Unveiling the potential of alginate-based nanomaterials in sensing technology and smart delivery applications.

Sensors are applied to many fields nowadays because of their high sensitivity, low cost, time-saving, user-friendly, and excellent selectivity. Current biomedical and pharmaceutical science has one focus on developing nanoparticle-based sensors, especially biopolymeric nanoparticles. Alginate is a widely used biopolymer in a variety of applications. The hydrogel-forming characteristic, the chemical structure with hydroxy and carboxylate moieties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and water solubility of alginate have expanded opportunities in material and biomedical sciences. Recently, research on alginate-based nanoparticles and their applications has begun. These materials are gaining popularity because of their wide usage potential in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Many review papers describe applications of alginate in the drug delivery field. The current study covers the structural and physicochemical properties of alginate-based nanoparticles. The prospective applications of alginate-based nanomaterials in various domains are discussed, including drug delivery and environmental sensing applications for humidity, heavy metals, and hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, biomedical sensing applications of alginate-based nanoparticles regarding various analytes such as glucose, cancer cells, pharmaceutical drugs, and human motion will also be reviewed in this paper. Future research scopes highlight existing challenges and solutions.

The association between endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in Egyptians.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis (Ps) is a disorder attributed to the immune system that involves inflammation of the skin and joints. Psoriasis is a multifactorial disorder in which genetic factors represent about 70% of the disease risk. This study aims to establish the correlation between the ERAP2 gene's single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2910686 and rs2248374 with the susceptibility to Ps and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) among the Egyptian population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genotyping of ERAP2 gene SNPs (rs2910686 and rs2248374) in 120 psoriatic patients with and without arthritis and 100 controls was done using real-time PCR. The genotype frequency and distribution of the ERAP2 SNP (rs2910686 and rs2248374) were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). For rs2910686, the TC and CC genotypes and C allele frequency were significant risk factors for PsA compared to the controls (OR = 5.708, OR = 10.165, and OR = 4.282, respectively). They also were significant risk factors for Ps compared to the controls (OR = 5.165, OR = 5.040, and OR = 3.258, respectively). For rs2248374, the AG genotype significantly increased the risk of PsA (OR = 2.605) and Ps (OR = 3.768) compared to controls. The AG genotype was significantly related to the risk of Ps (OR = 3.369) G allele with PsA (OR = 1.608) and Ps (OR = 1.965) compared to controls. CONCLUSION: In Egyptian individuals, the ERAP2 gene polymorphisms (rs2248374 and rs2910686) may contribute genetically to the pathophysiology of psoriasis and PsA.

Deregulation of MicroRNA-146a and 155 expression levels might underlie complicated pregnancy in Toxoplasma Gondii seronegative women.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the ability of the estimated plasma expression levels of genes of microRNA (MiR-) 146a and 155 to differentiate between samples of pregnant women suspected to be infected by T. gondii. 50 newly pregnant women who had at least one of the criteria of high risk for toxoplasma infection and 50 newly primigravida women free of these criteria gave blood samples for qualitative determination of serum toxoplasma antibodies and estimation of plasma expression levels of MiR-146a and 155 using the qRT-PCR. During the pregnancy course, the incidence of pregnancy complications was recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-six women were IgM-/IgG-, 17 women were IgM+/IgG- and 7 women were IgM+/IgG+. Thirty-two women had pregnancy complications with significantly lower incidence in IgM-/IgG- women. Plasma expression levels of MiR-146a and 155 were significantly higher in total patients compared to control levels and were significantly higher in samples of IgM+/IgG+ patients than in other samples. Statistical analyses defined a high plasma level of MiR-155 as the highly significant predictor for oncoming pregnancy complications and high levels of both microRNAs as predictors for the presence of toxoplasmosis despite seronegativity. Kaplan-Meier regression analysis defined increasing cumulative risk of having toxoplasmosis despite seronegativity with plasma levels of MiR-146a and MiR-155 of 1.2 and 3, respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence of pregnancy complications is high, irrespective of the seronegativity of women at high risk of toxoplasmosis. Estimated plasma levels of MiR-155 might identify women liable to develop complications and differentiate seronegative women vulnerable to having T. gondii infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was approved preliminarily by the Local Ethical Committee at Benha Faculty of Medicine. Before enrollment, the study protocol was discussed in detail with the study participants, and those accepted to participate in the study signed written fully informed consents. The final approval of the study protocol was obtained after the end of case collection and registered by RC: 5-11-2022.

Acute Appendicitis Incidence, Diagnostic Markers, and Sequelae; Dallah Hospital-Based Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Acute appendicitis is currently considered one of the most common acute surgical diseases of the abdomen and requires emergency surgery. It is also one of the most common abdominal emergencies in both developed and developing countries. The current study is aimed at assessing the specificity and sensitivity of Ultrasound and Computed Tomography in the diagnosis of appendicitis as well as the prevalence of its complications. The association of appendicitis with several laboratory findings will also be evaluated. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted at Dallah-Namar Hospital, Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Results: 720 patients were differentially diagnosed with appendicitis in the study area. Of these, 618 patients had US abdomen/pelvis, with 15 (2.4%) showing positive findings. Amongst the 203 patients noted to have undergone abdominal CT,8 (4.0%) was found to have positive findings. Conclusion: The sensitivity of the US was determined to be relatively low. Also, serum creatinine was found to be elevated among all patients diagnosed with appendicitis. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to be conducted to further support the current findings.

Oral Findings, Salivary Copper, Magnesium, and Leptin in Type II Diabetic Patients in Relation to Oral Candida Species.

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to reduced insulin production in the pancreas. It has genetic- and family-related risk factors that cannot be changed, along with modifiable lifestyle factors. The precise genetic causes of type 2 diabetes are still unknown. However, individuals can potentially slow or stop the progression of the condition by making dietary adjustments and increasing physical activity levels. Material and Methods. Forty-five type II diabetic patients in the study included participants between 40 and 60 years old, with a minimum duration of one year, as well as 45 healthy control subjects who were matched in terms of age and sex, and had no underlying systemic diseases. Oral examination is done for the symptoms including burning sensation, candidiasis, and a reduction in the production of saliva. The rate of saliva flow (in milliliters per minute) was measured in samples of saliva that were not stimulated. The salivary trace elements and levels of adipocytokines were evaluated using colorimetric and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ELISA) testing. The quantification of Candida colony numbers, an enrichment and culture approach, was used to achieve a concentration of 100,000 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). The ShowNovo WG1 halimeter was used to measure volatile sulfur compounds in breath. The salivary glucose oxidase assay was conducted using a colorimetric technique, while the determination of trace elements was also performed using a colorimetric assay method. Result: The diabetic group exhibited a significant increase in the number of Candida spp colonies due to elevated levels of glucose in the saliva (p > 0.05). However, the variables being examined, such as body mass index (BMI), burning mouth syndrome (BMS), salivary flow rate (SFR), salivary leptin, salivary copper, and salivary magnesium, did not exhibit any significant variations in quantities between the diabetic and healthy groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The data collected in this research aid in the creation of a preventative program for oral fungal infections in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The program utilizes saliva and its constituents.

Quantification of arsenic in real samples using a spectrophotometric cloud point extraction of the formed ion pair with astrazon orange G.

A novel cloud-point extraction (CPE) procedure for the determination of ultra-trace amounts of arsenic species in real samples, purchased from the local market by spectrophotometer was developed. Inorganic arsenic species analysis in water, beverages, and foods has become increasingly important in recent years, as arsenic species are considered carcinogenic and are assessed at significant levels in samples. The technique is established on a selective ternary complex of As(V) with astrazon orange G (AOG+) in the presence of tartaric acid and polyethylene glycol tertoctylphenyl ether (Triton X-114) at pH 4.0. The calibration curve developed within range 3.0-160 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9988 for As(V) provided a preconcentration factor of 200 and a limit of detection (3S blank/m) of 0.88 ng/mL under optimum investigation conditions. The results of molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity are calculated and found to be 4.38 × 105 L/mol cm and 0.018 ng cm-2, respectively. The statistical treatment of data obtained from the proposed and GF-AAS procedures are compared in terms of Student's t-tests and variance ratio F-tests has revealed no significant differences. The methodology has been effectively confirmed by assessing real samples and comparing it to the GF-AAS method statistically.

The highly selective green colorimetric detection of yttrium ions in biological and environmental samples using the synergistic effect in an optical sensor.

A new eco-friendly method for creating an optical sensor membrane specifically designed to detect yttrium ions (Y3+) has been developed. The proposed sensor membrane is fabricated by integrating 4-(2-arsonophenylazo) salicylic acid (APASA), sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB), and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) into a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) matrix with dimethyl sebacate (DMS) as the plasticizer. In this sensor membrane, APASA functions dually as an ionophore and a chromoionophore, while TOPO enhances the complexation of Y3+ ions with APASA. The composition of the sensor membrane has been meticulously optimized to achieve peak performance. The current membrane exhibits a linear dynamic range for Y3+ ions from 8.0 × 10-9 to 2.3 × 10-5 M, with detection and quantification limits of 2.3 × 10-9 and 7.7 × 10-9 M, respectively. No interference from other potentially interfering cations and anions was observed in the determination of Y3+. The membrane showed strong stability and a swift response time of about 3.0 minutes, with no signs of APASA leaching. This sensor is highly selective for Y3+ ions and can be renewed by treating it with 0.15 M HNO3. It has been effectively applied to measure Y3+ in nickel-based alloys, as well as in biological and environmental samples.

Preparation and modification of polymer microspheres, application in wastewater treatment: A review.

The removal of various pollutants from water is necessary due to the increasing requirements for the removal of various pollutants from wastewater and the quality of drinking water. Polymer microspheres are regarded as exemplary adsorbent materials due to their high adsorption efficiency, excellent adsorption performance, and ease of handling. Herein, the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods, modifications, applications and the current research status of polymer microspheres are summarized at large. Furthermore, the enhanced performance of modified composite microspheres is emphasized, including adsorption efficiency, thermal stability, and significant improvements in physical and chemical properties. Subsequently, the current applications and potential of polymeric microspheres for wastewater treatment, including the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants, heavy metal ions, and other contaminants are summarized. Finally, future research directions for polymer microspheres are proposed, outlining the challenges and solutions associated with the application of polymer microspheres in wastewater treatment.

Synthesis of a resorcinol-based derivative as a corrosion inhibitor for low-carbon steel in 0.5 mol L-1 HCl medium: chemical, electrochemical, and theoretical aspects.

This work illustrated the synthesis of a new simple resorcinol derivative, 4,6-dimethoxyisophthalohydrazide (DMIH) and confirmed its structure using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The inhibiting performance of the DMIH compound in resisting the pitting action of a 0.5 mol L-1 HCl solution on low-carbon steel (LCS) was assessed. The newly synthesized compound had a simple structure and was dissolved in acidic media. The efficiency of the inhibitor was examined using chemical and electrochemical methods. The DMIH compound significantly decreased the rate of dissolution of LCS in HCl solution by adsorption. The adsorption was based on the Langmuir model. The DMIH compound is adsorbed on LCS via both chemisorption and physisorption. The DMIH compound is a mixed-type inhibitor. An inhibition efficiency (IE) of 83.8% was obtained using 300 ppm of the DMIH compound at 298 K. The IE decreased to 72% as the temperature increased to 328 K. When the concentration of DMIH increased from 50 to 300 ppm, the charge transfer resistance (R ct) increased from 134.7 to 404.8 ohm cm2, and the capacitance of the adsorbed layer decreased from 38 × 10-6 to 11 × 10-6 F cm-2. The high IE of the synthesized inhibitor was validated by the quantum characteristics. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations revealed that the DMIH compound adsorbed to the LCS quite well. The presence of a protective film on the LCS specimen was verified by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results. DMIH has significant potential to function as a corrosion inhibitor, as indicated by the comparative study between its performance and that of previously reported compounds. Although the structure of the DMIH compound is simpler than that of other inhibitors, it has been proven to be more effective.

Impact of Depression on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-Associated Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal chronic disorder associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. One of the factors that could affect the pathogenesis of IBS is depression, a common psychological disorder that causes social and physical disability and affects productivity. A number of Saudi teachers were found to have depression, which was linked with multiple risk factors including chronic illnesses. However, there is limited data that exhibits the association between IBS and depression, specifically. Therefore, our study aims to determine the impact of depression on IBS-associated gastrointestinal symptoms in Makkah City schools, Saudi Arabia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used two validated scales and translated them into Arabic and then we distributed them to our targeted population. Our sample size was determined to be 383 but we succeeded in recruiting 477 participants in our study. Data were statistically analyzed using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Generally, participants who demonstrated mild levels of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scale corresponded significantly with minimal/mild and moderate levels of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-IBS (GSRS-IBS) scores (n = 85 and 76, respectively; p ˂ 0.001), while participants who scored moderately on the PHQ-9 depression scale corresponded significantly with a severe level of GSRS-IBS scores (n = 29; p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion Our study found a significant association between different levels of depression and IBS among participants with a positive history of IBS. Further studies about the prevalence of IBS, depression, and the nature of their relationship are strongly recommended, in addition to the necessity of a suicide risk assessment for those with severe depression.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from some dairy products in Libya as a foodborne pathogen.

Background and Aim: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of clinical and asymptomatic mastitis in dairy cattle, as well as in milk and dairy products that affect milk quality. Mastitis caused by K. pneumoniae is even more serious due to its poor response to antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to detect and identify the presence of K. pneumoniae in milk and dairy products produced in Libya. Materials and Methods: A total of 234 samples were randomly collected from various locations in Libya. Samples were examined for the presence of K. pneumoniae using conventional cultural techniques, including cultivation in violet red bile agar plus 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-D-glucuronide broth and CHROM agar, followed by polymerase chain reaction identification and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA. Results: Of the 234 samples of milk and dairy products collected, 16 (6.8%) isolates revealed mucoid colonies on agar media that were phenotypically suggested to be K. pneumoniae. Identification of isolates was confirmed using molecular techniques (16S rRNA). Among the examined samples, K. pneumoniae was recovered from camel's milk, raw cow's milk, raw fermented milk, Maasora cheese, Ricotta cheese, soft cheese, full cream milk powder, milk powder infant formula, cereal baby food, and growing-up formula. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on 12 of the 16 K. pneumoniae isolates, and the results showed that K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to more than eight antibiotics; interestingly, two isolates showed metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production. Conclusion: K. pneumoniae is considered a risk to human health because many of these products do not comply with the microbiological criteria of international and/or Libyan standards. This study emphasized the relationship between K. pneumoniae and raw milk, cheese, milk powder, and infant milk retailed in Libya. There is a need to take the necessary measures to ensure effective hygiene practices during production in dairy factories, handling, and distribution on the market, in particular at a small local production scale.

Revolutionizing scandium detection in real samples: Unleashing the power of sol-gel-based optical sensor.

The development of a highly selective and ultra-sensitive optical sensor for detecting scandium (Sc3+) ions involves incorporating the reagent 2,3-dichloro-6-(3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-1-naphthylazo)quinoxaline (DCHNAQ) into a silica sol-gel thin film on a glass substrate. This innovative approach utilizes tetraethoxy-silane (TEOS) as the precursor, maintaining a sol-gel pH level of 4.5, a water-to-alkoxide ratio of 5:1, and a DCHNAQ concentration of 5.0 × 10-4 M. A detailed exploration of the impact of sol-gel parameters on the sensing capabilities of the developed sensor has been meticulously undertaken. This innovative sensor demonstrates remarkable selectivity in evaluating Sc3+ ions over a dynamic range of 7.5-170 ng/mL, with limits of quantification and detection recorded at 7.3 and 2.20 ng/mL, respectively. Consistent results are achieved with a minimal RSD of 1.47 and 0.94% for Sc3+ ions at 50 and 100 ng/mL, respectively, coupled with a swift response time of three min. Assessments of interference demonstrate a noteworthy preference for Sc3+ions, accomplished by enclosing DCHNAQ within the sol-gel framework and making optimal structural modifications to the doped sol-gel. The sensor offers straightforward regeneration using a 0.25 M EDTA solution, exhibiting complete reversibility. Comparative analysis with other methodologies underscores the efficacy in determining Sc3+ions in various reference materials, including plant leaves, fish, water, alloys, ores, and monazite samples.

Correction to "Role of NiO Nanoparticles in Enhancing Structure Properties of TiO2 and Its Applications in Photodegradation and Hydrogen Evolution".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03693.].

Antibacterial activity of flavonoid extracts from Enteromorpha intestinalis and Caulerpa prolifera against multidrug-resistant foodborne bacterial isolates.

Background: Food poisoning caused by bacterial agents is a worldwide problem, usually accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and may be severe leading to death. Natural compounds from marine algae namely flavonoids may play a role in the remedy of this condition. Aim: This research aims to assess the potency of flavonoids extracted from Enteromorpha intestinalis and Caulerpa prolifera as antibacterial agents. Methods: Enteromorpha intestinalis was collected from Western Libyan Coast and C. prolifera was collected from Farwa Island. The antimicrobial activity and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of algal flavonoid-containing extracts was performed in vitro against some positive and negative Gram bacteria. Results: Crude extract containing flavonoids from E. intestinalis was more effective than C. prolifera extract against Staphylococcus aureus with antimicrobial essay (25-28 + 1 and 14.5-37.5 + 0.5-1.5), MIC (50 and 50-250 µg/ml), MBC (75 and 75-250 µg/ml). In Bacillus cereus, the antimicrobial assay (19-24.5 + 0.5-1.5: 24 + 1), MIC (50-250 + 100 µg/ml), and MBC (250 and 125 µg/ml). On the other hand, flavonoids containing extract from C. prolifera were more effective than E. intestinalis against Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 EHEC O157 (25-28 + 1: 14-18.5 + 0.5-1.5), MIC (100-250:100-500 µg/ml), and MBC (150-250 and 250-500 µg/ml). Salmonella enterica qualitatively combat by flavonoid from E. intestinalis (13.5-14 + 0.5-1: 10.5-13.5 + 0.5-1.5), MIC (100-250: 250 µg/ml), and MBC (100-250: 250 µg/ml). Flavonoids from C. prolifera (4 strains: 2 strains) were effective against S. enterica. Crude flavonoids from both algae were not effective against Bacillus pumilus. Conclusion: Data from this study could conclude that flavonoid extracts from E. intestinalis and C. prolifera could be used against foodborne bacterial agents.

Effect of Ventilator Settings on Mechanical Power During Simulated Mechanical Ventilation of Patients With ARDS.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, mechanical power (MP) has emerged as an important concept that can significantly impact outcomes from mechanical ventilation. Several individual components of ventilatory support such as tidal volume (VT), breathing frequency, and PEEP have been shown to contribute to the extent of MP delivered from a mechanical ventilator to patients in respiratory distress/failure. The aim of this study was to identify which common individual setting of mechanical ventilation is more efficient in maintaining safe and protective levels of MP using different modes of ventilation in simulated subjects with ARDS. METHODS: We used an interactive mathematical model of ventilator output during volume control ventilation (VCV) with either constant inspiratory flow (VCV-CF) or descending ramp inspiratory flow, as well as pressure control ventilation (PCV). MP values were determined for simulated subjects with mild, moderate, and severe ARDS; and whenever MP > 17 J/min, VT, breathing frequency, or PEEP was manipulated independently to bring back MP to ≤ 17 J/min. Finally, the optimum VT-breathing frequency combinations for MP = 17 J/min were determined with all 3 modes of ventilation. RESULTS: VCV-CF always resulted in the lowest MPs while PCV resulted in highest MPs. Reductions in VT were the most efficient for maintaining safer and protective MP. At targeted MPs of 17 J/min and maximized minute ventilation, the optimum VT-breathing frequency combinations were 250-350 mL for VT and 32-35 breaths/min for breathing frequency in mild ARDS, 200-350 mL for VT and 34-40 breaths/min for breathing frequency in moderate ARDS, and 200-300 mL for VT and 37-45 breaths/min for breathing frequency for severe ARDS. CONCLUSIONS: VCV-CF resulted in the lowest MP. VT was the most efficient for maintaining safe and protective MP in a mathematical simulation of subjects with ARDS. In the context of maintaining low and safe MPs, ventilatory strategies with lower-than-normal VT and higher-than-normal breathing frequency will need to be implemented in patients with ARDS.

Highly sensitive plasmonic paper substrate fabricated via amphiphilic polymer self-assembly in microdroplet for detection of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants.

We report an innovative and facile approach to fabricating an ultrasensitive plasmonic paper substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The approach exploits the self-assembling capability of poly(styrene-b-2-vinyl pyridine) block copolymers to form a thin film at the air-liquid interface within the single microdroplet scale for the first time and the subsequent in situ growth of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The concentration of the block copolymer was found to play an essential role in stabilizing the droplets during the mass transfer phase and formation of silver nanoparticles, thus influencing the SERS signals. SEM analysis of the morphology of the plasmonic paper substrates revealed the formation of spherical AgNPs evenly distributed across the surface of the formed copolymer film with a size distribution of 47.5 nm. The resultant enhancement factor was calculated to be 1.2 × 107, and the detection limit of rhodamine 6G was as low as 48.9 pM. The nanohybridized plasmonic paper was successfully applied to detect two emerging pollutants-sildenafil and flibanserin-with LODs as low as 1.48 nM and 3.45 nM, respectively. Thus, this study offers new prospects for designing an affordable and readily available, yet highly sensitive, paper-based SERS substrate with the potential for development as a lab-on-a-chip device.

Assessment of the Level of Knowledge and Awareness of the Risk of Chronic Use of Steroids in Causing Cataracts Among the General Population in the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cataracts consequence blindness to burden and impose health and economic burdens on communities. Steroid-induced cataracts have scarcely been highlighted in previous literature, creating a demand for reinvestigating this issue among the general population of western Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 using an online survey distributed among the target participants via social media platforms. The data were gathered and statistically analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2015. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. software. RESULTS: Overall, 866 respondents (males = 42.5%, females = 57.5%) were enrolled in this survey (mean age = 28.08, SD = 13). The participants' correct responses to questions about steroid-induced cataracts showed inadequate representation (below 50%). Additionally, most of the participants (94.23%) had a poor understanding of steroid-induced cataracts. CONCLUSION: The participants' level of understanding of the risk factors associated with chronic steroid usage and its impact on cataracts was inadequate.

The utility and effectiveness of the newer generation high-resolution coronary computed tomography angiography in the evaluation of coronary in-stent restenosis.

BACKGROUND: The importance of coronary computerized tomography angiography (CCTA) in detecting native coronary artery stenosis has been established. However, very few studies investigated the efficacy of CCTA in the assessment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) in symptomatic patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the value of CCTA in diagnosing ISR. METHODS: We included 102 symptomatic patients with stable angina, presented one to five years after PCI. All patients were subjected to CCTA, and the patients with significant coronary artery disease were directed for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). CCTA results were compared to ICA as the gold standard tool for detecting ISR. RESULTS: In 88 (86.3 %) patients, CCTA could successfully exclude ISR together with the ICA (true negative), but in two cases, ICA detected an ISR which was not detected by CCTA (false negative). In eight patients, CCTA detected ISR. These were confirmed by ICA (true positive) and revascularized. In four patients (3.9 %), ISR was suspected by CCTA but excluded by ICA (false positive). In our study, according to the agreement of CCTA in detection or exclusion of ISR, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 80.0 %, 96.65 %, 66.67 %, 97.78 %, 94.12 %, respectively. These results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In up to 86 % of symptomatic patients with previous PCI, ISR was accurately excluded by CCTA. CCTA was demonstrated by this study as a high yielding tool for ruling out ISR, abolishing the need for more invasive and expensive diagnostic procedures.

Heavy Metals Assessment and Health Risk to Consumers of Two Commercial Fish Species from Polyculture Fishponds in El-Sharkia and Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt: Physiological and Biochemical Study.

Metal pollution is a major environmental concern worldwide, especially in Egypt. The aquaculture industry uses widespread artificial feeds to stimulate fish production, leading to metal accumulation in the aquatic environment. Heavy metal concentrations (HMCs) in sediments, water, and tissues were studied to study the effect of pollution levels on heamatological, and biochemical, immunological aspects of farmed fish as well as on human health. Results declared that the HMC levels in the water and sediment were significantly different between El-Sharkia and Kafr El-Sheikh fishponds (T-test, p < 0.05). This was supported by the metal pollution index in the water and sediment, indicating that El-Sharkia fishponds (ES fishponds) were more contaminated than Kafr El-Sheikh fishponds (KES fishponds). Also, HMCs in fish tissues were significantly increased in fish cultivated in ES fishponds than in KES fishponds. Haematological, immunological, and biochemical alterations of Bolti (Oreochromis niloticus) and Topara (Chelon ramada) fish were significantly different within the different fish species as well as the different fishponds. From the human health perspective, the THQ-HMC and HI-HMC associated with the consumption of muscle suggest a safe non-carcinogenic risk to human health. In contrast, cadmium poses a cancer risk to children who consume the muscular tissue of Bolti fish from ES fishponds, which should be regarded as a warning sign based on data indices and a human health perspective. In order to minimise HMC pollution in the aquaculture sector, it is advisable to take possible assessments and carry out continuous monitoring considering international WHO/FAO assessments.

Alginate-modified surfactants functionalized metal-organic framework-based fluorescent film sensors for detection and adsorption of volatile aldehydes in water.

Volatile aldehydes have an adverse impact on both human health and the environment, therefore, a fast, straightforward, highly accurate detection technique for the simultaneous detection and removal of several aldehydes is eagerly anticipated. Herein, novel APGF@ZIF-8 and APOF@ZIF-8 sensing materials were developed by coating fluorescent alginate-modified surfactants (APGF and APOF) into the ZIF-8 MOFs to produce quite porous fluorescent sensors (SBET up to 1519 m2/g). The detection capacity of the prepared sensors for benzaldehyde, glyoxal, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde has been examined. The detection mechanism was suggested as hydrogen bonding formation between the sensors and volatile aldehydes as confirmed by Gaussian calculations. All the fluorescence spectra of aldehydes display remarkable linear detection relationships in the range of 0.05-200 µM with the limits of detection (LOD) values in the range of 0.001-0.18 µM (0.106-10.44 ppb). These sensors were utilized successfully to detect multiple volatile aldehydes in river water samples with satisfactory recoveries of 96-107 %. Interestingly, fluorescent APGF@ZIF-8/CS and APOF@ZIF-8/CS films as portable disposable removal techniques for benzaldehyde, glyoxal, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde from water were fabricated. APOF@ZIF-8/CS exhibited an excellent formaldehyde adsorption capacity of 58.30 mg/g and an adsorption removal efficiency of 93.5 %. The adsorption process of biosorbent on various aldehydes was fitted by Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The adsorption kinetics followed Pseudo-second-order kinetic model.