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

Background

Folate is essential for Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, methylation and repair, with deficiencies linked to neural tube defects, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Certain lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly in fermented dairy products, are natural folate producers. However, genetic insights into high-yielding strains remain limited. This study isolates indigenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and provides the first genetic mapping of folate biosynthesis in Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus).

Methods

Probiotic bacteria were isolated from locally sourced milk and yogurt samples and were subjected to morphological, biochemical, and molecular identification. The isolates were screened for folate production levels. Molecular studies and “in-silico” analysis were carried out to investigate the genetic basis of folate biosynthesis, particularly in S. thermophilus.

Results

Two folate-producing probiotic strains, Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) and S. thermophilus, were isolated and characterized. Quantitative analysis revealed folate production levels of 2.2–8.3 µg/L and 156–162 µg/L, respectively, demonstrating significantly higher synthesis by S. thermophilus. In this strain, seven folate biosynthesis genes and one metabolism gene were identified and mapped. Five of the biosynthetic genes were found to be clustered: folC2 (encoding dihydrofolate synthase), folE (encoding GTP cyclohydrolase I), folP (encoding dihydropteroate synthase), folB (encoding dihydroneopterin aldolase, and folK (encoding 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase). The remaining genes were dispersed throughout the genome. A conserved Shine-Dalgarno sequence (AGGAG) was found 5 base-pair (bp) upstream of five genes.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the genetic basis of folate production in S. thermophilus, enabling future metabolic engineering for enhanced folate yields. The findings support strain selection for folate-enriched functional foods.

Background

Eimeria infection of poultry species is one of the famous parasitic diseases, Eimeria tenella is the most prevalent one in the field. This article aims to know the immune-haematological effect of E. tenella as a stress factor in birds vaccinated with Newcastle disease and IBD vaccine. For this study, fifty one-day-old broilers were used and divided into five groups: group A is control (non-vaccinated non-infected birds), group B was infected with E. tenella and vaccinated with Lasota vaccine, group C was infected with E. tenella parasite and vaccinated with IBD intermediate plus vaccine, group D was non-infected and vaccinated with Lasota vaccine, and group E was non-infected and vaccinated with IBD intermediate plus vaccine. Different parameters like oocyst count, body weight (BW), and vaccinal titer were estimated and in addition, erythrogram, leukogram, protein carbonyl (PC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and interleukin 1β (IL1β) levels were also evaluated.

Results

The infected groups were characterized by a remarkable alteration in oocysts count and a noticeable reduction in BW, vaccinal titers, SOD, and IL1β. In addition, high PC, with marked anemia, leukocytopenia, and lymphocytosis were seen in infected groups. While, normal BW, increasable SOD, and IL1β levels along with, leukocytosis and lymphocytosis were prominent changes in vaccinated groups only.

Conclusion

The coccidian infection has adverse effects on healthy performance parameters including body weight, haematological, immune profiles, and ND and IBD vaccination.

Background

The rise of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. One potential approach is combining antibiotics with vitamins to improve antimicrobial efficacy. This study investigates the synergistic effect of ceftazidime and vitamin C against Pseudomonas aeruginosa using Drosophila melanogaster larvae as an in vivo model.

Results

A series of microbiological, phenotypic, and molecular assays were conducted to evaluate the antibacterial effects of ceftazidime combined with vitamin C in the Drosophila model. Ceftazidime’s minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) decreased from 12.5 to 6.25 µM when combined with vitamin C, according to the microdilution checkerboard assay. According to in vivo tests, D. melanogaster larvae treated with the antibiotic–vitamin C combination had a significantly higher survival rate (p < 0.05) than the infection control group. Colony-forming unit analysis on cetrimide agar medium showed no bacterial growth in the group treated with ceftazidime and vitamin C. Additionally, gene expression analysis demonstrated that ceftazidime treatment alone decreased Dpt gene expression through the IMD pathway, whereas the combination treatment elevated Dpt expression, reflecting the immunostimulant properties of vitamin C.

Conclusion

This study shows enhanced efficacy of ceftazidime when combined with vitamin C in the D. melanogaster larvae model. These findings parallel results from mammalian systems and support the use of Drosophila as a valuable pre-screening model for drug repurposing efforts aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance.

Background

In patients who are undergoing open cardiac surgery, thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is advantageous for pain management. Our objective was to compare this type of block with intravenous Fentanyl analgesia in those patients.

Methodology

This prospective, randomized study included 44 patients who underwent open-heart surgery through a median sternotomy. Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups (each with 22 subjects). Group I (Fentanyl group) (n = 22): received fentanyl infusion 2 µg/kg/h after placing the endotracheal tube and stopped at the end of surgery. Group II (TPVB group) (n = 22): Bilateral thoracic paravertebral catheters were inserted preoperative. Before induction, there was a maximum of 20 ml per side for each catheter, which received a bolus dose of 0.3 ml/kg 0.25% bupivacaine. Continuous infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine at a rate of 0.1 ml/kg/h was administered through each catheter following intubation. The infusion was subsequently discontinued at the conclusion of the procedure.

Results

Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CCPOT) was lower in patients of group II (TPVB group) than in patients of group I (fentanyl group); in group II at 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h postoperative were 2,3,3, respectively, whereas median CCPOT in group I at 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h postoperative were 3,4,4, respectively (p-value < 0.05). In comparison with group I, there was a substantial decrease in the intraoperative fentanyl requirements of group II (343.6 µg ± 44.1 and 926.8 µg ± 117.4) (p-value < 0.05). In comparison with group I (9 mg 2), the TPVB group’s postoperative opioid requirements were significantly lower (6.2 mg 2.3). P-value was less than 0.05.

Conclusion

Compared with IV fentanyl infusion, Bilateral continuous thoracic paravertebral block was determined to be more effective in the operative and postoperative analgesia of patients who underwent heart surgery via median sternotomy.

Background

Dehaasia pugerensis Koord. & Valeton is an endemic plant species classified as critically endangered (CR) in Jember, Java. It thrives in arid, rocky forest regions, making it a significant genetic resource for plant conservation initiatives. This study aimed to analyze the genetics of Dehaasia pugerensis through a molecular approach utilizing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) barcoding technique. This experiment utilized three accessions from three populations in Puger Jember, East Java: Igir Pletes (IP), Watu Susu (WS), and Undak Sebanen (US), along with Klatakan (KT). Notably, samples from the WS accession were excluded from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primers due to poor sequencing results and were substituted with samples from the US accession. A single sample from each population of Dehaasia pugerensis underwent DNA sequencing utilizing DNA barcoding markers from three chloroplast genes: ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), maturase K (matK), and the transfer RNA-histidine and the photosystem II protein D1 (trnH-psbA) intergenic spacer, as well as one nuclear ITS region.

Results

Sequence analysis demonstrated identical base composition in the plastid genes rbcL and matK, minor variation in trnH-psbA intergenic spacer, and significant variation in the nuclear ITS region. This demonstrates that the evolutionary rate of the chloroplast genome is lower than that of the nuclear genome. The chloroplast and nuclear genomes exhibit significant differences in evolutionary rates, influenced by various internal and external factors such as inheritance mode, mutation rate, and evolutionary pressures. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the three accessions clustered together within the same group, as determined by chloroplast genes and ITS region. The three accessions exhibit a close relationship with Dehaasia hainanensis and Dehaasia incrassata, as indicated by the genetic distance observed on the phylogenetic tree.

Conclusions

DNA barcoding with rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA intergenic spacer, and ITS confirmed the identity of Dehaasia pugerensis and revealed key genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the three accessions (KT450, IP42, WS152) into a single clade, closely related to Dehaasia hainanensis and Dehaasia incrassata, indicating shared evolutionary traits. While rbcL and matK were genetically stable, trnH-psbA intergenic spacer and ITS showed notable variability, particularly in ITS, which revealed important genetic differences. These findings highlight the value of molecular data in shaping conservation strategies for Dehaasia pugerensis, such as propagation, reintroduction, and seed banking.

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition that can severely limit an individual's mobility and quality of life. This study evaluated the efficacy of colchicine therapy in promoting cartilage healing in a rat model with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee OA. Histological and biochemical changes as well as semiquantitative radiographic characteristics were used to evaluate this.

Methods

An experimental knee OA model was induced by MIA in rats. Subsequently, 40 Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of 10 rats: a negative control group, an osteoarthritic control group, an osteoarthritic reference group treated with meloxicam®, and an osteoarthritic group administered an intraperitoneal injection of colchicine. Body weight and knee diameter measurements were taken weekly. Semiquantitative radiographic imaging and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis were performed on serum samples to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) prior to the conclusion of the trial. Histological examination was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

Colchicine significantly reduced the osteoarthritic conditions after six weeks of supplementation. We observed decreased joint diameters in response to treatment in OA animals. Colchicine significantly decreased the IL-1β (p = 0.000) and increased the IL-10 (p = 0.000) in the serum of osteoarthritic rats in response to treatment in OA rats compared to the OA group with no treatment. Colchicine reduced the osteoarthritic rats' radiographic scores and enhanced the knee joint's histological structure.

Conclusion

The results indicate that colchicine could be beneficial in the treatment of rats with MIA-induced knee osteoarthritis, as it appears to postpone cartilage deterioration and reduce the activity of inflammatory mediators.

Irisin, a myokine produced by cleaving fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), is a key regulator of metabolic processes and cardiovascular health. Its discovery in 2012 sparked significant interest due to its potential to impact fat and glucose metabolism, convert white fat to brown, and reduce inflammation—crucial in managing metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. Found in various tissues, including the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle, irisin has been linked to improved metabolic dysregulation and increased energy expenditure. Moreover, it has the potential to enhance endothelial function, reduce oxidative stress, and possibly regulate blood pressure, all contributing to improved cardiovascular health. This review explores the promising potential of irisin as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), metabolic syndrome, and related conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand its pathways, the future of irisin-based therapies in clinical settings looks promising.

Background

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things applications in healthcare has created new opportunities for improving patient care through real-time monitoring and data sharing. However, this growth also introduces significant challenges related to data security, privacy, and system efficiency, especially for devices with limited processing power and energy resources. To address these issues, this study introduces a blockchain-based lightweight hashing system specifically designed for healthcare environments with resource-constrained devices. The goal is to ensure secure, efficient, and scalable handling of sensitive medical data without overwhelming the capabilities of connected devices.

Results

The proposed system combines a collision-resistant, lightweight hash function with blockchain technology to enhance data integrity, authentication, and privacy. The hash function minimizes computational demands, making it ideal for wearable and embedded healthcare devices. Blockchain integration enables decentralized data management, preventing unauthorized access and tampering. The system generates unique, immutable patient identifiers and protects electronic health information from common security threats, including collision attacks, Sybil attacks, and cryptographic analysis. Simulation results show improved computational efficiency, lower latency, and effective handling of high transaction volumes with minimal resource usage.

Conclusions

This research presents a secure and efficient framework for managing medical data in healthcare Internet of Things applications. By leveraging lightweight cryptographic techniques and decentralized data structures, the system addresses key limitations in current solutions while supporting scalability and real-world deployment. Potential applications include secure patient monitoring, real-time sharing of health data, and decentralized management of medical records. The proposed approach provides a foundation for future advancements in digital healthcare systems, particularly in remote care, emergency response, and wearable health technologies.

Background

The present study was conducted at the CerealMed project farm during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 growing seasons using a strip plot design with two replications. The objective was to evaluate durum wheat hybrids and six durum wheat cultivars as parents under normal irrigation and water deficit stress. The study aimed to assess the tolerance of six durum wheat cultivars to water deficit stress, develop new tolerant durum wheat hybrids, and detect gene expressions to tolerance water deficit stress, using start codon-targeted (SCoT) markers. The traits studied included grain weight per plant, number of spikes per plant, number of kernels per spike, and 1000-kernel weight.

Results

The most tolerant parent genotypes to water deficit stress were BENI-SUEF 1 (56.98 g/plant), BENI-SUEF 6 (46.31 g/plant), BENI-SUEF 7 (45.54 g/plant), and SOHAG 5 (45.52 g/plant). The most tolerant hybrids were BENI-SUEF 1 × BENI-SUEF 6 (55.33 g/plant) and BENI-SUEF 7 × SOHAG 4 (50.16 g/plant), based on LSD at 5%. The SCoT analysis revealed variations in gene expression patterns among the different genotypes in response to water deficit stress.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the utility of SCoT markers in analyzing the genetic basis of drought tolerance in durum wheat. By identifying variations in gene expression patterns (like TaBTF3 gene for primer1), the study provided a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying plant responses to water deficit stress. The best durum wheat genotypes (BENI-SUEF 1, BENI-SUEF 6, BENI-SUEF 7, and SOHAG 5) are recommended for use in breeding programs targeting water deficit stress. Selection in segregating populations will be effective for the hybrids BENI-SUEF 1 × BENI-SUEF 6 and BENI-SUEF 7 × SOHAG 4.

Background

One of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in the world today is diabetes. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the predominant etiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a major side effect of diabetes. Diagnosis of DKD is challenging and imprecise; thus, new diagnostic modalities are necessary to address this problem. The aim of the present study is to assess the role of the combined diagnostic performance of serum levels of MBL and imaging techniques, Doppler ultrasonographic renal resistive index (RRI) and shear wave elastography as a diagnostic tool for diabetic nephropathy. This case–control study included 450 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, 225 without nephropathy and 225 diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy. We evaluated serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a marker of diabetes-related inflammation, Doppler ultrasonographic renal resistive index (RRI) as a tool for assessment of blood flow in the kidney and shear wave elastography (SWE) as an imaging technique for detection of kidney fibrosis.

Result

The average serum MBL levels, mean RI and SWE of both kidneys were significantly higher in DKD patients compared to T2DM patients without nephropathy. The integration of the aforementioned methodologies significantly enhanced diagnostic performance, achieving a sensitivity of 96.89% and a specificity of 95.11%.

Conclusion

Combined serum levels of MBL and imaging techniques, Doppler ultrasonographic renal RI and shear wave elastography are promising diagnostic tools of diabetic nephropathy.