Search

A simple and economical method for modifying chitosan based on non-catalytic direct condensation reaction between chitosan and phenolic acids “Gallic and Caffeic acids” has been developed to produce condensation adduct resins RI and RII. The resins structure and morphology were confirmed by physical and chemical tools such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD elemental analysis, TGA, water regain, dissociation in acidic medium, and point of zero charge. The new resins were evaluated as silver ions adsorbents. Factors affecting adsorption, as well as kinetics, equilibrium, and thermal properties of adsorption, were studied using conventional equations. The new resins showed more efficient removal of toxic silver ions from the aqueous medium than parent chitosan polymer. The maximum adsorption capacity amounted to 67.5, 300, and 278 mg/g with removal efficiency reaching 22.5%, 100%, and 92.66% for chitosan, RI, and RII; respectively at pH 6.5 and initial silver concentration 300 mg/L. The new resins showed spontaneous chemisorption toward silver ions with exothermic nature for RI, and endothermic nature for RII. The new condensation adduct resins showed good re-use ability reaching 83% and 67% for RI and RII; respectively, by using 0.01 M nitric acid solution.

Wild plants growing in the Egyptian deserts are facing abiotic stress, which can lead to interesting & safe natural products possessing potential chemical profiles. Consequently, our study was designed to assess the phytochemical composition of the aerial parts of Limonium tubiflorum (family Plumbaginaceae) growing wild in Egypt for the first time. In addition, in silico screening and molecular dynamic simulation of all isolated phytoconstituents were run against the main protease (M-pro) and spike glycoprotein SARS-CoV-2 targets which displayed a crucial role in the replication of this virus. Our findings showed that the phytochemical investigation of 70% ethanol extract of L. tubiflorum aerial parts afforded six known flavonoids;myricetin 3-O-(2 ''-galloyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1), myricetin 3-O-(2 ''-galloyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), myricetin 3-O-(3 ''-galloyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (3), myricetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5), apigenin (6), myricetin (7), along with two known phenolic acid derivatives;gallic acid (4) and ethyl gallate (8). Docking studies revealed that compounds (1) & (2) were the most effective compounds with binding energies of -17.9664 & -18.6652 kcal mol(-1) against main protease and -18.9244 & -18.9272 kcal mol(-1) towards spike glycoprotein receptors, respectively. The molecular dynamics simulation experiment agreed with the docking study and reported stability of compounds (1) and (2) against the selected targets which was proved by low RMSD for the tested components. Moreover, the structure-activity relationship revealed that the presence of the galloyl moiety is necessary for enhancement of the activity. Overall, the galloyl substructure of myricetin 3-O-glycoside derivatives (1 and 2) isolated from L. tubiflorum may be a possible lead for developing COVID-19 drugs. Further, in vitro and in vivo assays are recommended to support our in silico studies.

Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) have been observed to be abnormally expressed in cancer. Therefore, miRNA signatures could be potential noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).To correlate miRNA-29a and miRNA-124 expression levels with the clinical features and survival rates of HCC patients.Serum miRNA expression in 150 samples (50 patients with HCC, 50 patients with liver cirrhosis, and 50 healthy controls) were quantified using real-time qRT-PCR.The expression levels of serum miRNA-29a were higher and the levels of miRNA-124 were lower in patients with HCC than in patients with liver cirrhosis and controls. ROC curve analysis showed promising accuracy for both miRNAs in distinguishing patients with HCC from those with liver cirrhosis. Levels of miRNA-29a were related to tumor number, size, stage, and outcome, whereas levels of miRNA-124 were related to vascular invasion. The overall survival rate of patients with low miRNA-29a expression was significantly higher than that of patients with high expression. Additionally, the multivariate analysis identified miRNA-29a as an independent prognostic variable.The investigated miRNAs showed acceptable accuracy in the diagnosis of HCC; therefore, both could be utilized as diagnostic biomarkers. Additionally, miRNA-29a could be used as a prognostic biomarker.

Wild plants growing in the Egyptian deserts are facing abiotic stress, which can lead to interestingsafe natural products possessing potential chemical profiles. Consequently, our study was designed to assess the phytochemical composition of the aerial parts of

Objective To study the potential role of miRNA34a gene expression and its relationship with P53 gene expression, fate, stage, metastasis and overall survival of colorectal cancer. Patients and methods This study was carried out 30 patients with colon adenocarcinoma, 30 patients with benign colon polyp and 30 apparently healthy persons served as controls. All participants were subjected to full history taking, general clinical examination. Complete blood count, liver and kidney function, determination of serum tumor markers were done. Estimation of microRNA 34a and P53 Gene expression by real-time PCR were done. Results There was a significant negative relationship between serum tumor markers and micro RNA 34a gene expression in cancer patients. Also, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between miRNA34a gene expression and P53 gene expression in both patients groups. The diagnostic accuracy of miRNA34a gene expression was both sensitive and specific for colon cancer. MiRNA34a and P53 gene expression had statistically significant relation with tumor stage and presence of metastases. Conclusion It can be concluded that the level of miRNA34a can be used to differentiate between colon cancers and begin adenomas. MiRNA34a can be used as a prognostic marker in colon cancer., Highlights • MiRNA34a has an important role in colon cancer. • Presence of correlation between P53 and miRNA34a gene expression. • MiRNA34a can be used as a prognostic marker in colon cancer. • MiRNA34a can be used to differentiate between colon cancer and benign adenoma.

Clinical outcome of T2DM can be influenced by a polymorphism of different cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic variation and gene expression of IL-4 in T2DM patients. This study was carried out on type II diabetic patients and healthy people served as controls. All subjects were submitted to estimation of IL-4 gene polymorphism using VNTR PCR method and gene expression by real-time PCR. There was a significant decrease of IL-4 gene expression and serum IL4 levels in subjects with B2B2 genotypes. A significant positive correlation was found between IL-4 gene expression and the HDL-c levels and negative correlation between serum IL4 levels and LDLc. Also, a negative correlation was found between serum IL4 and gene expression with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in patients group. It can be concluded that IL-4 gene expression and serum IL4 reduction in patients with B2B2 genotypes has a relation to dyslipidemia and hypertension in the patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer worldwide that affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Recent evidence supports the role of microRNAs in CRC. We planned to investigate microRNA200c expression and its relation with diagnosis, prognosis, metastasis and overall survival in CRC patients. This study enrolled 90 subjects (3'0 CRC patients, 30 patients with benign colorectal polyps and 30 healthy control subjects).Laboratory investigations included measurement of serum CA19-9 and CEA by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and relative quantitation (RQ) of microRNA200c gene expression by real time PCR technique.Significant higher MicroRNA200c expression levels in CRC patients versus both benign (P 0.011) and control groups (P 0.001), additionally, benign group had elevated levels versus control (P 0.001). MicroRNA 200c at cutoff4.56 had sensitivity 86.67% and specificity 73.33% (P 0.001) for CRC discrimination. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significant association (P = 0.028) of high expression of microRNA200c with decreased overall survival.Noticeable up-regulation of microRNA200c in CRC and its remarkable relation with unfavorable survival suggesting its potential dual use as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC.

Background and objectives Sepsis is one of the major factors for both term and preterm babies with morbidity and mortality. On the basis of recent clinical trials, altered circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) may serve as possible biomarkers in sepsis for diagnosis and prognosis. The aim of this research is to assess the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of miRNA 15b and miRNA 378a for neonatal sepsis. Subjects & methods This study was carried out 25 neonates with sepsis admitted to neonatal ICU of Menoufia University Hospital and 25 healthy controls from February 2019 to May 2020. The relative quantification (RQ) of miRNA-15b and miRNA-378a expression was assessed using real time PCR technique. Results: Our results demonstrated that patients with sepsis had significantly higher level of MiRNA-15b than the healthy volunteers. On the other hand, patients with sepsis had significantly lower level of MiRNA-378a than the healthy volunteers. The ROC curve showed that the serum MiRNA-15b was a significant discriminator of sepsis with a combined sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 88% with cutoff point of 3.24. In addition, serum MiRNA-378a was a significant discriminator of sepsis with a combined sensitivity and specificity of 60% and 88% with cutoff point of 0.361. The miRNA-15b expression significantly correlated positive with respiratory rate (r =0.415,p =0.039), WBCs (r = 0.408, p =0.043), and CRP (r =0.407, p=0.043). Likewise, miRNA-378a expression significantly correlated negative with respiratory rate (r =-0.415p =0.024), WBCs (r =- 0.442, p =0.027), and CRP (r =- 0.459, p=0.021). Conclusion Both MiRNA 15b and 378a are promising biomarker for neonatal sepsis.

Chitosan was modified through four different modification routes. First, epichlorohydrine cross-linked Chitosan was grafted with 3-Amino-1,2,4 triazole,5-thiol and melamine to produce RI and RII, respectively. Second, glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan was chemically modified using ammonium hydroxide then grafted with 3-Amino-1,2,4 triazole,5-thiol and melamine to produce RIII and RIV, respectively. The prepared polymers were characterized via FTIR, TGA, elemental analysis, water regain and surface area. RIII and RIV shows higher thermal stability, bigger surface area, and lower water regain, than RI and RII. Removal of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) anions from their aqueous solutions were studied using the modified chitosan adsorbents under various parameters such as pH, agitation time, and temperature. The maximum adsorption capacities are 0.492, 0.330, 0.622 and 0.698 mmol g −1 for RI, RII, RIII, and RIV, respectively, at pH 3 and 25 °C. The nature of interaction of RB5 with the adsorbents was identified. Uptake kinetics and adsorption isotherms were modeled using conventional and simple equations: best results were respectively obtained with the pseudo-second order rate equation and the Langmuir equation. The thermodynamic parameters have been calculated: the adsorption is endothermic, spontaneous and contributes to increase the entropy (randomness) of the system. RI and RII gives higher desorption yield than RIII and RIV, this probably due to the presence of the quaternary ammonium moiety in the last two sorbents.

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a dynamic procedure that results from an irregularity between fibrogenesis and fibrolysis. After time this procedure can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis assessment is very important for both therapeutic decisions and prognostic evaluations. In this study, we tried to use serum ferritin (SF) together with five fibrosis tests (Age-Platelet index (API), aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis 4 score (FIB-4), and fibro-quotient (Fibro-Q)) to assess liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and estimate possible correlation between inflammation and SF. METHODS This study was carried out on eighty-eight patients infected with HCV and twenty healthy subjects as a control. Complete blood count (CBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), antiHCV antibody, detection of HCV RNA by real-time PCR, and serum ferritin (SF) were assessed. Then API, ARR, APRI, FIB-4, and Fibro-Q were calculated. Different fibrosis stages (mild fibrosis stage (F1), moderate fibrosis stage (F2), severe fibrosis stage (F3), cirrhotic stage (F4)) were assessed using transient elastography by Fibro Scan®. RESULTS FIB-4 index was significantly elevated (p < 0.01) with the progression of liver fibrosis at F1, F2, F3, and F4 when compared to healthy control group. The APRI score elevation between F0 and F3 and between F0 and F4 was significant (p < 0.01). SF was elevated in all fibrosis stages and significantly (p < 0.01) at F3 and F4 compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS APRI coupled with SF should be the best reliable biomarkers for liver cirrhosis. Simultaneously, from our data SF involved in all stages of inflammation. Therefore, down regulation of ferritin in the early stage of fibrosis should be helpful in decreasing the inflammatory effect of ferritin.

Ficus retusa was used as reducing and stabilizing agent in the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles with high dispersion stability and controllable size and shape. The controlling of reaction conditions i.e. contact time, extract quantity, metal concentration, and pH value enables the tuning of the particle size and size distribution of the metal nanoparticles. UV–visible spectroscopy was used to follow the spectral profile changes of the surface plasmon resonance of the metal nanoparticles due to different treatments. The surface plasmon resonance varies between 400 and 432 nm and between 522 and 554 nm for silver and gold nanoparticles, respectively, depending on the different reaction parameters. Atomic force and transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the success of preparation of spherical silver (15 nm) and gold (10–25 nm) nanoparticles with narrow size-distribution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested the phenolic compounds play the key role in the reduction and stabilizing of metal ions. The colorimetric sensitivity of silver and gold nanoparticles to detect the presence of heavy metals in water was studied.

The bio-production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Ziziphus spina-christi extract was studied as a novel, rapid, low-cost and eco-friendly route. The impact of experimental factors, such as the extract quantity, precursor concentration and pH on the size and size distribution of Ag NPs, was studied with the aid of UV–vis spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The FTIR analysis was carried out to identify the functional groups in Ag NPs. The as-synthesized Ag NPs was used as a catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH4.

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) assumes a centric role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses and thus has been recognized in immune mediated diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to investigate expressed level of IL-1β and its relation with IL-1β -511TC polymorphism in T2DM patients. This study enrolled 80 subjects (50 patients with T2DM and 30 healthy control subjects). Laboratory investigations included fasting (FBG) and 2 h postprandial blood sugar (2 h PBG), HBA1c, lipid profile, and renal function tests. Genotyping of IL-1β -511TC (rs16944) SNP assay by real-time PCR and relative quantitation of IL-1β gene expression transcript by real-time PCR.T2DM patients had significantly higher FBG and 2 h PBG, HBA1c, LDLc, TC, TG, systolic, and diastolic BP while lower HDLc compared with control group. IL 1- β -511 TC, CC genotype and C allele were significantly associated with risk of T2DM with odds ratio (OR) 4.73, 95%CI (1.21-18.39) and OR 2.27, 95%CI (1.72-4.40), respectively. Moreover, diabetic patients had significantly higher IL 1- β gene transcript compared with control group (P 0.001). CC genotype of IL 1- β -511 TC had the highest significant level of IL 1- β gene transcript demonstrated compared with C/T and T/T genotypes (P 0.001) in patients.C allele of IL-1 β -511 TC could be considered risk factor contributor to T2DM and excess level of IL-1 β transcript may disclose to some degree the inflammatory role of cytokines in T2DM.

In this study, Pimpinella anisum seeds were extracted under various conditions (solvent type, temperature, solvent/plant ratio and contact time). The potency of the resulted extracts towards biosynthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles was assessed. The most potent extract towards reduction of both Ag+ and Au3+ ions was obtained using 70% methanol at 60 °C, with a solvent/plant ratio of 10 mL/g and extraction time for 60 min. The prepared nanoparticles were structurally characterized by UV–vis, transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis. Phenolics and carbohydrates present in P. anisum were characterized as the active biomolecules responsible for metal ion reduction; based on FT-IR and phytochemical analysis. Further, silver and gold nanoparticles were tested for their free radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans using disk diffusion method. Biosynthesized AgNPs showed higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to AuNPs and P. anisum extract. The foregoing results suggest that P. anisum seeds extract can be extensively used in green production of potential antioxidant and antimicrobial AgNPs for safe biomedical application.