Future University in Egypt

Baicalin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, is the main bioactive flavone extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. It has received increasing interest due to its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and therapeutic benefits demonstrated in preclinical research. However, its molecular mechanisms and translational potential remain underdefined. This review systematically evaluates current evidence on baicalin, including its natural sources, chemical structure, biosynthesis, extraction techniques, pharmacokinetic features, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications, as well as developments in drug delivery platforms designed to overcome its biopharmaceutical limitations. This structured literature review was conducted using data extracted from various databases, including the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elsevier. All possible keywords relevant to baicalin were utilized. Recent original articles, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, clinical studies, and high-quality reviews were prioritized. Baicalin exerts its therapeutic effects through modulation of various signaling pathways, primarily involving oxidative stress and inflammation. It exhibits anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, metabolic, and dermatological effects and alleviates various system disorders and drug-induced toxicity. Despite promising preclinical data, clinical translation is hindered by its poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and insufficient clinical validation. Emerging nano-delivery systems, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and surface-modified nanoplatforms, have greatly improved the pharmacokinetic performance of baicalin. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of these approaches remains limited. While baicalin represents a promising multi-target therapeutic option, substantial research gaps remain. Future research should give priority to deeper mechanistic investigations, standardized formulation approaches, and well-designed clinical trials to bridge the gap between preclinical efficacy and clinical application, and to establish its optimal dosing, safety profile, and long-term efficacy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related death. Resveratrol (RES), despite its promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, suffers from poor solubility, low bioavailability, and limited tumor accumulation. Accordingly, eight RES-loaded bilosomes were prepared and characterized. Optimization was performed using a desirability study based on the observed colloidal properties. The selected formulation was radiolabeled with iodine-131 and assessed for radiolabeling efficiency and stability. In-vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated against HT- 29 and LS174T CRC cell lines. Biodistribution studies in tumor-bearing mice were also assessed. Bilosomes displayed PS (93.08 to 340.00 nm), negative charges (-27.50 to -51.80 mV), EE

Abstract Background Although statins confer cardioprotection via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, they are also known to reduce CoQ10 biosynthesis. In light of previous reports suggesting that geraniol, a natural monoterpene with pleiotropic cardioprotective effects, may intersect with the mevalonate pathway, we hypothesized that combining geraniol with CoQ10 could yield enhanced cardioprotective benefits. Using in silico analyses and a rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (30-min LAD occlusion followed by 120-min reperfusion with continuous ECG monitoring), we evaluated geraniol alone and with CoQ10. Male Wistar rats were allocated into five groups: sham, I/R, geraniol + I/R, CoQ10 + I/R, and geraniol + CoQ10 + I/R. Results Preconditioning with geraniol and/or CoQ10 significantly decreased infarct size relative to the area at risk, preserved myocardial histoarchitecture, and mitigated cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, LDH, cTn-I) and ST-segment elevation. Molecularly, treatments suppressed GSK-3β, a pivotal mediator of I/R injury, via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, while reinforcing antioxidant defenses (SOD, GSH) and reducing lipid peroxidation. They also inhibited inflammatory mediators (pSer536-NF-κB, TNF-α), neutrophilic infiltration (ICAM-1, MPO), curtailed caspase-3, and elevated Bcl-2, reflecting strong anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic actions. In silico docking also predicted the ability of geraniol and CoQ10 to interact with GSK-3β and NF-κB. Notably, the combination therapy conferred the greatest protection. Conclusion Overall, these findings identify geraniol and CoQ10, particularly in combination, as promising cardioprotective agents against I/R injury through modulation of Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling and associated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic pathways. Graphical abstract

A sustainable hydrogen economy critically depends on the development of efficient hydrogen storage materials; however, identifying high-performance candidates remains a major challenge. Magnesium-based hydrides, owing to their high gravimetric and volumetric capacities, are among the most promising systems for solid-state hydrogen storage. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) is employed to investigate the structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of AH12 (A = Mg-Ba) hydrides. Their thermodynamic, dynamical, and mechanical stability is confirmed through negative formation energies, stable phonon spectra, and compliance with Born stability criteria. Electronic structure analysis indicates conducting behavior, while elastic properties reveal mechanical stability, anisotropy, and ductility. Charge density analysis highlights mixed ionic-covalent interactions between A-H and H-H bonds. The calculated gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities are 33.47%, 23.36%, 12.15%, and 8.11%, with corresponding volumetric capacities of 336.05, 286.13, 229.00, and 183.81 g H2/L for Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, respectively. These values satisfy U.S. DOE targets, with desorption temperatures ranging from 654 to 253 K. Zero-point energy corrections further improve thermodynamic predictions. MgH12 exhibits the highest storage capacity, while BaH12 shows the lowest desorption temperature. Overall, these hydrides demonstrate strong potential for practical hydrogen storage in fuel cells and advanced energy systems.

Abstract Punching shear behavior usually governs the design of flooring of heavy storage facilities due to the stress concentration below the steel supports of the storage shelves. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study to investigate the effect of various parameters on the punching shear behavior of the reinforced concrete footings supported on sand soil. Nine square footings were designed, fabricated, and loaded to investigate the influence of the footing concrete compressive strength (34.50 MPa, 42.50 MPa and 61 MPa), column aspect ratio (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3), additional vertical reinforcement (8Ø6 and 8Ø8) and the relative eccentricity to the footing dimension (1:0.08 and 1:0.16). All footings were rested on the same type of soil of dense sand soil. During loading, both load and settlement were recorded at various positions, and load pressure were measured at the same LVDT locations. Strains in the footing’s main reinforcement, as well as in any additional reinforcement, were also monitored. All footing specimens failed due to punching. Footings punching shear strength is enhanced by 12% and 34% with the increase of concrete compressive strength to 42.5 MPa and 61 MPa, respectively. The bigger column aspect ratio enhanced the punching ultimate strength by 33% and 74% in case of 1:2 and 1:3, respectively. Also, addition of vertical reinforcement enhanced the ultimate punching capacity by 12% and 24% in case of using eight rebars with 6 mm and 8 mm in diameter. Increase of load eccentricity increased the ultimate load till the failure cone area extends reached the edges of the footing/soil interface. Modulus of subgrade reaction increased with the increase of all parameters under the center of each footing. Footing with big eccentricity achieved zero subgrade reaction at low-loaded side with increased values at high loaded side by 31%, 46% and 180%, 103% at edges and corners for footings with small and big eccentricity, respectively. The results demonstrate that current code provisions are conservative in predicting punching shear capacity, particularly for footings with large column aspect ratios more than 1:2. These findings provide useful insights for improving foundation design approaches, supporting safer and more economical design of reinforced concrete footings.