The objective of the current study was to assess the hepatoprotective properties of nano-phytosomes (CRV-PNPs) loaded with carvacrol (CRV) in response to lead (Pb)- triggered liver injury. Male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups: Control, CRV, CRV-PNPs, Pb, Pb/CRV, and Pb/CRV-PNPs. Pb intoxication led to considerable blood profile disruption; in addition, it lowered serum total protein and its fractions. Pb also provoked an oxidative stress cascade, indicated by reductions in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels, coinciding with a marked increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Pb also increased the inflammatory mediators (NF-kappa B, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, NLRP3). Compared to crude CRV, CRV-PNPs provided significantly better protection against Pb-induced hepatotoxicity by restoring hematological indices and liver function, correcting dyslipidemia, and attenuating histopathological alterations. This protective efficacy was associated with improved antioxidant enzyme activity, diminished oxidative damage, and reduced inflammatory response by downregulating key mediators. Molecular docking revealed that CRV has a strong affinity for antioxidant and inflammatory proteins. The CRV-PNPs exhibited a better protective effect against Pb-induced hepatic damage than crude CRV, which might be attributed to improved stability, solubility, and bioavailability, as well as multiple protective mechanisms.
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.
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
BACKGROUND:Comprehensive continuous assessment and effective pain management for pediatric pain are important. PURPOSE:To assess the differences between oncology and non-oncology nurse knowledge and attitudes toward pediatric pain. METHOD:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three public hospitals and included nurses who provided oncology and/or non-oncology care in pediatric departments. The sample included 207 nurses. RESULTS:More than half of nurses (n = 142, 68.6%) had not attended any workshop related to pediatric pain management. Both oncology and non-oncology nurses exhibited low mean of knowledge and attitude toward pediatric pain assessment and management, however, oncology nurses scored significantly higher (t = 12.13, p < .001). Among oncology nurses, higher PNKAS scores were associated with younger age (ꞵ = -0.575, p = .003), longer nursing experience (ꞵ = 0.642, p = .016), having children (ꞵ = 0.402, p = .010), and reliance on child status (ꞵ = 0.206, p = .044) and parent verbalization (ꞵ = 0.236, p = .027). CONCLUSION:Targeted educational interventions, particularly for non-oncology nurses focusing on child-centric assessment and supported by mentorship and clear clinical policies, are essential to bridge this knowledge-attitude gap and improve pediatric pain outcomes. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE:This study underscores the critical need to implement standardized, mandatory pain management education for all pediatric nurses, with a focus on training in non-verbal pain assessment techniques. Findings emphasize that all nurses need to apply culturally sensitive approaches to overcome sociocultural barriers to effective pain relief.
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.
