ELECTROCHEMICAL AND CHEMOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF DORZOLAMIDE AND TIMOLOL IN EYE DROPS USING MODIFIED MULTIWALL CARBON NANOTUBE ELECTRODE

Objective: This work is focused on the construction of simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor for quantitative determination of dorzolamide (DOR) and timolol maleate (TIM). This method is based on the incorporation of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into the carbon paste electrode which improve the characteristics of the electrode.Methods: The electrochemical response of modified electrode was based on voltammetric oxidation, using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The structural morphology of the surface modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Quantitative analysis for each of the two compounds in a mixture has been examined by using of chemometric tools for resolving overlapping signals. The prediction performance of the chemometric method was analyzed by principal component regression (PCR) and partial least square (PLS).Results: Fractional factorial design was constructed from set of synthetic mixtures of two drugs in concentration ranges of 0.05 to 1.6µg/ml for DOR and 1.5-20 µg/ml for TIM. Under optimum experimental conditions, DOR and TIM gave rectilinear response over the concentration range of 0.072-1.88 µg/ml and 1.16-20.84 µg/ml, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.098 and 1.025 µg/ml, for DOR and TIM, respectively. It found that the % of relative prediction error (RPE) was acceptable and satisfactory.Conclusion: In these work, for the first time, a new voltammetric simultaneous method developed for a rapid and efficient determination of DOR and TIM from eye dropper sample at nano modified electrode with satisfactory results. These results indicate that MWCNT holds great promise in practical application

Autonomic Dysfunction Predicts Early Cardiac Affection in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Objective: To detect the early preclinical alterations in cardiac autonomic control as well as altered cardiac function in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and their relevance to the clinical features of the disease using noninvasive methods. Methods: 30 SSc patients and 15 healthy controls matched for age and sex underwent clinical examination, serological analysis, and echocardiographic assessment including Doppler flow imaging to evaluate cardiac function, and 24-hour Holter monitoring analyzed for arrhythmia and heart rate variability (HRV) in the time and frequency domains. Results: The trans-mitral Doppler of early to atrial wave (E/A) ratio was reversed in five patients (16.6%) and the tricuspid E/A ratio was reversed in 10 patients (33.3%). Holter analysis for SSc patients revealed an increased prevalence of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) $ 10/h (P = 0.02), supra-ventricular tachycardias (SVTs) (P = 0.2), and total PVC count (P = 0.0000). Highly significant (P = 0.000) impairment in all HRV parameters was demonstrated in the SSc patients. Total skin thickness score (TSS), Raynaud’s phenomenon and anti-scleroderma 70 (anti-SCL70) showed significant positive correlations with all arrhythmia parameters, while showing a significant negative correlation with the impaired ventricular diastolic function and various HRV parameters. No correlation was found between arrhythmia and HRV parameters and disease duration, disease type, or presence of anti-centromere antibodies. Conclusion: Low heart rate variability, increased TSS and the presence of anti-SCL70 are correlated with preclinical cardiac involvement in SSc patients and may predict the likelihood of malignant arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, noninvasive HRV evaluation before clinical cardiac involvement in these patients might be beneficial when added to the clinical and laboratory assessments in detecting high-risk patients, and may allow for implementation of preventive measures and initiation of appropriate therapy early in the course of the disease

Effects of short term feeding of some marine microalgae on the microbial profile associated with Dicentrarchus labrax post larvae

AbstractThis study investigates the microbial profile and antimicrobial activity of four marine microalgae species, Tetraselmis chuii, Nannochloropsis salina, Isochrysis galbana and Chlorella salina used in aquaculture of Dicentrarchus labrax in the post larval stage to estimate which was the best algal species that could be used as a green water technique and achieving the maximum rate of growth and survival of D. labrax post larvae. The results represented a significant increase in the length and width of D. labrax at p<0.05 recorded in the case of enrichment with I. galbana followed by N. salina, and the most weight was recorded in the case of N. salina as compared with the control. Significant increase in percentage of survival of D. labrax was recorded in the case of C. salina and T. chuii (70% and 60.1%, respectively) as compared with the control (22%). The antibacterial activity (AU) of the different microalgal ethanolic extracts against fish indicator pathogens was determined. The results indicated that the ethanolic extracts of C. salina and T. chuii have the most positive records against the fish indicator pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio damsela, Vibrio fluvialis and Aeromonas hydrophila). The current study was extended to determine the GC–MS of ethanolic extract of C. salina and T. chuii. The main constituents detected in the ethanolic extract were organic acids like hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and an acyclic diterpene alcohol like phytol

<i>Garcinia cambogia</i> phenolics as potent anti-COVID-19 agents:phytochemical profiling, biological activities, and molecular docking

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and became a pandemic in a critically short time. Phenolic secondary metabolites attracted much attention from the pharmaceutical industries for their easily accessible natural sources and proven antiviral activity. In our mission, a metabolomics study of the Garcinia cambogia Roxb. fruit rind was performed using LC-HRESIMS to investigate its chemical profile, especially the polar aspects, followed by a detailed phytochemical analysis, which led to the isolation of eight known compounds. Using spectrometric techniques, the isolated compounds were identified as quercetin, amentoflavone, vitexin, rutin, naringin, catechin, p-coumaric, and gallic acids. The antiviral activities of the isolated compounds were investigated using two assays; the 3CL-Mpro enzyme showed that naringin had a potent effect with IC50 16.62 &mu;g/mL, followed by catechin and gallic acid (IC50 26.2, 30.35 &mu;g/mL, respectively), while the direct antiviral inhibition effect of naringin confirmed the potency with an EC50 of 0.0169 &mu;M. To show the molecular interaction, in situ molecular docking was carried out using a COVID-19 protease enzyme. Both biological effects and docking studies showed the hydrophobic interactions with Gln 189 or Glu 166, per the predicated binding pose of the isolated naringin

Effectiveness of Structured Nursing Teaching Program on Outcomes of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation

Background: Chronic low back pain is a full disorder that considers an important health problem. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching program on outcomes of chronic low back pain patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design has been utilized. Setting: Anesthesia and pain management department at the main Assiut University Hospital. Sample: Sixty low back pain patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation. They were randomly assigned in two groups of 30 patients each. Tools: three tools were utilized: Tool I: Structured interview patients' questionnaire. Tool II: Visual analogue pain scale and Tool III: "Modified Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire" in addition, structured nursing teaching program. Results: More than half (53.3%) of the case group their age was from 18 to &lt; 55 years, and the rest of them (46.7%) were older adults aged 55 years and more. 80% of the case group had good knowledge post implementation of the program. (100%) of the case group had worst pain intensity level which decrease to (46.7%) post program. 40% of case group had sever disability, which decreased to 30% post implementation of the program. there were significant relation between pain analogue scale and Oswestry low back pain disability scale in pre and post structured nursing teaching program regarding to occupation Conclusion: Structured nursing teaching program had an effective strategy to improve the patients’ outcomes through increasing patients' knowledge, and decreasing both pain intensity and physical disability in the case group versus the control group. Recommendation: Supervised structured teaching program should be carried out for all patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation about pre-and post-procedure instructions and helpful hints for a healthy back when standing, walking, sitting, sleeping, and lifting. Keywords: Chronic low back pain, Radiofrequency ablation, structured nursing teaching program. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/65-08 Publication date: August 31st 201

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Three Novel Azo Dyes

The azo dyes that named, (E)-4-((2-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) benzene-1,3-diol (1), (E)-4- ((3-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) benzene-1,3-diol (2) and (E)-4-((4-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) benzene-1,3-diol (3) were synthesized and then characterized using IR, UV-visible spectrum. These results were compared with that obtained by ChemBio 3D Ultra - [Chem3D XML] Gaussian Interface and were seems to be identical. Then, the antimicrobial activity of each azo dye was carried out against two bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and fungal strains of Candida albicans using Agar-well diffusion method. The results were showed that the three azo dyes were biologically active and the best reactivity was observed in (2). Though, the biological activity of (1) with NO2 group in ortho- position remained reasonable against Candida albicans. But, the effect of (1) was resisted by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. However, the (2) and (3) with substituted NO2 group in meta- and para- positions respectively were showed better reactivity’s than (1) towered Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Further, the Gaussian interface properties and the conformational analysis of (1), (2) and (3) were intended. The results were indicated that the variations in the properties of each azo dye and their conformational energies of generated conformers can affect their biological activity afterward. Keywords: key words, Azo dyes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Agar-well diffusion method, Antimicrobial activit

Epidemiology of Autoimmune Diseases among Attendants of General Hospitals in Aseer region

It has long been recognized that environmental influences play an important role in the risk of developing Autoimmune disease. Defining specific pathogenic environmental mediators that may trigger the development or progression of autoimmune disease remains a focus of increasing investigative effort. Factors promoting disease may not be identical to factors that influence the severity or progression of the disorder. The cause(s) of autoimmune disorders remain largely unknown. Considerable evidence supports a role for environmental agents in inducing autoimmune disorders. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to explore the risk factors of autoimmune diseases among attendants of general hospitals in Aseer Region. Methods: case control study design was carried out  included 70  patients with multiple types of auto immune diseases attending general hospitals and primary health care centers in Abha city. They were clinically diagnosed as having autoimmune diseases. and 140 clinically free subjects , age and sex matched were included as controls. RESULTS: The present study included 70 autoimmune disease patients predominantly females (88.4%). Their mean age was 42.7 ± 12.1 years and disease duration was 11.2 ± 7.2 years. The mean age of the control group was 47.1 ± 13.6 years with no significant differences in the demographic data between the patients and control (p &gt; 0.05). This study found no significant differences between cases with autoimmune diseases and sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusion :There is multiple determinants and risk factors affecting the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. Familial history, psychological stresses, hormonal supplementation, using hair dyes, smoking and recent vaccination were significant factors associated with autoimmune diseases. Keywords: Epidemiology, autoimmune, diseases, Aseer regio

Medical students carry more virulent microorganisms at their throat than that of patients' accompaniers

Background: Transition of medical students from a non-clinical to a clinical situation carries a great risk that needs further investigation. This study aims to detect and compare the throat bacterial colonization between medical students and patients’ accompaniers in a tertiary hospital. Methods: Across-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the out-patient clinics of the Baquba Teaching Hospital at the Faculty of Medicine, Diyala University, Iraq.  A total of 120 throat swabs collected from sample of 70 medical students (fifth stage) and 50 volunteers as a control group who were selected conveniently during their outpatient visits over the September 2018. Aerobic  and anaerobic culture methods were recruited to investigate the samples following the standard microbiological procedures. Results: Finding of this study indicate a high rate of bacterial throat colonization among medical students compared to control group. Male gender showed high susceptibility for infection than females. The most common bacteria isolated among medical students were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli 26 (37.1%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae appeared in 23 samples (32.8%), Viridians streptococci 19 (27.1%), Acinetobacter spp. 14 (20%), Enterobacter spp. 4(5.7%), Candida spp. 3(4.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2(2.8%) respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that medical students may contribute significantly for transmission and dissemination of nosocomial pathogens among patients and vice versa

Medical students carry more virulent microorganisms at their throat than that of patients' accompaniers

Background: Transition of medical students from a non-clinical to a clinical situation carries a considerable risk that needs further investigation. This study aims to detect and compare the throat bacterial colonization between medical students and patients' accompaniers in a tertiary hospital. Methods: Across-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of the Baquba Teaching Hospital at the Faculty of Medicine, Diyala University, Iraq. &nbsp;A total of 120 throat swabs collected from a sample of 70 medical students (fifth stage) and 50 volunteers as a control group who were selected conveniently during their outpatient visits over September 2018. Aerobic and anaerobic culture methods were recruited to investigate the samples following the standard microbiological procedures. Results: Finding of this study indicate a high rate of bacterial throat colonization among medical students compared to the control group. Male gender showed high susceptibility for infection than females. The most common bacteria isolated among medical students were Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 26 (37.1%), followed by Streptococcus pneumonia appeared in 23 samples (32.8%), Viridians streptococci 19 (27.1%), Acinetobacter spp.14 (20%), Enterobacter spp. 4 (5.7%), Candida spp. 3 (4.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 (2.8%) respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that medical students may contribute significantly to the transmission and dissemination of nosocomial pathogens among patients and vice versa

Structural and Energetic Properties of Weak Noncovalent Interactions in Two Closely Related 3,6-Disubstituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole Derivatives: In Vitro Cyclooxygenase Activity, Crystallography, and Computational Investigations

Two 3,6-disubstituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives, namely, 3-(adamantan-1-yl)-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole 1 and 6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-3-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole 2, were prepared, and the detailed analysis of the weak intermolecular interactions responsible for the supramolecular self-assembly was performed using X-ray diffraction and theoretical tools. Analyses of Hirshfeld surface and 2D fingerprint plot demonstrated the effect of adamant-1-yl/phenyl moieties on intermolecular interactions in solid-state structures. The effect of these substituents on H···H/Cl/N contacts was more specific. The CLP-PIXEL and density functional theory methods provide information on the energetics of molecular dimers observed in these compounds. The crystal structure of compound 1 stabilizes with a variety of weak intermolecular interactions, including C–H···N, C–H···π, and C–H···Cl hydrogen bonds, a directional C–S···π chalcogen bond, and unconventional short F···C/N contacts. The crystal structure of compound 2 is stabilized by π-stacking interactions, C–H···N, C–H···π, and C–H···Cl hydrogen bonds, and highly directional attractive σ–hole interactions such as the C–Cl···N halogen bond and the C–S···N chalcogen bond. In addition, S(lp)···C(π) and short N···N contacts play a supportive role in the stabilization of certain molecular dimers. The final supramolecular architectures resulting from the combination of different intermolecular interactions are observed in both the crystal packing. The molecular electrostatic potential map reveals complementary electrostatic potentials of the interacting atoms. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules approach was used to delineate the nature and strength of different intermolecular interactions present in different dimers of compounds 1 and 2. The in vitro experiments suggest that both compounds showed selectivity against COX-2 targets rather than COX-1. Molecular docking analysis showed the binding pose of the compounds at the active sites of COX-1/2 enzymes