As the risk of lung cancer increases with increasing radon exposure, the preferred measure of this risk is the long-term average radon level. The assessment of the radiation risk in workplaces in Egypt is constrained by the lack of experimental data about the measurements of natural radioactivity emitted from some common building materials and radon concentration within the buildings. The natural radioactive Ra-226, Th-232 series, and K-40 were computed in (Bq/kg) by a pure hyperactive germanium detector based on gamma spectroscopy to determine the potential health risk from exposure to gamma radiation induced by commonly used construction materials in Egypt such as ceramics and granite materials. The spatial variations of radon concentrations within two buildings, in over 50 rooms, made from two different types of building materials were surveyed using nuclear detectors (CR-39) to assess radon concentration for two successive 6 months. To analyze the relationship through radon concentration and floor levels for the use of ceramic tile improved construction materials, tier average ratios respecting the ground floor as a reference-grade consideration were also computed. All the findings of this research were analyzed and contrasted with the traditional ceramic construction material and it was clear that the “ceramics tile construction building” is a hygienic workplace which may be attributed to the use of improved construction materials and radiation shielding.

Background: Diosgenin, a powerful compound found in fenugreek and Dioscorea villosa, has diverse pharmacological effects. This study examines the anticancer potential of diosgenin nanoparticles (Dio-NPs) against DMBA-induced breast cancer in mice in combination with tamoxifen. Methods: In the current investigation, characterization of Dio-NPs was performed, including their size, shape, zeta potential, UV-vis, and FT-IR spectra. Dio-NPs (120 mg/kg) and tamoxifen (2 mg/kg) were given to mice with DMBA-induced breast cancer, either alone or in combination, over 4 weeks. We measured inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, as well as gene expressions related to apoptosis, using ELISA and qRT-PCR. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the binding affinity of diosgenin with specific proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted on CDK4, AKT, and CDK6 proteins with diosgenin using GROMACS. The systems were solved, neutralized, and equilibrated under NVT and NPT ensembles. Simulations ran for 100 ns, and trajectories were analyzed for RMSD, RMSF, RG, SASA, and hydrogen bonds. Results: The IC₅₀ of Dio-NPs against MCF-7 cells was 47.96 ± 1.48 µg/mL. Dio-NPs had a zeta potential of −21.8 ± 0.6 mV and a size of 56.85 ± 3.19 nm and were uniform and spherical. The LD₅₀ of Dio-NPs was 2400 mg/kg. DMBA exposure increased WBCs, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and gene expression of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, and Akt, while reducing Hb%, RBCs, PLTs, GSH, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels. Dio-NPs and tamoxifen, both alone and combined, significantly reduced these effects. The combination treatment was more effective than individual treatments. Histological analyses supported these findings. Molecular docking showed diosgenin had a stronger binding affinity with the target proteins compared to tamoxifen. The simulations revealed that diosgenin effectively binds to CDK4, AKT, and CDK6, maintaining their stability and structural integrity. CDK4, AKT, and CDK6 showed consistent RMSD, RG, and SASA values, with moderate flexibility and stable hydrogen bonding patterns, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets. Conclusions: Combining diosgenin and tamoxifen effectively inhibits breast cancer progression in DMBA-treated mice. This is primarily due to the reduction in expression of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, and Akt proteins, which enhances the sensitivity of resistant breast cancer cells to tamoxifen.

Cement, the most widely used binding agent in concrete, is responsible for approximately 5% of global CO ₂ emissions, and cement-based materials are further limited by pronounced brittleness, porosity, and reduced tensile strength and fracture resistance. Over the past decade, this has driven interest in nanoparticle-modified cement, since nanomaterials refine the microstructure, densify the cement paste, and improve the mechanical and transport properties of cementitious composites; however, the high cost of many engineered nanomaterials has created demand for alternative, low-cost, and environmentally friendly substitutes. Eggshell, a calcium carbonate-rich biological waste generated in large volumes worldwide, has emerged as one such candidate: eggshell powder improves the mechanical performance of stabilized soils and bricks, and its incorporation as a partial cement or aggregate replacement in concrete and mortar affects compressive, flexural, and tensile strength depending on the replacement ratio and processing method. This review examines the physical and chemical properties of eggshell powder and the factors governing its contribution to the strength of construction materials. It evaluates recent work on nano-scale eggshell (nano-eggshell) as a further refinement of this approach, including its rheological and mechanical performance in cement mortar. The review further considers the use of eggshell-based composites in radiation shielding, where the same calcium carbonate content relevant to cementitious performance also contributes to gamma-ray attenuation. Through a critical comparative analysis of divergent findings across the literature and integration of the most recent studies (2024–2026), this review identifies the mechanistic basis - a competition between nucleation and dilution effects—that explains the apparently contradictory optimal replacement ratios reported in previous work. Collectively, the evidence indicates that eggshell powder and its nano-scale derivatives represent a viable, safe, and economical additive for sustainable construction and radiation-shielding applications.