A novel generalized symmetric spectral Galerkin numerical approach for solving fractional differential equations with singular kernel

Polynomial based numerical techniques usually provide the best choice for approximating the solution of fractional differential equations (FDEs). The choice of the basis at which the solution is expanded might affect the results significantly. However, there is no general approach to determine which basis will perform better with a particular problem. The aim of this paper is to develop a novel generalized symmetric orthogonal basis which has not been discussed in the context of numerical analysis before to establish a general numerical treatment for the FDEs with a singular kernel. The operational matrix with four free parameters was derived for the left-sided Caputo fractional operator in order to transform the FDEs into the corresponding algebraic system with the aid of spectral Galerkin method. Several families of the existing polynomials can be obtained as a special case from the new basis beside other new families generated according to the value of the free parameters. Consequently, the operational matrix in terms of these families was derived as a special case from the generalized one up to a coefficient diagonal matrix. Furthermore, different properties relevant to the new generalized basis were derived and the error associated with function approximation by the new basis was performed based on the generalized Taylor's formula

Protein-based nanomaterials: a new tool for targeted drug delivery.

Protein nanomaterials are well-defined, hollow protein nanoparticles comprised of virus capsids, virus-like particles, ferritin, heat shock proteins, chaperonins and many more. Protein-based nanomaterials are formed by the self-assembly of protein subunits and have numerous desired properties as drug-delivery vehicles, including being optimally sized for endocytosis, nontoxic, biocompatible, biodegradable and functionalized at three separate interfaces (external, internal and intersubunit). As a result, protein nanomaterials have been intensively investigated as functional entities in bionanotechnology, including drug delivery, nanoreactors and templates for organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Several variables influence efficient administration, particularly active targeting, cellular uptake, the kinetics of the release and systemic elimination. This review examines the wide range of medicines, loading/release processes, targeted therapies and treatment effectiveness

Investigation of the Ameliorating Effect of Copper Albumin Complex on Lysyl oxidase in monosodium iodoacetate -Induced Knee Osteoarthritis in Rats

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common type of joint degeneration which causes progressive damage of the joint structure and has less therapeutic options. It has been found that oral consumption of Copper Albumin Complex as anti-inflammatory drug has a positive effect on the treatment of joint deterioration. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of Copper Albumin Complex (cu-albumin complex) on Lysyl oxidase (LOX) which acts as a protective factor in KOA. Fifty adult albino rats were divided into 3 groups: negative control (10 normal rats); positive control (20 rats with KOA which left without induction treatment); and treated group (20 rats with KOA which treated with administration of copper albumin complex). Treated and untreated arthritic groups were subdivided equally into mild and severe groups (10 rats for each) according to the severity of clinical signs. KOA was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). At the experimental end, the joints were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically after cervical dislocation of rats. It was observed that the treatment with CU- was effective in reducing disease severity and in improvement of Lysyl oxidase KOA. It was concluded that Copper albumin complex has a positive effect in the improvement of LOX of Knee joint cartilages of rats affected by osteoarthritis (OA)

Metabolic response to subacute and subchronic iron overload in a rat model

One of the common causes of iron overload is excessive iron intake in cases of iron-poor anemia, where iron saccharate complex (ISC) is routinely used to optimize erythropoiesis. However, non-standardized ISC administration could entail the risk of iron overload. To induce iron overload, Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with subacute (0.2 mg kg−1) and subchronic (0.1 mg kg−1) overdoses of ISC for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. Iron status was displayed by an increase in transferrin saturation (up to 332%) and serum and liver iron burden (up to 19.3 μmol L−1 and 13.2 μmol g−1 wet tissue, respectively) together with a drop in total and unsaturated iron binding capacities “TIBC, UIBC” as surrogate markers of transferrin activity. Iron-induced leukocytosis (up to 140%), along with the decline in serum transferrin markers (up to 43%), respectively, mark positive and negative acute phase reactions. Chemical stress was demonstrated by a significant rise (p > 0.05) in indices of the hemogram (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes) and stress metabolites [corticosterone (CORT) and lactate]. Yet, potential causes of the unexpected decline in serum activities of ALT, AST and LDH (p > 0.05) might include decreased hepatocellular enzyme production and/or inhibition or reduction of the enzyme activities. The current findings highlight the toxic role of elevated serum and liver iron in initiating erythropoiesis and acute phase reactions, modifying iron status and animal organ function, changing energy metabolism and bringing about accelerated glycolysis and impaired lactate clearance supposedly by decreasing anaerobic threshold and causing premature entering to the anaerobic system

Acinic cell carcinoma in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>We report an observational study on the etiology and recurrence of acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland that seemed to be related to pregnancy. The medical literature has never reported such an association; therefore, our case report is probably the first to mention this observation.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>This report is of a 25-year-old Arabic female patient from the United Arab Emirates, who, during her first pregnancy, developed acinic cell carcinoma of the right parotid gland that was managed with surgical excision in the form of superficial parotidectomy. During her second pregnancy, which occurred four years later, she had a recurrence of the same malignant neoplasm associated with ipsilateral malignant cervical lymphadenopathy. The patient was managed with total parotidectomy and neck dissection, as well as postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Our observation on this particular case of acinic cell carcinoma is that the initial onset of her neoplasm was during her first pregnancy, and the recurrence of the same malignant disease was during a subsequent pregnancy. This chronologic association raised our suspicion that there might be a possible etiologic effect of pregnancy or its associated hormonal or physiologic changes or both on the pathogenesis or etiology of acinic cell carcinoma.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Some association might exist between pregnancy and the pathogenesis or etiology of acinic cell carcinoma.</p

Nanomaterials and Their Impact on the Immune System.

Nanomaterials have been the focus of intensive development and research in the medical and industrial sectors over the past several decades. Some studies have found that these compounds can have a detrimental impact on living organisms, including their cellular components. Despite the obvious advantages of using nanomaterials in a wide range of applications, there is sometimes skepticism caused by the lack of substantial proof that evaluates potential toxicities. The interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with cells of the immune system and their biomolecule pathways are an area of interest for researchers. It is possible to modify NPs so that they are not recognized by the immune system or so that they suppress or stimulate the immune system in a targeted manner. In this review, we look at the literature on nanomaterials for immunostimulation and immunosuppression and their impact on how changing the physicochemical features of the particles could alter their interactions with immune cells for the better or for the worse (immunotoxicity). We also look into whether the NPs have a unique or unexpected (but desired) effect on the immune system, and whether the surface grafting of polymers or surface coatings makes stealth nanomaterials that the immune system cannot find and get rid of

In Vivo Investigation of the Ameliorating Effect of Copper Albumin Complex on chondroitin sulfate in Monosodium iodoacetate -Induced Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that manifests as cartilage deterioration and subchondral bone sclerosis in the joint tissues. The weight-bearing joint is most severely impacted by OA. According to some research, consuming foods high in copper albumin complex (cu-albumin complex) can help with OA-related joint degeneration and pain relief. The current study's objective to determine how oral administration of the cu-albumin complex as an anti-inflammatory medication affected the development of rat knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Fifty adult albino rats were divided into three groups: negative control untreated (n= 10, no KOA induction); positive untreated control (n= 20, KOA induction); and treated group (n= 20, KOA induction with administration of cu-albumin complex). According to the severity of the clinical symptoms, treated and untreated arthritic groups were equally divided into mild and severe groups (n=10). Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was used as intra-articular injection for osteoarthritis induction. Rats were euthanized after a month of the beginning of the experiment, and the joints were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. It was indicated that the treatment was effective in reducing KOA severity and in improvement of chondroitin sulfate of the affected cartilages. In conclusion, the structure of the chondroitin sulphate in the knee joint cartilages of KOA-affected rats was modified by the cu-albumin complex

Mitochondrially targeted ceramide LCL-30 inhibits colorectal cancer in mice

The sphingolipid ceramide is intimately involved in the growth, differentiation, senescence, and death of normal and cancerous cells. Mitochondria are increasingly appreciated to play a key role in ceramide-induced cell death. Recent work showed the C16-pyridinium ceramide analogue LCL-30 to induce cell death in vitro by mitochondrial targeting. The aim of the current study was to translate these results to an in vivo model. We found that LCL-30 accumulated in mitochondria in the murine colorectal cancer cell line CT-26 and reduced cellular ATP content, leading to dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity. Although the mitochondrial levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) became elevated, transcription levels of ceramide-metabolising enzymes were not affected. In mice, LCL-30 was rapidly absorbed from the peritoneal cavity and cleared from the circulation within 24 h, but local peritoneal toxicity was dose-limiting. In a model of subcutaneous tumour inoculation, LCL-30 significantly reduced the proliferative activity and the growth rate of established tumours. Sphingolipid profiles in tumour tissue also showed increased levels of S1P. In summary, we present the first in vivo application of a long-chain pyridinium ceramide for the treatment of experimental metastatic colorectal cancer, together with its pharmacokinetic parameters. LCL-30 was an efficacious and safe agent. Future studies should identify an improved application route and effective partners for combination treatment

Distribution and variability of deformed wing virus of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) in the Middle East and North Africa

Three hundred and eleven honeybee samples from 12 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Palestine, and Sudan) were analyzed for the presence of deformed wing virus (DWV). The prevalence of DWV throughout the MENA region was pervasive, but variable. The highest prevalence was found in Lebanon and Syria, with prevalence dropping in Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt before increasing slightly moving westwards to Algeria and Morocco Phylogenetic analysis of a 194 nucleotide section of the DWV Lp gene did not identify any significant phylogenetic resolution among the samples, although the sequences did show consistent regional clustering, including an interesting geographic gradient from Morocco through North Africa to Jordan and Syria. The sequences revealed several clear variability hotspots in the deduced amino acid sequence, which furthermore showed some patterns of regional identity. Furthermore, the sequence variants from the Middle East and North Africa appear more numerous and diverse than those from Europe