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- PublicationOpen AccessArchitecturally safe and healthy classrooms: eco-medical concept to achieve sustainability in light of COVID-19 global pandemic(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021-01-01) Saeed, Doha M.; Selim, Ahmed M.; Elkhatib, Walid F.In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic. With this announcement, the world is facing a major challenge. This research commenced as an initiative to conceptualize internal architectural space design to cope with epidemics, to ensure an architectural anti-virus environment. In fact, architectural spaces with high occupancy loads are considered a fertile environment for the spread of this virus. This study discusses classrooms as one of those patterns with high densities for a significant reason; previous studies have revealed that pupils between the ages of 5 to 18 years may be carriers of the infection, but without symptoms; therefore, this category is considered a major source of transmitting the infection to their families and society. Accordingly, this research will address the most important standards, and design norms for these spaces using an electronic questionnaire and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, to achieve two objectives: first, a healthy classroom to reduce the COVID-19 infection among pupils to promote both wellbeing and performance of users, and second, a sustainable classroom from architecture, HVAC, and a medical point of view. In addition, four alternative classroom designs were proposed based on the interpretive results from the questionnaire and simulation.
- PublicationOpen AccessAn overview of methods for production and detection of silver nanoparticles, with emphasis on their fate and toxicological effects on human, soil, and aquatic environment(Walter De Gruyter, 2021-01-01) Ghobashy, Mohamed Mohamady; Abd Elkodous, Mohamed; Shabaka, Soha Hamdy; Younis, Sherif A.; Alshangiti, Dalal Mohamed; Madani, Mohamed; Al-Gahtany, Samera Ali; Elkhatib, Walid F.; Noreddin, Ayman M.; Nady, Norhan; El-Sayyad, Gharieb S.Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in various industries; however, this is accompanied by several implications to humans and the environment. This review focuses on different aspects of AgNPs including the production and detection techniques, their fate, and dynamics in response to different environmental factors. In addition, this review illustrates the toxicity mechanism and the interaction of AgNPs with different matrices, such as aquatic environment, soil, crops, and humans. Reduction measures and future research are discussed.
- PublicationMetadata onlyProtective Role of Copper Oxide-Streptomycin Nano-drug Against Potato Brown Rot Disease Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum(Springer Nature, 2021-04-15) Attia, Mohamed S.; Balabel, Naglaa M.; Ababutain, Ibtisam M.; Osman, Mahmoud S.; Nofel, Mohamed M.; Abd Elkodous, Mohamed; El-Batal, Ahmed I.; Elkhatib, Walid F.; El-Sayyad, Gharieb SaiedPotato plants can be infected by different bacterial diseases, among them, the potato brown rot disease, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The novelty of the present research is to assess the potential impact of the synthesized copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs)-streptomycin nano-drug synthesized by gamma irradiation for inducing the systemic resistance against potato brown rot disease. CuO NPs-streptomycin was completely-characterized by UV–Vis., XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, SEM, and EDX elemental analysis. In the greenhouse experiment, the efficiency of CuO NPs was tested after three times of application. Disease index percent, phytochemicals, and metabolic indicators of resistance (as a response to induction of systemic resistance) were investigated. Our results indicated that treatment with CuO NPs during planting was more effective for increasing the protection percent by 55.8% and reducing the disease severity by 37.5% in the infected potato plants. CuO NPs-streptomycin increased not only the photosynthetic pigments but also the osmolytes contents. The highest reduction in malondialdehyde (44.89%) and hydrogen peroxide (32.9%) contents was achieved in the case of potato plants treated one week after planting. Therefore, it suggested applying CuO NPs-streptomycin in controlling plant disease since they are cost-effective and eco-friendly.
- PublicationOpen AccessClinical characteristics of Egyptian male patients with COVID‐19 acute respiratory distress syndrome(Plos, 2021-04-16) Doghish, Ahmed S.; Hassan, Essam A.; Elkhateeb, Ahmed F.; Mahmoud, Eman E.; Ahmed, Mona I.; Khalil, Mahmoud A. F.; Elkhatib, Walid F.; Raffaele SerraBackground: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and in severe cases associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- PublicationOpen AccessClinical characteristics of Egyptian male patients with COVID‐19 acute respiratory distress syndrome(Plos, 2021-04-16) Doghish, Ahmed S.; Elkhatib, Walid F.; Hassan, Essam A.; Elkhateeb, Ahmed F.; Mahmoud, Eman E.; Ahmed, Mona I.; Khalil, Mahmoud A. F.; Raffaele SerraBackground: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and in severe cases associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with ARDS-COVID-19. Materials and methods: This study involved 197 male Egyptian participants, among them111 COVID-19 patients presented with ARDS, 60 COVID-19 patients presented with non-ARDS, and 26 Non-COVID-19 patients. We reported the analysis results of clinical and laboratory information, including blood routine tests, blood biochemistry parameters [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine and C‐reactive protein (CRP)], thrombotic activity (D‐dimer) and serum ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Results: The levels of hemoglobin, AST, creatinine, monocyte count, monocyte %, RBC count, TLC, and platelet count were not significantly different among the groups. The lymphopenia and increased CRP, ALT, D-dimer, ferritin, and LDH were observed in patients with ARDS-COVID-19. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with ARDS presented with lymphopenia, increased thrombotic activity, increased CRP, LDH, and ferritin levels. The results revealed that CRP, D-dimer, LDH levels, and lymphopenia have a significant association with the COVID-19 severity and can be used as biomarkers to predict the disease severity.
- PublicationOpen AccessGlobal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 clades and their relation to COVID-19 epidemiology(Springer Nature, 2021-04-19) Hamed, Samira M.; Khairalla, Ahmed S.; Noreddin , Ayman M.; Elkhatib, Walid F.Expansion of COVID-19 worldwide increases interest in unraveling genomic variations of novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Metadata of 408,493 SARS-CoV-2 genomes submitted to GISAID database were analyzed with respect to genomic clades and their geographic, age, and gender distributions. Of the currently known SARS-CoV-2 clades, clade GR was the most prevalent worldwide followed by GV then GH. Chronological analysis revealed expansion in SARS-CoV-2 clades carrying D614G mutations with the predominance of the newest clade, GV, in the last three months. D614G clades prevail in countries with more COVID-19 cases. Of them, the clades GH and GR were more frequently recovered from severe or deceased COVID-19 cases. In contrast, G and GV clades showed a significantly higher prevalence among asymptomatic patients or those with mild disease. Metadata analysis showed higher (p < 0.05) prevalence of severe/deceased cases among males than females and predominance of GR clade in female patients. Furthermore, severe disease/death was more prevalent (p < 0.05) in elderly than in adults/children. Higher prevalence of the GV clade in children compared to other age groups was also evident. These findings uniquely provide a statistical evidence on the adaptation-driven evolution of SARS-CoV-2 leading to altered infectivity, virulence, and mortality.
- PublicationMetadata onlyImprovement of caffeic acid biotransformation into para‐hydroxybenzoic acid by CI‐24 via gamma irradiation and model‐based optimization.(John Wiley & Sons, 2021-04-19) Singab, Raghda Abdelnasser; Elleboudy, Nooran Sherif; Yassein, Mahmoud Abdulmegead; Hassouna, Nadia Adelhaleem; Elkhatib, Walid F.Para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) has great potential in biological applications due to its putative antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its antimicrobial activity in the face of the radically increasing number of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This is in addition to its antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiestrogenic, and antiplatelet aggregating activities. In this study, an approximate sixfold increase in the production of PHBA was achieved via biotransformation of caffeic acid by Candida albicans. The improvement was performed in two steps: first, through mutation by gamma irradiation (5 KGy dose), resulting in the recovery of a mutant (CI-24), which produced approximately triple the amount of PHBA produced by the wild-type isolate. Then, biotransformation by this mutant was further optimized via response surface methodology model-based optimization. The maximum PHBA production (7.47 mg/mL) was obtained in a fermentation medium composed of 1% w/v yeast extract as a nitrogen source, with an initial pH of 6.6, incubated at 28 °C at an agitation rate of 250 rpm. To further enhance the performance and economics of the process, cells of the CI-24 mutant were immobilized in calcium alginate beads and could retain an equivalent biotransformation capacity after three successive biotransformation cycles.
- PublicationOpen AccessGlobal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 clades and their relation to COVID-19 epidemiology(Springer Nature, 2021-04-19) Hamed, Samira M.; Elkhatib, Walid F.; Khairalla, Ahmed S.; Noreddin, Ayman M.Abstract: Expansion of COVID-19 worldwide increases interest in unraveling genomic variations of novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Metadata of 408,493 SARS-CoV-2 genomes submitted to GISAID database were analyzed with respect to genomic clades and their geographic, age, and gender distributions. Of the currently known SARS-CoV-2 clades, clade GR was the most prevalent worldwide followed by GV then GH. Chronological analysis revealed expansion in SARS-CoV-2 clades carrying D614G mutations with the predominance of the newest clade, GV, in the last three months. D614G clades prevail in countries with more COVID-19 cases. Of them, the clades GH and GR were more frequently recovered from severe or deceased COVID-19 cases. In contrast, G and GV clades showed a significantly higher prevalence among asymptomatic patients or those with mild disease. Metadata analysis showed higher (p < 0.05) prevalence of severe/deceased cases among males than females and predominance of GR clade in female patients. Furthermore, severe disease/death was more prevalent (p < 0.05) in elderly than in adults/children. Higher prevalence of the GV clade in children compared to other age groups was also evident. These findings uniquely provide a statistical evidence on the adaptation-driven evolution of SARS-CoV-2 leading to altered infectivity, virulence, and mortality.
- PublicationOpen AccessIn vivo evaluation of a recombinant N-acylhomoserine lactonase formulated in a hydrogel using a murine model infected with MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate, CCASUP2(Springer, 2021-07-27) Sakr, Masarra M.; Aboshanab, Khaled M.; Mantawy, Eman M.; Yassien, Mahmoud A.; Hassouna, Nadia A.; Elkhatib, Walid F.Failure in the treatment of P. aeruginosa, due to its broad spectrum of resistance, has been associated with increased patient mortality. One alternative approach for infection control is quorum quenching which was found to decrease virulence of such pathogen. In this study, the efficiency of a recombinant Ahl-1 lactonase formulated as a hydrogel was investigated to control the infection of multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa infected burn using a murine model. The recombinant N-acylhomoserine lactonase (Ahl-1) was formulated as a hydrogel. To test its ability to control the infection of MDR P. aeruginosa, a thermal injury model was used. Survival rate, and systemic spread of the infection were evaluated. Histopathological examination of the animal dorsal skin was also done for monitoring the healing and cellular changes at the site of infection. Survival rate in the treated group was 100% relative to 40% in the control group. A decrease of up to 3 logs of bacterial count in the blood samples of the treated animals relative to the control group and a decrease of up to 4 logs and 2.3 logs of bacteria in lung and liver samples, respectively were observed. Histopathological examination revealed more enhanced healing process in the treated group. Accordingly, by promoting healing of infected MDR P. aeruginosa burn and by reducing systemic spread of the infection as well as decreasing mortality rate, Ahl-1 hydrogel application is a promising strategy that can be used to combat and control P. aeruginosa burn infections.
- PublicationOpen AccessAn overview of methods for production and detection of silver nanoparticles, with emphasis on their fate and toxicological effects on human, soil, and aquatic environment(Walter De Gruyter, 2021-08-30) Ghobashy, Mohamed Mohamady; Abd Elkodous, Mohamed; Shabaka, Soha Hamdy; Younis, Sherif A.; Alshangiti, Dalal Mohamed; Madani, Mohamed; Al-Gahtany. Samera Ali; Noreddin, Ayman M.; Nady, Norhan; Elkhatib, Walid F.; El-Sayyad, Gharieb SaiedSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in various industries; however, this is accompanied by several implications to humans and the environment. This review focuses on different aspects of AgNPs including the production and detection techniques, their fate, and dynamics in response to different environmental factors. In addition, this review illustrates the toxicity mechanism and the interaction of AgNPs with different matrices, such as aquatic environment, soil, crops, and humans. Reduction measures and future research are discussed.
- PublicationOpen AccessAnti-SARS-CoV-2 activities of tanshinone IIA, carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid, baicalein, and glycyrrhetinic acid between computational and insights.(Royal society of chemistry, 2021-09-01T00:00:00Z) Elebeedy, Dalia; Kandeil, Ahmed; Ghanem, Aml; Kutkat, Omnia; Alnajjar, Radwan; Saleh, Marwa A.; Abd El Maksoud, Ahmed I.; Badawy, Ingy; Al-Karmalawy, Ahmed A.; Elkhatib, Walid F.Six compounds namely, tanshinone IIA (1), carnosic acid (2), rosmarinic acid (3), salvianolic acid B (4), baicalein (5), and glycyrrhetinic acid (6) were screened for their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities against both the spike (S) and main protease (Mpro) receptors using molecular docking studies. Molecular docking recommended the superior affinities of both salvianolic acid B (4) and glycyrrhetinic acid (6) as the common results from the previously published computational articles. On the other hand, their actual anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities were tested using plaque reduction assay to calculate their IC values after measuring their CC values using MTT assay on Vero E6 cells. Surprisingly, tanshinone IIA (1) was the most promising member with IC equals 4.08 ng μl. Also, both carnosic acid (2) and rosmarinic acid (3) showed promising IC values of 15.37 and 25.47 ng μl, respectively. However, salvianolic acid (4) showed a weak anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with an IC value equals 58.29 ng μl. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns were performed for the most active compound from the computational point of view (salvianolic acid 4), besides, the most active one biologically (tanshinone IIA 1) on both the S and Mpro complexes of them (four different molecular dynamics processes) to confirm the docking results and give more insights regarding the stability of both compounds inside the SARS-CoV-2 mentioned receptors, respectively. Also, to understand the mechanism of action for the tested compounds towards SARS-CoV-2 inhibition it was necessary to examine the mode of action for the most two promising compounds, tanshinone IIA (1) and carnosic acid (2). Both compounds (1 and 2) showed very promising virucidal activity with a most prominent inhibitory effect on viral adsorption rather than its replication. This recommended the predicted activity of the two compounds against the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 rather than its Mpro protein. Our results could be very promising to rearrange the previously mentioned compounds based on their actual inhibitory activities towards SARS-CoV-2 and to search for the reasons behind the great differences between their and results against SARS-CoV-2. Finally, we recommend further advanced preclinical and clinical studies especially for tanshinone IIA (1) to be rapidly applied in COVID-19 management either alone or in combination with carnosic acid (2), rosmarinic acid (3), and/or salvianolic acid (4).
- PublicationOpen AccessMultidrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilms: Evaluation of Phenotypic–Genotypic Association and Susceptibility to Cinnamic and Gallic Acids(Frontiers Media, 2021-09-17) Sherif, Mahmoud M.; Khalaf, Wafaa S.; Elleboudy, Nooran Sherif; Abdelaziz, Neveen A.; Elkhatib, Walid F.Acinetobacter baumannii armed with multidrug resistance (MDR) and biofilm-forming ability is increasingly recognized as an alarming pathogen. A deeper comprehension of the correlation between these two armories is required in circumventing its infections. This study examined the biofilm-forming ability of the isolates by crystal violet staining and the antibiotic susceptibility by broth microdilution method. The genetic basis of the MDR and biofilm-forming phenotypes was screened by polymerase chain reaction. The antimicrobial activities of cinnamic and gallic acids against planktonic cells and biofilms of A. baumannii were investigated, and the findings were confirmed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among 90 A. baumannii isolates, 69 (76.6%) were MDR, and all were biofilm formers; they were classified into weak (12.2%), moderate (53.3%), and strong (34.5%) biofilm formers. Our results underlined a significant association between MDR and enhanced biofilm formation. Genotypically, the presence of blaVIM and blaOXA–23 genes along with biofilm-related genes (ompA, bap, and csuE) was statistically associated with the biofilm-forming abilities. Impressively, both gallic and cinnamic acids could significantly reduce the MDR A. baumannii biofilms with variable degrees dependent on the phenotype–genotype characteristics of the tested isolates. The current findings may possess future therapeutic impact through augmenting antimicrobial arsenal against life-threatening infections with MDR A. baumannii biofilms.
- PublicationMetadata onlyBiogenic and biocompatible silver nanoparticles for an apoptotic anti-ovarian activity and as polydopamine-functionalized antibiotic carrier for an augmented antibiofilm activity.(Elsevier, 2021-10-01) Aboelmaati, Mohamed G.; Abdel Gaber, Sara A.; Soliman, Wafaa E.; Abdelhameed, Amr M.; Sahyon, Heba A.; El-Kemary, Maged; Elkhatib, Walid F.Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) could be employed in the combat against COVID-19, yet are associated with toxicities. In this study, biogenic and biocompatible AgNPs using the agro-waste, non-edible Hibiscus sabdariffa stem were synthesized. Under optimized reaction conditions, synthesized green AgNPs were crystalline, face cubic centered, spherical with a diameter of around 17 nm and a surface charge of -20 mV. Their murine lethal dose 50 (LD50) was 4 folds higher than the chemical AgNPs. Furthermore, they were more murine hepato- and nephro-tolerated than chemical counterparts due to activation of Nrf-2 and HO-1 pathway. They exerted an apoptotic anti-ovarian cancer activity with IC50 value 6 times more than the normal cell line. Being functionalized with polydopamine and conjugated to either moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin, the conjugates exerted an augmented antibiofilm activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms that was significantly higher than antibiotic alone or functionalized AgNPs suggesting a synergistic activity. In conclusion, this study introduced a facile one-pot synthesis of biogenic and biocompatible AgNPs with preferential anti-cancer activity and could be utilized as antibiotic delivery system for a successful eradication of Gram-negative biofilms.
- PublicationMetadata onlyThe antibacterial effect and the incidence of post-operative pain after the application of nano-based intracanal medications during endodontic retreatment: a randomized controlled clinical trial(Springer, 2021-10-25) Fahim, Mahmoud M.; Saber, Shehab Eldin Mohamed; Nagy, Mohamed Mokhtar; Schafer, Edgar; Elkhatib, Walid F.Objective This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of nano-silver and nano-calcium hydroxide intracanal medicaments (ICM) during retreatment regarding their antibacterial effect and their effect on post-operative pain and flare-ups. Materials and methods Sixty-nine patients scheduled for endodontic retreatment were included in this randomized clinical trial and randomly allocated to 3 equal groups (n = 23) according to the type of ICM used. The first microbial sampling (S1) representing the original microbiota was obtained after the removal of the old canal filling. After chemo-mechanical debridement, another sample (S2) was obtained representing the microbial state before ICM application. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either nano-silver (nano-Ag), nano-calcium hydroxide (nano-CH), or calcium hydroxide (CH) as ICM. Patients rated their pain pre-operatively and then after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. During the second visit (7 days later), the last microbial sample (S3) was obtained after removal of the ICM. Reduction of total bacterial and total E. faecalis counts and the biofilm-forming capability of the existing microbiota were determined. Results Results showed reduction in total bacterial count, total E. faecalis count and the biofilm-forming,capability of the existing microbiota after chemo-mechanical debridement (S1-S2) and after the application of ICM (S3-S2). However, the reduction after cleaning and shaping was significantly more pronounced (p < 0.001) compared to the effect of ICM application, with no difference between the 3 ICM (p > 0.05). Post-operative pain was significantly reduced at the 48- and 72-h intervals after the application of nano-Ag and nano-CH only (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between these two ICM (p > 0.05). The incidence of flare-ups in all groups was similar (p > 0.05). Conclusions The antibacterial effect of the nano-Ag and nano-CH was equivalent to that of CH, but they contributed to better pain control.
- PublicationOpen AccessAntioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cynanchum acutum L. Isolated Flavonoids Using Experimentally Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Biological and In Silico Investigation for NF-κB Pathway/miR-146a Expression Modulation(MDPI, 2021-10-27) Ibrahim, Amany K.; Elfaky, Mahmoud A.; Habib, Eman S.; Mahamed, Mayada I.; Mehanna, Eman T.; Darwish, Khaled M.; Khodeer, Dina M.; Ahmed, Safwat A.; Elhady, Sameh S.; Abdelhameed, Reda F. A.Cynanchum acutum L. is a climbing vine that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Using different chromatographic techniques, seven compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of the plant. The isolated compounds include six flavonoid compounds identified as rutin (1), quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside (2), quercetin-3-O-β-galactoside (3), isoquercitrin (4), quercetin (5), and kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside (6), in addition to a coumarin, scopoletin (7). The structures of the compounds were elucidated based on 1D NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), and by comparison with data reported in the literature. The first five compounds were selected for in vivo investigation of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. All tested compounds significantly reduced oxidative stress and increased erythrocyte lysate levels of antioxidant enzymes, along with the amelioration of the serum levels of inflammatory markers. Upregulation of miR-146a expression and downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression were detected in the liver and adipose tissue of rats treated with the isolated flavonoids. Results from the biological investigation and those from the validated molecular modeling approach on two biological targets of the NF-κB pathway managed to highlight the superior anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin-3-O-galactoside (3) and quercetin (5), as compared to other bioactive metabolites.
- PublicationOpen AccessPhenotypic characterization of NKT-like cells and evaluation of specifically related cytokines for the prediction of unexplained recurrent miscarriage.(Elsevier, 2021-11-01T00:00:00Z) Khalaf, Wafaa S.; Mahmoud, Mohammad R. A.; Elkhatib, Walid F.; Hashem, Hany R.; Soliman, Wafaa E.Immune system dysregulation is a major cause of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (URM). Women with URM need screening for their pregnancy microenvironment and regulators, to prevent spontaneous abortion.
- PublicationMetadata onlyPhenotypic characterization of NKT-like cells and evaluation of specifically related cytokines for the prediction of unexplained recurrent miscarriage(ELSEVIER, 2021-11-15) Khalaf, Wafaa S.; Mahmoud, Mohammad R.A.; Hashem, Hany R.; Soliman, Wafaa E.; Elkhatib, Walid F.Problem Immune system dysregulation is a major cause of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (URM). Women with URM need screening for their pregnancy microenvironment and immune regulators, to prevent spontaneous abortion. Method of study In this study, we evaluated NKT-like cell subsets in the peripheral venous blood of women with URM using flow cytometry. The expression levels of specifically related Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2), Th2 cytokine (IL-4), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The percentage of CD16+CD56+NKT-like (Double Positive NKT-like; DPNKT-like) cell subset and the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated in the blood of non-pregnant and pregnant patients with URM compared with the healthy control groups, and these parameters were significantly increased after pregnancy in the same patients with URM. Based on the prevalence of the candidate immunological factors in patients with URM, the prognostic significance of the NKT-like cell subsets, IFN-γ, and IL-2 profiles were evaluated as potential predictors of URM. A cut-off point of 2.55% for the DPNKT-like cell subset in the blood and cut-off values of 39.5 and 20.5 pg/ml for the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2, respectively could be used for the prediction of the risk of spontaneous abortion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that described the prognostic significance of the aforementioned immunological parameters before and after pregnancy, and highlighted the correlation of NKT-like cells and the candidate Th1 cytokines with pregnancy loss in women with URM. Conclusions DPNKT-like cells, IFN-γ, and IL-2 patient profiles could be used as markers to predict the risk of miscarriage in patients with URM.
- PublicationOpen AccessEngineered magnetic oxides nanoparticles as efficient sorbents for wastewater remediation: a review(Springer, 2021-11-19) Abdel Maksoud, M. I. A.; Fahim, Ramy Amer; Bedir, Ahmed G.; Osman, Ahmed I.; Abouelela, Marwa Mohamed; Abd Elkodous, M.; Mahmoud, Amira S.; Rabee, Maisara M.; Al-Muhtaseb, Ala’a H.; Rooney, David W.; El-Sayyad, Gharieb SaiedRapid urbanization and industrialization are causing worldwide water pollution, calling for advanced cleaning methods. For instance, pollutant adsorption on magnetic oxides is efficient and very practical due to the easy separation from solutions by a magnetic field. Here we review the synthesis and performance of magnetic oxides such as iron oxides, spinel ferrites, and perovskite oxides for water remediation. We present structural, optical, and magnetic properties. Magnetic oxides are also promising photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. Antimicrobial activities and adsorption of heavy metals and radionuclides are also discussed.
- PublicationOpen AccessEngineered magnetic oxides nanoparticles as efficient sorbents for wastewater remediation: a review(Springer Nature, 2021-11-19) Abdel Maksoud, M. I. A.; Fahim, Ramy Amer; Bedir, Ahmed G.; Osman, Ahmed I.; Abouelela, Marwa Mohamed; El-Sayyad, Gharieb S.; Abd Elkodous, M.; Mahmoud, Amira S.; Rabee, Maisara M.; Al-Muhtaseb, Ala’a H.; Rooney, David W.The rapid urbanization and industrialization is causing worldwide water pollution, calling for advanced cleaning methods. For instance, pollutant adsorption on magnetic oxides is efficient and very practical due to the easy separation from solutions by an magnetic field. Here we review the synthesis and performance of magnetic oxides such as iron oxides, spinel ferrites, and perovskite oxides for water remediation. We present structural, optical, and magnetic properties. Magnetic oxides are also promising photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. Antimicrobial activities and adsorption of heavy metals and radionucleides are also discussed.
- PublicationOpen AccessIn vivo evaluation of a recombinant N-acylhomoserine lactonase formulated in a hydrogel using a murine model infected with MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate, CCASUP2(Springer Nature, 2021-12-01) Sakr, Masarra M.; Elkhatib, Walid F.; Aboshanab, Khaled M.; Mantawy, Eman M.; Yassien, Mahmoud A.; Hassouna, Nadia AdelhaleemFailure in the treatment of P. aeruginosa, due to its broad spectrum of resistance, has been associated with increased patient mortality. One alternative approach for infection control is quorum quenching which was found to decrease virulence of such pathogen. In this study, the efficiency of a recombinant Ahl-1 lactonase formulated as a hydrogel was investigated to control the infection of multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa infected burn using a murine model. The recombinant N-acylhomoserine lactonase (Ahl-1) was formulated as a hydrogel. To test its ability to control the infection of MDR P. aeruginosa, a thermal injury model was used. Survival rate, and systemic spread of the infection were evaluated. Histopathological examination of the animal dorsal skin was also done for monitoring the healing and cellular changes at the site of infection. Survival rate in the treated group was 100% relative to 40% in the control group. A decrease of up to 3 logs of bacterial count in the blood samples of the treated animals relative to the control group and a decrease of up to 4 logs and 2.3 logs of bacteria in lung and liver samples, respectively were observed. Histopathological examination revealed more enhanced healing process in the treated group. Accordingly, by promoting healing of infected MDR P. aeruginosa burn and by reducing systemic spread of the infection as well as decreasing mortality rate, Ahl-1 hydrogel application is a promising strategy that can be used to combat and control P. aeruginosa burn infections.
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