Comparative Untargeted Metabolic Profiling of Different Parts of Citrus sinensis Fruits via Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Multivariate Data Analyses to Unravel Authenticity

Differences between seven authentic samples of Citrus sinensis var. Valencia peel (albedo and flavedo) and juices from Spain and Uruguay, in addition to a concentrate obtained from Brazil, were investigated by untargeted metabolic profiling. Sixty-six metabolites were detected by nano-liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution electrospray-ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (nLC-ESI-qTOF-MS) belonging to phenolic acids, coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, limonoids, terpenes, and fatty acids. Eleven metabolites were detected for the first time in Citrus sinensis and identified as citroside A, sinapic acid pentoside, apigenin-C-hexosyl-O-pentoside, chrysoeriol-C-hexoside, di-hexosyl-diosmetin, perilloside A, gingerol, ionone epoxide hydroxy-sphingenine, xanthomicrol, and coumaryl alcohol-O-hexoside. Some flavonoids were completely absent from the juice, while present most prominently in the Citrus peel, conveying more industrial and economic prospects to the latter. Multivariate data analyses clarified that the differences among orange parts overweighed the geographical source. PCA analysis of ESI-(−)-mode data revealed for hydroxylinoleic acid abundance in flavedo peel from Uruguay the most distant cluster from all others. The PCA analysis of ESI-(+)-mode data provided a clear segregation of the different Citrus sinensis parts primarily due to the large diversity of flavonoids and coumarins among the studied samples

Plasma Adrenomedullin level in Egyptian children and Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: relationship to microvascular complications

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Adrenomedullin (AM) is known to be elevated in different clinical situations including diabetes mellitus (DM), but its potential role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetic children and adolescents is to be clarified. Hence, the study aimed at assessment of plasma adrenomedullin levels in children and adolescents with type 1 DM and correlation of these levels with metabolic control and diabetic microvascular complications (MVC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was performed in the Diabetes Specialized Clinic, Children's Hospital of Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. It included 55 diabetic children and adolescents (mean age 13.93 ± 3.15 years) who were subdivided into 40 with no MVC and 15 with MVC. Thirty healthy subjects, age-and sex- matched were included as control group (mean age 12.83 ± 2.82 years). Patients and controls were assessed for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and plasma adrenomedullin assay using ELISA technique.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mean plasma AM levels were significantly increased in patients with and without MVC compared to control group, (110.6 pg/mL, 60.25 pg/mL and 39.2 pg/mL respectively) (P < 0.01) with higher levels in those with MVC (P < 0.05). Plasma AM levels were positively correlated with both duration of diabetes (ρ = 0.703, P < 0.001) and glycemic control (HbA1c) (ρ = 0.453, P < 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Higher plasma AM levels in diabetics particularly in those with MVC & its correlation with diabetes duration and metabolic control may reflect the role of AM in diabetic vasculopathy in the pediatric age group.</p

Comparative Metabolite Fingerprinting of Four Different Cinnamon Species Analyzed via UPLC–MS and GC–MS and Chemometric Tools

The present study aimed to assess metabolites heterogeneity among four major Cinnamomum species, including true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and less explored species (C. cassia, C. iners, and C. tamala). UPLC-MS led to the annotation of 74 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes, including phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, and lignans. A new proanthocyanidin was identified for the first time in C. tamala, along with several glycosylated flavonoid and dicarboxylic fatty acids reported for the first time in cinnamon. Multivariate data analyses revealed, for cinnamates, an abundance in C. verum versus procyandins, dihydro-coumaroylglycosides, and coumarin in C. cassia. A total of 51 primary metabolites were detected using GC-MS analysis encompassing different classes, viz. sugars, fatty acids, and sugar alcohols, with true cinnamon from Malaysia suggested as a good sugar source for diabetic patients. Glycerol in C. tamala, erythritol in C. iners, and glucose and fructose in C. verum from Malaysia were major metabolites contributing to the discrimination among species

Characterization and comparative genomic analysis of virulent and temperate Bacillus megaterium bacteriophages

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies provide unique possibilities for the comprehensive assessment of the environmental diversity of bacteriophages. Several Bacillus bacteriophages have been isolated, but very few Bacillus megaterium bacteriophages have been characterized. In this study, we describe the biological characteristics, whole genome sequences, and annotations for two new isolates of the B. megaterium bacteriophages (BM5 and BM10), which were isolated from Egyptian soil samples. Growth analyses indicated that the phages BM5 and BM10 have a shorter latent period (25 and 30 min, respectively) and a smaller burst size (103 and 117 PFU, respectively), in comparison to what is typical for Bacillus phages. The genome sizes of the phages BM5 and BM10 were 165,031 bp and 165,213 bp, respectively, with modular organization. Bioinformatic analyses of these genomes enabled the assignment of putative functions to 97 and 65 putative ORFs, respectively. Comparative analysis of the BM5 and BM10 genome structures, in conjunction with other B. megaterium bacteriophages, revealed relatively high levels of sequence and organizational identity. Both genomic comparisons and phylogenetic analyses support the conclusion that the sequenced phages (BM5 and BM10) belong to different sub-clusters (L5 and L7, respectively), within the L-cluster, and display different lifestyles (lysogenic and lytic, respectively). Moreover, sequenced phages encode proteins associated with Bacillus pathogenesis. In addition, BM5 does not contain any tRNA sequences, whereas BM10 genome codes for 17 tRNAs

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Hajj Pilgrims Who Received Predeparture Vaccination, Egypt

In Egypt, vaccination against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus was required of pilgrims departing for the 2009 Hajj. A survey of 551 pilgrims as they returned to Egypt found 542 (98.1% [weighted]) reported receiving the vaccine; 6 (1.0% [weighted]) were infected with influenza virus A (H3N2) but none with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus

Relation between Hypoxic Markers P65, P50, CAIX, and Tumor Stages in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Subtypes

Background: Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B) family comprises 5 members (p50, p52, relA/p65, c-rel and relB) which are induced in response to a wide variety of stimuli including hypoxia. Continuous activation of NF-B is an important factor in the onset and progression of breast carcinoma. Hypoxia also induces carbonic anhydrase 9 (CAIX) that regulates pH and is linked to poor prognosis in breast cancer. Research motivation: The current study aims to investigate the relation between hypoxic markers, p65, p50, CAIX and tumor stage in IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) subtypes. Research design/methodology: The study included 31 IDC patients. Breast tissues collected during surgery and classified according to estrogen receptor alpha (ER, progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) status. Normal breast tissues were also collected to serve as self controls. Nuclear protein extracted and both RelA/p65 and p50 protein assessed by ready to use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a transcription factor assay kits; respectively. CAIX protein expression was detected by blotting techniques. Main findings: RelA/p65 concentration significantly increased in breast carcinoma (p = 0.028) irrelevant to tumor stage, size, grade, nodal status, p50, CAIX or IDC subtypes. P50 binding activity significantly increased with higher tumor grade (P = 0.042). A significant inverse correlation was observed between p50 and ER (r = -0.53, p = 0.002) and between CAIX and the number of the involved lymph nodes (r = -0.42, p = 0.020). Implications: Although no relation was observed between p65, p50, and CAIX, binding activity of p50 and CAIX concentration might be used as prognostic markers in IDC

Burden of 375 diseases and injuries, risk-attributable burden of 88 risk factors, and healthy life expectancy in 204 countries and territories, including 660 subnational locations, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Background: For more than three decades, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) has provided a framework to quantify health loss due to diseases, injuries, and associated risk factors. This paper presents GBD 2023 findings on disease and injury burden and risk-attributable health loss, offering a global audit of the state of world health to inform public health priorities. This work captures the evolving landscape of health metrics across age groups, sexes, and locations, while reflecting on the remaining post-COVID-19 challenges to achieving our collective global health ambitions. Methods: The GBD 2023 combined analysis estimated years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 375 diseases and injuries, and risk-attributable burden associated with 88 modifiable risk factors. Of the more than 310 000 total data sources used for all GBD 2023 (about 30% of which were new to this estimation round), more than 120 000 sources were used for estimation of disease and injury burden and 59 000 for risk factor estimation, and included vital registration systems, surveys, disease registries, and published scientific literature. Data were analysed using previously established modelling approaches, such as disease modelling meta-regression version 2.1 (DisMod-MR 2.1) and comparative risk assessment methods. Diseases and injuries were categorised into four levels on the basis of the established GBD cause hierarchy, as were risk factors using the GBD risk hierarchy. Estimates stratified by age, sex, location, and year from 1990 to 2023 were focused on disease-specific time trends over the 2010–23 period and presented as counts (to three significant figures) and age-standardised rates per 100 000 person-years (to one decimal place). For each measure, 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs] were calculated with the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile ordered values from a 250-draw distribution. Findings: Total numbers of global DALYs grew 6·1% (95% UI 4·0–8·1), from 2·64 billion (2·46–2·86) in 2010 to 2·80 billion (2·57–3·08) in 2023, but age-standardised DALY rates, which account for population growth and ageing, decreased by 12·6% (11·0–14·1), revealing large long-term health improvements. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributed 1·45 billion (1·31–1·61) global DALYs in 2010, increasing to 1·80 billion (1·63–2·03) in 2023, alongside a concurrent 4·1% (1·9–6·3) reduction in age-standardised rates. Based on DALY counts, the leading level 3 NCDs in 2023 were ischaemic heart disease (193 million [176–209] DALYs), stroke (157 million [141–172]), and diabetes (90·2 million [75·2–107]), with the largest increases in age-standardised rates since 2010 occurring for anxiety disorders (62·8% [34·0–107·5]), depressive disorders (26·3% [11·6–42·9]), and diabetes (14·9% [7·5–25·6]). Remarkable health gains were made for communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases, with DALYs falling from 874 million (837–917) in 2010 to 681 million (642–736) in 2023, and a 25·8% (22·6–28·7) reduction in age-standardised DALY rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DALYs due to CMNN diseases rose but returned to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. From 2010 to 2023, decreases in age-standardised rates for CMNN diseases were led by rate decreases of 49·1% (32·7–61·0) for diarrhoeal diseases, 42·9% (38·0–48·0) for HIV/AIDS, and 42·2% (23·6–56·6) for tuberculosis. Neonatal disorders and lower respiratory infections remained the leading level 3 CMNN causes globally in 2023, although both showed notable rate decreases from 2010, declining by 16·5% (10·6–22·0) and 24·8% (7·4–36·7), respectively. Injury-related age-standardised DALY rates decreased by 15·6% (10·7–19·8) over the same period. Differences in burden due to NCDs, CMNN diseases, and injuries persisted across age, sex, time, and location. Based on our risk analysis, nearly 50% (1·27 billion [1·18–1·38]) of the roughly 2·80 billion total global DALYs in 2023 were attributable to the 88 risk factors analysed in GBD. Globally, the five level 3 risk factors contributing the highest proportion of risk-attributable DALYs were high systolic blood pressure (SBP), particulate matter pollution, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), smoking, and low birthweight and short gestation—with high SBP accounting for 8·4% (6·9–10·0) of total DALYs. Of the three overarching level 1 GBD risk factor categories—behavioural, metabolic, and environmental and occupational—risk-attributable DALYs rose between 2010 and 2023 only for metabolic risks, increasing by 30·7% (24·8–37·3); however, age-standardised DALY rates attributable to metabolic risks decreased by 6·7% (2·0–11·0) over the same period. For all but three of the 25 leading level 3 risk factors, age-standardised rates dropped between 2010 and 2023—eg, declining by 54·4% (38·7–65·3) for unsafe sanitation, 50·5% (33·3–63·1) for unsafe water source, and 45·2% (25·6–72·0) for no access to handwashing facility, and by 44·9% (37·3–53·5) for child growth failure. The three leading level 3 risk factors for which age-standardised attributable DALY rates rose were high BMI (10·5% [0·1 to 20·9]), drug use (8·4% [2·6 to 15·3]), and high FPG (6·2% [–2·7 to 15·6]; non-significant). Interpretation: Our findings underscore the complex and dynamic nature of global health challenges. Since 2010, there have been large decreases in burden due to CMNN diseases and many environmental and behavioural risk factors, juxtaposed with sizeable increases in DALYs attributable to metabolic risk factors and NCDs in growing and ageing populations. This long-observed consequence of the global epidemiological transition was only temporarily interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The substantially decreasing CMNN disease burden, despite the 2008 global financial crisis and pandemic-related disruptions, is one of the greatest collective public health successes known. However, these achievements are at risk of being reversed due to major cuts to development assistance for health globally, the effects of which will hit low-income countries with high burden the hardest. Without sustained investment in evidence-based interventions and policies, progress could stall or reverse, leading to widespread human costs and geopolitical instability. Moreover, the rising NCD burden necessitates intensified efforts to mitigate exposure to leading risk factors—eg, air pollution, smoking, and metabolic risks, such as high SBP, BMI, and FPG—including policies that promote food security, healthier diets, physical activity, and equitable and expanded access to potential treatments, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Decisive, coordinated action is needed to address long-standing yet growing health challenges, including depressive and anxiety disorders. Yet this can be only part of the solution. Our response to the NCD syndemic—the complex interaction of multiple health risks, social determinants, and systemic challenges—will define the future landscape of global health. To ensure human wellbeing, economic stability, and social equity, global action to sustain and advance health gains must prioritise reducing disparities by addressing socioeconomic and demographic determinants, ensuring equitable health-care access, tackling malnutrition, strengthening health systems, and improving vaccination coverage. We live in times of great opportunity

Informal modifications to formal public housing. Case study: Ein El Sira public housing project, Cairo-Egypt.

This study explores the phenomenon of informal modifications to Ein El Sira's public housing. It investigates not only how, why, and when these modifications were built, who built them, how much they cost, and what problems have resulted, but also attempts to convey the experience of living in the public housing project and the social world of its people. As an exploration of the people/place relationship, this study examines how the physical environment affects people's behavior, as well as how people's behavior and attitudes transform the physical environment. It identifies the modifications of Ein El Sira as a natural consequence of the person/place relationship occurring over time. The participant-observation method was used to collect the research data. A full nine months were spent in the field, during which open-ended interviews, observations, photographs, and sketches were made. Structured interviews with public housing officials were also conducted. This study argues that the person/place relationship is highly dynamic in nature and changes over time. Yet, in Ein El Sira, the problem of fit between the place and the people became more problematic because the place in question was inflexible and st and ardized despite the many different types of families, activities, and behavioral and cultural patterns of its residents. Ein El Sira's modifications, however, suggest that the people are capable of taking action to improve their living environment. Through these building modifications, the place was transformed to more suitable one that responded to the people's needs. This study also emphasizes that many public housing problems occur due to the lack of information about the people who are the beneficiaries of these projects, as well as a lack of successful communication with other extremely appropriate disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology. Ein El Sira's informal modifications strongly indicate that all aspects of the people/place relationship need to be understood in a holistic way. The study concludes by outlining specific recommendations for community improvements to the Ein El Sira site and general recommendations for designers, planners and policy makers.Ph.D.ArchitectureUrban planningUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/162397/1/9013839.pd

Neuro marketing Role in Individual’s Orientation to Community Participation When Exposing to External Advertising Influences (An Empirical Study): دور التسويق العصبي في توجه الفرد للمشاركة المجتمعية عند التعرض لمؤثرات إعلانية خارجية (دراسة تطبيقية)

This scientific paper refers to the importance of neuro marketing and its feasibility in the marketing process. The response of demographic variables to the research sample for alpha waves represent the state of relaxation and rest, and beta represents the state of thinking and meditation in the brain was studied. It is done when watching an advertisement with eight sections to identify the most important section having the greatest impact on the study sample when watching the advertisement. The conclusion is that both social and psychological factors affect the individual’s behavior towards the community participation, which the study considered as median variables. Impact of some of these ads’ sections differs from the relaxation case (alpha) to meditation (beta). The model of relaxation and rest (alpha) was distinguished from that of meditation and reflection model’s results (beta) in interpreting individual's behavior towards his community participation. The results of educational level also clearly differed when watching the advertising sections from the other demographic variables (residency- age), which differences were really limited.</jats:p

Consumer Buying Behavior During the Epidemics Spread: Through Application on COVID-19 Pandemic

This scientific paper clarifies the most important changes that occurred to the theoretical model of individual behavior when deciding to get vaccinated and to select one of the vaccines offered to him/her during the pandemic period and discusses the ratio of his/her spending on cleaning tools and disinfectants. The study concludes that the mortality ratio to the infection cases follows a seasonal trend that increases in the months of (March &amp;ndash; April &amp;ndash; May). The educated and most cultured heads of families holding (University Degree &amp;ndash; Master&amp;rsquo;s &amp;ndash; PhD) have represented the higher percentage in following the precautionary measures through buying and using disinfectants during the coronavirus pandemic period. There is also interest and keenness to get vaccinated among the high-income groups, and there is no effect of demographic variables under the study on the individuals and their dependents&amp;rsquo; infection or the time of infection (before &amp;ndash; after) the individual access to vaccination.</jats:p