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Objective: The aim of our study was to assess thymoquinone (TQ) as a combination therapy with metformin (MT) against breast cancer in diabetic tumor-bearing mice. Method: The antiproliferative activities of TQ and MET and their combination were tested against three breast cancer cell lines (EMT6/P, T47D, MDA-MB-231) using an MTT assay. We used the isobolographic method to calculate the combination index (CI). Balb/C mice were implanted with EMT6/P cells and diabetes was induced using Streptozotocin (STZ). The antitumor activity was assessed for TQ and MET and their combination in vivo. The antiangiogenic activity and apoptosis induction ability of TQ and MET were estimated using ELISA kits. To estimate the liver and kidney functions, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, and creatinine were detected in serum samples using standard kits. The impact of the TQ and MET combination on reducing blood glucose levels was measured daily using a glucometer. Results: Synergistic anticancer effect was observed between TQ and MET. The combination of TQ and MET caused a significant reduction in tumor size (p value Conclusion: The combination of TQ and MET is considered a promising anticancer therapy to treat breast cancer induced by diabetes and nondiabetes mice. This combination possesses antiproliferative activity, anti-hyperglycemic activity, inhibits angiogenesis and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, this combination demonstrated low toxicity.

Background: The activity of phytochemicals has a huge impact on pharmaceutical research and developing new drugs. Hence, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of different natural products and their potential to be used in different types of therapy. Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the biological activity of M. autumnalis crude extract and fractions, and the assessment included antimicrobial activity, radical scavenging potential, and their effect on the immune system. The work also emphasizes determining the chemical constituents and the main bioactive compounds in M. autumnalis leaves. Methods: Ethanol crude extract was prepared by maceration method, followed by solvents fractionation using n-hexane, aqueous/methanol, and water. Phytochemical analysis of ethanol extract using LC-MS and total phenolic and flavonoid content were conducted. The immunomodulatory activity was also evaluated by measuring the effect of M. autumnalis on splenocyte proliferation in the presence and absence of mitogens. Nitro blue tetrazolium assay and neutral red method have been used to determine the effect of M. autumnalis on the phagocytic activity of macrophages and the function of pinocytosis, respectively. Antibacterial assay was applied using the microtiter plate dilution method, and DPPH assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity. Results: The phytochemical analysis has shown the presence of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, and other organic acids like quinic and chlorogenic acids. M. autumnalis aqueous fraction exhibited high antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 23.67±0.3 μg/ml. Ethanol extract and n-hexane fraction inhibited the bacterial growth of P. auriginosa with an MIC value of 25 mg/ml, while n-hexane fraction was more active against C. albicans with an MIC value of 12.5 mg/ml. On the other hand, the immune assay revealed a slight modulation of the lymphocyte and macrophage activity compared to the control results. Conclusion: The results suggested that M. autumnalis leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds and its crude extract and fractions exhibited antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. However, further research is needed to understand the effect of M. autumnalis on the immune parameters.

New palladium complexes, [Pd(L)(OAc))], have been synthesized. The complexes and their ligand have been characterized by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Interestingly, the molecular structures of the two complexes are stabilized by S⋯O chalcogen bonds.

Staphylococcus Sp.is the most common type of bacteria found in contamination place, we design this study to compare the contamination accident between two hospitals in Baghdad.One of them isthe Burns Specialist Hospital in the Medical CityinRusafa and another one is Al-Karama Hospital in Karkh. The samples were collected fromOperativeWard No1 (OW1), Operative Ward No2 (OW2), Consulting Pharmacy (CP), Emergency Room (ER), Reception Room (RR), Women's Ward (WW) and Men's Ward (MW).The samples were taken from inside each clinical unit, surfaces, food, and air. The results showed that the number of samples containing Staphylococcus sp. bacteria is 81, including 45 belonging to Al-Karama Burns Ward Hospital and 36 belonging to the Medical City Hospital, Burns Special Hospital. The results of Medical City Hospital showed that Staphylococcus sp.isolates resist many antibiotics, 99.99% of the isolatesfrom patient samples were resistant to(CLR, P, AMP); 92.30% of the isolates from air samples were resistant to(P, MET) and 85.71%of isolates from surfaces and food samples were resist for (AMP, MET). Also the results of Al-KaramaHospital showed that the highest resistance in the staphylococcus sp.isolateswere in patient samplesfor (AMP, SXT), in surface samples for (E), in food samples for (E,P) and in air samples for (P) and the resistance rates were 100% to all these antibiotics.

Background: Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke produces neuroinflammation and long-term changes in neurotransmitter systems, especially glutamatergic systems.Objective: We examined the effects of cigarette smoke on astroglial glutamate transporters as well as NF-κB expression in mesocorticolimbic brain regions, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). The behavioral consequences of cigarette smoke exposure were assessed using open field (OF) and light/dark (LD) tests to assess withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior.Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: a control group exposed only to standard room air, a cigarette smoke exposed group treated with saline vehicle, two cigarette smoke exposed groups treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively), and a group treated only with ASA (30 mg/kg). Cigarette smoke exposure was performed for 2 h/day, 5 days/week, for 31 days. Behavioral tests were conducted weekly, 24 h after cigarette smoke exposure, during acute withdrawal. At the end of week 4, rats were given either saline or ASA 45 min before cigarette exposure for 11 days.Results: Cigarette smoke increased withdrawal-induced anxiety, and 30 mg/kg ASA attenuated this effect. Cigarette smoke exposure increased the relative mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor ĸB (NFĸB) in PFC and NAc, and ASA treatment reversed this effect. Also, cigarette smoke decreased the relative mRNA and protein expression of glutamate transporter1 (GLT-1) and the cystine-glutamate transporter (xCT) in the PFC and the NAc, while ASA treatment normalized their expression.Conclusion: Cigarette smoke caused neuroinflammation, alterations in glutamate transporter expression, and increased anxiety-like behavior, and these effects were attenuated by acetylsalicylic acid treatment.

Emerging evidence supports the role of rice bran in cancer prevention. Studies were conducted on multiple rice cultivars. However, limited studies were conducted on rice cultivars in the Middle East. In this study, rice bran growing in Iraq (O. sativa ssp. Japonica, cultivars: Amber Barka) was evaluated for its effect on preventing cancer and stimulating the immune system. Rice bran was collected from local mills in Al-Najaf (south of Iraq). Several solvent extracts (ethanol, methanol, n-hexane, and water) were prepared by maceration. MTT assay was used to measure the antiproliferative effects of extracts against a panel of cancer cell lines. The ability of each extract to induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis was measured using standard ELISA kits. The effect of extracts on the immune system was evaluated using a lymphocyte proliferation assay, a pinocytic activity assay, a phagocytic activity assay, and a Th1/Th2 cytokine detection kit. A microbroth dilution method was used to detect the antimicrobial activity of each extract against different microbial strains. LC–MS analysis was used to detect the phytochemical composition of extracts, while DPPH assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity. For the in vivo study, rice bran was added to mouse fodder at 10% and 20%. Mice were treated for two weeks using mouse fodder supplemented with rice bran. In the third week of the experiment, EMT6/P breast cancer cells (1 × 10⁶ cells/mL) were injected subcutaneously into the abdominal area of each mouse. The dimensions of the grown tumors were measured after 14 days of tumor inoculation. A microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of rice bran extracts against three bacterial strains. The highest antiproliferative activity was observed in ethanol and n-hexane extracts. Ethanol and methanol extract showed the highest activity to induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis. Both extracts were also effective to enhance immunity by activating lymphocytes and phagocytes proliferation with modulations of cytokine levels. The incorporation of rice bran in mice food caused a 20% regression in tumor development and growth compared with the negative control. All extracts exhibited limited antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. Methanol extract showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 114 µg/mL. LC–MS analysis revealed the presence of multiple phytochemicals in rice bran including apiin, ferulic acid, and succinic acid. Rice bran is a rich source of active phytochemicals that may inhibit cancer and stimulate the immune system. Rice bran’s biological activities could be due to the presence of multiple synergistically active phytochemicals. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of action of rice bran.

Although cancer is still one of the most significant global challenges facing public health, the world still lacks complementary approaches that would significantly enhance the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies. One of the essential strategies during cancer treatment is following a healthy diet program. The ketogenic diet (KD) has recently emerged as a metabolic therapy in cancer treatment, targeting cancer cell metabolism rather than a conventional dietary approach. The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat and very-low-carbohydrate with adequate amounts of protein, has shown antitumor effects by reducing energy supplies to cells. This low energy supply inhibits tumor growth, explaining the ketogenic diet’s therapeutic mechanisms in cancer treatment. This review highlights the crucial mechanisms that explain the ketogenic diet’s potential antitumor effects, which probably produces an unfavorable metabolic environment for cancer cells and can be used as a promising adjuvant in cancer therapy. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid background for researchers and physicians to design new combination therapies based on KD and conventional therapies.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase α (PI3Kα) is a propitious target for designing anticancer drugs. A series of new N’-(diphenylmethylene)benzenesulfonohydrazide was synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, NMR (1H and 13C), HRMS, and elemental analysis. Target compounds exhibited an antiproliferative effect against the human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell line. Our cheminformatics analysis indicated that the para-tailored derivatives [p-NO2 (3) and p-CF3 (7)] have better ionization potentials based on calculated Moran autocorrelations and ionization potentials. Subsequent in vitro cell proliferation assays validated our cheminformatics results by providing experimental evidence that both derivatives 3 and 7 exhibited improved antiproliferative activities against HCT-116. Hence, our results emphasized the importance of electron-withdrawing groups and hydrogen bond-acceptors in the rational design of small-molecule chemical ligands targeting PI3Kα. These results agreed with the induced-fit docking against PI3Kα, highlighting the role of p-substituted aromatic rings in guiding the ligand-PI3Kα complex formation, by targeting a hydrophobic pocket in the ligand-binding site and forming π-stacking interactions with a nearby tryptophan residue.

Background: Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family. They were used traditionally to treat different sorts of diseases, including cancer. Aims: The current study aims to evaluate both anticancer and immunomodulatory activities of wild thyme water extract. Methods: The antiproliferative activities of the extract were tested against different cancer cell lines using MTT assay, while the degree of apoptosis induction and VEGF expression were detected using ELISA. The lymphocyte proliferation assay was used to evaluate the acquired immunity, whereas both: the nitro blue tetrazolium assay and the neutral red method were used to assess the innate activity; phag-ocytosis and pinocytosis, respectively. Balb/C mice were inoculated with the EMT6/P breast cancer cells and received the extract orally for 14 days. GC-MS and LC-MS were used to determine the com-position of the wild thyme water extract. Results: Results showed that wild thyme had significant apoptosis induction and angiogenesis suppres-sion effects. The extract stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis and pinocytosis strongly. Seventy percent (70%) of the mice taking this extract did not develop tumors, with a percentage of tumor reduction (49.4%). Rosmarinic acid was the highest in the wild thyme water extract in GC-MS and LC-MS. Conclusion: Wild thyme herbal infusion is rich in phytochemicals that have the potential to activate the immune system and inhibit tumor progression. Further testing is required to understand the exact molecular mechanisms of this extract. Further studies are also needed to test the wild thyme infusion against tumors established in mice.

This study aimed to determine the volatile oil composition of the fresh leaves of dill, celery, coriander, and fennel, grown in Jordan, and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential o...

The present study deals with the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/ MS) analysis of the aroma profile of different aerial organs obtained by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and that of th...

Purpose: The investigation of Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. (Equisetaceae) extracts for total phenolic content, potential antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activity against Propioni bacterium acne and antityrosinase effects.Methods: The aerial parts of the E. ramosissimum from Jordan were extracted by maceration and Soxhlet methods, using solvents of different polarities. The composition of the extracts were qualitatively screened using standard phytochemical tests. Quantitatively, total phenolic content (mg/mL, equivalent to gallic acid), ABTS free radical scavenging activity (IC50), anti-P. acne (MIC and MBC), and tyrosinase inhibitory effects (IC50) were also determined.Results: The aqueous-methanol Soxhlet extract contained the highest total phenolic content (0.675 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents). Besides, phytochemical screening tests revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins in the aqueous methanol Soxhlet extract, contributing to the antioxidant (IC50 = 0.125) and antityrosinase (IC50 = 1.125) effects. This extract also showed potent antimicrobial effects against P. acne (MIC = 6.250 mg/mL; MBC = 12.500 mg/mL). Other extracts, including ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, showed lower total phenolic content with moderate and weak biological activity.Conclusion: E. ramosissimum is a promising plant species to be considered for antioxidant, antiacne, and antityrosinase effects. However, further testing (including invivo, histological examination, and highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis) is necessary to understand more about its mechanisms of action. Keywords: Antioxidant, Anti-Propioni bacterium acne, Antityrosinase, Equisetum ramosissimum, Total phenolic content, Jordanian horsetail

The plant of water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipesis an abundant floating aquatic weed that has great potential for reproduction in Iraq especially at Thi-Qar governorateat last years, So the study was conducted on plant at three different regions to know the differences on some phenotypic characters are ( plant high , root longs , number of leaves , leaf area and the fresh and the dry weights of leaves ) . The results were revealed a clear difference at plant high , root longs , number of leaves , leaf area , fresh and dry weights of plant shoots , also concentrations of chlorophyll , carotenoids , carbohydrates and proteins were estimated . It was found that a clear difference on the concentrations of the components that were studied . The ability of plant for extraction and accumulation of some heavy metals ( Pb , Cd , Cu , Zn and Mn ) and its concentrations on plant tissues , water and soils were studied . The results were showing that , concentrations of heavy metals ranged between( 0.32 – 25.24 ) mg / gm on the plant tissues , whereas ranged between ( 0.09 – 2.40) mg /l on water and ranged betwee ( 0.53 – 26.66 ) mg / gm on plant soil . From the results , it was noticed that , the high concentration of lead and the low concentration of cadmium .

A new series of maleimide triazole hybrid compounds namely 3-chloro-1-[(1-aryl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]-4-(arylamino)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione have been prepared. Our synthetic strategy starts via the reaction of 2,3-dichloromaleic anhydride with propargyl amine followed by chlorine displacement with arylamine and subsequent formation of a triazole utilizing copper(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction, that generates the designed triazole nucleus. The produced hybrid compounds were identified using various physicochemical properties of the pure compounds. The synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus spizizenii. While selected compounds were tested for their anticancer activities against T47D, HCT 116, and VERO cell lines.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with almost 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020, so any investigation to prevent or cure this disease is very important. Spices have been studied widely in several countries to treat different diseases. However, studies that summarize the potential anticancer effect of spices used in Mediterranean diet are very limited. This review highlighted chemo-therapeutic and chemo-preventive effect of ginger, pepper, rosemary, turmeric, black cumin and clove. Moreover, the mechanisms of action for each one of them were figured out such as anti-angiogenesis, antioxidant, altering signaling pathways, induction of cell apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, for several types of cancer. The most widely used spice in Mediterranean diet is black pepper (Piper nigrum L). Ginger and black cumin have the highest anticancer activity by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks. Apoptosis induction is the most common pathway activated by different spices in Mediterranean diet to inhibit cancer. Studies discussed in this review may help researchers to design and test new anticancer diets enriched with selected spices that have high activities.

The Mediterranean diet is regarded as one of the most healthful dietary patterns in the world, owing to a combination of foods high in antioxidants and anticancer constituents. Barley bran is one of the components of the Mediterranean diet. It has nutritional and beneficial effects in different pathological conditions. Many studies were achieved to assess the nutritious values of barley bran, but there is no research indicating immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of barley bran grown in Jordan. The present study aims to examine and assess the potential immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activities of ethanol, n-hexane, aqueous/methanol, and water extracts obtained from barley bran. The Maceration method was utilized to prepare ethanol, n-hexane, aqueous/methanol, and water extracts. Various phytochemical groups were determined by using qualitative phytochemical tests. The antiproliferative activity of extracts was determined against MCF-7, HCT-116, A549, and EMT6/p by the MTT assay. The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to detect the total phenolic content in extracts. Furthermore, immunomodulatory activity was assessed by determining the effect of extracts on splenocytes proliferation in the presence and absence of mitogens. The nitro blue tetrazolium assay and the neutral red method were used to assess the effect of each extract on the phagocytic activity of macrophages and pinocytosis, respectively. For the in vivo part, three different concentrations (10, 20, and 30% w/v) of barley bran were used to test the prophylactic effect in four Balb/C mice groups inoculated with EMT6/p cell-line subcutaneously. Also, serum samples were collected to assess the effect on cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10). Barley bran extracts inhibited cancer cell proliferation. According to immunoassays, n-hexane and aqueous/methanol extracts could significantly rise lymphocyte proliferation and pinocytosis activity of macrophages. The activity of phagocytosis was increased by n-hexane and ethanol extracts. For the in vivo part, the average tumor size and weight of mice given the 30% barley bran group was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. During our study, higher levels of TH1 cytokines (IFN- γ, IL-2) and lower levels of TH2 cytokine (IL-4) and T regulatory cytokine (IL-10) were obtained due to consumption of barley bran in food. Barley bran can be used as a prophylactic agent because it has anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activities.

The Mediterranean diet includes the consumption of various fruits and vegetables. Lemon and ginger are highly popular in Mediterranean cuisine. The current study aims to evaluate both anticancer and immunomodulatory activities of lemon and ginger combination. The antiproliferative activities of the combination were tested against different cancer cell lines using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The degree of apoptosis induction and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were detected using ELISA. Balb/C mice were inoculated with the EMT6/P breast cancer cells and received combination water extract orally for 14 days. The effect of the water extract on splenocytes proliferation was measured using the mitogen proliferation assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using the nitro blue tetrazolium assay and pinocytosis was assessed using the neutral red method. Gas chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the composition of the combination. The lemon and ginger combination showed significant apoptosis induction and angiogenesis suppression effects. Fifty percent of the mice taking this combination did not develop tumors with a percentage of tumor reduction of 32.8%. This combination showed a potent effect in stimulating pinocytosis. Alpha-pinene and α-terpineol were detected in high percentages in the combination water extract. The lemon and ginger combination represents promising options to develop anticancer infusions for augmenting conventional anticancer therapies. Further testing is required to understand the exact molecular mechanisms of this combination.

BackgroundFrom the earliest times, manna has been widely used as a tasty local sweet or folk medicine. The type of manna being investigated in the present study is called Gaz-alafi, a mixture of insect and Quercus brantii leaves secretions from oak forests in the north of Iraq and west of Iran.MethodsAqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared as decoction. Various phytochemical tests were conducted to analyze manna composition, including total phenolic contents using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and LC-MS. Gallic acid and catechin were detected in both extracts, in addition to tiliroside presence in ethanol extract, which added more value to the phenolic content of ethanol extract. Cytotoxic activities of Gaz alafi were evaluated against breast cancer cell lines and compared to normal cell lines and doxorubicin using the MTT assay. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans using the dilution method of the micro-titer plate. Serum levels of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using ELISA. The effect of extracts on splenocyte proliferation was evaluated using the lymphocytes proliferation assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using the nitro blue tetrazolium assay, whereas pinocytosis was evaluated using the neutral red uptake assay. Ten days after tumor inoculation, changes in tumor size, survival rates, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine were measured.ResultsThe growth of cancer cells was inhibited by Gaz alafi ethanol extract. An alteration in IFN- γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels toward antiproliferation immune response were reported for both extracts. The aqueous extract efficiently stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis, followed by the ethanol extracts with moderate activity. After treating the mice with ethanol extracts, a significant reduction in tumor size and several undetected tumors were recorded.ConclusionsGaz alafi extracts (aqueous and ethanol) are promising sources for anticancer and immunostimulatory agents. Further studies are needed to fully identify the chemical composition of Gaz alafi extracts.

The leaves and flowers ofThe dried-refluxed samples revealed a massive deterioration in their phytochemical profiles, whereas the macerated flowers extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial strains. However, both flowers and leaves extracts showed similar minimum inhibitory and lethal concentrations againstOur results suggest that cold maceration of

The Mediterranean diet is regarded as one of the most healthful dietary patterns in the world, owing to a combination of foods high in antioxidants and anticancer constituents. Barley bran is one of the components of the Mediterranean diet. It has nutritional and beneficial effects in different pathological conditions. Many studies were achieved to assess the nutritious values of barley bran, but there is no research indicating immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of barley bran grown in Jordan. The present study aims to examine and assess the potential immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activities of ethanol

Palladium(II) complex [Pd(HL)Cl] (1) (H2L = 2-PhS(C6H4)NH-NC=(COCH3)–NHC6H5) has been synthesized by reacting K2PdCl4 with H2L. The pincer H2L ligand is coordinated to a Pd(II) in an anionic 5π electron form via k3 –SNN to produce neutral 1-trans and 1-cis isomers in the solid state. The structures of two isomers (1-trans and 1-cis) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, complex 1 has been characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Antiproliferative activity was conducted agaisnt two breast cancer cell lines using MTT assay. The complex showed significant antiprliferative activity against breast cancer cell lines and low toxicity toward normal cells. Theoretical calculation was used to predict the electronic transition of the complex 1.

Wetland restoration with the goal of restoring natural ecosystem functioning is receiving attention worldwide. Mesopotamian marshes, which had been suffering from a water shortage since the 1970s, were reflooded in 2003, and have been assessed to be at least partly recovered from certain physical, chemical, or biological point of views. Our focus was in the phytoplankton community and through that in the aquatic food web in order to understand the recovery of the normal functioning of the marsh ecosystem. We sampled eight separate marshes that formed a continuum from a wet to a desertified area during the desiccation period. Three to five years after the reflooding, we measured the biomass, diversity and structure of the phytoplankton community and its controlling physical and chemical factors 11 times irregularly. In most cases, the dried and reflooded marshes had a less diverse phytoplankton community than the marsh that had never dried up. The community structure of the latter differed from all dried marshes and was the most divergent from the marshes that had been succumbed to desertification and were situated farthest away from the freshwater rivers. We conclude that the aquatic food web and thus the natural wetland ecosystem functioning recover more slowly than single physical or chemical factors. Cyanobacteria species abundance may be of concern from a management point of view for a long period of time.

Background: Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) are either clinically silent or symptomatic. The most common presentation in more than half of all CAVMs presenting patients is hemorrhage which is accompanied by long-standing neurological morbidity and mortality. This report presents a case of an atypical large, slow-flow paramedian AVM with a dilated venous varix managed with surgery. The impact of the intraoperative findings on the diagnosis and the operative technique will be discussed. Case Description: In otherwise, healthy 26-year-old male complained of repeated episodes of generalized seizures and loss of consciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right parietal paramedian arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with signs of an old hemorrhagic cavity beneath it. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a slow-filling AVM with dilated venous varix drains into the superior sagittal sinus. However, the exact point of drainage cannot be appreciated. The filling of the AVM occurred precisely with the beginning of the venous phase. Intraoperatively, we noticed a whitish spherical mass, thick hemosiderin tissue, and a large cavity below the nidus; then, a complication-free complete microsurgical resection of this high-grade AVM was performed. Postoperatively, the patient suffered two attacks of seizures in the first few hours after the surgery, for which he received antiepileptics. MRI was clear during follow-up, and the patient was seizure-free and neurologically intact. Conclusion: Parietal convexity AVMs are challenging lesions to tackle. However, the chronicity and the slow-filling of the AVM, in this case, can render the surgical pathway more direct and accessible.

Cancer is still one of the most widespread diseases globally, it is considered a vital health challenge worldwide and one of the main barriers to long life expectancy. Due to the potential toxicity and lack of selectivity of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, discovering alternative treatments is a top priority. Plant-derived natural products have high potential in cancer treatment due to their multiple mechanisms of action, diversity in structure, availability in nature, and relatively low toxicity. In this review, the anticancer mechanisms of the most common phytochemicals were analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of the anticancer effect of combinations consisting of natural product or natural products with chemotherapeutic drugs was provided. This review should provide a strong platform for researchers and clinicians to improve basic and clinical research in the development of alternative anticancer medicines.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anticancer therapies are associated with lack of selectivity and serious side effects. Cancer hallmarks are biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells during neoplastic transformation. Targeting multiple cancer hallmarks is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The diversity in chemical structure and the relatively low toxicity make plant-derived natural products a promising source for the development of new and more effective anticancer therapies that have the capacity to target multiple hallmarks in cancer. In this review, we discussed the anticancer activities of ten natural products extracted from plants. The majority of these products inhibit cancer by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks, and many of these chemicals have reached clinical applications. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to design more effective combination anticancer therapies using plant-derived natural products.

إن انبعاث المواد الدقائقية من الأوراق المتناهية الصغر فضلا عن الأحبار والمذيبات العضوية خلال عملية تشغيل ماكينات الطباعة والاستنساخ تشكل خطرا على صحة الإنسان بالأخص بعد التعرض طويل الأمد في بيئات العمل المغلقة . أجريت الدراسة الحالية في بعض دور الطباعة ومراكز الاستنساخ في مدينة بغداد خلال شهري شباط ونيسان، وأثبتت الدراسة حدوث مشكلة تلوث الهواء فيما يتعلق بمحتويات الرصاص والزنك في جميع مواقع الدراسة .تم تحديد تركيز الرصاص والزنك والنحاس من خلال جمع العينات بوساطة جهاز جمع عينات الهواء وبعدها تم ترشيح العينات وهضمها وتحديد نسبة العناصر الثقيلة بوساطة جهاز المطياف الذري اللهبي، أما المواد الدقائقية تم قياسها بوساطة جهاز قياس الدقائق العالقة في الهواء ، واستعمل جهاز قياس الغازات الملوثة للهواء لقياس غاز ثنائي أكسيد لنتروجين وثنائي أكسيد الكبريت وأول أكسيد الكربون والمركبات العضوية المتطايرة . سجل أعلى تركيز للرصاص والزنك في هواء المطابع (2.75 مايكرو غرام/م3 ) و (51.95 مايكرو غرام /م3) على التوالي . بالمقابل سجل أعلى قيمة معنوية نحاس في هواء مكاتب الاستنساخ (0.65 مايكرو غرام /م3) مقارنة بدور الطباعة . سجل أعلى تركيز للمواد الدقائقية الناعمة (PM2.5) التي يكون قطرها أقل من 2.5 مايكرو متر(44.50 مايكرو غرام /م3) في دور الطباعة يليها أعلى تركيز للمواد الدقائقية الخشنة المستنشقة(PM10) التي يتراوح قطرها بين 2.5 الى 10 مايكرو متر والدقائق الكلية العالقة (477.66 و667.00 مايكرو غرام /م3) في دور الطباعة على التوالي . أظهرت النتائج أعلى تركيز لغاز أول أكسيد الكربون CO (6.13 جزء في المليون) والمركبات العضوية المتطايرة ((VOCs (21.88 جزء في المليون) في دور الطباعة بينما سجل أعلى تركيز لغاز ثنائي أكسيد النتروجين(NO2) (1.44 جزء في المليون) في مراكز الاستنساخ . تجاوزت تركيز الرصاص والزنك والنحاس والمواد الدقائقية PM2.5و PM1والدقائق الكلية العالقة المستويات المسموح بها في جميع مواقع الدراسة على عكس مستويات أول أكسيد الكربون وثنائي أكسيد النتروجين وثنائي أكسيد الكبريت والمركبات العضوية المتطايرة التي كانت ضمن محددات جودة الهواء المسموح بها .

Dietary proteins metabolism involves the production of homocysteine which result from methionine as a sulfur-containing amino acid. Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine are associated with high risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, Previous studies indicate that plasma homocysteine can be used as a tumor marker and can be considered as a risk factor for cancer. The levels of homocysteine in the plasma is highly controlled by diet and several strategies were suggested for lowering plasma homocysteine. In this chapter, homocysteine biosynthesis and metabolism were explained. Diseases associated with hyperhomocysteinemia were discussed with special emphasis on cancer. Various natural products and dietary interventions were evaluated for their anticancer effects through lowering plasma homocysteine. This chapter will provide a solid ground for researchers to understand the link between hyperhomocysteinemia and cancer and the possible role of diet and natural product in lowering plasma homocysteine.

The correlation between cigarette smoking and the onset of non-small cell lung cancer is well documented. Enhanced proliferation, angiogenesis induction, and resistance to apoptosis were reported as direct results associated with exposure to nicotine (the active ingredient of cigarettes). Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone with anticancer activity against different cancer types. In this study, we tested the ability of parthenolide to inhibit the proliferating effect of nicotine in lung cancer cell lines. MTT assay was used to measure cell survival of A549 and H526 cells treated with nicotine, parthenolide, and their combination. Angiogenesis inhibition was measured using VEGF detection kit and apoptosis induction was evaluated by measuring caspase-3 activity. Real time PCR assay was used to detect the change in expression of several genes associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis (CASP3, CASP7, CASP8, CASP9, P53, GADD45, BAX, BIM, Bcl-2, TOPO I, and TOPO II). Parthenolide inhibited lung cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased the proliferation stimulating effect of nicotine. Caspase-3 activity and VEGF assays evidenced an apoptosis-inducing and VEGF- inhibiting effects of parthenolide. The real time PCR assay demonstrated that parthenolide down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulated the expression of E2F1, P53, GADD45, BAX, BIM, and CASP 3,7,8,9, which indicates an activation of P53- dependent apoptosis pathway in response to parthenolide. Furthermore, this pathway remained active in the presence of nicotine suggesting the ability of parthenolide to exclude the anti-apoptotic effect of nicotine. Our results indicate that parthenolide inhibits nicotine proliferating effect on lung cancer. The anticancer effect of parthenolide is mediated by angiogenesis inhibition and activation of P53- dependent apoptosis. Parthenolide is a promising natural product for inhibiting and treating nicotine-associated lung cancer. However, further studied on more lung cancer cell lines and on protein level are needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action.

Objectives Dietary agents play an important role in cancer prevention and therapy because of their low toxicity and the perception that they are not a medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effect of the administration of garlic and lemon aqueous extracts against breast cancer implanted in mice. Methods We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to determine the antiproliferative effect of both extracts and their combinations. Isobolographic method was used to calculate the combination index. Balb/C mice were inoculated with EMT6/P breast cancer cells and received intragastric administration of one of three treatments (garlic alone, lemon alone, or a combination of both). Change in tumor size and survival rates were measured. TUNEL assay was used to measure apoptosis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Serum levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-10 were measured using ELISA and levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and creatinine were determined. Results The combination of both extracts acts synergistically against breast cancer in mice. Of the treated mice, 80% were cured using this combination. This combination inhibited angiogenesis, induced apoptosis, and caused systemic activation in the immune system. Conclusions The combination of garlic and lemon aqueous extracts represents a promising option to develop an anticancer food for augmenting conventional anticancer therapies. However, further testing is essential to understand the exact molecular mechanisms of this combination and to test its therapeutic effect against other cancer models.

Targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) have been exploited to improve the efficacy of anticancer agents by increasing their concentration in tumor cells relative to normal cells. This leads to administration of required amount of drug with low toxicities which usually occur with conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Herein, a TDDS based on silica nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared for cancer cell targeting. The NPs were loaded with a combination therapy of thymoquinone and melatonin (TQ-MLT) then conjugated with a long polymer and carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD). The folic acid (FA) was then embedded into CD cavity via host guest interaction. The NPs were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) were measured using UVspectrophotometer and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The EE of the NPs before the surface modification (84%) was higher than after modification (75%). The results of in vitro drug release showed that the release rate of (TQ-MLT) from conjugated NPs was slower than the free drug. The in vitro cell viability assay confirmed that drug loaded-FA conjugated NPs were more toxic to HeLa cells compared to unconjugated NPs and the free drug.

Aim: Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. High mortality rates were reported among breast cancer patients which makes the development of new anticancer agents targeting breast cancer a priority. The synthesis of the compounds incorporating– N=N– group is an important field of research that may lead to the discovery of new anticancer drug. Materials and Methods: In this work, we report the synthesis of a compound has O and N centers with the incorporation of the arylazo group (4-BrC6H4–N=N–) into acetylacetone to synthesize 3-(4-Bromo phenylazo)-2,4-pentanedione. Physical characteristics of the newly synthesized compound were determined by measuring electronic absorption spectra, nuclear magnetic resonances, and the infrared absorption spectrum. The inhibitory effect of the compound against breast cancer cell lines was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Its effect on angiogenesis was evaluated by measuring vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in treated cells. The ability of the compound to induce apoptosis in cancer cells was tested by measuring caspase-3 activity, and its capacity to stimulate the immune system was evaluated by measuring the levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-10 cytokines in treated lymphocytes. Results: Significant antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell lines was observed in treated cells. Low levels of VEGF and high caspase-3 activity were observed in treated cells. Levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 were increased after treating lymphocytes with this compound. Conclusion: 3-(4-Bromo phenylazo)-2,4-pentanedione is a promising anticancer agent that can inhibit breast cancer cells through apoptosis induction and angiogenesis inhibition. Further testing is needed to clearly determine the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer effect of this compound.

Comparison between PCBM: P3HT Inverted polymers materials and dye synthesized solar cells (DSSC) has been done. So as to improve the efficiency and performance of solar cell, zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer and ZnO nanorod have been synthesized using Sol-gel and hydrothermal methods respectively. Due to the exceptional luminescent, extensive emission band in the yellow-green zone, short-wavelength lasing, cathode luminescence, the common nonlinear optical properties of II-VI semiconductors and optoelectronic properties of Zinc oxide (ZnO), has been used for photo anodes in the inverted polymer solar cell and P-type material in the dye synthesized solar cell. When we used Zinc oxide (ZnO) as photo anodes based on polymer materials it is found that the efficiency of solar cell has become better than when we used dye synthesized solar cell.

The essential oil of the fresh leaves of Platycladus orientalis (L.), grown in four different biogeographic zones of Jordan,- (the Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian penetration) -, were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry (GC/MS). The actual composition of the spontaneous emitted volatiles was obtained using the solid-phase-micro-extraction (SPME) method and investigated using the same chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Hydrocarbon monoterpenes dominated the hydrodistilled oils and emissions of all regions. Bicyclic monoterpenes (sabinene, α-pinene, and α-thujene) and monocyclic α-terpinene were detected as the major constituents of the oils and emissions. Additionally, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed that the clustering is based on the region of collection rather than the applied methodology. Differences were observed in the quantity of the obtained oils (P-values

e21657 Background: The herbal drinks are highly prevalent in the Middle East and are consumed in large quantities as daily drinks. Few studies have evaluated the biological activities of the herbal drinks produced from some plants.The current study aims to evaluate the anticancer and immunomodulatory activities of five herbal drinks consumed in the Middle East. These drinks are Palestinian Zhourat, Lebanese Zhourat, Lemon and Ginger combination, Wild Thyme, and Marjoram. Methods: The selected herbal drinks as concentrated water extracts were tested separately for: A. Anti-cancer effect on the cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB231, HCT-116, A549, and Vero-normal cells) by assessing: - Antiproliferation activities using MTT assay. Apoptosis (using the caspase-3 assay) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression (using ELISA kit) for the most potent antiproliferative extract. B. Immunomodulatory effect by evaluating: - Splenocytes proliferation using the mitogen proliferation assay. Phagocytosis activity using the nitro blue tetrazolium assay. - Pinocytosis function using the neutral red method. Results: The Lemon and Ginger combination was the most potent against MDA-MB231, MCF-7 and A549l cell lines with IC50 3.5,4, 6.5mg/ml, respectively. Lemon and Ginger combination and Wild thyme separately showed high apoptosis induction and angiogenesis suppression on the MDA-MB231cell line at concentrations 3.5 and 4.4 mg/ml for both extracts, respectively. Wild thyme was the most potent stimulant lymphocyte proliferation (with index 4.7), and Marjoram has the highest percentage (314.4%) in phagocytosis activity, while moderate stimulation by Zhourat was noted. Lemon and Ginger combination, Wild thyme, Marjoram, and the Lebanese herbal drink "Zhourat" were the most active extracts in stimulating pinocytosis with absorbance value 0.5745,0.4645,0.461,0.4575 nm, respectively. Meanwhile, the Palestinian herbal drink "Zhourat" had a moderate effect. Conclusions: The consumption ofthe mentioned herbal drinks has various Anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects. Lemon and ginger combination exhibits the most potent anticancer activities. Wild thyme and marjoram are potent stimulators of innate and acquired immunity. The result achieved in this study is very optimistic and encouraging to be considered for further clinical trials.

Objectives Chemotherapy is one of the major treatments of cancer. However, the emergence of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is still a major obstacle in the successful management of resistant tumors. Therefore, development of new mechanisms to overcome drug resistance is essential and may be further developed into effective therapies that can flip the switch from drug resistance to susceptibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate a combination consisting of a ketogenic diet and melatonin to determine whether it would inhibit cisplatin- and vincristine-resistant breast cancer. Methods In the in vitro part of the study, drug-resistant cell lines were treated with melatonin and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure levels of gene expression involved in apoptosis and resistance. On the protein level, the activity of caspase-3 and the level of vascular endothelin growth factor protein were determined. In the in vivo part, tumor-bearing mice received one of the following treatments: ketogenic diet, melatonin, combination of melatonin and ketogenic diet, vehicle, or chemotherapy. Results Successful inhibition of resistant cell lines was achieved by melatonin. This inhibition was mediated by induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and downregulation of resistance genes. A synergistic anticancer effect was observed between melatonin and the ketogenic diet against resistant breast tumors inoculated in mice with a cure rate of 70%. Conclusions The combination of melatonin and a ketogenic diet represents a promising option to overcome drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. However, further testing on the protein level using flow cytometry is important to better understand the mechanisms of action.

p53 is a tumor suppressor gene involved in various cellular mechanisms including DNA repair, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. More than 50% of human cancers have a mutated nonfunctional p53. Breast cancer (BC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths among females. p53 mutations in BC are associated with low survival rates and more resistance to the conventional therapies. Thus, targeting p53 activity was suggested as an important strategy in cancer therapy. During the past decades, cancer research was focused on the development of monotargeted anticancer therapies. However, the development of drug resistance by modulation of genes, proteins, and pathways was the main hindrance to the success of such therapies. Curcumin is a natural product, extracted from the roots of Curcuma longa, and possesses various biological effects including anticancer activity. Previous studies proved the ability of curcumin to modulate several signaling pathways and biomolecules in cancer. Safety and cost-effectiveness are additional inevitable advantages of curcumin. This review summarizes the effects of curcumin as a regulator of p53 in BC and the key molecular mechanisms of this regulation.

To determine the electrophysiological abnormalities in pre-diabetics and/ or asymptomatic diabetics and analyse the role of nerve conduction for recognizing distal symmetric polyneuropathy.A total of 180 subjects were categorized as: Group A: healthy Subjects (n=60), Group B Pre-diabetics (IFG +IGT, n=60) and Group C: Asymptomatic type 2 diabetics (n=60).Electrophysiological studies revealed that amplitude of B/L Sural SNAP and tibial CMAP was significantly lower in affected pre-diabetics and asymptomatic diabetics. The presence of significant f wave latency was also noted in both these groups, more among asymptomatic diabetics. The observations on distal latency and nerve conduction velocity of sensory and motor nerves were statistically nonsignificant.Sensory nerve abnormality was more obvious than motor nerve abnormality in the pre-diabetic subjects. The changes in amplitude of motor nerve abnormality was observed late in course of disease i.e. in asymptomatic diabetic group than pre-diabetics. The amplitude of sensory nerve action potential and F wave latency parameters were the most sensitive measures of peripheral neuropathy in early diabetics in our study.

Mediterranean-native perennial plant

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in powder form were synthesized through the hydrothermal method. The structural properties were investigated using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD pattern showed that the structure of ZnO is to be crystalline, while FTIR and EDX studies confirmed the formation of ZnO functional group. The optical band gap energy was obtained using UV-VIS-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The obtained band gap was approximately 3.38eV this attributed to semiconductor behavior. The Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) were constructed from Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using two different types of substrates, the efficiency was found to be 1.1% for ITO-ZnO, which is almost four times the value of the efficiency of FTOZnO which was found to be 0.3%. The fill factor (FF) was calculated for both solar cells and was found to be approximately 0.68 from ITO-ZnO and 0.6 for FTO-ZnO.Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were constructed, using drop casting method from ZnO nanoparticles dissolved in ethanol and evenly distributed on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) and indium doped tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Rodhamine B dye was used as the dye sensitizer for both cells, then the fill factor and efficiency were found for both cells

Aim: To test the anticancer potential of a combination of thymoquinone (TQ) and melatonin (MLT) against breast cancer implanted in mice. Materials and Methods: The antiproliferative activity of TQ, MLT, and their combination was tested against mouse epithelial breast cancer cell line (EMT6/P) using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The combination index (CI) was calculated using isobolographic method. Balb/C mice were transplanted with EMT6/P cell line and in vivo antitumor activity was assessed for TQ, MLT, and their combination. Changes in tumor size were measured for each treatment. Histological examination of tumor sections was performed using standard hematoxylin/eosin staining protocol and TUNEL colorimetric assay was used to test the apoptosis induction ability for all treatments. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumor section and ELISA was used to measure serum levels of interferon gamma (INF-γ) and interleukin-4. Serum levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were used as biomarkers of hepatotoxicity of the combination therapy. Results: Synergistic anticancer effect was observed between TQ and MLT with CI value of 0.552. The combination of TQ and MLT caused a significant decrease in tumor size with a percentage cure of 60%. The combination therapy induced extensive necrosis, increased apoptosis rate, and decreased VEGF expression in tumor sections. Serum levels of INF-γ were increased in mice treated with combination therapy and AST and ALT levels were close to their normal values. Conclusions: The combination TQ and MLT act synergistically to inhibit breast cancer implanted in mice. The anticancer effect of this combination is mediated by induction of apoptosis, angiogenesis inhibition, and activation of T helper 1 anticancer immune response.

Background: Phosphoinositide 3-kinase α (PI3Kα) has emerged as a promising target for anticancer drug design. Objectives: Target compounds were designed to investigate the effect of the p-OCH3 motifs on ligand/PI3Kα complex interaction and antiproliferative activity. Methods: Synthesis of the proposed compounds, biological examination tests against human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-116), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and breast carcinoma (T47D) cell lines, along with Glide docking studies. Results: A series of 1,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl benzoates was synthesized and characterized by means of FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and by elemental analysis. Biological investigation demonstrated that the newly synthesized compounds exhibit antiproliferative activity in human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-116), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and breast carcinoma (T47D) cell lines possibly via inhibition of PI3Kα and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Additionally, results revealed that these compounds exert selective inhibitory activity, induce apoptosis, and suppress VEGF production. Compound 3c exhibited promising antiproliferative activity in HCT-116 interrogating that hydrogen bond-acceptor mediates ligand/PI3Kα complex formation on m- position. Compounds 3e and 3i displayed high inhibitory activity in MCF-7 and T47D implying a wide cleft discloses the o-attachment. Furthermore, compound 3g exerted selective inhibitory activity against T47D. Glide docking studies against PI3Kα and ERα demonstrated that the series accommodate binding to PI3Kα and/or ERα. Conclusion: The series exhibited a potential antitumor activity in human carcinoma cell lines encoding PI3Kα and/or ERα.