Mansoura University

El-Fateh M., Meyer C.T., Chatterjee A., Zhao X.

ABSTRACT Viability testing for anaerobes is a time-consuming and expensive process, posing challenges for research and public health settings. Here, we present a rapid, economical, and reliable method for testing anaerobe viability using the Geometric Viability Assay (GVA) with Clostridium perfringens as our model, a bacterium known for causing toxin-related systemic and enteric diseases. This method is efficient and cost-effective, requiring one pipette tip per sample, and is compatible with the economical anaerobic jar system. The results align with traditional plate-based assays in terms of colony-forming unit (CFU) measurements. Anaerobic GVA has low technical bias and a dynamic range extending over 5 orders of magnitude. In addition, our method determined the bactericidal activity of antibiotics in a dose-dependent manner, when an antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) was performed with a panel of four antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, meropenem, and tetracycline). Furthermore, the minimum concentrations for complete bactericidal activity (MBC) of four clinical isolates were determined and the MBC concentration for tetracycline was up to 8× higher than the concentration for complete growth inhibition (MIC). Additional tests involving Clostridium bifermentans and Clostridium sporogenes demonstrated the generality of our method for other anaerobic species. Beyond viability testing, the GVA measured spore concentrations of various Clostridium perfringens isolates, showing consistency with classical plating methods. Our study confirms that the anaerobic GVA is a valuable tool for rapid, accurate viability screening in anaerobic settings and is compatible with routine assays, such as AST and spore screening. This method enhances the scalability and utility of anaerobic viability-based assays. IMPORTANCE The routine assessment for the viability of anaerobes is based on bacterial plating, but so far, it has been limited in throughput by the long preparation steps and the tedious anaerobic culturing. Thus, comparatively little is known about the susceptibility pattern, and the sporulation of anaerobes because of the absence of the proper method. Here, we show GVA can quantify the anaerobic Clostridiums colonies accurately by utilizing an anaerobic jar to measure viable cells and spores in high throughput with minimal volumes of reagents and at a comparable time to the traditional viability testing practice. Furthermore, this method enabled high-throughput detection of the bactericidal activity of the antibiotics against anaerobes and allowed for the quantification of hetero-tolerant/resistant subpopulation, which was previously unattainable. Our approach is rapid and easy to use, making it ideal for various applications where high-throughput capabilities can drive innovation, including drug-microbe interactions, host-microbe interactions, and microbe-microbe interactions.

Zheng L., Zafir M., Zhang Z., Ma Y., Yang F., Wang X., Xue X., Wang C., Li P., Liu P., El-Gohary F.A., Zhao X., Xue H.

ABSTRACT The escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has heightened global interest in antimicrobial peptides as promising candidates due to their potent broad-spectrum activity and low likelihood of resistance development. Despite this potential, these peptides face challenges, including modest bactericidal efficacy, insufficient safety assessment, and expensive production. In this study, we systematically evaluated a panel of nine AMP variants of PGLa, a natural AMP derived from Xenopus laevis . All peptides retained α-helical structures and exhibited high biocompatibility, with hemolytic concentrations above 128 µg/mL and macrophage survival rates over 80%. Among them, a tandem-repeat variant DiPGLa-H demonstrated the most potent antimicrobial activity, with a therapeutic index of 35.94, against key pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii . A DAMP4-DiPGLa-H fusion protein was engineered to mitigate potential host toxicity, and we achieved high-purity biosynthesis of DiPGLa-H by employing a combination of acid cleavage and non-chromatographic purification, with yields reaching 21.2 mg/mL. The biosynthesized DiPGLa-H exhibited robust stability across a wide pH range and high temperatures, effectively disrupting biofilms formed by multiple pathogenic species. Mechanistically, DiPGLa-H disrupts both the inner and outer bacterial membranes, causing cell shrinkage, vesiculation, and intracellular leakage. In vivo , DiPGLa-H significantly improved survival rates in mice with induced peritoneal inflammation by 31%–38% while reducing bacterial burdens in key organs by 100-fold to 1,000-fold. These findings unearthed DiPGLa-H as a highly promising AMP. Moreover, the successful development of a cost-effective, high-purity biosynthesis method for DiPGLa-H, utilizing DAMP4 fusion technology, enables its low-cost application in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. IMPORTANCE AMPs are innate defense molecules in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Notably, one-third of these peptides in databases originate from amphibians. We discovered that naturally weak AMPs from this source can be enhanced through artificial design. Specifically, variant DiPGLa-H showed superior germicidal efficacy and cell selectivity both in vivo and in vitro and can be biosynthesized and purified by combining DAMP4 fusion protein strategy and a simple non-chromatographic method that facilitates large-scale production. Our focus is on understanding the structure-activity relationships of PGLa. Furthermore, the development of a non-chromatographic purification technique for AMPs offers a viable pathway for the large-scale production of these essential compounds.

Mahmoud A.Q., Soliman T.A., Elkhooly T.A., Harhash A., Eid E.G.

Abstract Objectives Zirconia (ZrO2) has been used in dental restorations due to its increased mechanical properties, biocompatibility, low degree of bacterial adhesion, and acceptable optical properties. One of the major drawbacks of ZrO2 is its short-term durable bond with resin cement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different primers embedded with silanized nanographene oxide (SGO) sheets on the wettability of ZrO2 surface and bond strength durability between resin cement and ZrO2. Materials and Methods Four hundred ZrO2 specimens were divided into four main groups as each group had 100 specimens according to the type of the primer: rely X ceramic primer (Group I), monobond N primer (Group II), monobond plus primer (Group III), and Z prime plus primer (ZP, Group IV). Each main group was subdivided into five subgroups according to SGO concentrations by weight blended into primers: (1) 0% (control), (2) 0.1%, (3) 0.3%, (4) 0.6%, and (5) 0.9% as each subgroup had 20 specimens. Immediate shear bond strength (SBS) test was done for half of the specimens per each subgroup (10 specimens) by universal testing machine, the other half of the specimens per each subgroup (10 specimens) were exposed to thermocycling for 10,000 cycles that is equivalent to 1 year of clinical use at controlled temperatures (5–55°C) by thermocycler then SBS test by universal testing machine was done. Water contact angle test was done for all specimens per each subgroup (20 specimens) by computer software and an optical tensiometer. Results The SBS was nonsignificantly decreased after thermocycling for all primers embedded with SGO except for ZP primer. The best wettability of ZrO2 surface was found in (ZP) primer group embedded with (0.9% SGO) with a mean value of 20.60. Conclusion Primers embedded with SGO could increase the wettability of the ZrO2 surface and bond strength durability between resin cement and ZrO2 even after thermocycling aging. The clinical significance of this study was the possible increase of the wettability of ZrO2 surface and SBS of resin cement to ZrO2 with promising long-term stability when commercial primers embedded with SGO were used. This could reduce the risk of debonding between resin cement and ZrO2 crowns or veneers.

Ali E.E., El-Ashwah R.M., Albalahi A.M., Mohammed W.W.

In this work, we describe the q-analogue of a multiplier–Ruscheweyh operator of a specific family of linear operators Iq,ρs(ν,τ), and we obtain findings related to geometric function theory (GFT) by utilizing approaches established through subordination and knowledge of q-calculus operators. By using this operator, we develop generalized classes of quasi-convex and close-to-convex functions in this paper. Additionally, the classes Kq,ρs(ν,τ)φ, Qq,ρs(ν,τ)φ are introduced. The invariance of these recently formed classes under the q-Bernardi integral operator is investigated, along with a number of intriguing inclusion relationships between them. Additionally, several unique situations and the beneficial outcomes of these studies are taken into account.

Taha A.E., Amer I., Sharawy S.E., Ghazy A.A.

It is essential to comprehend the humoral immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its vaccines to maximize the effectiveness of anti-SARSCoV-2 community immunization efforts. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG among newcomer students at Kafr Elsheikh University in Egypt, whether they had been vaccinated or not. Blood samples from 400 healthy newcomer students (200 non-vaccinated and 200 vaccinated) were evaluated for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG using colloidal gold immunochromatography lateral flow immunoassay cards, and then the results were confirmed by using specific ELISA tests. The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among the participants (n = 400) was 56.3% for IgG and 13.3% for IgM. Regarding the non-vaccinated participants, 55.0% were females, the mean age was 18.2 years, and the mean BMI was 25.35. Regarding the vaccinated participants, 58.5% were females, the mean age was 18.1 years, and the mean BMI was 25.3. There were statistically non-significant correlations (p ˃ 0.05) between gender, BMI, and each of IgM- or IgG-positivity in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups. In total, 41.5% and 48.5% of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM-positive and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive participants were non-vaccinated, respectively. Furthermore, 58.5% and 51.5% of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM-positive and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive participants were vaccinated, respectively. No statistically significant association (p ˃ 0.05) in immunoglobulins positivity between the anti-SARS-CoV-2 non-vaccinated, and vaccinated groups. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunological response of nonsmokers, people who exercise regularly, and those who take vitamin supplements, eat a balanced diet, and use certain herbs is noteworthy. Among the vaccinated subjects, 96.6%, 25.0%, 31.9%, 45.7%, and 7.8% of the IgG-positive group, versus 97.2%, 60.6%, 64.2%, 52.3%, and 6.4% of the IgG-positive non-vaccinated group, were nonsmokers, exercisers, and those taking vitamin supplements, eating a balanced diet, and using herbs, respectively. Furthermore, 93.5%, 32.3%, 35.5%, 48.4%, and 6.5% of the IgM-positive vaccinated group, versus 100.0%, 63.6%, 81.8%, 45.5%, and 4.5% of the IgM-positive non-vaccinated participants, were nonsmokers, physical exercisers, vitamin supplement users, balanced eaters, and herbalists, respectively. Persons who are free from comorbidities, young, non-obese, non-smokers, engage in physical exercise, take vitamins, eat a balanced diet, and use certain immunostimulant herbal supplements, all have a strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response, even if they were not vaccinated. During pandemics, vaccination of this group should not be a priority to preserve vaccine doses for high-risk vulnerable people. Even if there is a lockdown during an anticipated future epidemic or pandemic, we should prioritize healthy eating and lifestyle choices, along with increasing physical activity.

Elsherbini A., Fathy S.M., Al-Zordk W., Özcan M., Sakrana A.A.

Background/Objectives: Fabrication of ceramic restorations with higher performance, biocompatibility, and mechanical durability, as well as excellent optical properties, is challenging. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the mechanical properties and surface roughness of different glass ceramics manufactured with CAD/CAM and pressed techniques before and after exposure to simulated gastric acidic challenge. Methods: Lithium disilicate-based (LDS) ceramic, advanced lithium disilicate (ALDS), and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLSC), were manufactured with two techniques. Disc-shaped (N = 336) specimens were used to test the biaxial flexural strength (BFS), while surface microhardness and surface roughness were evaluated before and after exposure to hydrochloric acid (34–37% concentration and 1.2 pH for 24 h). The results were statistically evaluated using two- and one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc and Student’s t-test. Results: Both CAD and pressed types of LDS ceramic IPS e.max, showed significantly highest BFS and microhardness before and after acidic challenge (p = 0.01 and <0.01, respectively). ALDS and ZLSC showed significantly lower roughness before acidic aging, while all groups showed no significant difference after aging. Conclusion: Pressed groups showed better mechanical performance than CAD groups. LSD (IPS e.max types) continuously showed a better mechanical performance than modified LDS. ALDS and ZLSC showed the best performance in terms of surface smoothness, but after acidic exposure, no significant difference was observed compared to the other groups.

El-Ashwah A.S., Abdelrahman M.

Nowara A.S., Magdy H., El-Eshmawy M.M.

Abstract Background/Aim: Medical students are subjected to the risk of obesity due to various factors. Understanding behavioral issues may provide an important insight into obesity development, prevention, and treatment. Emotional, uncontrolled, and restrictive eating practices are problematic eating behaviors characterized by food intake independent of hunger but based on emotional state. Limited data from Egypt are currently available; therefore, this study was undertaken with the objective to find the frequency of overweight and obesity among medical students at Mansoura University, Egypt. Eating behavior and physical activity in relation to overweight/obesity were also assessed. Methods: A total of 368 undergraduate medical students were included in this study. Eating behavior was described using the French translation of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18. Obesity and physical activity were assessed according to WHO recommendations. Results: Among the total students, 54% were normal weight, 32% were overweight, 9% were obese class I, 2% were obese class II, 1% were obese class III, and 2% were underweight. Overweight/obese students had significantly lower physical activity than nonoverweight/obese. Cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating were significantly higher in overweight/obese compared with nonoverweight/obese students. Cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating were significantly correlated with body mass index. Uncontrolled eating was negatively correlated with sex and residence, whereas emotional eating was negatively correlated with physical activity. Female sex, physical inactivity, increased cognitive restraint, and increased emotional eating scores were significant predictors of obesity in the studied medical students. Conclusion: Medical students are likely to be overweight or obese. The main risk factors associated with overweight and obesity are female sex, lack of physical activity, and cognitive and emotional restraint but not uncontrolled eating.

Elazab D.S., Othman D.I., Selim K.B., Goda F.E.

Darwish A., Mohamed A.J., Faraj S.H., El-Sayed A., Alghamdi M.A., Sallam A.M., Eissa A., Farag B.F., Kamel Y., Embaby E.M., Ateya A.

This study purpose was to determine the gene expression as well as serum profile of acute phase proteins (APPs) and hormonal indicators linked to Barki sheep’s susceptibility to postpartum issues. Three equal-sized groups (each with fifty ewes) were created from the blood of 150 adult Barki ewes: the control group (CG), the inflammatory postpartum disorders group (IPG), and the non-inflammatory postpartum disorders group (NIPG). The expression levels of the oxidative stress (PGC-1α, SIRT1, GCLC, GCLM, and EPAS1) and metabolic (FBXL12, KPNA7, and LRRK1) genes were significantly higher in postpartum disorders sheep than in resistant ones. Ewes with inflammatory postpartum illnesses showed significantly higher levels of the examined markers than did the non-inflammatory and control groups. The serum profile analysis also revealed that the levels of Fb, Cp, Hp, SAA, cortisol, TIBC, UIBC, and ferritin were significantly higher in the IPG than in the NIPG and CG. Serum insulin, iron, transferrin, and Tf Sat.% levels, however, were all markedly lower. On the basis of the variance in the genes being studied and the modulation in the serum indicators being studied, it should be possible to monitor the health status in postpartum problems of sheep.

Shekar P.R., Mathew A., Hasher F.F., Mehmood K., Zhran M.

Sub-watershed prioritization using morphometric analysis and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques is a systematic approach to identifying and ranking sub-watersheds based on their susceptibility to soil erosion. This helps in implementing targeted soil conservation measures. In this study, sub-watersheds in the Narangi basin are prioritized by employing morphometric analysis integrated with advanced MCDM techniques, including additive ratio assessment (ARAS), complicated proportional assessment (COPRAS), multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis (MOORA), and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Weights for various MCDM methods are determined using the criteria importance through an inter-criteria correlation approach (CRITIC: criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation method), while geospatial techniques ensure precise spatial analysis. The results provide a unified ranking of sub-watersheds, revealing that sub-watershed 3 (SW3) and SW9 are in the high-priority soil erosion category; SW1, SW2, SW5, and SW8 are medium-priority; and SW4, SW6, SW7, and SW10 are low-priority. This comprehensive and sustainability-oriented approach equips decision-makers with robust tools to identify and manage sub-watersheds at risk of soil erosion, ensuring the long-term sustainability of land and water resources. This study aligns with sustainable development goal 15 (life on land) and promotes sustainable land use practices to combat soil degradation.

Kiskó G., Bajramović B., Elzhraa F., Erdei-Tombor P., Dobó V., Mohácsi-Farkas C., Taczman-Brückner A., Belák Á.

The continued and improper use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic resistance (AR). The dissemination of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms occurs via a multitude of pathways, including the food supply. The failure to comply with the regulatory withdrawal period associated with the treatment of domestic animals or the illicit use of antibiotics as growth promoters has contributed to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in meat and dairy products. It was demonstrated that not only do animal and human pathogens act as donors of antibiotic resistance genes, but also that lactic acid bacteria can serve as reservoirs of genes encoding for antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the consumption of fermented foods also presents a potential conduit for the dissemination of AR. This review provides an overview of the potential for the transmission of antibiotic resistance in a range of traditional and novel foods. The literature data reveal that foodborne microbes can be a significant factor in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.

Thabet M., Hasan K.A., Elhefnawy I.A., Barakat G., Moemen D., Ragab A., Elsherbini D.M., El-Sherbiny M., Bahgat N.A., Elshamy M.R., Albarakati R.G., Kar B., Hassan S.I., Arif S., Reshi S., et. al.

Ali-El-Dein B., Abdelgawad M., Tarek M., Abdel-Rahim M., Elkady M.E., Saleh H.H., Zakaria M.M., Tarabay H.H., Laymon M., Mosbah A., Stenzl A.

Carcinogenic mechanisms of heavy metals/ trace elements (HMTE) in bladder cancer (BC) are exactly unknown. Mitochondrial dysfunction (MD), oxidative stress (OS), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are probable carcinogenic mechanisms. The purpose is to investigate probable carcinogenic pathways of HMTE in BC using six MD genes, seven OS markers, and p38-MAPK.

Yin Z., Deng F., Kaddah S.S., Abulanwar S.