A Risk Stratification Score for Predicting First Episode of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Cirrhosis.

Background And Aims: Although endoscopy is the standard method for diagnosing esophageal varices (EV), it is only available in developed countries. This study aims to identify predictors of the initial variceal bleeding (VB) occurrence and to develop a scoring system to predict the VB in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods: This study analyzed 236 patients with cirrhosis who experienced their first upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) episode.

Machine learning approaches for forecasting compressive strength of high-strength concrete.

Identifying the mechanical properties of High Strength Concrete (HSC), particularly compressive strength, is critical for safety purposes. Concrete compressive strength is determined by using laboratory experiments, which are costly and time-consuming. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods reduce time and money.

The therapeutic effects of genistein in rats with epilepsy by influencing mitochondrial biogenesis and regulating apoptosis in brain tissue.

Purpose: Epilepsy is a widespread, long-term neurological condition triggered by an overabundance of electrical activity from the neurons in the brain. Genistein, a natural isoflavone found in soybeans, can prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. We aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of genistein on epilepsy using rat models through behavior analysis and investigation of key pathways, including antioxidant activity (Nrf2 and HO-1), promoting mitochondrial biogenesis (TFAM), and reducing brain tissue apoptosis (BCL2, BAX, and caspases).

Effect of modulating the extracellular matrix cross linkage by genipin on tumor cell resistance and survival in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats.

Background: Previous studies on patients and rats with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have shown significant changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Versican, a component of the ECM, forms extensive multimolecular interactions with other ECM components, particularly hyaluronan, through specific domains in its core protein. However, disturbances in the hyaluronan-versican interaction may affect cancer development.

Through its genoprotective, mitochondrial bioenergetic modulation, and antioxidant effects, Fucoxanthin and its metabolite minimize Ochratoxin A-induced nephrotoxicity in HK-2 human kidney cells.

Background: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with reported multiorgan toxicity, especially kidney toxicity. Fucoxanthin (FX) and its hydrolyzed metabolite Fucoxanthinol (FXL) have reno-protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluates the nephroprotective effects of FX and FLX on OTA-induced renal cytotoxicity using the HK-2 cell line.

Developing a novel therapeutic and bioactive resin-based root canal sealer incorporated with silver polydopamine-modified hydroxyapatite fillers.

Background: Residual root canal microbiota in the inaccessible areas of the root canal despite cleaning and shaping and the adverse effects of the various root canal irrigants on dentin mineral content pose a major challenge to successful root canal therapy. The aim of this study was to develop therapeutic and bioactive resin-based root canal sealer (RCS) with good wetting ability.

Methods: Silver polydopamine-modified hydroxyapatite (HA-PDA-Ag-PDA) fillers were synthesized.

Hybrid fuzzy logic-PI control with metaheuristic optimization for enhanced performance of high-penetration grid-connected PV systems.

This paper introduces a hybrid fuzzy logic control-based proportional-integral (FLC-PI) control strategy designed to enhance voltage stability, power quality, and overall performance of central inverters in photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs). The study is based on a real-world PVPP with an installed capacity of 26.136 MWp, connected to the Egyptian national grid at Fares City, Kom Ombo Centre, Aswan Governorate.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of endocrowns fabricated from two different CAD-CAM materials versus stainless steel crowns in restoring first permanent molars in children: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Restoring first permanent molars after endodontic treatment in children is challenging. Improved mechanical properties and adhesion of ceramic materials have led to the emergence of endocrown as a conservative and esthetic restorative option for endodontically treated molars in adults and offer dentists a restorative treatment for endodontically treated first permanent molars in children. The purpose of this study was clinical and radiographic evaluation of both endocrowns fabricated from 2 different materials and SSCs restoring endodontically treated first permenant molars in children over one year.

Robotic-assisted ureteroenteric reimplantation for ureteroenteric stricture after radical cystectomy: a systematic review and dual meta-analysis.

Background And Objective: Benign ureteroenteric stricture (UES) is a well-documented long-term complication that can occur after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion (UD). This meta-analysis evaluates the safety and feasibility of Robotic-assisted Ureteroenteric Reimplantation (RUER), with a focus on distinguishing outcomes between Open Ureteroenteric Reimplantation (OUER) and RUER.

Methods: We performed an extensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies that assessed outcomes for RUER alone or in comparison to OUER.

Encapsulation of Plicosepalus curviflorus-derived polyphenols in chitosan-alginate microvehicles for potent anticancer uses: Optimization using response surface methodology.

The main objective of this study was to apply response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the microencapsulation of therapeutic P. curviflorus-derived total polyphenols (TPP) using chitosan-sodium alginate microcapsules (MCs), targeting the fabrication of TPP-loaded MCs (TPP@MCs) for effective colorectal adenocarcinoma therapy. Using a Box-Behnken design, we systematically varied the microcapsule composition, TPP loading ratio, and crosslinking or sonication time to maximize the encapsulation efficiency (EE).

Cross-chest liposuction plus gland resection through single minimal incision for management of grade I/II gynecomastia.

Background And Aim: In modern gynecomastia surgery, minimally invasive access and fast recovery have been advocated as essential management concepts. The present study aimed to describe the surgical details and clinical outcome of a minimally invasive approach combining cross-chest liposuction and minimal incision gland resection for management of grade I/II gynecomastia.

Methods: The present retrospective study included 30 patients with grade I/II gynecomastia.

Innovative pH-responsive alginate-coated rosuvastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: a targeted approach to inhibiting HMGB1-activated RAGE/TLR4-NFκB signaling in colonic inflammation in rats.

This study developed and optimized an innovative oral pH-dependent drug delivery system utilizing rosuvastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (RSV-CSNPs) coated with sodium alginate (ALG). The goal was to protect RSV-CSNPs from degradation in the acidic gastric environment and facilitate targeted sustained release in the colon to address inflammatory bowel disease. Nanoparticles were initially prepared by ionic gelation.

Evaluating the anticancer efficacy of Chara vulgaris ethanolic extract and selenium nanoformulation in Ehrlich carcinoma mice: role of autophagy and apoptosis.

Background: Bioactive compounds with a wide range of chemical compositions and biological functions are found in the Chlorophyceae family. The present work investigated the anticancer effect of ethanolic extract from Chara vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and its selenium nanoformulation (CvSeNPs) against solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC).

Conic curve encryption and digital signature based on complex number theory for cybersecurity applications.

Secure image transmission requires robust algorithms to ensure authentication, integrity, non-repudiation, and confidentiality. Addressing emerging security challenges necessitates continuous advancements in cryptographic design. This paper presents an authenticated and encrypted image scheme that achieves all essential security services.

Retention of telescopic versus LOCATOR attachments and marginal bone loss surrounding implant-retained maxillary overdentures: A 2-year randomized clinical trial.

Statement Of Problem: A maxillary implant-retained overdenture (Max IOD) represents a controversial prosthesis. Biomechanically, the prosthesis induces strain on the implants, associated with complications from maintenance difficulties to implant loss. Whether the choice of attachment system affects retention of the prosthesis and marginal bone loss (MBL) around the implants remains unclear.

Empowering heart attack treatment for women through machine learning and optimization techniques.

Heart attack detection and treatment in women remain significantly under-optimized due to differences in symptom presentation and physiological characteristics compared to men, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnoses. Addressing this gap, this study introduces an optimized ensemble learning approach that leverages a novel voting classifier combining the Waterwheel Plant Algorithm (WWPA) with Stochastic Fractal Search (SFS). The proposed WWPA+SFS model is designed to enhance the accuracy of heart attack classification in women by integrating multiple machine learning classifiers, including Gaussian Naive Bayes, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Stochastic Gradient Descent Classifier, Support Vector Classifier, Decision Tree, and k-nearest Neighbors.

Targeting AMPK with ivabradine attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity: Crosstalk with MAPK, JAK1/STAT3, and PI3K/Akt pathways.

Aims: This study explores the molecular pathways through which Ivabradine (IVN) exerts protective effects against Cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced hepatotoxicity, aiming to identify the underlying mechanisms involved.

Main Methods: Animals were assigned at random into four groups (10 rats in each group): Group 1 was administered 1 mL of distilled water orally for 10 consecutive days, along with a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline on the seventh day.

Ameliorative effect of citicoline on cyclophosphamide-induced lung injury.

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is known to cause pulmonary injury through free radical production and proinflammatory cytokines activation. Lung damage is associated with significant mortality, primarily due to the development of severe inflammation and pulmonary edema. On the other hand, citicoline, a key intermediate in the phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis pathway, has neurovascular protective and reparative properties.

Innovative Synchronous Spectrofluorometric Method for Assessing a Novel Drug Combination in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: In Vivo Human Application With Greenness and Sustainability Evaluation.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurological disorder that causes damage to sensory neurons, then paralysis and death. A novel combination of celecoxib (CXP) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) has recently been used to enhance both motor performance and CNS cell morphology, alterations in the rate of disease progression, quality of life, and survival, which passed phase IIb RCT study. Celecoxib is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that has a synergistic effect for the treatment of ALS, which is a severe neurological disorder.

Effectiveness of the Graston Technique for low back pain and thoracic spinal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) and thoracic spinal pain are significant global health burdens, and the Graston Technique (GT), a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), has gained popularity as a treatment option. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness of GT for reducing pain and preventing disability in individuals with LBP and thoracic spinal pain.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, identifying four eligible studies from inception to August 2024.

Blocking leukotriene receptors improve experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis.

To investigate whether obstructing the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 (CYSLTR1) with zafirlukast diminishes experimentally induced gastric ulcer (GU) in rats by modulating inflammation and apoptosis. Gastric ulcers affect approximately 10% of the global population and can lead to serious complications such as gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding. Leukotrienes are proinflammatory compounds, and cysteinyl leukotrienes, such as LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, that are potent proinflammatory mediators.

Targeting inflammation-driven tumor progression with Zafirlukast via modulation of Jagged-1/Notch-1/Hes-1, Wnt-4/β-catenin, and VEGF signaling pathways in mice.

Aim: This study investigated the potential of Zafirlukast, an inhibitor of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors, to suppress the progression of Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma (SEC) by modulating inflammation-driven oncogenic pathways, with a particular focus on the inhibition of the Jagged-1/Notch-1/Hes-1 and Wnt-4/β-catenin signaling pathways.

Methods: Fifty female Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned to one control group and four SEC-bearing groups. Zafirlukast was given orally at daily doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg for two weeks, while doxorubicin (DOX) was administered intraperitoneally at 5 mg/kg, three times a week for two weeks.

Autophagy in disease management: Exploring the potential of natural products as targeted therapies.

Autophagy is a vital cellular process that degrades and recycles intracellular components via lysosomes, playing a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Alteration of this mechanism has been implicated in the occurrence and progression of numerous diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and microbial and viral infections. Recent studies have identified several mutations affecting autophagy-related genes and elucidated how defective degradation of specific substrates contributes to disease mechanisms.

Effectiveness of lifestyle-modification approach (a randomized-controlled program of diet restriction and treadmill walking exercise) on elderly's metabolic syndrome-associated subjective tinnitus.

Introduction: Chronic subjective tinnitus complaint (CSTC) is highly prevalent in metabolic syndrome (MS) elderly. In 60 obese MS elderly with CSTC, studying the response of CSTC-related discomfort, MS components, and CSTC severity to lifestyle-modification approach was the aim of this study.

Methods: In this randomized/controlled lifestyle-modification trial, the recruitment of 60 obese MS elderly with CSTC from a local general hospital was randomly executed.

Acetic acid induced-ulcerative colitis is repressed by morin via modulation of CD3/CD4 mucosal immunity and TLR4/NF-κB/ERK1/2/IL-6 signalling in rats.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with indefinite etiology. Currently, immune alterations and their consequences are reported to exist beyond UC development. Herein, the potential coloprotective impact of 6 days-administration of two doses of morin (100, 200 mg/kg) was evaluated and compared to dexamethasone against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis with particular concern for the molecular immunomodulatory aspects of the underlying mechanisms.