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

Near-infrared spectroscopy is a spectral analysis technique that involves electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths between the visible spectrum and the mid-infrared spectrum. The technique can realize non-destructive testing of samples and is particularly suitable for rapid analysis in the field and online quality monitoring. This technique utilizes the absorption of near-infrared light by hydrogen-containing groups within a sample, enabling the extraction of specific information regarding the characteristics of these hydrogen-containing groups within the analyzed organic molecules. The application of chemometrics in near-infrared spectral analysis reduces the data set size, excludes noise interference and improves the efficiency of multivariate correction. The finite variable model construction reduces the random errors and improves the accuracy of the prediction results. The present document synthesizes the application of near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics in the context of liquid food safety detection. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art research in this field, emphasizing the role of chemometrics analysis in evaluating the quality and safety of liquid foods. Additionally, it delves into the merits and limitations of this technological approach, offering insight into its potential for future advancement and expansion.

Background

A significant contributing factor to liver damage is drug consumption. Phytochemicals of Aloe vera extract are effective against a variety of diseases. Consequently, this study aimed to create chitosan nanoparticles (chi NPs) that were loaded with Aloe vera extract (ALV extract) to increase the delivery of the extract's bioactive materials. ALV extract, chi NPs, and Aloe vera extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ALV-chi NPs) underwent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity tests. The preventive and therapeutic effects of ALV-chi NPs against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury were assessed using a male Sprague Dawley rat model.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that the synthesis of ALV-chi NPs was a promising option for combining the therapeutic benefits of both ALV extract (included in its phytochemicals) and chi NPs. ALV-chi NPs have a uniformly distributed smooth shape with a size of 48.3 ± 2.97 nm, similar to the hydrodynamic size (50.9 ± 0.07 nm), and a surface charge of 38.16 mV. At a 1000 μg/mL concentration, ALV-chi NPs showed high DPPH scavenging % and a high hemolysis inhibition %. At 75 μg/mL, ALV-chi NPs showed lower PTT (63.7 s) than ALV extract (71.2 s). The phenolic components and flavonoids in the extract were released under controlled conditions throughout time, and their bioavailability was enhanced by loading the extract on chi NPs.

Conclusions

Among all tested formulations, ALV-chi NPs demonstrated superior efficacy, showing 95.4% DPPH scavenging (vs. 91.8% for free extract), 94.1% hemolysis inhibition (comparable to indomethacin), and optimal hepatoprotection in CCl4-induced liver injury. ALV-chi NPs ameliorated the raised levels of liver function parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and intracellular apoptotic proteins.

Graphical abstract

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects and growth-promoting potential of nano-emulsified cumin oil (NECO) in vitro and in vivo trials using newly weaned Gabaly rabbits. NECO was tested as both a preventive and curative agent against Clostridium perfringens type A infection through dietary supplementation.

Methods

The study included two experimental phases: (1) an in vitro trial to determine the bacterial inhibition potential of different NECO concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1 mL) and (2) an in vivo trial using 120 four-week-old newly weaned male Gabaly rabbits (0.544 kg average body weight) allocated into five groups (n = 24/group were divided into 3 replicates, 8 animals each). The groups were: G1 (negative control, no infection or supplement), G2 (NECO control, supplemented with 10 mL/kg diet), G3 (positive control, infected with C. perfringens type A, no supplement), G4 (preventive NECO, supplemented with 10 mL/kg diet before infection), and G5 (curative NECO, supplemented with 10 mL/kg diet after infection). NECO was formulated as a stable nano-emulsion using a high-shear homogenizer.

Results

The in vitro study demonstrated that NECO inhibited C. perfringens growth at all tested concentrations, with complete inhibition observed at 1 mL. Based on this, the 1 mL concentration was selected for in vivo trials. Infected rabbits (G3) exhibited clinical signs including anorexia, depression, severe diarrhea, and bloat, with a morbidity rate of 90% and a 35% mortality rate by the 5th day post-challenge. NECO supplementation significantly improved (p < 0.05) final body weight (FBW), total weight gain, and average daily gain (ADG) in G2 compared to G3. While G4 and G5 did not significantly differ in FBW or ADG from the control (G1), all NECO-supplemented groups had improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to G3 (p < 0.05). The best FCR was observed in G2 (3.80), followed by G4 (4.51) and G5 (4.77), while the worst was in G3 (5.31). Histopathological and postmortem findings confirmed reduced disease severity with NECO supplementation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that NECO serves as a natural antibacterial alternative, effectively mitigating C. perfringens infection while enhancing growth performance.

Background

Chrysomya bezziana (Villeneuve, 1914), the screw-worm fly, is a significant parasitic blow fly species that causes obligatory myiasis in livestock and, in some cases, in humans. Its ability to infest wounds and cause extensive tissue damage makes it a significant concern in the veterinary and public health sectors. Accurate and timely identification of C. bezziana is critical for managing outbreaks and implementing control measures. This study confirms the occurrence of C. bezziana in Egypt through both morphological and molecular identification, as only a few studies have reported its presence in Egypt so far. Adult samples of C. bezziana were collected using meat-baited traps situated in the cemeteries of two localities in Egypt (Port Said and El-Sharkia Governorates). DNA was extracted from the specimens for molecular identification using the cytochrome oxidase I (cox1) gene.

Results

Morphologically, C. bezziana adult flies were identified by a row of hairs on the dorsal surface of the wing's stem vein, blackish anterior spiracles, and the most distinctive characteristic, a white calypter with a whitish-yellow distal end, which differentiates this species from the most closely related species, Chrysomya megacephala. Genetically, it was found that based on a 703 bp fragment of the cox1 gene, C. bezziana was accurately identified, and further phylogenetic analysis confirmed the DNA-based identification of adult specimens of C. bezziana examined. This finding confirms the presence of C. bezziana and expands our knowledge of its distribution in Egypt.

Conclusion

This study is the first to report the occurrence of C. bezziana in Egypt using an integration of molecular and morphological methods.

Background

Pediatric drug delivery faces significant challenges owing to children’s unique physiology and limitations of conventional dosage forms. There is a growing need for age-appropriate, safe, and effective alternatives.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the challenges in selecting pediatric pharmaceutical dosage forms and to evaluate the potential of microneedles (MNs) as an innovative solution, capturing perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and parents.

Methods

Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted: (1) a survey for pediatricians (n = 154) on dosage form challenges, and (2) a survey of HCPs and parents (n = 386) on perceptions of MNs for pediatric drug delivery. Responses were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Pediatricians identified key barriers: unsuitable formulations (53%), injection distress (38%), and inadequate strength availability (29%). Cost (59%), therapeutic efficacy (60%), and administration route (53%) dominated prescribing decisions. Anti-infectives (69%) and analgesics (47%) were top candidates for reformulation. Respondents (85%) acknowledged needle phobia as a major issue, and 84% expressed willingness to use MNs, peaking at 93% for children aged 1–3 years. MNs’ perceived advantages included reduced needle phobia, improved compliance in chronic diseases, and self-administration potential. Primary concerns included practicality in emergencies (59%), drug-loading capacity (46%), and dosing accuracy.

Conclusions

Significant unmet needs persist in pediatric drug delivery. MNs demonstrate strong potential to address core challenges, particularly needle aversion and formulation unsuitability, with high acceptance among stakeholders. Translation requires overcoming barriers in manufacturing scalability, regulatory clarity, and user-centered design. Coordinated efforts in education, targeted formulation development, and policy advocacy are essential for clinical integration.

This study aims to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized in Aloe vera leaf extract (AV-AgNPs) administrated to Sprague Dawley rats  that fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for up to 12 weeks. AV-AgNPs were recognized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering. The in vitro study investigated the antioxidant ability, effects on coagulation time, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity of AVLE and AV-AgNPs and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay for genotoxic effects. When the in vivo experiment is completed, different parameters such as body weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum lipid levels, white adipose tissue (WAD) oxidative stress markers and adipokines were evaluated. Green AV-AgNPs were spherical with sizes of 19.4–25.9 nm as revealed using TEM. The sizes and zeta potentials of AV-AgNPs presented particle stability up to 70 days. AV-AgNPs had a high in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities with no significant effects on partial thromboplastin time and the prothrombin time. In vitro CBMN assay indicated no significant genotoxic effects of AVLE or AV-AgNPs at low concentration (25 µg/ml). AV-AgNPs and AVLE showed significant decline in body FPG and lipid profile in HFD-fed rats with no apparent effects on normal pellet diet (NPD)-fed ones. In addition, oxidative stress markers, size of subcutaneous adipocytes and micro-vesicular steatosis of hepatocytes in the HFD group were significantly reduced after AVLE and AV-AgNPs administration. Finally, WAD analysis of M2 interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 was significantly elevated with AVLE and AV-AgNPs supplementation. Further, both significantly lowered M1 pro-inflammatory cytokines as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β and IL-6 in the WAD of HFD-fed group. In terms of body weight, adiposity and hepatic steatosis, the anti-obesity properties of AV-AgNPs were significant (34.4–35.17% weight reduction) compared to whole AVLE (13.9–18.36% weight reduction). The biochemical and immunological effects were comparable and mediated by amelioration of oxidative stress and induction M2 polarization in WAD.

Arthritis is a common and debilitating health condition affecting millions worldwide and placing a significant burden on healthcare systems. Among its many forms, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are particularly prevalent, requiring effective and innovative treatment approaches. Traditional therapies often suffer from limitations such as poor drug retention in joints, low bioavailability, systemic side effects, and the need for frequent dosing, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes and reduced patient adherence. This review explores the potential of biodegradable polymer-based delivery systems to overcome these challenges. These systems include microparticles, nanoparticles, films, implants, hydrogels, and nanofibers designed to improve the administration of commonly used arthritis medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying agents (both conventional and biological). We begin by outlining the major drug classes used in arthritis treatment and the specific compounds within each category. We then examine natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers commonly used in developing advanced drug delivery systems tailored for arthritis management. A brief overview of various formulation strategies highlights how these systems can enhance drug targeting, reduce systemic exposure, and prolong therapeutic effects. Finally, we discuss preclinical evidence demonstrating the efficacy of these delivery platforms in reducing inflammation and improving joint function. Special emphasis is placed on targeted delivery to inflamed tissues and the potential for combining drugs with synergistic compounds to further enhance therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, biodegradable polymer-based drug delivery systems offer a promising direction for the treatment of arthritis. By addressing the limitations of conventional therapies, these advanced formulations hold the potential to improve drug efficacy, minimize side effects, and enhance patient quality of life.

Background

Herein, we report the development of a novel nanogels (NG) system loaded with Azadirachta indica (A. indica) Adrien-Henri de Jussieu (A. Juss.), commonly known as neem, for possible topical treatment of wound infections.

Methods

To develop A. indica extract-loaded NG, first, extract-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were produced using poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) as the nanocarrier polymer. Secondly, the NPs were entwined in chitosan (CS) hydrogel loaded with the extract of A. indica to prepare the loaded NG system. Blank NG was produced without the extract. The developed NG was characterized, and its antibacterial effect was evaluated.

Results

Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of A. indica leaves indicated the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones. The characterization data revealed that the developed NG formulations are nanosized in the ranges of 140–440 nm and 190–610 nm for blank NG and A. indica extract-loaded NG, respectively, and have mostly spherical structures. The developed NG formulation displayed pH-dependent swelling and erosion that are in direct proportion to the change in pH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed various characteristic bands of A. indica and formulation excipients, confirming the encapsulation of the extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the loaded NG was found to be 0.250 ± 0.05 mg/ml, 0.625 ± 0.15 mg/mL, and 0.250 ± 0.07 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) strains of bacteria, respectively. The NG formulation exhibited significant bacterial inhibition zones which were recorded as 8 ± 2.0 mm (p < 0.05), 16 ± 3.0 mm (p < 0.05), and 6 ± 1.0 mm (p < 0.05) for S. typhi, E. coli, and S. aureus, respectively, as compared with that produced by the crude extract.

Conclusions

An A. indica extract-loaded NG was successfully developed, and it demonstrated good formulation features, stability under refrigerated and room temperature conditions, as well as useful antibacterial activity that could be used for potential wound infection treatment.

Graphical abstract

Background

Latin America and the Caribbean region are currently faced with the challenges of drug and substance use leading to violence and crime, especially among the younger populations. The complex nature of substance use disorder (SUD), the cost and adverse effects of conventional therapies, the deeply rooted cultural practices of medicinal plants usage, and the abundance of rainforest flora and fauna in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are incentives for exploring bioactive compounds in managing SUDs. This review presented native medicinal plants traditionally used for managing SUD in LAC.

Main body.

Articles indexed with Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, PubMed, PubMed Central, and LILACS databases and gray literature like PAHO, WHO, and CICAD were searched for medicinal plants used in drug addiction. Medicinal plants native to LAC or naturalized and cultivated in the region were included in the study. Twelve medicinal plants belonging to 10 families were identified with potential mechanisms for SUD management and described in this review. The families and plants include Acoraceae (Acorus calamus L.), Malpighiaceae (Banisteriopsis caapi [Spruce ex Griseb.]), Hypericaceae (Hypericum perforatum L.), Asteraceae (Mikania glomerata Spreng; Matricaria recutita L.), Passifloraceae (Passiflora caerulea L.), Piperaceae (Piper methysticum L.f.), Crassulaceae (Rhodiola rosea L.), Lamiaceae (Scutellaria lateriflora L.; Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br.), Turneraceae (Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult.), and Zingiberaceae (Zingiber officinale var. officinale). Most plants produce their ethnopharmacological effects through GABergic activity, opioid receptor interaction, neurotransmitter modulation, NMDA receptor antagonism, antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity, or through the enhancement of neuroplasticity—pathways for mitigating substance use disorders.

Conclusion

The abundance of rich rainforest medicinal plants in LAC makes them cost-effective alternatives in managing SUD, especially since they are easily accessible and have traditionally proven effective with fewer adverse effects. Reviewed preclinical and clinical studies reveal that select medicinal plants such as B. caapi and H. perforatum may modulate addiction-related neurochemical pathways, curb cravings, and mitigate withdrawal symptoms among substance addiction populations. However, clinical validation of the medicinal plants remains limited, revealing a disconnect between traditional ethnomedical use and current scientific evidence.