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Sammar Fathy Elhabal,1 Saeed AS Al-Zuhairy,2 Mohamed El-Nabarawi,3 Mohamed Fathi Mohamed Elrefai,4,5 Mai S Shoela,6 Sandra Hababeh,7 Jakline Nelson,8 Mohamed A Abdel Khalek,9 Marwa Fady,10,11 Nahla A Elzohairy,11,12 Mariam E Amin,13 Gehad M Khamis,6 Amira Rizk,14 Sara Mohamed Ahmed,15 Ahmed A El-Rashedy,16 Mohamed Mohany,17 Abdulaziz S Al-Roujayee,18 Ahmed Mohsen Faheem,19 Amr Amin20 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Mokattam, Cairo, Egypt; 2Department of Pharmacy, Kut University College, Kut, Wasit, Iraq; 3Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 4Department of Anatomy, physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, the Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan; 5Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; 6Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; 7Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 8Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt; 9Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt; 10Zagazig University Hospitals, Infection Control Unit, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt; 11Modern University for Technology & Information, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pharmacy College., Cairo Governorat, Egypt; 12Air Force Specialized Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; 13Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt; 14Food Science and technology, Department Faculty of Agricultural, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; 15Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, 12585, Egypt; 16Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, National Research Center (NRC), Giza, Egypt; 17Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 18Department of Dermatology and Venereology, College of Medicine, Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 19Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; 20College of Medicine, Sharjah University, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Sammar Fathy Elhabal; Amr Amin, Email sammar_fathy2007@yahoo.com, sammar.fathy@pharm.mti.edu.eg; a.amin@sharjah.ac.aeBackground: Diabetic foot ulcers present a formidable challenge due to colonization by biofilm-forming microorganisms, heightened oxidative stress, and continuous wound maceration caused by excessive exudation.Methods: To address these issues, we developed a robust, stretchable, electro-conductive, self-healing, antioxidant, and antibiofilm hydrogel. This hydrogel was synthesized through the crosslinking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CH) with boric acid. To enhance its antimicrobial efficacy, graphene oxide (GO), produced via electrochemical exfoliation in a zinc ion-based electrolyte medium, was incorporated. For optimal antibiofilm performance, GO was functionalized with cranberry (CR) phenolic extracts, forming a graphene oxide-cranberry nanohybrid (GO-CR).Results: The incorporation of GO-CR into the hydrogel significantly improved its stretchability (280% for PVA/CH/GO-CR compared to 200% for PVA/CH). Additionally, the hydrogel demonstrated efficient photothermal conversion under near-infrared (NIR) light, enabling dynamic exudate removal, which is expected to minimize retained exudate between the wound and the dressing, reducing the risk of wound maceration. The hydrogel effectively reduced levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced skin inflammation markers, significantly lowering the expression of NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β by 39.2%, 31.9%, 41%, and 52.3%, respectively. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses further confirmed reduced inflammation and enhanced wound healing.Conclusion: The PVA/CH/GO-CR hydrogel exhibits multifunctional properties that enhance wound healing ulcers. Its superior mechanical, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and ability to promote angiogenesis make it a promising candidate for effective wound management in diabetic patients. Keywords: antibiofilm, cranberry extract, electro conductive hydrogel, graphene oxide, nanocomposite, photothermal conversion, self-healing, wound healing

One of the fastest growing fields of study in nonlinear optics is optical solitons. This article investigates the optical soliton solutions of the coupled Kaup-Newell equation in birefringent fibers without four wave mixing. This model helps explain how modified structures, particularly Alfven waves, propagate in optical fiber and plasma physics. The results presented in this research clearly show how well the new mapping method handle nonlinear Kaup-Newell equation in coupled vector form, in birefringent fiber without four-wave mixing, to extract the analytical soliton solutions. Four-wave mixing expresses a nonlinear optical effect in which four waves interact each other as a result of the third order nonlinearity. As a valuable outcome of this article, a variety of solitons are discovered including bright, dark, periodic, singular bell-shaped, gap, flat-kink, dark-singular, and w-shaped. The existence criteria for these solitons are also obtained that are presented as constraint conditions. The constraint relations guarantee the existence of such solitons. Furthermore, graphs in 2D, 3D and contour are created to show the physical characteristics of the solutions that are produced. The new mapping method is clear and effective, and the solutions provide a wealth of avenues for additional research. The technique can also be functional to other sorts of nonlinear evolution equations in contemporary areas of research. The outcomes presented in this work are new versions which have never been observed before in existing literature.

The current manuscript examines the effect of the fractional temporal variation on the vibration of waves on non-homogeneous elastic substrates by applying the Laplace integral transform and the asymptotic approach. Four different non-homogeneities, including linear and exponential forms, are considered and scrutinized. In the end, it is reported that the fractional temporal variation significantly affects the respective vibrational fields greatly as the vibrations increase with a decrease in the fractional-order μ. Besides, the two approaches employed for the cylindrical substrates are also shown to be in good agreement for very small non-homogeneity parameter α. More so, the present study is set to play a vital role in the fields of material science, and non-homogenization processes to state a few.

Sherif M Hamdy, Maged Abdel-Naseer, Hatem S Shehata, Nevin M Shalaby, Amr Hassan, Alaa Elmazny, Ehab Shaker, Mona AF Nada, Sandra M Ahmed, Mohamed I Hegazy, Husam S Mourad, Ahmed Abdelalim, Rehab Magdy, Alshimaa S Othman, Doaa A Mekkawy, Nirmeen A Kishk Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Alaa Elmazny 66-Manial-Street, Cairo, EgyptTel +966536012237Email alaa_elmazny@kasralainy.edu.egAbstract: The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health emergency of international concern and has affected management plans of many autoimmune disorders. Immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies are pivotal in the management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), potentially placing patients at an increased risk of contracting infections such as COVID-19. The optimal management strategy of NMOSD during the COVID-19 era remains unclear. Here, however, we examined the evidence of NMOSD disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) use during the present period and highlighted different scenarios including treatment of relapses as well as initiation and maintenance of DMTs in order to optimize care of NMOSD patients in the COVID-19 era.Keywords: neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, COVID-19, pandemic

Sherif M Hamdy,1 Maged Abdel-Naseer,1 Hatem S Shehata,1 Amr Hassan,1 Alaa Elmazny,1 Nevin M Shalaby,1 Noha T Abokrysha,1 Nirmeen A Kishk,1 Mona AF Nada,1 Sandra M Ahmed,1 Mohamed I Hegazy,1 Doaa Mekkawy,1 Husam S Mourad,1 Ahmed Abdelalim,1 Thomas Berger2 1Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Neurology Department, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaCorrespondence: Amr HassanKasr Al Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, P.O.11553, Cairo, EgyptTel +201006060809Email amrhasanneuro@kasralainy.edu.egAbstract: The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health challenge of global concern since December 2019, when the virus was recognized in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in China and epicenter of the COVID-19 epidemic. Given the novelty of COVID-19 and the lack of specific anti-virus therapies, the current management is essentially supportive. There is an absence of consensus on guidelines or treatment strategies for complex disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), in which the risk of infections is higher than in the general population. This is due to the overall impairment of the immune system typical of autoimmune diseases, in addition to accumulation of disabilities, and the iatrogenic effect generated by corticosteroids and the recommended disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs have different modes of action, but all modulate and interfere with the patient’s immune response, thereby raising concerns about adverse effects, such as an increased susceptibility to infections. In this review, we analyze the evidence for use of DMTs during the current critical period and ratify an algorithmic approach for management to optimize care between keeping DMTs, with their infection hazards, or coming off them, with the risk of disease activation. We also provide an algorithmic approach to the management of breakthrough activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.Keywords: COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, disease-modifying therapies

Alaa Elmazny, Sherif M Hamdy, Maged Abdel-Naseer, Nevin M Shalaby, Hatem S Shehata, Nirmeen A Kishk, Mona A Nada, Husam S Mourad, Mohamed I Hegazy, Ahmed Abdelalim, Sandra M Ahmed, Ghada Hatem, Amr M Fouad, Hadel Mahmoud, Amr Hassan Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Hatem S ShehataNeurology Department, Cairo University, 23 Amin Samy Street – Kasr Alaini Street, Cairo, EgyptTel +2011124444179Fax +20227927795Email samirhatem@kasralainy.edu.egBackground: Studies have shown that interferon-beta (IFN-β) treatment is associated with headaches in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Headaches can affect quality of life and overall function of patients with MS. We examined the frequency, relationships, patterns, and characteristics of headaches in response to IFN-β in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective, longitudinal analysis with 1-year follow-up. The study comprised 796 patients with RRMS treated with IFN-β (mean age 30.84± 8.98 years) at 5 tertiary referral center outpatient clinics in Egypt between January 2015 and December 2017. Headaches were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders ICHD-3 (beta version), and data were collected through an interviewer-administered Arabic-language-validated questionnaire with an addendum specifically designed to investigate the temporal relationship between commencement of interferon treatment, and headache onset and characteristics.Results: Two hundred seventy-six patients had pre-existing headaches, and 356 experienced de novo headaches. Of 122 patients who experienced headaches before IFN-β treatment, 55 reported headaches that worsened following onset of IFN-β treatment. In patients with post-IFN-β headaches, 329 had headaches that persisted for > 3 months, 51 had chronic headaches, and 278 had episodic headaches, and 216 of these patients required preventive therapies. Univariate analysis showed a > 6- and an approximately 5-fold increased risk of headache among those treated with intramuscular (IM) INF-β-1a (OR 6.51; 95% CI: 3.73– 10.01; P-value < 0.0001) and 44 μg of SC INF-β-1a (OR 5.44; 95% CI: 3.15– 9.37; P-value < 0.0001), respectively, compared with that in patients who received 22 μg of SC INF-β-1a.Conclusion: Interferon-β therapy aggravated pre-existing headaches and caused primary headaches in patients with MS. Headache risk was greater following treatment with IM INF-β-1a and 44 μg SC INF-β-1a.Keywords: headache, interferon-beta, multiple sclerosis

Sayed M Ahmed,1 Adel Ahmed Ali,2 Ahmed MA Ali,2,3 Omiya A Hassan2,4 1Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 2Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt; 3Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, El-Minia Gadida, Egypt Purpose: The aim of the present study was to improve the bioavailability of itopride (ITO) and sustain its action by formulating as a floating dosage form. Materials and methods: Sustained-release floating tablets of ITO hydrochloride (HCl) were prepared by direct compression using different hydrocolloid polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and ethylcellulose and/or methacrylic acid polymers Eudragit RSPM and Carbopol 934P. The floating property was achieved using an effervescent mixture of sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid (1:1 mol/mol). Hardness, friability, content uniformity, and dissolution rate of the prepared floating tablets were evaluated. The formulation F10 composed of 28.5% Eudragit RSPM, 3% NaHCO3, and 7% citric acid provided sustained drug release. Results: In vitro results showed sustained release of F10 where the drug release percentage was 96.51%±1.75% after 24 hours (P=0.031).The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the area under the curve (AUC0–∞) of the prepared sustained-release floating tablets at infinity achieved 93.69 µg·h/mL compared to 49.89 µg·h/mL for the reference formulation (Ganaton®) and the relative bioavailability of the sustained-release formulation F10 increased to 187.80% (P=0.022). Conclusion: The prepared floating tablets of ITO HCl (F10) could be a promising drug delivery system with sustained-release action and enhanced drug bioavailability. Keywords: itopride HCl, oral drug delivery, stability study, bioavailability

Heba F Salem,1 Sayed M Ahmed,2 Mahmoud M Omar3 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt; 2Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; 3Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, El-Minia, Egypt Abstract: Nanoliposomes have an organized architecture that provides versatile functions. In this study, liposomes were used as an ocular carrier for nanogold capped with flucytosine antifungal drug. Gold nanoparticles were used as a contrasting agent that provides tracking of the drug to the posterior segment of the eye for treating fungal intraocular endophthalmitis. The nanoliposomes were prepared with varying molar ratios of lecithin, cholesterol, Span 60, a positive charge inducer (stearylamine), and a negative charge inducer (dicetyl phosphate). Formulation F6 (phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, Span 60, and stearylamine at a molar ratio of 1:1:1:0.15) demonstrated the highest extent of drug released, which reached 7.043 mg/h. It had a zeta potential value of 42.5±2.12 mV and an average particle size approaching 135.1±12.0 nm. The ocular penetration of the selected nanoliposomes was evaluated in vivo using a computed tomography imaging technique. It was found that F6 had both the highest intraocular penetration depth (10.22±0.11 mm) as measured by the computed tomography and the highest antifungal efficacy when evaluated in vivo using 32 infected rabbits’ eyes. The results showed a strong correlation between the average intraocular penetration of the nanoparticles capped with flucytosine and the percentage of the eyes healed. After 4 weeks, all the infected eyes (n=8) were significantly healed (P

Heba F Salem,1 Sayed M Ahmed,2 Ashraf E Hassaballah,3 Mahmoud M Omar1,4 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Beni-suef University, 2Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Assiut University, 3Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assuit, 4Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Deraya University, Egypt Background: The blood–brain barrier prevents many drug moieties from reaching the central nervous system. Therefore, glutathione-modulated nanoliposomes have been engineered to enhance the targeting of flucytosine to the brain. Methods: Glutathione-modulated nanoliposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration technique and evaluated in the primary brain cells of rats. Lecithin, cholesterol, and span 65 were mixed at 1:1:1 molar ratio. The molar percentage of PEGylated glutathione varied from 0 mol% to 0.75 mol%. The cellular binding and the uptake of the targeted liposomes were both monitored by epifluorescent microscope and flow cytometry techniques. A biodistribution and a pharmacokinetic study of flucytosine and flucytosine-loaded glutathione–modulated liposomes was carried out to evaluate the in vivo brain-targeting efficiency. Results: The size of glutathione-modulated nanoliposomes was

This article examines university students' perceived skill levels in utilizing internet resources and library tools, as well as accomplishing specific information-skills tasks, and assesses the impact of information literacy training in Bangladesh. The study involved two phases: first, a survey was administered to a sample of 257 students and, second, an experiment was conducted with 28 students to examine the effectiveness of training. The survey results show that the students perceived their skills with internet resources and library tools to be at a high level, with significant differences found in skill levels based on gender and age. Additionally, the students reported a high level of perceived skills in completing information tasks, with no significant differences found across the demographic variables. In the experimental study, the participants exhibited low task performance on a set of 22 task questions prior to training, achieving an overall correct score of 28.4%. However, a significant improvement in correct scores (57.1%) was observed after participating in the skills training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Splines are piecewise polynomials that are as smooth as they can be without forming a single polynomial. They are linked at specific points known as knots. Splines are useful for a variety of problems in numerical analysis and applied mathematics because they are simple to store and manipulate on a computer. These include, for example, numerical quadrature, function approximation, data fitting, etc. In this study, cubic B-spline (CBS) functions are used to numerically solve the time fractional diffusion wave equation (TFDWE) with Caputo-Fabrizio derivative. To discretize the spatial and temporal derivatives, CBS with θ-weighted scheme and the finite difference approach are utilized, respectively. Convergence analysis and stability of the presented method are analyzed. Some examples are used to validate the suggested scheme, and they show that it is feasible and fairly accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is concerned with the propagation of surface waves is considered in an isotropic elastic homogeneous nonlocal generalized thermoelastic solid medium in the presence of a magnetic field and voids. The normal mode analysis and Lame's potential theory are used to solve the resulting non-dimensional coupled equations. Dispersion relation for Rayleigh surface wave are derived for both thermally insulated and isothermal surfaces. The non-dimensional wave speed of Rayleigh surface wave is computed for a specific material. The non-dimensional wave speed of Rayleigh surface waves are found to be influenced by the presence of voids, magnetic field, thermal field, and elastic nonlocal parameter. For a particular model, the effect of magnetic field, void parameters, thermal parameter, and nonlocality has been studied numerically on the Rayleigh surface waves. All the computed results obtained have been depicted graphically and explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]