The current study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Indigofera linnaei Ali and investigates their multifunctional therapeutic potential. The synthesized Indigofera linnaei Ali AgNPs (IL-AgNPs) were characterized by multiple techniques: UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed formation with a peak at 416 nm; FTIR elucidated phytochemicals responsible for reduction and stabilization. Morphological analysis via AFM and SEM revealed spherical to polymorphic structures, while EDX confirmed elemental silver. XRD analysis indicated a crystalline nature, and TGA showed thermal stability. Zeta potential (-28.5 mV) and DLS (90.1 nm) indicated good colloidal stability. The AgNPs exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including efficacy against Sclerotium rolfsii. Notably, they showed anticancer activity against HT-29 colon cancer cells (IC50: 32.69 mu g/mL), validated by flow cytometry. Anti-diabetic activity was demonstrated through inhibition of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and glucose uptake. Additionally, the nanoparticles stabilized HRBC membranes and inhibited protein denaturation, confirming anti-inflammatory properties. These findings highlight the therapeutic promise of I. linnaei-mediated AgNPs for biomedical applications.
AIM:This study investigated the impact of a structured undergraduate nursing research course on Saudi nursing students' attitudes toward nursing research. METHODOLOGY:A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used to assess the influence of a 14-week nursing research course at a public Saudi university. Attitudes were measured with a validated questionnaire administered to 62 students before and after the course. A paired t-test was used to evaluate the difference in students' attitudes toward nursing research. RESULTS:Students' attitudes toward nursing research increased significantly after the course (M = 69.58, SD = 9.91) compared to pre-course levels (M = 66.28, SD = 8.43); t(55) = -2.49, p = 0.01). Notable gains occurred in attitudes toward research skills (p = 0.01) and the use of research in clinical practice (p = 0.007). However, there were no statistically significant differences in personal interest in research or in its perceived usefulness. Male students with lower GPAs demonstrated the largest positive attitude shifts. CONCLUSION:The research course chiefly enhanced attitudes toward research skills and clinical application, without raising interest or perceived usefulness of nursing research among undergraduate nursing students. Educators should use diverse teaching methods to promote students' interest in and appreciation of nursing research.
Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, has emerged as a crucial player in acute kidney injury (AKI); yet its involvement in diclofenac (DIC)-induced nephrotoxicity remains poorly understood. Alogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV inhibitor, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, its potential to counteract ferroptosis-driven renal damage has not been fully explored. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the role of ferroptosis in diclofenac-induced kidney injury and evaluate the potential renoprotective effect of alogliptin, along with revealing the underlying mechanism(s). Rats were randomly allocated into four groups that were treated with saline or alogliptin ( ± DIC) for 14 successive days. DIC administration resulted in significant kidney damage, as evidenced by remarkable rise in serum creatinine, urea, and renal content of kidney injury molecule-1, alongside notable histopathological changes. Alogliptin pretreatment markedly attenuated these alterations, restoring renal function and histoarchitecture. Furthermore, alogliptin offset DIC-triggered ferroptosis, as indicated by reduced renal iron content and ACSL4 levels, along with upregulation of ferritin, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Moreover, it alleviated renal lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde), apoptosis (heightened caspase-3 and diminished Bcl-2 expression), oxidative stress (downregulated glutathione, superoxide dismutase), and inflammation (elevated IL-6 and TNF-α expressions) in a dose-dependent manner. The current study uncovers a novel renoprotective role for alogliptin in mitigating DIC-induced renal injury, potentially mediated by stimulating AKT/Nrf2/SCL7A11/GPX4 signaling axis, with subsequent dampening of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis, besides its well-known, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions. Finally, these findings provide compelling evidence for repurposing alogliptin in combating DIC-triggered kidney damage.
Abstract Objective: Early marginal bone loss (MBL) influences the prognosis of dental implants. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of early MBL and its relationship with keratinized tissue width (KTW), bleeding on probing (BoP), and other clinical parameters to determine its prognostic significance. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted on 50 single dental implants placed in partially edentulous patients at Riyadh Elm University. Standardized intraoral periapical radiographs were obtained immediately after implant placement (T0) and 3 months later, before prosthetic loading (T1). Measurements of mesial and distal MBL were performed using Digimizer software (v6.4.0). Clinical parameters, such as KTW and BoP, were recorded, and the prognosis was classified as good, fair, poor, or hopeless. Paired t tests and Pearson’s correlation tests were applied with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: A significant difference in MBL was observed between T0 and T1 on both the mesial (−0.886 ± 0.944 mm, t = −6.632, df = 49, P < 0.001) and distal (−0.825 ± 0.923 mm, t = −6.315, df = 49, P < 0.001) surfaces. The mean and standard deviation values of KTW were 4.10 ± 1.09 mm, ranging from 2 to 6 mm. The prognosis distribution was as follows: good (2%), fair (74%), poor (22%), and hopeless (2%). The prognosis score showed a significant correlation with KTW and BoP. Conclusion: Significant early MBL occurred within 3 months of implant placement, representing physiological bone remodeling. Early MBL, KTW, and BoP may serve as early clinical markers. Regular radiographic monitoring during the healing period is essential for ensuring long-term stability.
Head and neck radiotherapy (RT) may induce persistent alterations in periodontal tissues, salivary gland function, and dental integrity, thereby contributing to progressive oral disease in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. However, comprehensive longitudinal evidence integrating periodontal, salivary, and dental outcomes remains limited. To evaluate longitudinal changes in periodontal health, salivary function, dental outcomes, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) during the first year following RT. This prospective multicenter cohort study included 98 patients with HNC receiving external-beam RT. Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index, unstimulated salivary flow rate, xerostomia severity, radiation-associated caries, and OHRQoL were assessed at baseline, end of RT, and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. Longitudinal analyses were performed using mixed-effects regression models. Eighty-eight participants completed the 12-month follow-up. Mean CAL increased from 2.30 to 3.02 mm (p < 0.001), while PPD, BOP, and gingival index values also increased significantly over time. Mean unstimulated salivary flow rate decreased from 0.36 to 0.15 mL/min (p < 0.001), accompanied by worsening xerostomia severity. Radiation-associated caries developed in 76.1
