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

Background

Oxygen-rich apatites have emerged as a class of multifunctional biomaterials that integrate intrinsic antiseptic activity with regenerative properties relevant to calcified tissues (bones and teeth), without the use of external antibiotics.

Main body

This review analyzes synthesis strategies described for the preparation of oxygen-rich apatites, with an emphasis on the role of reaction conditions in the incorporation of oxygen into the apatite lattice. It also addresses the release of reactive oxygen species which are responsible for the in-situ antiseptic effect, while preserving the biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties of the apatitic calcium phosphate matrix. Particular attention is paid to the impact of heat treatment as well, because of the sensitivity of oxygen species to high temperatures. Even though calcination is often used to improve the biomaterial consolidation, it can lead to degradation of active oxygen species and induce phase transformations that compromise the functional performance of these apatites.

Conclusion

This study highlights both the significant potential and the remaining challenges, as well as future prospects related to the development of oxygen-rich apatites, as oxygen-releasing biomaterials for bone and dental applications.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.

Graphical Abstract

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Background

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is essential in contemporary building, and the incorporation of supplemental cement materials (SCM) has emerged as a global need to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, detrimental environmental impacts, energy usage, and resource exhaustion in cement manufacturing. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the feasibility of pumice as a substitute for cement and its influence on the thermal resistance.

Methods

OPC–pumice composites containing 0, 15, and 20 wt% replaced pumice were prepared and modified with nano-silica (NS) (0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) to enhance mechanical performance and thermal stability and cast into 25-mm cubes (n = 4 per condition). Hardened pastes (w/b = 0.26) were evaluated at early and later hydration ages and after exposure to elevated temperatures (250, 500, and 850 °C) under different cooling regimes, with performance assessed primarily through compressive strength.

Results

According to the findings, the inclusion of NS enhanced hydration properties, decreased free lime, and increased chemically combined water content. Thermal stability was significantly enhanced at 500 °C with negligible deterioration in compressive strength. The ideal NS addition for OPC + 15% pumice is 1% by mass. The recorded strength values for various pastes heated at 500 °C and subjected to incremental cooling show that the specimens’ residual compressive strength (RCS) increased by 2%, 7%, 10%, and 9.60% RCS for the CP1, CP1NS1, CP1NS2, and CP1NS3 pastes, respectively. XRD, TG/DTG, and SEM analyses showed the presence of poorly crystalline and nearly amorphous C-S-H, C-A-S-H, and C-A-H.

Conclusions

Pumice-blended cement pastes’ mechanical and thermal performance are greatly improved by nano-silica. The ideal NS addition for OPC + 15% pumice is 1% by mass to improve fire resistance and develop strength.

Backround

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for reusable masks with better antiviral and antibacterial properties. Graphene-based nanomaterials, with their potent biocidal properties and impressive longevity, present a promising avenue for developing cutting-edge protective fabrics. This study intended to create a textile mask treated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), intending to meet the World Health Organization’s performance standards.

Methods

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was created using a modified Hummers’ process. This rGO was then applied to the outer layer, which was made of woven cotton and polyester, using a polyurethane binder. At the same time, the inner cotton layer was treated with chitosan. The mask was examined based on the World Health Organization’s standards, looking for harmful substances and how well it held up following five and ten ISO washing cycles. The antibacterial effects were tested on E. coli and S. aureus, while the antiviral effects were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2.

Results

The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) covering demonstrated a consistent distribution, with particle sizes ranging from 100 to 200 nanometers. Every cloth that underwent treatment met the safety and performance standards set by the World Health Organization. The antibacterial effect grew as the rGO concentration rose, with a significant inhibition seen at 0.4%. The mask showed a 99.3% reduction in SARS-CoV-2 after 20 min with 75 mg of graphene. Its effectiveness remained at 96.6% after five wash cycles and 80.4% after ten cycles.

Conclusions

The development of a long-lasting, reusable textile mask, coated with graphene and showing strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, was successful. This technique provides a sustainable protective solution, and it also holds promise as a platform for future uses of antimicrobial textiles.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.

Background

Filariasis poses a major global problem, affecting the overall health of equine. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of equine filariasis, studying the seasonal behavior of the infection, and perform morphological and molecular identification of the recovered adult and microfilariae.

Methods

A total of 120 equine blood samples collected from Assiut Governorate were subjected to microscopic examination, as well as histopathological sections were performed. Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification of the targeted regions (12S rRNA and 18S rRNA) and phylogenetic analysis were conducted from adult worms and infected tissues.

Results

The microscopy revealed that, Setaria spp. microfilariae in 10 donkeys and 3 horses (10.83%). Additionally, Onchocerca spp. microfilariae were detected in 2 donkeys (1.66%), however, none of the examined horses showed microfilariae of both species. Mixed infection with Setaria spp., and Onchocerca spp. microfilariae were observed in only 2 donkeys (1.66%). Post-mortem examination of 34 equine showed the presence of adult Onchocerca spp. and S. equina with infection rates of 17.64% and 26.47%, respectively. Parasitological examination of skin snips at the umbilical region from these animals revealed Onchocerca microfilariae in five donkeys (14.7%); however, no microfilariae were detected in horses. The peak of occurrence of Setaria spp. microfilariae was recorded in the summer season (17.5%), while the peak of the intensity of Onchocerca spp. infection was detected during the summer and autumn (5%). Films stained with Giemsa and Harris hematoxylin stains displayed enhanced details of microfilarial structures compared to Leishman’s stain. To date, no information available regarding the genetic diversity and phylogeny of Onchocerca cervicalis in Egypt. In the present study, phylogenetic analysis based on the nematode-specific 12S rRNA region was performed to determine the genetic diversity of Setaria spp. The BLAST results of the sequences of two samples were 100% identical with the reference sequences of S. digitata and one sample was 100% identical to S. equina. Likewise, phylogenetic analysis based on the nematode-specific 18S rRNA, revealed five samples were showing 99.8% identity to O. cervicalis reference sequence.

Conclusions

This study represents the first phylogenetic analysis of O. cervicalis in Egypt. Higher infection rates need urgent attention and control strategies, including vector control and suitable management practices. Giemsa and Harris hematoxylin stains are the staining methods of choice for microfilarial examination.

Background

The main objective of this research was to develop a novel gastroretentive formulation for Cefditoren pivoxil, an insoluble and poorly permeable drug. Floating and drug release characteristics of tablets formulated with pure Cefditoren pivoxil were compared with the same of formulations loaded with nanosponges (NS) form of drug.

Results

Test results related to physicochemical properties of all prepared tablets were observed to be in compliance with standards. More floating lag time (6 to 12 minutes) and less log time (less than 12 hours) have been resulted from the formulations with pure form of drug (F1 to F4), whereas, vice-versa (93 to 6 minutes lag time & more than 12 hours log time) was found with NS based dosage forms (F5 to F8). An evaluation test for in-vitro drug release was performed for all the dosage units and more controlled release pattern with diffusion mechanism was seen from tablets loaded with NS. F7 with a combination of NS form of drug and Guar gum in 1:1 ratio has shown best buoyancy (2.1±0.22 minutes lag-time and >12 hours log-time) and more controlled drug release (99.77±1.13%) among all 8 tablet compositions.

Conclusions

The importance and need for entrapment of an insoluble, less permeable drug to obtain the fruitful buoyant and drug release properties from Gastroretentive tablet dosage forms has been witnessed by all the observed results.

Although numerous studies have isolated anticancer compounds from Ficus spp., there are still key gaps that hinder clinical translation. This study aimed to provide a quantitative overview of compounds derived from Ficus spp., identify leading contributors, evaluate collaboration networks, and highlight research gaps and future directions. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus® database (from inception to mid-2025). Data on publication and citation trends, as well as leading countries, institutions, authors, and journals, were analyzed. Socioeconomic indicators were obtained from the IMF and World Bank databases. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft® Excel, and bibliometric networks were visualized using VOSviewer (v1.6.20). A total of 316 original and review articles were included, showing a slow increase in publications from the 2010s onward. Most studies originated from India, China, and Saudi Arabia, while leading authors were affiliated with institutions in Indonesia, Italy, and Belgium. Frequently used keywords included “human”, “article”, and “plant extract”. Highly cited articles indicate a gradual shift toward applied and commercial research interests. Overall, the findings demonstrate growing global interest in the anticancer potential of Ficus spp., alongside persistent translational limitations. Research remains largely focused on crude extract screening and in vitro assays, with limited progression to in vivo and clinical studies. Future work should emphasize standardized extraction protocols, isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds, mechanistic and toxicity studies, and translational pharmacological validation to support the development of clinically relevant Ficus-derived anticancer agents.

Background

Candida auris (C. auris) has emerged as a serious global health threat due to its resistance to antifungal treatments and its persistence in healthcare environments. Effective therapeutic intervention is essential to reduce mortality and transmission. This computational study identifies potential inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), a crucial enzyme for the survival and replication of C. auris.

Result

A total of 1,191 seaweed metabolites were screened using molecular docking, and the top 20 candidates were selected based on binding affinity. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) profiling further refined the selection to three lead compounds, CIDs 145,937, 11,672,129, and 159,086, based on their favorable drug-likeness and toxicity profiles. These compounds commonly interacted with active site residues such as GLU_32, THR_57, ALA_11, ILE_9, ILE_19, LEU_25, MET_33, PHE_36, TYR_126, and VAL_10, indicating a shared binding pocket. Post-docking Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) analysis revealed strong protein-ligand interactions, with binding free energies of −40.43, −54.74, and −54.70 kcal/mol, for CIDs 145,937, 11,672,129, and 159,086, respectively. Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap analysis indicated excellent electronic stability, while Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) prediction suggested potential biological activity. Molecular Dynamics Simulation (MD simulation) confirmed the stability of the complex; Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Dynamic Cross-Correlation Matrix (DCCM) showed consistent dynamics. Post-simulation MM-GBSA binding free energies and PCA3 values were −49.88, −48.64, −70.83 kcal/mol, and 4.85%, 6.69%, 8.25% for CIDs 145,937, 159,086, and 11,672,129, respectively.

Conclusion

In brief, though all leads showed potential against C. auris, CID 145,937, derived from Ecklonia stolonifera, forms the strongest and most stable complex with the target protein, making it a promising antifungal candidate for further in vitro and in vivo validation.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.

Background

Pimpinella anisum and Coriandrum sativum, members of the Apiaceae family, have long been used in traditional medicine, yet comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological profiling of their aerial parts remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the flavonoid composition, hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, and antioxidant potentials of their flavonoid-enriched fractions, supported by in vivo assessments and molecular docking studies.

Results

LC–ESI–MS analysis revealed that P. anisum contained 11 phenolic acids and 29 flavonoids, while C. sativum comprised 13 phenolic acids and 28 flavonoids. The flavonoid-rich extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activities, with P. anisum showing strong DPPH inhibition (83.72–86.22%) and C. sativum exhibiting comparable effects (86.43–88.18%) to ascorbic acid. In vivo studies confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of both extracts in thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, as evidenced by reduced serum transaminases, nitric oxide (NO), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), along with enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and MMP-9 levels. Histological examinations supported the biochemical findings. Antimutagenic studies further revealed a reduction in chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage, and sperm abnormalities. Molecular docking identified six flavonoid compounds—apigenin 6-C-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, myricetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin, kaempferol, and chrysin—as potent ligands for TNF-α, MMP-9, SOD, and GPx. ADMET predictions indicated high oral bioavailability, drug-likeness, and minimal toxicity. Additionally, Molecular dynamics simulations were used to evaluate the binding energetics and stability of GPx1, MMP-9, and TNF complexes with specific flavonoids. Trajectory analyses demonstrated that GPx1 and MMP-9 rapidly form structurally compact, highly stable, and tightly anchored interactions.

Conclusions

The flavonoid-enriched fractions of P. anisum and C. sativum exhibit potent antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antimutagenic activities, likely mediated through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. The identified flavonoids represent promising candidates for the development of multi-target hepatoprotective therapeutics with favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles.

Graphical abstract

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Background

Infrared (IR) heating offers rapid, intense heat delivery and serves as a lower-cost alternative to conventional heating methods. Pomegranate peels represent a sustainable source of natural dyes and antibacterial polyphenols. This study explores the use of IR technology to extract these bioactive compounds for textile applications.

Methods

Extraction parameters were optimized using IR heating, followed by dyeing of cotton and wool fabrics at 80 °C for 60 min to preserve the bioactivity of the compounds and achieve uniform coloration. Dyed fabrics were evaluated for color strength, color fastness properties, and antibacterial efficacy.

Results

IR heating significantly increased the yield of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peels compared to conventional heating. Dyed wool fabrics exhibited superior color strength and enhanced antimicrobial activity, specifically against S. aureus.

Graphical abstract

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