Stability-indicating micellar enhanced spectro-fluorometric determination of Daclatasvir in its tablet and spiked human plasma

A fast, simple and sensitive micellar enhanced spectrofluorimetric method is performed for the determination of Daclatasvir dihydrochloride (DAC) in its pharmaceutical dosage form and in spiked human plasma. The fluorescence intensity (FI) was measured at 367 nm after excitation at 300 nm. In aqueous solution, the FI of DAC was greatly enhanced by >110% in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The detection method was linear over the range of 12.93 to 161.60 ng/mL, with a limit of detection of 1.75 ng/mL. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of DAC in its pharmaceutical dosage form and the mean % recovery of DAC in spiked human plasma was 95.42 ± 2.52. The developed methodology was also extended to stress studies of DAC after exposure to different forced degradation conditions including acidic, alkaline, photolytic, thermal and oxidative environments

Optimized polydopamine coating and DNA conjugation onto gold nanorods for single nanoparticle bioaffinity measurements

Gold nanorods (NRs) have attracted a great deal of interest for a variety of biomedical and sensing applications. However, developing robust methods for biofunctionalizing NRs has continued to be challenging, especially for NR–DNA conjugates. This is due to the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which plays an essential role in controlling the anisotropic particle growth. In this article, we systematically explore the growth of a polydopamine (PDA) layer on a range of NR surfaces, comparing different polyelectrolyte and alkanethiol coatings as well as direct CTAB displacement. This revealed that the PDA layer thickness and growth rate is strongly dependent on the underlying nanorod functionalization chemistry and allowed us to establish a preferred route for the creation of stable, non-aggregated suspensions of PDA-coated NRs. The utility of this platform was then demonstrated by self-assembling packed monolayers of single-stranded DNA on the outer surface. Both the surface attachment and bioactivity of the resulting NR–DNA conjugates was then demonstrated by performing bulk solution and single nanoparticle imaging fluorescence measurements

Sleep patterns, problems, and habits in a sample of Egyptian preschoolers

Objective: Sleep problems are common among preschoolers. We conducted this study to investigate sleep problems in a sample of Egyptian preschoolers attending pediatric outpatient clinics and examine the relationship between their sleep problems, patterns, and hygiene. Methods: The parents of 319 preschoolers, aged 2-5 years, completed the BEARS(which represent the fve major sleep domains, i.e., bedtime problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakenings during the night, regularity and duration of sleep, and snoring) questionnaire in Arabic and a short survey on their educational status, significant medical problems and/or their child’s medications , and sleeping habits. Results: The frequency of bedtime problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakenings during the night, regularity of sleep, and snoring were 58.9%, 17.9%, 31%, 60.5%, and 20.4%, respectively. More than a third of the samples had poor sleep hygiene practices, ranging from 41.7% to 70.5%. Multivariate analyses revealed that age and body mass index (BMI) are predictors of bedtime problems. Conclusions: Our fndings indicate that sleep problems and poor sleep hygiene are common among this sample of preschoolers. This study also suggests an association between age and BMI and sleep disturbances

Adolescent male with anorexia nervosa: a case report from Iraq

This is the first reported case of an adolescent male with anorexia nervosa in Iraq. This disorder is believed to be rare in males across cultures and uncommon for both genders in Arab countries. The patient met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa. He was hospitalized and received medical and psychiatric treatment at local facilities as discussed below and responded well to treatment

Expression of RFC/SLC19A1 is Associated with Tumor Type in Bladder Cancer Patients

Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) ranks ninth in worldwide cancer. In Egypt, the pattern of bladder cancer is unique in that both the transitional and squamous cell types prevail. Despite much research on the topic, it is still difficult to predict tumor progression, optimal therapy and clinical outcome. The reduced folate carrier (RFC/SLC19A1) is the major transport system for folates in mammalian cells and tissues. RFC is also the primary means of cellular uptake for antifolate cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, however, membrane transport of antifolates by RFC is considered as limiting to antitumor activity. The purpose of this study was to compare the mRNA expression level of RFC/SLC19A1 in urothelial and non-urothelial variants of bladder carcinomas. Quantification of RFC mRNA in the mucosa of 41 untreated bladder cancer patients was performed using RT-qPCR. RFC mRNA steady-state levels were ∼9-fold higher (N = 39; P<0.0001) in bladder tumor specimens relative to normal bladder mRNA. RFC upregulation was strongly correlated with tumor type (urothelial vs. non-urothelial; p<0.05) where median RFC mRNA expression was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the urothelial (∼14-fold) compared to the non-urothelial (∼4-fold) variant. This may account for the variation in response to antifolate-containing regimens used in the treatment of either type. RFC mRNA levels were not associated with tumor grade (I, II and III) or stage (muscle-invasive vs. non-muscle invasive) implying that RFC cannot be used for prognostic purposes in bladder carcinomas and its increased expression is an early event in human bladder tumors pathogenesis. Further, RFC can be considered as a potential marker for predicting response to antifolate chemotherapy in urothelial carcinomas

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Long‐term care facilities' response to the COVID ‐19 pandemic: An international, cross‐sectional survey

Aims To (i) assess the adherence of long‐term care (LTC) facilities to the COVID‐19 prevention and control recommendations, (ii) identify predictors of this adherence and (iii) examine the association between the adherence level and the impact of the pandemic on selected unfavourable conditions. Design Cross‐sectional survey. Methods Managers (n = 212) and staff (n = 2143) of LTC facilities (n = 223) in 13 countries/regions (Brazil, Egypt, England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and Turkey) evaluated the adherence of LTC facilities to COVID‐19 prevention and control recommendations and the impact of the pandemic on unfavourable conditions related to staff, residents and residents' families. The characteristics of participants and LTC facilities were also gathered. Data were collected from April to October 2021. The study was reported following the STROBE guidelines. Results The adherence was significantly higher among facilities with more pre‐pandemic in‐service education on infection control and easier access to information early in the pandemic. Residents' feelings of loneliness and feeling down were the most affected conditions by the pandemic. More psychological support to residents was associated with fewer residents' aggressive behaviours, and more psychological support to staff was associated with less work–life imbalance. Conclusions Pre‐pandemic preparedness significantly shaped LTC facilities' response to the pandemic. Adequate psychological support to residents and staff might help mitigate the negative impacts of infection outbreaks. Impact This is the first study to comprehensively examine the adherence of LTC facilities to COVID‐19 prevention and control recommendations. The results demonstrated that the adherence level was significantly related to pre‐pandemic preparedness and that adequate psychological support to staff and residents was significantly associated with less negative impacts of the pandemic on LTC facilities' staff and residents. The results would help LTC facilities prepare for and respond to future infection outbreaks. Patient or public contribution No Patient or Public Contribution

Development of Green HPTLC method for simultaneous determination of a promising combination Tamsulosin and Mirabegron: stability-indicating assay was examined

Abstract Recently, mirabegron has been added to tamsulosin to treat overactive bladder in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. A Rapid, selective, sensitive, and green high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) approach was developed for the simultaneous determination of tamsulosin (TAM) and mirabegron (MIR) in pure and laboratory-prepared mixture. Complete separation was obtained on silica gel F254 using the solvent system methanol-ethyl acetate-ammonia (3:7:0.1, v/v). Short-wave ultraviolet light at 270 nm was used to view the chromatographic bands. For MIR and TAM, the suggested technique revealed compact spots with retention factor Rf values of 0.42 and 0.63, respectively. Within concentration ranges of 0.15–7.5 µg/band and 0.05–2.5 µg/band, good linearity was observed, with mean percentage recoveries of 100.04 ± 0.56 and 99.98% ± 0.95 for MIR and TAM, respectively. Green assessment of the developed HPTLC technique was estimated using different green analytical chemistry metrics such as Analytical eco-scale Analytical GREEness (AGREE), and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) metrics. The proposed method was effectively used as a stability-indicating assay to assess the presence of MIR and TAM in the pharmaceutical dosage form in the presence of their degradation product. The statistical analysis showed high precision and accuracy

Study of the Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: COPD may be associated with other systemic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and peptic ulceration and Helicobacter pylori infection seems to be the main cause of PUD. Aims: The aim of this work is to study the association of H. pylori infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Subject and methods: This study was performed on 80 subjects. They were classified into two groups: Group I: 65 COPD patients. Group II: 20 healthy control subjects. COPD was diagnosed according to the Global Initiative for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted at chest department of Benha University Hospital. Results: It shows that seropositivity of anti-H. pylori IgG and anti-CagA IgG was higher in COPD patients than in controls with a highly statistically significant difference (p = 0.009 and 0.047 respectively). Also the IgG level of H. pylori positive cases and CagA positive cases was higher in the COPD group than in the control group with a highly statistically significant difference (p = 0.027 and 0.0001 respectively). Conclusion: The present study suggests that patients with COPD have an increased seroprevalence of Hp infection

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a Model for the Study of Developmental and Cardiovascular Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes

The increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as an alternative to conventional tobacco products has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects. The cardiovascular system undergoes intricate processes forming the heart and blood vessels during fetal development. However, the precise impact of e-cigarette smoke and aerosols on these delicate developmental processes remains elusive. Previous studies have revealed changes in gene expression patterns, disruptions in cellular signaling pathways, and increased oxidative stress resulting from e-cigarette exposure. These findings indicate the potential for e-cigarettes to cause developmental and cardiovascular harm. This comprehensive review article discusses various aspects of electronic cigarette use, emphasizing the relevance of cardiovascular studies in Zebrafish for understanding the risks to human health. It also highlights novel experimental approaches and technologies while addressing their inherent challenges and limitations.This work received support from grants provided by Qatar University, notably the QU collaborative grant QUCG-BRC-23/24-125, and the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) through the Undergraduate Research Experience Program, with grant number UREP29-152-3-048. Qatar University funded the publication of this article