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The peel aqueous extract of Punica granatum was utilized to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a green approach. The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy, which was attached to an energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Spherical, well arranged, and crystallographic structures of ZnO-NPs were formed with sizes of 10–45 nm. The biological activities of ZnO-NPs, including antimicrobial and catalytic activity for methylene blue dye, were assessed. Data analysis showed that the antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as unicellular fungi, was observed to occur in a dose-dependent manner, displaying varied inhibition zones and low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the ranges of 6.25–12.5 µg mL–1. The degradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) using ZnO-NPs is dependent on nano-catalyst concentration, contact time, and incubation condition (UV-light emission). The maximum MB degradation percentages of 93.4 ± 0.2% was attained at 20 µg mL−1 after 210 min in presence of UV-light. Data analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the degradation percentages after 210, 1440, and 1800 min. Moreover, the nano-catalyst showed high stability and efficacy to degrade MB for five cycles with decreasing values of 4%. Overall, P. granatum-based ZnO-NPs are promising tools to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes and degradation of MB in the presence of UV-light emission.

An aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel was used as a biocatalyst for magnesium oxide nanoparticle (MgO-NP) synthesis, which was characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, and zeta potential. Data showed the efficacy of the plant aqueous extract in forming spherical, crystalline-nature, well-arranged MgO-NPs with sizes in the range of 10–45 nm with average sizes of 24.82 ± 8.85 nm. Moreover, EDX analysis revealed that the highest weight and atomic percentages were recorded for Mg and O ions. The green synthesized MgO-NPs showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in a concentration-dependent manner with clear zones in the range of 8.7 ± 0.6 to 19.7 ± 0.5 mm with various concentrations. Also, the MIC value was varied to be 25 µg mL−1 for Gram-negative bacteria, B. subtilis, and C. albicans and 50 µg mL−1 for S. aureus. Moreover, MgO-NPs showed high activity against the 3rd-instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. The mortality percentages were concentration- and time-dependent. Data analysis showed that the highest mortality was 88.3 ± 3.2%, attained at a concentration of 100 µg mL−1 after 72 h. Also, all originated pupae were malformed and did not hatch to adults, with mortality percentages of 100% at all concentrations. Overall, the P. granatum-mediated MgO-NPs showed promising activity in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microbes and the hatching of C. quinquefasciatus larvae to adults.

Herein, bacterial isolate HIS7 was obtained from contaminated soil and exhibited high efficacy to degrade pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin. The HIS7 isolate was identified as Lysinibacillus cresolivuorans based on its morphology and physiology characteristics as well as sequencing of 16S rRNA. The biodegradation percentages of 2500 ppm cypermethrin increased from 57.7% to 86.9% after optimizing the environmental factors at incubation condition (static), incubation period (8-days), temperature (35 °C), pH (7), inoculum volume (3%), and the addition of extra-carbon (glucose) and nitrogen source (NH4Cl2). In soil, L. cresolivuorans HIS7 exhibited a high potential to degrade cypermethrin, where the degradation percentage increased from 54.7 to 93.1% after 7 to 42 days, respectively. The qualitative analysis showed that the bacterial degradation of cypermethrin in the soil was time-dependent. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the soil extract showed one peak for control at retention time (R.T.) of 3.460 min and appeared three peaks after bacterial degradation at retention time (R.T.) of 2.510, 2.878, and 3.230 min. The Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirmed the successful degradation of cypermethrin by L. cresolivuorans in the soil. The toxicity of biodegraded products was assessed on the growth performance of Zea mays using seed germination and greenhouse experiment and in vitro cytotoxic effect against normal Vero cells. Data showed the toxicity of biodegraded products was noticeably decreased as compared with that of cypermethrin before degradation.

New facile way for production of antimicrobial wound healing dress was achieved using freshly fabricated bacterial cellulose (BNC) decorated with in situ formed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Herein, BNC was fabricated by using a domestic isolated strain Komagataeibacter hansenii SA1.1 . BNC/AgNPs nanocomposites were in situ synthesized by introducing AgNO 3 to alkaline BNC at 60 °C for 30 min to attain full chemical reduction of Ag ions which manifested visually by color change. Results signified the successful fabrication of nanofibrillated BC with network structure. Also, AgNPs were successfully assembled on the surface of BNC in spherical shape with distribution uniformity consists of narrow size particles lied in range of 10–40 nm. The hybrid BNC/AgNPs manifested a strong antibacterial activity against Gram negative and Gram positive as well as unicellular fungus. The results from in vitro study demonstrated, undoubtedly, that BNC/AgNPs can be able to promote the wound healing affinity of chronic ulcers through reducing microbial infection besides accelerating the healing by their inflammatory. While, the antioxidant affirmed the potential protection of BNC/AgNPs from oxidative stressors, it was displayed a vital role in the improvement cell propagation and cell proliferation.

The peel aqueous extract of Punica granatum was utilized to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a green approach. The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy, which was attached to an energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Spherical, well arranged, and crystallographic structures of ZnO-NPs were formed with sizes of 10-45 nm. The biological activities of ZnO-NPs, including antimicrobial and catalytic activity for methylene blue dye, were assessed. Data analysis showed that the antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as unicellular fungi, was observed to occur in a dose-dependent manner, displaying varied inhibition zones and low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the ranges of 6.25-12.5 µg mL[sup.-1]. The degradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) using ZnO-NPs is dependent on nano-catalyst concentration, contact time, and incubation condition (UV-light emission). The maximum MB degradation percentages of 93.4 ± 0.2% was attained at 20 µg mL[sup.−1] after 210 min in presence of UV-light. Data analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the degradation percentages after 210, 1440, and 1800 min. Moreover, the nano-catalyst showed high stability and efficacy to degrade MB for five cycles with decreasing values of 4%. Overall, P. granatum-based ZnO-NPs are promising tools to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes and degradation of MB in the presence of UV-light emission.

Bell's palsy is a lower motor neuron lesion rarely associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccinations. We documented two cases of Bell's palsy in this report, one after contracting COVID-19 infection and the other after administration of AZD1222 Vaxzervria (AstraZeneca) Vaccine. After excluding all possible causes of Bell's palsy in both cases, we determined that COVID-19 infection and the AZD1222 Vaxzervria (AstraZeneca) vaccine were the causes. Thus, we believe COVID-19 and the AZD1222 Vaxzervria (AstraZeneca) vaccine should be considered as causes of Bell's palsy.

Background Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) complicates unresectable gastric and pancreatic cancers. Conventional gastrojejunostomy (CGJ) is standard but frequently leads to delayed gastric emptying. Stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy (SPGJ) mitigates this problem and improves outcomes. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of SPGJ versus CGJ for GOO, searching databases through 25 November 2025. Outcomes were delayed gastric emptying (DGE), major complications, reintervention, 30-day mortality, operative time, Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOS) scores, length of stay, chemotherapy adherence, and survival. Continuous variables were pooled as mean differences (MD) with 95% CIs; dichotomous variables as relative risks (RR) with 95% CIs. Survival was analyzed using individual patient data reconstructed from Kaplan–Meier curves. Results A total of 11 studies comprising 456 patients were included. SPGJ was associated with significantly reduced DGE (RR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12–0.47) and postoperative major complications (RR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12–0.54) compared to CGJ. No significant differences were found in the need for reintervention (RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.21–1.64), short-term mortality (RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.42–2.33), or LOS (MD = -1.47 days, 95% CI: -3.10 to 0.16). GOOS scores were comparable between groups. Overall survival was also similar between SPGJ and CGJ (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.66–1.70). Conclusions Our meta-analysis shows that SPGJ offers important clinical advantages over CGJ by significantly reducing delayed gastric emptying and postoperative major complications, while demonstrating comparable GOOS scores, length of stay, reintervention rates, and short- and long-term survival. These findings support SPGJ as a viable and potentially preferable option for managing malignant GOO, although high-quality randomized trials are still needed.

Background Family planning refers to a conscious effort done by a couple to limit or space the number of children they have through the use of contraceptives. Effective family planning can prevent abortions, maternal morbidity, and maternal deaths. It contributes to broader public health goals, including improved maternal and child health outcomes. Studies have shown that medical students need more knowledge regarding family planning. Enhancing their understanding of family planning can positively influence their future clinical practice and patient counseling, leading to better healthcare delivery in their communities. Thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students in Egypt towards family planning and the factors affecting them. Methods This was a multi-centric descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component. We used a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. Twelve Egyptian medical universities were chosen to ensure the representation of governmental, private and Al-Azhar medical schools. The estimated sample size was 1072. Our tool was a self-administered questionnaire used from a previously published study, which showed acceptable reliability: α = 0.825 for knowledge and 0.906 for attitude. We analyzed data using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 25. Results were statistically significant if the p -value was ≤ 0.05. Results We surveyed 926 medical students, aged 17 to 27 years (mean 21.42 ± 1.90 years), with a balanced gender distribution (52.15% males). The majority showed poor knowledge about family planning (85.9%), and inappropriate attitudes (52.7%). We also found that gender significantly influenced knowledge levels ( p  = 0.04), with higher female scores. While the academic year significantly affected attitudes ( p  = 0.05). Female sex was a significant predictor of good knowledge (COR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.01–2.14, p  = 0.05). Conclusion Our overall scores of knowledge and attitude towards family planning were low. Female gender was a significant predictor of good knowledge. Academic year significantly affected the attitude with higher appropriate attitudes among 4th-year students. Stakeholders concerned with family planning should work together to bring behavioral changes towards family planning by providing information, education and communication.

Background Public speaking is a critical skill for medical professionals, yet many students experience public speaking anxiety (PSA), which negatively impacts mental well-being, academic performance, and professional growth. PSA is closely linked to self-efficacy, which serves as a protective factor against stress and anxiety. Understanding this relationship is vital, particularly in Sudan, where cultural and systemic factors may influence both PSA and self-efficacy. Methods This cross-sectional based analytical study was conducted among 1130 Sudanese medical students from multiple universities, this design was well-selected considering the current circumstances of Sudan conflict. Data were collected using validated tools: the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA) scale and the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale. Convenience sampling was employed, and data analysis including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression models was conducted to identify factors influencing PSA. Results Nearly half of the participants (45%) experienced moderate PSA, while 11.5% exhibited high PSA. Conversely, 87% reported high self-efficacy. PSA was significantly associated with gender, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and family income. A weak negative correlation was observed between PSA and self-efficacy (Spearman’s rho = -0.189, p  < 0.001), indicating that higher self-efficacy mitigates PSA. Conclusions PSA is highly prevalent among Sudanese medical students, with cultural and academic factors playing a crucial role. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to build self-efficacy and reduce PSA, such as structured training, extracurricular opportunities, and culturally tailored approaches to public speaking in medical education. Trial registration Not applicable.

Background Ward rounds are a cornerstone in the educational experience of junior doctors and an essential part of teaching patient care. Here, we aimed to assess the doctors’ perception of ward rounds as an educational opportunity and to identify the obstacles faced in conducting a proper ward round in Sudanese hospitals. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from the 15 th to the 30 th of January 2022 among house officers, medical officers, and registrars in about 50 teaching and referral hospitals in Sudan. House officers and medical officers were considered the learners, while specialist registrars were considered the teachers. Doctors’ perceptions were assessed using an online questionnaire, with a 5-level Likert scale to answer questions. Results A total of 2,011 doctors participated in this study (882 house officers, 697 medical officers, and 432 registrars). The participants were aged 26.9 ± 3.2 years, and females constituted about 60% of the sample. An average of 3.1 ± 6.8 ward rounds were conducted per week in our hospitals, with 11.1 ± 20.3 h spent on ward rounds per week. Most doctors agreed that ward rounds are suitable for teaching patient management (91.3%) and diagnostic investigations (89.1%). Almost all the doctors agreed that being interested in teaching (95.1%) and communicating appropriately with the patients (94.7%) make a good teacher in ward rounds. Furthermore, nearly all the doctors agreed that being interested in learning (94.3%) and communicating appropriately with the teacher (94.5%) make a good student on ward rounds. About 92.8% of the doctors stated that the quality of ward rounds could be improved. The most frequently reported obstacles faced during ward rounds were the noise (70%) and lack of privacy (77%) in the ward environment. Conclusion Ward rounds have a special value in teaching patient diagnosis and management. Being interested in teaching/learning and having good communication skills were the two major criteria that make a good teacher/learner. Unfortunately, ward rounds are faced with obstacles related to the ward environment. It is mandatory to ensure the quality of both ward rounds' teaching and environment to optimize the educational value and subsequently improve patient care practice.