resistant strains of MRPA‐overexpressing L. amazonensis and AQP1‐mutated L. guyanensis. These complexes were able to permeate the cell membrane and interact with the Leishmania DNA, suggesting that this effect may contribute to the parasite growth inhibition via apoptosis. Taken altogether, our data substantiate the notion of a distinct mechanism of uptake pathway and action in Leishmania for these organometallic complexes, distinguishing them from the conventional inorganic antimonial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased global consumption of water, wastewater discharges and municipal solid waste creation have had negative environmental consequences. Sustainable strategies for wastewater treatment including bioremediation approaches are investigated for the treatment of wastewater. The advantages of using microalgae for this purpose are twofold: one, they significantly remove/recycle the nutrients and secondly, generate useful biomass which can subsequently be used for biofuel production. Increased global warming, depletion of fossil fuels resources has highlighted the importance of microalgae as potential sources for biomass generation. The current study investigates the use of immobilised microalgae (Desmodesmus subspicatus) as an alternative approach for wastewater treatment and to avoid the loss of biomass. This study explains the efficiency of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) tank, wetland tank, and immobilised algal cells in nutrient uptake, carbon compounds utilisation, metals, and biological organisms' removal from sewage wastewater. The study also focuses on the use of algal biomass for lipid production. Results showed that maximum significant nitrogen and phosphorus uptake was observed after immobilised cells treatment (84% and 86% respectively). Maximum carbon compounds utilisation in the form of alkalinity, carbonates, bicarbonates, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was calculated at day 12 (58%, 59%, 62%, 87% and 52% respectively). Results showed that maximum reduction in metal ions and biological organism of sewage wastewater were attained after treating with immobilised cells. At effluent of sewage water, algal cell production was 13.57 × 106 cells/ml using sewage water as media, and lipid content was 20.31%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic analysis of lipid revealed that they had compounds that play important role in biofuel production. Immobilised D. subspicatus can be efficiently utilised to simultaneously treat sewage wastewater as well as in the production of biofuel by using algal biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextracts modulated synthesis of nano‐scaled spherical lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NPs) are reported using the aqueous extracts of Hyphaene thebaica as a bioreducing and chelating agent. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed sharp peaks and single‐phase purity. The Debye–Scherrer approximation indicated an average crystallite size of 37 nm, whereas W‐H plot revealed a crystallite size of 59 nm, complemented by the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic La‐O band at 426 and 648 cm−1. K‐M function revealed the bandgap of 5.6 eV, whereas broad intense emission peaks between 345 and 750 nm. The Raman spectra revealed peaks at 182, 325, 384, and 491 cm−1. Elemental composition was confirmed using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum, and the spotty rings from selected area electron diffraction (SAED) indicated the crystalline nature of the HT‐La2O3 NPs. In addition, the HT‐La2O3 NPs were investigated for in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic potentials. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was highest, that is, 49.54 ± 0.88% at 1000 μg/mL. MTT assay on MCF‐7 and 3T3 cell lines revealed a median lethal concentration of 114 and 43 μg/mL, respectively. The antiangiogenic effect examined by chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay indicated inhibition of 57.14 ± 0.96% at 1000‐μg/mL concentration with an IC50 of 551 μg/mL. IC50 for the brine shrimp lethality assay was 314.2 μg/mL. Our study indicates cytotoxicity of HT‐La2O3 NPs, and it further concluded that HT‐La2O3 NPs were more potent against 3T3 cells as compared with MCF‐7 cells. Further research on the biological synthesis and anticancer studies are recommended for the large‐scale applications of the La2O3 NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with some of the norms of the establishment and emergence of civilizations according to the Qur'an and analyses the components of such norms. The Qur'an gives explicit attention to the laws and norms on which human societies and civilizations are based, directly and indirectly, by telling the stories of peoples in past eras. The Qur'an also emphasizes that giving priority to the pursuit of material aspects and elements of societies while neglecting their religious and moral aspects is a reason for the decline and collapse of civilizations, as was the case with the people of Sheba. This paper clarifies that the most important norms of the establishment of civilizations include focusing attention on beneficial knowledge and instilling the value of justice in society. The study explores some conditions of previous nations that vanished owing to the absence of these two basic elements, as mentioned in the Qur'an. In conclusion, this article argues for further studies of the Quranic approach to the issue of the rise and fall of human civilizations. Contemporary societies need to be enlightened by the Quranic perspectives on the issue in the light of the present human condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between gender and prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding needle-stick injuries. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 240 healthcare workers from two tertiary care hospitals were recruited. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to the participating staff who had direct contact with the patients. We evaluated demographics, work-related characteristics, prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice measures using the questionnaire. Results: Our study included 120 males and 120 females (total 240) healthcare workers. According to this study, the lifetime prevalence of needle s tick injury among healthcare workers is 52.5% in Males and 75 % in females. Characteristics such as years of age, marital status, education, department, hours per week, work shift and knowledge were not related to increased tendency of needle-stick injuries. However, work type, work experience, attitude and practice are important predictors. Conclusion: Gender has a positive correlation with needle-stick injuries. The practice and attitude are important factors in determining the prevalence on needle-stick injuries in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Amphotericin B (AmB) is an antileishmanial drug with high toxicity; however, this drawback might overcome by decreasing the AmB self-aggregation state. This work aimed at evaluating the influence of cholesterol on the aggregation state of AmB loaded in a nanoemulsion (NE-AmB) for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. NE-AmB (1, 4 and 8 mg/kg/day) was administered intravenously to animals infected by Leishmania major every 2 days for a total of five injections. Results: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and circular dichroism studies demonstrated that cholesterol reduced AmB aggregation state in NE. NE-AmB was stable after 180 days, and its hemolytic toxicity was lower than that observed for the conventional AmB. NE-AmB administered intravenously into animals infected by Leishmania major at 8 mg/kg was capable of stabilizing the lesion size and reducing the parasitic load. Conclusion: These findings support the NE potential as a stable nanocarrier for AmB in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of root of Angilica glauca Edgew. UV-vis and FT-IR spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy technique were employed to structurally and morphologically characterize the green synthesized silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape with an average size of ∼21 nm. The extract was found to be rich in phenolic and flavonoid contents. Both the extract and the extract-loaded silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of both Pseudomonas aeruginosa (inhibition zone 13.0 ± 1.6 and 4.0 ± 0.9 mm, respectively) and Escherichia coli (inhibition zone 12.0 ± 1.1 and 3.0 ± 0.6 mm, respectively) at 9.0 µg/mL. The antioxidant potential of the extract (IC50 = 30.79 ± 3.2 µg/mL) was determined via DPPH radical scavenging assay. These nanoparticles are concluded to possess antibacterial potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextracts modulated synthesis of nano‐scaled spherical lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NPs) are reported using the aqueous extracts of Hyphaene thebaica as a bioreducing and chelating agent. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed sharp peaks and single‐phase purity. The Debye–Scherrer approximation indicated an average crystallite size of 37 nm, whereas W‐H plot revealed a crystallite size of 59 nm, complemented by the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic La‐O band at 426 and 648 cm−1. K‐M function revealed the bandgap of 5.6 eV, whereas broad intense emission peaks between 345 and 750 nm. The Raman spectra revealed peaks at 182, 325, 384, and 491 cm−1. Elemental composition was confirmed using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum, and the spotty rings from selected area electron diffraction (SAED) indicated the crystalline nature of the HT‐La2O3 NPs. In addition, the HT‐La2O3 NPs were investigated for in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic potentials. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was highest, that is, 49.54 ± 0.88% at 1000 μg/mL. MTT assay on MCF‐7 and 3T3 cell lines revealed a median lethal concentration of 114 and 43 μg/mL, respectively. The antiangiogenic effect examined by chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay indicated inhibition of 57.14 ± 0.96% at 1000‐μg/mL concentration with an IC50 of 551 μg/mL. IC50 for the brine shrimp lethality assay was 314.2 μg/mL. Our study indicates cytotoxicity of HT‐La2O3 NPs, and it further concluded that HT‐La2O3 NPs were more potent against 3T3 cells as compared with MCF‐7 cells. Further research on the biological synthesis and anticancer studies are recommended for the large‐scale applications of the La2O3 NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used in around 40 % of MRI procedures. Despite initial perceptions of minimal risk, their long-term use has emphasized the need to reduce toxicity and develop more efficient GBCAs with extended blood retention. Advancements in nanomaterials have led to improved GBCAs, enhancing MRI diagnostics. This study synthesizes and characterizes nanostructured gadolinium(III) micelles as superior MRI contrast agents. The complexes, [Gd(L)2], where L is a ligand of the N-alkyl-N-methylglucamine surfactant series (L8, L10 or L12, L10), form nanostructured micelles in aqueous solution. Gd(L8)2 and Gd(L10)2 relaxivities remained stable across concentrations. Compared to Gd-DTPA, Gd(III) micelles showed enhanced T1-weighted MRI contrast. Gd(L12)2 micelles exhibited cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells (IC 50 42.5 ± 2.2 μM) and L292L929 fibroblasts (IC 50 52.0 ± 2.5 μM), with a selectivity index of 1.2. In vivo application in mice brain T2-weighted images suggests nanostructured Gd(III) micelles are promising MRI contrast agents for targeting healthy organs or tumors., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium-doped zinc oxide (Mg-doped ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Ziziphus oxyphylla 's aqueous leaf extract as reducing agent. UV-Vis absorption peaks at 324 nm and 335 nm were indicative of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO, respectively. FTIR absorption bands observed at 3238, 1043, 1400, 1401, 2186 and 2320 cm -1 suggested the presence of phenols, alcohols, saturated hydrocarbons, and possibly alkynes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy revealed pure, spherical and agglomerated NPs with average size of 35.9 nm (ZnO) and 56.8 nm (Mg-doped ZnO). Both NPs remained active against all bacterial strains with the highest inhibition zones observed against Proteus vulgaris (21.16±1.25 mm for ZnO and 24.1±0.76 mm for Mg-doped ZnO. EtBr fluorescence (cartwheel assay) indicated efflux pump blockage, suggesting its facilitation in the bacterial growth inhibition. Antioxidant potential, determined via DPPH radical scavenging assay, revealed stronger antioxidant potential for Mg-doped ZnO (IC [Formula: see text]/mL) than pure ZnO (IC [Formula: see text]/mL). Furthermore, both NPs showed antileishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica promastigotes (IC [Formula: see text]/mL for Mg-doped ZnO and 64.34±6.56 for ZnO), while neither NP exhibited significant hemolysis, indicating biocompatibility and further assessment for their drugability.