SAID SHEHATA

The growing dietary supplement (DS) market continues to face concerns regarding product quality and regulatory oversight. In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a sweeping reorganization to consolidate and modernize its food-related divisions under the Human Foods Program. As part of this effort, the Office of Dietary Supplement Program has been integrated into a newly established Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation, underscoring the urgent need for improved analytical capabilities and sustainable quality control frameworks. In this context, we developed and validated a sustainable and green micellar-enhanced synchronous spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of trans-Resveratrol (RES), a bioactive polyphenol widely used in DS formulations. The method employs micellar enhancement using Triton X-100 (TX-100) to amplify the native fluorescence of RES without requiring chemical derivatization or photodegradation, offering a greener alternative to conventional chromatographic techniques. The method showed excellent sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.78 ng/mL and linearity over 10–170 ng/mL. Sustainability was systematically assessed through multi-dimensional tools confirming the method's minimal environmental impact. A novel sustainability framework was introduced in this work via alignment with Circular Analytical Chemistry (CAC) goals, marking the first application of this emerging concept in analytical method evaluation. These results reinforce the method's suitability for deployment in modern quality control laboratories aligned with the FDA's regulatory modernization goals. This study not only introduces RES as a model compound for micellar-enhanced fluorimetry but also demonstrates the potential of spectrofluorimetry as a sustainable, regulatory-aligned platform for the evolving landscape of DS quality assessment.

By the end of 2024, the largest reorganization in the modern history of the U.S. FDA took effect. This overhaul included the establishment of the Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation (OFCSDSI), underscoring the growing need for stringent oversight of the dietary supplement (DS) industry. Phenethylamines stimulants are on regulatory monitoring lists, yet they remain available in the DS market. With this reshaping of the regulatory framework of DS, there is an increasing demand for specific and sensitive analytical methods to monitor and control such dietary ingredients. This study introduces chemometrics as a pivotal tool in the enhanced regulatory oversight of DS. Advanced spectrophotometric techniques, coupled with chemometric models, were employed for the simultaneous quantitation of 2-Phenethylamine, caffeine, p-Hordenine, and p-Synephrine in complex slimming supplement formulations. Three multivariate models—Partial Least Squares-1 (PLS-1), Genetic Algorithm-Partial Least Squares (GA-PLS), and Genetic Algorithm-Artificial Neural Networks (GA-ANN)—were evaluated. Notably, the GA-based models (GA-ANN) outperformed PLS-1 in resolving spectral overlap without preliminary separation steps, even in the presence of formulation additives. These findings demonstrate the potential of chemometrics as viable eco-friendly alternative for chromatography in routine quality control of DS under the FDA’s new regulatory paradigm.

Over the past centuries, Aloe species have been traditionally used in managements of infectious ailments. However, no scientific investigation has been conducted into their mechanistic actions behind their antimicrobial activities. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-virulence activities of Aloe marlothii A. Berger (AM) and Aloe striata Haw (AS) leaves and roots against Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on biofilm, pyocyanin and motility assays. Besides, the metabolic profiling of their different organs was evaluated via HPLC–MS/MS analysis. A molecular docking study of marker compounds into a LasR target was conducted to gain an insight into the bioactive metabolites involved into mechanism of action.

Power networks are being transformed by the incorporation of renewable energy sources (RES), such as photovoltaic systems and wind turbines, which also promote sustainability and lower carbon emissions. However, the widespread use of inverter-based RES threatens power quality and grid stability, with harmonic distortion being a key issue. System performance is compromised by harmonic distortion, elevating the risk of resonance and overheating equipment and increasing power losses. In this study, the Stochastic Fractal Search (SFS) algorithm is used to develop Harmonic Blocking Filters (HBF), an optimized passive power filter for reducing harmonic distortion and minimizing the system active power losses (PLOSS) in electric distribution systems. Two multi-objective optimization algorithms: Multi-Objective Artificial Hummingbird (MOAHA) and Multi-Objective Atomic Orbital Search (MOAOS) efficiently determine the ideal HBF design to maximize the system’s Harmonic-Constrained Hosting Capacity (HCHC) and minimize PLOSS to support RES while minimizing voltage and current total demand distortion (THDV and TDDI). Three test systems (TS) are used to validate the HBF’s superiority in mitigating the harmonics, minimizing PLOSS, and maximizing HCHC. In TS1, the SFS-optimized HBF decreases THDV by 78% and TDDI by 90% while maintaining PLOSS almost the same as compared to the previously obtained results in the literature. In TS2, the SFS-optimized HBF decreases THDV by 16.2%, TDDI by 99.96%, and PLOSS by 27.6% compared to the uncompensated case with no filter connected. In TS3, the SFS-optimized HBF decreases THDV by 45.71%, TDDI by 99.96%, and PLOSS by 33.26% compared to the uncompensated case. For the HCHC enhancement application, MOAOS has proven superior to MOAHA and the MOAOS-optimized HBF increases the system’s HCHC by 4.18% and in TS3, this value is increased by 16.4% compared to the literature.

Phytochemical characterization, and biological assessment of the neuroprotective activities of Achillea santolina L. methanolic extract (AS), its methylene chloride fraction (MF), butanol fraction (BF) and their isolated compounds were investigated. Twenty-two compounds were identified and quantified in AS using HPLC. Luteolin and kaempferol were isolated from MF. Isovitexin and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside were isolated from BF. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was determined by employing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory assays. Neuroprotective activities of AS, MF and BF were investigated against monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced neurotoxicity in rats. Brain damage amended significantly as indicated by the decreased lactate dehydrogenase and tumor necrosis factor. Brain oxidative status was restored as indicated by increased glutathione and decreased lipid peroxidation. AS, MF and BF markedly attenuated histopathological alterations in cerebral cortex and downregulated expression of COX-2, IL-1B, IL-10 genes. The affinity of the isolated compounds for Human Heme Oxygenase-1, 5-LOX, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein and COX-2 was studied. Molecular dynamics simulation and ADME study proved that isovitexin has stable conformations and binding patterns with the active sites of the studied enzymes. For the first time, the neuroprotective potential of AS, fractions and isolated compounds was determined supported by anti-inflammatory study.

Climate change has a substantial impact on the quality and diversity of insect pests, which may have adverse ecological and economic effects. The family Chrysomelidae represents one of the most economically and ecologically important groups within Coleoptera, with species acting as agricultural pests and contributing substantially to biodiversity in arid regions. Based on bioclimatic, topographic, and vegetation data, the current and future distributions of 4 chrysomelids (Caryedon acaciae (Gyllenhal, 1833), Chaetocnema pulla Chapuis, 1879, Phyllotreta cheiranthi Weise, 1903, and Spermophagus sericeus (Geoffroy, 1785)) in Saudi Arabia were predicted using MaxEnt modeling for 2050 under 2 Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), SSP126 (low emission) and SSP585 (high emission) scenarios. The leaf beetle models showed strong performance, with average area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.86 to 0.96 and average TSS values ranging from 0.52 to 0.65. Five predictors were chosen for each species from 21 environmental variables. The results show that the key ecological factors that influence species distributions varied, with vegetation being the most influential. According to habitat suitability maps, in the future, such distribution will be severely altered, mostly by climate change. More precisely, C. acaciae will face minor range shifts, while C. pulla, P. cheiranthi, and S. sericeus will expand their ranges substantially, especially in the Eastern Province. Our results confirm the importance of implementing adaptive pest-management strategies to address the potential range expansions of various agricultural pests, which could intensify local ecological challenges and pose a heightened threat to agricultural systems.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency associated with substantial morbidity, hospital length of stay (LOS), and healthcare cost. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Bologna guidelines provide evidence-informed recommendations for managing adhesive SBO, promoting timely surgical intervention (or non-operative management (NOM) when ischaemia, strangulation, or peritonitis are absent). However, guideline adoption and its impact on outcomes remain under studied. Compliance with the Bologna guidelines was evaluated to determine the impact of compliance on outcomes.SnapSBO, a prospective, multicentre, time-bound, observational cohort study, captured data on patients with adhesive SBO across diverse healthcare settings and patient populations. Patient care was categorized into: successful NOM, surgery after an unsuccessful appropriate trial of NOM (NOM-T), and direct to surgery (DTS). Compliance with diagnostic, therapeutic, and postoperative Bologna guideline recommendations was assessed as either complete or partial. Primary outcomes included adherence to the Bologna guidelines, LOS, complications, and the incidence of the composite metric ‘optimal outcomes’ (LOS ≤5 days, discharge without complications, and no readmission within 30 days).Among 982 patients with adhesive SBO, successful NOM occurred in 561 (57.1%), 224 (22.8%) underwent NOM-T, and 197 (20.1%) proceeded DTS. The mean(s.d.) LOS was 5.3(9.0), 12.9(11.4), and 7.7(8.0) days respectively (P < 0.001). Optimal outcomes were achieved in 61.0%, 16.1%, and 37.6% respectively (P < 0.001) and full guideline compliance was observed in 17.2%, 10.1%, and 0.4% respectively.Patients with adhesive SBO whose care was aligned with the Bologna guidelines had a shorter LOS and a greater incidence of optimal outcomes. Addressing evidence-to-practice gaps through implementation strategies that consider contextual factors will enhance guideline adoption and patient outcomes.Small bowel obstruction happens when the intestine becomes blocked, often due to scar tissue from previous surgery. It is a common reason people are admitted to hospitals for emergency surgery worldwide. Doctors have created clear guidelines (expert advice) on how best to treat this condition to improve patient outcomes. This study looked at whether doctors follow these guidelines and how it affects patient results. Researchers found that hospitals frequently struggle to fully follow the guidelines because they lack necessary resources or due to differences in medical practices. Improving how closely doctors follow these guidelines could help patients recover faster and experience fewer complications.

Elevated pipelines systems are commonly supported by flexible steel frames at regular intervals. During operation, these systems can be subjected to sources of harmonic excitations. In order to control the vibration response for such systems, designers may target a threshold minimum fundamental natural frequency for the system. Within this context, the study first shows that, within the ranges of straight pipelines geometries commonly used in the oil and gas industry, the fluid mass and stiffness of the intermediate flexible supports significantly impact the fundamental natural frequency of the system, while fluid velocity within the practical range of the oil and gas industry, temperature differential between the installation and operating temperatures, and pipe self-weight are less important or negligible. The study further extends the analysis to nonstraight piping systems with L-Shape and S-Shape configurations. In conclusion, design formulas are proposed to estimate the required lateral and transverse stiffnesses for the supporting systems to attain a specified fundamental natural frequency for straight and curved pipelines. Natural frequency comparisons with finite element solutions show the validity of the proposed design formulas.

Rapid digitalization of health care and a dearth of digital health education for medical students and junior physicians worldwide means there is an imperative for more training in this dynamic and evolving field.To develop an evidence-informed, consensus-guided, adaptable digital health competencies framework for the design and development of digital health curricula in medical institutions globally.A core group was assembled to oversee the development of the Digital Health Competencies in Medical Education (DECODE) framework. First, an initial list was created based on findings from a scoping review and expert consultations. A multidisciplinary and geographically diverse panel of 211 experts from 79 countries and territories was convened for a 2-round, modified Delphi survey conducted between December 2022 and July 2023, with an a priori consensus level of 70%. The framework structure, wordings, and learning outcomes with marginal percentage of agreement were discussed and determined in a consensus meeting organized on September 8, 2023, and subsequent postmeeting qualitative feedback. In total, 211 experts participated in round 1, 149 participated in round 2, 12 participated in the consensus meeting, and 58 participated in postmeeting feedback.The DECODE framework uses 3 main terminologies: domain, competency, and learning outcome. Competencies were grouped into 4 domains: professionalism in digital health, patient and population digital health, health information systems, and health data science. Each competency is accompanied by a set of learning outcomes that are either mandatory or discretionary. The final framework comprises 4 domains, 19 competencies, and 33 mandatory and 145 discretionary learning outcomes, with descriptions for each domain and competency. Six highlighted areas of considerations for medical educators are the variations in nomenclature, the distinctiveness of digital health, the concept of digital health literacy, curriculum space and implementation, the inclusion of discretionary learning outcomes, and socioeconomic inequities in digital health education.This evidence-informed and consensus-guided framework will play an important role in enabling medical institutions to better prepare future physicians for the ongoing digital transformation in health care. Medical schools are encouraged to adopt and adapt this framework to align with their needs, resources, and circumstances.

This study comprehensively analyzes the primary metabolites of sweet potato peels and pulps from four cultivars and assesses the impact of four different processing methods on pulp metabolome using a multiplex metabolomics approach of GC–MS and NIR. A total of 69 metabolites were identified. Beauregard cv. showed the highest sugar content (387.85 mg/g), whereas Sahrawy cv. was higher in alcohols (24.63 mg/g) and organic acids (2.98 mg/g). The chemometric analysis identified key markers that distinguished each cv. represented by its pulp, peel, and processed pulp. KEGG enrichment analysis pinpointed key metabolic pathways leading to the metabolic discrepancy of the specimens. Sugars were the most altered class by processing as manifested by a 5 to 11-fold increase, notably in the air-fried pulp. Air-frying also increased alcohol and organic acid contents. NIR analysis revealed that air-frying was the preferred method of processing, preserving the majority of pulp's metabolites, including β-carotene and phenolics.