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

{"title":"Characterization and utilization capabilities of industrial wastes for green bricks production","authors":"Medhat Sobhy El-Mahllawy,&nbsp;Sarah Akram Mohsen","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00517-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00517-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The goal of this study is to develop a feasible and sustainable solution to manage the use of industrial wastes of ground granulated blast-furnace steel slag (GGBS) activated by cement kiln dust (CKD) and quicklime (QL). Using activated GGBS in the manufacture of stabilized green bricks is still uncommon in Egypt in such applications. Five clay-based mixtures, each with varying replacement ratios (5–10, wt.%) of CKD and QL, were studied. Laboratory tests were conducted on cylindrical specimens made from these mixtures, which were left to cure for periods of up to 60 days. The raw materials and lab-made specimens were analyzed using particle size analysis, differential thermal analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The physical and mechanical properties of the cured specimens were also determined and evaluated according to standard specifications. Furthermore, the durability of the cured specimens was evaluated against collapsibility in water.</p><h3>ResuIts</h3><p>It has been observed that adding QL and CKD to the stabilized green specimens of different mixes can enhance their engineering properties with curing age increasing. This is due to the pozzolanic reaction, which fills the pore structure with calcium silicate hydrates and calcium aluminate hydrates gel. The ratio of QL and CKD used significantly affected the engineering properties of the specimens. The study found that using 20% GGBS and 5% QL led to an increase in compressive strength (266 kg/cm²) at the density of (2.15 g/cm³), while also water absorption was reduced (8%) to give superior results. When GGBS and CKD were combined, a higher content of CKD (10 wt.%) gave better results compared to (5 wt.%) CKD. Furthermore, the physical and mechanical properties of the tested specimens (MD 1, MD II, MD III and MD IV) met the acceptable limits of dry compressive strength (30–70 kg/cm²), water absorption (8–15%), and density (1.7–2 gm/cm³), as specified by the Egyptian standard specifications for buildings used compressed earth blocks.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The CKD and QL act as alkali activators for GGBS and can be utilized in masonry construction.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00517-6","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141326429","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":"Uncovering and evaluating coconut oil-loaded silica nanoemulsion as anti-viral, bacterial, and fungal: synthesis, fabrication, characterization, and biosafety profiles","authors":"Mohamed E. Elnosary,&nbsp;Hesham A. Aboelmagd,&nbsp;Ahmed R. Sofy,&nbsp;Ahmed A. Hmed,&nbsp;Ehab E. Refaey,&nbsp;Sayeda M. Ali,&nbsp;Mayssa Abdel Hady","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00513-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00513-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Coconut oil, a natural component abundant in terpenoids, possesses various physiological functions. The global concern over the spread of viral infections and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and fungi has highlighted the need for novel treatments. Coconut oil, with its known antimicrobial properties, presents an attractive candidate for combating these pathogens. This study aims to investigate the potential of coconut oil-loaded silica nanoemulsion (ON@SiO₂) as a novel therapeutic agent against viral, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and fungal pathogens.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The study synthesized coconut oil-loaded silica nanoemulsion (ON@SiO₂) using an eco-friendly, cost-effective method with native coconut oil (CO). Characterization confirmed successful synthesis on the nanoscale with good distribution. Three nanoemulsion samples (ON-1@SiO₂, ON-2@SiO₂, and ON-3@SiO₂) were prepared, with average particle sizes of 193 nm, 200 nm, and 325 nm, respectively. Evaluation of cytotoxicity on Vero-E6 cell lines indicated safety of ON-0@SiO₂ and ON-3@SiO₂, with CC50 values of 97.5 mg/ml and 89.1 mg/ml, respectively. ON-3@SiO₂ demonstrated anti-Herpes I and II (HSV1 and HSV2) activity, with IC50 values of 1.9 mg/ml and 2.1 mg/ml, respectively. Additionally, ON-3@SiO₂ exhibited promising antibacterial activity against <i>E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus,</i> and <i>B. subtilis</i>, with MIC values of 25 mg/ml, 12.5 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, and 3.12 mg/ml, respectively.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>ON-3@SiO₂ showed potential antifungal activity against <i>C. albicans</i>, a unicellular fungus, with an MIC of 12.5 mg/ml. Overall, ON@SiO₂ possesses antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00513-w","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141298357","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":"Mitigating the escalating threat of infectious diseases outbreaks in tropical Africa: a perspective examination of challenges and strategies for future preparedness","authors":"Hakeem Kayode Hassan,&nbsp;Olaniyi Abideen Adigun,&nbsp;Emery Manirambona,&nbsp;Noah Olabode Olaleke,&nbsp;Micheal Sunday Abioye,&nbsp;Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III,&nbsp;Faith Ayobami Atewologun,&nbsp;Olalekan John Okesanya","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00511-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00511-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The escalating threat of infectious disease outbreaks in Africa, particularly emerging and re-emerging diseases, necessitates urgent and comprehensive action. The frequency of these outbreaks demands a robust enhancement of notification and reporting systems to enable swift public health interventions.</p><h3>Main body of the abstract</h3><p>Tropical diseases such as malaria, COVID-19, typhoid fever, yellow fever, arboviruses, cholera, rabies, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, black fungus, meningitis, evolving pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance pose significant health risks globally, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The region faces complexities in healthcare, including weak systems, inadequate surveillance, socioeconomic disparities, and other issues. Poor health literacy, traditional practices, and distrust hinder effective disease control and contribute to disease emergence in Sub-Saharan Africa. Continuous research and global collaboration are essential to address these public health concerns, especially given Africa's unique challenges. Disease surveillance emerges as a highly effective strategy, crucial in regions vulnerable to infectious diseases. Establishing and strengthening comprehensive surveillance and reporting systems at individual, regional, national, and international levels is crucial due to the unpredictable nature of borderless outbreaks and their significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and economic stability. National surveillance relies heavily on effective control mechanisms within local community areas, necessitating the active involvement of medical personnel. Successful systems depend on functional countries using collected data for timely warnings and localized interventions. Stakeholders, including governments, health authorities, and international organizations, must collaborate urgently to implement and sustain these vital systems, mitigating the devastating consequences of infectious disease outbreaks. Additionally, a holistic approach is crucial, involving prioritized local production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics through initiatives like the African Vaccine Producers Initiative. This approach emphasizes the need for domestic pharmaceutical production, intensified public awareness campaigns, and the training of the next generation of global health leaders, ensuring multidimensional strategies, political and diplomatic skills, and evidence-based assessments.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Collaboration among governments, international organizations, and educational institutions is essential for successful policy advocacy and implementation to strengthen health security and mitigate the continuous rise of infectious diseases on the continent.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00511-y","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141294954","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":"Network pharmacology, molecular docking study, and in vivo validation of the wound healing activity of the Red Sea soft coral Paralemnalia thyrsoides (Ehrenberg 1834) ethanolic extract and bioactive metabolites","authors":"Radwa Taher Mohie el-dien,&nbsp;Sherif A. Maher,&nbsp;Mohamed Hisham,&nbsp;Entesar Ali Saber,&nbsp;Amgad I. M. Khedr,&nbsp;Mostafa A. Fouad,&nbsp;Mohamed Salah Kamel,&nbsp;Basma Khalaf Mahmoud","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00512-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00512-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Wounds are a major health issue on a global scale, putting a great deal of financial, commercial, and social strain on healthcare organizations, patients, and individuals. So, this study aims to investigate the <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant activity of <i>Paralemnalia thyrsoides</i> soft coral total ethanolic extract. Also, bio-guided <i>in vivo</i> wound healing validation enhanced by the evaluation of related gene expression of <i>Paralemnalia thyrsoides</i> total extract, derived fractions, and three known metabolites was done. Furthermore, utilizing network pharmacology, we identified ten hub target genes associated with wound healing, including <i>AKT1(RAC-alpha serine/threonine–protein kinase), IL6 (interleukin-6)</i><i>, </i><i>MAPK3</i><i> (mitogen-activated protein kinase 3), MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9), and APP (amyloid P protein precursor).</i> We conducted molecular docking to assess how the three compounds interact with these hub genes and inflammatory cytokines <i>(IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta), TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha),</i> and <i>NF-KB (nuclear factor-kappa B)</i> linked to wound healing.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>In vitro</i> antioxidant activity of the total ethanolic extract of <i>Paralemnalia thyrsoides</i> revealed potent scavenging activity against H₂O₂ with IC₅₀ of 178.62 μg/mL. Additionally, the bio-guided scheme of the <i>in vivo</i> wound healing assay leads to the most active fraction, petroleum ether, with a healing percentage of 85% ± 4. Several chromatographic procedures upon petroleum ether fraction led to the isolation of three known compounds with significant <i>in vivo</i> wound healing potential which are recognized as triacontan-1-ol (1), 24-methylcholesterol (2) 6α-acetyl-7α-acetate-1(10)-α-13-nornardosine [C₁₆H₂₄O₄] (3). Noteworthy downregulation in <i>Cox-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2), Cox-1 (Cyclooxygenase-1), IL-1β, TGF-β, TNF-α, NF-KB, and INF-ϒ (interferon-ϒ)</i> relative genes expression and upregulation in <i>TGF-β, and IL-10 (interleukin-10)</i> relative genes expression proved that compounds (3), (2), and (1) were, respectively, significant. The <i>in silico</i> study suggests that both C₁₆H₂₄O₄ and 24-methyl cholesterol have potential in wound healing, possibly involving the regulation of RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (<i>AKT1</i>).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our study highlights the antioxidant and wound-healing potential of <i>Paralemnalia thyrsoides</i> soft coral that can be attributed to its diverse chemical metabolites. The <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in silico</i> findings highlighted that <i>P. thyrsoides</i> can be an effective remedy for wound restoration with the need for extensive future detailed clinical studies to prove these results.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00512-x","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141294953","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":"Tricyclic microwave-assisted synthesis of gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications: combatting multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungus","authors":"Sarah Al Azzam,&nbsp;Zabih Ullah,&nbsp;Sarfuddin Azmi,&nbsp;Mozaffarul Islam,&nbsp;Ishtiaque Ahmad,&nbsp;Mohd Kamil Hussain","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00514-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00514-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Rising global mortality due to antibiotic-resistant pathogens necessitates novel antibacterial and antifungal agents. This study focuses on synthesizing gold nanoparticles (GNPs) via tricyclic microwave irradiation (TMI) to combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Fungus. The demand for sustainable synthesis methods has led to the exploration of TMI for GNP production.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Characterization demonstrates consistent, uniform, and dispersed GNPs with trigonal and hexagonal shapes. GNPs sized 20–55 nm exhibit superior antibacterial and antifungal activity, particularly against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Notably, GNPs display consistent efficacy against drug-resistant fungus and demonstrate potential for broad-spectrum antimicrobial applications.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>TMI-synthesized GNPs, characterized by their favorable physical properties and size-dependent efficacy, show promise as effective agents against drug-resistant pathogens. Their ability to combat Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and drug-resistant fungus positions them as valuable tools in biomedical sciences. By addressing the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents, TMI-synthesized GNPs offer a sustainable solution to the escalating global health challenge of antibiotic resistance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00514-9","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141286749","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 between circulatory microRNA-218 expression, serum PCSK9 levels, inflammatory markers, and monocyte subsets in coronary artery disease patients: impact of statin therapy","authors":"Dina A. Desouky,&nbsp;Nahla A. Nosair,&nbsp;Dalia E. Sherif,&nbsp;Mohammed A. El-Magd,&nbsp;Mohamed K. Salama","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00515-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00515-8","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), an enzyme produced mainly by hepatocytes and breaks low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R), inflammatory markers [toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), c-reactive protein (CRP)], and monocyte subtypes are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) pathogenesis. The circulating microRNA-218 (miR-218) can relieve CAD through the suppression of HMGB1 in monocyte-derived inflammatory cytokines. Herein, we explored the association between circulatory miR-218 expression and serum levels of PCSK9, inflammatory markers, and monocyte subtypes in statin and non-statin CAD patients. This study involved 91 healthy (control) and 91 stable CAD participants which were subdivided into no-statin (NS, n = 25), low-statin (LS, n = 25), and high-statin (HS, n = 41) groups. low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and CRP serum levels were calorimetrically determined. Serum levels of PCSK9, TLR4, HMGB1, and TNFα were detected by ELISA, while monocyte subsets [classical (CM), intermediate (IM), non-classical (NC)] were calculated by flow cytometry. Circulatory miR-218 expression was detected by real-time PCR.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The CAD group had significantly lower miR-218 expression and significantly higher levels of PCSK9, inflammatory markers (HMGB1, CRP, TLR4, and TNFα), and IM% than the control group. Among CAD patients, LS and HS groups had significantly lower miR-218 expression, LDL-C levels, and inflammatory markers and significantly higher levels of PCSK9 than the NS group. The HS group exhibited the lowest miR-218 expression and inflammatory markers and the highest PCSK9 levels. However, there were no significant changes in IM% among statin and non-statin groups. In the three CAD groups, miR-218 showed a significantly negative correlation with PCSK9 and inflammatory markers (HMGB1, CRP, TLR4, and TNFα), while this expression exhibited a significantly negative correlation with CM%, IM%, and NCM% only in the NS group. Results of multivariable linear regression indicated a correlation between miR-218 and five independent variables (PCSK9, HMGB1, CRP, TLR4, and TNFα) in the total statin (LS + HS) group, and eight independent variables (PCSK9, HMGB1, CRP, TLR4, and TNFα, CM%, IM%, NCM%) in the NS group. Provided that all other independent variables are constant, miR-218 expression was significantly correlated to CRP (Beta = 0.234) and PCSK9 (Beta =  − 0.875) in the total statin group; TLR4 (Beta =  − 0.554) in the LS group; HMGB1 (Beta =  − 0.507) in the HS group; and CRP (Beta =  − 0.745) in the NS group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Statin-treated CAD patients have a unique negative correlation between miR-218 and PCSK9, HMGB1, and TLR4, and subsequently with CAD progress. Therefore, it could be recommended to combine activators of miR-218 and inhibitors of PCSK9, HMGB1, and TLR4 with statin to efficiently treat","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00515-8","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141286748","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":"Procoagulant activity of red blood cell microparticles in stored packed red blood cell units and its relation to ABO blood grouping","authors":"Ayat Salaheldin Mohamed Hassan,&nbsp;Nagwa Abdelkhalek ElKhafif,&nbsp;Noha Abdelal Amin,&nbsp;Rabab Fouad Yassin","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00509-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00509-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Throughout the storage of blood, the red cells undergo alterations known as “storage lesions,” which involve shape changes and the formation of microparticles (MPs). Studies of the formation of red cell microparticles (RMPs) emphasize the prospective application of RMPs as a quality control measure in the preparation and storage of blood components in the future. In the present study, twenty packed RBC units in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine-1 (CPDA1) were collected from volunteers and stored for 35 days. Over 35 days of storage, samples were collected at six distinct time points weekly and evaluated for the presence of RMPs. MPs were separated by the ultracentrifugation method. Electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology and size of the isolated microparticles, and flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentage of RMPs that expressed glycophorin A (CD235a) and Annexin V antigens. RMPs' procoagulant activity (PCA) was assessed using a plasma recalcification test. RMP concentration in accordance with ABO blood grouping was assessed by using various types of donated blood groups.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>RMPs progressively increased over storage. The procoagulant activity (PCA) exhibited a significant increase during storage, as evidenced by a shorter plasma recalcification time (<i>P</i> value = 0.001). A significant negative correlation (<i>P</i> value = 0.001) between plasma recalcification time and Annexin V-positive microparticles, as well as a dual-positive Annexin V/CD235a population, was identified, indicating a strong correlation between the direct quantitative assay by flowcytometry and the functional assay through the PCA.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>RMPs increase on storage with increased PCA. Finding ways to reduce these microparticles in packed RBC units is crucial for reducing the risk of transfusion-related coagulopathy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00509-6","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141251239","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":"Anticancer potential of four triterpenoids against NCI-60 human tumor cell lines","authors":"Beatrice Njeri Irungu,&nbsp;Mary Nyangi,&nbsp;Fidelis Toloyi Ndombera","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00507-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00507-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The burden of cancer incidences and mortality is rapidly increasing worldwide resulting in an increased demand for new therapies. Secondary metabolites extracted from medicinal plants have significantly contributed toward discovery of new cancer therapies some of which are in clinical use. In this study, anticancer potential of four triterpenoids, namely oleanonic acid (<b>EK-2</b>), 3-<i>epi</i>-oleanolic acid (<b>EK-8</b>), 1,2,3,22,23-pentahydroxy-2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-6,10,14,18-tetracosatetraene (<b>EK-4</b>) and 2,3,22,23-tetrahydroxy-2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-6,10,14,18-tetracosatetraene (<b>EK-9</b>), extracted from <i>Ekebergia capensis</i> Sparrm root bark was evaluated.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>We employed CLC-Pred to initially evaluate cytotoxicity of previously isolated compounds in silico where predictions revealed high probability of bioactivity. The compounds were then submitted to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Developmental Therapeutics Program, for bioactivity evaluation against NCI-60 human tumor cell lines. The four compounds demonstrated a range of potencies at a concentration of 10 µM. The results revealed that <b>EK-9</b> was the most potent with mean growth percent of 32.84 and cases of lethality (negative growth percent) against two leukemia cell lines (HL-60 (TB) and RPMI-8226) and HT29 (colon cancer) and SK-MEL-5 (melanoma). This molecule was further evaluated in a five-dose assay where notable growth inhibition against leukemia cells, HL-60 (TB), RPMI-8226 and K-562 was observed with growth inhibitory activity (GI₅₀) values of 3.10, 3.74 and 5.07 µM, respectively. In addition, total growth inhibition was observed at 11.2 μM and 18.9 μM for HL-60 (TB) and RPMI-8226 cells, respectively, partly accounting for the negative growth percent.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The study has demonstrated anticancer properties of the four triterpenoids with compound <b>EK-9</b> being the most potent overall having selective bioactivity in leukemia and breast cancer cells. Further studies focusing on elucidating its mechanism of action will be useful in exploration of the therapeutic potential of triterpenoids in general.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00507-8","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141187290","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":"Estimating the expression levels of genes controlling biofilm formation and evaluating the effects of different conditions on biofilm formation and secreted aspartic proteinase activity in Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a comparative study","authors":"Shaimaa S. Sobieh,&nbsp;Rowida G. Elshazly,&nbsp;Sahar A. Tawab,&nbsp;Sanaa S. Zaki","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00504-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00504-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Characterization of yeast virulence genes is an important tool for identifying the molecular pathways involved in switching yeast virulence. Biofilm formation (BF) and secreted aspartic proteinase (SAP) activity are essential virulence factors that contribute to yeast pathogenicity.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Four <i>Candida albicans</i> and two <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> strains were tested for BF and SAP activity under optimum conditions, and the expression levels of several genes controlling BF were quantified under the optimal conditions. Biofilm formation was assessed by the microplate method at different pH values, incubation times and culture media. Similarly, SAP activity was assessed at different pH values and incubation periods. The expression levels of nine genes were determined via qRT-PCR technique. All tests were carried out in triplicate, and the values presented as the means ± standard deviations and were analysed with the SPSS programme. Only <i>C. albicans</i> (1), <i>C. albicans</i> (2) and <i>S. cerevisiae</i> 43 formed biofilms. The optimal BF was obtained after culture in sabouraud dextrose broth with 8% glucose at pH 7.5, 4 and 6, respectively, for 48h. <i>Candida albicans</i> biofilm production was more significant than that of <i>S. cerevisiae</i> 43. Moreover, the SAP activity was estimated under the optimum conditions. All yeasts showed optimal SAP activity at pH 4, but astonishingly the SAP activity of <i>S. cerevisiae</i> 44 was higher than that of <i>C. albicans</i>. The expression levels of <i>EFG1</i> and <i>ZAP1 (</i>transcription factors); <i>ALS3, HWP1</i>and <i>YWP1</i> (adhesion genes); <i>SAP1</i> and <i>SAP4</i> (aspartic proteinase) in <i>C. albicans</i> (1); and <i>FLO11</i> (adhesion gene) and <i>YPS3</i> (aspartic proteinase) in <i>S. cerevisiae</i> 43 were quantified during biofilm development at different time intervals. The expression levels of <i>EFG1, ALS3, YWP1, SAP1</i>, <i>SAP4</i>, <i>FLO11</i> and <i>YPS3</i> were upregulated at 8 h, while that of <i>ZAP1</i> was upregulated at 48 h. Only <i>HWP1</i> was downregulated.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The findings of the present study may provide information for overcoming yeast BF and pathogenicity by regulating specific genes at specific times. Additionally, this study revealed the virulence of the commensal <i>S. cerevisiae</i>, which may take the pathogenicity direction as <i>C. albicans</i>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00504-x","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141096241","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":"Low-grade chronic inflammation and transcriptomics: how molecular pharmacognosy can help find new natural treatment alternatives—a narrative review","authors":"Massimo Fioranelli,&nbsp;Maria Grazia Roccia,&nbsp;Bianca Przybylek,&nbsp;Francesca Romana Sconci,&nbsp;Maria Luisa Garo","doi":"10.1186/s43088-024-00506-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43088-024-00506-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The inflammatory response is fundamental to the maintenance of an organism’s physiological homeostasis. Inflammation is controlled by a series of biological events driven by specific inflammatory molecules. When inflammation is within the homeostatic range, it is considered physiological; however, it becomes pathological when it exceeds the immune system’s homeostatic control.</p><h3>Main text</h3><p>Nowadays, the treatment of chronic pathological inflammation is a challenge for pharmacology, as current anti-inflammatory drugs are intended to control acute inflammation. The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of the role of molecular pharmacognosy and to demonstrate how current transcriptomics techniques can make an important contribution to the study of the biological functions of natural products in the context of multicomponent/multitarget medication. From our findings, although very few studies have been identified, encouraging results for low-grade chronic inflammations (LGCIs) of various causes emerged in recent transcriptomic studies on multicomponent medicinal products composed of plant and organ extracts at the level of the skin and the musculoskeletal system (Traumeel: Tr14), the liver (Lycopodium compositum: HC-24), and the joints (Zeel-T: Ze-14).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>For adequate control of LGCI, molecular pharmacognosy may be an effective approach to exploring potentially useful herbal agents that are consistent with both physiotherapeutic tradition and modern pharmacology.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":481,"journal":{"name":"Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://bjbas.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s43088-024-00506-9","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141084953","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}