A facile and fast microwave irradiation (MWI) method has been developed to prepare a wide variety of pure metallic and bimetallic alloy nanoparticles with controlled size and shape. The important advantage of microwave dielectric heating over convective heating is that the reactants can be added at room temperature (or slightly higher temperatures) without the need for high-temperature injection. The method allows the passivation of the nanocrystals by using a mixture of olyel amine and oleic acid as a solvent, a reducing agent, and a capping material. We investigate the controlled synthesis of nanoalloys among the nanocrystals of Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Cu, and Ni by studying the changes in the structural and optical properties of the resulting nanoalloys with respect to the individual metals. Using the same method, we also report the synthesis of selected nanoalloys supported on ceria nanoparticles as nanocatalysts for CO oxidation. The catalytic activities for CO oxidation are presented and discussed. High activity and thermal stability have been observed for the nanoalloys according to the order CuPd > CuRh > AuPd > AuRh > PtRh > PdRh > AuPt. The method could be applied for the synthesis of multimetallic nanoalloys with novel properties resulting from the different metallic properties coupled together in a single nanoalloy.

■ AbstractDiabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia due to lack of or resistance to insulin. Patients with diabetes are frequently afflicted with ischemic vascular disease and impaired wound healing. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is known to accelerate atherosclerotic processes, endothelial cell dysfunction, glycosylation of extracellular matrix proteins, and vascular denervation. Herbal medicines and naturally occurring substances may positively affect diabetes management, and could thus be utilized as costeffective means of supporting treatment in developing countries. Natural treatments have been used in these countries for a long time to treat diabetes. The present review analyses the features of aberrant angiogenesis, abnormalities in growth factors, oxidative stress, and metabolic derangements relevant to diabetes, and how herbal substances and their active chemical constituents may counteract these events. Evidence for possible biochemical effectiveness and limitations of herbal medicines are given, as well as details regarding the role of cytokines and nitric oxide.

BackgroundSub-clinical hypothyroid dysfunction, a relatively understudied disorder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has significant clinical implications if not properly monitored. Also from KSA, more than 50% of the population suffer from hypovitaminosis D (<50 nmol/l). In this cross-sectional case-control study, we described the differences and associations in the metabolic patterns of adult Saudis with and without hypothyroid dysfunction in relation to their vitamin D status, PTH, calcium and lipid profile.MethodsA total of 94 consenting adult Saudis [52 controls (without subclinical hypothyroidism), 42 cases (previously diagnosed subjects)] were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics were obtained and fasting blood samples were taken for ascertaining lipid and thyroid profile, as well as measuring PTH, 25(OH) vitamin D and calcium.ResultsCases had a significantly higher body mass index than the controls (p < 0.001). Circulating triglycerides was also significantly higher in cases than the controls (p = 0.001). A significant positive association between HDL-cholesterol and PTH (R = 0.56; p = 0.001), as well as a negative and modestly significant negative association between LDL-cholesterol and PTH (R = - 20.0; p = 0.04) were observed. FT3 was inversely associated with circulating 25 (OH) vitamin D (R = -0.25; p = 0.01).ConclusionsPatients with hypothyroid dysfunction possess several cardiometabolic risk factors that include obesity and dyslipidemia. The association between PTH and cholesterol levels as well as the inverse association between vitamin D status and FT3 needs to be reassessed prospectively on a larger scale to confirm these findings.

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes in the AL-Baha region was 355 per 100,000 population, which is one of the highest reported prevalences in this age group. Hyperglycemic symptoms were the most encountered symptoms at the onset of the presentation of T1DM and this may help in early detection of diabetic symptoms by patients and physicians to avoid the more severe types of presentation.

Background: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are often referred for physical therapy (PT) to help improve their quality of life. However, to our knowledge there is no clear PT pathway to guide therapists and patients before, during, and after HSCT. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was carried out exploring the role and benefits of PT in HSCT patients. The current evidence was comlimented with recommendations and opinions from the experts in the field, which included PT's and hematology consultants from PTAGVHD and the EMBMT group. Result: A clear pathway and protocol as a working guide for rehabilitation professionals working with the HSCT patient's was developed. Conclusion: This paper not only reviews the current evidence on safe PT practice but also puts forward a protocol and pathway for HSCT rehabilitation, highlights the importance of individualized exercise intervention for HSCT patients, and outlines safe practice guidelines for the physical therapists working in this field.