Characterization and antibacterial activity of raw cotton fabrics treated with date seed extract and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).

Because of their immense economic, wellness, and remedial value, the seeds of palm (Phoenix dactylifera) were selected with synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) based on their properties for increasing the antibacterial efficacy of medical cotton. This study aimed to be contingent upon the characterisation of raw cotton fabrics treated by AgNPs with date seed extract (DSE) of P. dactylifera both individually and in combination and to investigate their antibacterial activity against various human pathogens. The prepared cotton materials with the synthesized AgNPs and/or DSE were described by both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). At the same time, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed to determine the bioactive components in the aqueous date seed extract. The greater antibacterial activity was recorded by cotton treated with DSE and AgNPs mix, in which inhibition zones of all treatments were against Escherichia coli (8 cm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (2.33-5.87cm) and Bacillus subtilis (2.17-4.63 cm), respectively. Overall, these findings indicate that treated cotton fabrics with synthesised AgNPs and DSE may be widely applied in various potential biological and medical applications, which could enhance environmental sustainability in closed production and consumption.

The future of transcranial magnetic stimulation in neuroscience and neurology in the Middle East.

OBJECTIVE: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique for brain stimulation often used as a diagnostic and therapeutic therapy in neuroscience and psychiatry for different diseases including epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and treatment-resistant major depressive disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recent studies have shown the enhanced benefits of using TMS for its potential to provoke changes in the physiological processing of the human brain. RESULTS: In the current review article, emphasis will be placed on both the applications of TMS as well as the different types of TMS used to benefit subjects with epilepsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, we aim at discussing the potential of using TMS for the treatment of neurological diseases. CONCLUSIONS: By paying special consideration to a Middle Eastern context, we aimed at illustrating the possibilities that TMS could bring for clinicians and patients in this nationally prioritized research field.

Peer-assisted Learning: Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy Transition in Developing Countries.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is not widely used in developing countries due to technical challenges and a lack of expertise and resources. We outline head and neck cancer IMRT implementation challenges and highlight how improvised solutions allowed successful IMRT transition in Jordan. This article showcases a 'peer-assisted learning' model, promoting IMRT transition in other developing countries. Unlike the 'top-down' approach, this model is uncommonly addressed in oncology journals. Developing countries could benefit from this article to enhance the adoption of modern radiotherapy technology.