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

Background

The deformation of oral and maxillofacial region leads to not only the damage of morphology and function, but also a series of aesthetic and psychological problems, severely affecting the quality of life of patients. Oral tissue engineering refers to developing biomaterials for repair or regeneration, with the application of tissue engineering technologies. This has become an area of increasing prominence. Current biologically inert materials are insufficient to fulfill clinical requirements. Therefore, tissue-engineered biomaterials with bioactive, even bionic properties are desperately needed.

Main body

The complexity of the anatomy and the diversity of tissue types of oral and maxillofacial region pose great challenges to the regeneration, in the aspects of both biomaterials and manufacturing technologies. Biomaterials in clinical practice or research have evolved from natural materials to synthetic materials, from homogeneous materials to multiple composite materials. And now composite materials have increasingly demonstrated their advantages in terms of physicochemical and biological properties over conventional materials. In terms of manufacturing, traditional coating, sintering, and milling technologies can no longer satisfy the requirements for high-precision bionic structures of oral-tissue-engineering biomaterials. Scientists have turned to biofabrication technologies such as microfluidics and additive manufacturing.

Short conclusion

This review aims to summarize the noteworthy advancements made in biomaterials of oral tissue engineering. We outlined the current biomaterials and manufacturing technologies and focused on various applications of these materials that may be connected to clinical treatment and research. We also suggested the future direction of development for biomaterials in oral tissue engineering. In future, biomaterials characterized by precision, functionalization, and individualization will be manufactured through digital, microfluidic, and 3D printing technologies.

Graphical abstract

Background

Copeptin is an immediate biomarker of individual stress response; many life-threatening diseases are causing a high elevation of its concentration in plasma, such as myocardial infarction and cardiovascular shock. Moreover, copeptin is a promising marker in sepsis. We aimed to evaluate copeptin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in neonatal sepsis for the early initiation of appropriate therapy and the prediction of mortality. A prospective case-control study involved 237 neonates (165 cases had neonatal sepsis, and 72 served as controls). Cases were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and followed up for symptoms and signs of sepsis confirmed by laboratory data: complete blood count (CBC), c-reactive protein (CRP), and cultures. Serum copeptin level by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was measured for all included neonates. We observed that the copeptin level was significantly higher in cases than control (3.51 ± 1.4, 1.61 ± 0.51 pmol/liter, respectively). The cut-off value of copeptin at which we can discriminate between cases and controls was above 2.065 pmol/liter. Among cases, copeptin was higher in early-onset sepsis (EOS) than late-onset sepsis (LOS) neonates, and there was a significant correlation between its level and all the following: age at admission, birth weight, gestational age, history of perinatal asphyxia, maternal chorioamnionitis, and premature rupture of membrane (PROM). Also, copeptin was strongly associated with CRP level and the poor prognosis of patients. Copeptin can predict the death of cases at a cut-off value above 2.995 pmol/liter.

Conclusion

Serum copeptin level can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in neonatal sepsis.

Background

Studies have shown that Bisphenol A may interfere with the process of spermatogenesis and result in a decrease in the quality of semen. Nevertheless, the fundamental processes remain unclear. This study was done to investigate the connections between exposure to Bisphenol A, spermatogenesis with microRNA-337, and malondialdehyde in infertile men.

Methods

This study was a case–control study on 73 participants. Infertile group (1a): azoospermia (n = 16), infertile group (1b): oligozoospermia (n = 22), and control group (2): normospermic (n = 35) were enrolled in this study. Full history, local examination, semen analysis, and urine and blood samples were taken from all participants. Urinary Bisphenol A, malondialdehyde, and serum microRNA-337 were measured.

Results

The mean Bisphenol A level in azoospermia group shows statistically significant increase comparing to fertile control group. The mean microRNA-337 level in oligozoospermia and azoospermia group shows statistically significant increase comparing to fertile controls. The mean malondialdehyde level in infertility groups shows statistically significant increase comparing to fertile control group. No linear correlations were recorded between Bisphenol A levels with semen quality parameters, hormonal profile, and microRNA-337.

Conclusion

While there is no significant change in the levels of Bisphenol A between normal fertile males and infertile males with oligozospermia, a significant elevation in the BPA level was observed in infertile males with azoospermia. A significant upregulation of the miRNA-337 gene expression in infertile males either oligozospermia or azoospermia was also observed. In addition, lipid peroxidation as evident by the significant elevation of MDA levels was marked among infertile patients.

Background

Studying insect succession on carcasses is important in estimating the postmortem interval. This study aims to identify the decomposition stages of decomposing rabbit carcasses and to find out the relationship between seasonal variations and abundance of insects colonizing rabbit carcasses at El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

Methods

Three domestic rabbits (weighing 1300 g each) were killed by a sharp knife. The carcasses were exposed to the sun, left to decompose and inspected twice daily at 6-h intervals to collect insects. Maggots were collected and reared.

Results

The rabbit carcasses underwent four decomposition stages: fresh, bloat, decay and dry stages. The identified families and their respective collected species included three dipteran families: Calliphoridae (Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya megacephala, and Chrysomya albiceps), Sarcophagidae (Sarcophaga argyrostoma) and Muscidae (Musca domestica and Synthesiomyia nudiseta), three coleopteran families. Histeridae (Saprinus semistriatus), Cleridae (Necrobia rufipes) and Dermestidae (Dermestes frischii and Attagenus gloriosus) and three hymenopteran families: Chalcididae (Brachymeria femorata), Vespidae (Vespa orientalis) and Formicidae (Monomorium sp.). Carrion fauna was dominated by dipteran and coleopteran species, with calliphorid and sarcophagid flies found to play a significant role in carrion consumption process.

Conclusion

The succession pattern and decomposition rate were season dependent. The information collected may help establish the basic database for entomological forensic investigations in the future.

Graphical abstract

Background

Prostate cancer is the most common oncological disease in men and one of leading causes of death worldwide. Growing evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of mung bean bioactive compounds in suppressing various cancer cells. However, their effects and underlying mechanisms on prostate cancer have not been verified. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutical effects and underlying mechanisms of mung bean compounds against prostate cancer.

Results

The results revealed that 56 proteins related to prostate cancer could be modulated by mung bean, including several vital proteins of SRC (Sarcoma), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 (MAPK8), Heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha member A1 (HSP90AA1), and Harvey Rat sarcoma virus (HRAS). It was also found that the potential pathways associated with prostate cancer pathogenesis comprising pyrimidine metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and prolactin signaling pathways. Of 19 mung bean compounds docked to four key proteins reveal three promising compound (dulcinoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and chlorogenic acid) with lower binding affinity score of − 7.7, − 12.2, − 9.0, and − 6.5 kcal/mol against SRC, MAPK8, HSP90AA1, and HRAS, respectively in their site of action. Dynamic simulation results also showed values of − 36.52 ± 2.93, − 35.93 ± 1.67, and − 35.77 ± 1.17 kJ/mol for Dulcinoside-SRC, Dulcinoside-MAPK8, and P3G-HSP90AA1 complexes, respectively. The binding of the compound occur in stable and flexible with the proteins. Moreover, all mung bean compounds predicted to have good ADMET properties.

Conclusions

The study concluded that dulcinoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and chlorogenic acid potentially exhibited anticancer activity against prostate cancer in silico. Nevertheless, further studies such as in vitro and in vivo are needed to optimize and prove the efficacy of the mung brand and its compounds against prostate cancer.

Graphical abstract

Background and aim of study

Thyroidectomy and osteoarthritis have drawn more attention in last decades due to increase various local and systemic risk factors. This study is aimed to determine the association and impact between thyroidectomy and osteoarthritis by serological measurement of most specific related markers.

Results

Measurement of thyroid markers showed the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was significantly increased, while parathyroid hormone (PTH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels were decreased in osteoarthritis subjected to thyroidectomy group (OTG) when compared to hyperthyroidism subjected to thyroidectomy group (TG), osteoarthritis group (OG), and healthy control group (CG). Detection the activity of bone markers showed the level of R-factor was significantly elevated concomitant with significant reduction in Dickkopf related protein 1 (DKK1), human hyaluronan-binding protein 2 (HABP2), osteocalcin (OC) in OG and OTG groups, while osteopontin (OPN) and procollagen I C-terminal propeptide (PICP) were significantly increased and decreased in TG and OTG. Furthermore, the level of S100 Calcium binding protein (S100CBP) showed significant decreased in patient’s groups, while TG with OTG groups exhibited significant reduction in sclerostin (SOST) concentration. Regarding the inflammatory markers, the levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) was increased in the OTG, while the level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) was increased in OG and TG groups, and reduced in OTG. While, the level of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) was decreased in OG and TG associated with significant increases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha level (TNF-α) in OTG. Measurement of oxidant and antioxidant activity markers showed the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly reduced in all patient’s groups compared to control, except the level of CAT in TG, whereas, malondialdehyde (MDA) level was increased in OG and OTG patients. Furthermore, the levels of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), C-Reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were increased in all patient groups compared to control, while fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) level was increased in OTG only.

Conclusion

This unique study in Iraq is identified the interaction effect and impact of thyroidectomy to osteoarthritis according to the results that showed various changes and degree of correlation of study biomarkers in all patient groups, however more depth of specific quantitative and qualitative studies are required to support this association and the impact claim at molecular level.

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can be defined as an increase in the blood sugar level and a disturbance in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Bee venom (BV) is useful for treating and preventing diabetic rats’ histological and biochemical problems. Although the medical advantages of BV have been identified, its safety has remained a substantial barrier for its application. Consequently, the goal of our work was to prepare bee venom-loaded chitosan (BV-CS) nanoparticles (NPs), which would then be physically characterized. This was followed by examining the effect of the synthetized BV-CS NPs on oxidation, inflammation and coagulation in vitro. In diabetic rats’ model [induced by streptozotocin (STZ)], the produced BV-CS NPs were tested as an anti-diabetic medication.

Results

In vivo testing on pancreatic tissue homogenates showed that BV-CS NPs have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The results showed that BV-CS NPs can be used as a safe and efficient therapy for diabetes. Up to a concentration of 250 µg/ml, the generated NPs demonstrated potential antioxidant, membrane stabilizing, and non-cytotoxic capabilities. Our findings indicated that the administration of BV-CS NPs significantly controlled blood glucose levels and metabolic abnormalities that accompanied diabetes induction.

Conclusions

BV-CS NPs were successful in treating STZ-induced diabetes in rats, stimulated insulin secretion and were safe to be used in vivo.

Graphical abstract

Background

Climate change significantly influences the geographical distribution of plant species worldwide, especially endemics. Endemic species are plants that live in limited distribution ranges of unique ecology and, thus, are the most vulnerable species to climate change. Therefore, understanding the impacts of climate change on the distribution of these species can assist in developing appropriate plans for their conservation. In this study, we aimed to apply various species distribution models (SDMs) to predict the current potential distributions of two endangered plant species, Silene leucophylla (S. leucophylla, endemic) and Silene schimperiana (S. schimperiana, near-endemic), in Saint Catherine protected area (St. Catherine PA), Egypt. Then, using the best-fit model to project their future distribution under the maximum climate emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5)). Six different SDMs were constructed using different geospatial raster imagery sets of environmental factors. For each model, five machine learning (ML) algorithms were used. The results of these ML algorithms were then ensembled by calculating the weighted average of their predictions.

Results

Based on the analysis of digital geospatial imageries produced by the best-fitting model, the predicted suitable areas of S. leucophylla and S. schimperiana were 23.1 km² and 125 km², respectively. These sites are located mainly in the high-elevation middle northern part of the study area. Annual precipitation, mean temperature of the driest quarter, altitude, and precipitation seasonality were the essential predictors of the distributions of both species. Future predictions of both species indicated opposing results between the studied species. Predictions in the 2050 and 2070 future conditions revealed significant range contraction for the distribution of S. leucophylla. For S. schimperiana, a range shift is predicted, with both range contraction and range expansion of its current suitable habitats, for the same future projections. Unfortunately, in 2080 predictions, both species could be projected to a complete loss from the entire area.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of including diverse types of environmental variables in SDMs to produce more accurate predictions, rather than relying only on one variable type. It also revealed the potential negative impacts of future climate change on the distributions of two endangered plant species, S. leucophylla and S. schimperiana, inhabiting St. Catherine PA. Consequently, we urgently recommend the initiation of different plans and strategies seeking their conservation.

Background

Uncontrolled cell proliferation is a major cause of cancer development and progression. Inflammation along with inflammatory mediators and cells play a significant role in cancer. Cancer ranks in second in mortality rates, following cardiac diseases. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants offer a natural and effective approach for treating Inflammation and cancer.

Main body of the abstract

Animal studies provide evidence that phytochemicals present in food acts as antioxidants, anti-aging molecules, and health promoters, thereby extending lifespan. These natural compounds include quercetin, epicatechin, resveratrol, curcumin, kaempferol, vitamin C and carotenoids. However, clinical data on humans is still awaited. Conventional allopathic cancer therapies often have severe side effects. Recently, drug repurposing has emerged as an alternative strategy offering lower costs, shorter development times and the advantage of existing clinical data. The primary goal of drug repurposing is to discover new uses for approved or experimental drugs.

Short conclusion

The current review elucidates the side effects of synthetic drugs and the beneficial effects of phytochemicals and non-oncological drugs along with their mechanisms of action for treating cancer. Additionally, it highlights clinical trial data for various cancers focusing on molecular targets. By integrating natural products, drug repurposing and molecular targets, we can develop multifaceted therapies that maximize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. This integrated approach promises more personalized and effective treatments, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should identifying novel natural compounds, explore repurposing opportunities for existing drugs, and elucidate molecular targets for precise therapy. Additionally, clinical trials should be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of these combined strategies in cancer patients.

Graphical abstract