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

Background

Water scarcity is a major challenge to agriculture, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions such as wastewater reuse. This study evaluates the potential of biologically treated sewage water from the El-Salam Canal (Al-Sharqia, Egypt) for safe irrigation using the microalga Chlorella vulgaris and the bacterium Bacillus megaterium as eco-friendly remediation agents.

Methods

Biological treatment of wastewater was conducted using Chlorella vulgaris and Bacillus megaterium, and the removal efficiency of nutrients and heavy metals was assessed. A pot experiment was performed using basil (Ocimum basilicum) irrigated with domestic water, untreated wastewater, and bio-treated wastewater. Plant growth parameters, chlorophyll content, proline, antioxidant enzymes, oil production, microbial rhizosphere soil activity, soil properties, and heavy metal accumulation in soil and leaves were evaluated.

Results

Phycoremediation significantly improved effluent quality, with Chlorella vulgaris reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals by 41.1%, 46.7%, and 37.5%, respectively, while Bacillus megaterium achieved reductions of 32.3%, 39.2%, and 28.4%. In a pot experiment with basil (Ocimum basilicum), untreated wastewater significantly inhibited growth, biomass, and chlorophyll content, and increased proline and antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, plants irrigated with bio-treated wastewater showed rapid growth, with Chlorella vulgaris achieving the highest improvement in height, dry weight, chlorophyll, and oil production. Bacillus megaterium enhanced rhizosphere activity by increasing dehydrogenase activity, indole acetic acid production, and micronutrient levels. Treated wastewater resulted in growth comparable to domestic water and significantly reduced heavy metal accumulation in soil and leaves.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that phycoremediation with Chlorella vulgaris and Bacillus megaterium can convert wastewater into a safe and nutrient-rich resource, reducing environmental risks and phytotoxicity. This approach offers a sustainable and climate-resilient strategy for agriculture in water-deficient regions like Egypt.

Background

Research indicates that doxycycline hurts broiler chickens, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) protects against various types of toxicity. This research aimed to assess the potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in enhancing broiler resilience against the negative impacts of doxycycline.

Methods

The experiment started with sixty broiler chicks on their eighth day of life. Separated into four equal groups: one for the control group, one for the Doxycycline treatment (Doxy), one for the Doxycycline plus Saccharomyces cerevisiae treatment (Doxy + SCY), and one for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae treatment. Each bird specimen had its liver, spleen, thymus, thigh, and breast muscles removed, as well as blood samples; The ultimate weights of the liver, spleen, thymus, and body; measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO); and the expression levels of the genes for interleukin-6 (IL6), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), and interferon-gamma (IFN γ). Total staphylococcus, fungal, colony, and total psychotropic counts were noted.

Results

The doxycycline-treated group’s mean body weight and the weight of the immunological organs (liver, spleen, and bursa) both significantly dropped (P ˂ 0.001) as compared to the control group. Compared to the Doxy and control groups, the mean end body and immune organ weights of the Doxy + SCY and SCY treated groups were significantly greater (P ˂ 0.001). The Control, SCY, and Doxy + SCY groups had substantially higher mean serum nitric oxide levels than Doxy (P ˂ 0.001). Additionally, the mean levels of TNFα and IL6 were much lower, as were the mean levels of SOD, Catalase, and IFN γ gene expression alterations. Additionally, compared to the Doxy-treated group, the SCY-treated group showed a substantial improvement in the total colony count, total psychotropic count, total fungal count, and total staph count of the thigh and breast muscles.

Conclusion

In addition to reducing the hazards associated with overdosing and doxycycline abuse, SCY helps broilers gain weight and strengthen their immune systems, which eventually leads to fewer losses and better end product quality and quantity.

Background

The immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids on T-cells are caused by the down-regulation of Annexin-A1, a protein essential for T-cell activation and adaptive immunity. Therefore, it is interesting to explore the impact of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) probiotics on Annexin-A1 expression in rabbit spleen.

Methods

White New Zealand male rabbits were divided into five groups: control, Dexamethasone (DXM), Dexamethasone plus Date palm (DXM + Date), Dexamethasone plus Saccharomyces cerevisiae (DXM + S. cerevisiae), and Dexamethasone plus Date palm plus Saccharomyces cerevisiae (DXM + Date + S. cerevisiae) treated groups.

Results

Dexamethasone caused oxidative stress and immunological suppression, as evidenced by significant increases in catalase and Malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as a notable depletion of reduced Glutathione (GSH) in splenic tissues. The study reported a significant decrease in Annexin-A1 expression, as well as decreases in Interferon gamma (IF-γ), Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) expressions in splenic tissue. However, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels are non-significantly decreased. Conversely, co-treatments of DXM-treated rabbits with date palm and/or S. cerevisiae restored nearly all biochemical changes to normal.

Conclusion

Date palm, alone or in combination with S. cerevisiae, can increase splenic Annexin-A1 expression. Furthermore, the data revealed that date palm may have a more immune-stimulant impact than S. cerevisiae in rabbits, as well as a synergistic effect of both. These treatments present a novel way to increase Annexin-A1 signaling as a potential technique for managing immunological deficits.

Background

Eimeria infection causes substantial economic losses in poultry production. The frequent use of anticoccidial drugs has led to the development of resistant Eimeria species, necessitating the development of alternative treatments. Due to their antimicrobial properties, stability, and biocompatibility, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) have gained considerable attention, especially those synthesized using plant extracts. This study aimed to assess the anticoccidial efficacy of methanolic leaf extracts from Artemisia judaica and Ziziphus spina-christi loaded onto CuO-NPs against Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens.

Materials

Broilers were experimentally infected with E. tenella sporulated oocysts (25 × 10³) and treated with AJLE (AJLE), ZSCLE, their CuO-NP conjugates, or diclazuril as a positive control. Oocyst counts, lesion scores, biochemical indices, oxidative stress markers, and immune response were evaluated. Histopathological examination and transmission electron microscopy of cecal tissues were performed.

Results

The results demonstrated the efficacy of AJLE-CuO-NPs and ZSCLE-CuO-NPs against E. tenella, as evidenced by reduced oocyst counts to 32 × 10³ oocysts/g in the AJLE-CuO-NPs-treated group compared with 28 × 10³ oocysts/g in the diclazuril-treated group and 600 × 10³ oocysts/g in the infected untreated group. Lesion scores were minimal in diclazuril-, AJLE-CuO-NPs-, and ZSCLE-CuO-NPs-treated groups. AJLE-CuO-NPs and ZSCLE-CuO-NPs treatment improved blood glucose levels, recording 241 ± 1.53 mg/dL and 255.67 ± 0.88 mg/dL, respectively, and restored cholesterol levels to 174.33 ± 2.33 mg/dL and 158.67 ± 4.7 mg/dL, respectively. AJLE-CuO-NPs and ZSCLE-CuO-NPs treatment decreased oxidative stress; malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were 23.19 ± 0.74 µmol/L and 24.82 ± 0.49 µmol/L, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was 1.34 ± 0.03 mmol/L and 1.21 ± 0.05 mmol/L for AJLE-CuO-NPs and ZSCLE-CuO-NPs, respectively. AJLE-CuO-NPs and ZSCLE-CuO-NPs treatment enhanced immune responses. The relative gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the AJLE-CuO-NPs-treated group was 3.38 ± 0.14, 2.24 ± 0.12, and 4.03 ± 0.19, respectively, while in the ZSCLE-CuO-NPs-treated group was 4.88 ± 0.18, 3.02 ± 0.14, and 6.50 ± 0.29, respectively, normalized to the GAPDH housekeeping gene. Notably, AJLE-CuO-NPs exhibited superior performance compared to ZSCLE-CuO-NPs.

Conclusions

AJLE-CuO-NPs and ZSCLE-CuO-NPs exhibited efficacy comparable to, though not superior to, diclazuril, suggesting potential as complementary or alternative anticoccidials for coccidiosis control in poultry.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Microbial endophytes have emerged as a potential source of bioactive secondary metabolites and provide an excellent resource to overcome the challenges resulting from over-consumption of medicinal plants. Ammi visnaga is an Egyptian medicinal plant widely recognized for its medicinal value. The roots of A. visnaga are considered as waste products; the aim of this study is to explore the fungal endophytes associated with A.visnaga roots.

Methods

Fungal isolate was identified using PCR; large-scale fermentation was performed on solid rice media followed by extraction with Ethyl acetate. The fungal extract was subjected to chromatographic purification utilizing VLC and HPLC. Isolated compounds were identified using HRESIMS and NMR techniques. UPLC-ESI-Q-Tof was utilized to perform the chemical profiling of the fungal extract. Disc diffusion and MIC experiments were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity. In silico assessment was performed using AutoDock Vina against ten bacterial proteins incorporated in DNA replication, antibiotic resistance, and virulence. Biovia Discovery Studio was utilized to assess the pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds applying ADMET protocol.

Results

Four compounds were isolated and identified from Alternaria destruens NGB-AvF1 including one previously undescribed perylene quinone epoxide (1) and three known polyketides (2–3,4). Metabolic profiling of the extract using UPLC-Q-Tof in the negative mode resulted in the tentative identification of 18 secondary metabolites belonging to different chemical classes with high percentages of polyketides, perylene quinones and isocoumarins. Antimicrobial evaluation revealed strong and selective antimicrobial activities for compounds 2 and 3 against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones of 28 mm and 30 mm, respectively. In silico assessment revealed favourable binding affinities for 2 and 3 with several key enzymes. Compound 2 exhibited the strongest binding with DNA ligase, β-lactamase, and Clumping factor A, while compound 3 showed high affinity for ClfA, DNA ligase and β-lactamase. Both compounds also interacted moderately with Sortase A, PBP2a, and BlaR1. These results suggest that compounds 2 and 3 possess multitarget antibacterial activity.

Conclusions

A. destruens extract revealed wide chemical diversity and displayed a potent antimicrobial activity; in silico studies revealed the potential bacterial targets for the antimicrobial compounds. Compounds 2–3 displayed selective and potent antibacterial activity reinforcing their candidacy as lead compounds for further drug development.

Background

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a systemic skeletal disorder caused primarily by estrogen deficiency, leading to impaired bone remodeling, progressive loss of trabecular bone, disruption of bone microarchitecture, increased bone marrow adiposity, and a substantially elevated risk of fragility fractures. As population aging accelerates worldwide, optimizing therapeutic strategies that effectively improve bone strength while ensuring long-term safety and cost-effectiveness has become an important clinical priority.

Main body

This review summarizes recent advances in combination and sequential therapies for PMO, with a particular focus on their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and practical applications. Current treatment strategies aim to restore the balance between bone formation and bone resorption through the complementary use of anabolic and antiresorptive agents. Emerging evidence indicates that combination therapies, such as receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand inhibitors with platelet-derived growth factor-BB activators, and sequential regimens, including teriparatide followed by denosumab, can improve bone mineral density, reduce fracture risk, and modulate the osteogenic–adipogenic differentiation balance of mesenchymal stem cells. This review also compares the clinical outcomes, economic considerations, and safety concerns associated with different therapeutic approaches, including medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and vascular calcification. In addition, the potential roles of genomics, bone metabolism biomarkers, and artificial intelligence in supporting personalized treatment strategies are discussed.

Conclusion

Overall, combination and sequential therapies represent promising approaches for improving the management of PMO by maximizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Continued clinical research and the integration of precision medicine are expected to further refine individualized treatment strategies and improve long-term patient outcomes.

Background

A high-fat diet (HFD) can influence the morphology structure, and function of the brain, resulting in cognitive decline and neural tissue damage. The dried mature seeds of Raphanus sativus L. (Semen Raphani), have been proven to improve metabolic disorders and have neuroprotective benefits

Methods

The model of metabolic cognitive impairment was established in rats. Subsequently, interventions were conducted using different doses of Semen Raphani.

Results

The results showed that Semen Raphani could significantly reduce the weight gain of rats (p < 0.05) and reverse the learning and memory abilities of rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Semen Raphani (RS) exert a beneficial effect on HFD-mediated metabolic damage to the brain. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial function represent potential mechanisms through which Semen Raphani ameliorates high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, and conventional therapies are often limited by toxicity and poor selectivity. Green nanotechnology provides an eco-friendly approach to developing biocompatible and efficient anticancer agents. In this study, we developed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) encapsulated in gelatin-alginate (Gel-Alg) hygrogel using Calendula officinalis (CO) flower extract (Gel-Alg-Ag-CO) to evaluate their therapeutic potential.

Methods

The hydrogel formulation was synthesized using AgNPs derived from the aqueous extract of CO as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanocomposite was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Phytochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were performed to identify bioactive compounds. Biocompatibility was assessed in vivo using zebrafish embryos. Anticancer activity was evaluated in HepG2 liver cancer cells through morphological assessment and MTT assay.

Results

The Gel-Alg-Ag-CO nanohydrogel displayed an average hydrodynamic size of 97.68 nm, a negative zeta potential (-31.03 mV), and a crystalline face-centered cubic structure. FTIR confirmed the involvement of functional groups in the stabilization process. Phytochemical and GC-MS analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and fumaric acid derivatives, with fumaric acid, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl tridecyl ester, as the major compound (25.79%). The formulation demonstrated 93 ± 3.3% viability in fibroblast cells at 80 µg/mL, minimal hemolysis (0.4–1.06%), and no significant developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos up to 5 µg/mL; however, hatchability declined to 75 ± 4.8% at 10 µg/mL. Against HepG2 cells, Gel-Alg-Ag-CO exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity with 63 ± 3.5% inhibition at 80 µg/mL and an IC₅₀ of 18.2 µg/mL.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that Gel-Alg-Ag-CO is a safe, biocompatible, and potent anticancer nanocomposite. Its synergistic effects, combining silver nanoparticles, biopolymer encapsulation, and phytochemicals from CO, highlight its promise as a green, multifunctional platform for targeted cancer nanotherapy. Future in vivo tumor studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic potential.

Background

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are particularly involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. AChE and TLR4 inhibitions play crucial roles in treating neurodegenerative disorders. Pulmonaria officinalis (PO; lungwort) has shown in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and AChE inhibitory activities. However in vivo biological properties are still insufficiently explored.

Methods

This study aimed to characterize the metabolomic profile and antioxidant activities of different PO fractions, specifically butanol (BuOH) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc), using colorimetric, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic methods. In addition, studying their neuroprotective effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered Alzheimer’s in mice. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the fractions of PO contain alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins.

Results

The lungwort plant was identified with 36 active compounds in the two fractions. Extractions of EtOAc and BuOH lungworts were rich in polyphenolic compounds identified by HPLC and HPLC-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis. Regarding phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid content, PO showed that the EtOAc and BuOH fractions (ABTS•⁺ IC₅₀: 29.64 ± 0.33, 37.46 ± 0.38 and DPPH•⁻ IC₅₀: 43.79 ± 0.66, 38.82 ± 0.35, respectively) were more significant than the other fractions. In the in vivo experiment, mice were randomly divided into four groups, each comprising eight animals. Group I was designated as the normal control, whereas Group II was administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 250 µg/kg, intraperitoneally). Groups III and IV were administered PO butanol and ethyl acetate fractions (400 mg/kg, orally) for seven consecutive days along with LPS treatment. PO fractions ameliorated cognitive dysfunction, inhibited neuroinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TLR4, alleviated neurodegeneration and elevated the memory via reducing significantly AChE by 73% and 72% and amyloid beta by 37% and 56%, as compared with LPS-treated mice.

Conclusions

P. officinalis was investigated in vivo for the first time and has a neuroprotective effect against AD, which may be attributed to the presence of the identified metabolites in this study. The observed effects support the biological relevance of P. officinalis within the experimental models evaluated.

Graphical abstract

Background

The present study investigates the potential role of microRNA-10b (miR-10b) in the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells, with possible associations with WW and C2-domain containing-2 (WWC2) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN).

Methods

Bioinformatics analyses were performed using the UALCAN database, TargetScan, and RNAcofold webserver. In vitro experiments were performed to determine the effects of miR-10b inhibition on primary (SW480) and metastatic (SW620) colon cancer cell lines. 2,3-Bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay, senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay, dual acridine-orange/ethidium-bromide apoptosis assay, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence and western blot experiments were performed.

Results

UALCAN database analysis showed elevated miR-10b expression in colon cancer patients, but no significant association with overall survival was observed (P = 0.51). TargetScan identified WWC2 and PTEN as important miR-10b targets, and RNAcofold demonstrated the lowest minimum free energy (MFE) values between miR-10b and WWC2 and PTEN. Transfection with miR-10b inhibitor reduced miR-10b expression, decreased cell viability, and increased cellular senescence in both SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cell lines, with higher apoptosis in SW480 cells, while tumor-suppressor miRNAs, namely miR-34a and miR-124a, were upregulated in both the cell lines. MiR-10b inhibition led to increased WWC2 and large tumor suppressor kinases-1/2 (LATS1/2) expression and decreased Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1) and WW-domain-containing transcription regulator-1 (WWTR1) in SW480 cells, while TEA-domain transcription factor-1 (TEAD1), connective-tissue growth factor (CTGF), and GLI-family zinc finger-2 (GLI2) were decreased in both cell lines. BCL2-associated-X-protein (BAX), BCL2-associated death-promoter (BAD), and Caspase-3 (CASP3) were elevated, whereas B-cell-lymphoma-2 (BCL2) was reduced in SW480 cell line, with no significant differences between the cell lines. Increased PTEN and decreased cyclin-dependent kinase-6 (CDK6) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) expressions were found in SW480 cells, while proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was reduced in SW620 cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed reduced nuclear localization of YAP1 and WWTR1; with increased BAX and reduced BCL2 intensity following miR-10b inhibition in both the cell lines. Western blot analysis showed increased WWC2 and PTEN protein expression and decreased BCL2 and WWTR1 protein expression in SW480 cell line.

Conclusion

miR-10b possibly promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of colon cancer cell lines.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.