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

Background

Rising global mortality due to antibiotic-resistant pathogens necessitates novel antibacterial and antifungal agents. This study focuses on synthesizing gold nanoparticles (GNPs) via tricyclic microwave irradiation (TMI) to combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Fungus. The demand for sustainable synthesis methods has led to the exploration of TMI for GNP production.

Results

Characterization demonstrates consistent, uniform, and dispersed GNPs with trigonal and hexagonal shapes. GNPs sized 20–55 nm exhibit superior antibacterial and antifungal activity, particularly against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Notably, GNPs display consistent efficacy against drug-resistant fungus and demonstrate potential for broad-spectrum antimicrobial applications.

Conclusion

TMI-synthesized GNPs, characterized by their favorable physical properties and size-dependent efficacy, show promise as effective agents against drug-resistant pathogens. Their ability to combat Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and drug-resistant fungus positions them as valuable tools in biomedical sciences. By addressing the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents, TMI-synthesized GNPs offer a sustainable solution to the escalating global health challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Background

Throughout the storage of blood, the red cells undergo alterations known as “storage lesions,” which involve shape changes and the formation of microparticles (MPs). Studies of the formation of red cell microparticles (RMPs) emphasize the prospective application of RMPs as a quality control measure in the preparation and storage of blood components in the future. In the present study, twenty packed RBC units in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine-1 (CPDA1) were collected from volunteers and stored for 35 days. Over 35 days of storage, samples were collected at six distinct time points weekly and evaluated for the presence of RMPs. MPs were separated by the ultracentrifugation method. Electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology and size of the isolated microparticles, and flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentage of RMPs that expressed glycophorin A (CD235a) and Annexin V antigens. RMPs' procoagulant activity (PCA) was assessed using a plasma recalcification test. RMP concentration in accordance with ABO blood grouping was assessed by using various types of donated blood groups.

Results

RMPs progressively increased over storage. The procoagulant activity (PCA) exhibited a significant increase during storage, as evidenced by a shorter plasma recalcification time (P value = 0.001). A significant negative correlation (P value = 0.001) between plasma recalcification time and Annexin V-positive microparticles, as well as a dual-positive Annexin V/CD235a population, was identified, indicating a strong correlation between the direct quantitative assay by flowcytometry and the functional assay through the PCA.

Conclusion

RMPs increase on storage with increased PCA. Finding ways to reduce these microparticles in packed RBC units is crucial for reducing the risk of transfusion-related coagulopathy.

Background

The burden of cancer incidences and mortality is rapidly increasing worldwide resulting in an increased demand for new therapies. Secondary metabolites extracted from medicinal plants have significantly contributed toward discovery of new cancer therapies some of which are in clinical use. In this study, anticancer potential of four triterpenoids, namely oleanonic acid (EK-2), 3-epi-oleanolic acid (EK-8), 1,2,3,22,23-pentahydroxy-2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-6,10,14,18-tetracosatetraene (EK-4) and 2,3,22,23-tetrahydroxy-2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-6,10,14,18-tetracosatetraene (EK-9), extracted from Ekebergia capensis Sparrm root bark was evaluated.

Results

We employed CLC-Pred to initially evaluate cytotoxicity of previously isolated compounds in silico where predictions revealed high probability of bioactivity. The compounds were then submitted to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Developmental Therapeutics Program, for bioactivity evaluation against NCI-60 human tumor cell lines. The four compounds demonstrated a range of potencies at a concentration of 10 µM. The results revealed that EK-9 was the most potent with mean growth percent of 32.84 and cases of lethality (negative growth percent) against two leukemia cell lines (HL-60 (TB) and RPMI-8226) and HT29 (colon cancer) and SK-MEL-5 (melanoma). This molecule was further evaluated in a five-dose assay where notable growth inhibition against leukemia cells, HL-60 (TB), RPMI-8226 and K-562 was observed with growth inhibitory activity (GI₅₀) values of 3.10, 3.74 and 5.07 µM, respectively. In addition, total growth inhibition was observed at 11.2 μM and 18.9 μM for HL-60 (TB) and RPMI-8226 cells, respectively, partly accounting for the negative growth percent.

Conclusion

The study has demonstrated anticancer properties of the four triterpenoids with compound EK-9 being the most potent overall having selective bioactivity in leukemia and breast cancer cells. Further studies focusing on elucidating its mechanism of action will be useful in exploration of the therapeutic potential of triterpenoids in general.

Background

Characterization of yeast virulence genes is an important tool for identifying the molecular pathways involved in switching yeast virulence. Biofilm formation (BF) and secreted aspartic proteinase (SAP) activity are essential virulence factors that contribute to yeast pathogenicity.

Results

Four Candida albicans and two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were tested for BF and SAP activity under optimum conditions, and the expression levels of several genes controlling BF were quantified under the optimal conditions. Biofilm formation was assessed by the microplate method at different pH values, incubation times and culture media. Similarly, SAP activity was assessed at different pH values and incubation periods. The expression levels of nine genes were determined via qRT-PCR technique. All tests were carried out in triplicate, and the values presented as the means ± standard deviations and were analysed with the SPSS programme. Only C. albicans (1), C. albicans (2) and S. cerevisiae 43 formed biofilms. The optimal BF was obtained after culture in sabouraud dextrose broth with 8% glucose at pH 7.5, 4 and 6, respectively, for 48h. Candida albicans biofilm production was more significant than that of S. cerevisiae 43. Moreover, the SAP activity was estimated under the optimum conditions. All yeasts showed optimal SAP activity at pH 4, but astonishingly the SAP activity of S. cerevisiae 44 was higher than that of C. albicans. The expression levels of EFG1 and ZAP1 (transcription factors); ALS3, HWP1and YWP1 (adhesion genes); SAP1 and SAP4 (aspartic proteinase) in C. albicans (1); and FLO11 (adhesion gene) and YPS3 (aspartic proteinase) in S. cerevisiae 43 were quantified during biofilm development at different time intervals. The expression levels of EFG1, ALS3, YWP1, SAP1, SAP4, FLO11 and YPS3 were upregulated at 8 h, while that of ZAP1 was upregulated at 48 h. Only HWP1 was downregulated.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study may provide information for overcoming yeast BF and pathogenicity by regulating specific genes at specific times. Additionally, this study revealed the virulence of the commensal S. cerevisiae, which may take the pathogenicity direction as C. albicans.

Background

The inflammatory response is fundamental to the maintenance of an organism’s physiological homeostasis. Inflammation is controlled by a series of biological events driven by specific inflammatory molecules. When inflammation is within the homeostatic range, it is considered physiological; however, it becomes pathological when it exceeds the immune system’s homeostatic control.

Main text

Nowadays, the treatment of chronic pathological inflammation is a challenge for pharmacology, as current anti-inflammatory drugs are intended to control acute inflammation. The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of the role of molecular pharmacognosy and to demonstrate how current transcriptomics techniques can make an important contribution to the study of the biological functions of natural products in the context of multicomponent/multitarget medication. From our findings, although very few studies have been identified, encouraging results for low-grade chronic inflammations (LGCIs) of various causes emerged in recent transcriptomic studies on multicomponent medicinal products composed of plant and organ extracts at the level of the skin and the musculoskeletal system (Traumeel: Tr14), the liver (Lycopodium compositum: HC-24), and the joints (Zeel-T: Ze-14).

Conclusion

For adequate control of LGCI, molecular pharmacognosy may be an effective approach to exploring potentially useful herbal agents that are consistent with both physiotherapeutic tradition and modern pharmacology.

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