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

Background

Plants have long been recognized as a rich source for medicinal agents, albeit many plant species have yet to be investigated. The genus Chlorophytum comprises over 215 species of perennial, rhizomatous herbs. The chemical composition and bioactivities of Chlorophytum krookianum remain uncharacterized in the existing scholar literature. This work investigates the phytochemistry and anticancer potential of C. krookianum.

Results

Phytochemical investigation of the unexplored C. krookianum aerial parts afforded the isolation and identification of eight compounds: β-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), hydroxytyrosol (4), isovitexin (5), vicenin 2 (6), (25S)-gitonin (7), and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (8). Dichloromethane and n-hexane fractions of C. krookianum aerial parts exhibited anticancer activity against breast (MDA-MB-231) and tongue (HNO-97) carcinoma cell lines. GC–MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction afforded the tentative identification of 41 metabolites with methyl palmitate, methyl 2,4-dimethyltetradecanoate, 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone, lanosterol, and 13-docosenamide as major compounds.

Conclusion

C. krookianum aerial parts, particularly the dichloromethane and n-hexane fractions, could be a potential source for anticancer activity as significant percentage inhibitions are obtained.

Background

Nanotechnology presents a sustainable paradigm for modern agriculture, utilizing nanoscale materials to combat plant diseases, enhance crop growth, and minimize environmental impact. Among the various synthesis methods, fungi-based nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and versatility compared to conventional physicochemical approaches.

Main body

Fungi possess unique metabolic pathways that facilitate the biosynthesis of NPs with distinct physicochemical properties, making them highly applicable to agriculture. These fungi-derived NPs exhibit strong and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against major phytopathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This review comprehensively details the biological mechanisms and agricultural applications of these NPs. Furthermore, it explores the integration of machine learning (ML) to advance the field, demonstrating how ML models optimize synthesis parameters, predict NP stability, and enhance antimicrobial efficacy, thereby paving the way for scalable and standardized production. An advanced bibliometric analysis (2000–2024) underscores the rapid expansion of this research domain, with India emerging as a leading contributor, reflecting a global shift toward sustainable nanotechnology for plant disease management.

Conclusion

By synthesizing insights from fungal nanobiotechnology, AI-driven optimization, and global research trends, this review provides a forward-looking perspective on developing and implementing advanced, eco-friendly strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis involves multifaceted genetic and environmental interactions, with hereditary components contributing 50 to 60% of disease susceptibility. Among non-HLA genetic determinants, polymorphisms in Interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-associated kinase (IRAK1) and Chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6) genes potentiate vulnerability to autoimmune diseases. So, this research aims at examining the potential role of the single nucleotide variant of IRAK1 and CCR6 genes in RA vulnerability and clarifying their association with disease-related variables. 58 RA cases and 40 healthy controls were recruited. We performed genotyping for IRAK1 rs1059703 via restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) and CCR6 rs3093024 using amplification-refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR) methodology.

Results

Statistical analysis demonstrated significant associations for IRAK1 CT + TT vs CC genotypes (P = 0.012) and T allele frequency (P = 0.001) differed substantially between RA patients and healthy controls. Conversely, CCR6 genotype/allele distributions showed no significant intergroup variations. Clinical parameters, including age, disease duration, sex, subcutaneous nodules, interstitial lung disease, Sjogrenʼs syndrome, joint deformity and rheumatoid factor (RF), demonstrated no significant association with either IRAK1 or CCR6 genotypes with exception of a significant link between CCR6 genotypes and anti-CCP positivity (P = 0.049).

Conclusion

The presence of the polymorphic genotypes and T allele of IRAK1 gene is associated with increased susceptibility of RA. Variation in CCR6 genotype was not associated with RA. However, the polymorphic variant of CCR6 was associated with positive anti-CCP. Assessing the relationship between RA pathogenesis and additional SNPs in these genes is advised.

Background

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly growing global health burden. Beyond vascular and metabolic complications, it is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to cognitive impairment and dementia. Cognitive dysfunction in T2DM often goes undetected until advanced stages, limiting effective intervention. Early detection strategies are therefore urgently needed. This study investigated the diagnostic potential of neuroinflammatory, metabolic/insulin signaling, and neuroprotective biomarkers in identifying cognitive impairment among T2DM patients.

Methods

In a tertiary care hospital, 200 participants were enrolled in a case–control study (100 participants in each group). Cognitive performance was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The concentrations of HMGB1, IL-1β, TLR4, IL-6, ADAM-10, mTOR, PI3K, Akt, TNF-α, and Klotho in the serum were measured by ELISA. Analysis of correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed.

Results

MoCA assessments were lower for patients with T2DM than for controls. Elevated serum concentrations of HMGB1, IL-1β, TLR4, IL-6, ADAM-10, TNF-α, mTOR, and PI3K with lower Akt and Klotho concentrations were observed in the T2DM patients. These biomarkers negatively correlated with MoCA scores (p < 0.001), indicating their potential role in cognitive impairment. ROC analysis identified ADAM-10 (AUC = 0.817), IL-1β (AUC = 0.792), and Klotho (AUC = 0.799) as prominent biomarkers of impairment in cognition.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that dysregulation of neuroinflammatory and metabolic pathways is strongly associated with cognitive decline in T2DM. Given the rising global prevalence of diabetes and dementia, incorporating serum biomarkers such as ADAM-10, IL-1β, and Klotho into clinical screening may enable earlier identification, risk stratification, and timely intervention in diabetes-associated cognitive impairment.

Background

Panaeolus foenisecii (Pers.) R. Maire, commonly known as the brown hay or lawnmower’s mushroom, is a small saprotrophic species common in temperate regions of Europe and North America, colonizing nutrient-rich lawns, meadows, and parklands. Although it belongs to a genus that includes psychoactive mushrooms, recent studies classify it as non-hallucinogenic. Morphologically, it is characterized by a hygrophanous brown cap, mottled dark gills, and ellipsoid warty spores, making it a distinctive yet often overlooked member of urban and rural grassland ecosystems.

Main Body

As a litter-decomposing fungus, Panaeolus foenisecii contributes to nutrient recycling and soil fertility and may act as a bioindicator sensitive to soil pH, composition, and moisture. Chemical analyses have identified serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan among its metabolites, compounds associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Their concentrations vary with environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil mineral content, indicating ecophysiological plasticity. Toxicological data show only mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms after accidental ingestion in humans or animals, suggesting minimal health risk. Despite lacking culinary or recreational use, the occurrence of bioactive indole derivatives underscores its potential ecological and pharmacological relevance.

Conclusion

Panaeolus foenisecii illustrates the ecological and biochemical diversity within the Panaeolus genus and highlights the need for further investigation of non-hallucinogenic species. Its metabolic profile and environmental sensitivity make it a valuable model for studying fungal adaptation and the ecological significance of indole-based metabolites.

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a crucial global health threat that reduces the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and contributes to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burdens, particularly in low-resource settings. This review harnesses the transformative potential of nanotechnology to mitigate the complex issues of AMR from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Main body of the abstract

Metal-based nanoparticles, such as silver, zinc oxide, and copper oxide, exhibit strong bactericidal activity through mechanisms including membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, and the release of toxic metal ions. Carbon-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and carbon dots, further enhance antimicrobial efficacy owing to their high surface area and customizable functionalization. Smart nanocarriers, including liposomes, dendrimers, and polymeric nanoparticles, enable targeted drug delivery, co-delivery of synergistic agents, and controlled stimuli-responsive release, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy while limiting systemic toxicity. In addition, nanosensors with colorimetric, electrochemical, fluorescent, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy properties demonstrate significant promise for the rapid and sensitive diagnosis of resistant pathogens, including applications in point-of-care testing. Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nanoparticle-based treatments against multidrug-resistant infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, drug-resistant tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, challenges such as toxicity concerns, manufacturing scalability, regulatory uncertainties, and environmental risks are significant issues. Despite these advances, their translation into clinical practice remains limited. Current evidence is largely derived from in vitro and animal studies, with relatively few human trials, and long-term safety data are lacking in this regard. Concerns persist regarding their toxicity, biodistribution, cost, regulatory frameworks, and potential environmental impacts. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that bacteria may also develop adaptive responses to nanoparticles. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of nanotechnology in AMR management while emphasizing the critical need for systematic safety studies, clinical validation, and regulatory standardization.

Short conclusion

Nanotechnology holds significant potential for combating AMR; however, its clinical success and translation depend on bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and safe, equitable, and sustainable clinical application.

Background

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with the reported numbers rising every year. Although the medical fraternity has made considerable progress in early detection and treatment interventions, the numbers are expected to increase drastically by 2040. The most prevalent cause of mortality in people with diverse cancer types is likely multidrug resistance (MDR). As per recent reports, there have been increased incidences of cancer being reported globally, with projections of low-Human Development Index (HDI) countries being affected more in the near future.

Main body

The existing literature has cited the possible use of individual nutrients for the treatment of cancer along with conventional chemotherapeutic interventions. Nutraceuticals have also been shown to target signalling pathways such as activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitigate progression of MDR. Evidence from various studies has corroborated that nutraceuticals have immense potential to be used as chemosensitizers that can facilitate treatment efficacy. In this review article, we have enlisted the various mechanisms that lead to the development of resistance against chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer cells and subsequently focus on the impact of the dietary intervention/supplementation with functional foods on those mechanisms.

Conclusion

Through this review, we try to address the need for a more detailed study to ameliorate MDR amongst cancer patients and how nutritional supplements and dietary changes can play a complementary role in defining the possible treatment pathway. This structured approach highlights the importance of food at a molecular level and emphasizes the need for more focused and detailed evaluation in the future.

Graphical abstract

Background

Recurrent caries remains a significant challenge in restorative dentistry. While various antimicrobial agents have been incorporated into restorative materials, their efficacy and impact on mechanical properties remain a concern.

Objective

This study investigates the potential of incorporating Citrus aurantium L. seed extract into glass ionomer cement (GIC) to enhance its antimicrobial activity while maintaining mechanical integrity comparable to conventional GIC. Additionally, in silico molecular docking and bioactivity predictions were performed to elucidate the mechanistic basis of its antimicrobial effects and broader pharmacological potential.

Materials and methods

The aqueous extract of Citrus aurantium L. was incorporated into the liquid component of a commercially available conventional GIC at two concentrations (10% and 20% by weight), forming two modified groups. Antimicrobial activity against S. mutans was evaluated using the agar diffusion assay. Molecular docking was conducted to predict interactions between key phytocompounds and S. mutans glucosyltransferase B (GtfB). Mechanical properties, including flexural strength and microhardness, were evaluated according to ISO 9917-1 and ASTM E-384:1999, respectively.

Results

Modified GIC demonstrated significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity, with the 20% concentration showing the strongest effect (27.2 ± 0.6 mm inhibition zone) compared to the control (16.2 ± 0.6 mm). Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between key bioactive compounds and GtfB. A minor but significant reduction in flexural strength was observed in modified GICs. Additionally, both modified GIC groups demonstrated improved surface microhardness (10% CA: 32.2 VHN; 20% CA: 42.4 ± 2.1 VHN) compared to the control (33.5 ± 2.0 VHN).

Clinical significance

The incorporation of C. aurantium L. extract into GIC significantly enhanced its antimicrobial properties against S. mutans while maintaining satisfactory mechanical performance. Molecular docking provided mechanistic insights into the antimicrobial effects, reinforcing the potential of integrating natural bioactive compounds with computational approaches in dental material development.

Background

Lead contamination in water is a critical global issue, with severe health and environmental impacts. Conventional treatment methods typically rely on chemical precipitation and adsorption using activated carbon. However, these approaches can be costly and prone to generating secondary waste. Hydroxyapatite offers a cleaner alternative for heavy metal adsorption due to its strong affinity for lead and its environmental benignity. Importantly, fish bone waste from Thailand’s fermented fish industry is an abundant, sustainable calcium-rich feedstock that can be converted into hydroxyapatite via hydrothermal process. Valorizing this by-product into an effective adsorbent not only addresses waste disposal challenges but also supports circular-economy goals.

Results

Hydroxyapatite was successfully synthesized from fermented fish bone using a hydrothermal process, optimizing conditions at 210 °C and a Ca/P ratio of 2 (sample HT9). Characterization revealed that HT9 had the high crystallinity, featuring a thin, porous sheet-like morphology with a specific surface area of 14.08 m²/g and pore volume of 0.0975 cm³/g. Key functional groups (PO₄³⁻, OH⁻, CO₃²⁻) critical for heavy metal adsorption were confirmed. The synthesized HT9 demonstrated excellent lead removal efficiency, achieving 99.6% removal within 60 min at pH 7 and an adsorbent dosage of 2.0 g/L. Pb adsorption on HT9 followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R² = 0.9997), indicating monolayer adsorption with a maximum capacity of 2.20 mg/g. Kinetic analysis showed the process adhered to a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the rate-limiting step, with a rate constant of 1.2012 g/mg·min.

Conclusion

The results highlight the potential of hydroxyapatite from fermented fish bone waste as a cost-effective, eco-friendly adsorbent for efficient lead removal and promote sustainable water-treatment solutions.