Lupine as a potential agent against diet-induced obesity through adenosine monophosphateactivated protein kinase pathway: crude oil versus nanoemulsion formulations

Obesity represents a major challenge to the pharmaceutical community due to the minimal availability of anti-obesity drugs and the drawbacks of current weight-loss agents. The study described herein presents lupine oil, in two pharmaceutical formulations, as a potential anti-obesity agent via its effect on different physiological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters. Rats were divided into two groups; one group was continued on a standard commercial rodent diet and served as the non-obese control. The other group was fed a high-fat diet for 7 weeks to prepare an obese rat model. Then, the obese rats were divided into groups to receive 100 mg/kg of the crude lupine oil or nanoemulsion for 10 or 20 days. Lupine oil showed a potent body weight-reducing effect and improved insulin resistance. The oil altered obesity-induced hyperlipidemia and it enhanced the leptin/adiponectin/AMPK hormonal system in epididymal fat, serum, and liver, to which all the above physiological activities could be attributed. The nanoemulsion formulation of lupine oil significantly amplified the activity for all the above physiological and hormonal parameters when compared to the crude oil formulation. Lupine oil nanoemulsion could be used as a potential drug against diet-induced obesity

Assessment of magnetic resonance imaging role in evaluation of failed back surgery syndrome

Background: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a fairly common problem. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with its multi-planar capabilities and superior soft tissue characterization is the modality of choice for imaging the postoperative spine.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of MRI in evaluation of FBSS.Methods: Forty-eight patients with FBSS were referred to Zagazig University Hospitals who had previous lumbar spine surgery. All patients were evaluated by history taking and radiological evaluation by dynamic x-ray and a post-operative spine MRI study that consisted of seven series: T1 -weighted sagittal & TI -weighted axial series, a sagittal & axial series for T2-weighted series, post-gadolinium T1-weighted axial and sagittal series and Heavy T2 MRI myelogram.Results: The major identifiable causes of FBSS in operated patients for lumbar disc herniation included recurrent disc herniation and epidural fibrosis (27 and 10.4% of our patients, respectively), and both occurred in 22.9 %, post-operative infected fluid collection in 10.4%, spondylodiscitis in 6.3%, spondylodiscitis with epidural fibrosis in 4.2%, filum terminal ependymoma and postoperative infected fluid collection with epidural fibrosis in 4.2%, postoperative infected fluid collection with spondylodiscitis in 4.2%, epidural fibrosis with spinal stenosis in 4.2%, pseudo- meningocele with RDH in 2%, both epidural scar & RDH with deposits in 2% and RDH with spinal stenosis in 2%.Conclusion: MRI is generally a safe and accurate technique, which has been proven to be the technique of choice in evaluation of FBSS with its excellent resolution and multi-planar capabilities

Groundwater Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Using Water Quality Indices and Multivariate Modeling in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province, Saudi Arabia

Water shortage and quality are major issues in many places, particularly arid and semi-arid regions such as Makkah Al-Mukarramah province, Saudi Arabia. The current work was conducted to examine the geochemical mechanisms influencing the chemistry of groundwater and assess groundwater resources through several water quality indices (WQIs), GIS methods, and the partial least squares regression model (PLSR). For that, 59 groundwater wells were tested for different physical and chemical parameters using conventional analytical procedures. The results showed that the average content of ions was as follows: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg 2+ > K+ and Cl− > SO42− > HCO32− > NO3− > CO3−. Under the stress of evaporation and saltwater intrusion associated with the reverse ion exchange process, the predominant hydrochemical facies were Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4, and Na-Ca-HCO3. The drinking water quality index (DWQI) has indicated that only 5% of the wells were categorized under good to excellent for drinking while the majority (95%) were poor to unsuitable for drinking, and required appropriate treatment. Furthermore, the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) has indicated that 45.5% of the wells were classified under high to severe restriction for agriculture, and can be utilized only for high salt tolerant plants. The majority (54.5%) were deemed moderate to no restriction for irrigation, with no toxicity concern for most plants. Agriculture indicators such as total dissolved solids (TDS), potential salinity (PS), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) had mean values of 2572.30, 33.32, 4.84, and −21.14, respectively. However, the quality of the groundwater in the study area improves with increased rainfall and thus recharging the Quaternary aquifer. The PLSR models, which are based on physicochemical characteristics, have been shown to be the most efficient as alternative techniques for determining the six WQIs. For instance, the PLSR models of all IWQs had determination coefficients values of R2 ranging between 0.848 and 0.999 in the Cal., and between 0.848 and 0.999 in the Val. datasets, and had model accuracy varying from 0.824 to 0.999 in the Cal., and from 0.817 to 0.989 in the Val. datasets. In conclusion, the combination of physicochemical parameters, WQIs, and multivariate modeling with statistical analysis and GIS tools is a successful and adaptable methodology that provides a comprehensive picture of groundwater quality and governing mechanisms

Groundwater Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Using Water Quality Indices and Multivariate Modeling in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province, Saudi Arabia

Water shortage and quality are major issues in many places, particularly arid and semi-arid regions such as Makkah Al-Mukarramah province, Saudi Arabia. The current work was conducted to examine the geochemical mechanisms influencing the chemistry of groundwater and assess groundwater resources through several water quality indices (WQIs), GIS methods, and the partial least squares regression model (PLSR). For that, 59 groundwater wells were tested for different physical and chemical parameters using conventional analytical procedures. The results showed that the average content of ions was as follows: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg 2+ > K+ and Cl− > SO42− > HCO32− > NO3− > CO3−. Under the stress of evaporation and saltwater intrusion associated with the reverse ion exchange process, the predominant hydrochemical facies were Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4, and Na-Ca-HCO3. The drinking water quality index (DWQI) has indicated that only 5% of the wells were categorized under good to excellent for drinking while the majority (95%) were poor to unsuitable for drinking, and required appropriate treatment. Furthermore, the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) has indicated that 45.5% of the wells were classified under high to severe restriction for agriculture, and can be utilized only for high salt tolerant plants. The majority (54.5%) were deemed moderate to no restriction for irrigation, with no toxicity concern for most plants. Agriculture indicators such as total dissolved solids (TDS), potential salinity (PS), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) had mean values of 2572.30, 33.32, 4.84, and −21.14, respectively. However, the quality of the groundwater in the study area improves with increased rainfall and thus recharging the Quaternary aquifer. The PLSR models, which are based on physicochemical characteristics, have been shown to be the most efficient as alternative techniques for determining the six WQIs. For instance, the PLSR models of all IWQs had determination coefficients values of R2 ranging between 0.848 and 0.999 in the Cal., and between 0.848 and 0.999 in the Val. datasets, and had model accuracy varying from 0.824 to 0.999 in the Cal., and from 0.817 to 0.989 in the Val. datasets. In conclusion, the combination of physicochemical parameters, WQIs, and multivariate modeling with statistical analysis and GIS tools is a successful and adaptable methodology that provides a comprehensive picture of groundwater quality and governing mechanisms

Use of Hyperspectral Reflectance and Water Quality Indices to Assess Groundwater Quality for Drinking in Arid Regions, Saudi Arabia

Combining hydrogeochemical characterization and a hyperspectral reflectance measurement can provide knowledge for groundwater security under different conditions. In this study, comprehensive examinations of 173 groundwater samples were carried out in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters, water quality indices (WQIs), and spectral reflectance indices (SRIs) were combined to investigate water quality and controlling factors using multivariate modeling techniques, such as partial least-square regression (PLSR) and principal component regression (PCR). To measure water quality status, the drinking water quality index (DWQI), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal index (HPI), contamination degree (Cd), and pollution index (PI) were calculated. Standard analytical methods were used to assess nineteen physicochemical parameters. The typical values of ions and metals were as follows: Na2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > NO3− > CO32−; and Cu > Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Ni, respectively. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the examined groundwater samples revealed that Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4, and Na-Ca-HCO3 were the main mechanisms governing groundwater chemistry and quality under the load of seawater intrusion, weathering, and water-rock interaction. According to the WQIs results, the DWQI values revealed that 2.5% of groundwater samples were categorized as excellent, 18.0% as good, 28.0% as poor, 21.5% as extremely poor, and 30.0% as unfit for drinking. The HPI and Cd values revealed that all groundwater samples had a low degree of contamination and better quality. Furthermore, the PI values showed that the groundwater resources were not affected by metals but were slightly affected by Mn in Wadi Fatimah due to rock–water interaction. Linear regression models demonstrated the significant relationships for the majority of SRIs paired with DWQI (R varied from −0.40 to 0. 75), and with TDS (R varied from 0.46 to 0.74) for the studied wadies. In general, the PLSR and PCR models provide better estimations for DWQI and TDS than the individual SRI. In conclusion, the grouping of WQIs, SRIs, PLSR, PCR, and GIS tools provides a clear image of groundwater suitability for drinking and its controlling elements

Health-related quality of life of metastatic prostate cancer patients treated with prostate Radiotherapy

Abstract Background The impact of prostate radiotherapy on patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) significantly influences the outcomes of metastatic prostate cancer. We measured and compared HRQoL of metastatic prostate cancer patients who received cytoreductive prostate radiotherapy. Methods Between November 23, 2020, and November 21, 2022, we recruited 70 metastatic prostate cancer patients at the Department of Clinical Oncology at Suez Canal University Hospital. Patients were eligible if they had synchronous and metachronous histopathological confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 2. Random allocation was performed for either definitive local radiotherapy concurrent with the standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or to the standard ADT alone. Definitive radiotherapy was delivered conventionally (70 Gy/35 fractions) or through the hypofractionated regimen (55 Gy/20 fractions). Patients completed the comprehensive European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-PR25) at baseline, then at three-month intervals for one year. The primary endpoint was patient-reported HRQoL, with secondary endpoints including toxicity and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). Mean HRQoL scores between groups were compared using the independent samples t-test. Results We observed clinically significant improvements in urinary and bowel functions between baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month intervals after receiving definitive prostate radiotherapy. Patients in the radiotherapy group had significantly lower urinary symptoms scores than the control group. However, sexual activity and functioning showed significant deterioration. Conclusion Cytoreductive prostate radiotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer patients significantly improved urinary functioning, preserved bowel functioning but was associated with worsening of sexual functioning. Trial Registration This trial was registered on (27/04/2023) with pactr.samrc.ac.za, PACTR202305854600529, URL: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25510

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Geraniol Isolated from Lemon Grass on Ox-LDL-Stimulated Endothelial Cells by Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 via PI3K/Akt and Nrf-2 Signaling Pathways

Among the world’s leading causes of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the arteries. Both vasodilation and vasoconstriction, low levels of nitric oxide and high levels of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory factors characterize dysfunctional blood vessels. Hypertension, and atherosclerosis, all start with this dysfunction. Geraniol, a compound of acyclic monoterpene alcohol, found in plants such as geranium, lemongrass and rose, is a primary constituent of essential oils. It shows a variety of pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of geraniol on Ox-LDL-induced stress and inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In this study, HUVECs were treated with Ox-LDL or geraniol at different dose concentrations. MTT assay, Western blot, ROS generation and DNA fragmentation were used to evaluate geraniol’s effects on Ox-LDL-induced HUVECs inflammation. The results show that geraniol pre-incubation ameliorates Ox-LDL-mediated HUVECs cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation. The geraniol inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by Ox-LDL, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. In Ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs, geraniol suppresses the nuclear translocation and activity of NF-ᴋB as well as phosphorylation of IkBα. Moreover, geraniol activated the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 pathway in HUVECs, resulting in an increase in the expression of HO-1. Taking our data together, we can conclude that, in HUVECs, geraniol inhibits Ox-LDL-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by targeting PI3/AKT/NRF2

Tigecycline and Gentamicin-Combined Treatment Enhances Renal Damage: Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Reaction, and Apoptosis Interplay

Although the combination of antibiotics is generally well-tolerated, they may have nephrotoxic effects. This study investigated whether tigecycline (TG) and gentamicin (GM) co-administration could accelerate renal damage. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups: the control, TG7 (tigecycline, 7 mg/kg), TG14 (tigecycline, 14 mg/kg), GM (gentamicin, 80 mg/kg), TG7+GM, and TG14+GM groups. The combination of TG and GM evoked renal damage seen by the disruption of kidney function tests. The perturbation of renal tissue was mainly confounded to the TG and GM-induced oxidative damage, which was exhibited by marked increases in renal MDA (malondialdehyde) along with a drastic reduction in GSH (reduced-glutathione) content and CAT (catalase) activity compared to their individual treatments. More obvious apoptotic events and inflammation were also revealed by elevating the annexin-V and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, aside from the upregulation of renal PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression in the TG and GM concurrent treatment. The principal component analysis indicated that creatinine, urea, annexin-V, IL-6, and MDA all played a role in discriminating the TG and GM combined toxicity. Oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis were the key mechanisms involved in this potentiated toxicity

Growth inhibition of <i>B</i>. <i>bovis</i>, <i>B</i>. <i>bigemina</i>, <i>T</i>. <i>equi</i>, and <i>B</i>. <i>caballi</i> by diminazene aceturate on the fourth day estimated by the fluorescence-based method (black) and microscopy (gray).

<p>(A) Growth inhibition of <i>B</i>. <i>bovis</i> (y-axis) and log concentration of diminazene aceturate (nM) (x-axis). (B) Growth inhibition of <i>B</i>. <i>bigemina</i> (y-axis) and log concentration of diminazene aceturate (nM) (x-axis). (C) Growth inhibition of <i>T</i>. <i>equi</i> (y-axis) and log concentration of diminazene aceturate (nM) (x-axis). (D) Growth inhibition of <i>B</i>. <i>caballi</i> (y-axis) and log concentration of diminazene aceturate (nM) (x-axis). Each value is presented as the mean of three triplicate wells ± SD.</p