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The present study uniquely integrates an economic analysis with the practical evaluation of cationic dye (methylene blue) adsorption using Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Montmorillonite (CMC/MMT) nanocomposites for industrial wastewater treatment. The most influential parameters affecting adsorption, namely temperature, initial dye concentration, contact time, and pH, were explored. The sorption mechanism of CMC/MMT was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and the adsorption kinetics were evaluated using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Moreover, a comparison between the prepared ion exchanger and commercial resin, namely Amberlite IR 120, was conducted. The effective values of pH and temperature were found to be 8.5 and 30 °C, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 435 mg/g compared to 290 mg/g for the commercial resin, indicating that the prepared nanocomposite has a greater capacity for cationic dye removal. The adsorption performance of CMC/MMT demonstrated that the adsorption kinetics and isotherms were compatible with a pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm respectively. Furthermore, the results of the techno-economic study for the nanocomposite production revealed that the synthesized resin under investigation exhibits a lower cost per kilogram of dye removed compared with the commercial resin.

This study aimed to elucidate the response of broiler chickens to the dietary nano-zinc supplementation in terms of immune response and antioxidant activity. Ninety-one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments in three replicates, in a feeding trial that lasted for 5 weeks. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with inorganic zinc oxide at 40 mg/kg diet (control), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) at 40 mg/kg diet (ZN1), or ZnONPs at 80 mg/kg diet (ZN2). Birds were injected with DNP-KLH at the 7th and 21st days from the beginning of the experiment, and blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 to determine the levels of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) and malondialdehyde as well as the antioxidant enzyme activities. Cellular immunity was assayed by estimation of phagocytic percentage and index of peripheral monocytes of blood and estimation of the T lymphocyte activity using a lymphocyte transformation test. The results showed that feeding broiler chickens a diet supplemented with ZnONPs increased ( p  < 0.05) the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde compared to the control diet, without significant differences between NZ1 and NZ2 diets. Moreover, the chicks fed diets supplemented with ZnONPs showed a significant increase ( p  < 0.05) in serum IgY, total lymphocyte count, and macrophages compared to the control. A higher significant response for antibodies IgY concentration was observed in birds fed the NZ2 vs NZ1 diet. Also, there was a significant increase in phagocytic activity and phagocytic index in ZnONP-fed groups with a higher significance in the group fed NZ1 than with NZ2 diet as compared with the control. In conclusion, ZnONP application up to 80 mg/kg in the diet is safe for broiler chickens and could improve their antioxidant defense and cellular immunity.

Marble processing produces immense amounts of solid waste, which causes environmental issues. This work aims to “recycle marble dust waste” (MDW) with and without granulated slag to prepare filled as well as pozzolanic-filled cement. Innovative cement-based granulated slag and/or waste marble dust composites were fabricated. The Portland cement was partially substituted with different ratios of MDW up to 20 mass% to prepare filled cement. Pozzolanic-filled cements were prepared by the individual substitution of cement with 5 and 10 mass% of granulated slag with 5 mass% marble dust. The physical and mechanical properties such as bulk density and compressive strength were measured. The hydration products of some selected samples were additionally investigated by operating XRD, DSC, TGA analyses. The morphology of hardened samples was studied by SEM techniques. The results showed that a slight decrease in bulk density was identified with the increase in marble dust and granulated slag content in the cement matrix. Cement composites having 5 mass% MDW and 10 mass% of MWD and slag mixture recorded compressive strength lower than cement-blended containing 10 mass% MDW, but still higher than that of OPC. The XRD results proved that CSH and portlandite are the main hydration products with the formation of mono-and hemi-carbonate phases. SEM showed that cement paste containing 10% MDW has a denser microstructure than control sample.

The impacts of oregano essential oil and sodium butyrate on the growth performance, hematological, biochemical, immunological, antioxidative, and gene expression profiles of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) fingerlings were examined in this study. One hundred eighty healthy fingerlings (16.00 ± 2.00 g) were acclimated and accidentally divided into three groups, each further split into three replicates. The groups were fed a basal diet (control) or diets supplemented with 0.5% and 1% oregano essential oil and sodium butyrate for eight weeks (The feed additives were administered continuously throughout an 8-week trial period, simulating a practical feeding strategy that would be feasible during high-risk periods (e.g., post-handling stress, seasonal disease outbreaks). Fish fed the supplemented diets demonstrated significantly greater growth performance, with the oregano 1% + sodium butyrate 1% group achieving the highest final body weight (36.91 ± 0.66 g) and lowest feed conversion ratio (1.32 ± 0.04). Hematological indices, including RBC count, Hb, and PCV, were substantially improved. Biochemical analysis revealed reduced ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels alongside elevated total protein and globulin concentrations in treated groups. Immunological and antioxidative parameters, such as WBC count, phagocytic activity, SOD, and GPX, showed significant enhancements, particularly in the oregano 1% + sodium butyrate 1% group. Gene expression analysis exposed upregulation of immune-related (TNF-α, IL-1β) and antioxidative (SOD, GPX) genes in supplemented groups, highlighting their role in enhancing health and stress responses. Post Aeromonas hydrophila infection, the supplemented groups exhibited improved immunity, antioxidative status, and survival. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil and sodium butyrate, particularly at 1% inclusion, effectively enhances growth, health status, immunity, and gene expression in Nile tilapia.

Chitosan, a natural polymer, is gaining attention for its low cost, hydrophilicity, and environmental benefits, making it a promising material for polyelectrolyte membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells (FCs). In this study, four membranes were fabricated using sulfonated chitosan combined with three sulfonated nanoparticles: sulfonated titanium dioxide (STiO 2 ), sulfonated silicon dioxide (SSiO 2 ), and sulfonated carbon nanotubes (SCNT) in varying ratios. The optimal membrane was prepared using a specific ratio of these components, cross-linked with 0.5% glutaraldehyde. While the electrochemical performance improved with increasing nanoparticle ratios, excessive nanoparticle content led to diminished results. The optimal membrane demonstrated excellent stability at 50 °C, achieving a maximum power density of 90 mW/cm 2 at 280 mA/cm 2 and a low cell resistance of 5.1 Ω cm 2 . Compared to the chitosan (CS)-based membranes in the literature, the optimal membrane exhibited superior ion exchange capacity, proton conductivity, mechanical stability, and lower water uptake, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and high-performance proton exchange membrane in fuel cell applications.

The prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age is growing significantly over the last years. Being obese or having a high body mass index (BMI) contributes to many diseases and pregnancy complications. This is concerning as an obese woman is at increased risk for developing several complications during pregnancy and is at increased risk for pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and metabolic disorders of a live-born child in his future. The pregnant woman's body mass index has to be monitored well during the whole pregnancy, and their diet should also be monitored to avoid future complications. Better results can be achieved if every woman would watch their weight before being pregnant for better outcomes in their future pregnancies. This review article aimed to determine the relationship between being obese or having a high BMI and pregnancy loss. Additionally, we tried to find the mechanism that is involved in pregnancy loss in obese women.

Ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic terrain conductivity, and electric tomography have proven to be effective tools if they are combined together to investigate archeological sites. We have conducted a geophysical survey at the Akhmim archaeological site, the main objective of our survey is to locate additional buried structures for further excavation. Geophysical data were acquired in the area using the GEM-300 multi-frequency terrain conductivity profiler, the SIR 2000 ground penetrating radar, and the Syscal R2 resistivity meter systems. The results of the integrated interpretation show a number of buried features and a strong linear zone about 1 m wide that coincides with the suspected trend of a buried wall. There appears to be two parallel ridges of strong reflections on either side, indicating two parallel walls extended East-West and a room is identified at the bottom left comer of the site. Moreover, the interpretation results of some selected GPR and dipoledipole resistivity profiles adjacent to the open-air museum suggest the existence of a second statue of Ramses Ⅱ to the right of the previously discovered statue which could still be buried in the sand.

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.

Aims/hypothesis Obesity and hypertension, known pro-inflammatory states, are identified determinants for increased retinal microvascular abnormalities. However, the molecular link between inflammation and microvascular degeneration remains elusive. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is recognised as an activator of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. This study aims to examine TXNIP expression and elucidate its role in endothelial inflammasome activation and retinal lesions. Methods Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and control Wistar (W) rats were compared with groups fed a high-fat diet (HFD) (W+F and SHR+F) for 8–10 weeks. Results Compared with W controls, HFD alone or in combination with hypertension significantly induced formation of acellular capillaries, a hallmark of retinal ischaemic lesions. These effects were accompanied by significant increases in lipid peroxidation, nitrotyrosine and expression of TXNIP, nuclear factor κB, TNF-α and IL-1β. HFD significantly increased interaction of TXNIP–NLRP3 and expression of cleaved caspase-1 and cleaved IL-1β. Immunolocalisation studies identified TXNIP expression within astrocytes and Müller cells surrounding retinal endothelial cells. To model HFD in vitro, human retinal endothelial (HRE) cells were stimulated with 400 μmol/l palmitate coupled to BSA (Pal-BSA). Pal-BSA triggered expression of TXNIP and its interaction with NLRP3, resulting in activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β in HRE cells. Silencing Txnip expression in HRE cells abolished Pal-BSA-mediated cleaved IL-1β release into medium and cell death, evident by decreases in cleaved caspase-3 expression and the proportion of live to dead cells. Conclusions/interpretation These findings provide the first evidence for enhanced TXNIP expression in hypertension and HFD-induced retinal oxidative/inflammatory response and suggest that TXNIP is required for HFD-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the release of IL-1β in endothelial cells.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a well-known anticancer drug that causes nephrotoxicity as a side effect. To investigate the mechanisms by which paeonol, a natural phenolic compound, can protect against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity, paeonol (100 mg/kg/day orally) was given to rats for 10 days, with or without MTX (20 mg/kg once i.p. at day 5). Compared to control, MTX caused nephrotoxic effects manifested by increased serum urea and creatinine and distortion in renal histological architecture, with a significant increase in the mean glomerular diameter and upregulation of kidney injury molecule-1. MTX caused oxidative stress manifested by decreasing reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase while increasing malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. MTX also induced renal inflammation by upregulating TLR4, NF-κB, and IL-1β and caused apoptosis by induction of caspase 3. Administering paeonol with MTX improved kidney functional and structural parameters, as well as all oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers tested. Interestingly, both MTX and paeonol increased the expression of the renal efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) that helps in MTX elimination, and their drug combination further upregulated renal P-gp. In silico , paeonol was neither a substrate nor an inhibitor of P-gp, suggesting that its effect on P-gp is not on functional but on the expression level. In vitro , paeonol and MTX were administered to colon cancer cells and their combination caused a progressive cellular cytotoxic effect, which was dose-dependent with the increase of paeonol concentration. In conclusion, paeonol protects against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms and might potentiate MTX chemotherapeutic efficacy.