LncRNA NEAT1 and miRNA 101 as potential diagnostic biomarkers in patients with alopecia areata.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) commonly displays as non-scarring, irregular hair loss. Experimental and clinical research have specifically implicated autoimmunity and genetics in the disruption of anagen hair follicles. AA patients' scalp lesions and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exhibited an immune state imbalance. Numerous studies attempt to establish a connection between the occurrence and prognosis of AA and the epigenetic modulation of gene expression by long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA). The current study aimed to examine the serum levels of nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and its target miRNA101 (miR-101) in AA and investigate the ability to use them as diagnostic biomarkers in the disease. Methods: Seventy-two AA patients were included in this prospective cohort study. Demographics, patient history, laboratory characteristics, and treatments were recorded. The miR-101 and NEAT1 levels were evaluated. Results: Serum NEAT1 levels were lower in AA patients, but there was no significant difference. However, there was no substantial disparity in NEAT1 level regarding other disease characteristics. There was a substantial positive association between NEAT1 and miR-101 levels among cases. On the other hand, the results showed a markedly low mean of miR-101 levels among patients, but the miR-101 marker shows no significant difference regarding different disease characteristics. The specificity and sensitivity test for the miR-101 marker shows a significant specificity of 60 % and sensitivity of 75 % with a p-value of 0.001 and a cut-off value of 0.897. Conclusions: The current research determined that miR-101 works as a diagnostic biomarker for AA.

Recent advances in electrochemical approaches for detection of nitrite in food samples.

Nitrite is a common ingredient in the industry and agriculture; it is everywhere, like water, food, and surroundings. Recently, several approaches have been developed to measure the nitrite levels. So, this review was presented as a summary of many approaches utilized to detect the nitrite. Furthermore, the types of information that may be acquired using these methodologies, including optic and electrical signals, were discussed. In electrical signal methods, electrochemical sensors are usually developed using different materials, including carbon, polymers, oxides, and hydroxides. At the same time, optic signals receiving techniques involve utilizing fluorescence chromatography, absorption, and spectrometry instruments. Furthermore, these methodologies' benefits, drawbacks, and restrictions are examined. Lastly, due to the efficiency and fast means of electrochemical detectors, it was suggested that they can be used for detecting nitrite in food safety. Futuristic advancements in the techniques used for nitrite determination are subsequently outlined.

The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in arsenic toxicity.

Arsenic, a naturally occurring toxic element, manifests in various chemical forms and is widespread in the environment. Exposure to arsenic is a well-established risk factor for an elevated incidence of various cancers and chronic diseases. The crux of arsenic-mediated toxicity lies in its ability to induce oxidative stress, characterized by an unsettling imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, accompanied by the rampant generation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals. In response to this oxidative turmoil, cells deploy their defense mechanisms, prominently featuring the redox-sensitive transcription factor known as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). NRF2 stands as a primary guardian against the oxidative harm wrought by arsenic. When oxidative stress activates NRF2, it orchestrates a symphony of downstream antioxidant genes, leading to the activation of pivotal antioxidant enzymes like glutathione-S-transferase, heme oxygenase-1, and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1. This comprehensive review embarks on the intricate and diverse ways by which various arsenicals influence the NRF2 antioxidant pathway and its downstream targets, shedding light on their roles in defending against arsenic exposure toxic effects. It offers valuable insights into targeting NRF2 as a strategy for safeguarding against or treating the harmful and carcinogenic consequences of arsenic exposure.

Emerging Insights: miRNA Modulation of Ferroptosis Pathways in Lung Cancer.

The newly discovered programmed iron-dependent necrosis, ferroptosis, is a novel pathway that is controlled by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and cellular redox changes. It can be triggered intrinsically by low antioxidant enzyme activity or extrinsically by blocking amino acid transporters or activating iron transporters. The induction of ferroptosis involves the activation of specific proteins, suppression of transporters, and increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (a condition in which the ER, a crucial organelle involved in protein folding and processing, becomes overwhelmed by an accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins. This situation disrupts the normal functioning of the ER, leading to a cellular stress response known as the unfolded protein response), leading to lipid peroxidation byproduct accumulation and toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are highly reactive molecules derived from diatomic oxygen and include various forms such as superoxide (O2⁻), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Ferroptosis is closely associated with signaling molecules in lung cancer, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), and P53, and is regulated by epigenetic factors such as microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to translational repression or degradation. Several miRNAs have been found to modulate ferroptosis by targeting key genes involved in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defense pathways. The research on ferroptosis has expanded to target its role in lung cancer treatment and resistance prevention. This review encapsulates the significance of ferroptosis in lung cancer. Understanding the mechanisms and implications of ferroptosis in lung cancer cells may lead to targeted therapies exploiting cancer cell vulnerabilities to ferroptosis Also, improving treatment outcomes, and overcoming resistance.

The manufacture, optical properties, and mechanical aspects of europium-doped borate glasses.

An investigation into the optical and mechanical properties of a novel borate glasses with the chemical composition of 70 B2O3-10 Li2O-10ZnO-5Bi2O3-5CaO-xEu2O3 was conducted. The glassy specimens of Eu3+-doped borate were prepared by the melting-quenching technique. An enhanced density from 3.0860 to 3.2176 g cm-3 and reduced molar volume from 29.27819 to 29.17447 (cm3 mol-1) are the outcome of increasing the concentration of Eu3+ in glasses. Plotting the extinction coefficient, dielectric constant (ε1, ε2), and refractive index (n) against wavelength reveals that they all rise as level of Eu3+ elements in the glass lattice increases. An increase in Eu3+ concentration results in a decrease in both the volume (VELF) and surface (SELF) energy loss functions. Also, all elastic-mechanical moduli (such as Young's, Bulk, Shear, and Elongation) increase with increasing the quantity of Eu3+ ions in the glass lattice. The Young's modulus (Y, GPa) of the glassy specimens was 34.512, 36.089, 36.504, 36.730 and 37.114 GPa for x equal 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mol ratio in the glass system, and coded by Eu-0.0, Eu-0.25, Eu-0.5, Eu-0.75 and Eu-1.0, respectively. Growing Eu2O3 levels resulted in an increase in Micro-Hardness from 2.050 to 2.146 GPa. Poisson's ratio values for Eu-0.0, Eu-0.250, Eu-0.5, Eu-0.75 and Eu-1.0 were 0.273, 0.275, 0.277, 0.277 and 0.278, respectively.

Current and emerging trends of inorganic, organic and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors.

Effective corrosion control strategies are highly desired to reduce the fate of corrosion. One widely adopted approach is the use of corrosion inhibitors, which can significantly mitigate the detrimental effects of corrosion. This systematic review provides a thorough analysis of corrosion inhibitors, including both inorganic and organic compounds. It explores the inhibition mechanisms, highlighting the remarkable inhibitive efficiency of organic compounds attributed to the presence of heteroatoms and conjugated π-electron systems. The review presents case studies and investigations of corrosion inhibitors, shedding light on their performance and application potential. Moreover, it compares the efficacy, compatibility, and sustainability of emerging environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors, including biopolymers from natural resources as promising candidates. The review also highlights the potential of synergistic impacts between mixed corrosion inhibitors, particularly organic/organic systems, as a viable and advantageous choice for applications in challenging processing environments. The evaluation of inhibitors is discussed, encompassing weight loss (WL) analysis, electrochemical analysis, surface analysis, and quantum mechanical calculations. The review also discusses the thermodynamics and isotherms related to corrosion inhibition, further improving the understanding of inhibitor's behavior and mechanisms. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in corrosion control, offering insights and future directions for effective and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibition strategies.

The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at 30: A Legacy of Pioneering Research in Natural Products and Dietary Supplements.

Since its establishment in 1994, the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at the University of Mississippi has made notable contributions to the field of natural product research, coinciding with the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Over the past three decades, the Center has focused on studying plants, herbs, and other natural materials for applications in medicine, agriculture, and nutraceuticals, particularly in the area of botanical dietary supplements. NCNPR scientists have been actively engaged in developing and improving quality control measures to help ensure the safety of dietary supplements in response to a growing market. The Center's research efforts have led to its designation as a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center of Excellence, reflecting its role in advancing scientific understanding of natural products. Through collaborations with various stakeholders and regulators, NCNPR has contributed to shaping the regulatory landscape for botanical dietary supplements, highlighting both their potential health benefits and associated risks, such as product adulteration. The Center's influence is also evident internationally, as demonstrated by its annual International Conference on the Science of Botanicals, which will mark its 26th year in April 2025. This overview outlines NCNPR's role in supporting research, regulation, and safety in the natural products field.

The cytotoxic activities of the major diterpene extracted from Salvia multicaulis (Bardakosh) are mediated by the regulation of heat-shock response and fatty acid metabolism pathways in human leukemia cells.

BACKGROUND: Leukemia is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide and represents the sixth-leading cause of cancer deaths. The results of leukemia treatment have not been as positive as desired, and recurrence is common. PURPOSE: Thus, there is an urgent requirement for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Salvia multicaulis (Bardakosh) is a widespread species that contains multiple phytochemical components with anti-cancer activities. METHODS: We isolated and characterized the major diterpene candesalvone B methyl ester from S. multicaulis and investigated its action as a cytotoxic agent towards sensitive and drug-resistant leukemia cells by the resazurin reduction assay. Additionally, the targeted genes and the affected molecular mechanisms attributed to the potent cytotoxic activities were discovered by transcriptome-wide mRNA expression profiling. The targets predicted to be regulated by candesalvone B methyl ester in each cell line were confirmed by qRT-PCR, molecular docking, microscale thermophoresis, and western blotting. Moreover, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Candesalvone B methyl ester was cytotoxic with IC50 values of 20.95 ± 0.15 µM against CCRF-CEM cells and 4.13 ± 0.10 µM against multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 leukemia cells. The pathway enrichment analysis disclosed that candesalvone B methyl ester could regulate the heat-shock response signaling pathway via targeting heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in CCRF-CEM cells and ELOVL fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5) controls the fatty acid metabolism pathway in CEM/ADR5000 cells. Microscale thermophoresis showed the binding of candesalvone B methyl ester with HSF1 and ELOVL5, confirming the results of molecular docking analysis. Down-regulation of both HSF1 and ELOVL5 by candesalvone B methyl ester as detected by both western blotting and RT-qPCR was related to the reversal of drug resistance in the leukemia cells. Furthermore, candesalvone B methyl ester increased the arrest in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle in a dose-dependent manner from 1.3 % to 32.3 % with concomitant induction of apoptosis up to 29.0 % in CCRF-CEM leukemic cells upon inhibition of HSF1. CONCLUSION: Candesalvone B methyl ester isolated from S. multicaulis exerted cytotoxicity by affecting apoptosis, cell division, and modulation of expression levels of genes contributing to the heat stress signaling and fatty acid metabolism pathways that could relieve drug resistance of leukemia cells.

The emerging role of miRNAs in pituitary adenomas: From molecular signatures to diagnostic potential.

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are an array of tumors originating from the pituitary gland. PAs are sorted as functional or nonfunctional according to their hormonal activity and classified according to size into microadenomas and macroadenomas. Still, the cellular events that trigger the transformations in pituitary neoplasms are not fully understood, and the current classification methods do not precisely predict clinical behavior. A rising number of researches have emphasized the role of miRNAs, that drawn more attention as oncogenic molecules or tumor suppressors. The etiopathological mechanisms of PAs include multiple molecular cascades that are influenced by different miRNAs. miRNAs control the cell cycle control, pro- or antiapoptotic processes, and tumor invasion and metastasis. miRNAs offer a novel perspective on tumor features and behaviors and might be valuable in prognostication and therapeutic plans. In pituitary adenomas, miRNAs showed a specific expression pattern depending on their size, cell origin, remission, and treatments. Screening miRNA expression patterns is promising to monitor and evaluate recurrence, as well as to investigate the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy for PAs exhibiting aggressive behavior. Thus, the current review investigated the interplay of the miRNAs' pivotal role in offering new opportunities to translate these innovative epigenetic tools into healthcare applications.

Serum lncRNA ITGB2-AS1 and ICAM-1 as novel biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The complete circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) is still uncovered. The lncRNA integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGB2)-anti-sense RNA 1 (ITGB2-AS1) affects ITGB2 expression; however, there is a gap in knowledge regarding its expression and clinical usefulness in RA and OA. This study investigated the potential of serum ITGB2-AS1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker and its correlation with ITGB2 expression and its ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), disease activity, and severity in RA and primary knee OA patients. SUBJECTS: Forty-three RA patients, 35 knee OA patients, and 22 healthy volunteers were included. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, serum ITGB2-AS1 expression was upregulated in RA patients but wasn't significantly altered in knee OA patients, whereas serum ICAM-1 protein levels were elevated in both diseases. ITGB2-AS1 showed discriminative potential for RA versus controls (AUC = 0.772), while ICAM-1 displayed diagnostic potential for both RA and knee OA versus controls (AUC = 0.804, 0.914, respectively) in receiver-operating characteristic analysis. In the multivariate analysis, serum ITGB2-AS1 and ICAM-1 were associated with the risk of developing RA, while only ICAM-1 was associated with the risk of developing knee OA. A panel combining ITGB2-AS1 and ICAM-1 showed profound diagnostic power for RA (AUC = 0.9, sensitivity = 86.05%, and specificity = 91.67%). Interestingly, serum ITGB2-AS1 positively correlated with disease activity (DAS28) in RA patients and with ITGB2 mRNA expression in both diseases, while ICAM-1 positively correlated with ITGB2 expression in knee OA patients. CONCLUSION: Our study portrays serum ITGB2-AS1 as a novel potential diagnostic biomarker of RA that correlates with disease activity. A predictive panel combining ITGB2-AS1 and ICAM-1 could have clinical utility in RA diagnosis. We also spotlight the association of ICAM-1 with knee OA diagnosis. The correlation of serum ITGB2-AS1 with ITGB2 expression in both diseases may be insightful for further mechanistic studies.

Exploring the phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and hepatoprotective potential of Moricandia sinaica leaves against paracetamol-induced toxicity: Biological evaluations and in Silico insights.

Thirteen components were identified in the methanol extract of Moricandia sinaica leaves (MSLE) through analysis utilizing HPLC-ESI-MS/MS., including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. The methanol extract of M. sinaica leaves contained total phenolics and flavonoids (59.37 ± 2.19 mg GAE/g and 38.94 ± 2.72 mg QE/g), respectively. Furthermore, it revealed in vitro antioxidant properties as determined by the DPPH and FRAP assays, with respective IC50 values of 10.22 ± 0.64 and 20.89 ± 1.25 µg/mL. The extract exhibited a notable hepatoprotective effect in rats who experienced paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. When a dose of 250 mg/kg was given, there was a 52% reduction in alanine transaminase and a 30% reduction in aspartate transaminase compared to the group with the disease. Furthermore, it demonstrated a 3.4-fold, 2.2-fold, and 2.6-fold increase in superoxide dismutase, non-protein sulfhydryl, and glutathione peroxidase, respectively. In addition, it demonstrated a 68% decrease in lipid peroxide levels compared to the group with paracetamol-induced condition. The verification was conducted using a histological study, which identified improved liver histology with a small number of distended hepatocytes. Moreover, in silico studies focused on the enzymes NADPH oxidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase as the targets for the major compounds. In conclusion, MSLE showed promising hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities due to its richness in antioxidant metabolites.

Canaloplasty via an ab-interno surgical technique in patients with primary angle closure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcomes of canaloplasty performed with the iTrack microcatheter (Nova Eye Medical, Fremont, USA) as a standalone procedure and in combination with phacoemulsification in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). METHODS: A single-center, retrospective case series of eyes undergoing canaloplasty via an ab-interno technique with a diagnosis of PACG based on gonioscopy findings (Shaffer grading). Patients were excluded if they had previously undergone a glaucoma procedure other than Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI). Eyes were grouped by glaucoma severity based on mean deviation preoperative values. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Sixty eyes (9 canaloplasty-standalone, pseudophakic, and 51 canaloplasty + phaco) were eligible. The mean baseline IOP was 21.9 ± 7.3 mmHg and number of glaucoma medications was 1.95 ± 1.4. At the latest follow-up (mean 26 ± 9.2 months), they were reduced to 14.6 ± 3.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) and 0.96 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001). IOP reduction was statistically significant when canaloplasty was performed as a standalone procedure (baseline 22.78 ± 6.72 vs 17.00 ± 3.42 at the latest follow-up) or combined with phacoemulsification (21.75 ± 7.43 vs 14.21 ± 3.66) or if canaloplasty was performed in mild (20.8 ± 4.93 vs 15.5 ± 3.63), moderate (21.9 ± 8.58 vs 13.9 ± 3.90) or severe (23.5 ± 11.3 vs 12.4 ± 3.20) glaucoma eyes, with no difference between the groups postoperatively. Medication reduction was significant when canaloplasty was performed in combination with phacoemulsification and in mild glaucoma eyes. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Canaloplasty via an ab-interno surgical technique, performed as standalone or combined with phacoemulsification, is a safe and clinically effective treatment in primary angle closure glaucoma patients up to 2 years.

HPMC-Zein Film-forming Gel Loaded with 5-Fluorouracil Coupled with CO2 Laser Dermabrasion for Managing Stable Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a significant dermatological challenge affecting 0.5 to 2% of the global population. Despite the various existing medical approaches, current vitiligo treatments are far from ideal. The present study aimed to prepare and evaluate a film-forming gel of 5 fluorouracil (5FU) using different ratios of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Zein for treating vitiligo. The prepared film-forming gels were fully characterized in terms of morphology, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, drug content, pH, drying time, in-vitro drug release, and clinical investigation. A 32-full factorial design was used to study the impact of varying concentrations of HPMC (X1) and Zein (X2) on the percentage of 5FU released (Y1) from the prepared film-forming gels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a cross-linked network structure between polymers. An increase in HPMC concentration (2-4%) correlated with higher 5FU release, whereas increased Zein concentration (1-2%) resulted in reduced 5FU release. Furthermore, patients treated with 5FU film-forming gel after dermabrasion with fractional CO2 (FCO2) laser exhibited a significant decrease in JAK3 gene expression and higher effectiveness than those treated with FCO2 laser alone. Our results suggest that the film-forming gel of 5FU is promising as an effective formulation for treating vitiligo.

Enhancement of sensitivity for moxifloxacin spectrofluorimetric analysis through photoinduced electron transfer inhibition. Green assessment with application to pharmaceutical eye drops.

A green, simple, rapid, selective, and highly sensitive fluorimetric protocol has been established for quantitative analysis of the antibacterial drug moxifloxacin in its pure form and pharmaceutical dosage form. Owing to photoinduced electron transfer, moxifloxacin exhibits low native fluorescence in neutral media. Based on that, the developed fluorimetric protocol depends on inhibiting the photoinduced electron transfer effect of the nitrogen atom presented on the pyrrolidine ring in moxifloxacin by suitable adjusting of pH of the medium surrounding it, leading to its protonation. It is simply achieved by using 0.5 M acetic acid. This protonation enhances the native fluorescence of moxifloxacin, turning it into a stronger one. This fluorescence was measured at 498 nm after excitation at 295 nm with a linearity range from 10 to 60 ng mL-1 and a high correlation coefficient value of 0.9998. The fluorimetric approach could be applied for moxifloxacin detection with a limit of 0.89 ng mL-1 and a quantification limit of 2.69 ng mL-1. The developed method has been validated according to ICH guidelines, indicating high accuracy and excellent precision. Furthermore, the developed fluorimetric protocol was applied successfully for moxifloxacin analysis in pharmaceutical eye drops. As a result, the proposed protocol could be easily applied for quality control of moxifloxacin in different laboratories all over the world.

Clinical Outcomes and Cost Implications of a Community Psychosocial Rehabilitation Service for Severe and Persistent Mental Illness in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Introduction: Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) present distinct challenges in mental healthcare due to the chronic and complex nature of their conditions. This study was conducted to assess the clinical efficacy and potential cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary community-based psychosocial rehabilitation team serving individuals with SPMI in Nova Scotia, Canada. Method: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation program on individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in Nova Scotia, Canada. This research focused on clinical outcomes and potential cost savings following a one-year intervention, offering critical insights into the benefits of community-based care for this population. A cohort of 137 clients accepted into the community rehabilitation service (Connections Dartmouth) between September 2016 and September 2020 was analyzed. Each participant received one year of community rehabilitation intervention. Using data from the Canadian Medical Service Insurance (MSI) billing system, this research compared the use of inpatient services and Emergency Department visits in the year prior to and the year following the intervention. The findings provide valuable evidence on the role of community rehabilitation in reducing healthcare utilization for individuals with SPMI. Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mean admission rates and length of inpatient admissions in the year following rehabilitation compared to the pre-rehabilitation year. A substantial percentage of patients experienced no inpatient admissions (88% vs. 60%) or Emergency Department visits (82% vs. 67%) in the post-rehabilitation year, compared to the pre-rehabilitation year. There was a significant reduction in inpatient days by 90%, translating into substantial cost savings. The findings highlight the potential economic benefits of community rehabilitation for people with SPMI. Conclusions: This uncontrolled study suggests that community rehabilitation is associated with positive clinical outcomes for individuals with SPMI in terms of reduced inpatient service use and associated costs. Further research, including controlled studies and cost-effectiveness studies, into the community psychosocial rehabilitation services in the Canadian setting is needed.

Femtosecond pulse amplification on a chip.

Femtosecond laser pulses enable the synthesis of light across the electromagnetic spectrum and provide access to ultrafast phenomena in physics, biology, and chemistry. Chip-integration of femtosecond technology could revolutionize applications such as point-of-care diagnostics, bio-medical imaging, portable chemical sensing, or autonomous navigation. However, current chip-integrated pulse sources lack the required peak power, and on-chip amplification of femtosecond pulses has been an unresolved challenge. Here, addressing this challenge, we report  >50-fold amplification of 1 GHz-repetition-rate chirped femtosecond pulses in a CMOS-compatible photonic chip to 800 W peak power with 116 fs pulse duration. This power level is 2-3 orders of magnitude higher compared to those in previously demonstrated on-chip pulse sources and can provide the power needed to address key applications. To achieve this, detrimental nonlinear effects are mitigated through all-normal dispersion, large mode-area and rare-earth-doped gain waveguides. These results offer a pathway to chip-integrated femtosecond technology with peak power levels characteristic of table-top sources.

Unconventional Radical and Radical-Hole Site-Based Interactions in Halogen-Bearing Dimers and Trimers: A Comparative Study.

Radical (R•) and R•-hole site-based interactions are comparatively studied, for the first time, using ab initio methods. In this regard, R•-bearing molecules •XO3 (where X = Cl, Br, and I) were subjected to direct interaction with NH3 within dimeric and trimeric forms in the form of NH3···â€¢XO3/•XO3···NH3 and NH3···â€¢XO3···NH3 complexes, respectively. As confirmed by electrostatic potential analysis, the studied R•-bearing molecules •XO3 had the outstanding potentiality to interact as Lewis acid centers via two positive sites dubbed as R• and R•-hole sites. Such an observation proposed the potentiality of the considered •XO3 molecules to engage in unconventional R• and well-established R•-hole site-based interactions with Lewis bases. This was confirmed by negative interaction (E int) energies, ranging from -4.93 to -19.89 kcal/mol, with higher favorability for R• site-based interactions over the R•-hole site-based ones. MP2 energetic features furnished higher preferability for the R• site-based interactions than the R•-hole site-based ones in the case of chlorine- and bromine-bearing complexes, and the reverse was true for the iodine-bearing complexes. Moreover, elevated E int values were recorded for the NH3···â€¢XO3···NH3 trimers over the NH3···â€¢XO3 and •XO3···NH3 dimers, outlining the higher preference of the •XO3 molecules to engage in R• and R•-hole site-based interactions in the trimeric form over the dimeric one. These results might be considered a requisite linchpin for numerous forthcoming supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering studies.

Exploring the Quality of Life of University Students in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Survey Using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Assessment.

PURPOSE: To comprehensively assess the quality of life (QoL) of Egyptian university students. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online study. SETTING: Online settings of university students from August to October 2023. SUBJECTS: University students aged 18-25 from various institutions in Egypt. MEASURES: Physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to detect significant associations while Spearman correlation was used for correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1930 Egyptian university students were included. Students showed outperformance in the psychological health and social relationships domains, with medians of 58 ± 20.8 and 58 ± 25, respectively, compared to physical health with a median of 46 ± 17.8 and environmental health with a median score of 16.6 ± 21.9. Non-medical students reported higher QoL scores, particularly in physical, psychological, and social domains, compared to their medical counterparts (P-values <0.001, 0.007, and 0.002, respectively). No significant differences were observed between genders in any of the domains. Academic performance satisfaction significantly correlated with higher QoL scores across all domains (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This multi-center study sheds light on diverse aspects influencing QoL of Egyptian university students. The findings underscore the importance of addressing academic stressors, promoting health behaviors, and tailoring interventions based on students' academic backgrounds with larger and more representative samples.

The Effect of Metallic Nanoparticles Supplementation in Semen Extender on Post-thaw Quality and Fertilizing Ability of Egyptian Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatozoa.

Nanomaterials offer several promising prospects in the field of farm animal reproduction, encompassing a broad range of applications such as transgenesis and the precise delivery of substances to sperm cells, antimicrobial, antioxidants properties as well as their potent role in improving cryopreservation methods. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of supplementing the semen extender with 10 µg/mL nano gold (Au-NPs10), 10 µg/mL nano silver (Ag-NPs10), 1 µg/mL nano selenium (Se-NPs1), and 100 µg/mL nano zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs100) on sperm characteristics and kinematics parameters, acrosome integrity, oxidative biomarkers, morphological and apoptosis-like changes of frozen-thawed buffalo bull sperm, and, ultimately, their fertilizing capacity. The results revealed that all aforementioned nano materials significantly improved viability, progressive motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and kinematic parameters as well as apoptosis-like changes of post-thawed buffalo bull sperm compared to the control (p < 0.05). No discernible effects were observed on sperm ultrastructure morphology measures as a response to the addition of these metallic nanoparticles to the extender. The values of caspase 3 significantly decreased by 64.22, 45.99, 75.59, and 49.39% in Au-NPs10, Ag-NPs10, Se-NPs1, and ZnO-NPs100 treated groups, respectively, compared to the control. The addition of 100 µg ZnO-NPs to the extender significantly decreased the total count of bacteria, fungi, and yeast compared to the control (p < 0.05). The AuNPs10 and SeNPs1 treated groups showed lower content of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide concentrations and higher values of total antioxidant capacity of post-thawed extended semen (p < 0.05). Pregnancy rates increased by 17.5, 20, and 30% in buffalo cows inseminated with sperm treated with ZnO-NPs100, Se-NPs1, and Au-NPs10, respectively, compared to the control group. The present results indicate that the freezing extender supplemented with metallic nanoparticles can be an effective strategy to enhance the cryotolerance and fertility potential of buffalo bull sperm.

Spectrofluorimetric determination of tapinarof via Zn (II) complexation and assessment of its topical dosage application.

Topical tapinarof is used to treat plaque psoriasis (a skin disease in which red and scaly patches form are appeared on some areas of the body). The goal of the current research is to establish a facile and rapid fluorimetric technique for tapinarof analysis. The approach relied on the reaction between the drug and zinc ion through metal complexation to produce a highly-fluorescent product. The fluorescence was further enhanced by adding sodium dodecyl sulfate, and it was observed at 542 nm following excitation at 497 nm. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9997, the association between emission intensity and tapinarof concentration was linear between 2.0 and 120 ng mL-1. 1.021 ng mL-1 was the quantitation limit while 0.366 ng mL-1 was the detection limit. The buffer type, pH and concentration, type of surfactant and concentration, and finally the diluting solvent were among the reaction conditions that were closely examined and it was found that the optimum conditions were obtained upon employing teorell-stenhagen buffer optimized at pH 6.0, 1.38 × 10-2 M SDS and distilled water as a solvent are the suitable choice. With great precision and reliability, the drug under study was quantified using this method in ointment formulations. The proposed method's level of greenness was assessed using two methodologies: the analytical greenness metric (AGREE) and the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), with good recovery results ensuring high efficiency of the proposed approach on analysis of ointment without any interference from additives and excipients.