Background/Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanistic hepatoprotective efficacy of selenium (SE) and chitosan-coated selenium nanoparticles (CS-SENPs) using a rat model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: CS-SENP was prepared and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Male albino rats (n = 40) were divided into four groups: control, LPS, SE, and CS-SENP. SE and CS-SENPs (5 mg/kg orally for 14 days) were given before LPS injection. Tissue architecture was assessed using histopathological analysis. HSP-47 and STEAP-3 protein expression levels were measured using ELISA, and oxidative stress markers were quantitatively evaluated. The expression of HO-1, TLR-4, STAT-3, TRAF-6, and IL-17A was measured using immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, HSP-90 expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence labeling. Results: CS-SENP characterization revealed uniform (PDI = 0.125 ± 0.04) nanoparticle size (108.54 ± 2.24 nm), with high zeta potential (+63.92 ± 6.287 mV), attributed to the CS layer, which was confirmed by FTIR and TEM as an electron-lucent halo enveloping the individual SENP cores. CS-SENPs significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and restored glutathione (GSH) more effectively than SE. CS-SENPs improved redox (upregulated HO-1) and iron balance (downregulated STEAP-3), and also increased the anti-inflammatory effect (suppressed TLR-4, IL-17A, TRAF-6, and STAT-3). CS-SENPs showed superior antifibrotic efficacy (suppresses stress proteins, HSP-47 and HSP-90). Rats treated with CS-SENPs had nearly normal liver structure. Conclusions: The results concluded that CS-SENPs had superior and multi-targeted hepatoprotection against LPS-induced liver damage.

Background: Histology is a foundational discipline in medical education that connects basic biomedical sciences with clinical practice. However, its perceived relevance may diminish as students progress academically, especially when integration with clinical teaching is limited. This study aimed to assess medical students’ perceptions of histology’s value, teaching quality, and clinical integration at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University across different academic levels. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2025 among 235 undergraduate medical students. A validated, self-administered questionnaire measured students’ perceptions of histology’s importance, teaching effectiveness, clinical relevance, curricular integration, and overall satisfaction. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation. Results: Most students rated histology as important or very important (73.6%) and acknowledged its contribution to understanding disease mechanisms (88.5%). Satisfaction was strongly associated with perceived applicability, visualization, and integration. Lectures and laboratory sessions were rated as effective or very effective by 75.7% and 76.2% of students, respectively. Additionally, 80.9% supported stronger clinical integration, and 83% preferred the inclusion of clinical examples. Perceptions varied across academic stages, with preclinical students expressing more favorable views. Regression analysis identified teaching quality and integration with clinical content as significant predictors of positive perceptions. Conclusions: Histology continues to be a valued component of medical education when delivered through effective teaching and clinically relevant integration. Strengthening instructional design and embedding clinical context throughout the curriculum may enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and sustain the relevance of histology across all stages of medical training.

The link between ABO/Rh blood groups and COVID-19 severity remains a topic of debate. We aimed to investigate the role ABO/Rh blood groups, rs8176746 and rs495828 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in COVID-19 severity among COVID-19 patients in Mansoura City, Egypt. A total of 306 Egyptian patients were included in this cross-sectional study. They were grouped into 86 cases with non-severe infection and 220 with severe infection according to clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings. ABO/Rh blood groups were confirmed. A TaqMan real-time PCR SNP genotyping assay was used to examine the allelic discrimination of rs8176746 and rs495828 SNPs. Older age, male gender, and the presence of comorbidities were associated with severe COVID-19. AB blood group was significantly associated with a protective effect against severe COVID-19 (p = 0.029) in the unadjusted analysis. There was no statistically significant association between Rh type and disease severity. GT genotype was significantly associated with a higher frequency of AB blood groups in both rs8176746 and rs495828 (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant association between the studied SNPs and COVID-19 severity. After adjusting for age, gender, and the presence of comorbidities, the protective effect of the AB blood group with severe COVID-19 did not remain significant. No association was observed between Rh type rs8176746 and rs495828 SNPs and COVID-19 severity. The impact of ABO/Rh blood types and related SNPs on COVID-19 severity can vary by the ethnic group and population being studied. This diversity emphasizes the need for specialized research approaches to better understand the demographic, clinical, and genetic factors that lead to variations in COVID-19 outcomes among various groups.

Aging is a complex and multifaceted process characterized by a gradual deterioration of cells and tissue functions. Histological markers such as cellular senescence, fibrosis, and reduced regenerative capacity are key features of aging. Senescent cells accumulation in different tissues is a feature of this senescence, which is linked to chronic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Fibrosis, marked by increasing deposition of extracellular matrix, occurs in aging organs like the liver, heart, and lungs, impairing their function. Aging also declines the regeneration of the tissue, primarily as a result of the depletion of tissue-resident stem cells. This study highlights the histological changes associated with aging, offering insights into how aging influences cellular mechanisms and predisposes individuals to age-related diseases that are related to age, like cardiovascular lesions, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. Understanding these indicators could guide the development of therapeutic approaches to reduce age-related tissue degeneration.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is linked to high mortality rates, especially in developing countries. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted across three central hospitals in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia, King Salman Specialist Hospital, Hail General Hospital, and King Khalid Hospital, to assess the knowledge and adherence of intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare practitioners to the ventilator bundle (VB) for VAP prevention. It also looked at the practitioners’ perceived barriers to effective VB deployment. The study (n = 86) revealed significant disparities in VAP prevention knowledge across educational levels regarding the recommended degree of head-of-bed (HOB) elevation (p < 0.001), the use of endotracheal tubes with extra lumens for subglottic drainage (p < 0.001), and the protective effects of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic oral rinse (p = 0.019). Professional experience significantly influenced knowledge of non-standard VB components (p < 0.001), the recommended frequency of awakening and spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) (p < 0.001), and knowledge of extra-lumen tubes (p = 0.038) and kinetic beds vs. standard beds (p = 0.005). Significant differences were found between professional categories regarding knowledge of hand hygiene performance (p = 0.032), the correct degree of HOB elevation (p = 0.007), and patient positioning (semi-recumbent vs. supine) (p = 0.023). Years of experience significantly impacted reported compliance with institutional VB (p = 0.013), adherence to oral care protocols (p = 0.035), and the assessment of sedation depth (p = 0.002). While basic measures like HOB elevation practice and DVT prophylaxis showed universal reported compliance (100%), significant performance gaps were identified in more complex tasks, such as interrupting continuous sedative infusions and performing SBTs as recommended (p < 0.001), particularly among novice practitioners. The primary implementation barrier preventing full compliance with the VB was identified as educational deficit, which was prioritized as the most important area for quality improvement, highlighting the need for targeted training for newly hired ICU staff.