49 results on '"Nour SA"'
Search Results
2. Evaluation of post-operative foveal location and microstructural changes after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography
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Mostafa Mahmoud Eid Al Azaizy, Hossam Eldin Mohamed Khalil, Mahmoud Leila, Nour Salah Akl, and Sahar Ibrahim Mohammed
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Foveal displacement after retinal reattachment ,Papillo-foveal distance after retinal detachment surgery ,Metamorphopsia post-retinal detachment surgery ,Foveal microstructure after retinal detachment surgery ,Ophthalmology ,RE1-994 - Abstract
Abstract Background Patients who had successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery often complained of metamorphopsia due to postoperative fovea displacement and alteration of the foveal microstructure. The papillo-foveal distance (PFD) is correlated bilaterally. Therefore, PFD from the fellow healthy eye could be used to determine the change of foveal position in eyes with successful RRD repair. Ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) could explain incomplete visual recovery by demonstrating foveal misalignment and changes in foveal microstructure. The rationale of the study is to assess the changes in the foveal location and microstructural layers after successful retinal reattachment and correlate them with visual dysfunction. Patients and methods A prospective interventional cross-sectional controlled study included patients who had successful retinal reattachment and complained of defective vision or metamorphopsia. The primary outcome measure is to evaluate the post-operative foveal location. The secondary outcome measures are the assessment of metamorphopsia, the evaluation of the foveal microstructural changes, and the correlation between foveal shift, metamorphopsia, foveal microstructure, and visual function. We used a standard Amsler chart to detect subjective metamorphopsia and a modified Amsler chart to quantify metamorphopsia. We used the enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) to detect changes in PFD and the foveal microstructure. p
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- 2024
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3. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of headache among COVID-19 patients in Lebanon: a retrospective cohort study
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Nour Safawi, Jida Hasbini, Hawaa Khodor, Salim Atrouni, Christin Berjaoui, and Hania ElJarkass
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COVID-19 ,Virus ,Headache ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Abstract
Abstract Background With the spread and rise in the number of infections of COVID-19 globally, patients experienced neurologic manifestations such as headache and dizziness, along with other serious medical conditions such as stroke and seizures. Many reported cases highlighted headache to be one of the most common COVID-19-related neurological symptoms. With the evolution of the pandemic, broad studies are needed to better understand the mechanism of headache with COVID-19. The aim of this study is to recognize the epidemiology, characteristic and progression of headache among patients with COVID-19 in Lebanon. Methods A retrospective cohort study was done to assess 439 patients for headache during the course of COVID-19. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for descriptive analysis. Results A confirmed COVID-19 Infection by PCR test was confirmed among 86% of the participants. Tension-like headache was the most common type of headache experienced by participants during COVID-19. Pain was mainly diffuse (48.7%), and compressing in nature (77.0%). Moreover, about 29% required a physician consultation and 7.7% had emergency visits. Partial relief by analgesics was reported in 54.9%, and mainly by paracetamol (64.6%). Those who reported having a history of primary headache before contracting COVID-19 were 46.7%. Among them, 36.7% patients reported a change in the type of headache and about 49.6% reported increased severity. Conclusion Headache accompanied with COVID-19 is a common symptom during the early stages of illness. COVID-19 related headache was characterized as mainly involving the whole head region, pressuring, and partially relieved by analgesics. Thus, headache should raise early concern for the probability of being infected by COVID-19.
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- 2024
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4. Pericardial effusion complicated by umbilical vein catheter in a preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome: A case report
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Jida Hasbini, Nour Safawi, Sirine Mneimneh, Mariam Rajab, Christin Berjaoui, and Amal Naous
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Respiratory distress syndrome ,Preterm ,Pericardial effusion ,Cardiac tamponade ,Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine ,R895-920 - Abstract
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common respiratory illness in premature infants. This syndrome is characterized by a deficiency in surfactant, necessary for proper lung function. Serious complications of RDS include pericardial effusion and pulmonary hypertension. Although pericardial effusion is a rare complication of RDS, it is potentially fatal if not treated. The most common cause of pericardial effusion (PCE) is the placement of a central venous catheter (CVC), a widely used procedure in neonatal intensive care unit to support premature infants. In this paper, we report a case of a 36 + 4 weeks preterm male infant presenting for RDS. During his hospital stay, at 24 hours of life, the patient started to develop bradycardia where he was intubated. After 48 hours of birth, a central venous catheter was inserted, and on echocardiography results showed pericardial effusion, and pulmonary hypertension.
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- 2024
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5. Curricula and their effectiveness in understanding comedy for directing students of the college of Fine Arts, University of Basrah
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Nour Sabah Abdul Muttalib and Hala Hassan Sabti
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effectiveness ,curricula ,comedy ,Arts in general ,NX1-820 - Abstract
The applications lesson is a bud that is subject to several intellectual and technical limitations, which are supervised by specialized professors, a space that gives the student a space of freedom in choosing texts and representative students, and opens a wide field for applications students to express their technical and methodological inclinations, whether by adopting a specific direction or trying to diverge and be creative. Therefore, we find that the personality of the student in the study of applications has its impact and existence through his adoption and choice of theatrical work as a text and treatment. Artistic and cultural institutions. the research was directed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the curricula in understanding comedy for directing students of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
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- 2023
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6. Mycoplasma Pneumonia Complicated by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A case report
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Jida Hasbini, Nour Safawi, Christin Berjaoui, Mariam Rajab, and Amal Naous
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae ,Stevens-johnson syndrome ,Mucositis ,Conjunctivitis ,Diseases of the respiratory system ,RC705-779 - Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of a community-acquired respiratory illness occurring in children with manifestations occurring throughout the year but peaking in summer and early fall. Predominantly affecting school-aged children, the infection presents as pneumonia, featuring fever, cough, dyspnea, and sore throat. Extrapulmonary manifestations such as Stevens-Johnson have been rarely associated with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection presenting with ocular, oral, and genital involvement. We report a case of a 7-year-11-month-old girl presenting with a 9-day fever history and 3-day bilateral conjunctivitis, aphthous stomatitis, and mucositis. After several investigations, a diagnosis was made and results showed a mycoplasma pneumoniae infection complicated with Steven-Johnson syndrome.
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- 2024
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7. Bioinformatics design of a peptide vaccine containing sarcoma antigen NY-SAR-35 epitopes against breast cancer and evaluation of its immunological function in BALB/c mouse model.
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Nour Samman, Hassan Mohabatkar, Mandana Behbahani, and Mazdak Ganjlikhani Hakemi
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
The development of a cancer vaccine has become an essential focus in the field of medical biotechnology and immunology. In our study, the NY-SAR-35 cancer/testis antigen was targeted to design a novel peptide vaccine using bioinformatics tools, and BALB/c mice were used to evaluate the vaccine's immunological function. This evaluation involved assessing peptide-specific IgG levels in the serum via ELISA and measuring the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and granzyme B in the supernatant of cultured splenocytes. The final vaccine construct consisted of two T lymphocyte epitopes linked by the AAY linker. This construct displayed high antigenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, stability, and ability to induce IFN-γ and IL-4. It showed stable dynamics with both human MHC-I and II molecules, as well as mouse MHC-II molecules, and revealed strong Van der Waals and electrostatic energies. Emulsifying our peptide vaccine in incomplete Freund's adjuvant resulted in a remarkable increase in the levels of IgG. The splenocytes of mice that received the combination of peptide and adjuvant displayed a noteworthy increase in IFN-γ, IL-4, and granzyme B secretion. Additionally, their lymphocytes exhibited higher proliferation rates compared to the control group. Our data demonstrated that our vaccine could stimulate a robust immune response, making it a promising candidate for cancer prevention. However, clinical trials are necessary to assess its efficacy in humans.
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- 2024
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8. Biospecimen Repositories in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Insights From an American University of Beirut and Memorial Sloan Kettering Collaboration
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Walid Faraj, Mark Robson, Ayman Tawil, Victor Reuter, Rami Mahfouz, Roy Cambria, Nour Saheb, Christine S. Ferrer, Shreya Vemuri, Marita Yaghi, Mariam Kanso, Abdul Abdullah, Ghina El Nounou, Mark Jabbour, Kerri Muenkel, Kristopher Kaufman, Joe-Max Wakim, Sandy Badson, Roger Wilson, Collette Houston, Marija Drobnjak, Jamal Hoballah, Fuad N. Ziyadeh, Ghazi Zaatari, Murray Brennan, Eileen M. O'Reilly, Ali K. Abu-Alfa, and Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa
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Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,RC254-282 - Abstract
PURPOSEBiobanking helps source tissue and blood for studying cancer genomics. Access to biorepository resources in low- and middle-income countries is lacking. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) established a joint tissue biorepository at AUB in Beirut, Lebanon. The undertaking encountered key challenges that were unanticipated.MATERIALS AND METHODSPatients age 18 years or older were eligible for enrollment at AUB. After consent, biospecimens were obtained at the time of routine diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions. Both normal and abnormal tissue and solid and/or liquid specimens were collected from varied body sites. Early on, declining consent was frequently observed, and this was highlighted for investigation to understand potential participants reasoning.RESULTSOf 850 patients approached, 704 (70.8%) elected to consent and 293 (29.5%) declined participation. The number of declined consents led to an amendment permitting the documentation of reasons for same. Of 100 potential participants who declined to consent and to whom outreach was undertaken, 63% indicated lack of research awareness and 27% deferral to their primary physician or family member. A financial gain for AUB was cited as concern by 5%, cultural boundaries in 4%, and 1% expressed concern about confidentiality. Of the patients who elected to consent, 682 biospecimens were procured.CONCLUSIONThe AUB-MSK biospecimen repository has provided a unique resource for interrogation. Patient participation rate was high, and analyses of those who elected not to consent (29%) provide important insights into educational need and the local and cultural awareness and norms.
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- 2023
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9. Sustained Release Multiple Unit Dosage Form for the Oral Day Delivery of Dexketoprofen Trometamol
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Nour Sa
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business.industry ,Anesthesia ,Medicine ,Multi unit ,business ,Dexketoprofen ,Dosage form ,medicine.drug - Published
- 2017
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10. Pharmacy Education in Egypt
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Nour Sa
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Medical education ,Political science ,Pharmacy education - Published
- 2017
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11. التنبؤ بحوادث المرور في محافظة اللاذقية باستخدام نماذج Arima
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Taleb Ahmad and Nour Samir Ali
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Law ,Economics as a science ,HB71-74 - Abstract
هدف هذا البحث إلى دراسة واقع الحوادث المرورية في محافظة اللاذقية من وفيات وجرحى وما يترتب على ذلك من صعوبة وذلك بسبب العوامل المسببة في وقوعها. ودراسة مفهوم نماذج ARIMA وخطوات تطبيق هذه النماذج، إضافة إلى التنبؤ بعدد حوادث المرور في محافظة اللاذقية للفترة القادمة من 2021_2025 ولعلّ أشهر النماذج المستخدمة في عملية التنبؤ هو نموذج الانحدار الذاتي المتكامل مع المتوسط المتحرك ARIMA، والذي تم استخدامه في هذا البحث للتنبؤ بحوادث المرور في محافظة اللاذقية، وقد توصلنا في هذا البحث بعد اختبار استقرارية السلسلة الزمنية خلال 60 شهراً من عام 2016 حتى عام 2020 وتحليلها واختيار نموذج ARIMA المناسب إلى النتائج التالية: تم التوصل إلى النموذج الذي يجعل السلسلة مستقرة عند أخذ الفرق من المرتبة الثانية وهو النموذج Arima (1,2,1) كما أنه يمكن بناء نموذج رياضي للتنبؤ بعدد حوادث المرور في اللاذقية بالاعتماد على نماذج ARIMA كما تم الحصول على البيانات المتنبأ بها بما يتعلق بعدد حوادث المرور حتى نهاية عام 2025 .
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- 2023
12. Awareness and knowledge of physicians and residents on the non-sexual routes of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and their perspectives on anti-HPV vaccination in Jordan.
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Arwa Qaqish, Nour Abdo, Manal Mohammad Abbas, Nour Saadeh, Mohammad Alkhateeb, Renad Msameh, Shahd Tarawneh, and Mona Al-Masri
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Background and objectivesAlthough penetrative sex is the most common route of HPV infection, there is strong evidence of non-sexual modes of transmission. As the first of its kind, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge and awareness of Jordanian physicians on such routes.MethodsA questionnaire was conducted among a national Jordanian sample of physicians from Jordanian health sectors. The survey included questions assessing participants' knowledge on HPV, non-sexual routes of infection and HPV vaccines. Physicians' attitudes towards HPV screening and vaccination were covered. Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS 9.4, ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey-Honest test and Kruskal-Wallis test. All significant differences were set at α = 0.05.ResultsA total of 412 participants completed the survey. Physicians showed a huge deficit in knowledge on nonsexual routes of HPV transmission. They agreed that the most and least common routes of non-sexual transmission are skin to mucosa (64%) and contaminated water (15%), respectively. Females showed significantly better knowledge in all aspects of HPV transmission and vaccination (pConclusionsThe noteworthy findings of this study is the extremely low level of knowledge on non-sexual routes of HPV infection among Jordanian physicians. Increasing the level of awareness of physicians and healthcare workers on these routes and their association with cervical and other cancers through university curricula and other reliable sources is strongly recommended.
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- 2023
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13. Therapeutic effect of Internal iliac artery ligation and uterine artery ligation techniques for bleeding control in placenta accreta spectrum patients: A meta-analysis of 795 patients
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Ayman Essa Nabhan, Yossef Hassan AbdelQadir, Yomna Ali Abdelghafar, Muataz Omar Kashbour, Nour Salem, Abdelrahman Naeim Abdelkhalek, Anas Zakarya Nourelden, Mona Muhe Eldeen Eshag, and Jaffer Shah
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accreta ,blood loss ,internal iliac artery ligation ,placenta accreta spectrum ,uterine artery ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) can cause complications like hysterectomy or death due to massive pelvic bleeding. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of two different arterial ligation techniques in controlling postpartum haemorrhage and minimizing bleeding complications. We searched six databases. 11 studies were finally included into our review and analysis. We graded their quality using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials and the NIH tool for retrospective studies. Our analysis showed that internal iliac artery ligation has no significant effect on bleeding control (MD = −248.60 [−1045.55, 548.35] P = 0.54), while uterine artery ligation significantly reduced the amount of blood loss and preserved the uterus (MD = −260.75, 95% CI [−333.64, −187.86], P
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- 2022
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14. Awareness of Doing 3M (Wearing Mask, Physical Distancing, Washing Hands) During Pandemic Era in Rural and Urban Families
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Amira Dhisa Fakhira, Aditya Sukma Pawitra, Khuliyah Candraning Diyanah, Edza Aria Wikurendra, Imre Nagy, and Nour Salah Mohammad Abdeljawad
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3m awareness, covid19 prevention, rural and urban ,Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering ,TD1-1066 ,Environmental pollution ,TD172-193.5 - Abstract
Introduction: The spread of Covid19 could be prevented by breaking the chain of transmission through the practice of wearing a mask while going outside or being in a crowd, washing hands using hand soap under running water, and doing physical distancing (3M). The difference in information distribution and access about Covid19 between rural and urban citizens connected to the awareness of doing 3M. This research aims to analyze the correlation between awareness and practicing wearing masks, washing hands, and physical distancing within rural and urban citizens. Methods: Data was collected using mixed-method survey, was done both online and offline to reach respondents from several provinces in Indonesia. Data retrieval was done using a questionnaire, and there were 2,196 people participated as respondents. Results and Discussion: Logistic regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.042; OR = 1.117), sex (p = 0.000; OR = 0.377), living area (p = 0.000; OR = 2.291), and knowledge (p = 0,000; OR = 1,450) have the significant relation with respondents' awareness of doing 3M. The age group of 27-36 years old, female, and well-knowledged respondents has a higher awareness of doing 3M than other groups. Rural citizens with a good awareness of doing 3M (87.78%) are bigger than urban citizens (76.02%). Conclusion: The good awareness of rural citizens has shown that both area's citizens already had the equality of information access, especially about Covid19 prevention and the government's policy and programs to reduce the spread of Covid199
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- 2021
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15. #BingeDrinking—Using Social Media to Understand College Binge Drinking: Qualitative Study
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Madison N Cirillo, Jennifer P Halbert, Jessica Gomez Smith, Nour Sami Alamiri, and Karen S Ingersoll
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Medical technology ,R855-855.5 - Abstract
BackgroundHazardous drinking among college students persists, despite ongoing university alcohol education and alcohol intervention programs. College students often post comments or pictures of drinking episodes on social media platforms. ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand one university’s student attitudes toward alcohol use by examining student posts about drinking on social media platforms and to identify opportunities to reduce alcohol-related harm and inform novel alcohol interventions. MethodsWe analyzed social media posts from 7 social media platforms using qualitative inductive coding based on grounded theory to identify the contexts of student drinking and the attitudes and behaviors of students and peers during drinking episodes. We reviewed publicly available social media posts that referenced alcohol, collaborating with undergraduate students to select their most used platforms and develop locally relevant search terms; all posts in our data set were generated by students associated with a specific university. From the codes, we derived themes about student culture regarding alcohol use. ResultsIn total, 1151 social media posts were included in this study. These included 809 Twitter tweets, 113 Instagram posts, 100 Greekrank posts, 64 Reddit posts, 34 College Confidential posts, 23 Facebook posts, and 8 YouTube posts. Posts included both implicit and explicit portrayals of alcohol use. Across all types of posts reviewed, positive drinking attitudes were most common, followed by negative and then neutral attitudes, but valence varied by platform. Posts that portrayed drinking positively received positive peer feedback and indicate that drinking is viewed by students as an essential and positive part of university student culture. ConclusionsSocial media provide a real-time picture of students’ behavior during their own and others’ heavy drinking. Posts portray heavy drinking as a normal part of student culture, reinforced by peers’ positive feedback on posts. Interventions for college drinking should help students manage alcohol intake in real time, provide safety information during alcohol use episodes, and raise student awareness of web-based privacy concerns and reputation management. Additional interventions for students, alumni, and parents are needed to address positive attitudes about and traditions of drinking.
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- 2022
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16. Think-Aloud Testing of a Novel Safer Drinking App for College Students During COVID-19: Usability Study
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Jessica Gomez Smith, Nour Sami Alamiri, Grace Biegger, Christina Frederick, Jennifer P Halbert, and Karen S Ingersoll
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Medicine - Abstract
BackgroundHazardous alcohol consumption, and binge drinking in particular, continues to be common among college students, posing the greatest risk for their health and safety. Despite widespread exposure to evidence-based preventive interventions among US undergraduates, only modest and temporary effects on risky drinking occur. Formative studies have demonstrated that students want a more engaging intervention tool for risky drinking that can be used just in time. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to test the appeal, relevance, and perceived utility of a draft mobile app for safer student drinking at a public university in Virginia. MethodsUndergraduate student participants tested the draft mobile app via a web-based prototype that tailors to individual feedback with hot spots that responded to their taps to mimic app functionality. They narrated their impressions, navigation, and comments in a standardized think-aloud procedure. After each round of think-aloud interviews, researchers debriefed the investigators and developers to discuss findings and brainstorm app modifications. ResultsMinor changes to the functionality and aesthetics would improve usability of the app (eg, option for light mode in app settings). Student testers recommended tailoring the app to the needs of college students and to aspects of the local university’s drinking culture. ConclusionsFindings from this study will be synthesized with information gained from other formative work to determine the final app features. We will test the app in a pilot randomized trial to assess app use and the impact of the app on college student drinking behavior over several months.
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- 2022
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17. Caffeine Consumption among Various University Students in the UAE, Exploring the Frequencies, Different Sources and Reporting Adverse Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms
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Zelal Kharaba, Nour Sammani, Samar Ashour, Rose Ghemrawi, Ahmad Z. Al Meslamani, Ahmad Al-Azayzih, Manal Ali Buabeid, and Yassen Alfoteih
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Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases ,RC620-627 - Abstract
Background. Caffeine is widely consumed among students due to its cognitive and physical enhancing effects. However, little is known about the consumption pattern of different caffeinated products among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim. To investigate the frequency of caffeine consumption among the young population of students, assess types of caffeinated products consumed, and document adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms experienced by university students. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the UAE from December 2019 to March 2020. A random sample of 500 university students from different universities in the UAE were approached and asked to complete a self-administered online-based questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. Results. Of (n = 500) surveyed students, (n = 467) completed the survey 93.4%. The average level of caffeine consumption was significantly higher in females compared to male students (p400 mg/day) and more than half of them consumed less than 199 mg/day. Large proportions of students 91.1% have their caffeinated beverage after or while eating meals and 42.8% considered that this habit helped in avoiding acid reflux. Interestingly, around one third of participants have poor knowledge of caffeine-containing medical products, which seemed to affect the level of consumption in the student population (p
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- 2022
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18. Numerical Solution of Fractional Volterra-Fredholm Integro-Differential Equation Using Lagrange Polynomials
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Nour Salman and Muna Mansour Mustfaf
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Fractional Volterra-Fredholm Integro-Differential Equations, Lagrange polynomials. ,Science - Abstract
In this study, a new technique is considered for solving linear fractional Volterra-Fredholm integro-differential equations (LFVFIDE's) with fractional derivative qualified in the Caputo sense. The method is established in three types of Lagrange polynomials (LP’s), Original Lagrange polynomial (OLP), Barycentric Lagrange polynomial (BLP), and Modified Lagrange polynomial (MLP). General Algorithm is suggested and examples are included to get the best effectiveness, and implementation of these types. Also, as special case fractional differential equation is taken to evaluate the validity of the proposed method. Finally, a comparison between the proposed method and other methods are taken to present the effectiveness of the proposal method in solving these problems.
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- 2020
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19. COVID-19 and C. auris: A Case-Control Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon
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Fatima Allaw, Sara F. Haddad, Nabih Habib, Pamela Moukarzel, Nour Sabiha Naji, Zeina A. Kanafani, Ahmad Ibrahim, Nada Kara Zahreddine, Nikolaos Spernovasilis, Garyphallia Poulakou, and Souha S. Kanj
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Candida auris ,COVID-19 ,pandemic ,central venous catheters ,urinary catheter ,tocilizumab ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Many healthcare centers around the world have reported the surge of Candida auris (C. auris) outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This is a retrospective study conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) between 1 October 2020 and 15 June 2021, to identify risk factors for acquiring C. auris in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the impact of C. auris on mortality in patients admitted to the ICU during that period. Twenty-four non-COVID-19 (COV−) patients were admitted to ICUs at AUBMC during that period and acquired C. auris (C. auris+/COV−). Thirty-two patients admitted with severe COVID-19 (COV+) acquired C. auris (C. auris+/COV+), and 130 patients had severe COVID-19 without C. auris (C. auris−/COV+). Bivariable analysis between the groups of (C. auris+/COV+) and (C. auris−/COV+) showed that higher quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score (p < 0.001), prolonged length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.02), and the presence of a urinary catheter (p = 0.015) or of a central venous catheter (CVC) (p = 0.01) were associated with positive culture for C. auris in patients with severe COVID-19. The multivariable analysis showed that prolonged LOS (p = 0.008) and a high qSOFA score (p < 0.001) were the only risk factors independently associated with positive culture for C. auris. Increased LOS (p = 0.02), high “Candida score” (p = 0.01), and septic shock (p < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality within 30 days of positive culture for C. auris. Antifungal therapy for at least 7 days (p = 0.03) appeared to decrease mortality within 30 days of positive culture for C. auris. Only septic shock was associated with increased mortality in patients with C. auris (p = 0.006) in the multivariable analysis. C. auris is an emerging pathogen that constitutes a threat to the healthcare sector.
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- 2022
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20. Typologie des systèmes d’élevage camelins du sud du Maroc
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Asma Kamili, Bernard Faye, Nour Saïd Tligui, and Mohammed Bengoumi
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Camelus dromedarius ,typologie ,élevage ,conduite d'élevage ,Maroc ,Animal culture ,SF1-1100 - Abstract
Bien que disposant d’un appui des autorités nationales dans le cadre du Plan Maroc Vert, l’élevage camelin au Maroc est encore assez mal connu. La présente étude a eu pour objectif de disposer d’une description des types d’élevages camelins dans une portion vaste du sud du pays, caractérisée par sa grande concentration des élevages camelins. Pour ce faire, dans le cadre d’une enquête sanitaire, 168 éleveurs chameliers appartenant à neuf provinces du sud du Maroc ont été interviewés sur leur système de production. Les 168 troupeaux camelins ont représenté 11 426 dromadaires soit environ 10 % de la population cameline de cette zone. Au final, un tableau comprenant 168 élevages camelins décrits par 20 variables actives (taille et structure du troupeau, organisation de la gestion et pouvoir de décision, ampleur de la mobilité, commercialisation, pratiques de complémentation alimentaire et de prévention sanitaire) et deux variables illustratives (statut de l’enquêté et région d’origine) a été soumis à une analyse multivariée (analyse des correspondances multiples et classification automatique). L’analyse a permis d’identifier quatre types d’éleveurs : a) ceux possédant de grands troupeaux laitiers traditionnels, b) les citadins possédant des petits troupeaux, c) les éleveurs pluriactifs opportunistes, et d) les éleveurs parfois pluriactifs, faiblement intégrés au marché et sous-traitant leur activité d’élevage. Cette typologie paraît être très liée à la région d’origine des éleveurs indiquant une certaine spécificité régionale.
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- 2020
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21. Simulation strategies for the Food and Drug Administration nozzle using Nek5000
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Nour Sánchez Abad, Ricardo Vinuesa, Philipp Schlatter, Magnus Andersson, and Matts Karlsson
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Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is currently a versatile tool used for flow characterization in diverse areas of industry and research; however, its application in medical devices is less developed due to high regulatory standards for safety purposes. In this context, the development of a rigorous and standardized CFD methodology is essential in order to improve the accuracy and ensure the reliability of biomedical applications. To that end, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a benchmark model of an idealized medical device to provide a common ground for verification and validation processes. Previous studies have evaluated the potential of conventional turbulence models to predict the relevant flow features in the FDA nozzle but have also been deemed inaccurate or exhibited high dependency on the numerical scheme. Furthermore, validation of computational results relied on previous experiments performed with particle image velocimetry (PIV), which also exhibited noticeable uncertainties. Here, we perform direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of the flow through the FDA nozzle configuration, at Reynolds numbers based on the throat diameter Ret = 500, 2000, 3500, and 5000, using the spectral-element code Nek5000. The predictive capabilities of the synthetic-eddy method and parabolic-inflow conditions at the inlet were tested, and the results were compared with PIV data. Our results highlight the very high sensitivity of this flow case to the inflow conditions and the disturbances at the throat, particularly when predicting the laminar–turbulent jet breakdown. Due to this extreme sensitivity, any benchmark data of this geometry need to include a very detailed characterization of both the conditions at the inflow and the throat, in order to enable relevant comparisons.
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- 2020
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22. Application of factor analysis and cluster analysis to the standard consumer prices in Iraq: a comparative study
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Marwan Dabdoub and Nour Sayala
- Subjects
factor analysis ,cluster analysis ,standard ,consumer ,prices ,Education ,Science (General) ,Q1-390 - Abstract
Abstract Factor analysis may be considered as a classifier analysis and mostly does the same function as cluster analysis. Cluster analysis and factor analysis are applied to the standard prices of certain nine consumer goods during twelve months in 2005. The results concluded from both analyses are the same.
- Published
- 2012
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23. Saksenaea vasiformis Infection, French Guiana
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Denis Blanchet, Eric Dannaoui, Angela Fior, Florence Huber, Pierre Couppié, Nour Salhab, Damien Hoinard, and Christine Aznar
- Subjects
Zygomycota ,French Guiana ,antifungal agents ,DNA sequence analysis ,letter ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Published
- 2008
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24. Response of Clementine Mandarin seeds for germination and callus initiation and Alkaloids, hormones production in vitro
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Ayad Assi Obaid, Wessam Malek Dawood, and Nour Sabry Nasser
- Subjects
بذور اللالنكي، كليمنتاين، إنبات، كالس، القلويدات، هرمونات ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
This study was conducted in plant tissue culture Lab. Horticulture Dept., College of Agriculture, Diyala University to evaluated the effect of plant growth regulators, North and South pole of magnetic field on common mandarin (Citrus reticulata L. Blanco) seedling growth and callus initiation. Seeds were cultured on solidified MS medium to study the impact of increasing magnetic field flood on the production of some plant growth regulators, alkaloids callus initiation. Results can be summarized as follows: Kinetin at concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0) mg/L for 8 weeks of treatment showed that the control treatment gave taller roots (30) mm while the treatment 4.0 mg/L gave the highest number of shoots 1.7 shoot/ seedling. In the magnetic field experiment, the effect of north and south pole of magnetic field 200 mT for six periods (0 , 2 , 6, 11 , `14 , 18) days, showed that the treatment of 18 days gave the best shoot length 22mm. When the medium supplemented with 2mg/ l 2,4-D enhances callus initiation, while the combine of 2,4-D and TDZ reduced the rate of initiation and growth of callus. The production of hormones and alkaloids from mandarin callus exposed to1, 2 or3 magnets recorded the highest amount of Kin in the presence of 3 magnets giving 125.45 µg/ g while the highest amount of ABA, GA , IAA was found in control callus which gave (91.61, 76.25, 51.18)µg/ g respectively. Alkaloids yield showed the presence of Octapamine in the treatment of 3 magnets yielding 73.74 µg/g. The highest amount of Synephrine reached 366.99 µg/ g in the treatment of 3 magnets while the amount of Tyramine recorded 79.02 µg/ g in the treatment of two magnets. Ephedrine was higher in the callus that not being exposed reached 219.99 µg/ g.
- Published
- 2013
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25. A Combined Phyto- and Photodynamic Delivery Nanoplatform Enhances Antimicrobial Therapy: Design, Preparation, In Vitro Evaluation, and Molecular Docking.
- Author
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AbouAitah K, Geioushy RA, Nour SA, Emam MTH, Zakaria MA, Fouad OA, Shaker YM, and Kim BS
- Subjects
- Humans, Materials Testing, Photochemotherapy, Biocompatible Materials chemistry, Biocompatible Materials pharmacology, Biocompatible Materials chemical synthesis, Antifungal Agents pharmacology, Antifungal Agents chemistry, Antifungal Agents chemical synthesis, Nanoparticles chemistry, Berberine chemistry, Berberine pharmacology, Alginates chemistry, Porphyrins chemistry, Porphyrins pharmacology, Cell Survival drug effects, Candida albicans drug effects, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Particle Size, Staphylococcus aureus drug effects, Photosensitizing Agents chemistry, Photosensitizing Agents pharmacology, Photosensitizing Agents chemical synthesis, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents chemistry, Anti-Bacterial Agents chemical synthesis, Escherichia coli drug effects, Zinc Oxide chemistry, Zinc Oxide pharmacology, Molecular Docking Simulation
- Abstract
Microbial combating is one of the hot research topics, and finding an alternative strategy is considerably required nowadays. Here, we report on a developed combined chemo- and photodynamic delivery system with a core of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), porphyrin photosensitizer (POR) connected to alginate polymer (ALG), and berberine (alkaloid natural agent, BER) with favorable antimicrobial effects. According to the achieved main designs, the results demonstrated that the loading capacity and entrapment efficiency reached 22.2 wt % and 95.2%, respectively, for ZnO@ALG-POR/BER nanoformulation (second design) compared to 5.88 wt % and 45.1% for ZnOBER@ALG-POR design (first design). Importantly, when the intended nanoformulations were combined with laser irradiation for 10 min, they showed effective antifungal and antibacterial action against Candida albicans , Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus aureus . Comparing these treatments to ZnO NPs and free BER, a complete (100%) suppression of bacterial and fungal growth was observed by ZnO@ALG-POR/BER nanoformulation treated E. coli , and by ZnOBER treated C. albicans . Also, after laser treatments, most data showed that E. coli was more sensitive to treatments using nanoformulations than S. aureus . The nanoformulations like ZnOBER@ALG-POR were highly comparable to traditional antibiotics against C. albicans and E. coli before laser application. The results of the cytotoxicity assessment demonstrated that the nanoformulations exhibited moderate biocompatibility on normal human immortalized retinal epithelial (RPE1) cells. Notably, the most biocompatible nanoformulation was ZnOBER@ALG-POR, which possessed ∼9% inhibition of RPE1 cells compared to others. High binding affinities were found between all three microbial strains' receptor proteins and ligands in the molecular docking interaction between the receptor proteins and the ligand molecules (mostly BER and POR). In conclusion, our findings point to the possible use of hybrid nanoplatform delivery systems that combine natural agents and photodynamic therapy into a single therapeutic agent, effectively combating microbial infections. Therapeutic efficiency correlates with nanoformulation design and microorganisms, demonstrating possible optimization for further development.
- Published
- 2024
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26. Co-administration of xylo-oligosaccharides produced by immobilized Aspergillus terreus xylanase with carbimazole to mitigate its adverse effects on the adrenal gland.
- Author
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Nour SA, Foda DS, Elsehemy IA, and Hassan ME
- Subjects
- Animals, Glucuronates pharmacology, Oxidative Stress drug effects, Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases metabolism, Male, Rats, Obesity drug therapy, Aspergillus drug effects, Oligosaccharides pharmacology, Oligosaccharides chemistry, Enzymes, Immobilized metabolism, Enzymes, Immobilized chemistry, Carbimazole, Adrenal Glands drug effects, Adrenal Glands metabolism
- Abstract
Carbimazole has disadvantages on different body organs, especially the thyroid gland and, rarely, the adrenal glands. Most studies have not suggested any solution or medication for ameliorating the noxious effects of drugs on the glands. Our study focused on the production of xylooligosaccharide (XOS), which, when coadministered with carbimazole, relieves the toxic effects of the drug on the adrenal glands. In addition to accelerating the regeneration of adrenal gland cells, XOS significantly decreases the oxidative stress caused by obesity. This XOS produced by Aspergillus terreus xylanase was covalently immobilized using microbial Scleroglucan gel beads, which improved the immobilization yield, efficiency, and operational stability. Over a wide pH range (6-7.5), the covalent immobilization of xylanase on scleroglucan increased xylanase activity compared to that of its free form. Additionally, the reaction temperature was increased to 65 °C. However, the immobilized enzyme demonstrated superior thermal stability, sustaining 80.22% of its original activity at 60 °C for 120 min. Additionally, the full activity of the immobilized enzyme was sustained after 12 consecutive cycles, and the activity reached 78.33% after 18 cycles. After 41 days of storage at 4 °C, the immobilized enzyme was still active at approximately 98%. The immobilized enzyme has the capability to produce xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs). Subsequently, these XOSs can be coadministered alongside carbimazole to mitigate the adverse effects of the drug on the adrenal glands. In addition to accelerating the regeneration of adrenal gland cells, XOS significantly decreases the oxidative stress caused by obesity., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2024
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27. Investigating the potential of highly porous zopiclone-loaded 3D electrospun nanofibers for brain targeting via the intranasal route.
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Taha E, Nour SA, Mamdouh W, and Naguib MJ
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- Animals, Porosity, Male, Rats, Tensile Strength, Rats, Wistar, Drug Liberation, Administration, Intranasal, Nanofibers chemistry, Nanofibers administration & dosage, Polyvinyl Alcohol chemistry, Chitosan chemistry, Brain metabolism, Brain drug effects, Drug Delivery Systems, Azabicyclo Compounds administration & dosage, Azabicyclo Compounds chemistry, Azabicyclo Compounds pharmacokinetics
- Abstract
Nanofibers (NFs) have proven to be very attractive tool as drug delivery plateform among the different plethora of nanosystems, owing to their unique features. They exhibit two- and three-dimensional structures some of which mimic structural environment of the body tissues, in addition to being safe, efficacious, and biocompatible drug delivery platform. Thus, this study embarked on fabricating polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) electrospun NFs encapsulating zopiclone (ZP) drug for intranasal brain targeted drug delivery. Electrospun NFs were optimized by adopting a three factor-two level full factorial design. The independent variables were: PVA/CS ratio (X
1 ), flow rate (X2 ), and applied voltage (X3 ). The measured responses were: fiber diameter (Y1 ,nm), pore size (Y2 ,nm) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS,Y3 ,MPa). The selected optimum formula had resulted in NFs diameter of 215.90 ± 15.46 nm, pore size 7.12 ± 0.27 nm, and tensile strength around 6.64 ± 0.95 MPa. In-vitro biodegradability testing confirmed proper degradation of the NFs within 8 h. Moreover, swellability and breathability assessment revealed good hydrophilicity and permeability of the prepared NFs. Ex-vivo permeability study declared boosted ex-vivo permeation with an enhancement factor of 2.73 compared to ZP suspension. In addition, optimized NFs formula significantly reduced sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration in rats compared to IV ZP drug solution. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of employing the designed NFs as an effective safe platform for intranasal delivery of ZP for insomnia management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2024
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28. Optimization, gene cloning, expression, and molecular docking insights for enhanced cellulase enzyme production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain elh1.
- Author
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El-Khamisi EF, Soliman EAM, El-Sayed GM, Nour SA, Abdel-Monem MO, and Hassan MG
- Subjects
- Fermentation, Escherichia coli genetics, Escherichia coli metabolism, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Bacterial Proteins metabolism, Bacterial Proteins chemistry, Cellulase genetics, Cellulase biosynthesis, Cellulase metabolism, Molecular Docking Simulation, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens enzymology, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens genetics, Cloning, Molecular, Oryza microbiology
- Abstract
Background: In this study, we isolated a cellulase-producing bacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain elh, from rice peel. We employed two optimization methods to enhance the yield of cellulase. Firstly, we utilized a one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) approach to evaluate the impact of individual physical and chemical parameters. Subsequently, we employed response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the interactions among these factors. We heterologously expressed the cellulase encoding gene using a cloning vectorin E. coli DH5α. Moreover, we conducted in silico molecular docking analysis to analyze the interaction between cellulase and carboxymethyl cellulose as a substrate., Results: The bacterial isolate eh1 exhibited an initial cellulase activity of 0.141 ± 0.077 U/ml when cultured in a specific medium, namely Basic Liquid Media (BLM), with rice peel as a substrate. This strain was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain elh1 through 16S rRNA sequencing, assigned the accession number OR920278 in GenBank. The optimal incubation time was found to be 72 h of fermentation. Urea was identified as the most suitable nitrogen source, and dextrose as the optimal sugar, resulting in a production increase to 5.04 ± 0.120 U/ml. The peak activity of cellulase reached 14.04 ± 0.42 U/ml utilizing statistical optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). This process comprised an initial screening utilizing the Plackett-Burman design and further refinement employing the BOX -Behnken Design. The gene responsible for cellulase production, egl, was effectively cloned and expressed in E. coli DH5α. The transformed cells exhibited a cellulase activity of 22.3 ± 0.24 U/ml. The egl gene sequence was deposited in GenBank with the accession number PP194445. In silico molecular docking revealed that the two hydroxyl groups of carboxymethyl cellulose bind to the residues of Glu169 inside the binding pocket of the CMCase. This interaction forms two hydrogen bonds, with an affinity score of -5.71., Conclusions: Optimization of cultural conditions significantly enhances the yield of cellulase enzyme when compared to unoptimized culturing conditions. Additionally, heterologous expression of egl gene showed that the recombinant form of the cellulase is active and that a valid expression system can contribute to a better yield of the enzyme., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2024
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29. Utilizing immobilized recombinant serine alkaline protease from Bacillus safensis lab418 in wound healing: Gene cloning, heterologous expression, optimization, and characterization.
- Author
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El-Sayed GM, Agwa MM, Emam MTH, Kandil H, Abdelhamid AE, and Nour SA
- Subjects
- Serine Proteases genetics, Serine Proteases chemistry, Serine Proteases isolation & purification, Serine Proteases metabolism, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Gene Expression, Escherichia coli genetics, Temperature, Amino Acid Sequence, Cloning, Molecular methods, Wound Healing drug effects, Recombinant Proteins genetics, Recombinant Proteins chemistry, Recombinant Proteins isolation & purification, Bacillus enzymology, Bacillus genetics, Endopeptidases genetics, Endopeptidases chemistry, Endopeptidases metabolism, Endopeptidases isolation & purification, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Bacterial Proteins chemistry, Bacterial Proteins metabolism, Bacterial Proteins isolation & purification, Enzymes, Immobilized chemistry, Enzymes, Immobilized metabolism, Enzyme Stability
- Abstract
Microbial proteases have proven their efficiency in various industrial applications; however, their application in accelerating the wound healing process has been inconsistent in previous studies. In this study, heterologous expression was used to obtain an over-yielding of the serine alkaline protease. The serine protease-encoding gene aprE was isolated from Bacillus safensis lab 418 and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) using the pET28a (+) expression vector. The gene sequence was assigned the accession number OP610065 in the NCBI GenBank. The open reading frame of the recombinant protease (aprEsaf) was 383 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 35 kDa. The yield of aprEsaf increased to 300 U/mL compared with the native serine protease (SAFWD), with a maximum yield of 77.43 U/mL after optimization conditions. aprEsaf was immobilized on modified amine-functionalized films (MAFs). By comparing the biochemical characteristics of immobilized and free recombinant enzymes, the former exhibited distinctive biochemical characteristics: improved thermostability, alkaline stability over a wider pH range, and efficient reusability. The immobilized serine protease was effectively utilized to expedite wound healing. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the suitability of the immobilized recombinant serine protease for wound healing, suggesting that it is a viable alternative therapeutic agent for wound management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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30. Utilizing chitooligosaccharides from shrimp waste biodegradation via recombinant chitinase A: a promising approach for emulsifying hydrocarbon and bioremediation.
- Author
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Nour SA, Emam MTH, El-Sayed GM, and Sakr EAE
- Subjects
- Animals, Chitin metabolism, Hydrocarbons metabolism, Escherichia coli metabolism, Escherichia coli genetics, Crustacea metabolism, Emulsifying Agents metabolism, Emulsifying Agents chemistry, Chitinases metabolism, Chitinases genetics, Biodegradation, Environmental, Oligosaccharides metabolism, Chitosan metabolism, Recombinant Proteins metabolism, Recombinant Proteins genetics, Recombinant Proteins biosynthesis
- Abstract
Background: Hydrocarbon pollution stemming from petrochemical activities is a significant global environmental concern. Bioremediation, employing microbial chitinase-based bioproducts to detoxify or remove contaminants, presents an intriguing solution for addressing hydrocarbon pollution. Chitooligosaccharides, a product of chitin degradation by chitinase enzymes, emerge as key components in this process. Utilizing chitinaceous wastes as a cost-effective substrate, microbial chitinase can be harnessed to produce Chitooligosaccharides. This investigation explores two strategies to enhance chitinase productivity, firstly, statistical optimization by the Plackett Burman design approach to evaluating the influence of individual physical and chemical parameters on chitinase production, Followed by response surface methodology (RSM) which delvs into the interactions among these factors to optimize chitinase production. Second, to further boost chitinase production, we employed heterologous expression of the chitinase-encoding gene in E. coli BL21(DE3) using a suitable vector. Enhancing chitinase activity not only boosts productivity but also augments the production of Chitooligosaccharides, which are found to be used as emulsifiers., Results: In this study, we focused on optimizing the production of chitinase A from S. marcescens using the Plackett Burman design and response surface methods. This approach led to achieving a maximum activity of 78.65 U/mL. Subsequently, we cloned and expressed the gene responsible for chitinase A in E. coli BL21(DE3). The gene sequence, named SmChiA, spans 1692 base pairs, encoding 563 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 58 kDa. This sequence has been deposited in the NCBI GenBank under the accession number "OR643436". The purified recombinant chitinase exhibited a remarkable activity of 228.085 U/mL, with optimal conditions at a pH of 5.5 and a temperature of 65 °C. This activity was 2.9 times higher than that of the optimized enzyme. We then employed the recombinant chitinase A to effectively hydrolyze shrimp waste, yielding chitooligosaccharides (COS) at a rate of 33% of the substrate. The structure of the COS was confirmed through NMR and mass spectrometry analyses. Moreover, the COS demonstrated its utility by forming stable emulsions with various hydrocarbons. Its emulsification index remained stable across a wide range of salinity, pH, and temperature conditions. We further observed that the COS facilitated the recovery of motor oil, burned motor oil, and aniline from polluted sand. Gravimetric assessment of residual hydrocarbons showed a correlation with FTIR analyses, indicating the efficacy of COS in remediation efforts., Conclusions: The recombinant chitinase holds significant promise for the biological conversion of chitinaceous wastes into chitooligosaccharides (COS), which proved its potential in bioremediation efforts targeting hydrocarbon-contaminated sand., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2024
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31. Versatile Nanoparticulate Systems as a Prosperous Platform for Targeted Nose-Brain Drug Delivery.
- Author
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Taha E, Shetta A, Nour SA, Naguib MJ, and Mamdouh W
- Subjects
- Blood-Brain Barrier metabolism, Nose, Administration, Intranasal, Pharmaceutical Preparations metabolism, Nasal Mucosa metabolism, Brain metabolism, Drug Delivery Systems
- Abstract
The intranasal route has proven to be a reliable and promising route for delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS), averting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and avoiding extensive first-pass metabolism of some drugs, with minimal systemic exposure. This is considered to be the main problem associated with other routes of drug delivery such as oral, parenteral, and transdermal, among other administration methods. The intranasal route maximizes drug bioavailability, particularly those susceptible to enzymatic degradation such as peptides and proteins. This review will stipulate an overview of the intranasal route as a channel for drug delivery, including its benefits and drawbacks, as well as different mechanisms of CNS drug targeting using nanoparticulate drug delivery systems devices; it also focuses on pharmaceutical dosage forms such as drops, sprays, or gels via the nasal route comprising different polymers, absorption promoters, CNS ligands, and permeation enhancers.
- Published
- 2024
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32. Cod liver oil nano-structured lipid carriers (Cod-NLCs) as a promising platform for nose to brain delivery: Preparation, in vitro optimization, ex vivo cytotoxicity & in vivo biodistribution utilizing radioiodinated zopiclone.
- Author
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Taha E, Nour SA, Mamdouh W, Selim AA, Swidan MM, Ibrahim AB, and Naguib MJ
- Abstract
Nano-structured lipid carriers containing zopiclone were prepared as a targeted drug delivery system to convey zopiclone directly to brain via nasal route. Nano-structured lipid carriers were constructed adopting hot emulsification-ultrasonication method using palmitic acid in place of the solid lipid, cod liver oil as liquid lipid, and poloxamer 407 as a surfactant. A three-factor three-level central composite face-centered design was used to optimize the formulated nano-structured lipid carriers. The independent factors were lipid amount (X
1 ), surfactant amount (X2 ), and sonication time (X3 ). The examined responses were entrapment efficiency (EE,Y1 ,%), particle size (PS,Y2 ,nm), zeta potential(mV), polydispersity index(PDI,Y3 ), in vitro release(Q8h,Y4 ,%) and dissolution efficiency (DE,Y5 ,%). The optimum formula showed high entrapment efficiency of 94.31% ± 2.44, in vitro drug release of 83.89% ± 1.77 with dissolution efficiency equals 88.63% ± 2.01, small particle size of 71.27 nm ± 13.57 and low polydispersity index 0.097 ± 0.15. In vivo biodistribution in mice was evaluated by a radiobiological technique using radioiodinated zopiclone([131 I]iodo-ZP). Results revealed the superiority of the intranasal route to deliver zopiclone directly to brain faster and higher brain uptake (6.9 ± 1.02%ID/g at 5 min post-administration). The current study confirmed that intranasal administration of nano-structured lipid carriers had great potential as an effective tool for targeted brain zopiclone delivery for insomnia treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)- Published
- 2023
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33. Nematicidal activity of sweet annie and garden cress nano-formulations and their impact on the vegetative growth and fruit quality of tomato plants.
- Author
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Mohammad AA, Amer HM, El-Sawy SM, Youssef DA, Nour SA, and Soliman GM
- Subjects
- Animals, Lepidium sativum, Fruit, Antinematodal Agents pharmacology, Solanum lycopersicum, Artemisia annua, Tylenchoidea
- Abstract
Root-knot nematode is one of the major problems that face the agricultural production of several vegetable crops. Chemical nematicides have been banned because of their healthy and environmental undesirable attributes. So, this study aimed to evaluate the potential use of sweet annie (Artimisia annua) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) as green routes for the development of effective and eco-friendly alternative nematicides. Nematicidal activity of sweet annie and garden cress aqueous extracts (500 g/L) in the original and nano-forms were evaluated against Meloidogyne incognita in tomato planted in infected soil under greenhouse conditions. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified in A. annua extract, which was dominated by chlorogenic acid (5059 µg/100 mL), while 11 compounds were identified in L. sativum extract, that dominated by p-hydroxybenzoic acid (3206 μg/100 mL). Nano-particles were characterized with smooth surface, spherical shape and small size (50-100 nm). Under laboratory, the nano-formulations showed mortality percentage of M. incognita J
2 greater than the original extract from. Vegetative growth parameters of tomato plants treated with A. annua and L. sativum extracts significantly improved compared to the control plants. Also, biochemical analysis revealed that the extracts were able to induce tomato plants towards the accumulation of phenolic compounds and increasing the activity of defensive enzymes (protease, polyphenol oxidase and chitinase) resulting in systemic resistance. Regarding tomato fruits yield and quality, the studied treatments significantly improved the yield and physicochemical parameters of tomato fruits in terms of fruit weight, diameter, TSS, pH, lycopene content and color attributes gaining higher sensorial acceptance by the panelist. Generally, both extracts represent promising nematicide alternatives and have potential use in crop management. The nano-form of A. annua extract outperformed the nematicidal activity of other studied treatments., (© 2022. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2022
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34. Safe production of Aspergillus terreus xylanase from Ricinus communis: gene identification, molecular docking, characterization, production of xylooligosaccharides, and its biological activities.
- Author
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Nour SA, El-Sayed GM, Taie HAA, Emam MTH, El-Sayed AF, and Salim RG
- Abstract
Background: The production of industrial enzymes such as xylanase using sufficient cost-effective substrates from potent microorganisms is considered economically feasible. Studies have reported castor cake (Ricinus communis) as the most potent and inexpensive alternative carbon source for production of xylanase C by using Aspergillus terreus (A. terreus)., Results: A. terreus strain RGS Eg-NRC, a local isolate from agro-wastes, was first identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of a nuclear DNA encoding gene cluster deposited in GenBank (accession number MW282328). Before optimization of xylanase production, A. terreus produced 20.23 U/g of xylanase after 7 days using castor cake as a substrate in a solid-state fermentation (SSF) system that was employed to achieve ricin detoxification and stimulate xylanase production. Physicochemical parameters for the production of xylanase were optimized by using a one-variable-at-a-time approach and two statistical methods (two-level Plackett-Burman design and central composite design, CCD). The maximum xylanase yield after optimization was increased by 12.1-fold (245 U/g). A 60-70% saturation of ammonium sulfate resulted in partially purified xylanase with a specific activity of 3.9 IU/mg protein. At 60 °C and pH 6, the partially purified xylanase had the highest activity, and the activation energy (Ea) was 23.919 kJmol. Subsequently, antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity tests in normal Ehrlich ascites carcinoma human cells demonstrated xylooligosaccharides produced by the xylanase degradation of xylan as a potent antioxidant and moderate antitumor agent. Further investigations with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis then determined the molecular weight of partially purified xylanase C to be 36 kDa. Based on the conserved regions, observations revealed that xylanase C belonged to the glycosyl hydrolase family 10. Next, the xylanase-encoding gene (xynC), which has an open reading frame of 981 bp and encodes a protein with 326 amino acids, was isolated, sequenced, and submitted to the NCBI GenBank database (accession number LC595779.1). Molecular docking analysis finally revealed that Glu156, Glu262, and Lys75 residues were involved in the substrate-binding and protein-ligand interaction site of modeled xylanase, with a binding affinity of -8.7 kcal. mol
-1. CONCLUSION: The high production of safe and efficient xylanase could be achieved using economical materials such as Ricinus communis., (© 2022. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2022
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35. Solar radiation-induced synthesis of bacterial cellulose/silver nanoparticles (BC/AgNPs) composite using BC as reducing and capping agent.
- Author
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El-Sherbiny GM, Abou El-Nour SA, Askar AA, Mohammad NH, and Hammad AA
- Subjects
- Anti-Bacterial Agents chemistry, Cellulose, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Gram-Positive Bacteria, Green Chemistry Technology methods, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Plant Extracts chemistry, Metal Nanoparticles chemistry, Silver chemistry, Silver pharmacology
- Abstract
In the present work, a simple, novel, and ecofriendly method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and BC/AgNP composite using bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers soaked in AgNO
3 solution under induction action of solar radiation. The photochemical reduction of silver Ag + ions into silver nanoparticles (Ago ) was confirmed using UV visible spectra; the surface plasmon resonance of synthesized AgNPs was localized around 425 nm. The mean diameter of AgNPs obtained by DLS analysis was 52.0 nm with a zeta potential value of - 9.98 mV. TEM images showed a spherical shape of AgNPs. The formation of BC/AgNP composite was confirmed by FESEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analysis. FESEM images for BC showed the 3D structures of BC nanofibers and the deposited AgNPs in the BC crystalline nanofibers. XRD measurements revealed the high crystallinity of BC and BC/AgNP composite with crystal sizes of 5.13 and 5.6 nm, respectively. BC/AgNP composite and AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The present work introduces a facile green approach for BC/AgNP composite synthesis and its utility as potential food packaging and wound dressings, as well as sunlight indicator application., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)- Published
- 2022
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36. Detection of tetracycline and streptomycin in beef tissues using Charm II, isolation of relevant resistant bacteria and control their resistance by gamma radiation.
- Author
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Araby E, Nada HG, Abou El-Nour SA, and Hammad A
- Subjects
- Animal Husbandry, Animals, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Bacteria drug effects, Bacteria isolation & purification, Bacteria radiation effects, Cattle, Egypt, Food Microbiology, Gamma Rays, Meat Products microbiology, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Bacteria classification, Drug Resistance, Bacterial radiation effects, Meat Products analysis, Streptomycin analysis, Tetracycline analysis
- Abstract
Background: Misuse of antibiotics in veterinary medicine has the potential to generate residues in animal derived products, which could contributing to the development of an important health risk either through the exposure to antibiotic residues or the transfer of antibiotic resistance among foodborne pathogens as well. Tetracycline (TE) and eptomycin (ST) are commonly used as antibiotics in the Egyptian animal husbandry. The objective of this study, quick detection of TE and ST in fresh local beef tissue samples using radioimmunoassay Charm II technique, isolation and identification of relevant highly resistant bacterial strains. In addition to investigating the effect of gamma radiation on the susceptibility of such resistant strains to TE and ST., Results: Tetracycline (TE) was detected in all collected samples, while ST was detected in 38.46% (5/13) and 87.5% (7/8) of meat and liver samples, respectively. Fifty-one bacterial isolates were isolated from the tested samples, among them, the highest resistant isolates to TE or ST were identified as Streptococcus thoraltensis, Proteus mirabilis (2 isolates) and E. coli (3 isolates). Among them, the highest D
10 -values in phosphate buffer; 0.807 and 0.480; kGy were recorded with S. thoraltensis and E. coli no.3, respectively. Such values increased to record 0.840 and 0.549 kGy, respectively after artificial inoculation into meat, indicating increased resistance to gamma radiation. Gamma radiation at dose 3 kGy increased the susceptibility of S. thoraltensis up to 50% to TE and ST, while the sensitivity of E. coli no.3 reached up 56% to both antibiotics at the same dose., Conclusions: High prevalence of TE in all fresh collected tissue samples suggests an extensively use of TE as antimicrobial in conventional beef production as compared to ST in the Egyptian cows' husbandry. Moreover, irradiation of food from animal origin by gamma radiation could potentially provide protection against resistant strains. In spite of limited samples used in this study, our data could raise the concerns of public health professionals about a withdrawal period before animals slaughtering, and address the importance of gamma radiation to minimize the hazards of foodborne resistant bacteria.- Published
- 2020
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37. Combined site-specific release retardant mini-matrix tablets (C-SSRRMT) for extended oral delivery of dexketoprofen trometamol: in vitro evaluation and single versus multiple doses pharmacokinetic study in human volunteers.
- Author
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Sweed NM, Basalious EB, and Nour SA
- Subjects
- Administration, Oral, Adult, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal administration & dosage, Area Under Curve, Cross-Over Studies, Delayed-Action Preparations administration & dosage, Drug Administration Schedule, Drug Compounding methods, Drug Liberation, Healthy Volunteers, Humans, Intestinal Absorption, Intestinal Mucosa metabolism, Ketoprofen administration & dosage, Ketoprofen pharmacokinetics, Male, Solubility, Tablets, Therapeutic Equivalency, Tromethamine administration & dosage, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal pharmacokinetics, Delayed-Action Preparations pharmacokinetics, Ketoprofen analogs & derivatives, Tromethamine pharmacokinetics
- Abstract
Development of extended release oral formulations of dexketoprofen trometamol (DT), a rapidly eliminated drug with high solubility, poses a great challenge especially when a portion of the dose is to be absorbed from the colon. In this study, site-specific release-retardant mini-matrix tablets (SSRRMTs) were developed and functionally coated with pH-responsive materials to achieve a site-specific delivery of DT at the duodenojejunal (DSRRMT) and ileocecal (ISRRMT) regions. Stomach-specific coated mini-tablets (SSCMTs) were manufactured for immediate release of about 16% of the daily dose of DT in the stomach. The SSCMT, DSRRMT, and ISRRMT were combined into a solid dosage form (C-SSRRMT tablets or capsules) to achieve the required linear release profile for once daily administration of DT. The SSRRMT and C-SSRRMT formulations were evaluated for the physical properties, in vitro -disintegration and in vitro dissolution and proved to be consistent with the pharmacopeial specifications. The in vitro release profiles of both C-SSRRMT tablets and capsules showed a constant release rate of about 6 mg/h and were similar to that of the theoretical target linear release profile. The pharmacokinetic study using human volunteers showed the bioequivalence of a single oral dose of C-SSRRMT capsules compared to three-successive oral doses of the immediate release market tablets with less ups and downs in the drug levels. The C-SSRRMT capsules formulation, may therefore, constitute an advance in the extended oral delivery of DT without the lack of efficacy and the adverse events frequently encountered in multiple daily dosing of the immediate release tablets.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Intranasal brain-targeted clonazepam polymeric micelles for immediate control of status epilepticus: in vitro optimization, ex vivo determination of cytotoxicity, in vivo biodistribution and pharmacodynamics studies.
- Author
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Nour SA, Abdelmalak NS, Naguib MJ, Rashed HM, and Ibrahim AB
- Subjects
- Administration, Intranasal methods, Animals, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical methods, Drug Carriers chemistry, Drug Delivery Systems methods, Male, Mice, Micelles, Nasal Mucosa metabolism, Particle Size, Poloxamer chemistry, Sheep, Solubility, Tissue Distribution, Brain drug effects, Clonazepam administration & dosage, Clonazepam chemistry, Polymers chemistry, Status Epilepticus drug therapy
- Abstract
Clonazepam (CZ) is an anti-epileptic drug used mainly in status epilepticus (SE). The drug belongs to Class II according to BCS classification with very limited solubility and high permeability and it suffers from extensive first-pass metabolism. The aim of the present study was to develop CZ-loaded polymeric micelles (PM) for direct brain delivery allowing immediate control of SE. PM were prepared via thin film hydration (TFH) technique adopting a central composite face-centered design (CCFD). The seventeen developed formulae were evaluated in terms of entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and in vitro release. For evaluating the in vivo behavior of the optimized formula, both biodistrbution using
99m Tc-radiolabeled CZ and pharmacodynamics studies were done in addition to ex vivo cytotoxicty. At a drug:Pluronic® P123:Pluronic® L121 ratio of 1:20:20 (PM7), a high EE, ZP, Q8h, and a low PDI was achieved. The biodistribution studies revealed that the optimized formula had significantly higher drug targeting efficiency (DTE = 242.3%), drug targeting index (DTI = 144.25), and nose-to-brain direct transport percentage (DTP = 99.30%) and a significant prolongation of protection from seizures in comparison to the intranasally administered solution with minor histopathological changes. The declared results reveal the ability of the developed PM to be a strong potential candidate for the emergency treatment of SE.- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Bumadizone calcium dihydrate microspheres compressed tablets for colon targeting: formulation, optimization and in vivo evaluation in rabbits.
- Author
-
Nour SA, Abdelmalak NS, and Naguib MJ
- Subjects
- Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal pharmacokinetics, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal therapeutic use, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, Colitis, Ulcerative drug therapy, Colitis, Ulcerative metabolism, Colitis, Ulcerative pathology, Colon metabolism, Colon pathology, Disease Models, Animal, Drug Design, Drug Liberation, Female, Male, Malonates pharmacokinetics, Malonates therapeutic use, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Microspheres, Particle Size, Rabbits, Surface Properties, Tablets, Enteric-Coated, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal administration & dosage, Colon drug effects, Drug Carriers chemistry, Malonates administration & dosage, Polymers chemistry
- Abstract
The objective of this study was the development of a colon-targeted microspheres which were compressed into tablets containing the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory bumadizone calcium hemihydrate. [corrected]. A 3(2) full factorial design was adopted for the evaluation of the prepared microspheres. The effect of two independent variables namely polymer type (Eudragit RS100, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate), and drug: polymer ratio (1:1, 9:1 and 18:1) was studied on the entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release for 12 h. Colon targeting aims to minimize the release of the drug off target area (pH 1.2 and 6.8) and to maximize the release of the drug in target area (pH 7.4). Candidate formulae were compressed into core tablets and colon targeting was achieved using the enzyme-dependent polymer (pectin) as coat in three different concentrations 50, 75 and 90%. Candidate formula F15 (microspheres prepared using BDZ:CAB in a ratio of 18:1 and compressed into tablets using 50% pectin and 50% Avicel in the coat) was able to adequately modulate drug release avoiding drug release in the gastric ambient, and reaching the colonic targeting where 99.7% release was achieved within 12 h following zero-order model. In vivo studies showed that F15 achieved significant decrease in myeloperoxidase activity and inflammation with delayed Tmax (4 h) and lower Cmax (2700 ng/ml) when compared to marketed product.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Epidemiology of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in the United States: high rates persist in the post-HIV era.
- Author
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Adada H, Valley MA, Nour SA, Mehta J, Byrd RP Jr, Anderson JL, and Roy T
- Subjects
- Age Distribution, Age Factors, Censuses, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S., Chi-Square Distribution, Emigrants and Immigrants, HIV Infections diagnosis, HIV Infections immunology, Humans, Immunocompromised Host, Immunosuppressive Agents adverse effects, Incidence, Linear Models, Risk Factors, Time Factors, Tuberculosis diagnosis, Tuberculosis immunology, United States epidemiology, Coinfection, Epidemics, HIV Infections epidemiology, Tuberculosis epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States has declined following a logarithmic pattern, with few exceptions. One exception was during the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, which was thought to have caused the deviation. However, since then, alternative explanations have been proposed, including the increased burden of chronic diseases, immigration, and the increase in the use of immune suppressant medications., Methods: Epidemiological data of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bureau of the Census were analyzed regarding TB incidence, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immigration status, and age for the period 1953-2011., Results: Data analysis identified a deviation from the logarithmic decline in TB cases that started in the mid-2000s. This divergence did not appear to be related to HIV status. The overall decline in TB cases since 1953 has been almost exclusively due to a reduction in pulmonary TB (PTB) and not to extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB)., Conclusions: The HIV/AIDS epidemic likely played a significant role in the 1979-1985 deviation, but not subsequently. Furthermore, EPTB as a proportion of total TB cases has remained high. Further studies to delineate the etiologies of these findings are needed.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Tracheobronchial calcification due to warfarin therapy.
- Author
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Nour SA, Nour HA, Mehta J, Roy T, and Byrd R
- Subjects
- Bronchial Diseases diagnostic imaging, Calcinosis diagnostic imaging, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Tracheal Diseases diagnostic imaging, Anticoagulants adverse effects, Bronchial Diseases chemically induced, Calcinosis chemically induced, Tracheal Diseases chemically induced, Warfarin adverse effects
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Feasibility of optimizing trimetazidine dihydrochloride release from controlled porosity osmotic pump tablets of directly compressed cores.
- Author
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Habib BA, Rehim RT, and Nour SA
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop and optimize Trimetazidine dihydrochloride (TM) controlled porosity osmotic pump (CPOP) tablets of directly compressed cores. A 2(3) full factorial design was used to study the influence of three factors namely: PEG400 (10% and 25% based on coating polymer weight), coating level (10% and 20% of tablet core weight) and hole diameter (0 "no hole" and 1 mm). Other variables such as tablet cores, coating mixture of ethylcellulose (4%) and dibutylphthalate (2%) in 95% ethanol and pan coating conditions were kept constant. The responses studied (Yi ) were cumulative percentage released after 2 h (Q%2h), 6 h (Q%6h), 12 h (Q%12h) and regression coefficient of release data fitted to zero order equation (RSQzero), for Y 1, Y 2, Y 3, and Y 4, respectively. Polynomial equations were used to study the influence of different factors on each response individually. Response surface methodology and multiple response optimization were used to search for an optimized formula. Response variables for the optimized formula were restricted to 10% ⩽ Y 1 ⩽ 20%, 40% ⩽ Y 2 ⩽ 60%, 80% ⩽ Y 3 ⩽ 100%, and Y 4 > 0.9. The statistical analysis of the results revealed that PEG400 had positive effects on Q%2h, Q%6h and Q%12h, hole diameter had positive effects on all responses and coating level had positive effect on Q%6h, Q%12h and negative effect on RSQzero. Full three factor interaction (3FI) equations were used for representation of all responses except Q%2h which was represented by reduced (3FI) equation. Upon exploring the experimental space, no formula in the tested range could satisfy the required constraints. Thus, direct compression of TM cores was not suitable for formation of CPOP tablets. Preliminary trials of CPOP tablets with wet granulated cores were promising with an intact membrane for 12 h and high RSQzero. Further improvement of these formulations to optimize TM release will be done in further studies.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Emergency contraceptive pills as a backup for lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) of contraception: a randomized controlled trial.
- Author
-
Shaaban OM, Hassen SG, Nour SA, Kames MA, and Yones EM
- Subjects
- Adult, Breast Feeding, Female, Humans, Male, Pregnancy, Young Adult, Amenorrhea, Contraception Behavior statistics & numerical data, Contraception, Postcoital statistics & numerical data, Lactation, Pregnancy, Unplanned
- Abstract
Background: The use of breastfeeding as a method of birth spacing occasionally ends in "unplanned pregnancy." This is due to unexpected expiration of one or more of the lactation amenorrhea method (LAM) prerequisites. The current study tests a new concept that the in-advance provision of single packet of progestogen emergency contraception (EC) pills during the postpartum LAM counseling may decrease the incidence of unplanned pregnancy during breastfeeding., Study Design: This was a registered two-armed randomized controlled trial (NCT 01111929). Women intending to breastfeed and to postpone pregnancy for 1 year or more were approached. They received adequate postpartum contraceptive counseling. Women intending to use LAM were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The LAM-only group received the proper LAM counseling and did not receive counseling about EC. The LAM-EC group received counseling for both LAM and EC with in-advance provision of one packet of EC pills. They were advised to use these pills if one of the prerequisites of LAM expires and sexual relation has occurred before the initiation of another regular contraceptive protection. All the participants were advised that they need to use another regular method upon expiration of any of the LAM prerequisites., Results: Eligible women were 1158 parturients randomized into two equal groups. Forty-four percent of the women provided with EC used them. Significantly more women in the LAM-EC group initiated regular contraception within or shortly after the first 6 months postpartum when compared with those in the LAM-only group (30.5% vs. 7.3%, respectively; p=.0004). Pregnancy occurred in 5% of the LAM-only group as compared with 0.8% in the LAM-EC group (p=.005). Minimal side effects were reported after EC use., Conclusion: In-advance provision of EC pills can increase the rate of initiation of regular contraception once one or more of the prerequisites of LAM expire. Consequently, the use of EC pills as a temporary backup of LAM can decrease the incidence of unplanned pregnancy during breastfeeding. The use of progestogen EC pill during lactation is safe and tolerable., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Preparation and evaluation of microemulsion systems containing salicylic acid.
- Author
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Badawi AA, Nour SA, Sakran WS, and El-Mancy SM
- Subjects
- Drug Stability, Emulsions, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Viscosity, Salicylic Acid chemistry
- Abstract
Microemulsions (MEs) are clear, thermodynamically stable systems. They were used to solubilize drugs and to improve topical drug availability. Salicylic acid (SA) is a keratolytic agent used in topical products with antimicrobial actions. The objective of this work was to prepare and evaluate SA ME systems. Different concentrations of SA were incorporated in an ME base composed of isopropyl myristate, water, and Tween 80: propylene glycol in the ratio of 15:1. Three ME systems were prepared: S2%, S5%, and S10% which contain 2%, 5%, and 10% of SA, respectively. Evaluation by examination under cross-polarizing microscope, measuring of percent transmittance, pH measurement, determination of the specific gravity, assessment of rheological properties, and accelerated stability study were carried out. The data showed that the addition of SA markedly affected the physical properties of the base. All systems were not affected by accelerated stability tests. Stability study for 6 months under ambient conditions was carried out for S10%. No remarkable changes were recorded except a decrease in the viscosity value after 1 month. The results suggested that ME could be a suitable vehicle for topical application of different concentrations of SA.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of stomach-specific metronidazole-loaded alginate beads as local anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy.
- Author
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Ishak RA, Awad GA, Mortada ND, and Nour SA
- Subjects
- Alginates chemical synthesis, Alginates pharmacokinetics, Animals, Anti-Infective Agents chemical synthesis, Anti-Infective Agents pharmacokinetics, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, Delayed-Action Preparations administration & dosage, Delayed-Action Preparations chemical synthesis, Delayed-Action Preparations pharmacokinetics, Drug Delivery Systems methods, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical methods, Gastric Mucosa metabolism, Gastric Mucosa microbiology, Gastric Mucosa pathology, Glucuronic Acid administration & dosage, Glucuronic Acid chemical synthesis, Glucuronic Acid pharmacokinetics, Helicobacter Infections metabolism, Helicobacter Infections pathology, Helicobacter pylori isolation & purification, Hexuronic Acids administration & dosage, Hexuronic Acids chemical synthesis, Hexuronic Acids pharmacokinetics, Humans, Male, Metronidazole chemical synthesis, Metronidazole pharmacokinetics, Mice, Alginates administration & dosage, Anti-Infective Agents administration & dosage, Gastric Mucosa drug effects, Helicobacter Infections drug therapy, Helicobacter pylori drug effects, Metronidazole administration & dosage
- Abstract
Metronidazole (MZ), a common antibacterial drug used in treatment of H. pylori, was prepared in chitosan-treated alginate beads by the ionotropic gelation method. A (3x2x2) factorially designed experiment was used in which 3 viscosity-imparting polymers namely, methyl cellulose, carbopol 934P and kappa-carrageenan, 2 concentrations (0.2 and 0.4% w/v) of chitosan as encapsulating polymer and 2 concentrations (2.5 and 5% w/w) of the low density magnesium stearate as a floating aid were tested. The drug entrapment efficiency (%), the percent of floating beads and the time for 80% of the drug to be released (T(80%)) were the responses evaluated. The bead formula containing 0.5% kappa-carrageenan, 0.4% chitosan and 5% magnesium stearate showed immediate buoyancy, optimum drug entrapment efficiency and extended drug release. The histopathological examination of mice stomachs and in vivo H. pylori clearance tests were carried out by orally administering MZ floating alginate beads or MZ suspension, to H. pylori infected mice under fed conditions as a single daily dose for 3 successive days in different doses 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg. The histopathological examination showed that groups receiving MZ in the form of floating alginate beads at doses 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg were better than the corresponding suspension form, regarding eradication of H. pylori infection. The in vivo H. pylori clearance tests showed that MZ floating beads with a dose of 15 mg/kg provided 100% clearance rate whereas the MZ suspension with a dose of 20 mg/kg gave only 33.33%.
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Ear, nose and throat manifestations of relapsing polychondritis in a child.
- Author
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Fadl FA, Hassan KM, Oyetunji NM, and Al-Nour SA
- Subjects
- Antirheumatic Agents therapeutic use, Biopsy, Child, Cough, Diagnosis, Differential, Fever, Hoarseness, Humans, Male, Methotrexate therapeutic use, Pharyngitis, Polychondritis, Relapsing drug therapy, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Polychondritis, Relapsing diagnosis
- Abstract
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disorder, that can present initially to Otolaryngologists and can easily be overlooked due to its relative rarity and atypical initial symptoms and signs. Here we report on a 12-year-old schoolboy who presented initially with ear, nose and throat manifestations, including stridor, cough, hoarseness, sore throat and fever. The other clinical signs such as nasal tip, depression and softening of right auricle, developed subsequently. The clinical features, laboratory investigations, diagnostic criteria and treatment options were discussed with a brief review of literature.
- Published
- 2001
47. Correlation between the spermicidal activity and the haemolytic index of certain plant saponins.
- Author
-
Elbary AA and Nour SA
- Subjects
- Animals, Chemical Phenomena, Chemistry, Physical, Drug Compounding, Female, Humans, In Vitro Techniques, Irritants, Male, Rabbits, Saponins administration & dosage, Vagina drug effects, Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies, Hemolysis drug effects, Saponins pharmacology, Spermatocidal Agents
- Abstract
The haemolytic index, the spermicidal efficacy and the effect on the vaginal mucosa of some plant saponins were determined. It was proved that a certain correlation exists between the haemolytic index and the spermicidal efficacy of these saponins. Saponin of Gypsophila paniculata was proved to be relatively superior when used in aqueous solution or when formulated in polyethylene glycol ointment base.
- Published
- 1979
48. Dissolution rate of chloramphenicol from hard gelatin capsules as a function of type of adjuvants and method of granulation.
- Author
-
Abd Elbary A, Fadel HM, and Nour SA
- Subjects
- Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic, Capsules, Drug Compounding, Powders, Solubility, Time Factors, Chloramphenicol analysis
- Abstract
The dissolution rate of chloramphenicol from its hard gelatin capsules containing different formulations either in the form of fine powdered blend or granules was investigated. The granules were prepared by the wet method using ethanol 60%, gelatin, carboyme thyl cellulose (CMC) sodium or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as binders or by slugging at different mechanical strengths. Results showed that the more hydrophilic the formula, the more the dissolution rate of chloramphenicol. Capsules filled with fine powdered blend gave a higher dissolution of the drug than those filled with granules prepared by the wet method or granules prepared from slugs of high mechanical strengths. Of the binding agents tested in the wet method, alcohol excelled gelatin, and the latter excelled CMC sodium and PVP. Capsules filled with granules prepared from slugs of 1 kg hardness gave a dissolution rate which was either higher than or nearly approaching that of capsules filled with the corresponding fine powdered blend.
- Published
- 1984
49. Effect of vehicles on the spermicidal potency of certain drugs.
- Author
-
Kassem AA, Abd Elbary A, and Nour SA
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Male, Polyethylene Glycols pharmacology, Solubility, Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies, Pharmaceutic Aids pharmacology, Spermatozoa drug effects
- Abstract
Different spermicidal drugs were formulated into ointments, creams, pastes and jellies and tested for their spermicidal potency on human sperms adopting a modified in vitro technique. Of the formulae tested, those incorporated in Carbopol 934 of polyethylene glycol base exhibited the most prevailing spermicidal activity.
- Published
- 1977
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