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

Introduction

Azilsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, has been widely used in the treatment of hypertension. Its unique structure is hypothesised to confer multiple pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, with potential antioxidant effects being exploratory. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidative properties of azilsartan in thermally and chemically induced nociceptive rodent models.

Materials and methods

Wistar albino rats (200–250 g) and Swiss albino mice (25–30 g) of either sex were procured from the Central Animal Facility, AIIMS Bhopal. Two doses of azilsartan (1 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg) were investigated after approval from the institutional animal ethics committee. Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties were evaluated using chemically induced inflammatory models, including carrageenan, Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis, thermally induced nociceptive models and Aspirin-induced gastric ulcer.

Results

Azilsartan produced significant anti-inflammatory effects in chemically induced models. In the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, at 6 h, paw volume was reduced to 1.59 ± 0.02 ml with azilsartan 4 mg/kg vs. 1.86 ± 0.01 ml in controls (32% inhibition, p < 0.01). In the FCA-induced arthritis model, by day 14, joint size was reduced by 27% with azilsartan 4 mg/kg (p < 0.05 vs. control). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated reduced inflammatory infiltration and decreased TNF-α expression in azilsartan-treated groups. Azilsartan also showed dose-dependent protection against aspirin-induced gastric ulceration, with 36% and 45% inhibition at doses of 1 and 4 mg/kg, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean MDA levels were 350 pg/mL in controls vs. 115 pg/mL with azilsartan 4 mg/kg (p = 0.12). No significant analgesic effect was observed in thermally induced nociceptive models (hot plate and tail flick tests).

Conclusion

Azilsartan exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and inflammation-associated pain–modulating effects in preclinical models, but does not demonstrate significant analgesic activity in acute thermal nociception.

Graphical Abstract

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.

Background

CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized genetic engineering since its repurposing as a programmable nuclease in 2012, yet its clinical translation remains fundamentally constrained by delivery barriers rather than editing efficiency. The system operates through acquisition, biogenesis, and interference mechanisms, but therapeutic application necessitates overcoming delivery challenges that are highly context-dependent.

Main body

This review moves beyond a descriptive summary of 67 studies to provide a critical, barrier-focused analysis of delivery strategies. Our re-analysis of the tabulated data identifies quantitative trends across viral, non-viral, and physical platforms, evaluates trade-offs between efficiency and safety, and proposes a decision framework for vehicle selection based on target tissue and cargo type. A major focus of this review is the inclusion of recent hybrid systems (VLPs, SORT-LNPs) and the recognition that chemical modification of guide RNAs is a critical parameter for therapeutic success. A key forward-looking insight is that hybrid systems and stimuli-responsive nanoparticles are poised to dominate the next 5 years of clinical development, particularly for liver, CNS, and hematopoietic targets.

Conclusion

Successful clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 will depend on context-specific delivery strategies that balance editing efficiency, safety, and clinical scalability.

Background

Fruits such as mango (Mangifera indica), apple (Malus × domestica ), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), are consumed worldwide and fall under a highly economical category of crops. In contrast, the postharvest management against fungal infections particularly remains a challenge for maintaining the quality standards of these fruits. For decades, farmers have been dependent upon synthetic fungicides, thus having a serious impact on human health as well as the overall ecosystem. In order to avoid such situations, diverse research laboratories around the world have discovered safe alternatives to these chemical fungicides.

Main body

The current review aims to summarize as well as analyze the substitute postharvest treatments, including plant extracts, edible films/coatings, green metallic nanoparticles, and plant-based essential oils for controlling fungal infections. The review also highlights the challenges related to each methodology.

Conclusion

Natural fungicides effectively kill or inhibit postharvest fungi in addition to maintaining the overall fruit quality that is of utmost importance for retailers, farmers, and ultimate consumers.

Background

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and its isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin A) have been investigated for their potential effects on glucose metabolism and related metabolic outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Google scholar for studies evaluating the effects of red clover extracts or isolated isoflavones on glycemic outcomes. Human, animal, and in vitro studies were included.

Results

Sixteen studies (18 datasets) met eligibility criteria, including 3 human studies, 11 animal studies, and 4 in-vitro studies. The in vitro studies consistently demonstrated favorable effects of red clover on glucose metabolism, including enhanced β-cell viability, reduced apoptosis, increased insulin secretion, and activation of metabolic pathways such as PPAR-α. Animal studies generally reported improvements in glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, including reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c and modulation of metabolic regulators such as SIRT1. In contrast, evidence from human trials was limited and inconsistent. Only one randomized controlled trial reported a significant improvement in fasting insulin, whereas no consistent effects were observed for fasting glucose or HbA1c across studies. Interpretation of the clinical evidence is limited by the small number of trials, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity in study populations, interventions, and outcome measures.

Conclusion

Preclinical findings suggest that red clover may exert glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects; however, these findings have not been consistently confirmed in human studies. High-quality, adequately powered randomized controlled trials using standardized red clover preparations are required to establish its efficacy and safety in metabolic disease management.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Among the native flora of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in Romania, there are two beautiful aquatic flowering plants, the Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and the White Waterlily (Nymphaea alba), which are part of the Iris and Nymphaea species, respectively. These two species, known mainly as ornamental plants, also have numerous bioactive properties, their extracts being recorded since the medieval era for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Main body of the abstract

This systematic review presents an update of the specialized literature on Iris spp. and Nymphaea spp. aiming to illustrate the chemical composition of the plant and a synthetic presentation of the most common biological applications of the extracts of these plants, but also regarding their traditional uses. Therefore, continued knowledge in this field is useful because there are few studies that reveal the toxicity of these plants at low doses.

Conclusions

The reviewed studies indicate that Iris and Nymphaea from the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve contain a variety of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and terpenoids that have supported many of their applications in traditional medicine, such as strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, antibacterial, antihepatotoxic, and antiviral activities.

This study aimed to perform an integrative review of ethnobotanical uses, biological activities, and phytochemical profiles of Syagrus species found in northeastern Brazil, and to assess their geographic distribution. The review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and ScienceDirect, and selected studies published between 2011 and September 2025. The search strategy included scientific names of 25 species and hybrids. Peer-reviewed articles were included when Syagrus appeared in the title, abstract, or keywords, while duplicates and unrelated studies were excluded. Ethnobotanical reports, phytochemical data, and biological activities were analyzed systematically. Geographic distribution records from GBIF were processed in QGIS 3.22.1 to generate updated maps and identify new potential occurrence points. A total of 1,068 publications were identified, and after removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, 55 articles were included. Less than 15% of Brazilian Syagrus species (n = 9) have been scientifically investigated, indicating a significant knowledge gap. The fatty-acid profile of Syagrus oils is dominated by triacylglycerols containing medium- and long-chain fatty acids (C8–C24), with lauric acid (C12:0) frequently exceeding 40%. This composition underscores their pharmacological and industrial relevance, particularly for surfactant and detergent production. Syagrus species exhibit notable antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, nematocidal, larvicidal, antiparasitic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, and neuroprotective activities. Overall, Syagrus species from northeastern Brazil display strong ethnobotanical relevance and diverse bioactivities. However, research remains scarce, highlighting the need for further studies to isolate bioactive compounds and to support sustainable and safe therapeutic applications.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii [A. baumannii] is recognized as a critical pathogen in the global dissemination of antibiotic resistance and is associated with severe infections affecting various anatomical sites, often leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Prompt and accurate identification of A. baumannii is essential for the effective management of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in hospital settings. However, the prolonged turnaround time of conventional microbiological diagnostic techniques poses a major barrier to timely therapeutic intervention.

Main body

As a result, there is increasing emphasis on the development of point-of-care [POC] diagnostic platforms that enable rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of A. baumannii. This review examines biosensing technologies suitable for field deployment, focusing on systems designed for the detection of antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii, both at the genomic and cellular levels. The first section discusses isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods targeting resistance-associated genes in A. baumannii, along with the corresponding signal readout and analysis strategies.

Conclusion

This is followed by an overview of recent advancements in electrochemical biosensors, including their design principles and diagnostic applications for A. baumannii. The final section highlights nanoparticle-based detection methodologies, emphasizing their potential to enhance diagnostic performance through improved sensitivity, specificity, and assay speed.

Control of fruit flies remains a major challenge in chili cultivation, as infestations can significantly reduce crop yield and quality. Conventional pest control methods are often ineffective, energy-dependent, or environmentally unsustainable. This study developed a solar-powered fruit fly trap that integrates bioengineering principles with renewable energy technology to provide a sustainable pest management solution. The trap was designed using Autodesk Inventor to produce detailed 2D and 3D models and fabricated from hollow iron through cutting, welding, and assembly processes. The electrical system consists of solar panels, a solar charge controller, a step-down converter, and a high-voltage module that powers the trapping mechanism. Bioengineering principles were incorporated by integrating a methyl eugenol attractant with a high-voltage electrocuting system, enabling selective attraction and effective capture of fruit flies while utilizing renewable solar energy as the primary power source. Preliminary field testing demonstrated that the prototype operated reliably under agricultural conditions and successfully captured fruit flies, indicating its technical feasibility as an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient pest management system for chili cultivation.

Background

Tobacco smoking remains a major global health burden. Although electronic cigarettes (EC) are considered less harmful than conventional cigarette, their effects on oral health are not fully defined. Cannabis use is increasing worldwide, yet its impact on oral tissues is poorly understood. This investigation evaluated the effects of EC aerosol, conventional cigarettes smoke and cannabis smoke on cellular viability, mitochondrial integrity and gene expression in osteogenically induced gingival fibroblast/gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GF/GMSCs).

Methods

Isolation and characterization of human GF/GMSCs (n = 32) were performed, followed by osteogenic induction using (BMP-2) and aerosol/smoke application. Osteogenically induced GF/GMSCs were assessed via MTT-assay, mitochondrial depolarization assessed using JC-1 dye, ATM, p21, Oct4 and Nanog gene expression, and osteogenic differentiation.

Results

Viability (OD450nm) was significantly reduced in the cannabis/BMP- (mean ± SD: 1.02 ± 0.24) and cigarettes/BMP-(1.05 ± 0.39;p < 0.05), with no reduction in viability in the EC/BMP-(1.78 ± 0.47) and BMP-group (1.74 ± 0.59;p > 0.05). Upregulated expression of ATM, Oct4, and Nanog (gene copies/GAPDH) was significant with cannabis/BMP-(2.23 ± 0.34, 1.73 ± 0.53 and 2.04 ± 0.33 respectively), cigarettes/BMP-(2.58 ± 0.69, 1.91 ± 1.03 and 2.26 ± 0.6; p < 0.05 respectively), with no significant upregulation in EC/BMP-(0.72 ± 0.37; 0.91 ± 0.56; 1.11 ± 0.49) compared to BMP-group (0.51 ± 0.17, 0.64 ± 0.2, and 1.01 ± 0.58; p > 0.05 respectively). p21 expression was significantly downregulated in EC/BMP-(1.97 ± 0.52), cannabis/BMP-(1.26 ± 0.29) and cigarettes/BMP-(1.38 ± 0.74) compared to BMP-group (4.24 ± 0.69; p < 0.05). Osteogenic differentiation was impeded with reduced Alizarin-red straining and significant downregulation of osteopontin expression in EC/BMP-(2.12 ± 0.47), cannabis/BMP-(1.48 ± 0.99), and cigarettes/BMP- -(1.36 ± 0.38) compared to BMP-group (3.95 ± 0.88;p˂0.05).

Conclusion

Cannabis smoke and cigarette smoke negatively influence the viability, gene expression, and cause DNA damage in osteogenically induced GF/GMSCs, with a lesser effect of EC-aerosol on these findings. Still, all tested exposures negatively affected the differentiation of osteogenically induced GF/GMSCs.

Graphical Abstract