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- El-Din, Mariam I. Gamal, et al.
(author)
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Comparative LC-LTQ-MS-MS Analysis of the Leaf Extracts of Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis Growing in Egypt with Insights into Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities
- 2022
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In: PLANTS. - : MDPI. - 2223-7747. ; 11:13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lantana camara L. and Lantana montevidensis Briq. (F. Verbenaceae) are invasive ornamental weeds native to the tropical regions of Africa and America. The leaves of both species have been traditionally used as infusions for treating fever, rheumatism, and cancer. LC-MS-MS-guided profiling of the methanolic extracts of the leaves of L. camara and L. montevidensis growing in Egypt led to the putative identification of 59 compounds belonging to terpenoids, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. The in vitro antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of the two extracts were investigated. L. camara and L. montevidensis inhibited DPPH center dot (IC50 = 34.01 +/- 1.32 and 47.43 +/- 1.74 mu g/ mL), ABTS (IC50 = 30.73 +/- 1.42 and 40.37 +/- 1.51 mu g/mL), and superoxide anion (IC50 = 1.57 +/- 0.19 and 1.31 +/- 0.14 mu g/mL) free radicals. A potent antiinflammatory effect was observed for both species through the inhibition of elastase release in fMLF/CB-induced human neutrophils (IC50 = 2.40 +/- 0.16 and 1.90 +/- 0.07 mu g/mL). The extracts showed significant cytotoxic activity against a panel of cancer cell lines with the most potent activity against Caco cells (IC50 = 45.65 +/- 1.64 and 40.67 +/- 1.52 mu g /mL for L. camara and L. montevidensis, respectively). Western blotting supported by FACS analysis revealed that the extracts inhibited cancer cell proliferation, reduced metastasis, and induced apoptosis resulting in cell cycle arrest. This was achieved via increasing mRNA and protein expressions of p53 and GSK-313 as well as decreasing the expression of PI3K, Akt, and cyclin D1.
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- El-Zohry, Ahmed M., et al.
(author)
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Ultrafast transient infrared spectroscopy for probing trapping states in hybrid perovskite films
- 2022
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In: Communications Chemistry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3669. ; 5:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studying the charge dynamics of perovskite materials is a crucial step to understand the outstanding performance of these materials in various fields. Herein, we utilize transient absorption in the mid-infrared region, where solely electron signatures in the conduction bands are monitored without external contributions from other dynamical species. Within the measured range of 4000 nm to 6000 nm (2500–1666 cm−1), the recombination and the trapping processes of the excited carriers could be easily monitored. Moreover, we reveal that within this spectral region the trapping process could be distinguished from recombination process, in which the iodide-based films show more tendencies to trap the excited electrons in comparison to the bromide-based derivatives. The trapping process was assigned due to the emission released in the mid-infrared region, while the traditional band-gap recombination process did not show such process. Various parameters have been tested such as film composition, excitation dependence and the probing wavelength. This study opens new frontiers for the transient mid-infrared absorption to assign the trapping process in perovskite films both qualitatively and quantitatively, along with the potential applications of perovskite films in the mid-IR region.
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- Omar, Bakar, et al.
(author)
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Perceptions of family planning among some Somali men living in Sweden : A phenomenographic study
- 2022
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In: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: A growing body of research in Sweden has focused on migration and reproductive health, particularly on women's perspectives, including family planning and contraception. However, knowledge is limited on how immigrant men perceive family planning. The topic is important because women's use of family planning has been shown to be influenced by their partners and community. Therefore, this study aims to explore perceptions of family planning among Somali men living in Sweden.METHODS: A qualitative phenomenographic approach was used. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 41 men aged 28-59 years. Data were analysed using phenomenographic analysis.FINDINGS: The following four categories were identified in the analysis: 1) a happier and more sustainable family; 2) ideal family size versus cultural commitment; 3) fears of using modern family planning methods; and 4) a need to be included in family planning. The findings illuminated the complexities of perceptions of family planning. Although Somali men understood the benefits of family planning, they seemed to prefer a large family. However, due to their new social context in Sweden, they had also changed their views on having as large a family as in their home country.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Somali men living in Sweden want to be involved in family planning counselling, which may increase women's use of contraception. However, healthcare providers must ensure that the woman desires her partner's involvement and be culturally sensitive about couples' needs.
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