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Salt is a mineral used in various industries/foods to fulfil different needs. Its utilization for food preparation is most common and its unmonitored consumption leads to many diseases. In this article, two sensors S1 and S2 have been designed and simulated using COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS 5.6 software to measure the salt concentration of various salt samples. The performances of the sensor structure have been evaluated by varying geometrical parameters and electrode materials. The sensor works on the extension of Thompson and Lampard Theorem, a well-known principle used to fabricate a primary standard of capacitor. Sensor S2 is fabricated, and experiments are conducted with various concentrations of salt samples. The experimental results closely match the results of the simulation and the commercial conductivity meter. A highly linear response with a sensitivity of 1.87 mV/(mg/100 ml) and with an average repeatability index of ±0.17% is observed. Furthermore, the Gaussian Naïve Bayes-based machine learning algorithm has been used to categorize salt samples into eight different salt taste types. The data for salt concentration samples are generated using 100 volunteers. The machine learning algorithm achieved an accuracy of 93.33% for predicting salt taste type.

Abstract Due to their versatile applications, ZnONPs have been formulated by several approaches, including green chemistry methods. In the current study, convenient and economically viable ZnONPs were produced using Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) leaf extracts. The phytochemicals from E. angustifolia L. are believed to serve as a non-toxic source of reducing and stabilizing agents. The physical and chemical properties of ZnONPs were investigated employing varying analytical techniques (UV, XRD, FT-IR, EDX, SEM, TEM, DLS and Raman). Strong UV–Vis absorption at 399 nm was observed for green ZnONPs. TEM, SEM and XRD analyses determined the nanoscale size, morphology and crystalline structure of ZnONPs, respectively. The ZnONPs were substantiated by evaluation using HepG2 (IC50: 21.7 µg mL−1) and HUH7 (IC50: 29.8 µg mL−1) cancer cell lines and displayed potential anticancer activities. The MTT cytotoxicity assay was conducted using Leishmania tropica “KWH23” (promastigotes: IC50, 24.9 µg mL−1; and amastigotes: IC50, 32.83 µg mL−1). ZnONPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial potencies against five different bacterial and fungal species via the disc-diffusion method, and their MIC values were calculated. ZnONPs were found to be biocompatible using human erythrocytes and macrophages. Free radical scavenging tests revealed excellent antioxidant activities. Enzyme inhibition assays were performed and revealed excellent potential. These findings suggested that EA@ZnONPs have potential applications and could be used as a promising candidate for clinical development.

This paper presents a taxonomic study of genus Vincetoxicum s.str. from southern Asia. Eleven regional endemic species are recognized on the basis of herbarium studies and fieldwork. Three new species are described: V. lenifolium sp. nov. (endemic to Pakistan), V. stewartianum sp. nov. (endemic to India), and V. subcanescens sp. nov. (endemic to Pakistan, Kashmir and Tibet). Three species names, V. cabulicum, V. glaucum and V. kenouriense, previously treated as synonyms of V. glaucum, V. canescens and V. hirundinaria, respectively, are resurrected. A neotype is designated for the Afghani endemic V. cabulicum. A lectotype is chosen from the syntypes of V. glaucum. We resolve the long-standing taxonomic problems in three species complexes: V. arnottianum, V. luridum, V. sakesarense, and V. stocksii; V. glaucum, V. canescens and V. cabulicum; and V. hirundinaria and V. kenouriense. Geo-taxonomic distinctions of southern Asian taxa are highlighted by excluding from henceforth the long misrecognized western Eurasian taxa V. canescens and V. hirundinaria. Furthermore, a detailed account of the genus including illustrations of whole plants, leaves and corona, distribution maps, a taxonomic key, morphological descriptions, synonymy, notes, and information on phenology, distribution and habitats is provided. Finally, provisional conservation assessments are provided, which indicate that V. cardiostephanum and V. sakesarense are critically endangered.

Salvia has a high degree of environmental compatibility and is widespread around the world, especially in tropical and temperate regions. It is represented by 61 species in Iran including 19 endemic species. Salvia species are mostly shrubs or subshrubs, occasionally herbs, typically perennial, sometimes biennial or annual, and often aromatic. The genus has high medicinal, commercial and horticultural value. It is the largest and one of the taxonomically complicated genus of Lamiaceae. To determine the genetic diversity and understand the species’ limits within the Iranian Salvia, we produced both morphological and molecular data using 145 randomly collected plants representing 30 species from 18 provinces of Iran. A total of 107 reproducible bands were generated by 10 of 25 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, with an average of 10.7 bands/primer and 44% polymorphism. Largest number of effective alleles (Ne), genetic diversity (H), and Shannon Index (I) were shown by S. reuterana. Our data depicted highest similarity between S. suffruticosa and S. hydrangea and lowest between S. aristata and S. oligphylla. Salvia limbata showed relatively low level of genetic variation. Finally, the Neighbor Joining (NJ) trees based on RAPD markers data divided the populations into two different clusters, indicating their genetic difference which is discussed in details.

Skin cancer is a life threatening disease and their prevalence and risk has been increasing over the past three decades causing significant loss to human health worldwide. Mostly skin cancer has developed resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, development of novel, cost effective and efficient treatment methods are needed. Phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants and dietary sources are often biologically active and has attracted the attention of researchers and pharmaceutical industries around the world. Many in vitro and in vivo studies of these bioactive compounds have shown potential antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects in the fight against skin cancer. These phytochemicals also regulate several other molecular processes such as angiogenesis, metastasis and cell cycle to combat skin cancer. The present review provides perspectives on the key phytochemicals, their therapeutic potentials, bioavailability and molecular mechanism of action in the cancer therapeutics. Current challenges and future directions for research are also critically discussed.

In the current study, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Alnus nitida (leaves and fruits) was evaluated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Traditionally, A. nitida was used for the treatment of inflammatory ailments. However, A. nitida leaves and fruits have not been yet reported regarding any potential medicinal effects. Leaves/fruits of A. nitida were extracted with methanol and fractionated to attain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. These extracts were then evaluated for in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. For in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, Freunds’ complete adjuvant-induced edema, xylene-induced ear edema and histamine-induced paw edema models were used in rats, which showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction (70–80%) in edema in comparison of inflammatory controls. On other hand, for the analgesic assessment, hot plate assay and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used, which showed a significant (p < 0.01) rise in latency time (40–60%) as compared with pain-induced controls. These results were comparable with standard drugs in a concentration-dependent manner and no mortality or toxicity was observed during all experiments. Then, for the identification of chemical constituents gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed, which indicated the presence of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol and vitamin E, justifying the use of A. nitida to treat inflammatory disorders.

Ilex dipyrena Wall (Aquifoliaceae), is a traditional medicinal plant abundantly found in India and Pakistan. In the current research work, initially, the anatomical characteristics were recorded through microscopic examination of selected plant parts, such as leaf, petiole, and midrib. Then, the quantitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard tests reported in literature. The whole-plant powdered sample was then soaked in methanol to obtain crude extract, which was then fractionated into solvents of different polarities to obtain ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol, hexane, and aqueous extracts. The phytochemical composition of the crude ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts (being the most active fractions) was then confirmed through HPLC analyses, where the possible phytochemical present were predicted through comparison of retention time of a given compound peak with the available standards. The extracts were also evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and ani-lipoxygenase potentials using standard methods. The microscopic examination revealed the presence of anomocytic type stomata on the abaxial side of the leaf as well as unicellular trichrome and calcium oxalate druses crystals in the midrib and petiole, with a single, centered U-shaped collateral arterial bundle, which was directed toward the adaxial and the phloem toward the abaxial sides of the selected plant parts, respectively. Almost all tested representative groups of phytochemicals and essential minerals were detected in the selected plant, whereas five possible phytochemicals were confirmed in crude and chloroform extract and seven in ethyl acetate fraction. As antioxidant, chloroform fraction was more potent, which exhibited an IC50 value of 64.99, 69.15, and 268.52 µg/mL, determined through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Ethyl acetate extract was also equally potent against the tested free radicals. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were also potent against lipoxygenase, with IC50 value of 75.99 and 106.11 µg/mL, respectively. Based on the results of biological studies, Ilex dipyrena was found to good inhibitor of free radicals and lipoxygenase that could be further investigated to isolate compounds of medicinal importance.

Breast cancer is a frightful disease and serious concern in women around the world causing significant health care burden in both developed and developing countries. Extensive research work has shown that breast cancer provides strong resistance to chemical agents, UV radiation, and hormonal treatments. It is generally accepted that cell genetics is not the only main reason for breast cancer and genetic risk factors, for example, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes constitute 5%-10% of all breast cancer rates. Other related factors include age, gender, race, ethnicity, weight, reproductive factors, exo- and endogenous hormonal exposures, oral contraceptives use, ultraviolet radiation, diet, and night work (circadian disruption). Many studies have revealed that dietary isoflavones regulate breast cancer occurrence, recurrence and prognosis. Dietary isoflavones have long been part of Asian population diet and there is a significant increase as compared to dietary isoflavones intake among other populations. Dietary isoflavones are natural phytoestrogens having both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic potentials on breast cancer cells in culture, animal models and in experimental trials. This literature survey provides a comprehensive overview on the tumor preventive and tumor promoting potentials of dietary isoflavones on breast cancer. In addition, this paper provides a literature review of dietary isoflavones and their effects on up-regulation and down-regulation of different signaling pathways, genes and proteins. Finally, future perspectives of dietary isoflavones and breast cancer researchers are also critically discussed, which will provide a deeper insight regarding the inner molecular mechanisms of action.

The National Cancer Institute had projected breast cancer (BC) as one of the topmost prevalent malignancies around the globe. In many cases, BC becomes resistant to chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapies. Traditional BC therapies are associated with adverse side effects, drug resistance and recurrence. Extensive research work has shown that these dietary phytochemicals (DPs) may exert therapeutic effects by regulating the miRNA expression. A large number of DPs have been researched as miRNA regulatory agents against BC and some other DPs have not yet been tested against BC. We have discussed the effects of curcumin, diallyl disulphide, 3,3′ diindolylmethane, ellagic acid, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, quercetin, resveratrol, and sulforaphane on regulation of expression of BC miRNAs in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models. We have also shown some of the possible DPs (Oleanolic acid, capsaicin, benzyl isothiocyanate, epigallocatechin gallate, phenethyl isothiocyanate and ursolic acid) that have shown miRNA regulatory activities and have not yet been tested against BC miRNAs. Finally, current limitations, challenges, future perspectives of DPs and BC research are also critically discussed.

Abstract Background The medicinal importance of a novel plant Olax nana Wall. ex Benth. (family: Olacaceae) was revealed for the first time via HPLC-DAD finger printing, qualitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. Methods The crude methanolic extract of O. nana (ON-Cr) was subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and HPLC-DAD finger printing. The antioxidant potential of ON-Cr was assessed via 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radical scavenging assays. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) & butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were performed using Ellman’s assay, while α- glucosidase inhibitory assay was carried out using a standard protocol. Results The qualitative phytochemical analysis of ON-Cr revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins and terpenoids. The HPLC-DAD finger printing revealed the presence of 40 potential compounds in ON-Cr. Considerable anti-radical activities was revealed by ON-Cr in the DPPH, ABTS and H2O2 free radical scavenging assays with IC50 values of 71.46, 72.55 and 92.33 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, ON-Cr showed potent AChE and BChE inhibitory potentials as indicated by their IC50 values of 33.2 and 55.36 μg/mL, respectively. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, ON-Cr exhibited moderate inhibitory propensity with an IC50 value of 639.89 μg/mL. Conclusions This study investigated Olax nana for the first time for detailed qualitative phytochemical tests, HPLC-DAD finger printing analysis, antioxidant, anticholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory results were considerable and can provide scientific basis for further studies on the neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer’s potentials of this plant. ON-Cr may further be subjected to fractionation and polarity guided fractionation to narrow down the search for isolation of bioactive compounds.

Cancer is a frightful disease and represents one of the biggest health-care issues for the human race and demands a proactive strategy for cure. Plants are reservoirs for novel chemical entities and provide a promising line for research on cancer. Hitherto, being effective, chemotherapy is accompanied by certain unbearable side effects. Nevertheless, plants and plant derived products is a revolutionizing field as these are Simple, safer, eco-friendly, low-cost, fast, and less toxic as compared with conventional treatment methods. Phytochemicals are selective in their functions and acts specifically on tumor cells without affecting normal cells. Carcinogenesis is complex phenomena that involves many signaling cascades. Phytochemicals are considered suitable candidates for anticancer drug development due to their pleiotropic actions on target events with multiple manners. The research is in progress for developing potential candidates (those can block or slow down the growth of cancer cells without any side effects) from these phytochemicals. Many phytochemicals and their derived analogs have been identified as potential candidates for anticancer therapy. Effort has been made through this comprehensive review to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in cancer therapies using phytomolecules with their mechanism of action on nuclear and cellular factors. Furthermore, drugs for cancer treatment and their limitations have also been discussed. Keywords: Cancer, Limitations of anticancer drugs, Phytochemicals, Analogs

One of the most common problems in the medical world is the resistance of cancer cells to anti-tumor drugs, so finding new anticancer agents with minimal side effect is essential. This study aims at identifying medicinal plants in to the southern region of Ilam province in west Iran, which are traditionally used in the treatment of cancer by herbal practitioners. This study was conducted in the southern district of Ilam province, Iran. The study was conducted from August 2013 to October 2014 by using questionnaire and interview from herbal practitioners. The collected data were analyzed through relative frequency of citation index (RFC). In this study, 36 herbal practitioners were interviewed. A sum of 21 medicinal plants used in variety of cancers from16 families were identified for the Southern District of Ilam. Asteraceae was the dominant plant family, and the most used organ was aerial parts (44%). Dermal cancer was the most treated cancer by herbal practitioners in the region with different herbs. Lawsonia inermis and Satureja khuzistanica were the most cited species for anticancer use. On comparison with the literature it was revealed that 61.9% plants are not scientifically validated against any type of cancer. New therapeutic remedies were reported for the first time and a number of similar effects of the reported plants were found in other studies. As a result of the present study we recommend the plants documented in the present study, which are not pharmacologically assessed, for further pharmacological studies.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptors and has a poor prognosis as it is resistant to chemotherapy. A new treatment option for this type of cancer may be by putting these malignant cells into dormancy. The oocyte's embryonic milieu presents a unique tumor reversion microenvironment by inducing growth arrest and changing cells' phenotypes. We conducted an in-silico study to determine the most likely oocyte extract (OE) proteins involved in inducing dormancy using HDock, CluPro, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. Results showed low energy scores for complexes between OE proteins and four surface markers: K1C14, CLD3, CLD4, and ITA6. Apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) and Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) showed the highest stability and affinity with these four surface markers: K1C14, CLD3, CLD4, and ITA6. These proteins are involved in key tumor-related pathways such as angiogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. This will pave the way for exploring novel therapeutic options to induce dormancy in TNBC cells., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Herein, we report analogues of s-indacene by the synthesis of novel indolizine derivatives. Using chloroform as an appropriate solvent, sixteen derivatives of pyrazolyl-indolizine (4--19) were prepared by the reaction of 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) with hydrazonoyl chloride derivatives (2) in the presence of triethylamine in good to excellent yields. We used NMR spectra, IR, mass spectrometry, as well as elemental analyses to prove the chemical structures and the purity of the synthesized compounds 4-19. Among all tested compounds 5, 9, 13 and 19 had a potent antimicrobial efficiency against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aerginousea, Sallmonella typhemerium, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) toward the Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa when treated with compound 9 was observed, while compound 13 remarkably increased the cell membrane oxidation of Salmonella typhimurium. Additionally, we utilized docking studies and in silico methods to evaluate the drug-likeness, physicochemical properties, and ADMET profiles of the compounds. The results of the molecular docking simulation revealed that the synthesized compounds displayed decreased binding energy when interacting with the active sites of important enzymes, including Sterol 14-demethylase of C. albicans, Dihydropteroate synthase of S. aureus, LasR of P. aeruginosa, Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase of S. typhimurium, and Gyrase B of B. subtilis., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

A very practical method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical carbamide derivatives in good to excellent yield was presented, without the need for any catalyst and at room temperature. Using a facile and robust protocol, fifteen unsymmetrical carbamide derivatives (9-23) bearing different aliphatic amine moieties were designed and synthesized by the reaction of secondary aliphatic amines with isocyanate derivatives in the presence of acetonitrile as an appropriate solvent in good to excellent yields. Trusted instruments like IR, mass spectrometry, NMR spectra, and elemental analyses were employed to validate the purity and chemical structures of the synthesized compounds. All the synthesized compounds were tested as antimicrobial agents against some clinically bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Compounds 15, 16, 17, 19 and 22 showed potent antimicrobial activity with promising MIC values compared to the positive controls. Moreover, compounds 15 and 22 provide a potent lipid peroxidation (LPO) of the bacterial cell wall. On the other hand, we investigated the anti-proliferative activity of compounds 9-23 against selected human cancerous cell lines of breast (MCF-7), colon (HCT-116), and lung (A549) relative to healthy noncancerous control skin fibroblast cells (BJ-1). The mechanism of their cytotoxic activity has been also examined by immunoassaying the levels of key anti- and pro-apoptotic protein markers. The results of MTT assay revealed that compounds 10, 13, 21, 22 and 23 possessed highly cytotoxic effects. Out of these, three synthesized compounds 13, 21 and 22 showed cytotoxicity with IC 50 values (13, IC 50  = 62.4 ± 0.128 and 22, IC 50  = 91.6 ± 0.112 µM, respectively, on MCF-7), (13, IC 50  = 43.5 ± 0.15 and 21, IC 50  = 38.5 ± 0.17 µM, respectively, on HCT-116). Cell cycle and apoptosis/necrosis assays demonstrated that compounds 13 and 22 induced S and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells, while only compound 13 had this effect on HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, compound 13 exhibited the greatest potency in inducing apoptosis in both cell lines compared to compounds 21 and 22. Docking studies indicated that compounds 10, 13, 21 and 23 could potentially inhibit enzymes and exert promising antimicrobial effects, as evidenced by their lower binding energies and various types of interactions observed at the active sites of key enzymes such as Sterol 14-demethylase of C. albicans, Dihydropteroate synthase of S. aureus, LasR of P. aeruginosa, Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase of K. pneumenia and Gyrase B of B. subtilis. Moreover, 13, 21, and 22 demonstrated minimal binding energy and favorable affinity towards the active pocket of anticancer receptor proteins, including CDK2, EGFR, Erα, Topoisomerase II and VEGFFR. Physicochemical properties, drug-likeness, and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) parameters of the selected compounds were also computed., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The antiviral properties of the flowering aerial extracts of Ruellia tuberosa and Ruellia patula were investigated through phytochemical profiling via LC-MS/MS and HPLC techniques. Qualitative LC-MS/MS analyses identified seventy-seven metabolites from both Ruellia species. R. tuberosa had the highest phenolic content (49.3%), whereas R. patula had the highest flavonoid content (57.8%). Additionally, quantitative HPLC investigations of the compounds identified by LC-MS/MS were performed using the available standard compounds. The main constituents in the R. tuberosa extract was found to be catechin (5321.63 µg/g), gallic acid (2878.71 µg/g), and ellagic acid (2530.79 µg/g), whereas the major compounds in the R. patula extract was found to be rutin (11,074.19 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (3157.35 µg/g). Furthermore, the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species against HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2 and H1N1 were evaluated. These findings demonstrated that R. tuberosa was more active than R. patula against all tested viruses, except for the HSV-2 virus, against which R. patula showed greater activity than R. tuberosa, with IC 50 values of 20, 65, 22.59, and 13.13 µg/ml for R. tuberosa flowering aerial parts and 32.26, 11.66, and 23.03 µg/ml for R. patula flowering aerial parts, respectively for HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2, and H1N1. Additionally, computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess the molecular interactions between the bioactive compounds and specific viral targets. The combined findings from the in-vitro and in-silico experiments comprehensively evaluated the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species extracts., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The targeted compounds were prepared using both (9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)hydrazine (1) and 10H-phenothiazine (2) as starting materials. The treatment of 1 or 2 with different isocyanates afforded the title compounds 7a-d, 8a, and 8b in excellent yield. All compounds were characterized and ascertained by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and elemental analyses as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The antimicrobial efficiency of all was tested in vitro, and a noticeable inhibition activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans was obtained by compounds 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b. Moreover, the biofilm mechanism activity was strongly inhibited by compounds 7b and 8b for all bacterial pathogens, with a percentage ratio of more than 55%. The findings from the molecular docking simulation revealed that compounds 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b exhibited favorable binding energies and interacted effectively with the active sites of sterol 14-demethylase, dihydropteroate synthase, gyrase B, LasR (major transcriptional activator of P. aeruginosa), and carbapenemase for C. albicans, S. aureus, B. subtills, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa, respectively. These results suggest that the compounds have the potential to inhibit the activity of these enzymes and demonstrate promising antimicrobial properties. Moreover, the in silico evaluation of drug likeness and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles for compounds 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b demonstrated their compatibility with Lipinski's, Ghose's, Veber's, Muegge's, and Egan's rules. These findings suggest that these compounds possess favorable physicochemical properties, making them promising candidates for continued drug development efforts., (© 2024 Deutsche Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft.)

Copper-doped ZnO nanoparticles with the formula Zn 1-x(Cu) O, where x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07 were produced using the co-precipitation process. Physical, chemical, and structural properties were properly examined. Powdered X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) patterns revealed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure in all samples, through atomic substitutional incorporation in the Cu-doped ZnO lattice. The presence of Cu ions and their dissolution in the host ZnO crystal structure was supported by FT-IR spectra. HR-TEM images were used to assess the average size, morphology, and shape regularity of the synthesized samples. The form and homogeneity of the ZnO changed when Cu ions were substituted, as evidenced by FE-SEM/EDX analysis. The presence of copper signals in the Cu-doped samples indicates that the doping was successful. The decrease in zeta potential with an increased copper doping percentage designates that the nanoparticles (NPs) are more stable, which could be attributed to an increase in the ionic strength of the aqueous solution. The synthesized NPs were evaluated for their substantial in vitro antioxidant properties. In addition, the antimicrobial efficacy of the materials was tested against pathogenic microorganisms. Regarding the anti-diabetic activity, the 7Cu ZnO sample showed the highest inhibitory effect on the α-amylase enzyme. No variations were observed in the activities of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) and proteinase enzymes with ZnO and samples doped with different concentrations of Cu. Therefore, further studies are recommended to reveal the in-vitro anti-diabetic activity of the studied doped samples. Finally, molecular docking provided valuable insights into the potential binding interactions of Cu-doped ZnO with α-amylase, FabH of E. coli, and Penicillin-binding proteins of S. aureus. These outcomes suggest that the prepared materials may have an inhibitory effect on enzymes and hold promise in the battle against microbial infections and diabetes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background and Objectives : Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a primary pathogen responsible for dental abscesses, which cause inflammation and pain when trapped between the crown and soft tissues of an erupted tooth. Therefore, this study aims to use specific phages as an alternative method instead of classical treatments based on antibiotics to destroy multidrug-resistant E. faecalis bacteria for treating dental issues. Materials and Methods : In the current study, twenty-five bacterial isolates were obtained from infected dental specimens; only five had the ability to grow on bile esculin agar, and among these five, only two were described to be extensive multidrug-resistant isolates. Results : Two bacterial isolates, Enterococcus faecalis A.R.A.01 [ON797462.1] and Enterococcus faecalis A.R.A.02, were identified biochemically and through 16S rDNA, which were used as hosts for isolating specific phages. Two isolated phages were characterized through TEM imaging, which indicated that E. faecalis &#95;phage-01 had a long and flexible tail, belonging to the family Siphoviridae , while E . faecalis &#95;phage-02 had a contractile tail, belonging to the family Myoviridae. Genetically, two phages were identified through the PCR amplification and sequencing of the RNA ligase of Enterococcus phage vB&#95;EfaS&#95;HEf13, through which our phages shared 97.2% similarity with Enterococcus phage vB-EfaS-HEf13 based on BLAST analysis. Furthermore, through in silico analysis and annotations of the two phages' genomes, it was determined that a total of 69 open reading frames (ORFs) were found to be involved in various functions related to integration excision, replication recombination, repair, stability, and defense. In phage optimization, the two isolated phages exhibited a high specific host range with Enterococcus faecalis among six different bacterial hosts, where E. faecalis &#95;phage-01 had a latent period of 30 min with 115.76 PFU/mL, while E . faecalis &#95;phage-02 had a latent period of 25 min with 80.6 PFU/mL. They were also characterized with stability at wide ranges of pH (4-11) and temperature (10-60 °C), with a low cytotoxic effect on the oral epithelial cell line at different concentrations (1000-31.25 PFU/mL). Conclusions : The findings highlight the promise of phage therapy in dental medicine, offering a novel approach to combating antibiotic resistance and enhancing patient outcomes. Further research and clinical trials will be essential to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety profile of these bacteriophages in human populations.

To combat infections, silver was used extensively in biomedical field but there was a need for a capping agent to eliminate its cytotoxic effects. In this study, polymeric calcium polyphosphate was doped by silver with three concentrations 1, 3 or 5 mol.% and were characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA. Moreover, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, cell migration and DNA fragmentation assays were done to assure its safety. The results showed that the increase in silver percentage caused an increase in particle size. XRD showed the silver peaks, which indicated that it is present in its metallic form. The TGA showed that thermal stability was increased by increasing silver content. The antibacterial tests showed that the prepared nanoparticles have an antibacterial activity against tested pathogens. In addition, the cytotoxicity results showed that the samples exhibited non-cytotoxic behavior even with the highest doping concentration (5% Ag-CaPp). The cell migration assay showed that the increase in the silver concentration enhances cell migration up to 3% Ag-CaPp. The DNA fragmentation test revealed that all the prepared nanoparticles caused no fragmentation. From the results we can deduce that 3% Ag-CaPp was the optimum silver doped calcium polyphosphate concentration that could be used safely for medical applications., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The current study assessed two concrete mixes prepared using dolomite and barite/limonite aggregates to shield against both energetic photons and neutrons. After that, a designed mix which comprised barite/goethite aggregates plus fine-powdered boron carbide additive, was proposed to improve the overall radiation shielding properties and in the same time, doesn't compromise or even improve the physic-mechanical properties of the mature concrete. The assessment started first with intensive experimental investigations to investigate the prepared mixes' shielding capabilities against both γ-rays and fast neutrons. Then, analytical computations were performed via number of reliable software programs such as; Phy-X, NXCom, MRCsC, JANIS-4, and MCNP5, in order to confirm the experimental results and to validate the created Monte-Carlo models. Finally, an intensive radiation shielding assessment for all concrete mixes understudy using, mainly, the validated MCNP models, was performed. The obtained results have revealed the superiority of barite mixes over the dolomite mix concerning attenuating photons moreover, the proposed designed mix has shown superiority over the other two prepared mixes considering shielding against; energetic photons, fast/thermal neutrons, and secondary emitted γ-rays, which nominates this mix to be a suitable universal shield that can be used even in mixed radiation fields., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are acknowledged as one of the main factors contributing to chronic illnesses and fatalities globally. Numerous diseases, including bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and surgical site infections, can be brought on by MDR bacteria. Therefore, a crucial topic of continuing research is the development of a novel and different treatment for MDR microbial pathogens. This work is introduce an alternative method for elimination of MDR bacterial isolates which are causative agents of urinary tract infection among people in Egypt. In our study, we need a novel strategy to combat MDR bacteria by green-synthesized metal nanoparticles (MNPs). That is due to the ability of MNPs to penetrate the cell wall and the cell membrane of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria., Methods: Clinical isolates of MDR bacteria had their antibiotic susceptibility assessed before being molecularly identified using 16 s rRNA, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Also, genetic profiles of isolated strains were performed using ISSR and SDS-PAGE. Finally, characterized plant-mediated silver nanoparticles derived from lemon and pomegranate peel extracts were evaluated against isolated multidrug-resistant bacterial stains., Results: In our present trial, one-hundred urine samples were collected from 71 females and 29 males complaining of UTI (urinary tract infection) symptoms. One-hundred microbial isolates were isolated, including 88-g negative and only 8-g positive bacteria in addition to four yeast isolates (Candida species). A total of 72% of the isolated bacteria showed MDR activity. The most prevalent MDR bacterial isolates (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) were identified through 16S rDNA PCR sequencing as with accession numbers OP741103, OP741104, OP741105, OP741106, and OP741107, respectively. Lemon and pomegranate-mediated silver nanoparticles [Ag-NPs] were characterized by UV spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and TEM with average size 32 and 28 nm, respectively. Lemon and pomegranate-mediated silver nanoparticles [Ag-NPs] showed an inhibitory effect on the selected five MDR isolates at MIC 50 and 30 µg/mL, respectively. These common bacterial isolates were also genetically examined using ISSR PCR, and their total protein level was evaluated using SDS-PAGE, showing the presence of distinct genetic and protein bands for each bacterial species and emphasizing their general and protein composition as a crucial and essential tool in understanding and overcoming MDR behavior in UTI patients., Conclusions: Lemon and pomegranate-mediated silver nanoparticles [Ag-NPs] were found to have an inhibitory effect on MDR isolates. Therefore, the study suggests that [Ag-NPs] could be a potential treatment for MDR UTI infections caused by the identified bacterial species., (© 2023. Academy of Scientific Research and Technology.)

In this work, a semi-empirical equation in terms of γ-energy, and sample density is derived, proposed, benchmarked, and applied for the peak efficiency calibration of an HPGe detector with respect to an axial source-to-detector configuration. The samples are in the form of cone-shaped Marinelli beakers of different densities in the range 0.7-1.6 g/cm 3 . The method employs the experimental measurements with the ANGLE-3 software calculations using the efficiency transfer method. The peak efficiency curve of an HPGe detector is calculated using the experimental measurements of point-like sources ( 133 Ba, 137 Cs, and 60 Co). The ANGLE-3 software is then used to calculate the peak efficiency curves for samples with different densities in the γ-energy range 81-1332 keV. The peak efficiency curves are then fitted to get the energy coefficient; in addition, a linear relationship is then constructed between the energy coefficients and sample densities to get the density coefficients, and the derived equation as well. The derived equations are benchmarked using the peak efficiency curves by ANGLE-3 software in comparison with that the equation results. The results are found to be in agreement with an average relative error of about 1.5%. In addition, the derived equations are applied to estimate the activity concentration of radionuclides present in 5 cone-shaped samples with different densities using experimental measurements. The activity results are found to be in agreement with the certified values with an average relative error of about 2%. The limitation of the proposed equations is also discussed with respect to different material densities and different chemical compositions and correction factors for material composition self-attenuation for various materials are also presented., 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 © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, EC 1.1.1.27) is one of the vital glycolytic conditions, especially during anaerobic conditions. It is a significant diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring biomarker parameter. A 950-bp DNA fragment containing the gene (LDH) encoding LDH was amplified from Bacillus cereus NRC1. The deduced amino acid sequence reveals that B. cereus LDH ( Bc -LDH) is highly homologous to the LDHs of Bacillus organisms. All LDH enzymes have a significant degree of conservation in their active site and several additional domains with unidentified functions. The gene for LDH, which catalyzes lactate synthesis, was cloned, sequenced (accession number: LC706200.1), and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). In this investigation, Bc -LDH was purified to homogeneity with a specific activity of 22.7 units/mg protein and a molecular weight of 35 kDa. It works optimally at pH 8.0. The purified enzyme was inhibited by FeCl 2 , CuCl 2 , ZnCl 2 , and NiCl, whereas CoCl 2 was found to boost the activity of Bc -LDH. The molecular docking of the 3D model of the Bc -LDH structure with a natural inhibitor, mangiferin, demonstrated excellent LDH inhibition, with a free binding energy of -10.2 kcal/mol. Moreover, mangiferin is a potent Bc -LDH inhibitor that inhibits Bc -LDH competitively and has one binding site with a Ki value of 0.075 mM. The LDH-mangiferin interaction exhibits a low RMSF value (>1.5 Å), indicating a stable contact at the residues. This study will pave the way for more studies to improve the understanding of mangiferin, which could be considered an intriguing candidate for creating novel and improved LDH inhibitors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Esa, El-Sayed, El-Khonezy and Zhang.)

Objective: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of the pelvic organs into or through the vaginal walls. Females who have prolapse have symptoms that interfere with their daily lives, sexual function, and exercise. POP can have a negative effect on one's sexuality and body image. This study attempted to assess the significance of core stability exercises vs. interferential therapy on the power of the pelvic floor muscles in females with prolapsed pelvic organs., Patients and Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted on forty participants (aged between 40-60 years, diagnosed with mild degree pelvic organ prolapse participated in the research. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: (group A; n = 20) and (group B; n = 20). The participants were tested twice, before and after 12 weeks, during which group (A) performed core stability exercises while group (B) received interferential therapy. A modified Oxford grading scale and the perineometer were used to assess how the vaginal squeeze pressure changed., Results: The study's findings demonstrated that the modified Oxford grading scale values and vaginal squeeze pressure had a non-statistically significant difference (p-value ≥ 0.05) between both groups pre-treatment while had a statistically significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) between both groups post-treatment in favor of group A., Conclusions: It was concluded that both training programs are efficient at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, but the core stability exercises were more effective.

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).)

Background: Specific dietary recommendations for migraine patients with comorbid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are lacking. This work aimed to study the severity scores of such two common pain-related disorders in relation to various macronutrients and micronutrients intake., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with concomitant migraine and IBS. The frequency and intensity of migraine attacks and the severity of IBS were evaluated. Data on dietary intake were collected using food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recall., Results: One-hundred patients with a median age of 36 years participated. The severity scores for migraine and IBS were positively correlated with fat and copper and negatively correlated with fiber and zinc intake. Copper intake was an independent predictor of the severity of both migraine and IBS (P 0.033, < 0.001). Patients with episodic migraine (n = 69) had a significantly higher frequency of cooked, fresh vegetables, and wheat bran bread intake (P 0.009, 0.004, 0.021) and lower frequency of hydrogenated oils intake (P 0.046), in comparison to patients with chronic migraine (n = 31). Patients with moderate intensity of migraine (n = 37) had a significantly higher frequency of herbal drinks intake (P 0.014) than patients with a severe intensity of migraine (n = 63). Patients with mild (n = 13) and moderate IBS (n = 41) had a significantly higher frequency of wheat bran bread and sen bread intake (P 0.003, 0.022) than patients with severe IBS (n = 46)., Conclusion: Patients with comorbid migraine and IBS are advised to adhere to a diet low in fat and copper and rich in fiber and zinc., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Nutrition was claimed to be a factor in MS causation, course, complications, and management. Several studies were conducted to assess the nutritional status of MS patients; however, few studies were conducted to assess this problem in Egypt. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients., Methods: The researchers conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study among 76 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients attending Kasr Alainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit (KAMSU) from October 2018 to January 2019 to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire including an inquiry about the socioeconomic status, and nutritional status using anthropometric measurements, patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (SQFFQ), and hemoglobin level measurement. Assessment of fatigue was done using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale 5-items version., Results: The mean age of the study participants was 30 ± 6 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 264 months. Malnutrition was prevalent among 67.1% (27.6 % overweight, 36.8% obese, and 2.6% underweight). Half of the investigated patients were anemic. According to the PG-SGA, more than half of the studied patients (53.9%) were classified as moderately or suspected malnourished. The unhealthy dietary habits such as taking only a few meals, junk food intake and skipping breakfast were observed in considerable proportions of the group. The SQFFQ revealed overconsumption of energy and fat, and less than acceptable consumption of dietary fibers by most of the studied patients., Conclusions: Overweight, obesity, anemia, and unhealthy dietary habits were prevalent among the RRMS patients attending the KAMSU. Nutrition care service is extremely needed for this group of patients., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Short-term peripheral venous catheters-related bloodstream infections (PVCR-BSIs) rates have not been systematically studied, and data on their incidence by number of device-days is not available., Methods: Prospective, surveillance study on PVCR-BSI conducted from September 1st, 2013 to 31st Mays, 2019 in 246 intensive care units (ICUs), members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 83 hospitals in 52 cities of 14 countries in the Middle East (Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates). We applied U.S., Results: We followed 31,083 ICU patients for 189,834 bed-days and 202,375 short term peripheral venous catheter (PVC)-days. We identified 470 PVCR-BSIs, amounting to a rate of 2.32/1000 PVC-days. Mortality in patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 10.38%, and 29.36% in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. The mean length of stay in patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 5.94 days, and 16.84 days in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. The microorganism profile showed 55.2 % of gram-positive bacteria, with Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (31%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%) being the predominant ones. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 39% of cases, and included: Escherichia coli (7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5%), Enterobacter spp. (3%), and others (29.9%), such as Serratia marcescens., Conclusions: PVCR-BSI rates found in our ICUs were much higher than rates published from USA, Australia, and Italy. Infection prevention programs must be implemented to reduce the incidence of PVCR-BSIs., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Short-term peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (PVCR-BSI) rates have not been systematically studied in resource-limited countries, and data on their incidence by number of device days are not available., Methods: Prospective, surveillance study on PVCR-BSI conducted from September 1, 2013, to May 31, 2019, in 727 intensive care units (ICUs), by members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 268 hospitals in 141 cities of 42 countries of Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. For this research, we applied definition and criteria of the CDC NHSN, methodology of the INICC, and software named INICC Surveillance Online System., Results: We followed 149,609 ICU patients for 731,135 bed days and 743,508 short-term peripheral venous catheter (PVC) days. We identified 1,789 PVCR-BSIs for an overall rate of 2.41 per 1,000 PVC days. Mortality in patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 6.67%, and mortality was 18% in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. The length of stay of patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 4.83 days, and the length of stay was 9.85 days in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. Among these infections, the microorganism profile showed 58% gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (16%), Klebsiella spp (11%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6%), Enterobacter spp (4%), and others (20%) including Serratia marcescens. Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant gram-positive bacteria (12%)., Conclusions: PVCR-BSI rates in INICC ICUs were much higher than rates published from industrialized countries. Infection prevention programs must be implemented to reduce the incidence of PVCR-BSIs in resource-limited countries.

Background: We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific., Methods: During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied., Results: Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled central line-associated bloodstream infection rate was higher (5.05 vs 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days); the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was also higher (14.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days,), as well as the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.1 vs 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days). From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance, such as of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin-tazobactam (33.0% vs 18.3%), were also higher., Conclusions: Despite a significant trend toward the reduction in INICC ICUs, DA-HAI rates are still much higher compared with CDC-NHSN's ICUs representing the developed world. It is INICC's main goal to provide basic and cost-effective resources, through the INICC Surveillance Online System to tackle the burden of DA-HAIs effectively., (Copyright © 2019 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is regarded as one of the most toxic microcystins (MCs) isoforms. Microcystins could cause multiple organs dysfunction, and more attention has been drawn to the toxic effects on the gastrointestinal disorder. By using ex vivo everted gut sac model in 6 fish (Carassius auratus, Megalobrama amblycephala, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Aristichthys nobilis, Ctenopharyngodon idellus and Cyprinus carpio) and determining the accumulation of MC-LR in zebrafish intestine, we found a dose-dependent manner in the absorption and accumulation of MC-LR. Until now, little studies have been reported concerning the gut microbiota composition caused by different MC-LR exposure. The present study is the first time characterized the phylogenetic composition and taxonomic of the bacterial communities growth in the intestines of zebrafish treated with MC-LR using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing. After 30 days of treatment with 0, 1, 5 or 20 μg/L MC-LR, the alpha and beta diversity did not generate significant differences, indicating the existence of a core microbiota. However, db-RDA analysis showed that treatment with 20 μg/L MC-LR changed the characteristics of high abundances microbiota. The expression of Oatp2b1, stress related enzyme activities in gut and their associations with gut microbiota were also determined. The identified phylotypes including Actinobacteria, Lactobacillus and some opportunistic pathogens highlight the increasing risks of pathogen invasion and recovery tendency via potential probiotics resistance in zebrafish exposed to MC-LR., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyse the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional approach (IMA) on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates in three intensive care units (ICUs) from two hospitals in Kuwait City from January 2014 to March 2015., Design: A prospective, before-after study on 2507 adult ICU patients. During baseline, we performed outcome surveillance of VAP applying CDC/NHSN definitions. During intervention, we implemented the IMA through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS), which included: (1) a bundle of infection prevention interventions; (2) education; (3) outcome surveillance; and (4) feedback on VAP rates and consequences. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of the intervention on VAP, controlling for potential bias., Results: During baseline, 1990 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days and 14 VAPs were recorded, accounting for 7.0 VAPs per 1000 MV-days. During intervention, 9786 MV-days and 35 VAPs were recorded, accounting for 3.0 VAPs per 1000 MV-days. The VAP rate was reduced by 57.1% (incidence-density ratio = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.28-0.93; p = 0.042). Logistic regression showed a significant reduction in VAP rate during the intervention phase (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18-0.83), with 61% effectiveness., Conclusions: Implementing IMA through ISOS was associated with a significant reduction in the VAP rate in Kuwait ICUs., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

There is a high demand for public immunization against Rotavirus (RV), especially in Africa. In Africa, the attenuated RV vaccination is contraindicated in patients with immune diseases and nutrition deficiency. Therefore, the inactivated RV vaccine (IRVV) could be an alternative. In this study, we aimed to develop a pentavalent-IRVV using the most circulating RV strains in Egypt and evaluate it against the commercially available Rotarix ® vaccine. Trial-IRVV was developed with 5% sucrose, 2% polysorbate-80, and adsorbed on Alum to potentiate the vaccine immune response. Then, it was injected subcutaneously into mice groups at 0-, 21-, and 35-time intervals. In parallel, Rotarix was administered twice on 0 and 28 th day. The success of the pentavalent-IRVV/monovalent-Rotarix vaccine immunity rested on achieving immunoglobulin G (IgG) exceeding 1:6,400 that implies less susceptibility to RV infection (RVI). IRVV stimulating IgG >1:6,400 could be an alternative vaccination approach to reach a reasonable protective immunization level against RVI. In addition, Alum adjuvant incorporation effectively provoked a triple elevation of the immunization pattern.

Aims: Evaluation of the efficacy of marine lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum AH 78, on growth performance and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila., Methods and Results: Marine probiotic, Lact. plantarum AH 78, was incorporated in Nile tilapia diets at 0·0, 0·5, 1·0 or 2·0% (w/w). The diets were fed to juvenile Nile tilapia for 40 days, after which they were challenged with pathogenic bacterium, Aer. hydrophila. The best growth rates and feed efficiency were obtained at 0·5% probiotic, while fish survival was not affected by dietary probiotic. After challenge with Aer. hydrophila immunological responses and survival were recorded at 1·0% probiont. Likewise, significant up-regulation of the expression of cytokine genes, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ, in fish livers was found at 1·0% probiont, compared to the control diet. Concomitantly, AH 78 colonized the intestinal mucosa of treated fish, even after reverting to the control diet, and remained viable in the feed stored at 4°C up to 12 months., Conclusions: Marine Lact. plantarum AH 78 at 0·5-1·0% inclusion level conferred the best performance and immune response of Nile tilapia challenged with Aer. hydrophila., Significance and Impact of the Study: Marine Lact. plantarum AH 78 could be considered as a potential probiotic to control disease outbreaks in farmed Nile tilapia., (© 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Background: To report the results of the International Infection Control Consortium (INICC) study conducted in Kuwait from November 2013-March 2015., Methods: A device-associated health care-acquired infection (DA-HAI) prospective surveillance study in 7 adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units (ICUs) using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions and INICC methods., Results: We followed 3,732 adult and pediatric patients for 21,611 bed days and 671 neonatal patients for 4,515 bed days. In the medical-surgical ICUs, the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate was 3.5 per 1,000 central line days, the ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rate was 4.0 per 1,000 mechanical ventilator days, and the catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rate was 3.3 per 1,000 urinary catheter days; all of them were lower than INICC rates (CLABSI: 4.9; VAP: 16.5; and CAUTI: 5.3) and higher than NHSN rates (CLABSI: 0.9; VAP: 1.1; and CAUTI: 1.2). Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to oxacillin was 100%, resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii to imipenem and meropenem was 77.6%, and resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae to imipenem and meropenem was 29.4%. Extra length of stay was 27.1 days for CLABSI, 22.2 days for VAP, and 19.2 days for CAUTI in adult and pediatric ICUs. Extra crude mortality was 19.9% for CLABSI, 30.9% for VAP, and 11.1% for CAUTI in adult and pediatric ICUs., Conclusions: DA-HAI rates in our ICUs are higher than the CDC-NSHN rates and lower than the INICC international rates., (Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present study investigates the effects of different doses (0, 40, 60, 100 μg/L) of 4-nonylphenol (NP) on testis histology and sperms motility of mature Oreochromis niloticus. A tendency for a dose-dependent reduction in the gonado-somatic index (GSI) in the NP-exposed groups was observed. Histological examination revealed that high doses of NP (60 and 100 μg/L) cause hyperplasia of interlobular connective tissue components coincide with decrease in the size of seminiferous lobules and amount of lumen spermatozoa in comparison with the control and low-dose (40 μg/L)-exposed groups. In addition, within the seminiferous lobules, rupture of spermatogenic cysts, vacuolation and necrosis of primary spermatocytes due to damage of sertoli cells were clearly observed and lead to decrease in advanced spermatogenic cells. The highest dose caused significant decrease in the GSI associated with appearance of testis-ova (intersex) state. The percentage of abnormal sperms increased with increasing the dose of NP reaching to 96 % for those subjected to 100 μg NP/L, while it was only 11 % for the control group specimens. The study indicates that NP has estrogenic potency induced marked alteration in the sexual development including inhibition in testicular growth and deformation in the sperms.

The present study investigated the gonads alterations of mature female Oreochromis niloticus caused by different concentrations (0, 40, 60, 100 μg/L) of 4-nonylphenol (NP) and also its effect on steroidogenesis. A tendency for a dose-dependent reduction in the gonadosomatic index, fecundity and oocytes diameter in the NP-exposed groups was observed. Histological examination revealed that NP impairs gonadal growth clearly shown in the oocyte development and differentiation. Also, the estrogenic activity of such NP was identified through 11-ketotestosterone, 17b-estradiol and vitellogenin which were affected significantly by the applied concentrations. The study indicates that NP has estrogenic potency-induced marked alteration in the sexual development including gonadal maturation, spawning time and egg production.

Rabies is a threat in all parts of the world where animal reservoirs persists, including Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Rabies experts from seven Middle East and Eastern European countries (Croatia, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine) met for two days in Istanbul, Turkey (June 8-9, 2010), to exchange information on the epidemiological situation concerning human and animal rabies in their respective countries and to discuss strategies for rabies elimination and control. They decided to establish a regional network, the Middle East and Eastern Europe Rabies Expert Bureau (MEEREB), a regional network of experts, to increase collaboration in rabies prevention and control at the local, regional, and global levels.

Background: The reported prevalence of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in cirrhotic patients is heterogeneous. Although the prevalence of chronic liver diseases is high in Egypt, however, scanty data is available about HPS., Aim: To assess the frequency of HPS and factors predictive of diagnosis of HPS in Egyptian patients with liver cirrhosis., Methods: Fifty cirrhotic patients were evaluated for the presence of HPS. Orthodeoxia was measured by arterial blood gas test. The patients positive for diagnostic criteria of HPS (the presence of A-a O2 > or = 15 mmHg and pulmonary vascular dilatation assessed by contrast enhanced echocardiography) were defined as clinical HPS cases and those manifesting with intrapulmonary arterial dilation but no other criteria were defined as subclinical HPS cases., Results: Subclinical HPS and clinical HPS was observed in 10 (20%) and 17 (34%) of the patients, respectively. The presence of HPS was significantly associated with severity of liver disease assessed by the Child-Pugh score (CP) or MELD score. Portal vein diameter (mm) (OR 3.3; 95% C.I 1.3-8.2; p=0.01) was the only independent predictor for HPS; the specificity of orthodeoxia for diagnosis of HPS was 100%., Conclusions: HPS and intrapulmonary vein dilation are relatively frequent in patients with liver cirrhosis and occur in 34% and 20% of cirrhosis patients, respectively. They are associated with disease severity according to the MELD and CP score. Alveolar arterial oxygen gradient is the most valuable negative and positive diagnostic predictor for presence of HPS in cirrhotic patients.

Per recruit models were applied to assess greasy grouper, Epinephelus tauvina, stock in the gulf waters off Qatar. Yield per recruit (Y/R) increased rapidly at low values of fishing mortality (F). At present natural mortality (M = 0.17 per year) and age at first capture (Tc = 7.6 years), the Y/R increased with increasing F to reach a maximum value of 1067.8 g per recruit at F = 0.65 per year. Above this level of F, Y/R was constant or slightly decreased. The current level of F is higher than the biological reference points F0.1 (0.15 per year), FSB40% (0.13 per year), FSB50% (0.08 per year) and FSB25% (0.24 per year). Increasing the Tc by one year resulted in a slight increase in the Y/R, while additional increases in Tc led to a decrease in Y/R values. At constant M, the increase in Tc caused an increase in F required to obtain the maximum Y/R until reaching a non-maximum state at the oldest Tc. At the current level of F, increasing the Tc by one year would result in a small increase in biomass per recruit (B/R), while further increases would lead to a decrease in B/R. At higher levels of F, any increase in Tc would cause a gradual increase in B/R, followed by a decline after a certain value of Tc. These results provide evidence of recruitment over-fishing at all optimum fishing levels, F0.1, FSB40%, FSB50% and at the threshold level, FSB25%. Therefore, sustainable management and conservation of greasy grouper in Qatari waters would require a decrease in F to levels less than F0.1 and FSB40%, which can be achieved through a reduction in fishing effort but not through an increase in Tc.

The highly productive coastal Mediterranean fishery off the Nile River delta collapsed after the completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1965. But the fishery has been recovering dramatically since the mid-1980s, coincident with large increases in fertilizer application and sewage discharge in Egypt. We use stable isotopes of nitrogen (delta(15)N) to demonstrate that 60%-100% of the current fishery production may be from primary production stimulated by nutrients from fertilizer and sewage runoff. Although the establishment of the dam put Egypt in an ideal position to observe the impact of rapid increases in nutrient loading on coastal productivity in an extremely oligotrophic sea, the Egyptian situation is not unique. Such anthropogenically enhanced fisheries also may occur along the northern rim of the Mediterranean and offshore of some rapidly developing tropical countries, where nutrient concentrations in the coastal waters were previously very low.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of the use of MgSO4 therapy in women with severe pre-eclampsia in Kuwait from January 2002 to December 2004., Subjects and Methods: The study involved 450 women managed at the Maternity Hospital in Kuwait with a blood pressure of 160/110 mm Hg and proteinuria of >0.3-5 g/24 h. A loading dose of 4 g MgSO4 was administered intravenously over 20 min and then the maintenance dose continued at 1 g/h for 24 h postpartum. Magnesium sulphate toxicity was monitored by urine output, deep tendon reflexes and serum magnesium levels and managed with an infusion of 10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate and cessation of magnesium infusion. Adjunct therapy included intravenous hydralazine 10 mg and labetalol 100 mg. The mode of delivery was determined after stabilizing the patient., Results: The women included Kuwaitis (n = 200, 44.4%), Asians (n = 129, 28.7%) and other Arabs (n = 116, 25.8%) with a mean age of 29.7 +/- 6.7 years (primigravida: n = 233, 51.8%; other parities: n = 217, 48.2%). Antenatal complications included intra-uterine growth restriction (n = 136, 30.2%), oliguria (n = 39, 8.7%), haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome (n = 30, 6.6%), abruptio placentae (n = 20, 4.4%), eclampsia (n = 15, 3.3%), and preterm birth (n = 253, 55.2%). Caesarean section (n = 241, 53.6%) was the main mode of delivery. The perinatal mortality rate was 27 per 1,000. Magnesium sulphate toxicity observed as reduced tendon reflexes occurred in 14 (3.1%) patients and flushing, nausea and vomiting and blocked nostrils in 86 (19.1%). There was no association between adverse outcomes and maternal serum magnesium concentrations and no maternal mortality occurred., Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate was effective in preventing recurrence of eclamptic fits and safe for both mother and fetus., ((c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel)