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

Background

Cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) is a promising electrocatalyst for efficient urea electro-oxidation, tackling power consumption and environmental challenges. The controllable design of free-standing Co₃O₄ nanostructures grown on Ni foam (NF) substrates was achieved using a green and facile hydrothermal approach. Different reducing agents were applied to synthesize various morphological structures of Co₃O₄, including nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanocubes (NCs) morphologies.

Results

The as-fabricated electrodes were investigated as electrocatalysts for enhanced urea electro-oxidation. Because of its 3D nanostructure with minimal agglomeration and a large interfacial surface area with adequate electroactive sites, the Co₃O₄ NCs/NF had the best energy conversion efficiency of any electrode toward the urea oxidation process. These distinctive features facilitated the electron and urea routes used in the urea electro-oxidation process. It had a low-onset potential of 194.2 mV (vs. Hg/HgO) and a current density of 90.2 mA cm⁻² in a 1 M KOH electrolyte. The electrocatalyst demonstrated excellent anodic activity for urea electro-oxidation with an onset potential of 196.7 mV and a current density of 256.1 mA cm⁻² in 1 M KOH + 0.3 M urea concentration. Furthermore, the Co₃O₄ NCs/NF exhibited long-term stability, as shown by chronoamperometry and stepwise tests after 3600 s in the presence of urea under various operating conditions.

Conclusions

Compared to all the fabricated Co₃O₄ nanostructures, the Co₃O₄ nanocubes revealed the highest electrocatalytic performance toward urea electro-oxidation in all concentrations. Therefore, Co₃O₄ NCs/NF is a promising, robust, and efficient electrocatalyst for direct urea fuel cell applications.

Background

The global poultry industry has been experiencing increasing condemnation at slaughterhouses since 2011, due to the emergence of avian reovirus (ARV) variant strains. Recently seven ARV genogroup clusters were identified based on the σC sequence of the S1 segment that was used as a genetic marker to characterize and classify ARV.

Results

Among ninety-seven suspected broilers, breeders, and commercial grandparent’s homogenates, ARV was PCR confirmed in thirty-five (36%). Samples were collected from different governorates in Egypt, including Giza–Ismailia–Sharqia–Menoufia, and Behira, between 2020 and 2023. A viral isolation trial was performed on weak positive samples, successfully isolating sixteen samples on the LMH cell line forming the characteristic giant cells of ARV infection. Partial sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the σC gene of ten ARV PCR positive samples revealed the circulation of ARV genogroup clusters 1, 2, 4, and 5, eight samples being distinguished from commercially available vaccine strains with a low percentage of nucleotides and amino acid identities.

Conclusions

This research demonstrated that the ARV isolates were distinct compared to commercially available vaccine strains based on partial σC sequence. Detection, isolation, and classification of ARV as genogroups 1, 2, 4, and 5 are recorded. A vigilant surveillance to evaluate the ARV situation in Egypt is urgent. We recommend re-evaluating the ARV commercial vaccines by challenging them with circulating Egyptian field isolates, as well as their cross-protection. In addition, the development of autologous vaccines from both classical and variant strains to provide optimal protection.

Background

Improvement of performance, temperament, and fecundity of lambs using medicinal plants is considered a recent approach in the sheep industry. Climate change, especially in non-controlled houses, affects animals' production. Thus, the current study aimed to determine how turmeric (TU) affected the temperament, performance, and lamb fecundity under three different housing conditions. Thirty-six Ossimi male lambs (about 6 months of age) were randomly divided into three groups under three different housing conditions (n = 12; semi-shaded building, fully shaded building, and semi-shaded building with trees); in each house lambs were subdivided into non-treated (n = 6) and treated (n = 6; 1 g TU lambday) groups for 3 months. Performance and temperament scoring have been recorded. Various biochemical parameters (total protein, glucose and oxidative damage), gene expression of metabolic function and growth indicators (insulin growth factor: IGF-1, leptin: LEP, and myostatin: MSTN), and testosterone level were measured.

Results

The obtained data showed that TU improved the lambs' temperament in SSB-T and FSB-T lambs; lambs' weight gain enhanced in treated lambs in all houses in the 3rd month. The results of biochemical parameters showed fluctuations throughout the experiment; total protein was elevated in FSB-NT lambs in the 3rd month, while glucose was elevated in SSB + T-NT in the 1st and 2nd month and then decreased in the 3rd month. The MDA elevated in FSB-T and SSB + T-T in the 2nd and 3rd month. TU supplementation elevated the reduced testosterone level in the SSB-T lambs and resulted in significant upregulation of IGF1, and LEP; however, MSTN downregulated in the treated lambs among all housing systems.

Conclusion

Data suggested TU improved lambs' growth and tempered in all houses and ameliorated the recorded reduction in testosterone levels in the SSB house which is commonly used in sheep and upregulated the IGF1 and LEP gene levels. Hence, the use of TU as a feed additive improved lambs' growth.

Background

The global landscape of public health faces significant challenges attributed to the prevalence of cancer and the emergence of treatment resistance. This study addresses these challenges by focusing on Cyclin-dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2) and employing a systematic computational approach for the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics.

Results

Initial ligand-based pharmacophore modelling, utilizing a training set of five reported CDK2 inhibitors, yielded a robust model characterized by Aro|Hyd| and |Acc|Don| features. Screening this validated model against the ZINC database identified 1881 hits, which were further subjected to molecular docking studies. The top 10 compounds (Z1–Z10) selected from the docking studies underwent Pharmacokinetic parameters Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity profiling, Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies and the top two went for 100ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations by comparing them with the standard Roscovitine. Compounds Z1 and Z2 emerged as the most promising, with docking scores of − 8.05 kcal/mol and − 8.02 kcal/mol, respectively. DFT analysis of the top 10 compounds revealed minimal variations in highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gaps, indicating consistent electronic stability and reactivity across the candidates. MD simulations of Z1 and Z2 confirmed their stable interactions with CDK2, with root mean square deviation (RMSD) values ranging from 1.4 to 2.5 Å for Z1 and 1.5 to 2.4 Å for Z2.

Conclusion

The current research identified compounds Z1 and Z2, which demonstrated significant potential as potent CDK2 inhibitors for cancer therapy, providing valuable insights into the development of more effective CDK2 inhibitors and addressing the critical need for innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.

Graphical abstract

Background

The possibility of considering Culex pipiens (Cx. pipiens) as a vector for transmitting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is controversial and needs further investigation. This work aimed to detect the possibility of transmission of the hepatitis C virus by Cx. pipiens and the role of the bacterial microbiota in their midgut.

Main body

Two groups of symbiotic and aposymbiotic of female Cx. pipiens were infected with the hepatitis C virus using an artificial feeding membrane technique. The viral load was detected in the head region for up to 60 min in the infected symbiotic group and 90 min in the aposymbiotic group. The midgut region can harbor the virus for 5 days after feeding. The absence of gut microbiota increases the potentiality of ten females to carry high titer of infective dose (1.2 × 10⁶ IU/ml) of HCV genotype 4a for 6 days. The bacterial midgut microbiota appears to play a significant role in the transmission of HCV. On the other hand, HCV was not detected in the salivary glands of either symbiotic or aposymbiotic mosquitoes during the detection period. Cx. pipiens can transmit HCV from infected female adult mosquitoes to HCV-negative human blood in vitro. The biological parameters were survival rate, blood feeding, oviposition, hatchability rates, and mean digestion period of Cx. pipiens after infection with HCV showed significant changes. Moreover, an ex vivo assay demonstrated that HCV-infected mosquitoes could transmit the virus RNA into healthy blood.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the mosquitoes’ mechanical transmission of HCV was reasonable. In addition, the mosquito microbiome played a significant role in determining the potentiality of mosquitoes as a vector for disseminating HCV infections.

Graphic abstract

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a specific form of neurodegeneration that is marked by impairments in memory and cognition. Exposure to some metal toxins, such as aluminum (AL), was directly linked to the onset of AD as it was hosted in the body via several exposure routes and can change the permeability and cross the blood–brain barrier. Due to amygdaline’s existence, apricot kernel therapy for AD is believed to have been established to be successful in numerous investigations. Amygdaline has been shown to have antioxidant effects that mitigate oxidative damage, and free radicals scavenger activity, as well as amygdaline niosomes as a nanoparticle has been found to improve the drug’s efficiency and selectivity. The objectives of this investigation are to study the neuroprotective role of amygdaline, and amygdaline-loaded niosomes formulation in the diminishment of the incidence of AD in neurotoxin (aluminum chloride; AlCl₃) AD animal model.

Results

Data revealed that AlCl₃ caused cognitive decline that was confirmed by cognitive behavioral tests (novel object and Y-maze); biochemical disturbances that include marked oxidative stress (elevated malondialdehyde and reduced total antioxidant capacity), reduced acetylcholinesterase, and brain monoamines levels (nor adrenalin; 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid; 5-hydroxytryptamine /serotonin; dopamine), and gene regulation upset (down-regulated transcript levels of acetylcholinesterase; monoamine oxidase; BCL-2 and up-regulated transcript levels of BAX), as well as neurodegenerative changes were observed in the hippocampus of AlCl₃-treated rats. Treatment with amygdaline and amygdaline-loaded niosomes formulation improved working memory and recognition, alleviated oxidative stress, and restored the levels of brain monoamines and neurotransmitters. Moreover, gene expression data showed a significant down-regulation of BAX, while BCL-2, acetylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidase were significantly up-regulated. Additionally, the histopathological examination showed reduced neurodegeneration.

Conclusion

Conclusively, it was evident that amygdaline and amygdaline-loaded niosomes formulation possess a neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement role in AD via their potent antioxidant potential, neurotransmitters, and gene expression regulations, as well as neural damage reduction capability.

Graphical abstract

Background

Tuberculosis, since its discovery has become a global health burden, continuously spreading across the nations of the earth with increased mortality. Its effect on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) progression and immune cell deterioration cannot be overlooked. The widespread use of traditional and molecular TB diagnostic methods has been hindered by several factors. Nonetheless, the development of a rapid, sensitive, timely, non-invasive diagnostic protocol could revolutionise the diagnostic era and halt the spread of this infectious agent. It could also help in the early diagnosis of the infection in poorly developed areas. The detection efficacy of urine lipoarabinomannan assay as a prospect in tuberculosis diagnosis in HIV-positive patients was assessed in this study. Urine samples were collected into a wide-mouthed universal container from HIV-positive patients with signs and symptom of tuberculosis and HIV advanced disease. Alere determine urine lateral flow—LAM test was used for the detection of LAM antigen in urine samples of HIV-positive patients. The CD4 count of the HIV-positive patients was also documented.

Results

A total of 85 HIV-positive subjects were included in the analysis based on the inclusion criteria. Urinary LAM was reactive in 29 (34.1%) of 85 HIV-positive patients and non-reactive in 56 (69.1%). The majority of the participants had a CD4⁺ count < 200 cells/µL 60 (70.6%), while others had CD4⁺ count ≥ to 200 cells/µL 25 (29.4%). There was no statistically significant difference between CD4 count and LAM positivity. Most of the affected age groups in the study were 31–45 years, and females had preponderance in comparison to male subjects.

Conclusions

The use of urinary LAM in HIV-positive patients is a helpful tool for TB screening. It also has a promising ability for early TB diagnosis in the study group and other TB-associated disease conditions in resource-deprived settings. For the general populace, further research is required to certify its sensitivity and specificity.

Background

Gold ormus is a type of superconductor that can exhibit superconductivity at temperatures below 1 Kelvin, allowing it to conduct electricity without resistance. While not as widely used as other materials like niobium or lead, gold ormus is valuable for research in superconductivity. Limited studies have been conducted on gold ormus. Numerical simulations of the Ginzburg–Landau theory have yielded important results for both gold ormus.

Results

Class-I and class-II superconducting gold ormus, have been successfully simulated using the Runge–Kutta fourth-order method. Our analysis shows the convergence of our simulation outcomes and emphasizes the importance of considering truncation error and selecting appropriate step sizes for accurate results. The periodic factor of penetration (PFP) for each superconductor has been determined, with class-I superconducting gold ormus having a PFP of 250 nm, class-II superconducting gold ormus having a PFP of 566.2 nm. The relationship between the PFP and the length of the penetration depth has also been revealed.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the accuracy of the Runge–Kutta fourth-order method in simulating superconductors. By analyzing the PFP for different superconducting materials, we have identified trends in penetration depth that contribute to understanding superconductivity. Our simulations provide valuable insights for further research in the field of superconductivity. Adjusting parameters carefully ensures reliable simulations and advances progress in superconductivity research.

Background

Cytokines, known for their pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, are also key regulators of sleep–wake cycles. Classical pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), are associated with increased sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep (SWS), while anti-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-10 (IL-10), generally reduce sleep duration. Given the essential role of sleep in memory consolidation, this study aimed to investigate whether interleukin-12 (IL-12), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, could increase sleep duration following a memory acquisition task and subsequently improve memory performance. Male Swiss mice were surgically implanted with electrodes for electrocorticogram (ECoG) and electromyogram (EMG) recordings to track their sleep–wake cycles. After a recovery period, baseline sleep–wake activity was recorded. The mice were then randomly assigned to two groups and treated with either IL-12 (0.5 µg, i.p.) or a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, i.p.) control, administered immediately before the multiple-trial inhibitory avoidance (MTIA) task, a behavioral test used to assess memory performance. Following the memory acquisition session, sleep–wake activity was immediately recorded for a continuous 24-h period.

Results

Mice treated with IL-12 exhibited longer latency to cross into the dark compartment during the MTIA test, indicating improved memory retention compared to the control group. Interestingly, this improved performance was associated with prolonged wakefulness, particularly in the first three hours after task acquisition.

Conclusion

The study shows that IL-12 can improve memory retention through prolonged wake episodes rather than increased sleep. This finding challenges the conventional understanding that sleep is the primary state for memory consolidation, suggesting that under specific conditions, wakefulness may also play a key role in supporting memory processes. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of IL-12's cognitive effects.