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

{"title":"Taguchi-based optimization and comparative analysis of filament and direct powder FFF for biomedical UHMWPE composites","authors":"Y. M. Elattar,&nbsp;M. M. Salem,&nbsp;Ahmed Salama,&nbsp;A. M. El-Wardany","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00783-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00783-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) has become a key additive manufacturing technique for producing biomedical components with complex geometries and reduced material waste. However, the processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) remains challenging due to its high melt viscosity and poor interlayer adhesion. This study aims to optimize FFF parameters and evaluate an alternative direct powder extrusion approach for UHMWPE composites reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HAP) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A low-cost, single-screw filament extruder was developed in-house to fabricate UHMWPE/HAP/TiO₂ filaments for conventional FFF printing. The same extruder was later modified to operate as a direct powder extrusion head, eliminating the filament fabrication step. A Taguchi L₁₆ orthogonal array was used to optimize four key process parameters (extrusion temperature, bed temperature, infill percentage, and number of outer perimeters) with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) as the response variable. ANOVA and signal-to-noise ratio analyses were employed to determine parameter significance. Subsequently, a second-order polynomial regression model was developed based on the experimental dataset to predict UTS as a function of the dominant FFF parameters, effectively capturing the non-linear behavior of the process. Extrusion temperature and infill percentage were identified as the most influential parameters affecting tensile strength. The refined regression model demonstrated robust predictive reliability, achieving an adjusted <span>(:{R}^{2})</span> of 75.04% and a predictive <span>(:{R}^{2})</span> of 66.38%, ensuring its suitability for process optimization. Comparative mechanical testing showed that direct powder-printed samples achieved a maximum UTS of 50.15 MPa, nearly identical to filament-based prints, confirming the feasibility of direct extrusion for UHMWPE composites.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The study establishes a cost-effective route for manufacturing biomedical-grade UHMWPE composites, demonstrating that direct powder extrusion (DPE) is a viable, high-performance alternative to filament-based FFF. The results identify infill percentage and the quadratic effect of perimeters as the most critical factors influencing mechanical integrity. The validated second-order model provides a reliable framework for reaching a peak UTS of 50.15 MPa, effectively bridging the gap between low-cost fabrication and industrial-grade performance. These findings establish a foundation for advancing bio-additive manufacturing of orthopedic components through simplified, low-degradation processing stages.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00783-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148281132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integration of artificial intelligence in stem cell research: a comprehensive bibliometric and emerging trend analysis","authors":"Israel Ogwuche Ogra,&nbsp;Oluwatimileyin Deborah Obasa,&nbsp;Jeremiah Zaphnathpaaneah Adaji,&nbsp;Samson Usman,&nbsp;Daniel Thakuma Tizhe,&nbsp;Precious Ezinne Nebo,&nbsp;Faustina Ntim Opoku,&nbsp;Shadrack Dangabar Apollos,&nbsp;David John Burman Ladan,&nbsp;Nsuhoridem Aniekan Johnson,&nbsp;Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun,&nbsp;Kodjovi Sossou","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00797-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00797-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Artificial intelligence has gained broad applications in stem cell research, becoming a core technology in regenerative medicine, cancer stem cells, and cell therapy. Due to the wide scope of this domain, most studies have considered artificial intelligence’s use within a particular subfield or provided a scoping review of a particular subfield of stem cell science. However, none have provided a comprehensive analysis of artificial intelligence integration into stem cell research from its earliest evolution in the 1990s to the present.</p><h3>Main body</h3><p>This research analyzes the current direction and pace of artificial intelligence integration across all aspects of stem cell research from 1994 to 2025, while highlighting future directions and prospects. To achieve this, the study retrieved 4,712 documents from Scopus. All articles were subjected to PRISMA eligibility criteria, and 2,866 articles were retained and analyzed. Results showed that 63% of research on artificial intelligence’s use in stem cell studies were research articles with an annual growth rate of 20% and an average of 15 citations. This double-digit growth rate indicates that studies on artificial intelligence and stem cells are growing exponentially, with the USA, China, Japan, Germany, and the UK leading in publications. The most productive researcher is “Wang Y,” while “Li Y” emerged as the most impactful author. Meanwhile, cross-country collaborations are low, fragmented, and propelled mostly by regional, financial, and/or economic interests.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Future trends in stem cell research point towards the use of artificial intelligence for precision medicine, tumor microenvironment analysis, understanding heterogeneity, and organoid development. This study offers useful insights into the trends in artificial intelligence integration in stem cell research and provides researchers with useful guidance for further exploration of this domain.</p><h3>Clinical trial number</h3><p>Not applicable.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00797-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148281191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) gene rs4680 polymorphism and risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a clinically characterized Bangladeshi cohort","authors":"Ahmad Niaz Rahman,&nbsp;Marline Gomes,&nbsp;M. M. A. Shalahuddin Qusar,&nbsp;Mohammad Shahriar,&nbsp;Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan,&nbsp;Md. Rabiul Islam,&nbsp;Zabun Nahar","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00778-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00778-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The catechol-O-methyltransferase (<i>COMT</i>) gene is crucial for breaking down dopamine. The Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) affects its enzymatic activity. Our study aims to assess the association of the rs4680 (Val158Met) polymorphism in the <i>COMT</i> gene with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among Bangladeshi population.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted a case-control study with 90 OCD patients and 90 healthy controls, matched by age and gender. The participants had been recruited from the Psychiatry Department of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka. Genomic DNA was isolated from each participant’s blood sample, and the genotyping of the rs4680 polymorphism was investigated utilizing PCR-RFLP analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The GA genotype was detected at a significantly greater frequency in OCD patients (38.89%) than in the control group (21.11%) (OR = 2.59, <i>p</i> = 0.005). The A allele also showed a significant association with OCD risk (OR = 2.41, <i>p</i> = 0.002). Female patients demonstrated stronger associations in the GA genotype comparison (OR = 2.89, <i>p</i> = 0.025), dominant model (OR = 3.22, <i>p</i> = 0.010), and A allele comparison (OR = 2.84, <i>p</i> = 0.007), whereas male patients showed no statistically significant associations.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings of our study suggest that the <i>COMT</i> Val158Met polymorphism may have association with OCD risk in this cohort, with an increased susceptibility found among females. The A allele was also significantly linked to increased OCD risk in females, but not in males. More extensive studies are necessary to explore these observations with larger and more diverse populations.</p><h3>Clinical trial number</h3><p>Not applicable.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00778-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148281482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative analysis of gut-brain axis-related comorbidity between ulcerative colitis and Parkinson’s disease and screening of candidate bioactive compounds from 44 medicinal and edible fruits","authors":"Kaixin Song,&nbsp;Changze Ou,&nbsp;Zihan Yang,&nbsp;Haojie Zhang,&nbsp;Xiaotian Li,&nbsp;Haidong Yu,&nbsp;Kaiyu Ye,&nbsp;Weiguo Chen,&nbsp;Luyao Ma,&nbsp;Jinxin Huang,&nbsp;Yingqian Zhou,&nbsp;Rujia Xie,&nbsp;Lei Meng,&nbsp;Yantao Yang","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00770-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00770-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>To explore the potential genetic associations and comorbidity mechanisms between Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), and to screen a library of 44 dual-use fruit sources for potential bioactive compounds.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Mendelian randomization and transcriptome analysis were employed to investigate the shared mechanisms between UC and PD. A PD diagnostic model was constructed based on intersecting genes, and interpretability analysis was conducted using the Shapley Additive Explanations algorithm. Model performance was evaluated using both an internal validation cohort and an independent external GEO cohort. Further integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations was employed to screen for active components in the 44 dual-use fruit sources, analysing their potential targets and associated mechanisms.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Mendelian randomization analysis suggested a potential genetic association between UC and PD. Transcriptome analysis revealed that shared molecular features were primarily enriched in inflammation- and immune-related pathways. A PD diagnostic model constructed using 20 intersecting genes demonstrated good discriminatory ability. The results of network pharmacology and molecular simulations further suggested that multiple active components from the 44 food-medicine dual-use fruit-derived compounds exhibit multitarget effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. These components may modulate the UC-PD comorbidity process through gut-brain axis-related pathways.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>From an integrative computational analysis perspective, this study suggests potential links between UC and PD across genetic background, inflammatory immune responses, and gut-brain axis mechanisms. It identifies several candidate genes and fruit-derived bioactive compounds warranting further investigation. These findings are intended to propose mechanistic hypotheses and candidate intervention strategies. Further validation is required through in vitro experiments and in vivo studies.</p><h3>Clinical trial number</h3><p>Not applicable.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00770-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148172263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The shift from 2D to 3D cell culture in neurobiology: implications for precision medicine and organ-on-chip technologies","authors":"Farnam Gholipour Maralan","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00790-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00790-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Traditional two-dimensional (2D) neurobiological models do not capture the complex spatial, mechanical, and biochemical microenvironment of the human brain. This limitation has contributed to a high failure rate in translating neuroprotective drugs from the bench to the bedside.</p><h3>Main body</h3><p>Of this review is to explore the technological evolution toward three-dimensional (3D) systems, including neural organoids, scaffold-based hydrogels, and microfluidic Organ-on-Chip (OoC) platforms. This review discusses how these systems facilitate realistic synaptic connectivity and neurovascular unit modeling. By mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM) and introducing dynamic fluid flow, these models provide a more accurate representation of human CNS pathophysiology. A specific examination of the role of mechanotransduction and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in disease progression is provided. Furthermore, the integration of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for high-fidelity disease modeling and personalized drug screening is highlighted, allowing for the observation of disease phenotypes—such as amyloid-beta (A<span>(beta)</span>) aggregation and phosphorylated tau—that are often absent in 2D or animal models.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>3D neurobiological models represent an evolving approach toward precision medicine, providing platforms that better replicate the physiological complexities of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00790-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148172170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bond strength of relining materials to 3D-Printed denture base resins and the effects of aging, material chemistry, and surface treatments: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Maged Mohamed,&nbsp;Dina Abozaid,&nbsp;Asmaa Abdelmajeed,&nbsp;Rim Wally,&nbsp;Mohamed Ashraf,&nbsp;Mohamed Eldebawy,&nbsp;Fatma A. El Hadad,&nbsp;Amr Azab","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00774-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00774-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Achieving durable adhesion between denture base resins and relining materials remains a major challenge in prosthodontics, particularly with the increasing use of 3D-printed materials. This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength of relining materials to 3D-printed denture base resins, with a focus on the effects of aging and Material Chemistry in relation to conventional and CAD-CAM milled resin bases.</p><h3>Main body</h3><p>This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251152179). Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to August 2025. Laboratory studies evaluating bond strength between relining materials and denture base resins were included. Nineteen studies were included in qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model demonstrated no significant differences in shear bond strength between fabrication methods, while tensile bond strength under non-aged conditions was significantly lower for 3D-printed denture bases compared with CAD-CAM milled bases. Mechanical surface treatments consistently improved bond strength across all materials.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Surface treatment significantly influences the bond strength of relining materials to denture base resins. Mechanical surface modification, particularly airborne-particle abrasion, enhances bonding performance, whereas 3D-printed denture bases may exhibit lower tensile bond strength compared with CAD-CAM milled materials under certain conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00774-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148172636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global research landscape and hotspots for endoplasmic reticulum stress in Glioma: from 2000 to 2024 – a bibliometric analysis","authors":"Zhanyue Zhang,&nbsp;Yunsong Zhuang,&nbsp;Xiaolong Mei,&nbsp;Lijun Zhao","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00792-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00792-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Over the past two decades, research interest in endoplasmic reticulum stress in glioma has gradually increased, and the number of related publications has shown distinct phases of growth. Clarifying the global status, key hotspots, and future trends of endoplasmic reticulum stress research in glioma is of great significance for advancing theoretical understanding and clinical translation in this field. This study aims to systematically analyze publications related to endoplasmic reticulum stress in glioma through bibliometric analysis, to outline the current research status and explore potential emerging directions.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This study analyzed 414 publications on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in gliomas published between 2000 and 2024. Bibliometric tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Office Excel were used to assess research output trends, national/regional cooperation networks, core institutional contributions, journal distributions, core author characteristics, and keyword hotspot evolution.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Global research output on ER stress in gliomas showed distinct growth stages. The United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain were core countries, forming a collaborative network led by North America, Western Europe, and East Asia. Inserm served as an international cooperation hub, while the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the German Cancer Research Center demonstrated extensive research experience and significant academic influence. Chen Thomas C. was a highly productive and influential author, and Schoenthal Axel H. and others advanced the field through high-quality work. <i>International Journal of Molecular Sciences</i> and <i>Nature Communications</i> performed prominently in recent years. The research focus shifted from basic modeling and mechanistic exploration in the early 2000s toward translational research after 2019. Currently, temozolomide and selenium nanoparticles represent topics of rapidly growing research attention, reflecting increasing interest in targeted modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This bibliometric analysis systematically maps publication patterns, collaboration structures, and keyword evolution of ER stress in glioma from 2000 to 2024. The field has shifted toward translational research, with temozolomide and selenium nanoparticles identified as emerging research topics. These findings reflect research trends rather than validating biological mechanisms or clinical strategies. Cross-disease knowledge integration may guide future studies.</p><h3>Clinical trial number</h3><p>Not applicable.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00792-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148173671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oxygen-rich apatites: toward preventive antiseptic strategies in bone and dental applications","authors":"Soumia Belouafa,&nbsp;Mohammed Berrada","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00789-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00789-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Main body</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Clinical trial number</h3><p>Not applicable.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00789-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148173535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of nano-silica on the thermal resistance and mechanical properties of pumice-blended cement pastes","authors":"Amr A. Bayoumi,&nbsp;S. M. A. El-Gamal,&nbsp;M. H. Khedr,&nbsp;Waleed M. A. El Rouby,&nbsp;O. A. Mohamed","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00786-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00786-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>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 (<i>n</i> = 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.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>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.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00786-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148173357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an anti-viral/bacterial mask with durable functional properties using graphene nano-particles","authors":"Abd El-Moniem A. Mahmoud,&nbsp;Mohamed Morsy,&nbsp;Amina L. Mohamed,&nbsp;Ahmed G. Hassabo","doi":"10.1186/s43088-026-00780-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-026-00780-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Backround</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>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 <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>, while the antiviral effects were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Clinical trial number</h3><p>Not applicable.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43088-026-00780-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148173358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}