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Introduction: Toxic microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanoprokaryotes -particularly by the cosmopolitan cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa - pose adverse effects on aquatic organisms and their ecosystem and may also cause serious impacts on human health. These harmful monocyclic heptapeptides are the most prevalent cyanotoxins reported in freshwaters and must be eliminated for avoiding MCs release in receiving water bodies. Hence, this work aimed to test the efficacy of Moringa oleifera seeds water-based extract (MO) as a natural coagulant for removing cyanobacteria (especially M. aeruginosa ), microalgae, and its associated MCs from pre-treated municipal wastewaters. Methodology: Four different MO coagulant doses (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg L −1 ) were investigated for cyanobacteria and microalgae removal by conventional coagulation assays and morphology-based taxonomy studies. Additionally, water turbidity and chlorophyll a (Chl a ) content were also determined. Further, the presence and concentration of MCs soluble in water, remaining in the particulate fraction, and flocculated within the residual sludge were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Results: The treatment with MO at 100 mg L −1 substantially reduced the number of cyanobacterial and microalgal species in the treated samples (average removal rate of 93.8% and 86.9%, respectively). These results agreed with a ∼44% concomitant reduction in Chl a and ∼97% reduction in water turbidity (a surrogate marker for suspended solids content). Notably, MCs concentrations in the treated water were significantly lowered to 0.6 ± 0.1 µg L −1 after addition of 100 mg L −1 MO. This value is below the WHO recommended limits for MCs presence in drinking water (<1.0 µg L −1 ). Discussion: The present study provides promising insights into the applicability of MO as a cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable natural coagulant, particularly for using in developing countries, to eliminate harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in municipal water treatment facilities.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1329431.].

Grazing of zooplankton on phytoplankton may contribute to a reduction of harmful cyanobacteria in eutrophic waters. However, the feeding capacity and interaction between zooplankton and toxic cyanobacteria vary among grazer species. In this study, laboratory feeding experiments were designed to measure the grazing rate of the copepod on and the potential microcystin (MC) accumulation in the grazer. Copepods were fed a mixed diet of the edible green alga and toxic for 10 days. The results showed that C. efficiently ingested toxic cells with high grazing rates, varying during the feeding period (68.9–606.3 cells animal d ) along with cell density. cells exhibited a remarkable induction in MC production under grazing conditions with concentrations 1.67–12.5 times higher than those in control cultures. Furthermore, C. was found to accumulate MCs in its body with concentrations increasing during the experiment (0.05–3.21 μg MC animal ). Further in situ studies are needed to investigate the ability of and other copepods to assimilate and detoxify MCs at environmentally relevant concentrations before deciding on the biocontrol of blooms by copepods.

Background and Aims So far, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) signatures in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are poorly understood. The present study aims to explore the prognostic significance of eleven cancer-related lncRNAs in bone marrow (BM) samples from adult Egyptian AML patients. Materials and Methods In this study, we analyzed eleven lncRNAs using the qRT-PCR assay in the bone marrow (BM) of 79 de novo AML adult patients before receiving any therapy. Results Five lncRNAs out of 11 were aberrantly expressed, and two lncRNAs influenced significantly the patient’s overall survival (OS). LncRNA-XIST was favorable when overexpressed (in univariate and multivariate analysis, P-value = .001). LncRNA-GAS5 adversely affected the OS (only in multivariate analysis P-value = .02). Two other lncRNAs (UCA1 and HIFAL) impacted complete remission induction (CR) significantly in univariate analysis (P-value = .046 for both). Furthermore, lncRNA-UCA1 affected CR significantly in multivariate COX regression analysis (P-value = .004). The 4 previously mentioned lncRNAs were among the 9 downregulated lncRNAs. Instead, the only 2 upregulated lncRNAs (SNHG15, MALAT1) did not significantly influence neither CR induction nor OS. LncRNA-PTCSC3, a fifth lncRNA, emerged as the only one that could predict relapse occurrence in an upfront original BM sample. Conclusion Two lncRNAs out of eleven (lncRNA-XIST and GAS5) impacted OS, and two other lncRNAs (UCA1 and HIFAL) affected CR in adult de novo AML patients. LncRNA-PTCSC3 predict relapse, however, further validation is still required.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant health burden in Egypt, largely attributable to the endemic prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses. Early identification of HCC remains a challenge due to the lack of widespread screening among at-risk populations. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of machine learning in predicting HCC by analyzing the combined expression of lncRNAs and conventional laboratory biomarkers. Plasma levels of four lncRNAs (LINC00152, LINC00853, UCA1, and GAS5) were quantified in a cohort of 52 HCC patients and 30 age-matched controls. The individual diagnostic performance of each lncRNA was assessed using ROC curve analysis. Subsequently, a machine learning model was constructed using Python’s Scikit-learn platform to integrate these lncRNAs with additional clinical laboratory parameters for HCC diagnosis. Individual lncRNAs exhibited moderate diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 60 to 83% and 53–67%, respectively. In contrast, the machine learning model demonstrated superior performance, achieving 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Notably, a higher LINC00152 to GAS5 expression ratio significantly correlated with increased mortality risk. The integration of lncRNA biomarkers with conventional laboratory data within a machine learning framework demonstrates significant potential for developing a precise and cost-effective diagnostic tool for HCC. To enhance the model’s robustness and prognostic capabilities, future studies should incorporate larger cohorts and explore a wider array of lncRNAs.

COVID-19 vaccines are crucial to control the pandemic and avoid COVID-19 severe infections. The rapid evolution of COVID-19 variants such as B.1.1.529 is alarming, especially with the gradual decrease in serum antibody levels in vaccinated individuals. Middle Eastern countries were less likely to accept the initial doses of vaccines. This study was directed to determine COVID-19 vaccine booster acceptance and its associated factors in the general population in the MENA region to attain public herd immunity. We conducted an online survey in five countries (Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan) in November and December 2021. The questionnaire included self-reported information about the vaccine type, side effects, fear level, and several demographic factors. Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA was used to associate the fear level with the type of COVID-19 vaccine. Logistic regression was performed to confirm the results and reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. The final analysis included 3041 fully vaccinated participants. Overall, 60.2% of the respondents reported willingness to receive the COVID-19 booster dose, while 20.4% were hesitant. Safety uncertainties and opinions that the booster dose is not necessary were the primary reasons for refusing the booster dose. The willingness to receive the booster dose was in a triangular relationship with the side effects of first and second doses and the fear (p < 0.0001). Females, individuals with normal body mass index, history of COVID-19 infection, and influenza-unvaccinated individuals were significantly associated with declining the booster dose. Higher fear levels were observed in females, rural citizens, and chronic and immunosuppressed patients. Our results suggest that vaccine hesitancy and fear in several highlighted groups continue to be challenges for healthcare providers, necessitating public health intervention, prioritizing the need for targeted awareness campaigns, and facilitating the spread of evidence-based scientific communication.

Tramadol is an opioid extensively used to treat moderate to severe pain; however, prolonged therapy is associated with several tissues damage. Chronic use of tramadol was linked to increased hospitalizations due to cardiovascular complications. Limited literature has described the effects of tramadol on the cardiovascular system, so we sought to investigate these actions and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Mice received tramadol hydrochloride (40 mg/kg body weight) orally for 4 successive weeks. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac toxicity were assessed. In addition, eNOS expression was evaluated. Our results demonstrated marked histopathological alteration in heart and aortic tissues after exposure to tramadol. Tramadol upregulated the expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in mice heart and aorta, whereas downregulated eNOS expression. Tramadol caused cardiac damage shown by the increase in LDH, Troponin I, and CK-MB activities in serum samples. Overall, these results highlight the risks of tramadol on the cardiovascular system.

Fisetin (FS) is considered a safer phytomedicine alternative to conventional chemotherapeutics for breast cancer treatment. Despite its surpassing therapeutic potential, its clinical utility is hampered by its low systemic bioavailability. Accordingly, as far as we are aware, this is the first study to develop lactoferrin-coated FS-loaded β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (LF-FS-NS) for targeted FS delivery to breast cancer. NS formation through cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin by diphenyl carbonate was confirmed by FTIR and XRD. The selected LF-FS-NS showed good colloidal properties (size 52.7 ± 7.2 nm, PDI < 0.3, and ζ-potential 24 mV), high loading efficiency (96 ± 0.3%), and sustained drug release of 26 % after 24 h. Morphological examination using SEM revealed the mesoporous spherical structure of the prepared nanosponges with a pore diameter of ~30 nm, which was further confirmed by surface area measurement. Additionally, LF-FS-NS enhanced FS oral and IP bioavailability (2.5- and 3.2-fold, respectively) compared to FS suspension in rats. Antitumor efficacy evaluation in vitro on MDA-MB-231 cells and in vivo on an Ehrlich ascites mouse model demonstrated significantly higher activity and targetability of LF-FS-NS (30 mg/kg) compared to the free drug and uncoated formulation. Consequently, LF-FS-NS could be addressed as a promising formulation for the effective management of breast cancer.

Background Radiographic examination is an essential method for dental practitioners. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is considered a common radiographic technique for dental problems. However, there are serious concerns regarding the biological effects of radiation, particularly at a young age. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cone beam computed tomography on the exfoliated buccal epithelial cells in two distinct age groups. Methods Forty patients were included in the current study. They were divided into two groups: group I included patients ≥ 18 years old, and group II included those ˂18 years old. They experienced CBCT as part of a diagnostic procedure. Cells were collected before CBCT exposure and 10–12 days after CBCT exposure. The Papanicolaou method was utilized to stain cytological smears. Micronuclei count and cytotoxic cellular alterations (Karyolysis, Pyknosis, and Karyorrhexis) were assessed. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the two studied groups for non-normally distributed data. A two-way ANOVA test was used to study the combined effect of two independent factors on dependent continuous outcomes. Results In groups I and II, there were statistically significant differences in micronucleus counts and cytological changes before and after CBCT exposure. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in micronucleus counts and cytological changes after CBCT exposure. Conclusions CBCT induces genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in both age groups, with cytotoxicity more evident in younger patients. Therefore, clinical justification is required before using CBCT.

Prompt design is a critical yet underexplored factor influencing the diagnostic performance of large language models (LLMs). Gemini Pro 2.5 shows promise in multimodal reasoning, but no prior study has systematically compared prompt structures in oral datasets against expert benchmarks. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a multimodal LLM (Gemini Pro 2.5) under different prompting strategies compared with oral medicine experts using prospective, histopathology-verified clinical vignettes. In a prospective, paired diagnostic accuracy study, Gemini pro 2.5 (a multimodal LLM) was evaluated under three prompting strategies: Direct (P-1), Chain-of-Thought (P-2), and Self-Reflection (P-3) on 300 oral lesion cases with histopathologic confirmation. Each prompt was applied to identical inputs and compared against diagnoses from board-certified oral medicine specialists. Accuracy, rubric-based narrative quality, probability calibration, and computational efficiency were assessed under STARD-AI guidelines. Human experts achieved the highest Top-1 accuracy (61%), but Chain-of-Thought prompting (P-2) led AI performance in Top-3 accuracy (82%) and produced the highest explanation quality (mean rubric score 8.49/10). No AI prompt matched human performance in low-difficulty cases. P-2 also showed the best calibration (Brier score 0.238) compared to P-1 and P-3. Resource-wise, Direct prompting was fastest, but longer outputs modestly improved Top-3 recall. Mixed-effects modeling confirmed that AI performance varied significantly by prompt structure, highlighting context-specific trade-offs. Prompt structure significantly affects the diagnostic performance and interpretability of AI-generated differentials in oral lesion diagnosis. While expert clinicians remain superior in straightforward cases, structured prompting, particularly Chain-of-Thought, may enhance AI reliability in complex diagnostic scenarios. These findings support the integration of prompt engineering into AI-assisted diagnostic tools to augment clinical decision-making in oral medicine.