Isolation of high-quality DNA and RNA from plants with high polysaccharide and secondary metabolite content is typically difficult, particularly in the case of trees. Metabolites commonly undergo co-precipitation with R...Isolation of high-quality DNA and RNA from plants with high polysaccharide and secondary metabolite content is typically difficult, particularly in the case of trees. Metabolites commonly undergo co-precipitation with RNA and DNA, resulting in degradation of their quality. Cullenia exarillata leaf samples were subjected to various DNA and RNA extraction techniques, and the resulting data were compared and analysed. The isolation of high-quality DNA and RNA is crucial for the advancement of molecular and biotechnological techniques that aim to preserve the endemic status of C. exarillata and this research is to establish an efficient procedure for extracting DNA and RNA from C. exarillata. This method will make molecular and genomic research easier in forestry and conservation fields. In this research, we evaluated various methods for extracting high quality DNA and total RNA from C. exarillata tree, incorporating minor modifications in standard procedure. To acquire DNA and RNA of superior quality, a comparison was made between conventional DNA and RNA extraction methods and a variety of commercial kits thatrevealed the conventional technique yielded DNA samples of superior purity and concentration. It was discovered that combining modified commercial and conventional procedures yielded RNA with exceptionally high concentration and purity. The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and NanoDrop spectrophotometer ensure the impeccable purity of the nucleic acids generated via these procedures. Additionally, the application of agarose gel electrophoresis unveiled unique bands. Further investigation was conducted to validate the purity and amplification of the DNA and RNA that were collected. This study clarifies a method for extracting sufficient and high-quality amounts of DNA and RNA from C. exarillata; future research on this plant will greatly benefit from knowing this information.
The gut microbiota influences endothelial dysfunction through metabolites like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), affecting cardiovascular health and contributing to atherosclerosis and hyperten...The gut microbiota influences endothelial dysfunction through metabolites like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), affecting cardiovascular health and contributing to atherosclerosis and hypertension development. We evaluated TMAO and LPS levels in patients with vascular and idiopathic erectile dysfunction (ED). In this study of 151 participants (50 vascular ED, 50 idiopathic ED, 51 healthy controls), patients were categorized using comprehensive clinical assessment including International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), laboratory tests, and imaging methods. While age (mean 55.15±7.17 years) and TMAO levels showed no significant differences between groups (p>0.05), LPS levels were significantly elevated in the vascular ED group (497.36±87.83) compared to idiopathic ED (430.62±69.72) and control groups (436.98±105.37) (p<0.05). These findings suggest that gut microbiota metabolites, particularly LPS, play a significant role in ED pathophysiology through endothelial dysfunction. Regulating gut microbiota may serve as both a protective factor against ED development and a potential treatment option for existing cases. Further comprehensive studies are warranted to explore these therapeutic possibilities.
Osteomyelitis of the jaw is a significant health burden, often associated with biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and complex bacterial interactions. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of t...Osteomyelitis of the jaw is a significant health burden, often associated with biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and complex bacterial interactions. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 6475, against three key pathogens: Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces israelii, and Staphylococcus aureus. The focus was on their potential as adjunctive treatments for osteomyelitis of the jaws. This in-vitro study employed tailored standard protocols to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the probiotic strains against the tested pathogens. Probiotic suspensions were prepared in serial dilutions and bacterial strains were inoculated into brain heart infusion media for exposure. The growth inhibition and eradication were confirmed through subculture techniques and microscopic examination of Gram-stained samples. Both probiotic strains exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Actinomyces israelii at low concentrations, achieving MIC of 0.625 µl and MBC of 1.25 µl for both pathogens. In contrast, Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated greater resistance, with MIC and MBC recorded at 100 µl and 200 µl, respectively. The differential response underscores the variable susceptibility of bacterial species to probiotics and highlights the potential for selective therapeutic application. Within the scope of this study, two Lactobacillus reuteri strains demonstrated promising antibacterial effects against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Actinomyces israelii, suggesting their potential utility in managing osteomyelitis of the jaws. However, higher concentrations or synergistic approaches may be needed to combat Staphylococcus aureus. Further studies including preclinical and clinical trials are essential to translate these findings into effective therapeutic strategies.
The dental pulp undergoes several histological changes with age. These include a reduction in the number of cells and blood vessels, resulting in a decreased capacity for regeneration and repair. Furthermore, there is an...The dental pulp undergoes several histological changes with age. These include a reduction in the number of cells and blood vessels, resulting in a decreased capacity for regeneration and repair. Furthermore, there is an increase in collagen fiber density and the formation of secondary dentin, which reduces the volume of the pulp chamber. This study performed a comparative histological analysis to characterize these age-related changes in dental pulp tissues. A cross-sectional comparative analysis was conducted to examine the histological changes in dental pulp tissue from two distinct age groups. Extracted teeth were thoroughly cleaned and immediately fixed in 10% formalin for preservation. Each sample was then decalcified using 10% formic acid for a duration sufficient to allow sectioning without damaging the tissue. After decalcification, the teeth were embedded in paraffin wax, and serial sections, with a thickness of 4-6 μm, were prepared using a microtome. The sections were then stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to visualize general tissue structure. The histological analysis demonstrated notable differences in dental pulp tissue between the two age groups. Group A (young) samples showed a high cellularity, with numerous fibroblasts and odontoblasts and a clearly defined odontoblastic layer. However, Group B (elderly) samples exhibited a marked reduction in cellularity, with fewer odontoblasts present and evidence of increased fibroblast degeneration. The histological changes observed in our study underscore the impact of aging on dental pulp tissue.
Glioma is the most frequent malignant tumor in the brain. Super-enhancer (SE) is a class of transcriptional activator, which drives gene expression. SE-related genes (SERGs) affect occurrence and development of several t...Glioma is the most frequent malignant tumor in the brain. Super-enhancer (SE) is a class of transcriptional activator, which drives gene expression. SE-related genes (SERGs) affect occurrence and development of several tumors. We explored the predictive role of SERGs in the prognosis and immune features of glioma. A total of 1557 glioma patients were collected from four data sets, including The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA, n = 691), the Chinese Glioma Genomic Atlas (CGGA) array (n = 286), the CGGA sequencing (n = 316), and GSE16011 (n = 264) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. SERGs were selected from SEdb (http://www.licpathway.net/sedb), a comprehensive human SE database. Survival analysis and visualization were performed using the R packages survival (v3.3-1) and survminer (v0.4.9). Immune subtype classification was conducted with the ImmuneSubtypeClassifier (v0.1.0) R package. A nomogram was generated using the rms (v6.7-1) package. A risk score model based on 13 super-enhancer-related genes (SERGs) was constructed, demonstrating that patients in the low-risk group had significantly better prognosis. The SERGs signature significantly correlated with age, molecular and immune subtypes, IDH mutation, MTMG promoter methylation, 1p19q co-deletion, and expression of immune checkpoint genes in glioma patients. The SERGs signature could predict the prognosis and immune features of glioma, and SERGs might serve as novel immunotherapy options for glioma.
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, a breakthrough in hematological cancer treatment, is now being explored for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA, characterized by chronic joint inflammat...Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, a breakthrough in hematological cancer treatment, is now being explored for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA, characterized by chronic joint inflammation and autoantibody production, presents a compelling target for CAR-T cell therapy due to its potential for precise targeting of aberrant immune cells and restoration of immune tolerance. This review analyzes current strategies in CAR-T cell therapy for RA, focusing on molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. We discuss approaches such as CD19-targeted B cell depletion, simultaneous targeting of B cells and memory plasma cells, and the use of chimeric autoantibody receptors (CAARs) to target specific autoantigens. Furthermore, we explore the latest advancements in CAR-T cell engineering, including novel costimulatory domains, dual-targeting strategies, and the development of regulatory CAR-T cells (CAR-Tregs). This review provides insights into the efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapy for RA, highlighting its potential to revolutionize clinical applications and future directions in the field.
Understanding the interplay between upper respiratory tract microbiota, immune responses, and molecular changes is critical for improving the diagnosis and management of SARS-CoV-2 infections. In this study, we investiga...Understanding the interplay between upper respiratory tract microbiota, immune responses, and molecular changes is critical for improving the diagnosis and management of SARS-CoV-2 infections. In this study, we investigated the association between respiratory tract microbiota composition, immune markers, and molecular diagnostic parameters in 123 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients. Co-infection rates with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were high, particularly in the nasopharynx (35.4% and 64.4%, respectively), highlighting the risk of secondary bacterial infections. Diagnostic evaluation showed that RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and serological markers (IgG, IgM) had high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing infection status. Lower Ct values correlated with higher viral loads and acute infection, while antibody levels reflected immune response dynamics. Significant correlations were observed between bacterial presence and immune parameters such as ACE-2, FASL, and RBD. These findings underscore the importance of integrated diagnostic approaches that consider microbiota, molecular, and immunological markers for effective management of COVID-19 and its complications.
This study investigates the impact of urea adulteration in raw milk on milk quality, safety, and renal tissue integrity, addressing a significant public health concern, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries wher...This study investigates the impact of urea adulteration in raw milk on milk quality, safety, and renal tissue integrity, addressing a significant public health concern, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries where over 76.6% of milk samples have compromised quality and 77.89% are adulterated. Raw milk samples were analyzed for quality parameters, adulterants, and the presence of synthetic by-products using FTIR. In vivo studies in mice were conducted to assess the histopathological effects of urea-adulterated milk on renal and liver tissues. Results revealed that urea adulteration leads to significant alterations in milk composition, including changes in fat content from 5.73% to 0.6% in boiled milk, solids-not-fat from 9.11% to 12.84%, protein from 3.61% to 5.28%, and lactose content from 3.81% to 5.57%, alongside the formation of synthetic compounds such as lactose monohydrate and polyvinyl stearate. Histological examination of mice kidneys exposed to urea-adulterated milk demonstrated morphological, inflammatory, degenerative, congestive, and necrotic changes. This study highlights the cellular-level damage induced by urea adulteration, emphasizing its potential to induce neoplastic changes in renal tissues and underscoring the need for stringent monitoring of milk quality to safeguard public health.
Skin aging in diabetic patients is closely associated with delayed wound healing and oxidative stress-mediated fibroblast dysfunction. This study investigated the protective and regenerative effects of a water extract of...Skin aging in diabetic patients is closely associated with delayed wound healing and oxidative stress-mediated fibroblast dysfunction. This study investigated the protective and regenerative effects of a water extract of Phalaenopsis orchid flower (WEPF), an ornamental plant endemic to Taiwan, on high glucose (HG)-induced cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts (CCD-966SK), with a focus on the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. Cytotoxicity, cellular senescence, and ROS production were respectively assessed using MTT assay, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, and DCFDA-cellular reactive oxygen species assay. Western blotting and ELISA were used to analyze the cellular senescence-related proteins. Fibroblasts treated with WEPF under HG conditions exhibited reduced senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, lower ROS levels, and attenuated cell cycle arrest. Protein expression profiling revealed suppression of the p53/p21Waf1, and p16INK4a/Rb pathways and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression. Mechanistically, WEPF exerted its effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 axis and restoring the expression of senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30), thereby promoting fibroblast repair and reducing pro-inflammatory signaling. These findings support the potential of WEPF as a botanical therapeutic agent for diabetic wound healing and age-related skin deterioration.
Early blight, caused by Alternaria alternata, poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide. This study investigates the potential of nano-encapsulated ajwain (Trachyspermum copticum) essential oil, delivered...Early blight, caused by Alternaria alternata, poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide. This study investigates the potential of nano-encapsulated ajwain (Trachyspermum copticum) essential oil, delivered via chitosan nanoparticles, to induce systemic resistance in tomato plants against early blight. Oxidative stress, measured by malondialdehyde content, was significantly reduced in plants treated with nano-encapsulated Ajwain essential oil compared to controls. Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and POD) was significantly elevated in treated plants, indicating an enhanced defense response. The nano-encapsulated essential oil demonstrated superior efficacy in controlling early blight symptoms. These results suggest that chitosan nanoparticle-mediated delivery of ajwain essential oil is a promising, environmentally friendly strategy for enhancing tomato resistance to early blight.
The pulmonary parenchyma is the primary site of metastasis for giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone, a benign yet aggressive musculoskeletal tumor. Current treatments, including surgery and antibody therapy, are only partially...The pulmonary parenchyma is the primary site of metastasis for giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone, a benign yet aggressive musculoskeletal tumor. Current treatments, including surgery and antibody therapy, are only partially effective and often lead to significant side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the apoptotic activity of quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid with anticancer properties, on metastatic GCT lung cells (TIB-223). The immunophenotype of the TIB-223 cell line was characterized using flow cytometry, revealing positivity for CD166 and CD47 markers and negativity for CD34, CD73, CD117, CD45, and fibroblast markers. The IC50 of quercetin was determined at 91.1 µM through MTT assays, demonstrating its cytotoxic effect in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was confirmed via flow cytometry and Western blotting, showing increased caspase-3 expression after 24 hours of treatment. These findings indicate that quercetin induces apoptosis in metastatic GCT cells and could serve as a basis for developing phytopharmaceutical therapies targeting this pathology.
Miscanthus lutarioriparius is a perennial C4 herb with high biomass production and is widely utilized as a non-food biobased material for bioproduction. This study successfully constructed two high-quality fu... Miscanthus lutarioriparius is a perennial C4 herb with high biomass production and is widely utilized as a non-food biobased material for bioproduction. This study successfully constructed two high-quality full-length normalized cDNA libraries from distinct salt-tolerant accessions of M. lutarioriparius under salt, drought, and combined salt-drought stress conditions. The study identified 420 high-quality Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) primarily associated with signal transduction mechanisms, post-translational modifications, energy production and transformation, as well as the synthesis, transport, and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites. A total of 1370 Gene Ontology (GO) terms were obtained from two accessions, mainly related to cellular process, metabolic process, response to stimulus, biological regulation, biological regulation, cellular anatomical entity, binding, and catalytic activity. Five GO terms from the Biological Process Ontology consistently exhibited high P-values in both accessions, primarily associated with responses to exogenous substances and metabolic processes. The significant enrichment of genes associated with cellular components such as the chloroplast matrix, cytoplasm, and plastid matrix from the Cellular Component Ontology may explain the salt-drought tolerance mechanism of Miscanthus. This study is expected to deepen our understanding of the functional genes in Miscanthus plants and may provide a reference for screening salt and drought-resistance genes.
The experiment was carried out to investigate the carbohydrate content as represented by glucose, fructose and sucrose, total soluble solids, carotenoid, flavonoid, antioxidant, phenolic content, pH, and minerals as micr...The experiment was carried out to investigate the carbohydrate content as represented by glucose, fructose and sucrose, total soluble solids, carotenoid, flavonoid, antioxidant, phenolic content, pH, and minerals as micro-macro nutrient content in grapes, rambutan, and pineapple. A total of 50 fruits were collected for rambutan, five fruits from pineapple, and five bunches were collected for grapes in Experiment 1: Glucose content was higher in rambutan and pineapple than in grapes. The higher fructose content was found in rambutan than in grapes and pineapple. The highest sucrose was observed in rambutan. The highest total soluble solid (TSS) content was found in rambutan. Vitamin C and fiber content exhibited the highest value in pineapple. However, carotenoid was higher in grapes and pineapple than in rambutan. The maximum flavonoid was found in rambutan. In addition, total antioxidant and phenolic content were higher in pineapple and rambutan than in grapes. Potassium content was higher in grapes and pineapple compared to the rambutan, whereas phosphorus content was the highest in pineapple, and calcium content was the highest in rambutan. Mn, Fe, and Zn were found in higher amounts in rambutan than in pineapple and grapes. In Experiment 2: glucose, sucrose, and vitamin C decreased while fructose, TSS, pH, and biomass increased. In addition, moisture decreased with the increase of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in grapes, rambutan and pineapple. Carotenoid content was highest in grapes, flavonoid was highest in rambutan and total phenol was highest in pineapple. Therefore, it can be concluded that grapes showed better mineral content, rambutan exhibited the highest sugar and flavonoid content, and pineapple showed the highest bioactive compounds.
The rising global incidence of syphilis underscores the risk of transmission through blood transfusions. Treponema pallidum, the pathogen responsible for syphilis, represents a major public health challenge. Accurate det...The rising global incidence of syphilis underscores the risk of transmission through blood transfusions. Treponema pallidum, the pathogen responsible for syphilis, represents a major public health challenge. Accurate detection is essential for controlling the disease, particularly in asymptomatic blood donors. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of specific antibodies against T. pallidum in blood donors, confirmed by DNA testing for seropositivity. The goal was to enhance our understanding of syphilis exposure and improve the safety of blood donations. A total of 1,260 HIV, HCV, and HBsAg-negative blood donors were screened for T. pallidum-specific antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Initially, reactive samples were re-evaluated, and those repeatedly reactive were classified as seropositive for syphilis. ELISA-positive samples were further tested for T. pallidum DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data analysis was done using SPSS with a level of significance p< 0.05 Of 1,260 blood donors, the seroprevalence of anti-T. pallidum antibodies was 0.158%, with both positive cases confirmed by PCR. The prevalence was 0.2% in males and 0.00% in females, with no significant gender differences (P > 0.05). The highest prevalence was in the 31-40 age group (0.5%), but this was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences by donation type or marital status. Significant associations were observed with educational level (P < 0.05), with higher prevalence among high school graduates Our results confirm syphilis in Iraqi blood donors, highlighting the need for routine T. pallidum ELISA screening at transfusion centers. Positive cases should be discarded and affected donors treated. ELISA is an effective primary screening method, consistent with WHO guidelines for low-prevalence settings, and is essential for preventing transfusion transmission.
N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are widely recognized for their applications in organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and pharmaceutical research due to their unique steric and electronic properties. In this study, we repo...N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are widely recognized for their applications in organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and pharmaceutical research due to their unique steric and electronic properties. In this study, we report the synthesis of six novel unsymmetrical N,N-disubstituted benzimidazolium salts (2a-f) and their corresponding silver-NHC complexes (3a-f). The structures of all compounds were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and elemental analysis. The biological potential of these compounds was evaluated through in vitro antimicrobial assays against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata. Additionally, anticancer activity was tested against A549, HCT116, and BEAS-2B cell lines, revealing promising results for some derivatives. Preliminary catalytic studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the silver-NHC complexes in A3-coupling reactions involving aldehydes, alkynes, and amines. These reactions yielded propargylamines with high conversion rates (up to 90%) using minimal catalyst amounts. This work highlights the dual utility of these compounds as both potent biological agents and efficient catalysts, paving the way for further exploration of their applications in medicinal chemistry and sustainable catalysis.
Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) activity, gene expression, and several oxidative stress (OS) marker levels were investigated in the senescent passage (P) 20, 25, and 30 fibroblasts cultured in media supplemented with inc...Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) activity, gene expression, and several oxidative stress (OS) marker levels were investigated in the senescent passage (P) 20, 25, and 30 fibroblasts cultured in media supplemented with increasing Se-Methylselenocysteine (MSC) increments. While GPx1 activity slightly increased in cells grown in standard culture medium (CM1) compared to primary P5 cells, the enzyme exhibited significant MSC-dose-dependent elevations in cells cultured in MSC-supplemented media (CM3-CM6) compared to CM1 (p<0.001). GPx1 activity in CM5-incubated P30, P25, and P20 cells equaled 5.99±0.62, 4.72±0.48, and 4.06±0.36 µmoles/min/mg protein respectively (p<0.001), with percentage increases of 250% in P30 cells compared to 190% in P20 cells when cultured with CM1. Similarly, GPx1 expression was markedly upregulated in CM2, CM4, and CM6-incubated cells compared to primary P5 cells (p<0.001), with fold change values of 1.51±0.12, 1.99±0.16, and 2.31±0.19 in P20 cells. Percentage upregulations were 50.0±3.68%, 89.5±7.11%, and 126.5±9.74% in CM2, CM4, and CM6-incubated P20 cells respectively, and reached 248.0±18.6% in P30 cells at the highest MSC concentration. Concurrently, OS marker levels were substantially higher in CM1-cultured P25 and P30 senescent cells compared to primary P5 cells (p<0.001). Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide levels were significantly reduced in CM3-incubated cells compared to CM1 (p<0.01), reaching the lowest values in CM6 (p<0.001), with reductions of approximately 11.5%, 40%, 57%, and 58% in P30 CM3, CM4, CM5, and CM6-incubated cells respectively. MSC-Km values for GPx1 were 0.87, 1.13, and 1.92 µM in P20, P25, and P30 cells, respectively, with corresponding Vmax values of 4.59, 5.68, and 7.94 µmole/min/mg protein. These findings suggest that senescent cells utilize higher amounts of MSC to upregulate GPx1 expression and maximize its activity, supporting using Se supplements to combat OS.
Fungi produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, including mycotoxins, antibiotics, and bioactive compounds, which have significant implications for human health and agriculture. These metabolites are synthesized t...Fungi produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, including mycotoxins, antibiotics, and bioactive compounds, which have significant implications for human health and agriculture. These metabolites are synthesized through specialized biosynthetic pathways, which are often organized into gene clusters. Terpenoids, polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and hybrid compounds are primary categories of secondary metabolites, each with distinct biological roles. For example, terpenoids, such as deoxynivalenol and helvolic acid, polyketides, such as aflatoxins and lovastatin, and non-ribosomal peptides, such as penicillin G, have diverse applications, including as pharmaceuticals and biocontrol agents. Fungal metabolites also play a crucial role in microbial communication and agricultural pest control. Volatile metabolites released by fungi, including Fusarium and Trichoderma species, can inhibit plant pathogens and promote plant growth, thereby offering potential biocontrol strategies. Furthermore, entomopathogenic fungi produce secondary metabolites with insecticidal properties that facilitate their pathogenicity, including enzymes, toxins, and bioactive compounds. These metabolites have emerged as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides in sustainable agricultural practices. A growing understanding of fungal secondary metabolites and their applications can contribute to advancements in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and pest management.
Adnan M, Raza S, Saad M
… +12 more, Khan AA, Noman M, Aziz Albalawi M, Alwabsi HA, Ali Al-Duais M, Sakran M, Alharbi RAK, Rizk NI, Jafri I, Zayed MM, Pandey S, El Sabagh A
Mefenamic acid functions as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the fenamate class, which treats pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes to decrease prostaglandin product...Mefenamic acid functions as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the fenamate class, which treats pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes to decrease prostaglandin production. Mefenamic acid has strong therapeutic properties that help to treat arthritis and dysmenorrhea. The rapid dissolution of orodispersible tablets (ODTs) makes them an effective treatment option for patients with dysphagia. This study developed and evaluated mefenamic acid ODTs through direct compression while adding super-disintegrants, including croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, and sodium starch glycolate, to improve drug release and disintegration speed. Pre-formulation analysis through FTIR spectroscopy showed that the drug and excipients maintained compatibility without detectable interactions. Product quality assessment included tests for hardness and weight variation, friability and disintegration time, dissolution studies, and stability testing. The performance of the formulation was evaluated through supplementary tests that measured the moisture uptake, wetting time, and water absorption ratio. The zero-order model provided the most accurate explanation of drug release kinetics among the model-dependent approaches, which included the zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Hixson-Crowell models. The combination of 7% croscarmellose sodium in formulation F1 produced the best results by enabling quick dissolution while maintaining the optimal disintegration time and improving drug absorption and patient compliance. Stability tests showed that the formulation structure remained consistent during the entire testing period, thus proving its durability. The direct compression method was effective for manufacturing stable mefenamic acid ODTs according to this research. This research demonstrates how super-disintegrants boost formulation performance, establishing ODTs as a promising drug delivery system for better therapeutic results and patient medication compliance.
In Iraq, breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women, prompting increased research in the last decade. This retrospective study aimed to determine the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytomegalovirus...In Iraq, breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women, prompting increased research in the last decade. This retrospective study aimed to determine the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in breast tumors. The study included 140 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast tissue samples from 100 patients with breast tumors and 20 normal breast tissue samples as controls. Patients ranged in age from 16 to 72 years. In situ hybridization was performed on samples collected from hospitals and private laboratories in Kirkuk and Tikrit between January 15 and December 15, 2022. CMV was detected in 25% (25/100) of breast cancer tissues, while HPV was found in 45% (45/100), compared to the control group, which tested negative for both viruses. Among HPV-positive cases, HPV genotype 31 was the most prevalent (58.33%), followed by HPV16 and HPV18 (20.8% each). These findings suggest that HPV, particularly genotype 31, and CMV may play a role in breast cancer development in the Iraqi population.
This review aims to explore the role of genetic and hormonal factors in shaping exercise responses and performance in children, providing insights into their implications for training and talent identification. A compreh...This review aims to explore the role of genetic and hormonal factors in shaping exercise responses and performance in children, providing insights into their implications for training and talent identification. A comprehensive narrative review of the literature was conducted, analyzing studies published between 2014 and 2024. The review focused on genetic predispositions, key hormones regulating exercise performance, and their combined influence on physical development in children. Data were collected from peer-reviewed journals and analyzed using a descriptive approach to identify patterns and practical applications in pediatric exercise science. The review highlights that genetic factors play a foundational role in determining physical attributes such as muscle composition, aerobic capacity, and metabolic efficiency. Key genes, including ACTN3 and ACE, have been linked to variations in strength, endurance, and recovery potential. Hormonal factors, particularly growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, testosterone, and cortisol, dynamically influence exercise adaptation, with significant changes occurring during developmental stages. The interaction between genetic and hormonal influences suggests that personalized training approaches can optimize performance while considering developmental stages and environmental factors. Ethical considerations surrounding genetic testing for talent identification remain a critical concern, emphasizing the need for responsible and evidence-based application in pediatric sports programs. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the relationship between genetic and hormonal factors for designing individualized exercise programs that enhance athletic potential while ensuring long-term health and well-being. Future research should focus on integrating genetic and hormonal insights with environmental and behavioral factors to develop holistic training strategies for children.