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Dipoles formulation for the method of fundamental solutions applied to potential problems
(Copyright © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved., 01/01/2007) S.A.Fam, George,; F.Rashedb2, Youssef,
This paper generalizes and extends the traditional source formulation within the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) to use dipoles (or even series of multi-poles). In this paper, two-dimensional potential problems are considered. The present formulation is formulated by taking the limiting case of two adjacent sources. The necessary kernels are derived in explicit forms. Some numerical examples, covering different cases of boundary conditions and geometry, are solved. Several parametric studies are presented to demonstrate different configurations for placement of sources (monopoles or dipoles). The accuracy of the presented new formulation is verified by comparing its results to those obtained from other numerical and analytical methods. The main advantage of the present formulation lies in decreasing the oscillation in the sources intensity and reducing the number of sources required which is useful especially in concave and narrow geometries.
Expression of estrogen receptors in epithelial ovarian carcinoma
(Medknow Publications, 01/01/2018) El-Sharkawy, Sonia L; Abd-Aal, Wafaa E; Talaat, Sahar M; Sharaf, Hafiza A; Hareedy, Amal A; Bakeer, Rofanda M
Background/aim Epithelial ovarian cancer accounts for ∼3% of female cancers. Steroid hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are thought to play an important role in the process of carcinogenesis of ovarian tumors. There are two subtypes of the nuclear estrogen receptor (ER-α and ER-β) encoded by separate genes. This work aimed to evaluate the expression pattern of ER-α and ER-β in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and their correlation with tumor histopathological parameters and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression as a proliferation marker. Materials and methods A total of 50 cases of epithelial ovarian carcinoma were included in this study. All cases were female patients who underwent oophorectomies or subtotal or total hysterectomies with oophorectomies. Surgical specimens were sent to Pathology Department at Kasr El-Aini hospitals and to private laboratories. The cases were graded and staged according to WHO systems. The cases were stained by hemotoxylin and eosin for histopathological grading, and they were immunohistochemically stained for ER-α, ER-β, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen using streptavidin–biotin technique. Results In this study, 56% of cases were positively stained for ER-α. It is significantly correlated with both of the tumor histological type and proliferative state of the tumors. There was a significant inverse correlation between ER-α expression and the tumor histological grade. Approximately 62% of cases were positively stained for ER-β. There was a significant inverse correlation between ER-β positivity and both of the tumor stage and proliferative state of ovarian carcinoma cases. Conclusion The loss of ER-β, not ER-α, expression in ovarian tumors may be a feature of malignant transformation suggesting its potential role as tumor suppressor gene. Determination of ER subtypes may improve response to hormonal therapy using a selective ER modulator in selected cases of ovarian carcinoma.
Narrow band ultraviolet B therapy deactivates Th1/Th17 pathway and activates Th2 cytokines secretion in Egyptian psoriatic arthritis patients
(TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OR14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND, 01/01/2020) Farid, A; Tawfik, A; Elsioufy, B; Safwat, G
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects 3-4% of the world population. Keratinocytes and immune cells in patient's skin secrets excess pro-inflammatory cytokines that in turn activates the differentiation of T helper cells (Th) into Th1 and Th17 and deactivates Th2 pathway. Several phototherapies have been used in treatment of moderate and severe psoriatic patients; among them narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB, 311 nm) is the most effective. We aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of NB-UVB exposure in 80 Egyptian plaque psoriatic patients with and without psoriasis arthritis development. This will be accomplished by measuring serum cytokines levels (IL-10, -12, -17, -23 and -34) and high sensitive C reactive protein before and after treatment. A significant elevation in Th2 pathway cytokine, IL-10, and significant decrease in Th1/Th17 pathway cytokines were observed after treatment. This indicates the success of NB-UVB therapy in down modulating IL-12 and IL-23/Th17 axis. The pathological conditions in psoriatic arthritis patients were improved by NB-UVB targeted to the skin. As serum cytokines levels in these patients indicated that the reduction in Th1/Th17 inflammatory cytokines and elevation of Th2 anti-inflammatory cytokines was not restricted to skin lesions only, but also, spread in patients' body and improve their pathologic
Upregulation of MC4R and PPAR-α expression mediates the anti-obesity activity of Moringa oleifera Lam. in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 01/01/2020) Ezzat, Shahira M; El Bishbishy, Mahitab H.; Aborehab, Nora M; Salama, Maha M.; Hasheesh, Adel; Abdel Motaal, Amira; Rashad, Hend; Metwally, Fateheya M
Ethnopharmacological relevance: various extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves, were reported to possess antiobesity effect in experimental animals models, yet its active doses and mechanism of action are still unclear. Materials and methods: The metabolic profiling of 70% ethanol extract of M. oleifera (MO) leaves was performed using HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The antiobesity activity of MO was tested in high fat diet induced obesity in rats at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally for 1 month. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and adipose tissue index were monitored. In addition, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and HMG-CoA reductase mRNA from liver tissue, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha (PPARα) and Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) RNA from adipose tissue were quantified using qRT-PCR. MO hard gelatin capsules (400 mg/capsule) were formulated and standardized using HPLC-RP analysis and tested on fifteen female participants, aged 45–55 with a BMI of 29–34 kg/m2. Results: Thirteen metabolites were tentatively identified using HPLC-MS/MS analysis including flavonols, flavones and a phenolic acid. MO 400 showed a prominent effect on reducing the rats’ final weights, % weight increase and adiposity index (P < 0.05). Glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly reduced and R-QUICKI was significantly increased by MO 400 (P < 0.001). Mean tissue level of leptin and vaspin were significantly reduced, adiponectin, omentin and GLUT-4 expression were increased significantly by MO 400 (P < 0.01). MO 400 significantly suppressed FAS and HMG-CoA reductase and increased mRNA expression of MC4R and PPAR-α (P < 0.01). Eight weeks administration of MO hard gelatin capsules to obese patients showed significant reduction of the average BMI, TC and LDL compared to the baseline values (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results presented a scientific evidence for the traditional use of M. oleifera leaves as antiobesity herbal medicine
Bioprospecting of Thermophilic Fungal Enzymes and Potential Applications
(Springer, 01/01/2022) Balbool, Bassem A; Abo Nouh, Fatma Ahmed; Atef Gezaf, Sara; Mohamed, Akram H; Abdel-Azeemo, Ahmed M
Enzymes are the catalysts of chemical reactions; they are responsible for many biotechnological applications and industries. Fungi are considered as a reservoir for various chemical compounds, which are involved in many industrial, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and medical applications. Fungi are considered from the few eukaryotic organisms that can grow over a high-temperature range and they could be classified into thermophilic and thermotolerant taxa. Fungal species showed the ability to produce several thermotolerant enzymes such as xylanase, laccase, proteases, and phytases. All fungal thermotolerant enzymes have been involved in industrial applications such as textile production, bakery production, fermentation processes, and other pharmaceutical applications. The current chapter will focus on the biodiversity of thermophilic fungi and the various applications it is involved in.
Pumpkin Bio-Wastes as Source of Functional Ingredients
(Springer, 01/01/2022) Ezzat, Shahira M; Adel, Riham; Abdel-Sattar, Essam
Food processing wastes are those end products of various food processing industries that have not been recycled or used for other purposes. They are the non-product flows of raw materials whose economic values are less than the cost of collection and recovery for reuse; therefore discarded as wastes. These wastes could be considered valuable by-products if there were appropriate technical means and if the following products’ value exceeded the reprocessing cost. A tremendous amount of food wastes is generated worldwide, largely through the industry of fruit and vegetable, oils, fermentation, dairy products, and seafood. Wastes are generated at the different food processing stages: pre- and post-harvest, food manufacturing, packaging, retail/catering, and consumer/household. The loss can reach up to 25% or more worldwide (Parfitt et al., 2010). In the developed leading countries, such as Japan, the USA, and United Kingdom, more than 40% was discarded as food waste.
On the Vibrational Analysis for the Motion of a Rotating Cylinder
(Springer, 01/01/2022) Bek, M. A; Amer, Tarek; Abohamer, Mohamed
The main purpose of this work is to study the motion of 2-DOF of an auto-parametric dynamical system attached with a damped system. The governing equations of motion are gained utilizing Lagrange’s equations in terms of the generalized coordinates. The method of multiple scales (MS) is used to obtain the solutions of the governing equations up to the third order of approximation. The primary external resonance simultaneously with the internal one are investigated to establish the solvability conditions and the modulation equations. The graphical representations of the time histories together with the amplitude and phases of the dynamical system are represented in some plots to describe the motion of the system at any instance. The stability of the solution has been made with use of Mathematica.
Hyperparameters Optimization of Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Detecting COVID-19 Using Differential Evolution
(Springer, 01/01/2022) Ezzeldin Nagib, Abdelrahman; Saeed, Mostafa Mohamed; El-Feky, Shereen Fathy; Khater Mohamed, Ali
COVID-19 is one of the most dangerous diseases that appeared during the past 100 years, that caused millions of deaths worldwide. It caused hundreds of billions of losses worldwide as a result of complete business paralysis. This reason has attracted many researchers to attempt to find a suitable treatment for this dreaded virus. The search for a cure is still ongoing, but many researchers around the world have begun to search for the safest ways to detect if a person carries the virus or not. Many researchers resorted to artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in order to detect whether a person is carrying the virus or not. However, many problems are arising when using these techniques, the most important problem is the optimal selection of the parameter values for these methods, as the choice of these values greatly affects the expected results. In this chapter, Differential Evolution algorithm is used to determine the optimal values for the hyperparameters of Convolutional Neural Networks, as Differential Evolution is one of the most efficient optimization algorithms in the last two decades. The results obtained showed that the use of Differential Evolution in optimizing the hyperparameters of the Convolutional Neural Network was very efficient.
Ascorbic acid derivative-loaded modified aspasomes: formulation, in vitro, ex vivo and clinical evaluation for melasma treatment
(TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 01/02/2020) Zaki, MSE; Diab, HM; Abdou, EM; Kandil, SM; :About-Einien, MH
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) has many favourable effects on the skin such as antioxidant, anti-aging and whitening effects. Its instability and low permeability limit its pharmaceutical use in cosmetic and dermatological products. Instead, Mg ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), an ascorbic acid derivative, has the same effect with higher stability is being used. In this work, a vesicular system, aspasomes, containing MAP was developed and evaluated. Aspasomes are multilayered vesicles formed by amphiphiles molecules, Ascorbyl palmitate (ASP), in combination with cholesterol and charged lipids for drug encapsulation. Here, we investigated the use of lecithin instead of the charged lipid dicetyl phosphate for aspasomes development. Nine formulations were prepared and evaluated for their entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential. Their entrapment efficiency ranged from 33.00 +/- 2.27 to 95.18 +/- 1.06, while their particle size was from 373.34 +/- 60.85 to 464.37 +/- 93.46 nm with acceptable PDI (from 0.212 +/- 0.068 to 0.351 +/- 0.061) and zeta potential (from -37.52 +/- 2.42 to -50.36 +/- 1.82). Three formulations were selected and evaluated for their drug release, permeation and retention into skin. One formulation was selected to be formulated as aspasomal topical cream and gel. The aspasomal cream was found to have enhanced drug permeation and skin retention over the aspasomal gel as well as the aspasomes formulation. MAP aspasomal cream was evaluated clinically as an effective treatment for melasma against 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and the results recorded that the aspasomal cream showed the greatest degree of improvement regarding the hemi-MASI scores with 35% of patients rating it as excellent treatment. The study showed that MAP aspasomal cream can be considered a novel treatment of melasma which is free of side effects. Its efficacy as a monotherapy is superior to that of chemical peeling using 15% TCA
Effect of Different Formulations and Application Methods of Coral Calcium on its Remineralization Ability on Carious Enamel
(Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 01/02/2020) Abdelnabi, Ali; Hamza, Mermen Kamal; El-Borady, Ola M.; Hamdy, Tamer M.
BACKGROUND: Coral calcium is a new biomimetic product and dietary supplement which consists mainly of alkaline calcium carbonate. AIM: The aim of the current study is to compare the remineralization effect of coral calcium in different formulations and application methods. METHODS: A total of 35 extracted molars was collected, examined, and sectioned to obtain 70 sound enamel discs, all specimens were examined for calcium mineral content using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) coupled with scanning electron microscope. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were synthesized through wet chemical precipitation approach and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Teeth specimens were subjected to demineralization, and mineral content was measured, specimens were divided into ten groups according to the remineralizing agent used, where Groups 1–3 used 10, 20, and 30 weight % (wt.%) coral calcium gel, respectively, Groups 4–6 used 10, 20, and 30 wt.% coral calcium and nanohydroxyapatite mix gel, and Groups 7–9 used 10, 20, and 30 wt.% coral calcium with argon laser activation and Group 10 (control group) without a remineralizing agent. All groups were re-examined by EDAX after remineralization. RESULTS: The TEM and FT-IR analysis confirmed the formation of rod shape HA in nanoparticles size range. All groups showed a statistically significant decrease in calcium level after demineralization, all groups showed a statistically significant increase in calcium content after remineralization except for the control group. Moreover, Groups 2 and 8 showed the highest increase in calcium level after remineralization. CONCLUSION: Coral calcium showed a significant remineralizing effect on carious enamel (demineralization) with an optimum concentration of 20 wt.%.
The Future of Development: A Radical Manifesto
(ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND, 01/02/2020) Helmy, Heba E.
In one of his unforgettable quotes, George Bernard Shaw said: “The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of humanity” (Shaw 1906). In this book, The Future of Development: A Radical Manifesto, the authors display a fervent concern to the agonies of the marginalized people in the South, or the developing world, who have suffered—rather than benefited—from decades-long concerted efforts for development by the North. The Future of Development: A Radical Manifesto by Gustavo Esteva, Salvatore Babones and Philipp Babcicky is a burst of anger, a rebellion against the status quo regarding the current development approach, and a meticulous diagnosis of illnesses that developing—and in many cases the developed—countries suffer from as a result of the current conceptualization and route of development that started post WWII. The authors end their book with a dream of a better world that could potentially result from an alternative path for development.
Spectroscopic and in silico Approach to Probe the Binding Interactions of Irbesartan and Human Serum Albumin
(Elsevier, 01/02/2022) Najmi, Asim; Al Bratty, Mohammed; Alhazmi, Hassan Ahmad; Thangavel, Neelaveni; Alam, Md Shamsher; Ahsan, Waquar; Javed, Sadique Akhtar; Arbab, Ismail Adam; El-Sharkawy, Karam Ahmed
Objective: The free and active concentration of drugs and thereby their pharmacokinetic properties are controlled by their binding to human serum albumin (HSA) protein. Irbesartan (IRB), an antihypertensive drug was aimed to be investigated in terms of its binding interactions with the different sites of HSA using in silico molecular docking technique along with the commonly employed spectroscopic techniques. Methods: Using FT-IR spectroscopy, the spectral shifting and intensity variations before and after complexation with IRB were studied for amide A, amide-I as well as amide-II of HSA. The absorbance of HSA with and without increasing concentrations of IRB was studied at 280 nm and the binding constant was determined using UV-spectroscopy. Molecular docking study was performed, and the types of interactions were predicted. Results: The IR spectra of IRB-HSA complex showed reductions in the intensities of amide-I and II bands as well as marked reduction in the α-helix content of HSA. The absorbance of HSA protein increased with increasing concentrations of drug. A binding constant value of 5.64 × 104 M-1 was calculated indicating good interaction. Molecular docking studies showed that IRB interacts more effectively with site-I of HSA through greater number of hydrogen bonds and strong π–charge (electrostatic) interactions than with site-II. Conclusions: The spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques proved to be effective tools to study the drug-protein interaction which provided accurate results as evident from these studies. Studying drug-albumin interaction is of utmost importance as it directly influences the overall pharmacokinetics of the drugs including its distribution, metabolism and therefore the duration of action.
YOLO fish detection with Euclidean tracking in fish farms
(Springer, 01/03/2021) Wageeh, Youssef ; Mohamed, Hussam El‑Din ; Fadl, Ali ; Anas, Omar ; ElMasry, Noha ; Nabil, Ayman ; Atia, Ayman
The activities of managing fish farms, like fish ponds surveillance , are one of the tough and costly fish farmers’ missions. Generally, these activities are done manually, wasting time and money for fish farmers. A method is introduced in this paper which improves fish detection and fish trajectories where the water conditions is challenging. Image Enhancement algorithm is used at first to improve unclear images. Object Detection algorithm is then used on the enhanced images to detect fish. In the end, features like fish count and trajectories are extracted from the coordinates of the detected objects. Our method aims for better fish tracking and detection over fish ponds in fish farms.
Suppressive effects of thymoquinone on the initiation stage of diethylnitrosamine hepatocarcinogenesis in rats
(Wiely, 01/04/2022) Ibrahim, Samar Salah; Fahim, Sally A; Tadros, Samer A; Badary, Osama A
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death globally. Chemoprevention is the most effective technique for reducing HCC incidence. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa, exhibits anti‐inflammatory and antineoplastic activities against various cancers. Therefore, TQ was tested as an inhibitor of the initial phase of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐induced HCC in rats. Twenty‐four male Wistar albino rats were randomly placed into four equal groups. Group 1 received saline and acted as the negative control; Group 2 received TQ; Group 3 received DEN; and Group 4 received TQ for 7 days and DEN on the 8th day. After 24 h of fasting, blood samples were taken from the slaughtered rats. Additionally, each rat's liver was dissected and separated into two halves for histological and biochemical investigation. DEN‐induced hepatotoxicity was detected by elevated hepatic enzymes and HCC biomarkers reduced antioxidant and proapoptotic statuses. DEN administration caused a significant increase in the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, caspase‐3, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), AFPL3, glypican 3, and the expression of BAX. However, DEN significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and CYP2E1 and the expression of BCl‐2. Furthermore, it caused histological changes and showed a strong positive GSH S‐transferase P expression in the hepatic parenchyma. Pretreatment with TQ prevented the histopathological and most of the biochemical changes and improved the antioxidant status. TQ supplementation appears to suppress the development of DEN‐initiated liver cancer by reducing oxidative stress, activating the intrinsic mitotic apoptosis pathway, and retaining the antioxidant enzymes
Firefly algorithm versus genetic algorithm as powerful variable selection tools and their effect on different multivariate calibration models in spectroscopy: A comparative study
(PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, 01/05/2017) Serag, A; El-Zeiny, MB; Nassar, MW; Attia, KA
For the first time, a new variable selection method based on swarm intelligence namely firefly algorithm is coupled with three different multivariate calibration models namely, concentration residual augmented classical least squares, artificial neural network and support vector regression in UV spectral data. A comparative study between the firefly algorithm and the well-known genetic algorithm was developed. The discussion revealed the superiority of using this new powerful algorithm over the well-known genetic algorithm. Moreover, different statistical tests were performed and no significant differences were found between all the models regarding their predictabilities. This ensures that simpler and faster models were obtained without any deterioration of the quality of the calibration. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy Volume 273, 15 May 2022, 121036 The power of High Impact Amplitude Manipulation (HIAM) technique for extracting the basic spectra of two Fixed-dose combinations (FDC) -Spectrophotometric purity analysis via spectral contrast angle
(Elsevier, 01/05/2022) Saleh, Sarah S; Lotfy, Hayam M; Tiris, Gizem; Erk, Nevin; El-Naem, Omnia A
HIAM technique allows the extraction of the original constant signal of each single component out of interference signals of a mixture and further transformed into basic spectrum (D0). It includes the methods: ratio subtraction coupled with unified constant subtraction (RS-UCS), constant center (CC) and constant extraction (CE). The technique was introduced for the analysis of two pharmaceutical formulations used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The formulations are binary combinations of Amlodipine (AML) with either Atorvastatin (ATR) or Candesartan (CND) which shows interefernce absorbance signals. The technique was valid over the linearity range of (5.0–35.0 µg/ml) for AML, ATR and CND with recovery percentage 100.40 ± 1.88 , 100.00 ± 0.86 and 99.83 ± 1.07, respectively . The extracted signals were tested for its purity by spectral contrast angle (cos θ) to illustrate the efficency of the HIAM technique where cos θ values ranges from (0.9902 to 0.9986). The presented technique was fully validated regarding ICH guidelines and were statistically compared using one-way ANOVA at 95% confidence
Critical reflection as a tool for change management: Professional and organisational development perspectives
(University of Greenwich, 01/06/2017) Adel, Heba Mohamed
Critical reflective practices in higher education can be used as a change-management tool for: (1) improving the teaching-learning process, (2) professionally developing teachers’ performance, (3) enhancing the quality of education in universities, and (4) adding value to the learning community as a whole. From a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating critical reflection models suggested in the educational research literature with other developed models in the change management field will create a comprehensive view of a well integrated educational value-chain in continuously improving educational institutions.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers in HCVAssociated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multivariate Follow Up Study
(01/06/2022) Helal, Thanaa Elsayed; Aref, Ahmed; Gomaa, Asmaa Ibrahim; Nada, Ola; Abd-Elghaffar, Mohamed; Farouk, Khaled; Ehsan, Nermine Ahmed
Objective: Validated markers to predict recurrence after surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are needed. Little data is available regarding epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in HCC. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of EMT markers and their correlation with clinicopathological variables and survival in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated HCC. Methods: This longitudinal study included 109 cases of HCV-associated HCC treated with surgical resection. Nine different EMT markers (vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Stat3, Snail1, Slug, Twist1, Zeb1 and integrin α5) were evaluated on liver tissue from HCC cases. Twenty fresh HCC samples from the studied cases were used for gene expression of EMT markers by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: EMT markers expression was 71%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 9%, 4%, 72%, 47%, 87% for vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Stat3 snail1, slug, twist1, Zeb1 and integrin α5 respectively. EMT mRNA in HCC tissues correlated with protein expression by 50-70%. Vimentin was independent predictor of large tumor size (P=0.001), high risk of recurrence (HRR) (P=0.006) and shorter disease free survival (P=0.03) in multivariate analysis. Reduced E-cadherin was a predictor of HRR (P=0.002). Conclusion: Vimentin and E-cadherin were the most powerful prognostic EMT markers in HCV-associated HCC in prediction of recurrence.
Evaluation of antiobesity and hepatorenal protective activities of Salvia ofcinalis extracts pre‑treatment in high‑fat diet‑induced obese rats
(Springer Science, 01/06/2022) Othman, Mohamed S; Khaled, Azza M; Aleid, Ghada M; Fareid, Mohamed A; Hameed, Reda A; Abdelfattah, Mohamed S; Ezz Aldin, Doaa ; Abdel Moneim, Ahmed E
The present study evaluated the efects of Hail Salvia ofcinalis total extract (SOTE) and its high favonoid fraction (SOHFF) on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and hepatorenal damage in rats. Salvia ofcinalis plants were collected from Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Rats were fed HFD and supplemented orally with SOTE (250 mg kg−1) or SOHFF (100 mg kg−1) or simvastatin (SVS; 10 mg kg−1) every day for 8 weeks. Compared to the controls, HFD-induced obesity led to signifcant increases in body weight, body weight gained, blood insulin, leptin, cardiac enzymes (LDH and CPK) activity, and athero- genic index (AI). HFD rats also showed higher levels of hepatic and renal function biomarkers (ALT, urea, and creatinine), as well as lower levels of PPARγ and Nrf2-gene expression and a disrupted lipid profle. Moreover, HFD rats had lower levels of hepatic and renal antioxidant biomarkers (CAT, GPx, SOD, GR, and GSH), accompanied by higher levels of hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and infammatory mediators (interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)). In addition, histological examination of hepatic and renal tissues revealed histopathological changes that validated the biochemical fndings. Compared to HFD group, SOTE and SOHFF treatment led to marked amelioration of all the aforementioned parameters. Collectively, supplementation with SOTE and SOHFF efectively reversed HFD-induced alterations through its antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and anti-infammatory properties. Hence, SOTE and SOHFF have thera- peutic potential in controlling obesity and related pathologies.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Water and Sediment Nile Microbial Community Along an Urban Metropolis
(Springer, 01/08/2021) Eraqi, Walaa A.; ElRakaiby, Marwa T; Megahed, Salwa A; Yousef, Noha H.; Elshahed, Mostafa S.; Yassin, Aymen S
Assessing microbial identity, diversity, and community structure could be a valuable tool for monitoring the impact of xenobiotics and anthropogenic inputs in rivers, especially in urban and industrial settings. Here, we characterize the Nile River microbial communityinwater and sediments insummerandwinteratfivelocations thatspanits natural flow through the Cairo metropolis. 16SrRNAgenedatasetswereanalyzedtoidentifytherole playedbysampletype(sedimentversuswater),season,andlocationin shaping the community, as well as to predict functional potential of the Nile River microbiome. Microbial communities were mostly influenced by sampling type (sediments versus water), while seasonal effects were only observed in water samples. Spatial differences did not represent a significant factor in shaping the community in either summer or winter seasons. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in both water and sediment samples, with the order Betaproteobacteriales being the abundant one. Chloroflexi and Bacteroidetes were also prevalent in sediment samples, while Cyanobacteria and Actinobacteria were abundant in water samples. The linear discriminative analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified the cyanobacterial genus Cyanobium PCC-6307 as the main variable between summer and winter water. Sequences representing human and animal potential pathogens, as well as toxin-producing Cyanobacteria, were identified in low abundance within the Nile microbiome. Functionally predicted metabolic pathways predicted the presence of antibiotic biosynthesis, as well as aerobic xenobiotic degradation pathways in the river microbiome.

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