Digital Commons Network^™

Ole Miss Researcher Who Dives For Discovery Named Sigma Xi Fellow, Marisa C. Atkinson

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Scuba diving. Sponges. Coral reefs. Sigma Xi fellow. One thing ties them all to the University of Mississippi: Marc Slattery.

Gamma-Ray Knife And Application Features In Medicine, Yaqoob. M. Baqer, Ayad A. Al-Taweel

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) is a sophisticated procedure that delivers a concentrated dose of ionizing radiation to a pre-identified therapeutic target. A non-invasive radiation therapy intended to address numerous disorders impacting the brain and upper spine. The inaugural GKR facility was established by Leksell in 1951, during an era when intracranial surgical interventions resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. Initially intended for the management of functional problems, it was first employed to treat a patient with a craniopharyngioma and another with a pituitary adenoma. Initially, gamma radiation from radioactive cobalt sources was used instead of proton beams and linear accelerators. …

Comprehensive Review Of Facial Asymmetry: Etiology, Diagnosis, And Management Strategies, Hiba Ammar Yahya, Sara M. Al-Mashhadany

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

A certain degree of facial asymmetry is not only a normal biological variation but can also contribute positively to perceived beauty. However, delineating the precise boundary between ‘normal’ asymmetry and ‘abnormal’ asymmetry, the latter necessitating clinical intervention, remains a complex and subjective endeavor. Minor facial asymmetry is commonly observed even in individuals with aesthetically attractive faces, typically remaining indiscernible and thus not requiring any treatment. The determination of when ‘normal’ asymmetry transitions into ‘abnormal’ is frequently influenced by clinician’s aesthetic judgment and, critically, the patient’s perception of imbalance. The perceived abnormality of facial asymmetry is, therefore, highly dependent on individual …

Evolutions In European Family Law: Towards A Common Core?, Frédérique Ferrand

Journal of Civil Law Studies

This paper examines developments in European family law and considers whether a common core is gradually emerging. The first part is devoted to the European Union. Under the Treaties, substantive law on family matters, including the legal status of persons, falls within the competence of Member States. However, EU regulations govern jurisdiction and the recognition of court decisions and authentic instruments in several areas directly relevant for families and children in cross-border situations. Although these regulations do not directly deal with substantive family law, they can provide indirectly for a certain harmonization via uniform jurisdiction and recognition rules as well …

Genetic Basis Of Diabetic Retinopathy: Uncovering Molecular Links And Risk Factors—A Review Article, Ammar Kadhim Alzubaidi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Genetics play a major role in diabetic retinopathy DR, which is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although the factors such as how long a person has had diabetes and high blood sugar are important, the wide variation and progression of DR indicates to a clear genetic influence. Early studies focusing on a few candidate genes (such as VEGF) produced conflicting and population-dependent results. This confirmed the multifactorial nature of the disease and the limitations of small-scale studies. Conversely, genome wide association studies (GWAS) have provided more consistent findings in detection a new genes related to DR. For example, rs2239785 …

Relationship Between Hashimoto Thyroiditis And Some Immunogenic Markers, Amani Mahmood Tuama, Aliyaa Taresh Obaid

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder, affecting women 7–10 times more often than men, that develops because of genetic susceptibility, X chromosome inactivation patterns modulated by environmental factors as well as micro biome composition, and leads to an imbalance in self-tolerance mechanisms. The consequential thyroid infiltration by lymphocytes, potentiated by antibody-mediated autoimmune response through the antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO Abs), leads to a destruction of thyrocytes. The presence of TPO Abs is associated with a 2 to 4-fold increase in the risk of recurrent miscarriages and preterm birth in pregnant women. Aim: The aim of the study …

Wettability Assessment Of Room-Temperature Soft Liners Incorporated With Strontium Titanate Nanoparticles, Zakaria Azzam Alabed, Aseel Mohammed Al-Khafaji

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Soft denture liners are widely used in prosthodontics for their ability to cushion masticatory forces and enhance comfort in patients with compromised oral mucosa. However, conventional liners often exhibit limitations such as poor adhesion to the denture base, microbial colonization, and inadequate mechanical stability. Materials and Methods: Strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) nanoparticles were incorporated into a self-cured soft denture liner. Three equal groups of fifteen specimens were created, each of which contained 0%, 1%, and 1.5% SrTiO₃ by weight. All procedures were conducted under simulated intraoral temperature, following manufacturer guidelines. Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant differences …

The Effect Of VItex Agnus-Castus L. Medium On In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Rate, Nabaa Al-Nawab

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes offers a possible alternative to traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) for individuals susceptible to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The use of plant-derived bioactive composites as supplements in culture media has attracted attention for their potential to enhance oocyte developmental competence in the absence of synthetic hormones. This investigation aims to examine the effect of Vitex agnus-castus L. (VAC) aqueous extract on the in vitro maturation rate of murine oocytes. A total of 16 mature female mice were divided into two groups, 8 animals in each group. Immature oocytes were collected and cultivated for …

Detection Of Uropathogenic Bacteria In The Samples Of Iraqi Male Patients, Marwa M. Al-Attar

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Prostate disease is found in elderly persons, the prostate is a male reproduction organ. It is approximately the size of a plum that may be found near the bladder’s base. It is the primary cause of the three commonest diseases: prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PC). This study designed to identify the uropathogenic bacteria that caused prostate disorders in Iraqi male samples. A current study included 180 subjects from the Iraqi population, 135 patients were divided into three groups (prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis), according to signs, symptoms and diagnosis by the physician each group …

Regulation Of Insm1 Gene Expression And Neuroendocrine Differentiation In High-Risk Neuroblastoma, Chiachen Chen, Siyuan Cheng, Xiuping Yu, Yisheng Lee, Michael S. Lan

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Neuroblastoma (NB), a pediatric cancer of sympatho-adrenal (SA) lineage, is marked by disrupted differentiation and cellular heterogeneity. INSM1, a zinc-finger transcription factor, is highly expressed in NB and developing SA tissues, where it regulates neuroendocrine differentiation, especially in chromaffin cells. We investigated INSM1's role in maintaining an undifferentiated, progenitor-like state in NB and its regulation via metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms. Transcriptomic profiling, promoter assays, and metabolic flux analysis revealed that INSM1 expression correlates with methionine cycle activity, particularly the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio. Disruption of SAM/SAH balance altered INSM1 promoter activity and histone methylation, implicating epigenetic control in NB cell …

Legal Issues Arising From The Military Use Of Ai-Supported Biometrics, Marten Zwanenburg

International Law Studies

Biometrics is increasingly used by armed forces for a variety of purposes, such as access control, the registration of detainees, and increasingly also targeting. The capabilities of biometric systems are considerably strengthened when they are enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). This article analyzes legal questions that are raised by the military use of such AI-supported biometrics. It argues that relevant legal frameworks are International Humanitarian Law, international human rights law, and the right to privacy in particular, as well as data protection law. The article finds that arguably, IHL may require the use of (AI-supported) biometrics in certain situations if …

Mapping Sustainability To Cybernetic-Generative Artificial Intelligence-Based Education: An Innovative Neutrosophic Orbifold-Lattice Methodology, Mona Mohamed, Ahmed A. Metwaly

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The lightning-fast development of artificial intelligence (AI), notably generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) technologies, has intrigued multiple disciplines, particularly education. In this context, Large Language Models (LLMs) serve as beneficial cognitive resources that address knowledge deficits and provide tailored educational support for learners and staff. For learners, LLMs are regarded as knowledgeable educators who offer prompt, focused responses and rationales to tricky queries. Whereby LLMs for staff, Strength enhancer, automating tedious tasks, and creating intelligent resources.Gen AI’s rapid growth offers enormous obstacles for educational systems, compelling them to discover solutions for these obstacles.

Conceptually, cybernetics is leveraged for bridging the …

Discovery Of Small Molecules And A Druggable Groove That Regulate Dna Binding And Release Of The Ap-1 Transcription Factor Δfosb, Sean Mcneme, Yun Young Yim, Ashwani Kumar, Yi Li, Brandon Hughes, Corey Peyton St Romain, Galina Aglyamova, Jianping Chen, Nghi D Nguyen, Shanghua Fan, Gabriel S Stephens, Wen-Ning Zhao, Samantha Kruzshak, Molly Estill, Corrine Brener, Solange Tofani, Anil Kumar, Earnest P Chen, Nadeen Takatka, Alfred J Robison, Haiying Chen, Reid T Powell, Stephen J Haggarty, Clifford Stephan, Eric J Nestler, Jeannie Chin, Mischa Machius, Jia Zhou, Gabby Rudenko

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

ΔFOSB, a member of the AP-1 family of transcription factors, mediates long-term neuroadaptations underlying drug addiction, seizure-related cognitive decline, dyskinesias, and several other chronic conditions. AP-1 transcription factors are notoriously difficult to modulate pharmacologically due to the absence of well-defined binding pockets. Here, we identify a novel site on ΔFOSB, located outside the DNA-binding cleft, that accommodates small molecules. We show that sulfonic acid-containing compounds bind to this site via an induced-fit mechanism, reorienting side chains critical for DNA binding, and that they may hinder the ΔFOSB bZIP α-helix from binding to the major groove of DNA. In vivo, direct …

Biotechnologies And The Treaty Gap: Why Biological Weapons Governance Is Falling Behind; And Some Thoughts On How To Fix It, James Giordano

Strategic Insights

This commentary examines how rapid advances in biotechnology are outpacing the ability of existing international agreements, especially the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), to effectively govern emerging risks. Dr. Giordano explains that technologies such as synthetic biology, gene editing, and AI-assisted biological design are creating capabilities that blur the line between legitimate research and potential misuse, leaving enforcement and oversight systems outdated. These developments expose a “treaty gap” in which governance does not match technological reality, undermining global norms against biological weaponization. Strengthening international governance frameworks, improving transparency and verification mechanisms, and incorporating emerging science into treaty language will be essential …

Titin-Related Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Factors Associated With Disease Onset, Renee Johnson, Robert A Fletcher, Stacey Peters, Monique Ohanian, Magdalena Soka, Andrei Smolnikov, Katherine E Abihider, Michael J Ackerman, Flavie Ader, Mohammed M Akhtar, Ahmad S Amin, Euan A Ashley, John J Atherton, Rachel Austin, Annette F Baas, Richard D Bagnall, Samantha Barratt Ross, Jean-Louis Blouin, Emily E Brown, Henning Bundgaard, Douglas Cannie, Przemyslaw Chmielewski, Gemma Correnti, Maria Generosa Crespo-Leiro, Matteo Dal Ferro, Lisa M Dellefave-Castillo, Fernando Dominguez, Dennis Dooijes, Anne M Dybro, Youssef Ed Demri, Mohamed El Hachmi, Luis Escobar-Lopez, Sarah Jajesnica Foye, Maria Franaszczyk, Marta Gigli, Esther Gonzalez Lopez, Adeline Goudal, Sharon Graw, Michel Guipponi, Eric Haan, Jan Haas, Daniel J Hammersley, Frederikke G Hansen, Christopher S Hayward, Thomas Morris Hey, Stephane Heymans, Carolyn Y Ho, Arjan C Houweling, Jodie Ingles, Angela Ingrey, Andrew Jabbour, Paul A James, Joeri A Jansweijer, Jan D H Jongbloed, Anne M Keogh, Jose M Larrañaga-Moreira, Ronald H Lekanne Deprez, Ivan Macciocca, Peter S Macdonald, Nicolas Mansencal, Julia Mansour, Cristina Martinez-Veira, Barbara Mcdonough, Julie Mcgaughran, Kristen Medo, Marco Merlo, Ewa Michalak, Lorenzo Monserrat, Helen Mountain, Steven A Muller, Anne M Murphy, Brittney Murray, Emily C Oates, Elizabeth Ormondroyd, Nicholas Pachter, Alessia Paldino, Aurélien Palmyre, Naveen L Pereira, Kermshlise C Picard, Nicola Poplawski, Sanjay Prasad, Julie Proukhnitzky, Jean-Francois Pruny, Patricia Reant, Pascale Richard, Anne Ronan, Farbod Sedaghat-Hamedani, Christopher Semsarian, Garrett Storm, Sophie Stroeks, Petros Syrris, Matthew R G Taylor, Kate Thomson, Tina Thompson, J Peter Van Tintelen, Christoffer Rasmus Vissing, Kathryn E Waddell-Smith, Mathew Wallis, Dominica Zentner, Clare Arnott, Ali J Marian, Jaewon Oh, Siv Fokstuen, Cynthia A James, Roberto Barriales-Villa, Benjamin Meder, Karim Wahbi, John R Giudicessi, Victoria N Parikh, James S Ware, Nicolas Piriou, Caroline Rooryck, Neal K Lakdawala, Luisa Mestroni, Gianfranco Sinagra, Perry M Elliott, Hugh Watkins, Elizabeth M Mcnally, Philippe Charron, Karin Y Van Spaendonck-Zwarts, Pablo Garcia-Pavia, Maria Luisa Peña-Peña, Jens Mogensen, Alex Hoerby Christensen, Zofia T Bilińska, Torsten B Rasmussen, Jonathan G Seidman, Christine E Seidman, Anneline S J M Te Riele, Job A J Verdonschot, Yigal M Pinto, Imke Christiaans, Diane Fatkin

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Background and aims: Truncating variants in the TTN gene (TTNtv) are the most common genetic cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) but also occur as incidental findings in the general population. This study investigated factors associated with the clinical manifestation of TTNtv.

Methods: An international multicentre retrospective observational study was performed in families with TTNtv-related DCM. Shared frailty models were used to estimate associations of variant characteristics with lifetime risk of DCM, and logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for individual-level clinical risk factor profiles (cardiac conditions, cardiovascular comorbidities, lifestyle) and DCM.

Results: A total of 3158 subjects in 1043 …

Will Technology Help Us Understand Animals?, Frances I. Sacks

Capstones

New technologies allow scientists to study animal communication like never before. Advanced surveillance devices ornament forests and oceans, recording animals over great stretches of distance and time. Artificial intelligence can absorb these enormous datasets, sorting tangled abstractions into coherent patterns. With a sufficiently robust library of analyzed data, some researchers believe that large language models will soon learn to translate whale communication systems.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ky6mPFjc-lNJFVK8CHebUa5zCSFUoMgkCB560pqxwfo/edit?tab=t.0

Discovery Of 5‑Chlorotryptophan-Containing Antibiotics Through Metabologenomics-Assisted High-Throughput Screening, Chantal D Bader, Isao Masuda, Angela Nichols, Edward Kalkreuter, Dong Yang, Thomas Christian, Yuko Nakano, Ya-Ming Hou, Ben Shen

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Actinomycetota bacteria have specialized in the biosynthesis of antibacterial natural products (NPs), and extract and fraction libraries made from those strains remain a promising source of NP drug leads. Herein, we present a high-throughput screen (HTS), based on engineered Escherichia coli strains expressing the human (Trm5) or bacterial (TrmD) m¹G37 tRNA methyltransferase, to discover NPs as novel anti-Gram-negative antibiotic leads. To harness the evolution of NPs with in vivo activity, the cell-based phenotypic HTS was applied to the Actinomycetota extract and fraction library at the Natural Products Discovery Center (NPDC), the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical …

Multiple Sclerosis: An Ethnically Diverse Disease With Worldwide Equity Challenges Accessing Care, Victor M Rivera

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects approximately 2.9 million people in the world, exerting a significant economic and societal burden. The disease is increasingly identified among populations considered as uncommonly affected. MS is reported in all regions of the World Health Organization (WHO) member states in Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Pacific, affecting all ethnicities while exhibiting substantially variable prevalences. Countries with high MS prevalence and some with moderate frequencies generally have economically better structured healthcare systems. Nevertheless, health disparities in these countries are accentuated by suboptimal accessibility of care for their minorities, immigrants and …

Investigating Chronic Toxicity, Diet, Patient-Reported Outcomes And The Microbiome In Immunotherapy-Treated Metastatic Melanoma Survivors: A New Frontier, Margaux Robert, Satabdi Saha, Nazli Dizman, Michelle Rohlfs, Elizabeth Sirmans, Julie Simon, Rodabe N Amaria, Isabella C Glitza Oliva, Hussein A Tawbi, Michael A Davies, Alexandra Ikeguchi, Karen Basen-Engquist, Keri Schadler, Michael E Roth, Wenye Song, Xiaotao Zhang, Nadim J Ajami, Lorenzo Cohen, Jennifer A Wargo, Christine B Peterson, Jennifer L Mcquade, Carrie R Daniel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/Objectives: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have significantly improved outcomes in metastatic melanoma. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and persistent chronic toxicities (CTs) among this emerging survivor population likely influence different facets of quality of life. This study characterized CT, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), diet, physical activity and gut microbiome features in a cohort of long-term survivors with a history of ICB-treated metastatic melanoma.

Methods: Forty-eight patients with a history of metastatic melanoma who initiated ICB treatment at least 3 years earlier and were not currently on treatment were prospectively enrolled from a melanoma survivorship clinic. Participants completed screening …

Epcam Activates The Erk-Egr1 Signaling Axis And Promotes Tnf-Α-Induced The Progression Of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Chi-Chiu Lee, Yi-Jen Su, Sushree Shankar Panda, Chiung-Yi Chiu, Chung-Hsuan Wu, Tsai-Ming Lu, Pi-Chun Li, Yen-Lin Huang, Ruey-Long Hong, Shao-Hsi Hung, Cassian Yee, Stephen Y Lai, Han-Chung Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a pleotropic transmembrane glycoprotein comprising an extracellular domain (EpEX), a single transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain (EpICD). For several types of cancer, high EpCAM expression is associated with tumor progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and overall poor prognosis. A rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), has a mean survival time of only 3–6 months after diagnosis.

Methods: The levels of EpEX and EpICD cleavage in clinical patient samples was evaluated by using tissue microarray. Capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to explore the of shedding EpEX and …

Current Controversies On Adequate Circulating Vitamin D Levels In Ckd, Adriana S Dusso, Daniela J Porta, Carlos Bernal-Mizrachi

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has evolved dramatically over the past five decades, driven by discoveries that have fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the vitamin D endocrine system and its role in disease progression. This review synthesizes the key pathophysiological insights and clinical evidence underlying three critical paradigm shifts. The first shift moved beyond simple calcitriol replacement with the development of selective vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) designed to minimize hypercalcemia while maximizing PTH suppression. Crucially, these analogs revealed unexpected survival benefits, suggesting protective VDR actions extending beyond mineral metabolism. The second shift recognized the …

Acl Injuries In Major League Soccer: A 10-Year Analysis Of Injury Rate And Return To Play, And Performance Metrics By Player Position, Brian Forsythe, Catherine Hand, Camden Bohn, Francis Hand, Vahram Gamsarian, Daanish Khazi-Syed, Joshua Chang, Vikranth Mirle, Eric Giza, Robert Brophy, Danyal Nawabi, Bert Mandelbaum

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most debilitating injuries in professional soccer, often leading to extended recovery times and performance impacts. While much is known about ACL injury outcomes in European leagues, data specific to the Major League Soccer (MLS) remains limited.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to assess the return to play (RTP) times, RTP rates, and performance outcomes after ACL reconstruction in MLS athletes. It was hypothesized that RTP times would improve over the study period and that player performance would stabilize by the third post-injury season, consistent with findings from other professional soccer leagues.

STUDY …

Salicylic Acid Heterocyclic Derivatives: Chemical Synthesis And Biological Activity, Rawaa Hefdi Zaooli, Marwa Abdulameer Mseer, Amneen Mohammed Alsayegh

Al-Bahir

Before a drug can be widely used, it must go through a long development process, starting from the discovery of the active ingredient and continuing with tests to confirm its safety and effectiveness. In this study, new olsalazine derivatives were synthesized, containing a fused morpholine-3-one ring and two five-membered heterocyclic rings (thiadiazole and oxadiazole). Common and readily available materials, such as salicylic acid (to prepare 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzoic acid) and inexpensive catalysts, were used to synthesize compounds from the first, 5,5'-(diazene-1,2-diyl)bis(2-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzoic acid) (A1), to the seventh, 6,6'-(diazene-1,2-diyl)bis(N-(4-(5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazine-8-carboxamide) (A7).

Each compound was characterized by FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, along with physical properties such …

Structure-Based Repurposing Of Clinically Approved Compounds For Pde-5 Inhibition: Integrative Computational And Pharmacokinetic Evaluation, Albashir Tahir, Yasir Idris Saleh, Ibrahim Khaleel Muazu

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Background: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) regulates intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, modulating vascular smooth muscle tone. Sildenafil, a well-established PDE-5 inhibitor, is effective for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension but causes dose-dependent adverse effects. Identifying alternative scaffolds with comparable efficacy and improved safety remains a pharmacological priority.

Methods: A ligand-based virtual screening of the DrugBank database was performed using sildenafil as a reference. Compounds exhibiting ≥60% structural and electrostatic similarity were docked into the PDE-5 catalytic domain (PDB ID: 2h42) using Glide XP in the Schrödinger Suite. Top-scoring ligands were assessed for physicochemical, pharmacokinetic (ADMET), and toxicity parameters using SwissADME and …

Design And Mechanistic Investigation Of Novel Metallodrugs: From Structure-Activity Relationships To Selective Cancer Cell Targeting, Samad Khaksar, Nosrat Behzadi, Hasan Zakeri Zakeri, Peyman Salahshour, Sara Abdolmaleki

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

The relentless pursuit of alternatives to conventional platinum-based chemotherapeutics, hampered by severe side effects and drug resistance, defines a critical frontier in oncology drug discovery. This review consolidates and highlights the significance of our recent advances in designing novel metallodrugs based on pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate derivatives coordinated with various metal ions (Ga(III), Ce(IV), Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Sr(II)). Through systematic synthesis and evaluation, we establish how strategic structural modifications dictate cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and mechanistic pathways. Our comprehensive in vitro profiling across a panel of human cancer cell lines (including A431, SW480, BEL-7404) revealed potent anticancer activity, with IC50 values as low as …

Sphenocentrum Jollyanum: Pharmacological Insights Into A Neglected African Medicinal Plant, Albashir Tahir

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae) is a West African medicinal plant used traditionally for various ailments, including malaria, diabetes, and reproductive disorders. Despite its ethnobotanical significance, comprehensive scientific validation of its pharmacological properties remains limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant’s ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities, integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific insights to guide future research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, covering publications up to April 2025. Search terms included "Sphenocentrum jollyanum", "ethnobotanical use", "pharmacological effects", and related keywords. Relevant articles were screened, and …

Green Pharmaceutical Systems: Alpha-Tocopherol Encapsulation In Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Via Microwaves-Based Technique As Advanced Topical Drug Delivery Systems, Hayder Kadhim Drais, Mohammed A Albarki, Hayder Ridha-Salman, Ahmed Abbas Hussein, Ashraf Abbas Drais

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) is practically insoluble in water. It is important for skin health due to its many therapeutic actions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop, prepare, and evaluate nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)-based hydrogels as a topical dosage form to improve stability and therapeutic activity of vitamin E. The microwave-based method prepared five lavender oil-based NLCs (LN1–LN5) formulations that were assessed thermodynamically and entered into characterization processes. Hydrogels formulations based on NLCs (LNG1–LNG5) were prepared and evaluated. All of the lavender oil-based NLC formulations (LN1–LN5) had suitable surface charge, a …

Toward Somewhere Livable: Contemporary Filipino Fiction Against Primers Of Values, Edgar Calabia Samar

Kritika Kultura

This introduction to the Kritika Kultura special issue positions contemporary Filipino fiction as a counter-practice to state-driven moral discourses that flatten history, depoliticize crisis, and naturalize inequity. Reading against the NCCA’s Filipino Values for the Common Good, the essay argues that literary work in Filipino refuses the primer’s rhetoric of timeless virtues by foregrounding structural violence, decolonial epistemologies, and the uneven terrains of translation. Through close attention to the nine selected works written originally in Filipino— and to the English translations that accompany them—the introduction shows how fiction enacts a literacy of refusal that interrupts the coercive demands of state, …

Red Flag In The Pearl Of The Orient?: The Image Of China In The Philippine Periodical La Solidaridad (1889-1895), Lois Mauri Anne Liwanag, Tiffany Ritz Mendoza, Sophia Marie Enriquez, Vianca Jamyla Joven, Leslie Anne Liwanag, Michael Charleston "Xiao" Chua

Kritika Kultura

This paper attempts to deduce how certain articles in La Solidaridad that specifically discussed China present a general image of the said Celestial Empire. Its significance lies in the fact that it can provide further knowledge of how Filipino intellectuals of that time perceive the Philippines in relation to its neighbors in Asia as well as the dynamics of the region’s political situation. This article is also important due to its potential to provide a Filipino perception of China before it was altered by the Philippine-Chinese territorial conflict that emerged during the latter part of twentieth century. This paper has …

Towards A Trans-Ethnic Representation Of Survival: Illness And Medical Writing In The Rag Doll Plagues, Qianqian Xu, Baojie Li

Kritika Kultura

As a peculiar condition affecting the body or mind, illness is an inescapable aspect of human existence. While intimately connected to the body, it does not belong solely to the domain of natural science. Instead, illness is a phenomenon inherently embedded in power relations and cannot be understood without the influence of external factors such as politics, religion, ideology, and economics. In Alejandro Morales’s historical novel The Rag Doll Plagues, the diachronic histories of different geographic spaces intersect synchronically due to the pervasive presence of human disease. Morales invites readers to explore the interplay between illness— particularly epidemic and pandemic …