Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Radioactivity of Stream Sediments of Wadi Abu Harba-North Eastern Desert, Egypt

Osama M. Draz — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Wadi Abu Harba is located in North Eastern desert. This wadi is surrounded by syenogrenites and alkali feldspar granite with some dyke swarms of acidic and basic composition. The heavy minerals represented by 1.098 % magnetite, 0.3136 % ilmenite, 0.1208 % leucoxene, 0.3732 % rutile, 0.2516 % zircon, 0.01684 % monazite, 0.118 % garnet and 0.1596 % titanite. Radiometric analysis revealed that the average equivalent uranium content (eU) is 1.64 ppm and the average equivalent thorium is (eTh) is 9.64 ppm. On the other hand, the analysis and identification of several separated mineral grains of some stream sediments samples using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of several economic minerals. These minerals include zircon, uranothorite,
thorianite, monazite, cerite, apatite, fluorite, garnet and hematite. The present study proved that zircon, uranothorite, thorianite and monazite are the main radioactive minerals responsible for the radioactivity of the studied stream sediments and may control the geochemical enrichment of elements such as Th, U, Zr, Y, and Nb.

Quercetin-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Histopathology in DEN-Driven Hepatic Cancer

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Hepatic cancer remains a clinical challenge, with oxidative stress contributing to tumor progression and tissue remodeling. We evaluated whether quercetin delivered via magnetite nanoparticles (Q-MNPs) can modulate hepatic redox balance and improve liver histology in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)–induced rat model. Methods: Male rats were allocated to (i) control, (ii) DEN-induced cancer, and (iii) DEN plus Q-MNP treatment. Quercetin was conjugated to magnetite nanoparticles to enhance bioavailability and cellular uptake. After a defined treatment period, hepatic tissue was assayed for lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) and antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase). Histopathological evaluation assessed tumor burden, fibrosis, inflammation, and biliary reaction. Data are presented as mean ± SEM; group comparisons employed appropriate statistical tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results: DEN exposure markedly increased hepatic MDA, indicating augmented lipid peroxidation and membrane damage. Q-MNPs significantly reduced MDA levels, reflecting attenuation of ROS-mediated lipid injury. Endogenous antioxidant defenses, notably SOD and catalase activities, were disrupted in cancer livers; Q-MNP treatment restored these activities toward control values, suggesting improved dismutation of superoxide and breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. Redox homeostasis shifted from a pro-oxidant to a more balanced state with Q-MNPs, potentially impacting cellular signaling, apoptosis, and the tumor
microenvironment. Histopathology revealed substantial DEN-induced nodular transformations and lobular disarray, which were mitigated by Q-MNPs, evidenced by fewer and smaller nodules and preserved architecture. Fibrosis and inflammatory infiltration were attenuated with Q-MNP treatment, implying reduced stellate cell activation and inflammatory cascades. A milder biliary ductular
response accompanied improved tissue integrity, aligning with reduced cholestatic-like changes. Conclusion: Q-MNPs modulate hepatic redox balance and ameliorate DEN-driven histopathology, supporting their potential as redox-modulating adjuvant therapy to complement conventional hepatic cancer management. Further studies are warranted to define dosing, safety, and translational relevance.

Current Science International

Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Radioactivity of Stream Sediments of Wadi Abu Harba-North Eastern Desert, Egypt

Quercetin-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Histopathology in DEN-Driven Hepatic Cancer