UPLC-qTOF-MS phytochemical profile of Commiphora gileadensis leaf extract via integrated ultrasonic-microwave-assisted technique and synthesis of silver nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial properties.

The utilization of metallic nanoparticles in bio-nanofabrication holds significant potential in the field of applied research. The current study applied and compared integrated ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction (US/MICE), ultrasonic extraction (USE), microwave-assisted extraction (MICE), and maceration (MAE) to extract total phenolic content (TPC). In addition, the study examined the antioxidant activity of Commiphora gileadensis (Cg) leaf. The results demonstrated that the TPC of US/MICE exhibited the maximum value at 59.34 ± 0.007 mg GAE/g DM. Furthermore, at a concentration of 10 µg/mL, TPC displayed a significant scavenging effect on DPPH (56.69 %), with an EC50 (6.48 µg/mL). Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the extract using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS was performed to identify active agents. A total of 64 chromatographic peaks were found, out of which 60 were annotated. The most prevalent classes of metabolites found were polyphenols (including flavonoids and lignans), organic compounds and their derivatives, amides and amines, terpenes, and fatty acid derivatives. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the aggregate size of the synthesized nanoparticles and the spherical shape of C. gileadensis-mediated silver nanoparticles (Cg-AgNPs). The nanoparticles had a particle size ranging from 7.7 to 42.9 nm. The Cg-AgNPs exhibited more inhibition zones against S. aureus and E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Cg-extract, AgNPs, and Cg-AgNPs were also tested. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using combined ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction to separate and extract chemicals from C. gileadensis on a large scale. These compounds have potential use in the pharmaceutical industry. Combining antibacterial and biocompatible properties in materials is vital for designing new materials for biomedical applications. Additionally, the results showed that the biocompatibility of the Ag-NPs using C. gileadensis extracts demonstrated outstanding antibacterial properties.

The Role of Gut-derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS), where the interplay of genetic and environmental factors influences its pathophysiology, triggering immune responses and instigating inflammation. Contemporary research has been notably dedicated to investigating the contributions of gut microbiota and their metabolites in modulating inflammatory reactions within the CNS. Recent recognition of the gut microbiome and dietary patterns as environmental elements impacting MS development emphasizes the potential influence of small, ubiquitous molecules from microbiota, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These molecules may serve as vital molecular signals or metabolic substances regulating host cellular metabolism in the intricate interplay between microbiota and the host. A current emphasis lies on optimizing the health-promoting attributes of colonic bacteria to mitigate urinary tract issues through dietary management. This review aims to spotlight recent investigations on the impact of SCFAs on immune cells pivotal in MS, the involvement of gut microbiota and SCFAs in MS development, and the considerable influence of probiotics on gastrointestinal disruptions in MS. Comprehending the gut-CNS connection holds promise for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly probiotic-based supplements, for managing MS.

miR-142-3p/5p role in cancer: From epigenetic regulation to immunomodulation.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in cancer pathobiology, acting as regulators of gene expression and pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis. It is believed that miRNAs act through canonical mechanisms, involving the binding of mature miRNAs to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and subsequent repression of protein translation or degradation of target mRNAs. miR-142-3p/5p has been extensively studied and established as a key regulator in various malignancies. Recent discoveries have revealed miR-142-3p/5p serve as either oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer. By targeting epigenetic factor and cancer-related signaling pathway, miR-142-3p/5p can regulate wide range of downstream genes. The immune modulatory role of miR-142-3p/5p has been shown in various cancers, which provides significant insight into immunosuppression and tumor escape from the immune response. Exosomes with miR-142-3p/5p facilitate cell communication and can affect cancer cell behavior, offering potential therapeutic, and diagnosis applications in cancer therapy. In this review, for the first time, we comprehensively summarize the current knowledge regarding mentioned functions of miR-142-3p/5p in cancer pathobiology.

The engagement chasm: Time for competency-based training in employee engagement for healthcare and beyond.

BACKGROUND: Employee disengagement in healthcare and business is currently at unexceptionally high levels worldwide. Disengagement negatively impacts productivity, profitability, efficiency (waste reduction), innovation, quality, customer satisfaction and experience, staff well-being, safety, mortality, staff attendance, and turnover. Despite its serious detrimental impacts, no dedicated competency-based training curriculum exists for engagement as a competency. OBJECTIVE: To develop a competency-based educational curriculum for an Engagement Competency. METHODS: A curricular roadmap comprising the following steps was observed 1. Identifying the desired outcomes needed of trainees. These must help fulfill all the Q12 Gallup survey engagement items. 2. Explicitly defining the required Competencies, Entrustable Professional Activities, and Milestones, 3. Selecting the educational activities, and instructional methods, 4. Selecting the tools to assess progress along the milestones, and finally, 5. Designing an evaluation system to assess the outcomes of the engagement competency program. RESULTS: We developed an Engagement Competency Framework with 7 Entrustable Professional activities "rationally and practically" arranged. These are: Envision E1, Embrace E2, Empower E3, Enlighten E4, Empathize E5, Energize E6, and Evaluate E7 (the 7Es). CONCLUSION: The unfortunate global issue of disengagement in healthcare and in the business arena may be practically tackled by introducing Engagement Competency and training. It should be compulsory for all in the "leadership role". Such training may lead to remarkable performance improvement and a happier, more prosperous, and safer world.

Diverse activity of miR-150 in Tumor development: shedding light on the potential mechanisms.

There is a growing interest to understand the role and mechanism of action of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer. The miRNAs are defined as short non-coding RNAs (18-22nt) that regulate fundamental cellular processes through mRNA targeting in multicellular organisms. The miR-150 is one of the miRNAs that have a crucial role during tumor cell progression and metastasis. Based on accumulated evidence, miR-150 acts as a double-edged sword in malignant cells, leading to either tumor-suppressive or oncogenic function. An overview of miR-150 function and interactions with regulatory and signaling pathways helps to elucidate these inconsistent effects in metastatic cells. Aberrant levels of miR-150 are detectable in metastatic cells that are closely related to cancer cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The ability of miR-150 in regulating of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, a critical stage in tumor cell migration and metastasis, has been highlighted. Depending on the cancer cells type and gene expression profile, levels of miR-150 and potential target genes in the fundamental cellular process can be different. Interaction between miR-150 and other non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, can have a profound effect on the behavior of metastatic cells. MiR-150 plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing or treating metastatic cancer.

Artificial intelligence in the detection and classification of dental caries.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Automated detection of dental caries could enhance early detection, save clinician time, and enrich treatment decisions. However, a reliable system is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to train a deep learning model and to assess its ability to detect and classify dental caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bitewings radiographs with a 1876×1402-pixel resolution were collected, segmented, and anonymized with a radiographic image analysis software program and were identified and classified according to the modified King Abdulaziz University (KAU) classification for dental caries. The method was based on supervised learning algorithms trained on semantic segmentation tasks. RESULTS: The mean score for the intersection-over-union of the model was 0.55 for proximal carious lesions on a 5-category segmentation assignment and a mean F1 score of 0.535 using 554 training samples. CONCLUSIONS: The study validated the high potential for developing an accurate caries detection model that will expedite caries identification, assess clinician decision-making, and improve the quality of patient care.

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds of Commiphora gileadensis extracts obtained by ultrasonic-assisted extraction, with monitoring antiaging and cytotoxicity activities.

Commiphora gileadensis (C. gileadensis) has been identified and linked with various health benefits and pharmaceutical potential for its phytochemical activities and chemical constituents. This study aimed to evaluate ultrasonic-assisted extraction (USE) technique for total phenols content from C. gileadensis leaf compared to the hydrodistillation extraction (HDE). Our results showed that the USE operating conditions were identified as: MeOH·H2O solvent-to-fresh sample ratio of 80:20 (v/v); ultrasonic power/frequency at 150 W/20 kHz; and a temperature of 40 ± 1°C; subjected to acoustic waves intermittently for a calculated time (5 min) during the total programmed time of 12 min. The USE exhibited (118.71 ± 0.009 mg GAE/g DM) more amounts of all phenols than HDE (101.47 ± 0.005 mg GAE/g DM), and antioxidant (77.78 ± 0.73%, 75.27 ± 0.59% scavenging inhibition of DPPH), respectively. Anti-aging and Cytotoxicity activities were investigated. The results of biological evaluations showed that the crude extracts of C. gileadensis significantly extended the replicative lifespan of K6001 yeast. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line showed significant anticancer activity, and approximately 100 µg/mL is required to decrease viability compared with that of the control. This study is proven for a larger scale to extract and isolate compounds of C. gileadensis for potential utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. In conclusion, advanced methods afford an extract with high activity in the biological properties of the extract.

Effect of Solutionizing Duration and Temperature on the Electrochemical Corrosion and Pitting Resistance of Cold-Rolled Super Austenitic Stainless Steel.

The solution annealing of cold rolled super austenitic stainless steel UN08029 alloy was carried out to investigate the role of solutionizing duration and temperature on the electrochemical corrosion and pitting resistance of the alloy. Linear polarization, cyclic potentiodynamic, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were used to evaluate the electrochemical behavior in 3.5% NaCl solution. The microstructural analysis of the solutionized samples revealed the formation of uniform equiaxed grains from elongated columnar grains, which size increases with duration and temperature. The charge transfer resistance shows an increasing corrosion protectiveness of 46 to 60% with increasing solutionizing duration from 30 to 120 min. Similarly, a 45, 52, 60, and 26% improvement in the corrosion performance was obtained for sample solutionized at 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C, respectively. In general, the solutionized samples demonstrated improved resistance over the as-received alloy, and this behavior increases with solutionizing duration and temperature. Though the pitting potential drops below that of the as-received alloy, the hysteresis loop revealed that the solutionized samples are less prone to pitting damage, and the sample solutionized at 1200 °C for 120 min exhibited optimum pitting corrosion resistance. The microstructural influence on corrosion was also discussed.