Al-Zahraa Journal for Health and Medical Sciences

To enhance the performance of phosphorene-based gas sensors made with aluminium-doped phosphorene. The study employed the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method for ground states to investigate the structural and electronic properties of toxic gases (CO, H2S, and NO) adsorbed on Al-doped phosphorene surface compared with pristine phosphorene. Then, the Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) method for excited states was used to study the UV-vis spectrum. The results demonstrated that the nitrogen monoxide adsorbed on pure phosphorene surface as a NO/P showed the strongest adsorption, reaching to -2.3 eV, while nitrogen monoxide adsorbed on Al-doped phosphorene surface as a NO/Al-P showed the weakest adsorption, reaching to +1 eV. Furthermore, the energy gap of the Al-doped phosphorene (Al-P) reduced to 1.66 eV, while that of pure phosphorene (P) reached to1.73 eV. Based on the calculated energy gap values, the highest sensitivity for nitrogen monoxide adsorbed on the aluminium-doped phosphorene (NO/Al-P) surface reached to 40%, which is 10 times greater than the sensitivity of the sensor for pristine phosphorene (NO/P) at 4%. UV-Vis spectroscopic characteristics observed that the spectrum shifts towards the infrared region, extending from 3200 to 9400 nm. Our study proposes a simple and effective strategy for producing high-performance phosphorene-based gas sensors for nitrogen monoxide detection.

This study investigated the relationship between excessive smart device use (smartphones, tablets) and subjective cognitive clarity, commonly referred to as "brain fog," among university students aged 18-30. Using a cross-sectional survey design (N=450), the smart device usage patterns, problematic use (modified Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale, MPPUS), brain fog (Brain Fog Scale, BFS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS) was assessed. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between excessive smart device use and BFS scores, signifying greater brain fog. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that smart device use was a significant predictor of higher BFS scores. this held even when controlling for sleep quality. stress levels and demographic variables. Mediation analyses showed that the connection between total daily smart device use and brain fog was partially explained by both sleep quality and problematic smart device use. To be specific problematic smart device use fully mediated the effect of total use on brain fog whereas sleep quality and stress demonstrated partial mediation. These findings suggest an intricate network of influences among smart device use sleep psychological well-being and subjective cognitive function. The results bring into focus the need for promoting responsible technology use and digital wellness strategies particularly in young adult populations.

The aim of this study is to inhibit the activity of efficient of Escherichia coli suspended in water using helium plasma jets operating at excitation frequency of 12 kHz of atmospheric pressure. These bacteria are widespread in the environment, especially in drinking water, and their pathogenic effects are extremely harmful. 50 mL drinking water contaminated with E. coli was exposed to plasma plume, the treatment time ranged as (5, 10, 15, 20 to 25) minutes. Reactive chemical species such as excited state molecules, ionic compounds and radicals produced in plasma with water detected using the method of photoemission spectroscopy. The bacterial count was reduced from 〖235×10〗^10 CFU⁄mL to 〖42×10〗^8 CFU⁄mL within 5 minutes. The number of bacteria observed a continuous decrease in every five minutes treatments until the number of bacteria per minute reaches 〖4×10〗^2 CFU⁄(mL after 25 minute). Moreover, the reduction in turbidity of the water sample containing E. coli bacteria is clear, as illustrated in two samples. Sample 1 goes from 1.87 NTU control to 0.09 NTU when the period of treatment is 25 minutes, and sample 2 goes from 2.70 NTU control to 0.9 NTU in the same treatment period. An SRE-APHPJ is a promising technique for sterilizing bacteria (E. coli) suspended in water.

A current study on the volatile oil and phenolic extract of Petroselinum sativum L. was conducted to evaluate the antifungal activity of the plant against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis, the phytochemical constituents were first examined by preparing an ether-alcoholic extract of the leaves. The antifungal activity of the phenolic extract and volatile oil was evaluated against fungi at different concentrations. At the lowest tested concentration 0.5 mg/mL, the volatile oil produced inhibition zones of 2.23 mm against M. canis and 1.12 mm against T. mentagrophytes . The phenolic extract showed stronger inhibitory effects. At 1 mg/mL, inhibition were 3.78 mm for M. canis and 1.99 mm for T. mentagrophytes. At 3 mg/mL resulted in inhibition were of 4.78 mm for M. canis and 6.56 mm for T. mentagrophytes, while at 8 mg/mL with the same values, suggesting a possible plateau effect at this level. The inhibition area of phenol was 2.12 mm against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 3.78 mm against Microsporum canis at 3 mg/mL .At 5 mg/mL, inhibition zones reached 4.98 mm for M. canis and 2.98 mm for T. mentagrophytes. The highest activities were observed at 10 and 12 mg/mL. At 10 mg/mL, inhibition zones measured 6.12 mm for M. canis and 5.34 mm for T. mentagrophytes, while at 12 mg/mL the inhibition zones increased further to 7.34 mm and 5.99 mm, respectively.

Background: Breast carcinoma, a malignant neoplasm originating from breast tissue, exhibits a remarkable pathological diversity that underscores its complexity. However, the pathological manifestations of this disease are multifaceted, encompassing various histological subtypes and molecular classifications. In 2018, over 2 million new cases of breast cancer were estimated to occur globally, accounting for nearly 12% of all new cancer cases. Circular RNAs (microRNAs) have recently gained attention as a novel class of non-coding RNAs with diverse gene regulatory functions among the various epigenetic regulators.
Subjects and methods: The study includes 100 women with age range 23 to 80 years old. They were divided into two groups: Group A included 48 women with newly diagnosis breast cancer. And group B include 52 women without breast cancer or any other cancers. Laboratory investigation included measurement of miR-21, CA 15-3, HbA1c, Lipid profile, liver function, renal function.
Results: The mean ± SD for women without breast cancer was 8.64 ± 2.17, while for women with breast cancer patients, it was 46.32 ± 11.28. The p-value was 0.000, indicating statistical significance. In conclusion, our study has proven an increase in micro RNA-21 with breast cancer compared to individuals without cancer. Micro RNA-21 used as a biochemical marker for breast cancer. CA 15-3, also increased with the presence of breast cancer.

Urolithiasis is a common urinary disorder frequently associated with recurrent stone formation and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This case–control study aimed to evaluate serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), osteopontin (OPN), and cadmium (Cd) in patients with urolithiasis and UTIs to explore their potential as biomarkers. A total of 160 participants were recruited: 58 with urolithiasis, 60 with UTIs, and 42 healthy controls. Serum CA19-9, TLR4, and OPN were measured using ELISA, while cadmium levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed significantly elevated CA19-9 in urolithiasis patients (8.92 ± 0.68) compared with UTIs (4.89 ± 0.43) and controls (4.36 ± 0.23). TLR4 was markedly higher in UTI patients (1.74 ± 0.15) than in urolithiasis (0.94 ± 0.21) and controls (0.88 ± 0.14), while OPN was highest in controls (1.34 ± 0.12) and lowest in urolithiasis (0.93 ± 0.12). Cadmium concentrations were significantly elevated in urolithiasis patients (2.04 ± 0.22) compared with controls (0.88 ± 0.12). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between TLR4 and cadmium and negative correlations of OPN with both inflammatory and toxic markers. These findings suggest that altered levels of CA19-9, TLR4, OPN, and cadmium may be associated with urolithiasis and UTIs. However, results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited sample size, single-center design, and potential confounding factors such as diet, smoking, and environmental exposure. Larger multicenter studies are recommended to validate these observations and clarify underlying mechanisms.

The biggest issue facing humanity today is environmental pollution, which is a long-standing phenomenon and one of the main environmental causes of disease and mortality. air, water, and soil pollution kinds, their sources and effects, and strategies for reducing pollution for a healthy and sustainable environment. AOPs reduce the amount of contaminants in the water by using strong chemical oxidants. Along with this purpose, these procedures can also eliminate odor, enhance the drinking water's flavor, and kill microorganisms (as a disinfectant). One of the non-photochemical AOPs techniques is the production of hydroxyl radicals without light via the Fenton reaction or ozonation. The photochemical AOPs methods produce reactive hydroxyl radicals by combining UV light with H2O2, O3, and/or Fe2+. When traditional O3 and H2O2 are unable to fully oxidize organic contaminants, the photochemical approach is employed; otherwise, the non-photochemical method is frequently employed. Nevertheless, the kind of contamination that needs to be eliminated determines which AOPs techniques are used.

Dermatophytosis is a dangerous infectious skin disorder that is impacting cats globally and is usually caused by Microsporum canis. The illness often manifests as asymptomatically in adult cats. Adults or kittens with impaired immune systems comprise the majority of cases with severe clinical signs. The illness may be prevalent in shelters or catteries, and inadequate hygiene is a risk factor. People who are easily impacted by skin conditions may develop similar conditions. Infectious arthrospores generated by dermatophytes have an environmental lifetime of around a year. They can be transferred by dust, clothes, brushes, and other external things, as well as by contact with healthy or ill cats. Utilizing commercially manufactured paper disks, antifungal medications (Ketoconazole KT, Bacitracin B, Miconazole MIC, Clotrimazole CC, Nystatin NS, and Amphotericin-B AP) were tested on blood agar. The results indicated that the best inhibition zone was found in Bacitracin B and Ketoconazole, while Amphotericin-B did not show any reaction.

This study is to assess the efficiency of organic fertilization using banana peels and biofertilization using Azospirillum spp. bacteria in enhancing sunflower plant performance in light of the growing need to create sustainable agricultural systems. The seeds were then sown in holes on 2024/3/3. The experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and a factorial layout. There were two components in the experiment: The first component is the concentrations of banana peel (0, 50, 75, and 100 g\kg). The second factor included Azospirillum fertilizer at concentrations (0 ,50,75,100 mL. L-1) , The studied traits Included The number of seeds in the disk ( seed disk-1), Weight of 100 seed (g), Biological yield (Mgha. L-1), the active compounds oleic acid and thymol. The results indicate a significant effect between the banana peel treatments and Azospirillum biofertilizer, with the (100 g/kg), and the (100 mL. L-1) treatment outperforming the others, yielding the highest average of number of seeds in the disk seed disk-1 were (1736.8 and 1813.25 seed disk-1) respectively, Weight of 100 seed (57.17 and 57.85 seed g), Biological yield ( 74.76 and 77.24 Mgha. L-1) , oleic acid (7.59 and 8.36 % ), thymol (7.46 and 9.45%).

In this study. new series of complexes containing a multi-substituted arylimidazole ligand, 4-methoxy-2-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenol, were prepared. The imidazole ligand (L) was prepared through a condensation reaction between a diketone (9,10-phenathroquinone), an aromatic aldehyde ( 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde ), and ammonium acetate, in the presence of glacial acetic acid as a catalyst and solvent . Metal complexes were then prepared by reacting this ligand with transition metal salts, including Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II), in appropriate solvent such as ethanol, under controlled temperature and stirring conditions to check the formation of stable complexes. The structures of the Imidazole ligands were determined by elemental analyses, IR, 1H-NMR and molar conductance measurements. It is observed that the synthesized complexes have tetragonal and octahedral geometrical structures. The imidazole ligand (L) and its derivations play important application for supramolecular assemblies due to they can also provide bidentate N-donor sites for chelating with metal ions to form bridge ligands. Antibacterial activity of the ligand and its metal complexes were tested against selected bacteria by disc diffusion method.