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

Background

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) have gained interest due to their availability, efficiency, and their cost-effectiveness. Betaine is an essential methyl donor and takes part in various physiological activities inside the body; it is found to have protective and curative effects against various liver diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatotoxic effect of CuO-NPs on adult male albino rats and the ability of betaine to alleviate such hepatotoxicity.

Methods

Forty adult male albino Wister rats were grouped into 4 groups (10 rats/group): group I a negative control, group II (CuO-NPs) injected with CuO-NPs intra peritoneal by insulin needle (0.5 mg/kg/day), group III (betaine + CuO-NPs) administered betaine orally by gavage needle (250 mg/kg/day 1 h before CuO-NPs) and CuO-NPs (0.5 mg/kg/day) finally, group IV (betaine) administered betaine orally by gavage needle (250 mg/kg/day) for consecutive 28 days. Blood and liver samples were gathered and processed for biochemical, molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations.

Results

Group II displayed a marked rise in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, there is an excessive upregulation of the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). On the other hand, substantial reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels and significant downregulation at glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mRNA gene expression. Regarding the histopathological deviations, there were severe congestion, dilatation and hyalinization of blood vessels, steatosis, hydropic degeneration, hepatocytic necrosis, increased binucleation, degenerated bile ducts, hyperplasia of ducts epithelial lining, and inflammatory cells infiltration. Immunohistochemically, there was a pronounced immunoreactivity toward IL-1β. Luckily, the pre-administration of betaine was able to mitigate these changes. MDA was dramatically reduced, resulting in the downregulation of IL-1β and TNF-α. Additionally, there was a considerable rise in GSH levels and an upregulation of GPx. Histopathological deviations were substantially improved as diminished dilatation, hyalinization and congestion of blood vessels, hepatocytes, and bile ducts are normal to some extent. In addition, IL-1β immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked decreased intensity.

Conclusion

Betaine can effectively reduce the hepatotoxicity caused by CuO-NPs via its antioxidant properties and its ability to stimulate the cell redox system.

Breakthrough achievements in protein structure prediction have occurred recently, mostly due to the advent of sophisticated machine learning methods and significant advancements in algorithmic approaches. The most recent version of the AlphaFold model, known as “AlphaFold-latest,” which expands the functionalities of the groundbreaking AlphaFold2, is the subject of this article. The goal of this novel model is to predict the three-dimensional structures of various biomolecules, such as ions, proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, and non-standard residues. We demonstrate notable gains in precision, surpassing specialized tools across multiple domains, including protein–ligand interactions, protein–nucleic acid interactions, and antibody–antigen predictions. In conclusion, this AlphaFold framework has the ability to yield atomically-accurate structural predictions for a variety of biomolecular interactions, hence facilitating advancements in drug discovery.

Background

The structure of flexible or rigid pavement built on expansive subgrade soil that has a volumetric change is vulnerable to many problems that might cause failure. Pavement and construction became more durable and economical by enhancing the quality of subgrade expansive soil. Solid waste recycling has become very popular recently as a means of attaining sustainable waste management, so using lime kiln dust (LKD), which is a by-product of quick lime production, to treat expansive soil in pavement subgrades. This research describes the effect of LKD on the chemical composition, strength, and swelling of high and low-plastic clay that were extracted from two sites. The minimum LKD required for treating expansive soils was determined by using the Eades and Grim pH test. From tests, it was found that the addition of LKD increased the shrinkage limit by a range (250–500)% and decreased the plasticity and swelling potential by between (50 and 100)% of expansive subgrade soils. The strength according to CBR, increased approximately by 150% for CL soil and 800% for CH soil.

Results

The optimal percentage of LKD for CH soil is 6%, and for CL soil, it is 2%. The plastic limit increased by 50% for CH soil at 6% LKD. On the other hand, CL soil became non-plastic at 4% LKD. With an increase in the percentage of LKD, it led an the increase in the shrinkage limit by 500% in CH soil and 250% in CL soil. The free swell decreased by 50% in CH soil and 100% in CL soil. The swelling pressure decreased by 50% for two expansive soils. CBR increased by 800% in CH soil and by 150% in CL soil.

Conclusion

This work found that the addition of LKD improves the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of expansive subgrade soil.

Background

Gabal Ras Abda area as a part of the Red Sea Mountain range, is characterized by inaccessible and rugged terrains. The exposed rock units are hardly followed in the field because of the rigid topography. Thus, the present work proposes and develops an integrated approach to map the exposed rock units and extract the geologic structures using satellite imagery data followed by both field and petrographic verification, saving time, efforts and cost.

Results

To achieve the target, both the measured spectral signature curves with Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2A data were used to develop and create the most enhanced Band Ratios and Principal Components for lithological discrimination and mapping which were (((Band7 + Band 4)/(Band 7), (Band 2)/(Band 2 + Band 5) and (Band 5) in RGB) and ((Band 9 + Band 11 + Band 12)/(Band 1), (Band 4 − Band 2) and (Band 11/Band 6) + (Band 6) in RGB)) with Principal Component Bands ((PC1, PC2 and PC3 in RGB) and (PC3, PC2 and PC1 in RGB)), respectively. Also, georeferenced Google Earth Pro, panchromatic band of Landsat-8 and ALOS PALSAR Digital Elevation Model images were used to extract the structural lineaments. Geologic, petrographic and field structural studies were emphasized the remote sensing results, indicating that the main rock types cropped out in Ras Abda area from the oldest to the youngest are older granitoids (quartz-diorites, tonalites and granodiorites), Dokhan volcanics (andesites, rhyodacites, rhyolites and their related tuffs), younger gabbros, younger granites (monzogranites, syenogranites and alkali-feldspar granites), post-granite dykes and offshoots (acidic, microgranitic and basic types) and Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks. Also, the study emphasized that the E-W trend is the main structural trend controlling the investigated area followed by WNW-ESE and NE-SW directions.

Conclusions

The results of remote sensing achieved compliance with the geologic, petrographic and structural investigation through distinctly differentiating the different rocks and extracting the lineaments, indicating the accuracy of the remote sensing results and emphasizing their importance and effective role in producing a precise and highly accurate geologic map.

Graphical abstract

Background

The cornea of various vertebrate is considered a major part in the glop, which acts as a powerful lens, providing a sharp retinal image, and meantime acts as an excellent defensor for other corneal layers.

Results

The four reptilian families [Scincidae (Chalcides ocellatus); Chamaeleontidae (Chameleon chameleon); Cheloniidae (Chelonia mydas) and Testudiniae (Testudo kleinmanni)] investigated in the current study were gathered across Egypt. After being taken out of the orbit, the cornea under inquiry was ready for light, specific stain and scanning electron microscopy. The epithelium, stroma, and endothelium are the three corneal layers that are common to all four species of reptiles. All other species lack Bowmen's and Descemet's membranes, with the exception of C. ocellatus and T. kleinmanni. The latter layers of Chalcides ocellatus display a strong affinity for Periodic Acid Schiff stain. Epithelial cells with a variety of forms, from hexagonal to atypical polygonal cells, cover the outer corneal surface. These epithelial cells are coated in short microplicae, microvilli, and microholes of varied diameters. There are a few blebs scattered around their surface.

Conclusion

The current study concluded that various habitats have various significant effects on the cornea's microstructure characteristics and its physiological trends to accommodate different environmental surroundings.

Background

Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma “HCC”) remains a significant health issue without prompt detection and appropriate prevention. By interacting with each other, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) can form gene regulatory networks. Specifically, we aim to determine whether the lncRNAs (HOTTIP, H19, and HOTAIR) and miRNA-152 interact in a significant manner in the progression of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients to HCC. This is followed by the question of whether these biomarkers can be used to diagnose and prognose noninvasively. We used online computational techniques to predict which miRNA group is likely to affect the lncRNAs being examined. This study involved 133 participants. 103 patients with HCV were included in the study, which was divided into two groups: Group I, with 65 cases of chronic liver disease without HCC, and Group II, with 38 cases of chronic liver disease with HCC. In addition, 30 healthy volunteers served as controls. In this study, a qRT-PCR was used to test gene expression.

Results

A consistent reverse correlation has been observed between lncRNAs and miRNA-152 as the disease progresses.

Conclusion

According to our findings, the studied biomarkers may be useful as noninvasive biomarkers for prognosis in patients with HCV Genotype 4 who develop liver cirrhosis and HCC. Many miRNAs, including miRNA-19a and miRNA-106a, may interact with lncRNAs that have been investigated in addition to miRNA-152.

Background

Hepatorenal syndrome is a life-threatening medical complication of liver cirrhosis. Hepatic cirrhosis is commonly accompanied by rapid failure of renal functions. Thioacetamide (TAA) is a potent hepatotoxin and a class 2-type carcinogen. Ubiquinone (Coq₁₀) and lactoferrin (LF) are potent antioxidants with antifibrotic and antiinflammatory effects. However, whether Coq₁₀ and LF reduce the hepatorenal injury induced by TAA remains unclear. Here, we investigated the potential protective effect of both/or Coq₁₀ and LF in ameliorating TAA-induced hepatorenal injury and the role of WNT4 gene expression in detecting TAA-induced renal injury in rats. Seventy healthy and mature male Sprague Dawley rats, weighting (200 g ± 20 g) and aging (4–6) weeks were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10): control, Coq₁₀, LF, TAA, TAA + Coq₁₀, TAA + LF, and TAA + Coq₁₀ + LF. The hepatorenal injury was induced through intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of TAA (150 mg/kg/twice/weekly) for nine weeks. Coq₁₀ (10 mg/kg/day) and LF (200 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for nine weeks.

Results

TAA induced marked hepatorenal damage, evident by the significant increase in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), serum creatinine (SCr) activities, and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. Besides, the significant increases in concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NOx) together with significant decreases in the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The histopathological analysis of the TAA group showed obvious fibrosis, steatosis, and inflammation of the hepatic parenchyma as well as severe glomerular and tubular damage of the renal parenchyma. In addition, TAA induced marked ultrastructural alterations and up-regulation in the expression of the WNT4 gene in the kidney. Meanwhile, the biochemical, histopathological, and ultrastructural alterations were significantly decreased with significant down-regulation in the expression of WNT4 in the groups exposed to TAA and treated with Coq₁₀ and LF.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that Coq₁₀ and LF could have protective effects on TAA hepatorenal damage, through improving the hepatic and renal functions, reduction of oxidative stress, structural and ultrastructural alterations, besides down-regulation in the expression of WNT4.

Background

Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan parasite transmitted to dogs through ingesting the arthropod vector (hard ticks), which contains mature protozoal oocysts harboring infectious sporozoites.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the blood parameters, biochemical assays and histopathological appraisal of infected police dogs with Hepatozoon canis, from kennels in the police academy of Egypt during 2020–2021.

Methods

Red blood cells count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood platelets and white blood cells count from collected blood samples were analyzed, and serum albumin, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analyzed from serum samples. Polymerase chain reaction amplified the 18S ribosomal RNAgene of the Hepatozoon species for genetic analysis, and the deoxyribonucleic acid products were sequenced and added to GenBank.

Results

The present study resulted in 5% of the police dog population being infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This study registered the sequences of the Hepatozoon canis 18S ribosomal RNAgene in Egypt for the first time in Genbank (MW362244.1–MW362245.1). The biochemical assay revealed that the parasite severely affected the protein, significantly increasing serum albumin in positive polymerase chain reaction testing dogs.

Conclusion

A thorough inspection discovered that 100 police dogs had clinical symptoms like fever, emaciation and anemia, while the other 200 were healthy and had no evident clinical indicators.

Background

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a respiratory ailment that causes the substitution of healthy lung tissue with scar tissue due to collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation. The incidence of PF increased with the successive waves of Coronaviruses and other viruses affecting the lungs. Therefore, the priority is moving toward treatment with medicinal plants for their active constituents. Salvia officinalis L. herbal drug (sage, family; Lamiaceae) is characterized by its strong antioxidative activity. This study aims to declare the effect of using sage ethanol extract (SOEE) as a protective agent from PF through an in vivo study on mercuric chloride (HgCl₂)-induced lung fibrosis and in vitro evaluation of its anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant activities concerning its phytoconstituents.

Results

Twelve compounds were isolated and identified as apigenin, luteolin, genkwanin, quercetin, hispidulin, luteolin-7-O-β- glucopyranoside, rutin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid chlorogenic acid, and ellagic acid. The results of antioxidants indicated that SOEE exhibited the greatest efficacy as an antioxidant agent in the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay with inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) 23.21 ± 1.17 µg/ mL followed by 1864.71 and 1793.80 µM Trolox equivalent/mg extract for ferric ion reducing antioxidant power and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), respectively. SOEE showed notable cytotoxic activity against A549. Oral administration of SOEE at 69.4 and 173.5 mg/kg.bw afforded a noteworthy protective effect against HgCl₂-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Also, lung superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were increased by SOEE. That was in parallel with working to reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA), necrosis factor kappa (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels. The lung P53, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, AKT, and vanin-1 gene expression was upregulated in SOEE-treated rats compared to HgCl₂-treated rats.

Conclusion

SOEE reduces acute lung injury and can be used to inhibit the proliferation and migration of lung fibrotic cells. These activities may be related to its high antioxidant activity, which could result from the phenolic constituents. The authors recommended using sage in the treatment of lung diseases to protect from lung fibrosis. Additional animal and human experiments are needed for future research.

Graphical abstract

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have long been known for their ability to regenerate tissue. Cigarette smoking is one environmental risk factor that may impair the performance of MSCs. Electronic cigarettes have recently become a popular and widely accepted alternative to tobacco cigarettes due to their safety. The present study aims to analyze how smoke extracts of cigarette tobacco and electronic cigarettes affect the capability of dental pulp stem cell (DPSCs) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. In this study, DPSCs were isolated from healthy impacted third molars of non-smokers, and two smoke extracts were made from tobacco powder and electronic cigarettes. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated at two time intervals (14 and 21 days), and its effect on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the DPSCs was assessed.

Results

The proliferation rate with the calculated IC50 of both smoke extracts was reduced compared to control cells. After 21 days of osteogenic induction, significantly fewer calcium deposits were visible among cells exposed to both smoke extracts. In addition, the expression of alkaline phosphatase and RANKL proteins was significantly reduced in differentiated DPSCs subjected to both smoke extracts.

Conclusions

DPSCs exposed to both smoke extracts showed decreased cell viability and osteogenic differentiation potentiality compared to control cells. Smoking in any form has a detrimental effect on the proliferation and regenerative capacity of MSCs.