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

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.

Background

The chronic inflammatory and immunological disease "Asthma" is characterized by oxidative stress disruptions and is typically treated with glucocorticoids, the most potent anti-inflammatory agents. However, prolonged use may result in many adverse effects. Earthworms have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic characteristics. This study investigates the possible protective properties of Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) in asthma model.

Method

Twenty-four female mice were allocated into four groups: control, ovalbumin (OVA), OVA + AcE (45 mg/kg), and OVA + dexamethasone (Dexa) (1 mg/kg). We assessed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) inflammatory cells, nasal scratching frequency, BALF and serum IgE, ILs-4, -1β, and -13, and OVA-specific IgE levels, pulmonary oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity), the frequency of CD19⁺ B-lymphocytes, histopathology (H&E and Masson’s trichrome stains), and the immunohistochemistry expression of p-nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 in the lungs.

Results

AcE markedly reduced BALF inflammatory cells, nasal scratching frequency, IgE, OVA-specific IgE, IL-4, -1β, -13, CD19⁺ B cells, MDA, NO levels, as well as asthmatic mice histological inflammatory scores. The histologic and histochemical studies showed improved lung structure, decreased goblet cell hyperplasia, and reduced collagen precipitation after AcE treatment.

Conclusion

The anti-asthmatic properties of AcE are attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, specifically its capacity to inhibit NF-κB and CD19⁺ expression and inhibit oxidative stress.

Background

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in adults, accounting for more than one-third of brain neoplasms. Most are slow-growing, but higher-grade subtypes (WHO grades II–III) often recur, invade surrounding structures, and remain difficult to treat. Surgery, with or without radiotherapy, is still the standard of care, yet outcomes are limited by resistance and the lack of effective systemic therapies.

Main body

Recent advances in molecular research have revealed diverse mechanisms that drive therapeutic resistance. Genetic and epigenetic alterations such as neurofibromin 2 (NF2) loss and chromatin remodeling defects contribute to radioresistance and treatment failure. The tumor microenvironment supports survival through hypoxia, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and neuronal interactions, while metabolic reprogramming enables adaptation to therapy. These discoveries are guiding new approaches, including targeted inhibitors, immune checkpoint blockade, epigenetic and metabolic therapies, and drug repurposing strategies such as statins, metformin, and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. At the same time, biomarker development—spanning molecular profiling, liquid biopsy, and functional imaging—is refining risk stratification and patient selection.

Conclusion

The management of meningiomas is shifting toward mechanism-based, personalized strategies. Combining molecular insights with targeted therapies, immunomodulation, and repurposed drugs has the potential to overcome resistance and improve outcomes. Continued biomarker development and well-designed clinical trials will be crucial for translating these advances into practice.

Background

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) are commonly used in industrial and consumer products, including paints, food colorants, paper, sunscreen lotions, and toothpaste. Due to growing concerns about their potential health risks, this study aimed to evaluate the bioactive constituents of the ethanolic extract of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (MEE) using GC–MS and assess its protective efficacy against TiO₂NPs-induced oxidative damage.

Methods

The rats were orally administered treatments for two weeks across six groups: a negative control group, a TiO₂NPs-only group (300 mg/kg b.w.), two groups receiving MEE alone (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w), and two co-treatment groups receiving TiO₂NPs with MEE at 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w, respectively. Samples of tissues and blood were collected for biochemical and histological analysis.

Results

GC–MS analysis identified 32 bioactive compounds in the MEE, with major constituents including D-Pinitol, pentakis ether, and different fatty acids. TiO₂NPs were spherical (10–50 nm) with uniform size distribution. Exposure to TiO₂NPs resulted in elevated oxidative stress markers, and altered lipid profiles, as well as histopathological damage in liver, kidney, testis, and heart tissues. MEE co-treatment improved, in a dose-dependent manner, these parameters and reduced TiO₂NPs accumulation in liver and kidney tissues. Moreover, in silico pharmacokinetic and toxicity predictions revealed favorable LD50 values (1500–2280 mg/kg) and excellent bioavailability for key compounds.

Conclusion

M. crystallinum extract demonstrates a strong antioxidant and chelating properties, making it a promising nutraceutical candidate for mitigating TiO₂NPs-induced toxicity and enhancing clearance of accumulated nanoparticles from vital organs.

Graphical abstract

Background

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system through inflammation, loss of myelin, and progressive neurodegeneration. Its prevalence has been increasing worldwide, with variations that reflect genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and immune system dysregulation.

Main Body

Advances in high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and the use of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers have enhanced the ability to detect early disease activity, monitor progression, and evaluate therapeutic response. Despite these improvements, challenges remain in understanding the mechanisms driving disease progression, particularly in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis where treatment options are limited. Barriers such as unequal access to therapies, variable long-term efficacy, and incomplete knowledge of disease pathways continue to hinder effective management. Current research emphasizes the need for personalized approaches that incorporate genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Efforts are also being directed toward identifying neuroprotective and remyelinating agents, alongside integrating biomarkers into treatment strategies, in order to better tailor therapies and improve monitoring of disease activity.

Conclusion

Future directions in multiple sclerosis research should focus on precision medicine, the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, and the integration of biomarkers into clinical care. These strategies hold the potential to improve long-term outcomes, reduce disease burden, and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. This review explores global epidemiological patterns, recent diagnostic innovations, and the effectiveness of emerging treatment strategies in multiple sclerosis.

Background

Net blotch disease, caused by Pyrenophora teres, poses a growing threat to global barley production, highlighting the need for sustainable disease management strategies. Traditional control relies heavily on chemical fungicides, which raise concerns about environmental safety and resistance development. There is growing interest in sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to enhance plant immunity. Elicitors like guanine and β-aminobutyric acid (βABA) offer promising potential for boosting resistance in barley against fungal pathogens.

Methods

This study investigated the effectiveness of guanine and βABA as elicitors in boosting systemic resistance in a susceptible barley cultivar (Hordeum vulgare cv. Giza 2000) against P. teres, compared to the conventional fungicide epoxiconazole, under both greenhouse and field conditions. Barley leaves were analysed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) staining, for physiological parameters measurements, including chlorophyll, carotenoids, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and superoxide anion (O₂•⁻). Enzymatic activities of key antioxidant and defence-related enzymes were spectrophotometrically assessed.

Results

All epoxiconazole, guanine, and βABA significantly reduced disease severity and infection response with epoxiconazole being the most effective, followed by guanine and βABA. Notably, guanine and βABA induced an early oxidative burst, characterised by increased endogenous production of ROS, H₂O₂, and O₂•⁻, detected in guard and mesophyll cells within 24 h post-inoculation (hpi). This response was inversely correlated with fungal colonisation. Further analyses at 3 and 15 days post-inoculation (dpi) revealed that both elicitors enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and promoted the accumulation of osmoprotectants and non-enzymatic antioxidants, crucial for countering oxidative stress. Additionally, foliar application of guanine and βABA mitigated oxidative damage by reducing excessive ROS, lipoxygenase activity, and malondialdehyde levels.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the potential of guanine and βABA as key immune signalling molecules in plant–microbe interactions, playing a pivotal role in plant defence. To our knowledge, this is the first study to elucidate the mechanisms behind guanine- and βABA-mediated defence activation in barley against net blotch disease, positioning them as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides for integrated disease management in barley cultivation.

Background

Psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections, and skin aging are prevalent dermatological conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, impaired skin barrier function, and a reduced quality of life. Conventional topical cosmetic treatments, however, are constrained by limited suboptimal efficacy, instability of active compounds, and inadequate skin penetration. The application of nanotechnology in cosmetics, known as nanocosmeceuticals, has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these drawbacks. Lipid-based nanocarriers, including liposomes, phytosomes, niosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, facilitate site-specific delivery, enhance transdermal permeation, and protect bioactive constituents from degradation, improving therapeutic effectiveness.

Main body

This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of lipid-based nanocosmeceuticals for the prevention and treatment of skin aging and related dermatological disorders, with particular emphasis on formulation strategies, therapeutic efficacy, and safety considerations. This work presents a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed studies addressing the physicochemical properties, delivery strategies, and both in vitro and in vivo performance of lipid-based nanocarriers in dermatological applications. Studies show lipid-based nanocarriers exhibit minimal toxicity, enhanced stability, and controlled, sustained release profiles, with the added ability to deliver active compounds to targeted skin sites. Reported benefits include improved skin hydration, reduced wrinkles, and more effective management of psoriasis, eczema, and microbial infections. Their high entrapment efficiency and capacity for co-delivery of multiple drugs further strengthen their potential as versatile platforms for dermatological therapy.

Conclusion

Lipid-based nanocosmeceuticals represent novel and versatile platforms that provide both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. They hold strong potential to transform dermatological care through enhanced efficacy and improved safety; however, large-scale clinical trials and regulatory harmonization remain essential to enable their successful translation into clinical practice.

Graphical abstract