Tanta University

This chapter explores the impact of glycemic index (GI)/glycemic load (GL) on acne vulgaris pathogenesis and symptoms severity. High GI/GL diets can lead to hyperinsulinemia, increasing levels of androgens and IGF-1, which promote sebum production and keratinocyte proliferation, thereby exacerbating acne. Clinical studies have demonstrated that low GI/GL diets can reduce acne severity by potentially improving insulin sensitivity and altering sebum composition. These findings suggest that dietary modifications, specifically adopting low GI/GL diets, can effectively manage acne symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition affecting a significant portion of the global population, particularly adolescents and young adults. Traditional treatments often face limitations due to side effects and antibiotic resistance. This chapter explores the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in acne management. Probiotics can inhibit acne-causing bacterial growth and modulate immune responses, while prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria, enhancing overall microbiome health. Postbiotics offer similar benefits without the risks associated with live bacteria. Integrating these biotic strategies presents a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional therapies, potentially improving acne outcomes by addressing symptoms and underlying causes through the gut-skin axis.

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between various vitamins, minerals, and acne vulgaris. It discusses the roles of vitamins A, D, C, E, B3, and B12, along with minerals like zinc, sulfur, and selenium, in influencing acne development and treatment. The chapter highlights the benefits of certain vitamins and minerals in reducing inflammation, sebum production, and acne severity, while also noting the potential risk of acne-exacerbating effects from high Vitamin B12 levels. Understanding the complicated interactions between these nutrients and acne vulgaris can guide more effective treatment strategies.

Heterocyclic compounds are essential to the drug development and discovery processes. Herein, we synthesized new pyrazolone chalcones (3a–g) through the reaction of azopyrazolone (2) with different aromatic aldehydes in a basic medium. Numerous techniques including elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopies, were used to characterize pyrazolone chalcone derivatives. Compound 3b exhibited the highest binding energy towards YAP/TEAD protein with a value of −8.45 kcal mol⁻¹ in in silico studies. This observation suggested that compound 3b inhibits the YAP/TEAD Hippo signaling pathway. In addition, compound 3b offered a prospective anticancer effect against various cancer cell lines, such as HepG-2, MCF-7, and HCT-116, among the other synthesized compounds, with IC50 values equal to 5.03 ± 0.4, 3.92 ± 0.2, and 6.34 ± 0.5 μM, respectively. These results validated our findings regarding the in silico suppression of the YAP/TEAD protein. Its pharmacokinetic properties were theoretically observed using ADMET. Additionally, compound 3b demonstrated a potent antioxidant scavenging action (in vitro) against DPPH free radicals. Thus, based on our findings, compound 3b may act as a potential anticancer scaffold owing to its inhibitory impact towards the YAP/TEAD-mediated Hippo signaling pathway with a safe toxic profile on normal cells.

A comprehensive, multiscale investigation, integrating remote sensing, mineralogy, whole rock chemistry, Electron Microprobe (EMP), and stable isotopes (oxygen-¹⁸O and carbon-¹³C), was undertaken to assess the feasibility of talc deposits and their host serpentinite at Gebel El-Maiyit in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Sentinel 2 remote sensing images were applied to discriminate talc from serpentinites followed by geochemical study of serpentinites using RO`/SiO2 ratios, AFM diagram and MgO versus SiO2 relationship indicates a peridotite origin formed at low temperature Alpine type. Our study revealed that talc deposit has a varied mineralogical composition and according to the predominant talc and gangue minerals three main types have been distinguished: 1- pure talc, 2- tremolite talc and 3- chlorite talc. Paragenetically, talc is derived from serpentine minerals, tremolite and chlorite. The latter is formed at about 231 °C. The chemical data of talc deposit reveals that the summation of talc components (SiO2 + MgO + H2O) is 92.68%, while that of impurity oxides (Al2O3 + CaO + Fe2O3 + FeO) is 5.56%. The carbon¹³C) and oxygen¹⁸O) contents of pure magnesite revealed that the pure phase of Gebel El-Maiyit was formed at low temperature (around 100 °C) while magnesite contained in talc carbonate rock was formed at high temperature (140–175 °C). In terms of source fluids, the metamorphic and /or magmatic water was supposed to be the main fluids which are circulated during the hydrothermal alteration. Although S and P are very minor components in all the talc ore types of the considered area and do not affect their industrial use. Copper (Cu) was not detected. Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations are significantly high, necessitating treatment to reduce these elements for the ore to be suitable as an electrical insulator. Arsenic (As) levels are consistently below 5 ppm, indicating the ore’s potential use in the cosmetic industry without further processing.

Background and Aim Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in patients with cirrhosis; however, it carries the risk of post-procedural hepatic decompensation. This study aims to identify predictive factors associated with post-ERCP hepatic decompensation in patients with cirrhosis to better inform clinical decision-making and minimize adverse outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with cirrhosis undergoing ERCP. Clinical, biochemical, and procedural variables were evaluated to determine their association with hepatic decompensation. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors. Results A total of 277 patients with cirrhosis who underwent an ERCP were included. The cohort had a mean age of 63.4 years, with a male predominance (65.3%) and various etiologies of cirrhosis, including alcohol-related (39.3%) and hepatitis C (11.4%). Post-ERCP complications occurred in 26.7% of patients. The most common complications were hepatic decompensation events (18.4%), sepsis (10.8%), and cholangitis (6.1%). Patients with complications had significantly higher baseline MELD scores, INR, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and history of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). A Multivariate analysis revealed that factors such as higher MELD score, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and stent placement were associated with post-ERCP complications. Subgroup analyses indicated that patients who developed hepatic decompensation events (ascites, SBP, or HRS) had a more severe liver dysfunction at baseline, as reflected by a higher MELD score and INR, and prior episodes of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusion Pre-procedural liver function parameters and procedural factors are crucial predictors of post-ERCP hepatic decompensation in patients with cirrhosis. Key risk factors include higher MELD score, CKD, history of ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Careful pre-procedural evaluation and management are essential to reduce these risks.

Purpose To evaluate the techniques of augmented lateral rectus (LR) muscle recession with hang-back and Z-tenotomy in correcting large-angle exotropia. Design This is a prospective, interventional, randomized clinical trial. Methods This institutional study included 62 patients with large-angle exotropia (40 Δ or greater). The patients were divided into two groups: Group A included 34 patients who underwent LR recession (7 mm) with hang-back, and Group B included 28 patients who underwent LR recession (7 mm) with Z-tenotomy. Ocular alignment, binocular vision, ocular motility, and satisfaction were evaluated as primary outcome measures. Results The angle ranged from −45 to –140 Δ for Group A and from −40 to –140 Δ for Group B. In Group A, 22 (64.7%) patients acquired orthophoria, while 12 (35.3%) remained exotropic at the 6-month visit. In Group B, 11 (39.3%) patients acquired orthophoria at the primary gaze position, while 17 (60.7%) remained exotropic after 6 months. None of the patients experienced abduction deficiency at the end of 6-month follow-up period. In Group A, the percentage of central fusion increased from 41.4% preoperatively to 68.9% at 6 months postoperatively, while stereopsis improved from 31.03% to 65.5%. In Group B, central fusion increased from 25% to 46.4% at 6 months postoperatively, while good stereopsis increased from 21.4% to 35.7%. Conclusions Augmented LR recession with hang-back is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of large-angle exotropia up to 90 PD, whereas Z- tenotomy is another augmentation technique for exodeviation angles less than 45 PD.

We have synthesized and generated a range of bioactive dispersed dyes that may be joined with pyrimidine moieties inside the same construct via an azo linker, thus taking advantage of both compounds’ bioactive properties. Through a straightforward process, the heterocyclic azo-disperse dyes 3a–l were produced by diazo coupling aryldiazonium chloride derivatives with 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)amino-6-oxo-4-phenyl-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (2) in good yields. Mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹ H-NMR, and ¹³ C-NMR characterized and confirmed the newly synthesized compounds’ structures. The color characteristics of the dyes and their fastness properties, such as resistance to washing, perspiration, light, and rubbing, were evaluated. The antibacterial efficacy of the printed fabrics was assessed using the colony-forming unit (CFU) method. The bioassay outcomes showed that some targeted compounds have moderate to excellent antibacterial activity (in vitro). The activity of the synthesized azo dye molecules and their dyes-loaded polyester fabrics was evaluated against clinically important bacterial pathogens. According to our data, the electron-withdrawing groups in compounds 3b , 3d , 3i , and 3 k showed comparatively great activity with significantly lower MIC values. Furthermore, the printed sample infused with azo dyes demonstrated an inhibitory efficacy against all bacterial infections, indicating their potential for use in textiles intended in medical materials. Graphical abstract

The aquaculture industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring global food security and supporting the economic resilience of coastal communities. However, the prevalence of microbial diseases significantly threatens fish health, growth, and overall productivity, leading to substantial economic losses. The excessive use of antibiotics has further aggravated the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, highlighting an urgent need for sustainable and effective alternatives. This review critically examines the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) as innovative solutions for managing fish diseases and promoting sustainability in aquaculture. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, NPs demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, immune modulation capabilities, and prolonged protective effects against a wide range of fish pathogens. Moreover, the integration of NPs into polymeric or hydrogel matrices can enhance their stability, bioavailability, and efficacy, presenting a promising approach for disease management in aquaculture systems. This review emphasizes the significance of advancing NP-based applications and calls for comprehensive research to assess their long-term impacts on fish welfare, environmental health, and human safety. By effectively addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance and microbial infections, nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize aquaculture disease management, improve food safety, and foster sustainable practices, thereby reinforcing the industry's contribution to global food systems.

The presented study aligns with global sustainability goals by integrating water harvesting with energy-efficient transactions. Infrastructure and energy in buildings are worth attention to tackle water scarcity and energy consumption management. This research highlights the dual benefits of enhancing water sustainability while optimizing energy use in air conditioning (AC) systems. The methodology includes investigating the potential of harnessing condensate water produced by a network of 113 AC units and a surface area of 3000 m². All data have been collected and evaluated at the faculty of engineering at Horus University in New Damietta, Egypt. The greatest cumulative amount of water produced for one day was 51.24 L in June, 51.56 L in July, 55.65 L in August, and 53.32 L in September. By multiplying the average amount by the number of AC units in the building, the daily water production records 5977.7 L/day, approximately 6 m³. Although this number of air conditioners consumes 236 kW to operate, the operating cost is not considered since water is a byproduct. Therefore, the main cost can be represented by maintenance, renewal, and water treatment when used for drinking. Also, using this water in other applications without treatment, such as irrigation, cleaning, practical experiments, and engineering applications, provides a great return on investment. Graphical Abstract

Purpose Toxocara canis is a globally distributed zoonotic parasite found in dogs' intestines, leading to various pathological damages, particularly to the intestinal flora. The larval stage causes human toxocariasis, especially in children, and may result in neurological disorders and blindness. Quercetin is a flavonoid with strong secondary metabolites and possesses medicinal advantages and antiparasitic qualities. Methods The assay involved four groups, each of 10 young adult T. canis ; Group I was incubated in concentrations of an ethanolic extract of quercetin, Group II in albendazole (0.2 mM/ml) (+ve control), Group III in RPMI 1640 medium with ethanol (control), and Group IV in RPMI 1640 medium only (-ve control). The potential action of quercetin against adult T. canis in vitro was detected using scanning electron microscopy, histological investigations, and enzyme analysis. Results SEM declared that exposure to LC90 of quercetin caused body shrinkage, cuticle and caudal papillae swelling, and disfigurement and erosion of cuticular annulations. Compared to albendazole's effect on the treated worm's body wall, results showed that quercetin generates oxidative stress and has an extensive and variable effect on T. canis organs, including the body wall, the gut, and the genitalia. Conclusion Quercetin may set the stage for a new class of medications with remarkable potential for treating parasitic nematodes in dogs and could be extended to humans. This is the first time to employ a comprehensive study illuminating the potential action of quercetin against adult Toxocara canis in vitro.

Multiple myeloma (MM) frequently causes renal impairment (RI), and clinical therapy becomes more challenging if renal function deteriorates or renal failure results. Therefore, in order to evaluate their prognostic potential in predicting renal impairment risk in MM patients, we investigated the expression levels of miR- 17 - 5p and miR- 125a- 5p as well as STAT3 and CD69 proteins as probable shared target genes in MM adult patients with and without RI. This study included 60 controls and 120 MM patients. By using RT-qPCR, the expression levels of miR- 17 - 5p and miR- 125a- 5p in the sera of MM patients and controls were evaluated. Also, the expression levels of CD69 and STAT- 3 were examined using ELISA and flowcytometry techniques, respectively. When MM patients were compared to controls and MM patients with RI to MM patients without RI, the expression levels of miR- 17 - 5p and miR- 125a- 5p were reduced, but CD69 and STAT- 3 were elevated. Results obtained from ROC curve showed that they were good prognostic biomarkers could predict renal impairment in MM patients, with AUC 0.754, 0.936, 1 & 0.991; respectively for miR- 17 - 5p, miR- 125a- 5p, STAT- 3 and CD69, 60%, 93.3%, 100% & 96.7% sensitivity and 73.3%, 86.7%, 100% & 90% specificity; respectively for miR- 17 - 5p, miR- 125a- 5p, STAT- 3 and CD69. While for Kaplan–Meier survival, our results indicated that patients with lower expression levels of miR- 17 - 5p and miR- 125a- 5p, but higher STAT- 3 and CD69 concentration, had a poorer prognosis and possessing a shorter OS. The integrated approach reveals miR- 17 - 5p, miR- 125a- 5p, CD69, and STAT- 3 as reliable prognostic biomarkers for predicting renal impairment in MM patients. Graphical Abstract

This paper examines the performance of three power converter configurations for three-phase transformerless photovoltaic systems. This first configuration consists of a two-stage DC–DC–AC converter comprised of a DC–DC boost chopper and a three-phase voltage source inverter. The second and third configurations are the single-stage quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) and the split-source inverter (SSI). The performance of the presented topologies has been analyzed and compared in terms of topological requirements, modulation techniques, and control of output voltage, considering both ideal and parasitic cases. Moreover, the voltage and current stresses on the devices, passive elements, and efficiency are also addressed. Simulation and experimental testing were subsequently carried out to validate the analysis and evaluate the performance of the proposed topologies.

The toxicity of chemicals and drugs is a common crisis worldwide. Therefore, the search for protective compounds is growing. Natural compounds such as indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C) derived from cruciferous vegetables are preferred since they are safe for humans and the environment. This review focuses on I3C potential role in preventing and repairing damage caused by chemicals and drugs. Interestingly, I3C ameliorates hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ), diethylnitrosamine (DENA), alcohol, gold nanoparticles, and microbial toxins. Additionally, it inhibits carcinogenesis induced by different chemicals and prevents the deleterious effects of different antineoplastic drugs including cisplatin, doxorubicin (DOX), and trabectidin on normal tissues. Moreover, it reduces fetal malformation and protects against micronuclei formation and calstogenecity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in bone marrow cells. It also attenuates methotrexate (MTX)‐induced hepatotoxicity, mitigates neurotoxicity caused by thioacetamide and clonidine, and protects against aspirin side effects in gastric mucosa. Furthermore, its nanoparticles inhibit neuronal damage caused by glutamate and rotenone. Thus, I3C prevents the toxicities caused by chemicals in the surrounding environment as well as those of consumed drugs.

Statistical measurements for an optics model containing a five-level atom (5LA) and two quantum systems (2QS) are evaluated into two types of nonlinear Kerr-like media (NKLM). Two quantum systems represent the Boson and SU(1,1) systems. Suggest that the configuration of the 5LA and 2QS is $\mathfrak {X}$-type. The 5LA initial state is in excited state as well as the Boson and SU(1,1) quantum systems are in coherent and Barut-Girardello states, respectively. The nonlinear Kerr-like medium represents two different types for two quantum systems. Well-famous statistical measures such as population inversion, Shannon entropy, autocorrelation, coherence, and Cauchy-Schwarz inequality are evaluated and analyzed. The effectiveness of Kerr parameters in the proposed statistical measurements are discussed.

Prolonged air leak (PAL) is a well-known issue that frequently results in extended hospitalization following pulmonary lobectomy. There have been many suggestions for preventing air leaks, but no one method has yet achieved definitive success. The purpose of this research was to determine the efficacy of autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP) to treat PAL. This retrospective study was conducted on 60 patients aged ≥ 18 years, involving both sexes, with PAL after pulmonary lobectomy. Patients were categorized into two groups: group A received ABPP for PAL, and group B did not receive ABPP. Group A had a significantly lower invasive procedure rate than group B (P = 0.023). The incidence of reoperation was not significantly different between the two groups. Ten (33.33%) patients in group B required computed tomography (CT) scans to identify the residual air pockets, of whom six (20%) patients treated with bronchoscopy and CT-guided chest drain insertion in the residual air pocket. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of chest tube removal after surgery was 7.77 ± 1.52 days in group A and 9.53 ± 3.48 days in group B (P = 0.014). Group A had a significantly shorter hospital stay after surgery than group B (P < 0.05). In linear regression, the amount of blood used was an independent predictor of chest tube removal after surgery (P = 0.003), while age, smoking, global initiative for obstructive lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and the Charlson comorbidity index were not. ABPP is a prompt, safe, and successful method to treat post-lobectomy PAL, which shortens the time patients spend in the hospital and allows for the early removal of chest tubes.