Formulation and in vitro characterization of anticancer drugs encapsulated chitosan/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

We aimed to combine the nanoscale structure with bio-molecules to open the door for novel biology and nanotechnologyapplications. Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was combined with the biocompatible polymer chitosan (Cs)producing the Cs/MWCNT nanocomposite and utilized as a drug carrier for three types of drugs, namely 5-fluorouracil,curcumin, and water-soluble curcumin derivative. The produced nanocomposite was with a homogenous well-definedstructure that proved by transmission electronic microscopy, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetricanalysis. The results of cytotoxicity assay measurement showed that the curcumin encapsulated Cs or Cs/MWCNTnanocomposite presented higher toxicity towards MCF-7 cancer cells compared with RPE1 normal cells indicatingto the selective effectiveness of curcumin nanocomposite towards the destruction of the carcinogenic MCF-7 cells. Invitro release studies showed that Cs/MWCNT nanocomposite possesses better slow controlled release performancethan chitosan indicating that there is a strong association between the drug and CNTs which triggers the release of thedrug for controlled drug release purposes

Effects of nutritional and socio-economic status on oral hygiene in children

Oral hygiene and personal hygiene are the efficient form of preventive health measures. M Poor oral hygiene, measles and malnutrition are implicated as predisposing factors to Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis [ANUG] and cancrum oris. Malnutrition predominantly affects third world countries where there is a limited supply of nutrient rich foods. Some third world nations also lack particular nutrients such as vitamin C, B and calcium resulting in poor oral health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nutritional and socio-economic status on oral hygiene among Egyptian children. 800 children aged 5 to 8 years were examined. They were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire to record past oral and dental health history, dietary and socio-economic data of children and their parents, as well as, measles immunization status of children. The nutritional status of children was determined using anthropometric measurements. Oral Hygiene was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index Simplified [OHI-S]. Children aged 5-<6 years comprised the highest percent in the malnourished group [41%]. However, in normal nourished children the highest percentage of children were among the age group [7-8 years] comprising [42%]. Higher incidence of malnourished children [34%] was among the low socio-economic level households compared to [16.8%] in middle socio-economic level households, the difference was statistically significant. Results revealed significant statistical association between mother's educational level and nutritional status of their children. The highest percentage of gingivitis was in children who do not brush at all followed by those who brush their teeth daily then children who do not frequently use the brush respectively. There was a significant difference between the frequencies of drinking fizzy drinks in the overweight subgroup on oral hygiene compared with sweets and crunches. There was a significant statistical association between affected gingival level and nutritional status. This study could be concluded that a reciprocal interrelationship between the level of malnutrition and oral hygiene status among children. The presented findings of this study could throw the light on the urgent need for nutritional assessment protocols via a recall schedule as well as intervention programs, such as regular systematic oral examination and treatment for children at different ages

Study of the effect of maternal iron depletion on neonatal iron metabolism

Maternal nutritional and hormonal state from as early as the first days after fertilization can influence the growth rate of the fetus and also the length of gestation. was firstly; to study iron indices [serum iron, ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptors "STFR"] in neonates, and their relation with gestational age, birth weight and gender. Also, to assess the value of utilization of STFR and STFR/ Log ferritin index to evaluate the effects of maternal anemia, iron status, and iron supplementation, on neonatal iron indices at birth. Serum Iron, ferritin, STFR, and haemoglobin [Hb] concentration were measured and STFR-Log ferritin index was calculated in 40 cord serum [20 preterm "PT", and 20 full term "FT" neonates], and from their maternal serum. Seventeen mothers were anemic "Hb < 10 gm%", [5 mothers of FT, and 12 of PT babies]. Twelve mothers had depleted iron stores "serum ferritin <10 micro g/1" [4mothers of FT, and 8 PT babies]. Non of FT babies had anemia, while 9 PT had anemia, Fullterm neonates and neonates weighing >/= 2.5 Kg had significantly higher cord blood Hb, serum iron and ferritin, compared to PT neonates and neonates weighing < 2.5 Kg. Neonates weighing >/- 2.5 Kg had significantly lower STFR/Log ferritin, compared to neonates weighing < 2.5 Kg. No difference in iron indices was found between male and female neonates, also, between neonates delivered to mothers with iron supplementation during pregnancy and those without, and between neonates delivered vaginally and those by cesarean section. There was no difference in iron indices between neonates with either maternal anemia or depleted iron stores, and those with normal maternal indices. There is no relation between maternal iron status and neonatal iron indices, except for serum ferritin. Cord serum ferritin correlates positively with maternal ferritin. So, cord serum ferritin, but neither STFR nor STFR/Log ferritin, is a good indicator of neonatal iron stores at birth. Maternal iron depletion is not associated with neonatal anemia. The fetus has normal indices on the expense of his mother's iron stores. So, maternalsupplementation with iron during pregnancy is a must