Pharos University in Alexandria

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, pathological angiogenesis, and progressive joint destruction. Emerging evidence implicates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) as key modulators of RA pathogenesis through regulation of inflammatory signaling, vascular remodeling, and osteoclastogenesis. This study explored the mechanistic interplay between RAS and NRP-1 signaling in a rat model of RA induced by complete Freund's adjuvant. Experimental groups received valsartan (VAL), an angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT-1R) antagonist; ramipril (RAM), an ACE inhibitor or methotrexate (MTX), the standard anti-rheumatic agent. NRP-1 ligand-binding (VEGF-165/Sema3A) and dimerization-associated domain expression were evaluated via immunohistochemistry and western blot. Transcriptional expression of VEGF-165, Sema3A was quantified using qRT-PCR, while RhoA, p-ERK protein levels were assessed by ELISA. Systemic inflammatory mediators (anti-CCP, TNF-α, IL-1β) and the bone resorption marker RANKL were also determined. Histopathological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses with morphometric evaluation assessed joint integrity. Both VAL and RAM significantly modulated NRP-1 signaling, influencing ligand-receptor interactions, dimerization, and downstream mediators (RhoA, p-ERK). These effects were accompanied by reduced inflammatory activity and preservation of bone and cartilage structure, suggesting that RAS blockade may confer chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits via modulation of the NRP-1 axis. Collectively, the findings highlight a potential mechanistic cross-talk between RAS and NRP-1 pathways, offering a promising direction for future studies aimed at developing novel adjunctive strategies for RA management.

BackgroundThe rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) presents a significant clinical challenge, increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as a potential perioperative optimization strategy, but their impact on TJA outcomes remains debated. This systematic review was conducted to synthesize the evidence on the risks and benefits of GLP-1 RA use in adult patients undergoing primary TJA—specifically, total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).MethodsA systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to June 16, 2025, for studies comparing postoperative outcomes in adult patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and using GLP-1 RAs versus a control group. Data on study characteristics, patient demographics, and postoperative outcomes were extracted. Due to significant heterogeneity and overlap in data sources, a narrative synthesis rather than meta-analysis of the findings was conducted. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS).ResultsFifteen retrospective cohort studies involving an aggregate total of 318,143 patients (114,365 THA, 125,505 TKA, 78,273 TSA) were included, with 56,132 receiving GLP-1 RAs. In THA and TKA, GLP-1 RAs use was associated with a reduced risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (e.g., 1.6% vs. 2.9% at 2 years for THA) and lower 90-day readmission rates (e.g., 1.1% vs. 2.0% for TKA and 1.6% vs. 2.0% for THA). When analyzed by exposure timing, the reduced PJI risk was most consistent in studies that defined GLP-1 RA use in the immediate perioperative period. Reported mean length of stay (LOS) was generally similar or slightly shorter among GLP-1 RA users compared to controls. Multiple studies reported either a reduction or no significant difference in the risk of 90-day emergency department visits. The short-term revision rates and dislocations were infrequent and did not differ significantly between groups in most of the included studies. In the TSA, evidence was inconsistent, with reduced odds of 90-day surgical site infection (SSI) (OR 0.25) in one study; however, no clear trend was observed. Gastrointestinal side effects and conflicting systemic risks were noted across procedures.ConclusionCurrent observational data suggest that perioperative GLP-1 RA use in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty is not associated with a consistent increase in short-term revision rates and may be associated with a reduced risk of postoperative infection. Evidence regarding TSA remains inconclusive. However, given the retrospective nature of the evidence, substantial overlap in data sources, heterogeneity in exposure definitions, and short-term follow-up, these findings should be considered hypothesis-generating. Future prospective, randomized controlled trials with standardized exposure definitions and longer follow-up are required to confirm these associations and establish causality.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42836-026-00375-w.

Purpose In the age of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven service delivery, understanding how guests perceive and trust AI technologies has become essential for fostering loyalty in the hospitality industry. This study aims to examine how psychological factors (perceptions of competence and warmth) and social factors (perceived social presence and a social-oriented communication style) influence guests’ emotional satisfaction and trust in AI-enabled services, thereby affecting guest loyalty. Design/methodology/approach The proposed hypotheses and conceptual framework were rigorously tested and validated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Quantitative data were collected through a structured self-report survey administered to guests of Egyptian five-star hotels who had direct experience with AI-powered service technologies, ensuring relevance and contextual accuracy for the analysis. Findings The study results indicated that competence and warmth perceptions, perceived social presence and communication style affect emotional satisfaction and trust in AI. Emotional satisfaction and confidence in AI create guest loyalty, among which the trust of guests serves as a key mediator. Attachment anxiety significantly moderates the emotional satisfaction–guest loyalty relationship, enhancing the effect within individuals with higher attachment anxiety. Originality/value From the lens of the Computers as Social Actors theory, the current study advances our understanding of the emotional and cognitive mechanisms behind trust and loyalty in human–AI interactions, emphasizing the need for an individualized approach to AI service design with regard to individual-level variations, such as attachment anxiety.

The updated guidelines from the World Health Organization highlight that treatment options for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remain limited due to the scarcity of effective drugs. As a result, there is an urgent necessity to develop novel or repurposed drugs that demonstrate efficacy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. In this study, a new series of thiazole-pyridine hybrids were thoughtfully designed and synthesized to assess their potential as antitubercular agents. These compounds were specifically created to target enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA), a crucial enzyme in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The majority of the compounds evaluated demonstrated substantial antitubercular activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.5 to 3.9 μg mL-1 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Among them, compound 5a was the most effective, with an MIC of 0.5 μg mL-1. Further evaluations of compound 5a demonstrated its ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms and its strong inhibition of InhA, with an IC50 of 0.19 ± 0.008 μg ml-1, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to triclosan, which was employed as the reference drug. Molecular docking and dynamics analyses demonstrated that the pyridine ring and thiazole group are essential for binding affinity, and the pyridine-thiazole framework in compound 5a formed stable interactions within the active site of InhA.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Promoting early awareness and understanding of modifiable risk factors among young people is crucial for prevention. Yet, little is known about the level of awareness among university students in Egypt. This study aimed to evaluate university students’ knowledge of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their associated risk factors, with a focus on general awareness, scientific understanding, and behavioral responses related to cardiovascular health. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 300 university students using a pre-validated English questionnaire administered through Google forms. Participants were recruited from seven faculties at Pharos University. The questionnaire evaluated students’ knowledge of CVD risk factors and their overall awareness of cardiovascular conditions. The study revealed significantly higher knowledge scores among female participants (15.3 ± 2.6) compared to males (13.8 ± 4.0), (p = 0.007). The Faculty of Dentistry had the highest mean knowledge score (15.6 ± 3.1), with a significant decline in knowledge observed among students from applied sciences and engineering/arts (p = 0.04 and 0.002, respectively). While no significant differences were found between dentistry, pharmacy, or physical education students. Higher academic grades generally had better CVD knowledge compared to first-year students (12.6 ± 3.7), (p = 0.04). Furthermore, high awareness was noted in several areas, including the role of blood pressure control (87.6%), physical activity (85.1%), obesity (85.6%), smoking (90%), and aging (89.6%) in CVD risk. Moderate awareness was observed for family history (75.1%), blood sugar control (70.1%), and myocardial oxygen supply (70.6%). However, low awareness was noted regarding the role of HDL cholesterol (45.8%) and the effect of fatty foods on cholesterol (23.9%). Although university students showed a generally good awareness of major cardiovascular risk factors, notable knowledge gaps persisted—especially regarding dietary fats and cholesterol types. These results highlight the importance of implementing targeted educational programs to improve cardiovascular health awareness among young adults in Egypt.