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(1) Background: The psoriasis susceptibility 1 (PSORS1) locus, located within the major histocompatibility complex, is one of the main genetic determinants for psoriasis, the genotyping profile for three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) comprising the PSORS1 locus: rs1062470 within PSORS1C1/CDSN genes, rs887466 within PSORS1C3 gene, rs10484554 within LOC105375015 gene, were investigated and correlated with psoriasis risk and severity. (2) Methods: This pilot case-controlled study involved 100 psoriatic patients and 100 healthy individuals. We investigated three SNPs and assessed the relative gene expression profile for the PSORS1C1 gene. We then correlated the results with both disease risk and severity. (3) Results: The most significantly associated SNP in PSORS1 locus with psoriasis was rs10484554 with its C/T genotype 5.63 times more likely to develop psoriasis under codominant comparison. Furthermore, C/T and T/T genotypes were 5 times more likely to develop psoriasis. The T allele was 3 times more likely to develop psoriasis under allelic comparison. The relative gene expression of PSORS1C1 for psoriatic patients showed to be under-expressed compared to normal controls. (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed the association of the three studied SNPs with psoriasis risk and severity in an Egyptian cohort, indicating that rs10484554 could be the major key player in the PSORS1 locus.

Carissa species are evergreen plants that have long been employed in treating different diseases by traditional healers in many cultures. Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC. known as Natal plum is characterized by bright red, edible, plum-shaped fruit that tastes like cranberries. The pharmacological studies on Carissa species validated its use in indigenous medicine systems. The evidence-based modulatory potential of C. macrocarpa aerial parts (leaves and stems) on non-communicable diseases and hepato-protective activity is herein evaluated via testing its in vitro activity against key enzymes for metabolic disorders and support it with phytochemical study to identify the key metabolites responsible for the claimed activities. Potent antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) and anti-inflammatory (iNOS, COX-1 and COX-2) potentials were observed along with significant inhibitory potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase anti-diabetic enzymes. In addition, the hepato-protective activity (Annexin V apoptosis detection and evaluation of telomerase reverse transcriptase TERT) beside its beneficial effect on the neuropharmacological parameters (acetylcholinesterase and β-amyloid) were also proved. The HPLC-QTOF/MS-MS analysis allowed the identification of 10 fatty acids, 6 phenolics, 6 flavonoids, 4 triterpenoid saponins, and 3 miscellaneous metabolites. These findings support the notion that C. macrocarpa is a medicinal plant with multifactorial therapeutic potentials against some non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, this study supports the claim of traditional healers that Carissa species are promising hepato-protective and anti-diabetic medicines.Article Highlights1. Carissa macrocarpa aerial parts potential in management of some non-communicable diseases was evaluated.2. Potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and hepato-protective potentials were observed.3. Phytochemical analysis led to identification of 29 compounds which are responsible for the claimed biological activities.

Precipitation and deposition of asphaltene are considered as catastrophic issues facing the petroleum industry. Asphaltene deposition mainly occurs at variety places such as formation pore spaces, pumps, pipelines, wellbore, wellhead, tubing, surface facilities and safety valves causing operational problems, production deficiencies and enormous economic losses. This work aims to study the effect of series of synthesized aryl ionic liquids (ILs) containing different alkyl chains, named as R 8 -IL, R 10 -IL, R 12 -IL, and R 14 -IL, on the onset precipitation point of asphaltene in crude oil. R 8 -IL, R 10 -IL, R 12 -IL, and R 14 -IL were synthesized with high yields (the yield varied between 82 and 88%) and characterized via different tools of analysis (FTIR, 1 H NMR, and Elemental Analysis). Their Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was investigated and showed a reasonable degree of stability. It was found that R 8 -IL (short alkyl chain) has the highest stability, while R 14 -IL (long alkyl chain) is the lowest one. Quantum chemical calculations were conducted to study the reactivity and geometry of their electronic structures. Moreover, surface and interfacial tension of them were studied. It was found that the efficiency of the surface active parameters increased by increasing the length of the alkyl chain. The ILs were evaluated to delay the onset precipitation point of asphaltene using to different methods; the kinematic viscosity and the refractive index. Results from the two methods showed delaying of onset precipitation after the addition of the prepared ILs. The asphaltene aggregates was dispersed due to the π–π* interactions and hydrogen bonds formation with the ILs.

BackgroundComponent separation (CS) procedures have become an important part of surgeons’ armamentarium. However, the exact criteria for training, procedure/mesh choice, as well as patient selection for CS remains undefined. Herein we aimed to identify trends in CS utilization between various cohorts of practicing surgeons.Study designMembers of the Americas Hernia Society were queried using an online survey. Responders were stratified according to their experience, practice profile (private vs academic, general vs hernia surgery), and volume (low (< 10/year) vs high) of CS procedures. We used Chi-squared tests to evaluate significant associations between surgeon characteristics and outcomes.Results275 responses with overwhelming male preponderance (88%) were collected. The two most common self-identifiers were “general” (66%) and “hernia” (28%) surgeon. PCS was the most commonly (67%) used type of CS; endoscopic ACS was least common (3%). Low-volume surgeons were more likely to utilize the ACS (p < 0.05). Only 7% of respondents learned PCS during their residency, as compared to 36% that use ACS. 65% felt 0–10 cases was sufficient to become proficient in their preferred technique. 10 cm-wide defect was the most common indication for CS; 23% used it for 5–8 cm defects. Self-identified “hernia” and high-volume surgeons were more likely to use synthetic mesh in the setting of previous wound infections and/or contaminated field (p < 0.05). More general/low-volume surgeons use biologic mesh. Contraindications to elective CS varied widely in the cohort, and 9.5% would repair poorly optimized patients electively. Severe morbid obesity was the most feared comorbidity to preclude CS.ConclusionThe use of CS varies widely between surgeons. In this cohort, we discovered that PCS was the most commonly used technique, especially by hernia/high-volume surgeons. There are differences in mesh utilization between high-volume and low-volume surgeons, specifically in contaminated fields. Despite its prevalence, CS training, indications/contraindications, and patient selection must be better defined.

Background One major obstacle facing the medical community in treating skin infections is the growing emergence of Candida species resistance to conventional medications. A Carbopol-based gel containing embedded clotrimazole nanocapsules (CLO-NCs) has recently been suggested as a way to improve the efficacy of topical treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. The technique of nanoprecipitation was used to create CLO-NCs. The physicochemical characteristics of the produced CLO-NCs were examined and optimized, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), and particle size (PS). Evaluations were conducted on in vitro release, skin penetration, in vitro antifungal assay, and in vivo efficacy against infected rats. Results The optimized CLO-NCs showed PS of 226.7 ± 0.17 nm, ZP − 58.2 ± 0.23 mV, and % EE 89.83 ± 0.76%. Additionally, CLO-NC gel showed pseudoplastic rheological behavior, pH, and spreadability. Notably, the permeation of CLO-NCs gel showed a twofold enhancement compared to CLO gel. Crucially, CLO-NC gel’s antifungal activity was 2.24 times greater in an in vitro antifungal assay than in CLO gel. Research conducted in vivo revealed that the treatment period for the animal group receiving CLO-NC gel was shortened by 1.5 times. Conclusion Thus, research showed that CLO-NCs may be an effective drug delivery system with good antifungal capability and increased penetration.

The objective of this retrospective study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of two beta-emitting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligands, [177Lu]Lu and [161Tb]Tb, in heavily treated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). A total of 148 cycles of beta-emitting PSMA radioligand therapy were given to 53 patients at a specialized cancer care center in Amman, Jordan. This treatment was offered following the exhaustion of all prior treatment modalities. Approximately half of the cases (n = 26) demonstrated an initial partial response to PSMA radioligand therapy. Moreover, roughly one-fourth of the patients (n = 13) exhibited a sustained satisfactory biochemical response, which qualified them to receive a total of six PSMA radioligand therapy cycles and maintain continued follow-up for additional treatment cycles. This was reflected by an adequate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline and a concomitant partial response evident on [68Ga]Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. A minority of patients (n= 18; 34%) experienced side effects. Generally, these were low-grade and self-limiting toxicities. This study endorses previous research evidence about PSMA radioligand therapy’s safety and efficacy. It also provides the first clinical insight from patients of Arab ethnicity. This should facilitate and promote further evidence, both regionally and internationally.