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

Background

Nosema ceranae, the predominant microsporidian parasite, weakens Apis mellifera honey bee colonies and reduces their productivity and reproduction. This research aims to detect the impact of thymol and propolis extracts on genotoxicity repair, oxidative enzymes, expression of some antimicrobial genes and some hypopharyngeal glands genes in N. ceranae-infected bees. Experimentally, infected honeybee colonies were divided into four groups: (1) untreated, (2) for propolis (3 g/L) treatment, (3) for thymol (0.1 g/L) treatment and (4) for mixed treatment with thymol and propolis. Workers from adult honeybee colonies, treated and untreated, were randomly sampled. The collected samples were used in studying the genotoxicity effect, the concentration of oxidative enzymes (superoxide-dismutases, glutathione S transferase, catalase and malondialdehyde (MDA)), measuring the relative expression of antimicrobial genes and hypopharyngeal glands genes major royal proteins 1 & 2 (MJRP1 and MJRP2).

Results

The results show that thymol and propolis extract decreased genotoxicity effect, increased expression of antimicrobial genes, increased expression levels of MJRP1 and MJRP2 genes and decreased activities of oxidative enzymes when applied to Nosema-infected bees.

Conclusion

Thymol and propolis extract positively affect honey bee health and mix of them. This study reveals that natural product extracts and their mixture may fight Nosema and prevent honey bee colonies decline and sudden death.

Background

One of the psychological problems that have become very prevalent in the modern world is depression, where mental health disorders have become very common. Depression, as reported by the WHO, is the second-largest factor in the worldwide burden of illnesses. As these issues grow, social media has become a tremendous platform for people to express themselves. A user’s social media behavior may therefore disclose a lot about their emotional state and mental health. This research offers a novel framework for depression detection from Arabic textual data utilizing deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and BERT transformers techniques in light of the disease’s high prevalence. To do this, a dataset of tweets was used, which was collected from 3 sources, as we mention later. The dataset was constructed in two variants, one with binary classification and the other with multi-classification.

Results

In binary classifications, we used ML techniques such as “support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), and Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB),” and used BERT transformers “ARABERT.” In comparison ML with BERT transformers, ARABERT has high accuracy in binary classification with a 93.03 percent accuracy rate. In multi-classification, we used DL techniques such as “long short-term memory (LSTM),” and used BERT transformers “Multilingual BERT.” In comparison DL with BERT transformers, multilingual has high accuracy in multi-classification with an accuracy of 97.8%.

Conclusion

Through user-generated content, we can detect depressed people using artificial intelligence technology in a fast manner and with high accuracy instead of medical technology.

Background

Among those aged 20–74 in industrialized countries, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main cause of visual impairment. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the leading cause of blindness in people with DR. DME that is resistant to therapy is now being treated with a number of different management strategies. This research was to examine the efficacy of sub-tenon steroid and anti- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections as a combination therapy for the treatment of resistant DME, owing to the synergistic effect of this combination.

Methods

This is a two-arm, randomized, prospective clinical trial that included 100 eyes of patients with refractory DME divided into 2 equal groups: group 1 received posterior subtenon triamcinolone (STTA) and anti-VEGF injections (0.5 mg ranibizumab), and group 2 received anti-VEGF injections (0.5 mg ranibizumab) only, in the same session. The 2 groups were followed up for a period of 6 months.

Results

Group 1 showed significant improvements in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (from 0.20 ± 0.11 to 0.32 ± 0.12, p = 0.04) and central macular thickness (CMT) (from 393.2 ± 35.29 to 260.2 ± 11.43 µm, p = 0.001), with fewer injections required compared to Group 2. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in Group 2 (42% vs. 12%, p = 0.026). After injections, there was a noticeable rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) (16.02 ± 1.56 Vs 16.26 ± 1.24 in both groups respectively). However, this elevation is usually just transitory lasting for short periods of time and is within the safe, insignificant rise ranges.

Conclusion

The use of combined therapy with anti-VEGF treatment and STTA has been found to be an effective and safe approach to managing resistant DME. The lower number of injections needed help to reduce the economic burden, especially under constrained financial circumstances.

Background

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) resembles the components of biological hard tissue. Recent research has been interested in the biomedical application of HAP nanoparticles (HAP-NPs) in cancer treatment, HAP-NPs have high cytotoxic activity against cancerous cells, in addition, they are nontoxic to healthy normal cells, biocompatible, biodegradable, and have a high absorption rate within the tissue. Therefore, this study evaluated HAP-NPs' antitumoral activity in Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC)-bearing mice, in addition, we examined the anticancer efficacy of combined treatment of a common chemotherapeutic drug such as Cisplatin (CDDP) and HAP-NPs in ESC-bearing mice.

Methods

Forty female mice were inoculated with 200 µl of diluted ascites fluid containing approximately two million viable cancer cells in the mice's left thigh, after 14 days of inoculation, the mice were distributed into four groups: 10 mice in each. ESC group was administrated distilled water, the HAP-NPs group was treated orally with 100 mg/kg of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, the CDDP group was administrated intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg of Cisplatin, the HAP-NPs + CDDP group was treated with both doses of hydroxyapatite and cisplatin, the animal treatment was conducted for 20 days. Antitumor activity was assessed for two durations after 10 and 20 days. DNA damage assessment was performed using comet assay in ESC, in addition, we measured the expression of the following genes (P53, Bcl2, and Bax,) using quantitative real-time PCR, and the apoptotic-related proteins (P53 and Ki-67) using immunohistochemical analysis. A histopathological examination of ESC was performed.

Results

The obtained data illustrated a promising anticancer activity of HAP-NPs, and the combined treatment of HAP-NPs and CDDP illustrated a higher anticancer efficacy. HAP-NPs, CDDP, and HAP-NPs + CDDP resulted in significant (P < 0.05) nucleic acid destruction, and significant (P < 0.05) overexpression of apoptotic-related genes (P53, Bax, and Bcl2) and proteins (Ki-67 and P53), causing the tumor bulk to be greatly reduced in HAP-NPs, CDDP, and HAP-NPs + CDDP (1100, 570, and 450 mm³), respectively, compared to ESC group was 2240 mm³.

Conclusion

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles can provoke DNA damage and regulate apoptosis, selectively eliminating tumor cells. The co-administration of HAP-NPs and CDDP resulted in a synergistic enhancement of cisplatin activity within the tumor tissue.

Background

Aspergillus flavus, a seed-borne fungal pathogen, colonizes host plants and exploits nutrients, hindering the growth of seedlings such as peanut and maize. This study investigates the effectiveness of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus albus strains NNK24 and NDP61, which belong to the Bacillus cereus group, in suppressing A. flavus AF1.

Results

The antifungal activity of these CFSs was attributed to their surfactant properties and chemical composition. These were characterized using rapid chemical assays and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS), combined with bioinformatic tools such as Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) and Natural Products Atlas (NPAtlas). Identified putative antifungal compounds included two diketopiperazines (cyclo(Pro-Leu) and cyclo(2-hydroxy-Pro-Leu)), four macrolactins (7-O-succinyl macrolactin A, 7-O-methyl-5′-hydroxy-3′-heptenoate-macrolactin, macrolactin B, and macrolactin C), two siderophores (petrobactin and bacillibactin), and three cyclic lipopeptides (kurstakin 1, 2 or 3, and 4). These compounds are hypothesized to act synergistically via multiple mechanisms, including disruption of fungal membranes, iron capture, direct antibiosis, and triggering plant immunity. Both CFSs strongly suppressed the harmful effects of A. flavus AF1 and seed-borne A. flavus on peanut and maize seedlings, reducing disease incidence (DI) and disease severity index (DSI) compared to controls. The disease control efficacy (DCE) of the CFSs was comparable to that of the commercial fungicide. Additionally, the CFSs enhanced seed germination, vigor, seedling length, and weight in both peanut and maize. Vigor index (VI) values increased by 222.4–286.0% in peanuts and 181.7–216.4% in maize at 7 days after treatment (DAT).

Conclusion

CFSs of B. albus NNK24 and NDP61 show significant potential as bioprotective agents for sustainable agriculture. Importantly, their use eliminates the need for live bacterial cells from the B. cereus group, addressing biosafety concerns.

Graphical abstract

Background

This study investigated the effect of B. Subtilis bacteria on the properties of cement mortar. This was done by using soil samples from Sharkia, Egypt, to isolate 48 bacterial strains, after which they were cultured using the Johnson method and various media. Bacteria were then added to the cement mortar in amounts of 5% and 10% by weight to evaluate their effect on the mechanical and chemical properties of the modified mortar.

Results

The study examined the compressive and flexural strength of the modified mortar over time, as well as its microscopic properties and chemical composition after 28 days. The results indicated that bacterial additions of 5% and 10% increased the compressive strength of the mortar after 28 and 56 days compared to the control. A 5% bacteria concentration resulted in significant improvements in strength, showing the best concentration for increasing mortar strength. The addition of 5% bacteria significantly enhanced the early flexure strength, while the 10% showed superior long-term strength after 56 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed high CaCO₃ deposits in the bacterial samples, indicating microbial-induced calcite precipitation that filled the small cracks and increased strength. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonate, and silicate groups, with bacterial samples having a higher carbonate content, indicating an increase in calcium carbonate formation and microstructure.

Conclusions

The ideal bacterial concentration was 5% as it improved the compressive and flexural strength while also promoting a more flexible microstructure. This study supports the employment of microorganisms in the production of more durable and environmentally friendly building materials, enhancing the sustainability of building practices.

Background

The risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) precedes the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and are largely triggered by high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHFD) and sedentary lifestyle. The development of these risk factors is connected to persistent low-grade inflammation. Though, ursolic acid (UA) has been shown to prevent HCHFD-induced metabolic parameters. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of dietary UA supplementation on obesity-related metabolic disorders and inflammation in male Wistar rats fed with HCHFD. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 5): 1—normal diet (ND) + distilled water (DW); 2—ND + UA; 3—HCHFD + DW; 4—HCHFD + UA. HCHFD was augmented with 20% fructose in drinking water. The animals were fed their respective diets daily for 20 weeks. 250 mg/kg body weight of ursolic acid was administered orally to UA-treated groups for the last 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected and liver and adipose tissues were harvested for biochemical and tissue analysis, respectively.

Results

BMI and FBG were significantly lowered in the HCHFD + UA-fed animals compared to the HCHFD + DW-fed animals. In the HCHFD + UA-fed animals, HOMA-IR, serum insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased compared to the HCHFD + DW-fed animals. UA significantly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased adiponectin level compared to the HCHFD + DW-fed animals. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) in adipose tissue was significantly upregulated while liver PPAR-γ mRNA level was significantly downregulated in HCHFD + UA-fed animals compared to HCHFD + DW group, respectively. UA restored the architecture of liver parenchyma to near normal.

Conclusion

Dietary UA supplementation mitigated metabolic dysfunction and inflammation associated with obesity via modulation of liver and adipose tissue PPAR-γ in male Wistar rats fed with HCHFD for 20 weeks.

Background

Liver fibrosis is a worldwide disease that develops from activation and propagation of hepatic stellate cells, and subsequent extracellular matrix accumulation. Liver fibrosis is associated with multiple pathways, however, the dysregulation of GIPC1 gene (GIPC PDZ domain containing family member 1) and disruption in the balance of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and TIMPs (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases) remain as key factors in this disease. Curcuminoids, especially curcumin (CURC), are medicinal extracts that proved their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic actions, and showed wide epigenetic regulatory effects. We aimed to explore CURC’s effect on declining the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), IL-6 (interleukin-6), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta1), regulating GIPC1 expression, and adjusting MMP-8/TIMP-3 balance mediated by miRNA-483-5p (microRNA-483-5p) in TAA (thioacetamide)-induced liver fibrotic albino Wistar rat model.

Results

The attained results revealed significant regressions in livers’ relative weights, serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), plasma PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), liver TOC (total oxidative capacity), TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1, and downregulation in GIPC1 gene expression, besides, significant elevation in liver TAC (total antioxidant capacity) in CURC-treated rats. Surprisingly, significant upregulation in miRNA-483 expression was obtained in CURC-treated rats which consequentially enhanced MMP-8/TIMP-3 balance in the form of an elevation in MMP-8/reduction in TIMP-3 levels, along with confirming this novel pathway through conducting bioinformatics analysis. All these enhancements were mirrored in Annexin V/PI (Annexin V Propidium Iodide) assay as massive improvements in % of apoptotic and necrotic cells, plus, in H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) and Masson’s trichrome histopathological examinations that showed near to normal liver architecture with no collagen bands deposition.

Conclusions

This study concludes that CURC can modulate the novel miRNA-483-5p/MMP-8/TIMP-3 pathway and regulate GIPC1 expression, thus providing new perception of CURC as an effective therapeutic agent capable of lowering inflammation and remodeling liver damage.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of death, especially among the elderly. This bacterium produces several surface membrane proteins, with staphylococcal protein A (SpA) being particularly important. Despite its prevalence, there are no targeted treatments available for geriatric patients. In homeopathy, Rhus toxicodendron (RT) is frequently used in various dilutions-Mother Tincture (MT), 6CH, 30CH, and 200CH- for conditions like skin infections, soft tissue disorders, and joint ailments.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the effects of Rhus toxicodendron (RT) at different concentrations on Staphylococcus aureus through bacterial plate cultures and compared the outcomes with Nano-RT. Notably, Nano-RT MT is not commercially available. This research is the first to showcase both the efficacy and biosafety of the innovative nano-ZnO RT MT homeopathic formulation.

Results

This study examined the inhibitory effects of Rhus toxicodendron in its Mother Tincture (MT) form and in 6CH, 30CH, and 200CH dilutions against Staphylococcus aureus. Nano-ZnO was synthesized from Rhus toxicodendron MT and combined to create Nano-MT. Both Rhus Tox MT and Nano-RT MT demonstrated significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus within 24 h of application.

Conclusions

Rhus Tox MT and Nano-RT MT present promising new options for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections in elderly patients. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that Nano-RT MT is completely biologically safe in mice.

Background

Lungs are adversely affected by repeated exposure to thinner fumes. This study aimed to examine the pulmonary toxic effects of chronic thinner inhalation and the possible protection by chamomile administration. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to thinner fumes for 8 weeks (4 h/day, 6 days/week), while chamomile flower extract (400 mg/kg body weight) was given orally during thinner exposure for the same period.

Results

The study showed lung damage following chronic thinner exposure through increased cytochrome P2E1 (CYP2E1), superoxide anion (O₂^•−), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA), with decreased antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Moreover, an elevation of lung enzymes; alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with depletion in total protein and albumin contents in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were observed. Thinner exposure also exhibited increased lung deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), hydroxyproline (HYP), and collagen type 1 (COL-1), with decreased serum surfactant protein-A (SP-A), total and differential leukocytes (WBCs) count, except for neutrophils. Histological investigations revealed deteriorative changes along with accumulated collagen fibers affecting the lung and other respiratory organs.

Conclusion

Supplementation of chamomile extract succeeded in preventing thinner-induced lung oxidative stress, enzyme leakage, surfactant deficiency, DNA damage, fibrosis, and histological injury. Therefore, consumption of chamomile extract could be recommended for alleviating thinner-induced health hazards and lung toxicity.