Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences最新文献

Endophytic fungi’s application in biological wastewater treatment is a cost, clean, and eco-friendly. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of three Aspergillus species in the mycoremediation of industrial (I) and agricultural (A) wastewater. These species were Aspergillus flavipes, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus isolated from the bark of a medicinal plant (A0cacia saligna). Aspergillus species were subculture on potato dextrose broth at 28 °C for 7 days on a rotatory shaker at 180 rpm until fungal pellets were formed. Before and after treatment with fungi, all wastewater samples were examined for pH, TDS, salinity, EC, COD, BOD, TP, TN, and turbidity. According to the results, Aspergillus flavipes has a good removal efficiency of total phosphorus, removing 78% of it from sample (I) after 25 days, and turbidity removing 91% after 20 days in (A) sample. Aspergillus niger has a high chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 99% and 99.8% in (I and A) samples after the 15^th and 10^th day, respectively, in addition to total nitrogen removal efficiency of 99% in (A) sample after the 25^th day; and turbidity removal efficiency of 99.7% in the same sample. Also, Aspergillus flavus recorded high removal of biological oxygen demand by 76% and 66% in (I and A) samples after the 10^th day of each, respectively; total nitrogen by 69% after the 10^th day in (I) sample; total phosphorus by 23% after 10^th day in (A) sample; electrical conductivity by 10.7% after 10^th day in (I) sample; and total dissolved salts by 1.3% after 5^th day in (I) sample. The results explained that Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were the most efficient in the removal of chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand which represented indicators of pollution in wastewater. The obtained results will be useful for optimal management of agricultural and industrial wastewater.

The WHO and CDC recently declared monkeypox virus (MPXV) a zoonotic disease known as monkeypox (Mpox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. According to the CDC, no treatment is specifically approved for Mpox infections. Medicinal plants are crucial in healthcare and economic development, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. This review offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis and the management of Mpox through therapeutic approaches and vaccination strategies using plant-based molecules. Core structural proteins necessary for both viral entry and the immune response, including A29, H3L, and L1R, are involved in the pathogenesis of MPXV. Potential targets for vaccines include proteins like A35R and B6R, which are essential to the propagation of viruses. The MPXV evades the immune system by concealing its DNA, suppressing the interferon response, limiting T and NK cell activation, and preventing apoptosis, complicating vaccine and treatment development. Antivirals (tecovirimat, brincidofovir) and vaccinations (JYNNEOS, ACAM2000) manage Mpox. A recent study revealed early clinical trial results, indicating that the antiviral drug tecovirimat, a well-known conventional treatment, is no more effective than a placebo against the clade I virus type Research gaps, low vaccination effectiveness, and availability are challenges. This review offers a novel perspective on combating the global threat of Mpox by investigating alternative management strategies centered on plant-derived compounds.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Recent progress in parasite genomics has is enabled for greater understanding of genetic structure of parasites, including the species of Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma. Cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing, has enabled the discovery of essential genes linked to the metabolic pathways, drug resistance, and life cycle adaptations. Advancements in the field of genomics have enabled the deep understanding of biological processes and evolutionary adaptations of parasites.

Results

Investigating the genomes in various parasite strains has enhanced our understanding of their evolutionary adaptations, enhancing our capacity to predict epidemics and develop therapies that effectively act against various parasitic strains. Synthetic biology has also proposed novel treatment approaches, including the gene therapies and bioengineered microbes, that shows potential in fighting or inhibiting parasite illnesses. Revolutionary genome-editing methods, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled the accurate genetic alterations, expediting the progress of sophisticated medicinal therapies, that are specifically designed for parasite management and eradication.

Conclusion

Microbiome engineering, an emerging area, provides a novel opportunities for disease prevention by integrating the techniques such as transplanting faecal microbiota and genetically tailored bacteria to restore microbial equilibrium and decrease parasite populations. Nevertheless, the enduring stability of modified microbiomes, possible environmental hazards, and ethical concerns related to gene editing emphasise the necessity for stringent safety measures and monitoring by regulatory authorities. Using these technologies responsibly and ethically is crucial to guarantee the continuous therapeutic advancement.

Graphic abstract

Objective

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a significant reproductive health concern characterized by the depletion of primary follicles, often resulting from exposure to genotoxic agents. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and/or placental extracts (PE) in ameliorating POI induced by cyclophosphamide, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five 8–10 weeks and weight 200 ± 20 g female albino Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were evenly distributed into five groups: negative control (Group 1), positive control cyclophosphamide (CPA) (Group 2), stem cell therapy (CPA+MSCs) (Group 3), placental extract therapy (CPA+PE) (Group 4), and combination therapy (CPA+MSCs+PE) (Group 5). Rats in the CPA group received intraperitoneal (IP) cyclophosphamide injection (50 mg/kg), followed by daily (8 mg/kg) cyclophosphamide injection (14 days). Subsequently, the rats received 1 × 10⁶ MSCs via intravenous administration and/or 50 µL of PE, followed by sacrifice after 4 weeks. Flow cytometry was used to identify MSCs. Hormone levels (FSH, LH, E₂, and progesterone) were assessed using ELISA, and primordial follicles were quantified to evaluate primordial follicle reserves. Ovarian structure was histomorphologically evaluated, and PCNA immunohistochemistry was conducted. Morphometric measurements and statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Hormonal measurements revealed a decrease in E2 and progesterone levels, accompanied by an increase in FSH levels following cyclophosphamide treatment. However, after BM-MSC therapy, hormonal levels nearly returned to normal. In addition to BM-MSC therapy, PE treatment was also evaluated. PE administration resulted in partial restoration of hormonal balance, showing a mild increase in E2 and progesterone levels, with a slight reduction in FSH levels compared to the cyclophosphamide-treated group.

Histological examination revealed that cyclophosphamide caused significant loss of primordial follicles, stromal blood vessel damage, and substantial fibrosis. Interestingly, combination of MSCs and PE treatment showed some ameliorative effects on ovarian histology, with reduced fibrosis and slight preservation of ovarian follicles, although these changes were less pronounced than those observed with BM-MSC therapy alone.

Conclusion

MSCs therapy was more effective in restoring ovarian folliculogenesis, whereas combination with PE provided moderate protection against the histological and immunohistochemical alterations induced by cyclophosphamide.

Background

Alogliptin belongs to gliptin family of drugs that inhibits ubiquitous enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Gliptins increase the life-span of incretin hormones that appear to benefit functioning of several organs via various signaling pathways.

Main body

Alogliptin is approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in majority of the countries. It is administered orally and efficacious as monotherapy as well as combined therapy with other T2DM drugs, such as pioglitazone and metformin. It has a good safety profile, well-tolerated in elderly patients and in patients with co-morbid conditions including risks of cardiovascular event, renal or hepatic insufficiency. Therefore, alogliptin is incessantly experimented and investigated for its therapeutic benefit. Recent developments have indicated potential of alogliptin in discrete pathological conditions. Emerging evidences suggest prominent cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, reno-protective, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering capacity of alogliptin. Apart from inhibiting DPP-4 enzyme, alogliptin also affects several signaling mechanisms to exhibit protective effects in patients with diabetes-induced complications.

Conclusion

This review highlights the potential role of alogliptin and mechanisms involved in amelioration of several other pathological conditions apart from its role in glucose metabolism. Thus, this may provide insights for better utilization and repurposing of alogliptin as a therapeutic agent.

Background

Cervical cancer is the 4th most prevalent cancer among females globally. In India, approximately 123,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, leading to 77,348 deaths annually. However, Indian healthcare system lacks the sufficient information regarding the factors influencing survival and mortality among cervical cancer patients at regional levels. Thus, we aimed to identify the predictors associated with survival outcomes and mortality rates among cervical cancer.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted over 8 months at a tertiary care hospital where 10-year (January 2013–December 2022) data of cervical cancer patients were analyzed from medical record department (MRD). Telephonic interviews were carried out with patients or patient parties to know the survival status of patients. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier curve, log-rank test and Cox regression.

Results

Out of 330 cervical cancer patients, majority (64.24%) were > 50 years of age followed by 35.76% were < 50 years. Most of the patients had abnormal body mass index (BMI) (46.96%), postmenopausal stage (75.76%), stage II cancer (43.03%), histologically poorly differentiated grade (47.88%) and squamous cell carcinoma (87.88%), with radiation plus chemotherapy being popular treatment choice (48.79%) and with the overall mean age of 56 years. Age, BMI, menopause, stage of cancer, histological grades and types of treatment were found to be significant predictors (p < 0.05) of survival among cervical cancer patients. Using cox regression analysis, advanced age (age > 50 years: hazard ratio (HR): 1.82), underweight (BMI < 18.5: HR:1), postmenopause (HR:1), advanced stage of cervical cancer (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV: HR:1, HR:2.78, HR:10.08, HR:20.81), poorly differentiated cervical cancer (HR:1.70), radiation therapy (HR:4.86), chemotherapy (HR:6.55) or chemoradiation therapy (HR:3.31) and surgery plus chemotherapy (HR: 4.55) were identified to be significant predictors of mortality among cervical cancer patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that the 5- and 10-year survival rates for cervical cancer patients were found to be 51.2% and 42.9%, respectively. Advanced age, underweight, postmenopausal status, advanced cancer stage, poor cancer cell differentiation and chemotherapy-based treatment were significant predictor of mortality and vice-versa for survival which might guide clinicians and policymakers in making informed clinical decisions to combat cervical cancer.

Background

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are the primary causes of diarrhea with global attention due to the severe pathophysiological changes leading to mortality. During this study, we explored the biological protozoal contaminants (Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp.) in some areas of the Nile River. Then, we evaluated effectiveness of melatonin (Mel) and melatonin loaded lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles (Mel-LCNPs) against giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in mice models using parasitological and inflammatory response examination.

Results

The number of positive samples for Cryptosporidium was higher than that for Giardia with percentage of 46.67% and 40.0%, respectively. Prior to treatment, the physical characterization (hydrodynamic size and zeta potential) and in vitro characterization of Mel-LCNPs were carried. Mel-LCNPs revealed a hydrodynamic size of 78.8 nm and a zeta potential of − 27.2 mV. Furthermore, they have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while displaying minimal anticoagulant and cytotoxic effects during in vivo evaluation. Mel was consistently discharged from nanoparticles in a regulated and enduring manner for 36 h. Moreover, Mel in NPs has an entrapment efficiency (EE) of 33.6% and a drug loading capacity (DLC) of 7.2% and significant reduction (100% and 99.4%, respectively) in the shedding of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. This reduction was higher than that observed with Mel alone or LCNPs alone on the 14th day post-infection. Moreover, mice of group V, which received Mel-LCNP treatment, exhibited significantly normal levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) as well as healthy control mice group (group I).

Conclusion

Mel-LCNPs were highly effective preparations against giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in Balb/c mice experimentally infected with proved antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunological modulatory characteristics.

Background

Avian pox viruses (APVs) are highly contagious poultry diseases, posing a major economic threat to poultry production systems, and have a high mortality rate among young birds, Infected birds also face condemnation of affected carcasses due to the unsightly appearance of the nodular skin lesions.

This study aimed to provide an overview of the current genetic status of APV in backyard poultry, with a focus on the commercially available vaccines. To achieve this, molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of APVs were conducted, comparing their sequences with vaccine strains used in Egypt.

Results

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was able to detect APV in all the tested samples; 12 positive samples (6 chicken flocks and 6 pigeon flocks) were selected for DNA sequencing. The sequences were submitted to GenBank with accession numbers OR027032 to OR027043. The chicken strains exhibited 100% nucleotide identity with commercially available fowl pox virus (FPV) vaccines and were phylogenetically clustered within subclade A1 with other FPVs. On the other hand, the pigeon pox virus (PPV) strains were closely related to other PPV strains within subclade A2 and showing 100% and 91% nucleotide identity with the PPV and the FPV vaccines, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite the availability of APV vaccines in Egypt, a persistent threat of APV to poultry in the backyard system remains a significant concern. Our molecular characterization revealed the high genetic similarity between our field strains and commercially available vaccine strains, suggesting an urgent need for vaccination in backyard systems to counteract this emerging threat to bird populations.

Background

The discovery of hepcidin, a peptide hormone primarily known for iron homeostasis regulation, has revealed promising anticancer properties. While extensively studied in mammals, fish-derived hepcidins represent an unexplored area in cancer therapeutics, offering unique structural and functional characteristics that may prove valuable in oncological applications.

Method

A scoping review was conducted using the Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and PubMed databases to comprehensively analyse published literature on fish-derived hepcidins. Publications were identified using Boolean combinations of ‘fish’, ‘hepcidin’, and ‘cancer’. Two independent reviewers screened articles, with a third reviewer resolving disagreements. Research themes were categorised and analysed with focus on species distribution, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential.

Result

Analysis of 881 publications revealed research distribution across four main categories: immune response (60.07%), antimicrobial peptides (17.65%), iron homeostasis (13.69%), and cancer research (2.94%). The review identified 17 fish species with documented hepcidin studies. Tilapia-derived hepcidins demonstrated notable anticancer properties, including concentration-dependent effects, selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and potential enhancement of conventional chemotherapy efficacy through mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways.

Conclusion

Despite promising anticancer properties of fish-derived hepcidins, particularly from tilapia, significant knowledge gaps exist in understanding their cancer-specific mechanisms and clinical applications. Future research should prioritise broader species investigation, safety profiling, and delivery system development to advance their therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.