Ziziphus nummularia attenuates the malignant phenotype of human pancreatic cancer cells: Role of ros

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth leading cause of all cancer-related deaths. Despite major improvements in treating PC, low survival rate remains a major challenge, indicating the need for alternative approaches, including herbal medicine. Among medicinal plants is Ziziphus nummu-laria (family Rhamnaceae), which is a thorny shrub rich in bioactive molecules. Leaves of Ziziphus nummularia have been used to treat many pathological conditions, including cancer. However, their effects on human PC are still unknown. Here, we show that the treatment of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (Capan-2) with Ziziphus nummularia ethanolic extract (ZNE) (100–300 µg/mL) attenuated cell proliferation in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, an ROS scavenger, attenuated the anti-proliferative effect of ZNE. In addition, ZNE significantly decreased the migratory and invasive capacity of Capan-2 with a concomitant downregulation of integrin α2 and increased cell–cell aggregation. In addition, ZNE inhibited in ovo angiogenesis as well as reduced VEGF and nitric oxide levels. Furthermore, ZNE downregulated the ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are known to drive tumorigenic and metastatic events. Taken together, our results suggest that ZNE can attenuate the malignant phenotype of Capan-2 by inhibiting hallmarks of PC. Our data also provide evidence for the potential anticancer effect of Ziziphus nummularia, which may represent a new resource of novel anticancer compounds, especially ones that can be utilized for the management of PC

Preliminary fabrication and characterization of electron beam melted Ti–6Al–4V customized dental implant

The current study was aimed to fabricate customized root form dental implant using additive manufacturing technique for the replacement of missing teeth. The root form dental implant was designed using GeomagicTM and MagicsTM, the designed implant was directly manufactured by layering technique using ARCAM A2TM electron beam melting system by employing medical grade Ti–6Al–4V alloy powder. Furthermore, the fabricated implant was characterized in terms of certain clinically important parameters such as surface microstructure, surface topography, chemical purity and internal porosity. Results confirmed that, fabrication of customized dental implants using additive rapid manufacturing technology offers an attractive method to produce extremely pure form of customized titanium dental implants, the rough and porous surface texture obtained is expected to provide better initial implant stabilization and superior osseointegration

An evaluation of three sprue designs for titanium cast removable partial denture frameworks

PLEASE NOTE: This work is protected by copyright. Downloading is restricted to the BU community: please click Download and log in with a valid BU account to access. If you are the author of this work and would like to make it publicly available, please contact [email protected] (M.Sc.D.)--Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 1997 (Restorative Sciences).Includes bibliographical references: (leaves 119-125).Although titanium has been used to cast removable-partial-denture frameworks, the casting process is arduous and requires specialized equipment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of three different sprue designs (tree, ball, circular) to produce complete, void-free castings for removable­ partial-denture frameworks made from commercially pure titanium. A cast with a Kennedy Class III, modification I partially edentulous pattern was used for this study. The blocked-out cast was modified to facilitate assessment of the completeness of the casting of the clasp arms. Thirty refractory casts were made (Titavest PP, J, Morita Corp., Osaka, Japan). Ten wax patterns for each sprue design were fabricated and invested with ethyl silicate investment (Titavest PS, J Morita Corp.). Castings were made with an arc-type automatic casting machine in an argon atmosphere (Cyclarc, J. Morita Corp.). The castings were examined with radiographic equipment (General Electric Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin) to detect the presence of voids in the castings, and the completeness of each casting was visually verified. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed by using a one­way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by student Newman-Keuls test. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in the total number of porosities between the three sprue designs (p=0.51). Results of completeness of the castings were evaluated by using chi-square test, which revealed a statistically significant deference between the three sprue designs (P=0.008). Currently, the manufacturer recommends a sprue design similar to the tree sprue. Addition of a ball reservoir to each tree sprue will produce a sprue design similar to the one used in this study and should improve the reliability of the casting technique. This study evaluated the different sprue systems with only one framework design, namely, a maxillary tooth-borne casting with a palatal-strap major connector. Results may be different for other framework designs

Endoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Sigmoidopexy: New Highlights on Technique and Outcomes

Abdel Rahman A Al Manasra,1 Tarik Alhmoud,2 Zaid Mesmar,1 Ahmad Hamaydeh1 1Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JordanCorrespondence: Abdel Rahman A Al Manasra, Department of General Surgery and Urology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan, Tel +962 796453510, Email [email protected]: Sigmoid volvulus is primarily a disease of the elderly.Case Presentation: We describe a case of recurrent sigmoid volvulus in an elderly woman who refused surgery due to the high risk posed by general anesthesia and surgical intervention. She underwent endoscopic-assisted percutaneous sigmoidopexy using only three 2-shot anchor sets. No radiographic observation was necessary during the procedure. Some puncture sites were secured using endoscopic clips.Conclusion: Endoscopic-assisted percutaneous sigmoidopexy is increasingly used as an effective alternative to surgical sigmoidopexy when surgery under general anesthesia poses a high risk. Despite clinical improvement and resolution of the recurrent volvulus, after sigmoidopexy patients may continue to experience motility dysfunction and diffuse dilation of the colon for a few weeks, which may correlate with the episodes of obstruction experienced prior to fixation.Keywords: sigmoidopexy, volvulus, percutaneous, anchor sutur

A Framework for Smart e-Trader System for UAE Stock Markets

Abstract- The fast development in computing and communication has strongly changed the dynamics of financial markets. More people are trading online through the Web instead of using full-service brokerages. Many online financial services have given investors new opportunities to trade stocks and access real-time market information efficient way. But, very few investors in UAE are familiar and use these services. A survey was conducted in Dubai Financial Market (DFM) to study the need for such service and found a strong demand for it, especially among women investors. A new system architecture is being proposed, called smart trader, to accommodate investors ’ needs and profiles. Smart trader is a web-based application that provides a real time stock market information and personalized stock recommendation. It is suggested that deploying a smart stock trading applications in DFM would assist investors make an informative investment decision as well as help them streamline their stock trading transactions. Keywords: Online trading, Stock market, Recommendation system, Client-server architecture. A financial market is a place where firms and individuals enter into contracts to sell or buy a specific product such as a stock, bond, or futures contract. Buyers seek to buy at the lowest available price an

The Antioxidant Potential and Anticancer Activity of <i>Halodule uninervis</i> Ethanolic Extract against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Natural remedies have been indispensable to traditional medicine practices for generations, offering therapeutic solutions for various ailments. In modern times, these natural products continue to play a pivotal role in the discovery of new drugs, especially for cancer treatment. The marine ecosystem offers a wide range of plants with potential anticancer activities due to their distinct biochemical diversity and adaptation to extreme situations. The seagrass Halodule uninervis is rich in diverse bioactive metabolites that bestow the plant with various pharmacological properties. However, its anticancer activity against invasive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still poorly investigated. In the present study, the phytochemical composition of an ethanolic extract of H. uninervis (HUE) was screened, and its antioxidant potential was evaluated. Moreover, the anticancer potential of HUE against MDA-MB-231 cells was investigated along with the possible underlying mechanisms of action. Our results showed that HUE is rich in diverse phytochemicals that are known for their antioxidant and anticancer effects. In MDA-MB-231 cells, HUE targeted the hallmarks of cancer, including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The HUE-mediated anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects were associated with the downregulation of the proto-oncogenic STAT3 signaling pathway. Taken together, H. uninervis could serve as a valuable source for developing novel drugs targeting TNBC

Ethanolic Extract of Origanum Syriacum L. Leaves Exhibits Potent Anti-Breast Cancer Potential and Robust Antioxidant Properties.

International audienceBackground: Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer overall. In women, BC is the most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Triple-negative BC (TNBC) is the most aggressive BC, being resistant to hormonal and targeted therapies. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The medicinal plant Origanum syriacum L. is a shrubby plant rich in bioactive compounds and widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. However, its therapeutic potential against BC remains poorly investigated. In the present study, we screened the phytochemical content of an ethanolic extract of O. syriacum (OSEE) and investigated its anticancer effects and possible underlying mechanisms of action against the aggressive and highly metastatic human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231. METHODS: MTT, trans-well migration, and scratch assays were used to assess cell viability, invasion, or migration, respectively. Antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed in cells in culture using DHE staining. Aggregation assays were used to determine cell-cell adhesion. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle progression. Protein levels of markers of apoptosis (BCL-2, pro-Caspase3, p53), proliferation (p21, Ki67), cell migration, invasion, or adhesion (FAK, E-cadherin), angiogenesis (iNOS), and cell signaling (STAT3, p38) were determined by immunoblotting. A chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay evaluated in ovo angiogenesis. RESULTS: We demonstrated that OSEE had potent radical scavenging activity in vitro and induced the generation of ROS in MDA-MB-231 cells, especially at higher OSEE concentrations. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of OSEE attenuated cell proliferation and induced G(0)/G(1) cell cycle arrest, which was associated with phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, an increase in the levels of tumor suppressor protein p21, and a decrease of proliferation marker protein Ki67. Additionally, only higher concentrations of OSEE were able to attenuate inhibition of proliferation induced by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), indicating that the anti-proliferative effects of OSEE could be ROS-dependent. OSEE stimulated apoptosis and its effector Caspase-3 in MDA-MB-231 cells, in correlation with activation of the STAT3/p53 pathway. Furthermore, the extract reduced the migration and invasive properties of MDA-MB-231 cells through the deactivation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). OSEE also reduced the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inhibited in ovo angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that OSEE is a rich source of phytochemicals and has robust anti-breast cancer properties that significantly attenuate the malignant phenotype of MD-MB-231 cells, suggesting that O. syriacum may not only act as a rich source of potential TNBC therapeutics but may also provide new avenues for the design of novel TNBC drugs