National Research Centre

Background Narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are all treated with amphetamine (a central nervous system stimulant) while valerenic acid (VA) has a pharmacological effect in the central nervous system. Objectives The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether VA is able to make amends for neurotoxicity by modifying hypothalamus expressions of the enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and histamine-N-methyl transferase in rats orally administered with methamphetamine (METH). Methods There were thirty-six male albino rats split up into six equal groups, Control, VA (5 mg/kg)-treated, and VA (10 mg/kg)-treated groups: For four weeks, normal rats received oral administration of 1 ml of distilled water, 5 mg/kg of VA, and 10 ml/kg of VA once daily. METH-treated, VA (5 mg/kg) prior to METH-treated, and VA (10 mg/kg) before METH-treated groups: normal rats were oral administrated with METH (2.5 mg/kg), 3 days/week for 3 weeks, where the last two groups were oral administrated daily during four weeks at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg VA, starting one week prior to METH administration. Results METH decreased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, NADPH oxidase, interleukin-10, sucrose preference test, distance traveled test, and center square entries test, ATPase activity and the enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and histamine-N-methyl transferase but increased malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, oxidative index, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, γ-aminobutyric acid, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, nuclear factor kappa B levels, the center square duration test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test. in the METH-treated animals' brain in contrast to the control group. After four weeks of oral administration of VA to METH-treated rats, all of these parameters returned to levels that were nearly control, indicating that a higher dose was more effective than a lower one. Conclusion VA ameliorated METH-related neurotoxicity by improving hypothamalus expressions of the enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and histamine-N-methyl transferase.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a globally edible fruit and a traditional dietary component in various cultures. The fruit’s fleshy part is consumed for its nutritional value, while the seeds are discarded or valorized for oil production and as a coffee substitute. The current study aimed to investigate date seeds’ metabolome, in addition to macro- and micro-elements composition within12 major Egyptian cultivars (cvs.) for the first time using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Post-silylation GC-MS analysis and headspace coupled with solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) were used for nutrients and aroma profiling in roasted seeds, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate data analyses were employed for samples classification and markers identification via principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Models are further validated by permutation test. Moreover, absolute quantification of potential markers was attempted based on reference standards A total of 101 and 65 nutrient and aroma metabolites were annotated, respectively. Fatty acids/esters (38 peaks), sugars (18), organic acids (17), sugar alcohols (7), steroids/triterpenoids (5), alcohols and aldehydes (6), in addition to flavonoids (1) and phenolic acids (3) were identified as major components in GC-MS post-silylation platform. ‘’Khalas’’ cv. seed appeared the most nutritive being enriched in sugars and fatty acids/esters. Moreover, date seed volatiles from different cvs. were dominated by fatty acids/esters (19 peaks), esters (6), and phenols/ethers (9). Anethole (peak 47) was the most abundant at 9.1–23.3% of seeds contributing to their unique aroma, especially ‘’Barhi’’ a premium date cv. PCA score plot of primary metabolites’ dataset revealed for 1-monopalmitin and monostearin as potential markers for ‘’Aref’’ and ‘’Khalas’’. Furthermore, ‘’Barhi’’, ‘’Omeldehn’’, and ‘’Lolo’’ cvs. showed comparable aroma profile and in partial agreement with nutrient results. OPLS-DA model revealed that anethole, estragole, methyl esters of dodecanoic acid and octanoic acid were characteristic in case of ‘’Barhi’’ cv. which are likely to impart a fine aroma and flavor. With regards to minerals, ‘’Zamli’’, ‘’Barhi’’, and ‘’Hasawi’’ cvs. were most rich in calcium, copper, and selenium, respectively. This study offers new perspectives for the phytochemical makeup and valorization potentials of date palm seeds. Fatty acids/esters and sugars were the major components in date palm seeds found enriched in ‘’Khalas’’ cv, while anethole, estragole, methyl esters of dodecanoic acid and octanoic acid were potential markers of ‘’Barhi’’ cultivar. Such extensive profiling identified premium cvs. to be considered for food applications.

Due to the significant rise in demand for functional foods and health-conscious alternatives, natural extracts present a promising avenue for exploration and application within the food processing sector. For many individuals suffering from monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and its accompanying complications, supplying the market with a functional food that aids accelerating resolving this problem will be a very valuable addition. Thus, in this study we aimed to validate and functionalize modeled composite of Genistein-Hyoscyamine as to further employ the best match in food processing sector as a novel food-additive for functional-foods serving enuretic patients. In attempts to model the most chemically favorable and experimentally achievable composite structures we thoroughly studied the parent molecules employing various DFT descriptors, selected electronic and thermodynamic parameters that help foresee and assess the structures’ behavior and stability in various conditions that are common during food processing. Afterwards, composites were primarily assessed through selected ADME parameters in regard to their suitability for ingestion, water solubility, GI absorption, bioavailability score, and synthetic accessibility. Based on the screening of modeled structures, composites number 02 and 04 were found to possess the most favorable structures and characteristics where composite number 02 has shown relatively higher band gap energy and dipole moment as well as slightly more heat capacity; while composite number 04 has shown higher lipophilicity as well as lower TPSA value, less enthalpy, free energy, and entropy, suggesting more stability and bioavailability. Highlighting their suitability for being introduced to food matrices as food-additives in the form of composite bioactive materials.

In the current study, the execution of thiosemicarbazone ligand (HL) as a novel corrosion inhibitor for copper metal in 1 M HCl solution was evaluated through the electrochemical measurements which includes (open circuit potential (OCP) potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results confirmed that the ligand (HL) acted as a good corrosion inhibitor for copper metal in 1 M HCl solution; as it displayed high percentage of inhibition efficiency about 94.66% and 92.93% after PDP and EIS methods respectively; at its optimum concentration (1 × 10–7 M). The morphology and surface constituents of the sample were examined before and after addition of the ligand (HL) by using the analysis (scanning electron microscope and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) which clarified the passivation effect of the ligand (HL) after formation of a protective layer of its adsorbed molecules on the surface of the copper sample. In addition, the metal complexes Ni (II), Co (II) and Cd (II) derived from thiosemicarbazone ligand (HL) were used in this study to shed light on some of their electrochemical properties. But based on their nature as they are insoluble in aqueous media the cyclic voltammetry method was used in this section. The results deducted from cyclic voltammetry technique showed that, the oxidation–reduction process of the ligand (HL) and its metal complexes Ni (II), Co (II) and Cd (II) under quasi-reversible system and the reaction occurred on the metal surface under diffusion control. In vitro, the antibacterial activity testing against S. aureus, S. pneumonia, E. coli and S. Typhimurium were performed for the ligand (HL) and its metal complexes Ni (II), Co (II) and Cd (II). The result showed that Co (II) and Cd (II), complexes exhibited the best antibacterial activity against S. pneumonia, S. Typhimurium and E. coli while, all the compounds did not show any antibacterial activity against S. aureus. To obtain a good relation that supports and explains the interactions between the molecules of the studied compounds and the metal surface and with the antibacterial activity; the theoretical study in detail was applied using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular docking. The parameters such as, energy level (ΔE), the highest HOMO (EH), and the lowest occupied LUMO (EL), molecular orbital and the binding energy are deducted and discussed. The main target investigated of this study is that the thiosemicarbazone ligand (HL) can be used as a new corrosion inhibitor for the metals and their alloys against the aggressive media. Also, from cyclic voltammetry technique which had been used for testing the metal complexes Ni (II), Co (II) and Cd (II) derived from the ligand (HL); all the details about the redox reactions of these compounds had been obtained. The importance of knowing oxidation and reduction reactions is due to their consideration as the main source of energy for the most biological process, energy productions, photosynthesis to immune responses and the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules. Therefore, redox reactions are very important in our life.

The demand for clean, efficient, and sustainable energy storage solutions drives significant advancements in materials science. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of cadmium zinc phosphates (CdO-ZnO-P2O5) doped with different tungsten (CZWP) concentrations using the sol–gel method. The structural, binding energy, morphological, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, thermal, optical, and electrochemical properties were thoroughly examined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a crystalline structure with tunable properties influenced by tungsten doping. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed well-ordered nanoparticles exhibiting a homogeneous distribution that was enhanced by W doping. BET reveals a moderate specific surface area, mesoporous structure, and dual-porosity characteristics, offering insights into their potential applications in photocatalysis, energy storage, and gas sensing. The TGA results indicate that tungsten doping in cadmium zinc phosphate reduces the material's coordinated water content and increases the thermal stability of the material. Optical analyses demonstrated a shift in the bandgap and an increase in optical electronegativity, highlighting the material's potential in optoelectronics. Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) identified an optimal doping level of 2.0% W for improved charge transfer and specific capacitance, confirming its suitability for supercapacitors. Furthermore, the 2.0% W-doped electrode exhibited outstanding performance in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensing, achieving high sensitivity, a wide linear range, and low detection limits. These findings highlight CZWP nanostructures as promising candidates for energy storage and sensing applications.

Emerging technology to use nanomaterials in different forms for sustainable and safe pest management and crop protection is rapidly developing. Consequently, nanomaterials can be used as biosensors to diagnose plant diseases, delivery vehicles of plant-incorporated protectants for pest/pathogen control, quick and sensitive pathogen/pest probes, and nanofertilizers to boost plants’ ability to tolerate various stresses and increase crop yield. In addition to the minute size of these nanomaterials, the relevant large surface area grants them high reactivity as pesticides and superiority over classical pesticides. Their nanoformulations enable to optimize the pesticidal reliability by increasing penetration/permeability, stability, and solubility as well as adjusting both their release interval and fast degradation. Therefore, this chapter addresses the importance of applying nanopesticides to expand reliable pest management via environmentally safe and cost-effective uses for crop protection in sustainable farming systems. Yet, such an expansion should go in parallel to their ecotoxicological risk assessment to avoid any unfavorable consequences.

The determination of glycine is considered crucial for various biological functions and systems. So, this study presents nanofibers as a biosensor for glycine, utilizing the electrospinning method to prepare nanofibers with specific diameters. The sodium alginate (Na Alg) extracellular matrix was added to a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) solution, resulting in a homogeneous, bead-free electrospun PVA/Na Alg nanofiber membrane. The combination of PVA and Na Alg solutions was optimized to achieve the optimal composition and electrospinning settings, forming homogeneous and bead-free PVA/Na Alg nanofiber architectures. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is utilized to analyze the chemical composition of PVA or PVA/NaAlg. The influence of ferric chloride (FeCl2) and glycerin on the morphological, structural, and optical attributes of PVA and PVA/NaAlg nanofibers was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated the successful synthesis of nanofibers with diameters ranging from 120 to 400 nm. The XRD results validated the semicrystalline characteristics of the obtained nanofibers. Optical examination indicated that the synthesized nanofibers transitioned from ultraviolet-transparent to blocking materials due to their electrospinnability. The optical band gap demonstrated an increase in the material's conductivity, suggesting that PVA/Na Alg/Gly nanofibers could be employed as biosensors for glycine amino acids.

A glass system of barium borate (BaO–B2O3) with varying concentrations of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), ranging from 2.5 mol.% to 7.5 mol.% at the expense of BaO, was examined as transparent radiation shielding material. The experimental glass density (Dexp) was utilized to predict the elastic and radiation shielding parameters. The density of the barium borate was 3.97 g/cm3, decreasing to 3.62 g/cm3 when V2O5 substituted 7.5% of BaO, related to the formation of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs). The incorporation of V2O5 into the glass network enhanced the Young’s modulus (E) and shear modulus (G), which increased from 78.500 GPa (the base sample) to 79.412 GPa (7.5 mol.% of V2O5) and from 32.580 GPa to 33.101 GPa, respectively. Moreover, V2O5 influences the optical transmittance of the barium borate glasses. The cutoff wavelength was redshifted from 240 nm to 562 nm with the introduction of 7.5 mol.% of V2O5. Furthermore, the optical transition energy (Eg) decreased from 2.98 eV to 1.37 eV, while the static refractive index (no) was calculated from the Eg value, increasing from 2.402 to 3.076. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of barium borate glass was 1570.8228 cm2/g at 0.002 MeV, which dropped to 1429.5712 cm2/g after substituting BaO with 7.5 mol.% of V2O5. Moreover, at an energy of 0.2 MeV, the MAC for the base and 7.5 mol.% V2O5 were 0.2843 cm2/g and 0.2553 cm2/g, respectively. All glass samples with a thickness of 0.75 cm can efficiently attenuate the high radiation energy of 0.2 MeV to its half-value.

This study aimed to evaluate support (the resistance to tissue-ward movement) and strain distribution in unilateral obturators with four designs using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Twelve epoxy-resin models were prepared to receive removable obturators that have four designs, including acrylic resin-based obturators (ARO), linear (LDO), tripodal (TDO), and a newly modified one termed fully tripodal design obturator (FTDO) were used for DIC. The models were installed in a DIC set to receive a vertical load of 150N. The strain on the dentate and defect sides was evaluated using DIC software. Mathematically, four finite element models were prepared to receive vertical and lateral loads of 100N on two points. The support and strain were assessed using the ANSYS workbench. Using DIC, the ARO demonstrated the highest strain values on the defect area and as an entire prosthesis, followed by the LDO on the defect side. Using FEA, the TDO produced the highest strain value with anterior (oblique) and posterior loads. LDO produced the lowest support and highest strain on the anterior teeth compared to TDO and FTDO. ARO resulted in the highest total strain, while the TDO produced the lowest. Both TDO and FTDO were comparable in terms of strains and support.

Ototoxicity, the property of certain drugs to cause hearing loss, is a significant concern in medical treatments, particularly with the use of chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin and aminoglycosides. These drugs can lead to permanent sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), affecting a substantial proportion of patients. Existing strategies to alleviate these side effects are limited, prompting interest in natural products as potential protective agents. Natural products are being investigated for their ability to counteract these mechanisms through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The review seeks to highlight the potential of these natural products as complementary therapies to conventional ototoxic medications, emphasizing their protective roles, which are involved in cochlear cellular damage and programmed cell death. Further research is essential to establish standardized protocols for their use and to ensure their integration into clinical practice as effective therapeutic options.

Consumer’s awareness of the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables consumption has urge the need to effective and proper methods to increase the quality, safety and postharvest life of minimally processed fresh products. In this concern, gaseous ozone has several distinctive features, making it suitable for food application. This work aimed to investigate the effect of ozone treatment on physical, chemical and biological quality of some fresh-cut plants. Plant quality was determined by means of weight loss, color, phytochemical, volatile components and microbiological indexes. The obtained results showed that ozone treatment at the concentration of 25 ppm for 20 min effectively decreased the weight loss of plants with insignificant (p > 0.05) effects on the color parameters. Furthermore, ozone treatment increased the phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the tested plants. Ozone treatment decreased the concentration of 8, 7 and 6 compounds in the essential oil celery, coriander and parsley, respectively. In contrast, it increased the concentration of 3, 10 and 6 compounds and led to the formation of 5, 4 and 5 new compounds in these oils, respectively. Microbiological results showed that the ozone treatment is effective in reducing the bacterial load by about 2.5, 1.7 and 2.0 log cycle and the fungal counts by 1.49, 1.54 and 1.1 log cycle for celery, coriander and parsley respectively. Regarding the obtained results in this study, the use of gaseous ozone to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut herbal plants is an appreciated issue.

The present work focuses on studying the composition, microstructure as well as physical and mechanical properties of geopolymer fabricated form hazardous fly ash. Moreover, its applications as fire-resistant material and dye-removal from aqueous solution are also the main goals of this study. Geopolymer pastes were fabricated using fly ash and alkali activator solution, and then kept at 70 °C for 24 hrs. Finally, the prepared pastes were cured in air for 28 days. To study the fire-resistance, some samples of cured geopolymers were subjected for firing at 300, 600 and 900 °C. The dried and/or fired geopolymers were investigated for their phase composition, microstructural analysis, physical properties (bulk density and apparent porosity), thermal analysis and compressive strength. Moreover, the dried geopolymer powder was used to remove methylene blue dye (MB) form aqueous solution. The removal efficiency was measured at different pH values and various dye concentrations with studying the suitable adsorption isotherm model. The results revealed that high performance geopolymer with good physical properties (AP: 22% and BD: 1.69 g/cm3) and excellent compressive strength (46 MPa) was prepared from fly ash after curing 28 days. Furthermore, the geopolymers subjected to firing at 300, and 600 °C gave relatively lower compressive strength values (25 and 23 MPa, respectively) than the dried one due to the dehydration and dehydroxylation of geopolymers. On the other hand, the geopolymer fired at 900 °C, exhibited good compressive strength (37 MPa) due to the densification by liquid phases. Good removal efficiency (95%) of MB dye (at 10 mg/l) was obtained after applying the dried geopolymer as adsorbent. The adsorption process was followed by and fitted with Langmuir isotherm model.

Statement of problem Maxillofacial tumor resection leads to major functional and esthetic issues that adversely affect patients’ quality of life. Obturators have been used to manage issues such as hypernasality and fluid leakage. However, their adaptation to maxillary defects and patient comfort requires further study. Understanding how material composition influences obturator retention, durability, and long-term satisfaction is essential for optimizing prosthetic design. Purpose The purpose of this nonrandomized, self-controlled study was to compare the accuracy and patient satisfaction of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bulbs on metal frameworks and flexible injection-molded resin bulbs. Material and methods Two obturator types were evaluated. Type PMMA-BMF used PMMA bulbs on metal frameworks, while Type FIMR used flexible injection-molded resin bulbs. Adaptation was assessed using 3-dimensional (3D) scanning and superimposition techniques, with root mean square (RMS) values and average positive and negative deviations as key metrics using the Bland-Altman analysis of agreement with bias ±standard deviation calculated and plotted (95% limits of agreement). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the obturator functioning scale (OFS) domains. Results Type PMMA-BMF obturators showed significantly higher RMS and average positive and negative deviations than Type FIMR (P<.001), indicating a less precise fit. The Bland-Atman analysis demonstrated strong agreement between the 2 material types. The limits of agreement were narrower for nondefect sites (0.93), suggesting stronger agreement in these areas than between defect sites (2.55) and obturator bulbs (4.84). Type FIMR showed better statistically significant OFS scores regarding all domains and overall than Type PMMA-BMF (P<.001). Conclusions Type FIMR obturator offers better fit, stability, and patient satisfaction than Type PMMA-BMF. It also improves speech, mastication, and esthetics, highlighting its potential benefits. Further research should address issues such as improving patient outcomes. Clinical Implications Flexible injection-molded resin offers a more precise adaptation to the defect area than metal obturators. They engage more undercuts and provide enhanced sealing capacity at the defect borders.

Zn0.95Mg0.05O and Zn0.95Mg0.05O/Cu1-xNixO (where x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) samples were synthesized via the solid-state reaction technique. High resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction patterns enabled accurate determination of the formed crystallographic phases and their percentages. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images displayed particles in the nano range having different shapes representing different phases but with homogeneous morphologies. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed presence of Mg and Ni elements with percentages comparable with intended values. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra advocated the exchange of cations between the formed phases. The optical absorbance of visible spectrum is enhanced upon composing Zn0.95Mg0.05O with CuO. With the rise in Ni content in Zn0.95Mg0.05O/Cu1-xNixO nanocomposite, the absorbance ability within the visible spectrum is slightly augmented. The determined optical bandgap energy for the composed samples x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 are (1.4, 3.21), (1.41, 3.22), (1.39, 3.22), and (1.41, 3.21) eV, respectively. The refractive index attained a maximum value for the nanocomposites with 0% and 15% Ni content. The nonlinear optical parameters were enhanced as Zn0.95Mg0.05O was alloyed with Cu1-xNixO. The nonlinear optical characteristics exhibited minor alterations as the quantity of Ni varied in the nanocomposite. The optical dielectric constant and optical conductivity of Zn0.95Mg0.05O is improved upon composing with Cu1-xNixO, experiencing irregular change by the variation of Ni. The effect of alloying on the photoluminescence spectrum and CIE chromaticity diagrams was explored.

Hydatidosis (Echinococcosis) is one of serious and pervasive parasitic disease in farm animals and humans. It is caused by the tapeworm cysts containing the larval stages of the Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus, family: Taeniidae), which is found in the small intestine of canids. Metacestode parasite can infect several organs in intermediate hosts (farm animals and humans), leading to hydatid cysts (HC). The diagnosis and identification of E. granulosus infection in animals are required for surveillance, epidemiological studies, and control of hydatidosis in endemic, emerging, or re-emerging transmission zones. There are various types of diagnostic assays of hydatidosis as antigen testing, ELISA, indirect hemagglutination, and complement fixation tests. Various types of diagnostic imaging examinations are used for HC. Since HC has a rather low diagnostic sensitivity, particularly in early infections, the diagnosis in livestock still mostly relies on post-mortem inspection because serodiagnostics are inadequate for accurate pre-mortem diagnosis. The genetic identification of the species and genotypes responsible for hydatidosis is crucial for confirming diagnostics, to understand the vectors of parasite transmission, and for the implementation of focused control measures. Efforts will be required to improve the production of particular antigens and antibodies for serological diagnostics of hydatidosis. Therefore, the present review shows the advanced approaches of radiology, serodiagnosis, molecular assay, genotypes and proteomic analysis for diagnosing E. granulosus infection in farm animals, offering conclusions, and suggests recommendations for further prospective improving specific antigen and antibody production for serological diagnosis.

This study investigates the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts in order to develop strategies for the prevention and management of Pantoea ananatis in strawberry. Seven plant extracts including eucalyptus, fenugreek, garlic, lantana, moringa, onion and pomegranate fruit peels were usedat concentrations of 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml to test their efficacy against Pantoea ananatis in in vitro tests. The eucalyptus and pomegranate fruit peel treatments did not show inhibition of the growth of the pathogen. The garlic extract showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Pantoea ananatis , followed by lantana. Under field conditions, the effect of the ethanol extracts from garlic and lantana, applied by root dipping and foliar spraying were assessed. The antibacterial effect was larger when sprayed on the foliage. Disease severity was reduced by 56.0%. The results show that the vegetative growth and fruit quality of strawberry plants were significantly improved after foliar sprays. After foliar sprays with the garlic extract, the activities of several defense-related enzymes were significantly enhanced, including peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and β-1,3-glucanase. In this study, phenolic acids were identified in both garlic and Lantana ethanol extract, which could act as an active inhibitor of bcteria.

Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic nematode with a special life cycle. Both adults and larvae live in two different niches in the same host (intestinal and muscular). The parasite is known to manipulate the immune system of the host to be able to survive. One of the pathways the parasite modulates is the programmed death 1/ programmed death ligand 1 (PD1/PDL1), a pathway important to maintain the immune homeostasis during chronic infections and cancers. Albendazole (ABZ) shows anti-trichinellosis efficacy, especially against the intestinal phase of the infection. In an attempt to discover a drug that would enhance the efficacy of ABZ against the muscular phase, we used 40 CD1 Swiss-Albino male mice divided into 5 groups: normal, infected, infected ABZ-treated, infected Silymarin (SM)-treated, and the infected-treated with a combination group. After euthanasia, the number of diaphragmatic larvae was estimated in the infected and the infected-treated groups. In addition, the tongues and hearts of all mice were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical processing and evaluation. Monotherapy groups showed a significant reduction of both larval count and PD1 local expression compared to the infected-only group, however, neither ABZ nor SM alone could reduce the inflammation accompanying infection. The most significant improvements were recorded in the combined treatment group with a reduction rate of 69.95%, a significant reduction of inflammatory infiltrates (p < 0.05), and significant modulation of PDL1 local expression (p < 0.05). So, Silibinin (the major active ingredient of SM) showed anti-trichinellosis activity and enhanced the efficacy of ABZ against the muscular phase of the infection.

The inclusion of sulfate anions in an appropriate glass matrix has proven to enhance the physical and chemical properties and widen the application of the glass system. In this context, the impact of minor sulfur dopants (0 to 2 mol%) on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of lithium phosphate glasses has been investigated in detail. 3(Li2O)-y(S)-(1-y) PO3 (y = 0.0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mol %.) ceramic glasses were synthesized using the melt-quenching technique. The density showed a sulfur-related decrement, whereas the molar volume increased which can be ascribed to the formation of non-bridging oxygens. The structural features of the sulfur-doped lithium phosphate glass was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which established the formation of glass–ceramic nanocomposites. Moreover, the formation of LiPO3 and LiSO4 phases was confirmed by XRD. The Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) represented sharp peaks at 896 cm⁻¹ related to the stretching vibration of P–O–P groups which exhibits a clear shift with the addition of sulfur. The optical bandgap increased from 3.8 to 4.27 eV as the sulfur content was increased from 0.0 to 2.0 mol %. as established by applying Kubelka -Munk combined with Tauc’s relations. Also, the bandgap dependence of refractive index was estimated and discussed by different Moss, Herve, Reddy, and Kumar models. The complex impedance analysis revealed non-Debye-type dielectric relaxation behavior. The ac conductivity exhibited an increase with temperature according to the Arrhenius law, with a double activation energy for the conduction process. As the sulfur content increased, the variation in conductivity and high-temperature activation energy suggested a transition from a predominantly polaronic conductive regime to an ionic conductive regime at approximately 1.5 mol% of sulfur in lithium phosphate glasses. The frequency-dependent behavior of electric conductivity followed a modified power law relation, σac(ω) = σdc(0) + A ωs1 + B ωs2, where s > 1 and constant value with varying temperature. The hopping mechanism was identified as the dominant electrical transport process in the system. The relaxation character of the frequency and temperature dependence of the electrical modulus, as well as the dielectric loss parameters, was evident. These findings suggest that sulfur-doped lithium phosphate glasses have potential applications in various fields, including solid-state batteries, optoelectronics, and photonics.

There is a high demand for high performance, effective and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for industrial applications. Consequently, many researchers are focused on developing efficient, cost-effective materials to protect metals. In this study, an ecofriendly chitosan methionine derivative (M) was developed, synthesized, characterized, and tested for its anticorrosion properties. The ability of this compound as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel (CS) was confirmed through weight loss measurements (WL), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies in a 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution. The findings showed that the inhibitor, M, achieved a maximum inhibition efficiency of 99.8% at a concentration of 100 ppm by the PDP method. Additionally, the corrosion potential value, being less than 85 mV, supported classifying M as a mixed-type inhibitor with a cathodic tendency. The adsorption behavior of the inhibitor on the CS surface was consistent with Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. EIS data also confirmed that increasing inhibitor concentration raised the charge transfer resistance (Rct), indicating improved protection. Surface examination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed the formation of a protective layer of the M molecules on the CS surface. Moreover, theoretical studies, including analyses of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (ELUMO), dipole moment (µ), were thoroughly examined. Overall, both experimental and theoretical findings demonstrate that this derivative can effectively form a protective layer and mitigate corrosion.