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Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women, manifesting as a heterogeneous disease with diverse molecular characteristics and clinical presentations. Recent studies have elucidated the role of epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, including drug resistance and efflux characteristics, offering potential new diagnostic and prognostic markers, treatment efficacy predictors, and therapeutic agents. Key modifications include DNA cytosine methylation and the covalent modification of histone proteins. Unlike genetic mutations, reprogramming the epigenetic landscape of the cancer epigenome is a promising targeted therapy for the treatment and reversal of drug resistance. Epidrugs, which target DNA methylation and histone modifications, can provide novel options for the treatment of breast cancer by reversing the acquired resistance to treatment. Currently, the most promising approach involves combination therapies consisting of epidrugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review examines the aberrant epigenetic regulation of breast cancer initiation and progression, focusing on modifications related to estrogen signaling, drug resistance, cancer progression, and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). It examines existing epigenetic drugs for treating breast cancer, including agents that modify DNA, inhibitors of histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases, histone methyltransferases, and histone demethyltransferases. It also delves into ongoing studies on combining epidrugs with other therapies and addresses the upcoming obstacles in this field.

Human–wildlife conflicts arise from increasing human populations and the growing demand for land for agriculture and urban development. In Saudi Arabia, these dynamics have increased the impact of baboons on human communities, as expanding settlements encroach upon the natural habitats of baboons, while rising baboon populations increasingly invade urban areas in search of food, shelter, and water. We aimed to assess the effects of human–baboon coexistence on residents in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. From October 2021 to April 2022, we administered a 43-item semi-structured online questionnaire addressing emotional, social, environmental and financial impacts of nearby baboons. A total of 318 residents of the Al-Baha region completed the survey and shared their experiences regarding interactions with hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) near human properties. In addition, three semi-structured life interviews with residents aged over 70 explored historical perceptions. Respondents attributed increased baboon presence to urban expansion, accessible waste, and intentional feeding and strongly supported government-led mitigation plans. Human–baboon interactions in Al Baha produce emotional stress, social disruption, and economic burdens for residents. Findings support integrated management combining public education, improved waste management, non-lethal deterrents, and carefully planned population control measures, developed with community consultation. Limitations of the study include convenience online sampling and reliance on self-reported impacts; future work should quantify baboon abundance and objectively measure economic losses.

Herein, a series of N'-benzylidene-3,4-dimethoxybenzohydrazide derivatives were designed and synthesised to target the multidrug efflux pump (MATE). The antibacterial activities were screened against S. aureus, Acinetobacter, S. typhi, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, whereas their antifungal activities were screened against C. albicans. Compounds 4a, 4h, and 4i showed the most promising antibacterial and antifungal activities. Moreover, compounds 4h and 4i being the broader and superior members regarding their antimicrobial effects were selected to be further evaluated via in vivo testing using biochemical analysis and liver/kidney histological examination. Additionally, molecular docking was carried out to attain further deep insights into the synthesised compounds' binding modes. Also, ADMET studies were performed to investigate the physicochemical/pharmacokinetics features and toxicity parameters of the synthesised derivatives. Finally, a structure-antimicrobial activity relationship study was established to facilitate further structural modifications in the future. Highlights A series of new N'-benzylidene-3,4-dimethoxybenzohydrazide derivatives were designed and synthesised targeting the multidrug efflux pump (MATE) guided by the pharmacophoric features of the co-crystallized native inhibitor of the target protein. The newly synthesised compounds were assessed through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. Using the agar well diffusion assay, the antibacterial activities of the synthesised compounds were screened against S. aureus, Acinetobacter, S. typhi, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, whereas, their antifungal activities were screened against C. albicans. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the synthesised compounds were investigated on variable microbial species. Compounds (4h and 4i) -as the broader and superior members regarding their antimicrobial effects- were further evaluated via in vivo testing using bio-chemical analysis and liver/kidney histological examination. A molecular docking study and ADMET in silico studies were performed. A structure-antimicrobial activity relationship study was established to facilitate further structural modifications in the future.

Structure-preserving numerical methods are well-established for purely conservative or purely dissipative systems but remain underdeveloped for mixed-type equations coupling dispersion, dissipation, and nonlinearity. We investigate the Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equation as a canonical model of this class. We develop a geometric covering method based on nonlocal symmetries that lifts the equation to an extended manifold, enabling exact conservation law preservation. As a pedagogical counterexample, we also analyze a naive recursive approximation. Both methods are implemented using sixth-order compact finite differences and fourth-order Runge–Kutta (RK4) time integration. Numerical experiments on sinusoidal waves, two-soliton collisions, and perturbed traveling waves show that the covering method reduces numerical dissipation by 50% and phase error by 90% relative to a standard second-order scheme, achieving one to two orders of magnitude higher accuracy. Mass and momentum are conserved to machine precision (below 10−14), and soliton amplitudes are preserved to within 0.3% after collision, with only 15% computational overhead. The framework offers a generalizable template for embedding nonlocal symmetries into high-order numerical methods for nonlinear wave equations.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired glucose metabolism. Overproduction of free radicals due to chronic hyperglycemia may cause oxidative stress, which delays wound healing in diabetic conditions. For people with diabetes, this impeded wound healing is one of the predominant reasons for mortality and morbidity. The study aimed to develop an Ocimum sanctum leaf extract-mediated green synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and further incorporate them into 2% chitosan (CS) gel for diabetic wound healing. UV-visible spectrum analysis recorded the sharp peak at 235 and 320 nm, and this was the preliminary sign for the biosynthesis of TiO2 NPs. The FTIR analysis was used to perform a qualitative validation of the biosynthesized TiO2 nanoparticles. XRD analysis indicated the crystallinity of TiO2 NPs in anatase form. Microscopic investigation revealed that TiO2 NPs were spherical and polygonal in shape, with sizes ranging from 75 to 123 nm. The EDX analysis of green synthesized NPs showed the presence of TiO2 NPs, demonstrating the peak of titanium ion and oxygen. The hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI) of the TiO2 NPs were found to be 130.3 nm and 0.237, respectively. The developed TiO2 NPs containing CS gel exhibited the desired thixotropic properties with pseudoplastic behavior. In vivo wound healing studies and histopathological investigations of healed wounds demonstrated the excellent wound-healing efficacy of TiO2 NPs containing CS gel in diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder majorly arising from the pathophysiology of the pancreas manifested as a decline in the insulin production or the tissue’s resistance to the insulin. In this research, we have rationally designed and synthesized new succinimide–thiazolidinedione hybrids for the management of DM. In a multistep reaction, we were able to synthesize five new derivatives (10a–e). All the compounds were new containing a different substitution pattern on the N-atom of the succinimide ring. Initially, all the compounds were tested against the in vitro α-glucosidase, α-amylase, PTP1B, and DPP4 targets. In all of these targets, the compound 10d was observed to be the most potential antidiabetic agent. Based on this, the antidiabetic activity of the compound 10d was further investigated in experimental animals, which overall gave us encouraging results. The molecular docking studies of the compound 10d was also performed against the target enzymes α-glucosidase, α-amylase, PTP1B, and DPP4 using MOE. Overall, we observed that we have explored a new class of compounds as potential antidiabetic agents.

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has recently increased dramatically, seriously endangering human health. Herein, amoxicillin (Amoxi)-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were created as a novel drug delivery system to overcome MDR bacteria. MDR bacteria were isolated from a variety of infection sources. Phenotype, biotype, and 16S rRNA gene analyses were used for isolate identification. Additionally, Juniperus excelsa was used for the production of AuNPs. The conjugation of AuNPs with Amoxi using sodium tri-polyphosphate (TPP) as a linker to produce Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs was studied. The AuNP and Amoxi-TPP-AuNP diameters ranged from 15.99 to 24.71 nm, with spherical and hexagonal shapes. A total of 83% of amoxicillin was released from Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs after 12 h, and after 3 days, 90% of the medication was released. The Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs exhibited superior antibacterial effectiveness against MRSA and MDR E. coli strains. Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs had MICs of 3.6–8 µg mL−1 against the tested bacteria. This is 37.5–83 fold higher compared to values reported in the literature. Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs exhibit a remarkable ability against MRSA and E. coli strains. These results demonstrate the applicability of Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs as a drug delivery system to improve therapeutic action.

This paper introduces a collocation algorithm for numerically solving the third-order Gilson–Pickering equation (GPE) and the classical Rosenau–Hyman equation (RHE). We employ newly developed shifted Pell polynomials as basis functions. Novel formulas for these polynomials are devised and utilized in constructing the proposed algorithm. Specifically, we establish a new power form and its inversion formula, along with an explicit formula for derivatives of the shifted Pell polynomials, from which the operational matrices of derivatives (OMDs) are derived. These matrices facilitate the conversion of nonlinear dispersive models into systems of algebraic equations, efficiently solved using Newton’s iterative technique. The error analysis of the shifted Pell expansion is discussed in depth. Several numerical examples, including the RHE, its fourth-order variant, and the Fornberg–Whitham equation, are provided to demonstrate the method’s performance and accuracy. Comparative results are also reported.

This study aimed to isolate salt-tolerant pectinolytic bacteria from the rhizosphere of a salt marsh plant and utilize their pectinases for the clarification of detox juice preparation. Sixteen halophilic bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. The isolates were screened for pectinase activity, and two strains, ASA21 and ASA29, exhibited the highest pectinase production in the presence of 2.5% NaCl, reaching 13.3 and 14.1 IU mL−1, respectively. The strains were identified as Bacillus paralicheniformis and Paenibacillus sp. by 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Growth kinetics and pectinase production studies revealed that both strains produced pectinase during the log phase, with ASA29 demonstrating higher growth and pectinase titers. The pectinase from ASA29 exhibited enhanced activity in the presence of 3% NaCl. The pectinases from both strains were applied for the clarification of detox juice prepared from beetroot, carrots, and apples. The use of 20 IU mL−1 pectinase from ASA29 for 2–3 h yielded > 96% juice with high total phenolic content and antioxidant activities. This study highlights the potential of salt-tolerant pectinolytic bacteria from the rhizosphere for biotechnological applications, particularly in the clarification of juices with high salt content.

Background and Objectives: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive ectatic corneal disease that can cause irregular astigmatism and visual impairment. To describe the demographic and clinical profile of KC patients attending major eye care centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, and to explore associations with laterality, disease severity, and management patterns. Materials and Methods: This multi-center hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of KC (new or follow-up) presenting between April 2022 and April 2023. All participants underwent standardized ophthalmic assessment and Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam). Disease severity was categorized as early, moderate, or advanced using Pentacam-derived keratoconus staging, and ocular parameters (refraction, keratometry, pachymetry, and higher-order aberrations) were compared across severity categories. Results: A total of 157 patients (264 eyes) were included (mean age 31.8 years; 56.7% female), with bilateral KC in 68.2%. Eye rubbing (67.8%) and allergic symptoms (61.7%) were common. Keratometric indices and higher-order aberrations differed significantly by severity grade (p < 0.001). Management patterns differed by sex and laterality, with corneal cross-linking and glasses reported more frequently in males, and soft contact lens use concentrated among bilateral cases. Conclusions: In this hospital-based Riyadh sample, KC was often associated with eye rubbing and allergic symptoms and showed clear stage-dependent worsening of tomographic indices and optical quality. These findings support early detection and targeted counseling on modifiable behaviors, while population-based studies with non-diseased comparators are needed to quantify incidence and prevalence in Riyadh.