Exercise Training and Spexin Ameliorate Thyroid Changes in Obese Type 2-Diabetic Rats: The Possible Interlaying Mechanisms.

Thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus are prevalent endocrine disorders that often coexist and influence each other. The role of spexin (SPX) in diabetes and obesity is well-documented, but its connection to thyroid function is less understood. This study investigates the influence of exercise (EX) and SPX on thyroid hypofunction in obese type 2 diabetic rats. Rats were divided into normal control, obese diabetic sedentary, obese diabetic EX, and obese diabetic SPX groups, with subdivisions for M871, and HT-2157 treatment in the later 2 groups. High-fat diet together with streptozotocin injection induced obesity and diabetes. The EX-group underwent swimming, while the SPX-group received SPX injections for eight weeks. Results showed significant improvements in thyroid function, metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory states with EX and SPX-treatment. The study also explored the involvement of galanin receptor isoforms (GALR) 2/3 in SPX effects on thyroid function. Blocking GALR2/3 receptors partially attenuated the beneficial effects, indicating their interaction. These findings underscore the importance of EX and SPX in modulating thyroid function in obesity and diabetes. Comprehending this interplay could enable the development of new treatment approaches for thyroid disorders associated with obese type 2 diabetes. Additional research is necessary to clarify the exact mechanisms connecting SPX, EX activity, and thyroid function.

The anti-fungal effect of miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles gels in diabetic patients with Oral candidiasis-randomized control clinical trial and microbiological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oral thrush is the most common occurring fungal infection in the oral cavity in uncontrolled diabetic patients, it is treated by various antifungal drugs according to each case. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical application of miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in treatment of diabetic patients with oral candidiasis. METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 diabetic patients presenting with symptomatic oral candidiasis were randomly assigned into two treatment groups: miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. The patients were treated for 28 days, and clinical assessments were conducted at baseline, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Clinical parameters, including signs and symptoms of oral candidiasis were evaluated and microbiological analysis was performed to determine the Candida species and assess their susceptibility to the antifungal agents. Statistical analysis was done to the categorical and numerical data using chi-square test and Kruskal Wallis test. RESULTS: The antifungal efficacy between the miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS-MCZ) groups insignificant difference (P >  0.05) was observed. Both treatment modalities exhibited comparable effectiveness in controlling oral candidiasis symptoms and reducing Candida colonization as miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles group showed a significant difference in the clinical improvement in respect of both signs and symptoms from baseline (70%) until the end of study at 28 days (5%) (P <  0.05) Moreover, miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles, there was a significant reduction in the number of colonies forming units of Candida albicans from baseline until the end of the study at 28-day with P value <  0.000. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled clinical trial and microbiological analysis demonstrate that both miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles are effective in the treatment of oral candidiasis in diabetic patients with no adverse reactions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06072716 with first registration first registration in 10/10/2023.

Utilization of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Agaricus bisporus extract for food safety application: synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial efficacy, and toxicological assessment.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne bacterial pathogens has raised significant concerns in the food industry. This study explores the antimicrobial potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from Agaricus bisporus (Mushroom) against foodborne bacterial pathogens. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using various techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs was tested against a panel of foodborne bacterial strains, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated on normal human skin fibroblasts. Among the tested strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 showed the highest sensitivity with an inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 48 mm, while Klebsiella quasipneumoniae ATTC 700603 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 displayed the highest resistance with IZDs of 20 mm. The silver cations released by AgNPs demonstrated strong bactericidal effects against both Gram-positive (G + ve) and Gram-negative (G - ve) bacteria, as evidenced by the minimum inhibitory concentration/minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC/MIC) ratio. Moreover, cytotoxicity testing on normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF) indicated that AgNPs derived from the mushroom extract were safe, with a cell viability of 98.2%. Therefore, AgNPs hold promise as an alternative means to inhibit biofilm formation in the food industry sector.

The cardioprotective effect of human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) on cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Targeting mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, and redox status pathways.

The cardiotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents as cisplatin has become a major issue recently. Interference with mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, redox status, and apoptosis are the most possible underlying mechanisms. Semaglutide is a human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1R), which is used primarily for the treatment of DM. Various recent studies have investigated (GLP-1R) role in cardiovascular diseases due to antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects. The current study aimed to investigate the curative role of semaglutide's against cisplatin- induced cardiotoxicity and its relation to mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, apoptosis, and redox status pathways. The study included 30 male rats divided into three groups: control, cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity, and cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity treated with semaglutide. At the end of the experiment heart index, serum cardiotoxicity markers, SOD, GPX activities and H2 O2 level were estimated. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential, complex I and citrate synthase enzyme activities, ATP level, Mfn2 in addition to PGC-1 α levels were assessed as biogenesis markers. Mitophagy markers PINK1 and Parkin mRNA gene expression were estimated. Histopathological examination of cardiac muscles of all studied groups and immunoassay of P53 and caspase 3 in cardiac tissue were examined to assess apoptosis. Cisplatin has disturbed mitochondrial function and dynamics, dysregulate redox status and induced mitophagy and apoptosis, in the other hand semaglutide treatment has normalized dysregulated mitochondrial function and dynamics, redox status and suppressed mitophagy and apoptosis. Semaglutide has ameliorative effect against cisplatin- induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, apoptosis, and redox status pathways.

The Influence of Low-Level Laser Therapy on CBCT Radiographic and Biochemical Profiles of Type II Controlled Diabetic Patients After Dental Implant Insertion: A Randomized Case-Control Study.

Background Low-level laser treatment (LLLT) was thought to increase bone quality during osseointegration when combined with dental implants. However, there is no sufficient information on its impact on dental implants in diabetics. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been described as a marker for bone turnover to determine implant prognosis. The current research aims to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone density (BD) and osteoprotegerin levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) in type II diabetic patients. Methods This study comprised 40 individuals with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Implants were randomly placed in 20 non-lasered T2DM patients (control) and 20 lasered T2DM patients (LLLT group). At the follow-up stages, BD and OPG levels in the PICF were evaluated in both groups. Results Significant variations were shown among control and LLLT groups concerning OPG level and BD (p≤0.001). OPG was significantly decreasing with follow-up points (p≤0.001). There was a significant decrease in OPG with time in both groups with a higher decrease in the control group. Conclusion LLLT is promising in controlled T2DM patients due to its outstanding influence on BD and estimated crevicular levels of OPG. Regarding its clinical significance, LLLT significantly improved bone quality during osseointegration on dental implants in T2DM. LLLT is considered potentially important for T2DM patients during implant placement. Trial registration The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov under registration number NCT05279911 (registration date: March 15, 2022) (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05279911).

Syringeable atorvastatin loaded eugenol enriched PEGylated cubosomes in-situ gel for the intra-pocket treatment of periodontitis: statistical optimization and clinical assessment.

Atorvastatin calcium (ATV) is a well-known anti-hyperlipidemic drug currently being recognized for possessing an anti-inflammatory effect. Introducing it as a novel remedy for periodontitis treatment necessitates developing a syringeable modified delivery system capable of targeting inflammation within the periodontal pockets. Thus, a 33 Box-Behnken design was used to generate eugenol enriched PEGylated cubosomes. Based on the desirability function, the optimized formulation (OEEPC) was selected exhibiting a solubilization efficiency (SE%) of 97.71 ± 0.49%, particle size (PS) of 135.20 ± 1.11 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.09 ± 0.006, zeta potential (ZP) of -28.30 ± 1.84 mV and showing a sustained drug release over 12 h. It displayed a cubic structure under the transmission electron microscope, furthermore, it was stable upon storage for up to 30 days. Hence, it was loaded into an optimum syringeable in-situ gel (ISG) which displayed the desired periodontal gelation temperature (34 ± 0.70 °C) and an adequate gelation time (46 ± 2.82 sec), it also released approximately 75% of the drug within 72 h. Clinical evaluation of the ISG showed a promising percentage reduction of about 58.33% in probing depth, 90% in the bleeding index, 81.81% in the plaque index, and 70.21% in gingival levels of transforming growth factor-ß1. This proved that the formulated syringeable intra-pocket delivery system of ATV is an efficient candidate for diminishing inflammation in periodontitis.

The prospective effect of fucoidan on splenic dysfunction caused by oxaliplatin in male rats through endoplasmic stress dynamics.

Fucoidans (FUCs) are highly sulfated polysaccharides demonstrating multiple actions in different systems. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agent with several side effects that restrict its usage. The current study aimed to determine the potential effect of FUC in male rats with splenic dysfunction induced by OXA. Eighty adult male rats aged (8-9 weeks) weighing (190-230 g) were divided into four groups: (Group I: the control group): Rats were administrated normal saline; (Group II: controls treated by FUC): Rats were treated with FUC; (Group III: Splenic dysfunction group): Rats were treated with 8 mg/kg OXA. (IV: Splenic dysfunction treated by FUC): Rats were treated by OXA as Group III, then fucoidan was given. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected to determine red blood cells and white blood cells. Splenic tissues were divided into one part for biochemical assays, oxidative stress markers as MDA and catalase, inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL6), and apoptotic markers (caspase 3) and gene expression of Nrf2, Mapk1 gene expression, and endoplasmic stress parameters and the other part was used for immunohistochemical and histopathological analysis. Compared to the OXA-induced splenic dysfunction group, FUC significantly decreased high levels of MDA, TNF- alpha, IL6, caspase-3, Mapk1, endoplasmic stress induced by OXA, and increased the level of catalase and Nrf2. Fucoidan has corrected the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes compared to the OXA-induced splenic dysfunction group. In conclusion, our findings suggest that fucoidan has a significant role in the treatment of splenic dysfunction induced by OXA.

The Ameliorative Effect of Empagliflozin in Vigabatrin-Induced Cerebellar/Neurobehavioral Deficits: Targeting mTOR/AMPK/SIRT-1 Signaling Pathways.

Introduction. Vigabatrin (VGB) is an antiepileptic drug that acts to irreversibly inhibit the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase enzyme, elevating GABA levels. Broad studies have established that long-term treatment and/or high doses of VGB lead to variable visual defects. However, little attention has been paid to its other side effects, especially those demonstrating cerebellar involvement. Sodium glucose-linked co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are antidiabetic agents with protective effects far greater than expected based on their anti-hyperglycemic effect. Method. Our study herein was designed to investigate the possible ameliorative effect of empagliflozin, the SGLT2 inhibitors, in VGB-induced cerebellar toxicity. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were allocated equally into 4 groups: Group I: control group; Group II: VGB group; Group III empagliflozin treated VGB group; and Group IV: empagliflozin treated group. All groups were subjected to the detection of cerebellar messenger RNA gene expression of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and Nucleoporin p62 (P62). Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and beclin1 levels were assessed by the ELISA technique while malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected spectrophotometrically. Immuno-histochemical studies, focusing on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 were performed, and the optical color density and the mean area percentage of GFAP positive astrocytes and the number of S 100 positive cells were also counted. Results. Following empagliflozin treatment, we documented significant upregulation of both SIRT1 and P62 mRNA gene expression. Additionally, AMPK, Beclin1 levels, and SOD activity were significantly improved, while both mTOR and MDA levels were significantly reduced. Conclusions. We concluded for the first time that empagliflozin efficiently ameliorated the VGB-induced disrupted mTOR/AMPK/SIRT-1 signaling axis with subsequent improvement of the autophagy machinery and mitigation of the oxidative and inflammatory cellular environment, paving the way for an innovative therapeutic potential in managing VGB-induced neurotoxicity.

Student support in higher education: campus service utilization, impact, and challenges.

Worldwide, university student support services facilitate student performance, contribute to students' success, and increase students' chances of degree completion. Student support services programs' success depends on students' help-seeking behavior. This study explores the help-seeking behavior of Foundation Program and Undergraduate students at Qatar University (QU) through their use of campus services to better understand students' use of these services. The study examines the association between help-seeking behavior, as indicated through services, on student success and persistence in two consecutive semesters, Spring 2019 and Fall 2019. Findings report a significant association between students' services and student success and persistence. A significant difference was reported between at-risk students' majors and at-risk students in STEM and non-STEM majors. Also, there was a difference in the help-seeking behavior among males and females, nationals and non-nationals, and student classifications.

A Study of volumetric variations of basal nuclei in the normal human brain by magnetic resonance imaging.

Knowledge of the effects of healthy aging on brain structures is necessary to identify abnormal changes due to diseases. Many studies have demonstrated age-related volume changes in the brain using MRI. 60 healthy individuals who had normal MRI aged from 20 years to 80 years were examined and classified into three groups: Group I: 21 persons; nine males and 12 females aging between 20-39 years old. Group II: 22 persons; 11 males and 11 females aging between 40-59 years old. Group III: 17 persons; eight males and nine females aging between 60-80 years old. Volumetric analysis was done to evaluate the effect of age, gender and hemispheric difference in the caudate and putamen by the slicer 4.3.3.1 software using 3D T1-weighted images. Data were analyzed by student's unpaired t test, ANOVA and regression analysis. The volumes of the measured and corrected caudate nuclei and putamen significantly decreased with aging in males. There was a statistically insignificant relation between the age and the volume of the measured caudate nuclei and putamen in females but there was a statistically significant relation between the age and the corrected caudate nuclei and putamen. There was no significant difference on the caudate and putamen volumes between males and females. There was no significant difference between the right and left caudate nuclei volumes. There was a leftward asymmetry in the putamen volumes. The results can be considered as a base to track individual changes with time (aging and CNS diseases). Clin. Anat. 30:175-182, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.