Journals
2025 EN
Abdelhamid Hani Nasser · Ibrahim Mervat · Yahia Mohamed
ABSTRACT This investigation reported the utilization of a composite polymer of intrinsic microporous (PIM‐1) with leaf‐like zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF‐L) as electroactive materials for supercapacitors. Furthermore, ZIF‐L@PIM‐1 was utilized as the precursor for synthesizing ZnO@nitrogen‐doped carbon materials. The synthesis process involved carbonization at temperatures ranging from 400°C to 700°C. The materials were used to prepare anode and cathode electrodes, utilizing nickel foam (NF) as an electron collector. The electrochemical investigations, employing cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge curves (GCDC), revealed the high performance of the produced materials as electrode materials in both negative and positive modes. The study's findings indicate that the negative and positive electrodes exhibited specific capacitances of 240 and 272.4 F/g, respectively, at a current density of 0.5 A/g. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using Nyquist plots facilitated the analysis of the impact of ZIF‐L on the conductivity of PIM‐1. This investigation revealed that incorporating ZIF‐L led to a notable enhancement in the electrochemical capacitance of PIM‐1.
Journals
2025 EN
Tuna Sibel · Kizil Demet · Şen İbrahim
+1 more
ABSTRACT In the present study, polylactic acid films containing olive leaves with different particle sizes and different additive ratios were characterized in terms of structural, thermal, mechanical, and antioxidant properties. XRD and SEM analyses showed that PLA films with olive leaf powder generally have an amorphous structure, whereas films with low filler ratios and fine particles exhibit higher crystallinity. Not so surprisingly, neither filler amount nor mixing time are making a big difference in the crystallinity or morphology of the surface. In the context of DSC analysis, a maximum variation of 2°C in the glass transition temperature was observed. A comparable trend shift was observed between the T g (glass transition temperature for DMA) values in the DMA analysis and the T g (glass transition temperature for DSC) values in the DSC analysis. However, the change in the DMA analysis was more definitive. Antioxidant activity of the films was observed to increase with decreasing particle size of olive leaves added to polylactic acid and increasing additive ratio. Adding olive leaf powder to PLA and then looking at the effects on these aspects as mechanical, thermal, morphological, and antioxidant properties contributed to the evaluation of PLA as a potential additive for producing biodegradable polymers.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Maria
ABSTRACT This paper explores the psychoanalytic distinction between hysteria and melancholia as mechanisms of trauma processing and their implications for socio‐political dynamics. Through an examination of Freud and Klein, with reference to Lacan, Deleuze and Sartre, this study proposes a regression‐oscillation hypothesis, arguing that subjects move in a fluid manner between hysterical externalization (conversion, reactionary symptoms, public outcry) and melancholic internalization (introjection, self‐reproach, political stagnation). By engaging with Freud's case of Dora the article demonstrates how identification patterns shape the structure of symptom formation, suggesting that hysteria and melancholia function as pre‐structured modes of engagement with loss and crisis. Deleuze and Guattari's critique of psychoanalysis provides a framework for understanding these responses as tracings rather than mappings (seemingly dynamic yet ultimately repeating pre‐scripted trajectories). This perspective is then applied to collective historical and political movements more broadly, examining how cycles of revolutionary upheaval and melancholic resignation often fail to produce genuine transformation, instead producing the very structures they seek to dismantle. Ultimately, the discussion raises a fundamental question: to what extent are both individual and collective responses to “trauma” governed by a pre‐ordained script, and what possibilities remain unarticulated—not because they are repressed, but because they have been erased before they could even be conceptualized?
Journals
2025 EN
Khaled Nesma · Ibrahim Nehal · Youssef Fadia S.
+1 more
Abstract The seasonal variation in essential oil from four Tabebuia species, T. impetiginosa , T. rosea , T. argentea , and T. guayacan , was explored using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 90 components were tentatively identified. Among the four Tabebuia species, the most predominant components in spring were phytol (67.5%), limonene (50.1%), ( Z , Z , Z )‐7,10,13‐hexadecatrienal (67.5%), and 1‐octen‐3‐ol (80.4%), respectively. Chemometric discrimination of the four Tabebuia species was performed employing principal component analysis, which classified the samples into three main clusters while the rest of the samples were scattered in the whole plot. The season of collection impact on essential oils composition and yield was illustrated. 5‐Lipooxygenase inhibitory effect of spring season essential oils was assessed, showing that all essential oils exhibited certain inhibition, where T. rosea showed the most potent effect, exhibiting an IC 50 value of 1.8 μg/mL, compared to the standard zileuton (0.68 μg/mL). Moreover, an in silico molecular docking study was performed for the predominant metabolites against the 5‐LOX active pocket. Among all the docked compounds, eicosane showed the best fitting score, then norphytane, with ∆ G of −38.39 and −29.77 kcal/mol, respectively. Thus, Tabebuia species could offer a natural and relatively safe anti‐inflammatory candidate that requires further clinical trials to be supported.
Journals
2025 EN
Elkady Hazem · Elgammal Walid E. · Khalifa Mohamed M.
+7 more
ABSTRACT A series of thiadiazole‐based derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their potential as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors and anticancer agents. Among them, compound 7b demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, with an IC 50 value of 6.13 µM, surpassing that of the reference drug sorafenib (IC 50 : 7.26 µM). Compound 7b also exhibited potent VEGFR‐2 inhibition with an IC 50 of 40.65 nM, outperforming sorafenib (IC 50 : 53.32 nM). Further investigation into the mechanism of action revealed that compound 7b induced significant changes in the cell‐cycle distribution of MCF‐7 cells, causing G1 arrest and delaying progression through the G2/M phase. Apoptosis analysis demonstrated that compound 7b primarily induced late apoptosis (55.90%) and necrosis (21.81%), with only 22.26% of cells remaining viable. Treatment with 7b increased the expression of the proapoptotic gene BAX (4.19 ± 0.34‐fold) and suppressed the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl‐2 (0.38 ± 0.02‐fold), resulting in a dramatic increase in the BAX/Bcl‐2 ratio (11.03 ± 1.66‐fold). Additionally, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 levels were elevated by 2.99 ± 0.22‐fold and 4.13 ± 0.11‐fold, respectively, confirming activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. In conclusion, compound 7b is a potent VEGFR‐2 inhibitor with promising anticancer activity, demonstrating cytotoxicity, inhibition of cell migration, and induction of apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells. These results suggest that compound 7b has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment, warranting further in vivo and mechanistic studies.
Journals
2025 EN
KurtCelep Inci · Ahmed Shakeel · Cetiz Mehmet Veysi
+6 more
ABSTRACT The study aimed to explore the chemical composition and assess the wide‐ranging biological effects of Cachrys cristata extracts, including ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water (70%), and water. We evaluated the bioactive potential of these extracts by different chemical techniques such as radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelation assays. Additionally, we conducted enzyme inhibition assays to target cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase, elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. In the profile analysis, we determined that the main components are phenolic acids, mainly caffeic acid with the highest concentrations. The water extract of the plant showed the highest concentration of phytochemicals and superior antioxidant activity. In addition, the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed the greatest level of inhibition of most of the evaluated enzymes. On the other hand, its potential protective effects against UV‐induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation were investigated. Different extracts of the plant were evaluated in terms of their effects on DNA damage, cellular viability, ECM enzymes, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). COMET analysis showed that DNA breaks and genotoxicity caused by UV rays were significantly suppressed, especially by the water extract. Furthermore, network pharmacology analyses, in conjunction with in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, demonstrated robust ligand–protein interactions and furnished insights into the underlying mechanisms, thereby substantiating the plant's therapeutic potential. Overall, our research highlights the significant potential of C. cristata as a valuable reservoir of bioactive chemicals that can be utilized in the health and wellness industries.
Journals
2025 EN
Hamouda Alaa O. · Sarg Nadin H. · Ibrahim Sara I.
+3 more
ABSTRACT Polyphyllin VII (PP7), a natural saponin derived from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla (family: Melanthiaceae), possesses a unique steroidal furostane structure that contributes to its versatile pharmacological profile. It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for treating pain, insect bites, and bleeding. PP7's unique pharmacophoric features and optimal lipophilic–hydrophilic balance underlie its diverse anticancer therapeutic actions, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy activation, alongside metastasis and angiogenesis inhibition. PP7 has gained attention for its potent bioactivity in breast cancer and other pathological conditions. In breast cancer, PP7 demonstrates remarkable efficacy, addressing not only tumor growth but also associated complications such as inflammation and osteoporosis. Additionally, PP7 exhibits synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin, bortezomib, and gefitinib, enhancing cancer cell apoptosis and mitigating drug resistance. Beyond its anticancer properties, PP7 also displays broad pharmacological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial effects. Thus, PP7 holds significant potential for therapeutic application across breast cancer patients with comorbidities. However, further research is necessary to clarify its specific role in breast cancer subtypes, ensure its safety in clinical applications, and optimize its broad‐scale biosynthesis. This review highlights the structure‐driven mechanisms underlying PP7 actions and its therapeutic potential as a standalone agent or adjunct in breast cancer therapy.
Journals
2025 EN
Seif Hussein K. · Mandour Dalia · Ibrahim Islam A. A. E.H.
+2 more
ABSTRACT Retinopathy is a serious complication of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of nebivolol and/or tadalafil on insulin resistance‐induced retinopathy. Insulin resistance was induced in rats using a dietary model of a high‐fructose, high‐fat, high‐salt diet (HFrFSD). Five groups were used in the current study: standard chow diet (SCD), HFrFSD, nebivolol, tadalafil, and their half doses combination. At the end of the experiment, markers of obesity and metabolic changes were measured; moreover, changes in retinal oxidative stress, vascular reactivity, apoptosis, fibrosis, and angiogenesis markers. Histopathological changes were also recorded. Feeding rats with HFrFSD induced obesity, insulin resistance, and retinal tissue distortions, which were associated with increased retinal oxidative stress, vasculopathy, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Both nebivolol and tadalafil did not cause significant changes in the markers of obesity, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, while they significantly reduced retinal tissue histopathological and molecular changes. Interestingly, the half‐dose combination of nebivolol and tadalafil significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance compared with the HFrFSD group without affecting obesity markers and lipid metabolism and showed higher protective effects against retinopathy compared with the full dose individual treatments. In conclusion, nebivolol and tadalafil synergistically ameliorate insulin resistance‐induced retinopathy in rats.
Journals
2025 EN
Kaya Seçil · Cebeci Caner · Hançer Hande
+5 more
ABSTRACT Thermally crosslinked polyacrylic acid (PAA)‐polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous (NFC) membranes were developed via electrospinning for potential wound dressing applications with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Silver and copper complexes (AgSK and CuSK) of a phenylboronic acid‐functionalized 4,5‐diazafluorene ligand (SK) were synthesized, characterized, and incorporated into the membranes. SEM imaging revealed uniform, bead‐free nanofibers with an average diameter of 725.35 ± 173.79 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of compounds through characteristic C═N stretching bands at 1620–1630 cm −1 . DPPH assay showed that SK, AgSK, and CuSK exhibited antioxidant activities of 54.6 ± 2.5%, 88.4 ± 3.5%, and 79.6 ± 3.4% at 90 min, respectively. Incorporation into the nanofibers did not significantly alter antioxidant performance. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans . AgSK showed the strongest inhibition, with MIC values of 62.5, 31.25, and 125 µg/mL, respectively. AgSK‐loaded membranes (AgSK‐NFC) demonstrate antimicrobial activity with > 98% reduction in all tested strains. Biocompatibility tests with L929 fibroblasts showed improved cell viability upon membrane incorporation. The membranes also exhibited high swelling capacity, good water resistance, and sustained release over 7 days. With this study, for the first time, the use of 4,5‐diazafluorene and its metal complexes in nanofibrous membranes has been demonstrated. Thus, an interdisciplinary approach combining materials science and coordination chemistry is established, broadening the scope for future developments in nanofiber‐based technologies.
Journals
2025 EN
Elgammal Walid E. · Elkady Hazem · Mahdy Hazem A.
+7 more
ABSTRACT This study reports the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐based derivatives as dual B‐Raf and VEGFR‐2 kinase inhibitors with potential anticancer activity. Among the synthesized compounds, 7b emerged as the most potent candidate, exhibiting strong cytotoxicity against the MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 9.66 and 15.83 µM, respectively), with minimal toxicity toward normal WI‐38 and WISH cells, reflected by favorable selectivity indices. Compound 7b , featuring a unique structural assembly of a 2,3‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole core, a para ‐methoxyphenyl group, and a sulfonamide‐linked methylpiperidine moiety, exhibited superior dual‐inhibitory activity. It showed IC₅₀ values of 0.75 µM for B‐Raf and 58.13 nM for VEGFR‐2. Flow cytometry and gene expression analysis revealed that 7b induces G1‐phase cell‐cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis through the upregulation of BAX, caspases‐8/9, and downregulation of Bcl‐2. Compound 7b also inhibited cell migration in wound‐healing assays. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that para ‐substituted electron‐donating groups enhanced cytotoxic potency. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stable binding of 7b to the kinase active sites, supported by favorable Glide scores (–25.47 kcal/mol for VEGFR‐2 and –31.64 kcal/mol) and MM‐GBSA (molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation) binding energies. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further validated the compound's electronic stability and reactivity. These integrated findings suggest that compound 7b is a promising lead for further development as a selective dual kinase inhibitor for breast cancer therapy.