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Novel photocatalytic metal–organic framework (MOF) materials are an exciting research topic. However, the lack of investigating rare-earth doped semiconductor as well as understanding their physicochemical and structural characterization will prevent commercial or industrial applications. To overcome this obstacle, this study investigates the physicochemical and structural characterization of novel applied Titania-based materials synthesized via MOF strategy for photodegradation of methyl orange (MO). The studied materials are TiO 2 , Pr-doped TiO 2 (Pr@TiO 2 ), and Nd-TiO 2 (Nd@TiO 2 ) and applied as promising photocatalysts. The synthesized photocatalysts were prepared via metal–organic framework strategy and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). SEM analysis revealed that only Nd resulted in smaller, more uniform particle sizes. XRD patterns confirmed the retention of the anatase phase in the case of Nd-modification, indicating successful lattice distortions. XPS results showed the chemical existence of Pr and Nd, increased oxygen vacancies, and surface hydroxyl groups, essential for enhanced photocatalytic activity. Photodegradation studies demonstrated that both Pr-TiO 2 and Nd-TiO 2 exhibited better performance compared to TiO 2 without Pr or Nd, following pseudo-first-order kinetics. These findings highlight the potential of Pr and Nd modification in the TiO 2 photocatalysts for efficient environmental remediation, particularly in the treatment of dye-containing wastewater.

Among the available technologies, the dyna-sand filter has gained attention due to its continuous filtration and sand washing mechanism, which provides an advantage in maintaining stable operation. Nevertheless, its performance under variable heights of washout weir with constant solid loads and the optimization of its washing system remain areas that require further study. This study investigates the use of the dyna-sand filter in water treatment facilities, focusing on the alteration of the washout weir to improve efficiency and reduce washout water amount. The study evaluates the filter’s performance under fixed influent total suspended solids (TSS) concentration and constant filtration rate (ROF), aiming to demonstrate the advantages of this alteration in enhancing removal efficiency, operational stability, and water saving through a laboratory-scale pilot. The average washout discharge fell from 0.788 to 0.486 L/min, a 38.3% reduction in washout water amount. As a result, filtered water production rose by nearly 2.2%, indicating more efficient hydraulic operation. These findings confirm that raising the washout weir by 4 cm improved filtration and reduced washout water loss. This, in turn, enhanced system productivity and the quality of washwater produced, assuming a consistent flow rate and solid load.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant challenge in global healthcare, necessitating innovative techniques to address multidrug-resistant pathogens. Multidrug-resistant pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose significant public health threats, as they are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics, leading to more severe and difficult-to-treat infections. These pathogens are part of the ESKAPE group, which includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacter species. Animal venoms, derived from a wide range of species such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, bees, wasps, and ants, represent a rich source of bioactive peptides. Venoms have been a valuable source for drug discovery, providing unique compounds with therapeutic potential. Venom-derived drugs are known for their increased bioactivity, specificity, and stability compared to synthetic alternatives. These compounds are being investigated for various conditions, including treatments for diabetes, pain relief, cancer, and infections, showcasing their remarkable antimicrobial efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive investigation into the potential of venom-derived compounds for developing new antimicrobial agents, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic therapeutics. Key venom components, including melittin from bee venom, phospholipase A2 from snake venom, and chlorotoxin from scorpion venom, exhibit potent antimicrobial effects through mechanisms such as membrane disruption, enzymatic inhibition, and immune modulation. We also explore the challenges related to the development and clinical use of venom-derived antimicrobials, including toxicity, stability, and delivery mechanisms. These compounds hold immense promise as transformative tools against resistant pathogens, offering a unique avenue for groundbreaking advancements in antimicrobial research and therapeutic development.

To evaluate the efficacy of baricitinib compared to TNF-α Inhibitors and conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs) in patients with RA. Our study included 334 RA patients classified into 3 groups: the first receiving baricitinib, the second receiving TNF-α Inhibitors, and the third receiving cDMARDs. Patients were evaluated at baseline, week 12, and week 24 using TJC, SJC, VAS, DAS28, CDAI, and HAQ-DI. Larsen score was measured at baseline and 24 weeks. The response to therapy was assessed at weeks 12 and 24 using ACR 20, ACR 50, and ACR 70 response criteria. Emerging treatment side effects were monitored. Patients receiving baricitinib showed significant improvement regarding all outcome measures at weeks 12 and 24. In addition, baricitinib was comparable to TNF Inhibitors in all outcome measures except the ACR 70 at week 12, which was higher in the baricitinib group. Furthermore, baricitinib group showed significantly better outcome measures and response to therapy in comparison to cDMARDs group. The most common side effects in the baricitinib group were infection, GIT, and CVS complications. The most common side effects in the TNF inhibitors group were infection and skin complications. The cDMARDs had the least side effects, mostly GIT complications. Baricitinib is an effective drug for treating RA refractory to cDMARDs, improving disease activity measures and functional status and reducing the progression of structural joint damage. It has a comparable efficacy and safety profile to TNF Inhibitors. Multicenter studies are recommended to support our results. Key Points• Baricitinib is an effective therapeutic choice for rheumatoid arthritis refractory to cDMARDs.• Patients treated with baricitinib showed improvement in all outcome measures and functional status.• Bricitinib delayed the progression of radiographic joint damage more effectively than cDMARDs.• The efficacy and safety of baricitinib for treating rheumatoid arthritis is comparable to that of TNF inhibitors.

Chitosan, a natural biological macromolecule, was employed to coat boswellic acids extract nanoparticles (CT/BA NPs) to enhance their gastroprotective potential. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of CT/BA NPs compared to free boswellic acids (BA) in a murine model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. Histological analysis showed that CT/BA NPs preserved gastric gland integrity and minimized inflammatory infiltration, achieving a ~ 97% reduction in ulcer index compared to the ulcer group, whereas BA alone achieved ~ 80% protection. CT/BA NPs treatment markedly modulated key growth factors, with TGF-α and TGF-β1 increased by more than 100% relative to the ulcer group, while VEGF expression was suppressed by ~ 74%, indicating more controlled angiogenesis. In addition, CT/BA NPs significantly reduced RAS and ERK levels (by ~ 1.6- and 1.2-fold, respectively) and lowered TNF-α compared to BA, highlighting their role in regulating the RAS–ERK signaling pathway. The superior mucoadhesive properties of CT/BA NPs (76.4% vs. 15.8% for BA NPs) improved gastric mucosal retention, contributing to localized therapeutic effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CT/BA NPs provide promising gastroprotection by promoting epithelial healing, modulating growth factors and signaling pathways, and mitigating ulcer severity.

Background Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are proposed adjunctive therapies to enhance healing after dental implant surgery. However, direct comparisons of their effects on peri-implant marginal bone preservation and soft tissue healing remain limited. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of LIPUS and LLLT on peri-implant marginal bone preservation, soft tissue healing, pain levels, and oral health-related quality of life following dental implant placement. Methods This single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 63 patients undergoing maxillary or mandibular implant placement, randomly allocated to LIPUS ( n  = 21), LLLT ( n  = 21), or control ( n  = 21) groups. LIPUS was applied twice weekly for 4 weeks, while LLLT was administered in 4 sessions over 2 weeks post-implant. Marginal bone loss (MBL) and OHRQoL (OHIP-14) were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Soft tissue healing (Landry Healing Index) and pain (VAS) were evaluated at baseline, 7-, 14-, 21-, and 30-days post-implant. Results LIPUS significantly reduced marginal bone loss at 6 weeks and 3 months post-implant compared to LLLT and control groups ( p  < 0.05). LLLT demonstrated superior soft tissue healing at 7-, 14-, 21-, and 30-days post-implant ( p  < 0.05). Both interventions significantly decreased pain intensity and improved OHRQoL at various time points compared to the control group ( p  < 0.05). Conclusions LIPUS and LLLT significantly enhance peri-implant marginal bone preservation, soft tissue healing, pain management, and OHRQoL in dental implant patients compared to standard care. LIPUS was more effective for peri-implant marginal bone preservation, while LLLT excelled in soft tissue healing. Trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05938868) on July 11, 2023.

Background Dental practices generate significant environmental impacts, necessitating environmentally sustainable dentistry (ESD) for equitable, ethical, and resource-efficient care. However, a knowledge gap exists among dental practitioners regarding sustainable practices. Objectives This study assessed the effectiveness of an educational program on the knowledge and practice (KP) of undergraduate dental students at Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA), Egypt, regarding ESD. Methods The study was conducted from April to November 2024 and recruited 175 final pre-clinical (3rd) and final clinical (5th) year students. Participants' KP was evaluated before, immediately after, and six months post-program using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis employed t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and univariate regression models. Results Participants (58.28% female, mean age 20.88 years) initially demonstrated low awareness of sustainability, primarily relying on social media for information (37.14%). The program improved knowledge, increasing the mean percentage from (60.38% ± 17.74%) to (92.60% ± 7.42%) immediately post-program and (76.41% ± 21.66%) after six months ( p  < 0.001). Self-reported practices also improved, rising from (52.84% ± 10.79%) to (64.14% ± 11.73%) then (61.90% ± 13.47%) ( p  < 0.001). Participants with good KP increased from (12.57%, 1.14%) pre-program to (93.14%, 15.42%) immediately post-program, then (51.42%, 18.28%) after six months ( p  < 0.001). Moderate positive correlations were found between knowledge and practice post-intervention ( p  < 0.05). Regression indicated that prior awareness of sustainability strongly predicted better KP of ESD at baseline, also final clinical educational level predicted good knowledge and using social media/websites predicted good practice. Conclusions Baseline KP regarding ESD was low. The educational program significantly enhanced participants' KP, demonstrating the potential of the multi-component targeted educational intervention in enhancing ESD. Incorporating sustainability into undergraduate curricula is recommended to improve future dental professionals' competencies. Trial registration The clinical trial registration number is PACTR202406623852822 (Date: 12 June 2024), “retrospectively registered”.

Background Smoking represents a significant public health challenge and remains one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and cumulative risk of smoking among adult males in Abu Dhabi, and to assess the factors influencing the initiation, cessation, and maintenance of smoking, as well as the association of smoking status with other health conditions. Methods This retrospective cohort study included a total of 4361 male subjects aged 18 to 93 years who participated in a comprehensive screening program (Weqaya) conducted in Abu Dhabi ambulatory healthcare services between 2011 and 2013. Of those participants, 3865 had a documented smoking status at baseline (2011–2013) and were followed up for an average of 8.9 years (range: 0–12 years). Data were initially collected from the electronic medical records (EMR), and follow-up data were collected again from their medical records in the Cerner system in 2023. At the end of the follow-up in 2023, the smoking status was documented in 3360 participants, based on their last encounter documented in the EMR. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results The baseline prevalence of smoking among male adults was 24.5%, whereas the prevalence at the end of the follow-up period was 21%. The cumulative risk of smoking, which is the reporting of smoking at any point in time, was 45%, with the highest risk observed in adults aged 30–39. Young age and lower cholesterol level were the main determinants of starting smoking. The predictors of quitting smoking were younger age, lower systolic blood pressure, higher cholesterol, lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and lower vitamin D levels. The history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was a determinant for maintaining smoking cessation. Continuing smoking is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), psychiatric illness, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and peripheral artery disease (PAD), while smoking cessation is associated with a reduced risk of those conditions. Conclusions The study confirms smoking’s health burden in Abu Dhabi and its association with various health risks.

Phototherapy is the main treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia to prevent encephalopathy. It is generally believed to be safe; however, some studies have shown it might be associated with cancer development. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the effect of neonatal phototherapy on future cancer risk. A systematic search in 13 databases was conducted in December 2018 and updated in August 2022 to identify studies that report cancer development after exposure to phototherapy. Throughout the study period, regular manual searches were also conducted to include new studies. A meta-analysis using R programming language was done in which the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and pooled using the reported adjusted and unadjusted data. Fifteen studies were included. A statistically significant association was detected between neonatal phototherapy and any type of cancer (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.1, 1.4), any hematopoietic cancer (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.17, 1.91), any leukemia (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.08, 1.67), and myeloid leukemia (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.4, 5.84). The other investigated cancers (lymphoid leukemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, kidney cancer, nervous system cancer, and skin cancer) were not associated with phototherapy.   Conclusions : Phototherapy may carry a possible risk of future cancers. Future research is needed to quantify the magnitude of the cancer risk. These future studies should consider predictors of preterm birth or exclude premature babies from their analysis. What is Known •  There were various reports about the possible association between phototherapy in neonates and the increased risk of cancer in the future. What is New •  A statistically significant association between phototherapy and various hematopoietic cancers (especially myeloid leukemia) was recorded. •  The effect of the duration of phototherapy on the increased risk of hematopoietic cancers is yet unclear.