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- Lewin, Harris A., et al.
(author)
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The Earth BioGenome Project 2020 : Starting the clock
- 2022
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In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 119:4
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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- El-Seedi, Hesham, et al.
(author)
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Metal nanoparticles fabricated by green chemistry using natural extracts : biosynthesis, mechanisms, and applications
- 2019
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In: RSC Advances. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 2046-2069. ; 9:42, s. 24539-24559
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nanoparticles (NPs) are new inspiring clinical targets that have emerged from persistent efforts with unique properties and diverse applications. However, the main methods currently utilized in their production are not environmentally friendly. With the aim of promoting a green approach for the synthesis of NPs, this review describes eco-friendly methods for the preparation of biogenic NPs and the known mechanisms for their biosynthesis. Natural plant extracts contain many different secondary metabolites and biomolecules, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds and enzymes. Secondary metabolites can enable the reduction of metal ions to NPs in eco-friendly one-step synthetic processes. Moreover, the green synthesis of NPs using plant extracts often obviates the need for stabilizing and capping agents and yields biologically active shape- and size-dependent products. Herein, we review the formation of metallic NPs induced by natural extracts and list the plant extracts used in the synthesis of NPs. In addition, the use of bacterial and fungal extracts in the synthesis of NPs is highlighted, and the parameters that influence the rate of particle production, size, and morphology are discussed. Finally, the importance and uniqueness of NP-based products are illustrated, and their commercial applications in various fields are briefly featured.
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- Chakkarapani, A. A., et al.
(author)
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Therapies for neonatal encephalopathy: Targeting the latent, secondary and tertiary phases of evolving brain injury
- 2021
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In: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1744-165X. ; 26:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In term and near-term neonates with neonatal encephalopathy, therapeutic hypothermia protocols are well established. The current focus is on how to improve outcomes further and the challenge is to find safe and complementary therapies that confer additional protection, regeneration or repair in addition to cooling. Following hypoxia-ischemia, brain injury evolves over three main phases (latent, secondary and tertiary), each with a different brain energy, perfusion, neurochemical and inflammatory milieu. While therapeutic hypothermia has targeted the latent and secondary phase, we now need therapies that cover the continuum of brain injury that spans hours, days, weeks and months after the initial event. Most agents have several therapeutic actions but can be broadly classified under a predominant action (e.g., free radical scavenging, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, neuroregeneration, and vascular effects). Promising early/secondary phase therapies include Allopurinol, Azithromycin, Exendin-4, Magnesium, Melatonin, Noble gases and Sildenafil. Tertiary phase agents include Erythropoietin, Stem cells and others. We review a selection of promising therapeutic agents on the translational pipeline and suggest a framework for neuroprotection and neurorestoration that targets the evolving injury. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
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- Khalifa, Shaden A. M., et al.
(author)
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Truffles : From Islamic culture to chemistry, pharmacology, and food trends in recent times
- 2019
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In: Trends in Food Science & Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0924-2244 .- 1879-3053. ; 91, s. 193-218
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Many years back, during Islamic civilization, truffle (Kama'ah) was mentioned by Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) to be well recognized as a therapeutic for eye diseases. (In the Sahihain, it is narrated that the Prophet said: The Kama'ah (truffle) is among the manna (which is a food mentioned in the Qura'n, Surah alBagarah), and its water (extract or juice) cures the eye diseases). Truffles represent a large group of soil fungi belonging to Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota. Because of their exceptionally profitable protein, fat, polysaccharide, carbohydrate, ash, mineral, phenolic and other organic molecule contents, truffles have been appreciated as food, nutritional and therapeutic sources for many years. Scope and approach: The main aim of this review is to highlight a comprehensive compile of truffles traditional uses, mycochemistry, pharmacological properties and nutritional value with special focus on desert truffles. Such review represents a good candidate reference for future truffle research. Key findings and conclusions: In this review, we discuss the traditional aspects of truffles with reference to Prophetic Traditional Medicine (al-Tibb al-Nabawi) to cure aliments such as trachoma. The use of truffles is justified by many recent research findings with regards to their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Although the molecular mechanism and functions of the different truffle species have been intensively studied, we look forward to translating these traditional remedies into preclinical and clinical applications.
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- Ahsan, Hajra, et al.
(author)
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Photocatalysis and adsorption kinetics of azo dyes by nanoparticles of nickel oxide and copper oxide and their nanocomposite in an aqueous medium
- 2022
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In: PeerJ. - : PeerJ. - 2167-8359. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Azo dyes are recalcitrant organic pollutants present in textile industry effluents. Conventional treatment methods to remove them come with a range of disadvantages. Nanoparticles and their nanocomposites offer more efficient, less expensive and easy to handle wastewater treatment alternative. Methods. In this study, nanoparticles of nickel oxide (NiO-NPs), copper oxide (CuO-NPs) and their nanocomposite (NiO/CuO-NC) were synthesized using co- precipitation method. The functional groups present on the surface of synthesized nanomaterials were verified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) whereas purity, shape and size of the crystallite were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The potential of these nanomaterials to degrade three dyes i.e., Reactive Red-2 (RR-2), Reactive Black-5 (RB-5) and Orange II sodium salt (OII) azo dyes, was determined in an aqueous medium under visible light (photocatalysis). The photodegradation effectiveness of all nanomaterials was evaluated under different factors like nanomaterial dose (0.02-0.1 g 10 mL-1), concentration of dyes (20-100 mg L-1), and irradiation time (60-120 min). They were also assessed for their potential to adsorb RR-2 and OII dyes. Results. Results revealed that at optimum concentration (60 mgL-1) of RR-2, RB-5, and OII dyes, NiO-NPs degraded 90, 82 and 83%, CuO-NPs degraded 49, 34, and 44%, whereas the nanocomposite NiO/CuO-NC degraded 92, 93, and 96% of the said dyes respectively. The nanomaterials were categorized as the efficient degraders of the dyes in the order: NiO/CuO-NC > NiO-NPs > CuO-NPs. The highest degradation potential shown by the nanocomposite was attributed to its large surface area, small particles size, and quick reactions which were proved by advance analytical techniques. The equilibrium and kinetic adsorption of RR-2 and OII on NiO-NPs, CuO-NPs, and NiO/CuO-NC were well explained with Langmuir and Pseudo second order model, respectively (R2 ≥0.96). The maximum RR-2 adsorption (103 mg/g) was obtained with NiO/CuO-NC. It is concluded that nanocomposites are more efficient and promising for the dyes degradation from industrial wastewater as compared with dyes adsorption onto individual NPs. Thus, the nanocomposite NiO/CuO-NC can be an excellent candidate for photodegradation as well as the adsorption of the dyes in aqueous media.
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- Alanay, Yasemin, et al.
(author)
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Real-world evidence in achondroplasia : considerations for a standardized data set
- 2023
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In: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1750-1172. ; 18:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Collection of real-world evidence (RWE) is important in achondroplasia. Development of a prospective, shared, international resource that follows the principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse of digital assets, and that captures long-term, high-quality data, would improve understanding of the natural history of achondroplasia, quality of life, and related outcomes.METHODS: The Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Achondroplasia Steering Committee comprises a multidisciplinary team of 17 clinical experts and 3 advocacy organization representatives. The committee undertook an exercise to identify essential data elements for a standardized prospective registry to study the natural history of achondroplasia and related outcomes.RESULTS: A range of RWE on achondroplasia is being collected at EMEA centres. Whereas commonalities exist, the data elements, methods used to collect and store them, and frequency of collection vary. The topics considered most important for collection were auxological measures, sleep studies, quality of life, and neurological manifestations. Data considered essential for a prospective registry were grouped into six categories: demographics; diagnosis and patient measurements; medical issues; investigations and surgical events; medications; and outcomes possibly associated with achondroplasia treatments.CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, high-quality data are needed for this rare, multifaceted condition. Establishing registries that collect predefined data elements across age spans will provide contemporaneous prospective and longitudinal information and will be useful to improve clinical decision-making and management. It should be feasible to collect a minimum dataset with the flexibility to include country-specific criteria and pool data across countries to examine clinical outcomes associated with achondroplasia and different therapeutic approaches.
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- Alegiry, Mohamed H., et al.
(author)
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Attitudes Toward Psychological Disorders and Alternative Medicine in Saudi Participants
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Psychiatry. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-0640. ; 12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: This study was designed to investigate Saudis' attitudes toward mental distress and psychotropic medication, attribution of causes, expected side effects, and to analyze participants' expectations toward alternative or complementary medicine using aromatic and medicinal plants, through a survey.Method: The study included 674 participants (citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia) who were randomly contacted via email and social media and gave their consent to complete a questionnaire dealing with 39 items that can be clustered in six parts. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square for cross-tabulation were generated using SPSS.Results: Among the 664 participants, 73.4% believed that there are some positive and negative outcomes of psychotropic medication. Participants (72.0%) think that the most important reason leading to psychological disorders is mainly due to the loss of a relative or beloved person, and 73.9% considered psychic session as one of the possible treatments of psychological disorders. Surprisingly, only 18.8% of the participants agreed that medicinal and aromatic plants could be a possible treatment of the psychological disorder. Participants (82%) consider that physicians are the most trustful and preferred source of information about alternative and complementary medicine.
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- Dewan, Ramita, et al.
(author)
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Pathogenic Huntingtin Repeat Expansions in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
- 2021
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In: Neuron. - : Elsevier BV. - 1097-4199 .- 0896-6273. ; 109:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We examined the role of repeat expansions in the pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by analyzing whole-genome sequence data from 2,442 FTD/ALS patients, 2,599 Lewy body dementia (LBD) patients, and 3,158 neurologically healthy subjects. Pathogenic expansions (range, 40-64 CAG repeats) in the huntingtin (HTT) gene were found in three (0.12%) patients diagnosed with pure FTD/ALS syndromes but were not present in the LBD or healthy cohorts. We replicated our findings in an independent collection of 3,674 FTD/ALS patients. Postmortem evaluations of two patients revealed the classical TDP-43 pathology of FTD/ALS, as well as huntingtin-positive, ubiquitin-positive aggregates in the frontal cortex. The neostriatal atrophy that pathologically defines Huntington's disease was absent in both cases. Our findings reveal an etiological relationship between HTT repeat expansions and FTD/ALS syndromes and indicate that genetic screening of FTD/ALS patients for HTT repeat expansions should be considered.
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- Kamat, Nasir, et al.
(author)
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Chemotherapy induced microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in chromosomes 2, 5, 10, and 17 in solid tumor patients
- 2014
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In: Cancer Cell International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1475-2867. ; 14, s. 118-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The inevitable side effects of the currently used chemotherapy are associated with serious syndromes. Genotoxic effects and consequent genetic instability may play an important role in these syndromes. The aim of the study was to evaluate chemotherapy-related microsatellite instability (MSI), loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and loss of mismatch repair (MMR) expression in solid tumor patients. Methods: Samples were collected from 117 de novo patients with solid tumors of different origins. Specimens, taken pre- and post-treatment, were screened for MSI and LOH in 10 microsatellite sequences in blood, and expression of five MMR proteins were analyzed in cancer tissues using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis included the use of; Fisher's exact test, Chi Square, and an inter-rater reliability test using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results: Microsatellite analysis showed that 66.7% of the patients had MSI, including 23.1% high-positive MSI and 43.6% low-positive MSI. A large portion (41%) of the patients exhibited LOH in addition to MSI. MSI and LOH were detected in seven loci in which incidence rates ranged from 3.8% positive for Bat-26 to 34.6% positive for Tp53-Alu. Immunohistochemistry revealed that human mutL homolog 1 (hMLH1) expression was deficient in 29.1% of the patients, whereas 18.8%, 23.9%, 13.4%, and 9.7% were deficient for human mutS homolog 2 (hMSH2), P53, human mutS homolog 6 (hMSH6) and human post-meiotic segregation increased 2 (hPMS2), respectively. There was a significant correlation between MSI and LOH incidence in Tp53-Alu, Mfd41, and APC with low or deficient expression of hMLH1, hMSH2, and P53. A significant association between MSI and LOH, and incidence of secondary tumors was also evident. Conclusions: The negative correlation between MMR expression, MSI, and LOH and increased resistance to anti-cancer drugs and development of secondary cancers demonstrates a useful aid in early detection of potential chemotherapy-related side-effects. The diagnostic value demonstrated in our earlier study on breast cancer patients was confirmed for other solid tumors.
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- Kamat, Nasir, et al.
(author)
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High incidence of microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in three loci in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy : a prospective study
- 2012
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In: BMC Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2407. ; 12, s. 373-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate potential chemotherapy-induced microsatellite instability, loss of heterozygosity, loss of expression in mismatch repair proteins and associations with clinical findings in breast cancer patients, especially resistance to chemotherapy and/or development of other tumors in the four years following chemotherapy treatment. Methods: A comprehensive study of chemotherapy-related effects with a follow-up period of 48 months post treatment was conducted. A total of 369 peripheral blood samples were collected from 123 de novo breast cancer patients. Microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in five commonly used marker loci (including Tp53-Alu of the tumor suppressor gene TP53) were analyzed in blood samples. Sampling was conducted on three occasions; 4-5 weeks prior to the first chemotherapy session (pre-treatment), to serve as a baseline, followed by two consecutive draws at 12 weeks intervals from the first collection. Mismatch repair protein expression was evaluated in cancer tissues using immunohistochemistry for three mismatch-repair related proteins. Results: A total of 70.7% of the patients showed microsatellite instability for at least one locus, including 18.6% marked as high-positive and 52.1% as low-positive; 35.8% showed loss of heterozygosity in addition to microsatellite instability, while 29.3% exhibited microsatellite stability. The following incidence rates for microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity were detected: 39.1% positive for Tp53-Alu, 31.1% for locus Mfd41, and 25.3% for locus Mfd28. A higher occurrence of loss of heterozygosity was noted with alleles 399 and 404 of Tp53-Alu. The mismatch repair protein expression analysis showed that the chemotherapy caused a loss of 29.3% in hMLH1 expression, and 18.7% and 25.2% loss in hMSH2 and P53 expression, respectively. A strong correlation between low or deficient hMSH2 protein expression and occurrence of mismatch repair/loss of heterozygosity events in Mfd41, Tp53-Alu, and Mfd28 was evident. A significant association between mismatch repair/loss of heterozygosity and incidence of secondary tumors was also established. Conclusion: Our results suggest that microsatellite instability, loss of heterozygosity, and deficiency in mismatch repair may serve as early prognostic factors for potential chemotherapy-related side effects in breast cancer patients.
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