Facile synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using mangrove (Avicennia marina) leaves extract and its cytotoxicity and larvicidal activity.

The field of bio-fabricated noble metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has gained significant attention in applied research due to their eco-friendly and biocompatible nature. This study focuses on employing a green synthesis method to produce silver and gold nanoparticles (bio-fabricated) using a Mangrove plant extract and assessing their insecticidal and growth-inhibitory effects for environmentally friendly pest control. The resulting NPs underwent comprehensive characterization through various spectroscopy techniques. The morphology of both silver and gold mediated nanoparticles of Avicennia marina leaf extract displayed a spherical shape, with average sizes measuring around 70-80 nm and 95-100 nm, respectively. Regarding cytotoxicity, the inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles were less than that observed by the extract alone while gold nanoparticles showed stronger cell growth inhibitory effects on splenic cells. The hepatic toxicity of silver and gold nanoparticles showed significant toxic effects as compared to A. marina extract alone. Notably, as prepared silver nanoparticles exhibited substantial larvicidal toxicity as compared to gold nanoparticles, when tested against fourth instar Culex pipiens larvae. These biocompatible silver and gold nanoparticles prepared from A. marina leaf extract hold promise for future applications as larvicides to effectively control mosquito species.

A multicentric and nationwide predictive study role of T cell sub-population in the prevalence and prognosis of cryoglobulinemia among genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C patients.

The infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern. The prevailing genotype of HCV in Egypt is 4a, commonly referred to as GT-4a. A significant proportion exceeding 50% of patients infected with HCV experience extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs), encompassing a diverse range of clinical presentations. These manifestations, including essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), can serve as initial and solitary indicators of the disease. The complete understanding of the pathogenesis of EHM remains unclear, with autoimmune phenomena being recognized as the primary causative factor. In this study, we examined the predictive significance of T-cell subpopulations in relation to the occurrence and prognosis of cryoglobulinemia in HCV patients. A total of 450 CHC genotype four treatment naïve patients were enrolled in this analytic cross-sectional study after thorough clinical, laboratory, and radiological examinations. All patients underwent laboratory investigations, including testing for cryoglobulin antibodies and measurements of CD4 and CD8 levels; two groups were described according to their test results: Group 1 consists of patients who have tested positive for cryoglobulin antibodies and Group 2 consists of patients who have tested negative for cryoglobulin antibodies. The exclusion criteria encompassed individuals with HIV infection or chronic HBV infection. Additionally, pelvi-abdominal ultrasonography was performed. Our study included 450 treatment naïve CHC patients (59% male, mean age 50.8 years). The patients were categorized according to their cryoglobulin antibodys test results into two groups: group A, CHC patients with cryoglobulin antibodies (Abs) negative (364 patients), and group B, CHC patients with cryoglobulin Ab positive (86 patients). Group B demonstrated a higher average age, elevated international normalized ratio, more prolonged duration of HCV infection, lower albumin, higher alanine aminotransferase, higher aspartate aminotransferase, higher bilirubin, lower CD8, lower CD4, and lower CD4:CD8 ratio. In contrast, 27 out of 86 (31.40%) patients in group B had symptoms; 85.8% had purpura and arthralgia, 74.3% had paresthesias, 86.7% had weakness, and 12.2% had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The levels of CD4 and CD8 were found to be decreased in chronic HCV patients with MC. T-cell subpopulation serves as a reliable indicator for assessing the prevalence and prognosis of MC in individuals with genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C. However, additional research is needed to further understand the development and spread of various emerging infectious diseases. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that a critical threshold may exist beyond which EHM reaches a point of no return.

Potency of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and silver nanoparticles against immune, microbial and HT-29 colon cancer cells growth modulation.

Moringa oleifera plant grows in many countries worldwide and being utilized as a customary medication. The current study aimed to investigate the biological effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) alone or in combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on colon cancer, microbial cell growth. MOE was utilized in the green synthesis of AgNPs. The characterization of AgNPs was done by UV-Vis-spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MOE was tested for their sugars, active biomolecules, ROS, protein contents. Results revealed that created AgNPs are about 61 nm in diameter. There were no detectable sugar and protein in MOE, but it contains ROS and active biomolecules. MOE and MOE+AgNPs exerted mild antibacterial action and increased the number of apoptotic cells and p53 protein expression of HT-29 colon cancer cells. MOE and MOE+AgNPs could arrest HT-29 cells at G2/M phase and stimulate splenic cell growth. Both extract preparations showed antioxidant activities. Because MOE and MOE+AgNP stimulated immune cells and activated apoptosis in cancer cells, these preparations can be utilized as anticancer agents.

Morphology and molecular taxonomy of the tongue worm, genus Raillietiella (Pentastomida) from the lungs of berber skinks Eumeces schneideri (Scincidae): First report.

In the present study, pentastomids belonging to the order Cephalobaenida were isolated from the lungs of Berber skinks Eumeces schneideri (Famiy: Scincidae), which were morphologically described by light and scanning electron microscopy and taxonomically justified by 18s rDNA molecular analyses of the parasites. Seventeen host specimens were collected from well-vegetated wadis at high altitudes, Jizan, Saudi Arabia as new type locality; twelve specimens (70.59%) were infected. All of the recovered parasites were adults, possessed small broadly triangular cephalothorax flattened on the ventral surface and merged smoothly with a uniformly thick and squat abdomen and terminated in a pair of divergent lobes. The results obtained indicated that the parasites belong to the sharp-tipped posterior-hook Raillietiella spp. distinguished from other raillietiedids of the same group some important characteristic features including annulus number, shape and dimensions of the buccal cadre, copulatory spicules, and anterior and posterior hooks. The anterior hook of the female specimens (n=5) had a blade length (AB) of 135±5 (110-146) µm and shank length (BC) 158±5 (150-169) µm while the posterior hook was much larger with AB measuring 221±5 (200-236) µm and BC 286±6 (280-289) µm. For the male specimens (n=5), the anterior hook had an AB of 73±3 (72-75) µm and a BC 102±5 (100-103) µm. The posterior hook was much larger with AB 190.6±5 (190-191) µm and BC 221±5 (280-289) µm. The morphological characterization of the recovered parasites was closely similar to R. aegypti previously isolated from the same host. Sequence alignment by the maximum likelihood analysis for the data obtained from the 18S rDNA analysis of the parasites exhibits identities ranging between 88-95% with pentastomid genera recovered from the GenBank. The phylogenetic tree supported the inclusion of the parasites within the monophyletic Pentastomida clade with maximum identity to the raillietiellid species. The recovered sequences from the present study were deposited in GenBank under Accession number MK970649.1. The present molecular analysis was the first to confirm the taxonomic position of R. aegypti isolated from the host examined.

Study of the antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties of Origanum majorana leaf acetone extract.

Origanum majorana (OM) is known to have antioxidant properties. The present work was designed to evaluate, for the first time, the hepato/nephroprotective, immunomudulatory and antibacterial potentials of OM leaves acetone extract (OMLE). OML was collected from Al-Soudah, Aseer, Saudi Arabia, and OMLE was prepared. Active biomolecules were screened utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy, protein electrophoresis and HPLC. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using ELISA. Male rats were treated with OMLE and livers, kidneys and sera were collected. Liver enzymes, kidney function markers, antioxidants in liver and kidney tissues and tumor markers were quantitated. OMLE immunomodulatory potentials were tested using rat splenocytes. Antimicrobial power was tested against Gram negative/positive bacteria. The extract contained many functional biomolecules and ROS but no sugars and proteins. OMLE treatment did not affect liver and kidney functions or the tumor markers. There were some changes in measured antioxidant biomolecules. The extract is not harmful to hepatocytes as indicated by levels of AST and ALT. It is not carcinogenic as it did not make any changes in tumor marker levels. The extract could modulate the splenocytes. The use of OMLE is useful in protecting normal vital organs from oxidative stress. It can also be used as immunostimulant.

Biological Activities of Euphorbia peplus Leaves Ethanolic Extract and the Extract Fabricated Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Euphorbia peplus leaves extract (EpExt) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) phytofabricated with extract (EpExt-AuNPs) were investigated for biological activities. EpExt and EpExt-AuNPs were screened for: (i) anticancer activity against Hela and HepG2 cell lines; (ii) antimicrobial activity; (iii) hemolytic activity; (iv) cytotoxic or stimulatory effects; and (v) insecticidal activity. AuNPs (size 50 nm) were synthesized. (i) EpExt had a stimulatory effect (51.04%) on Hela cells and an inhibitory effect (-12.83%) on HepG2 cells while EpExt-AuNPs showed inhibitory effects (-54.25% and -59.64% on Hela and HepG2 cells respectively). (ii) Antimicrobial activity of EpExt-AuNPs was significantly higher (ranged from 11.67 mm to 14.33 mm) than that of EpExt (ranged from 5.33 mm to 6.33 mm). (iii) Both EpExt and EpExt-AuNPs displayed 100% hemolysis. (iv) A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of EpExt was observed (ranged from -48.5% to -92.1%), which was greater than that of EpExt-AuNPs (ranged from -32.1% to -69.1%) (v) EpExt-AuNPs was more lethal against mosquito larvae with lethal concentration (LC50) value (202.692 ppm) compared to EpExt (1430.590 ppm). In conclusion, EpExt-AuNPs were inhibitory against HepG2 and Hela cells, while EpExt inhibited HepG2 but stimulated Hela cells. EpExt-AuNPs had antimicrobial effects. EpExt showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on splenic cells. EpExt-AuNPs were lethal against mosquito larvae.

DNA vaccination using recombinant Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid binding protein (smFABP) gene.

Schistosomiasis is a fatal disease that has a negative impact on health and economics. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis treatment, but it has no prophylactic effect; therefore, vaccination is an essential requirement in schistosomiasis control. This work was carried out to investigate the possible effect of DNA vaccination against Schistosoma mansoni infection using recombinant S. mansoni fatty acid binding protein (rsmFABP). The smFABP gene was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNAI/Amp in order to obtain an smFABP-pcDNAI recombinant plasmid (DNA vaccine) and was used for the intramuscular DNA vaccination of out-bread Swiss albino mice prior to infection with S. mansoni cercariae. Infected groups, either DNA vaccinated or unvaccinated, were treated with PZQ at week 6 post-infection. After 8 weeks post-infection, all mouse groups were sacrificed and parasitological, immunological and histopathological parameters were studied. DNA vaccinated mice showed a high titer of anti-smFABP-IgG antibodies and acquired significant protection (74.2%, p < 0.01) against S. mansoni infection, with a reduction in ova and granuloma counts. DNA vaccinated and PZQ treated animals had higher titers of anti-smFABP-IgG antibodies and decreased (87%, P < 0.001) parenchymal granulomas compared to the DNA vaccinated PZQ untreated group. Infected mice, either non DNA vaccinated or vaccinated, had very high collagen content and fibrous granulomas (74%) compared to the PZQ treated group (10.3% fibrous granuloma) and PZQ treated + DNA vaccinated group (0% fibrous granuloma). In conclusion, DNA vaccination had protective and anti-pathological effects in naive mice and greatly improved the pathological status in PZQ-treated animals, suggesting an immunological and pathological modulating effect of PZQ treatment.

Vitamin C Modulates the Immunotoxic Effect of 17α-Methyltestosterone in Nile Tilapia.

The synthetic androgen 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) is profusely used and practically needed in the production of all-male Nile tilapia fry; however, such androgenic hormones badly disrupt the immune system. This study aimed to alleviate or counteract the immunotoxic effect of MT using vitamin C (ascorbic acid or vit C). Our results show that the highest phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and lysozyme activity were detected in the vit C group and the MT plus vit C group. Furthermore, PA and PI were significantly suppressed, but lysozyme activity was stronger in the MT group than in the control. No differences were detected in the differential leukocyte count among the studied groups. Moreover, vit C obviously reduced the upregulated expression level of the innate immune-related genes, interleukin 1ß (il1ß), interleukin 8 (il8), tumor necrosis factor α (tnfα), CC-chemokine, Toll-like receptor 7 (tlr7), immunoglobulin M (IgM) heavy chain, and cellular apoptosis susceptibility (cas) induced by MT, excluding tnfα in the liver and CC-chemokine and tlr7 in the kidney. The micronucleus frequency was found to significantly improve in the vit C plus MT group in comparison to that in the MT group. Normal histoarchitecture of the liver, kidney, and spleen was observed in all the groups, except for the frequently observed melanomacrophage centers in the spleen and kidney of the fish that were treated with vit C and vit C plus MT. More importantly, our findings demonstrate that the upregulation of immune-related genes is not necessarily a sign of a stimulated or enhanced immune system.

The extent to which immunity, apoptosis and detoxification gene expression interact with 17 alpha-methyltestosterone.

Innate immunity is the first line of defence against invasion by foreign pathogens. One widely used synthetic androgen for the production of all-male fish, particularly commercially valuable Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is 17 alpha-methyltestosterone (MT). The present study investigates the effect of MT on innate immunity, cellular apoptosis and detoxification and the mortality rate, during and after the feeding of fry with 0-, 40-and 60-mg MT/kg. Expression analysis was completed on interleukin 1 beta (il1ß), interleukin 8 (il8), tumour necrosis factor alpha (tnfα), CXC2- and CC-chemokines, interferon (ifn), myxovirus resistance (mx), toll-like receptor 7 (tlr7), immunoglobulin M heavy chain (IgM heavy chain), vitellogenin (vtg), cellular apoptosis susceptibility (cas) and glutathione S-transferase α1 (gstα1). Expression analysis revealed that MT had a significant impact on these genes, and this impact varied from induction to repression during and after the treatment. Linear regression analysis showed a significant association between the majority of the tested gene transcript levels and mortality rates on the 7th and 21st days of hormonal treatment and 2 weeks following hormonal cessation. The results are thoroughly discussed in this article. This is the first report concerning the hazardous effect of MT on a series of genes involved in immunity, apoptosis and detoxification in the Nile tilapia fry.

Impact of Rumex nepalensis on Performance, Blood Markers, Immunity, Intestinal Microbiology and Histomorphology in Broiler Chicken.

The study investigated the impact of utilizing Rumex nepalensis leaf powder (RNL) as a phytogenic feed additive on performance, blood markers, intestinal microbiology and histomorphology in broiler chicken. One hundred eighty day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups having three replicates with fifteen birds each. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets primarily based on maize-soybean were formulated, viz., CN (Control)-fed basal diet only; RNL2.5 (basal diet + 2.5 g/kg RNL); RNL5 (basal diet + 5 g/kg RNL); and RNL10 (basal diet + 10 g/kg RNL). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in dietary treatments compared to CN with best values in RNL10 followed by RNL5. The blood markers like glucose, total protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no significance (p > 0.05) among all the treatments, however total cholesterol significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in RNL5 and RNL10 as against CN. Regarding immune parameters, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in RNL5 and RNL10. Antioxidant enzyme status showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in RNL10 compared to CN. Gut health in terms of cecal microbiology and histomorphology of duodenum and jejunum were altered by inclusion of RNL in the broiler diet. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in coliform count was recorded by incorporation of dietary treatments with highest reduction in RNL10. Lactobacillus count and total viable count did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments and CN. Duodenal and jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in RNL5 and RNL10 compared to RNL2.5 and CN. Thus, it could be concluded that inclusion of Rumex nepalensis leaf powder in the diet resulted in improved performance and better immuno-antioxidant status of broilers. Further, an improvement in the gut health was observed in terms of positive effects on cecal microbiota and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens.

Deciphering the Potential of Probiotics in Vaccines.

The demand for vaccines, particularly those prepared from non-conventional sources, is rising due to the emergence of drug resistance around the globe. Probiotic-based vaccines are a wise example of such vaccines which represent new horizons in the field of vaccinology in providing an enhanced and diversified immune response. The justification for incorporating probiotics into vaccines lies in the fact that that they hold the capacity to regulate immune function directly or indirectly by influencing the gastrointestinal microbiota and related pathways. Several animal-model-based studies have also highlighted the efficacy of these vaccines. The aim of this review is to collect and summarize the trends in the recent scientific literature regarding the role of probiotics in vaccines and vaccinology, along with their impact on target populations.

Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico anti-α-glucosidase assays of N-phenylacetamide-1,2,3-triazole-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as new anti-diabetic agents.

In this work, a novel series of N-phenylacetamide-1,2,3-triazole-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives 5a-n were designed by consideration of the potent α-glucosidase inhibitors containing indole and carboxamide-1,2,3-triazole-N-phenylacetamide moieties. These compounds were synthesized by click reaction and evaluated against yeast α-glucosidase. All the newly title compounds demonstrated superior potency when compared with acarbose as a standard inhibitor. Particularly, compound 5k possessed the best inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with around a 28-fold improvement in the inhibition effect in comparison standard inhibitor. This compound showed a competitive type of inhibition in the kinetics. The molecular docking and dynamics demonstrated that compound 5k with a favorable binding energy well occupied the active site of α-glucosidase.

The influence of dietary supplementation with fermented agro-industrial residue of faba bean on Japanese quail performance, immunity, gut microbiota, blood chemistry, and antioxidant status.

Antibiotic overuse in poultry feeds has disastrous implications; consequently, long-term alternatives must be developed. As a result, the current study aims to assess the impact of Aspergillus niger filtrate (ANF) high in organic acids grown on agro-industrial residue of faba bean (AIRFB) on quail diet, as well as their influence on bird productivity, digestion, carcass yield, blood chemistry, and intestinal microbiota. A total of 240 Japanese quails (aged 7 d) were used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups with 48 quails each. Group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any ANF, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 mL ANF/kg diet, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mL ANF/kg diet, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 mL ANF/kg diet, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL ANF/kg diet. The performance parameters were monitored at 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 1 to 5 wk. Adding ANF increased body weight at 3 and 5 wk, as well as body weight gain at 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 1 to 5 wk, compared to the control diet. The ANF fed quails had the highest feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The addition of ANF to the quail diet had no effect on the weight of the carcass, gizzard, heart, liver, giblets, or dressing; however, it did lower triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein while increasing high-density lipoprotein levels. The quail groups that received ANF had enhanced immunological indices such as IgG, IgM, IgA, and lysozymes. It also increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant contents, as well as catalase, and digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase. However, it lowered the blood MDA levels compared to control. It has been demonstrated that the total gut microbiota, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and the population of Salmonella are all reduced in ANF-fed quails. Histological examination of ANF quails' liver and intestinal sections revealed normal hepatic parenchyma, typical leaf-like intestinal villi, and comparatively short and frequently free lumina. In conclusion, Japanese quail showed improvements in performance, digestive enzymes, antioxidant indices, immunity, and capacity to reduce intestinal pathogenic bacteria after consuming diet supplemented with ANF.

Mitigation of Benzene-Induced Haematotoxicity in Sprague Dawley Rats through Plant-Extract-Loaded Silica Nanobeads.

Benzene, a potent carcinogen, is known to cause acute myeloid leukaemia. While chemotherapy is commonly used for cancer treatment, its side effects have prompted scientists to explore natural products that can mitigate the haematotoxic effects induced by chemicals. One area of interest is nano-theragnostics, which aims to enhance the therapeutic potential of natural products. This study aimed to enhance the effects of methanolic extracts from Ocimum basilicum, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris by loading them onto silica nanobeads (SNBs) for targeted delivery to mitigate the benzene-induced haematotoxic effects. The SNBs, 48 nm in diameter, were prepared using a chemical method and were then loaded with the plant extracts. The plant-extract-loaded SNBs were then coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The modified SNBs were characterized using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The developed plant-extract-loaded and CMC-modified SNBs were administered intravenously to benzene-exposed rats, and haematological and histopathological profiling was conducted. Rats exposed to benzene showed increased liver and spleen weight, which was mitigated by the plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The differential white blood cell (WBC) count was higher in rats with benzene-induced haematotoxicity, but this count decreased significantly in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. Additionally, blast cells observed in benzene-exposed rats were not found in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The SNBs facilitated targeted drug delivery of the three selected medicinal herbs at low doses. These results suggest that SNBs have promising potential as targeted drug delivery agents to mitigate haematotoxic effects induced by benzene in rats.

Inhibition realization of multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal isolates using Coccinia indica extracts.

The crude aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Coccinia indica were screened for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug resistant (MDR) Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida auris and Trichophyton rubrum. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed by standard disc diffusion and tube dilution methods. The results showed that ethanolic extract inhibited MRSA, C. auris at 250 µg/mL and S. pyogenes at 200 µg/mL comparable to the susceptible antibiotics used as positive controls. There was no observable activity against T. rubrum, while a mild activity was observed with ethanolic extracts over E. coli at higher concentrations which did not turn out to be complete or significant inhibition. Aqueous extract did not exhibit any observable activity over the five organisms tested. Furthermore, the results showed clear cut concentration dependent antibacterial and antifungal activities with additional variation of specific activity over Gram positive and negative bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. So, it is evident that ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica could be further escalating for mechanistic studies in the era of multidrug resistance, indigenous preparations from herbs could be a safe choice over clinically challenging organisms.

Larval cestodes infecting commercial fish of Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea: morphology and phylogeny.

Members of the order Trypanorhyncha are cestode parasites that are frequently found infecting the muscles of several marine fish species, affecting fish health and resulting in consumers' rejection. Seventy-five specimens of marine fish were freshly caught from boat landing sites at the Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, including two Carangids, the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili and the gulley jack Pseudocarans dentex; two Serranids, the Haifa grouper Epinephelus haifensis and the mottled grouper Mycteroperca rubra. Forty-five fish were infected; the infection was recorded as blastocysts embedded in fish flesh. Blastocysts were isolated and ruptured; the generated plerocerci were described morphologically, where, four different species were recovered; Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, Callitetrarhynchus speciosus, Protogrillotia zerbiae, and Grillotia brayi. The taxonomic position of these parasites was justified by multiple-sequence alignment and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following maximum likelihood analysis of the 18s rRNA sequences of the recovered worms. The accession numbers MN625168, MN625169, MN611431and MN611432 were respectively assigned to the recovered parasites. The results obtained from the molecular analyses confirmed the morphological records of the recovered parasites. Since metacestodes are found in the musculature of infected fish specimens, it is necessary to remove these areas in the commercialization of fish.

The ameliorative effect of kaempferol against CdCl2- mediated renal damage entails activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-kB.

This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of kaempferol against cadmium chloride (CdCl2) -induced nephropathy in rats. It also investigated if activation of Nrf2 is a common mechanism of action. Adult male rats ((150 ± 15 g) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/each) as a control (1% DMSO, orally), control + kaempferol (200 mg/kg, orally), CdCl2 (50 mg/l in drinking water), and CdCl2 + kaempferol (200 mg/kg)-treated rats. All treatments were conducted for 8 weeks. Kaempferol significantly attenuated CdCl2-induced weight loss, reduction in kidney weights, and the injury in the glomeruli, proximal tubules, and distal tubules in the treated rats. It also significantly lowered serum levels of urea and creatinine, increased urine output and urinary creatinine levels and clearance but reduced urinary levels of albumin urinary albumin exertion (UAER), and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in these rats. In parallel, kaempferol downregulated renal levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and unregulated those of Bcl2. In the kidney tissues of the control animals and CdCl2 rats, kaempferol significantly attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and significantly boosted levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Also, and in both groups, kaempferol suppressed the nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, downregulated Keap1, and stimulated the nuclear activation and protein levels of Nrf2. In conclusion, kaempferol is a potential therapeutic drug to prevent CdCl2-induced nephropathy due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects mediated by suppressing NF- NF-κB p65 and transactivating Nrf2.

Anti-IFN autoantibodies are present in healthy Egyptian blood donors at low titer.

Autoantibody against interferon is associated in many viral and non-viral diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-IFN-alpha autoantibodies in healthy Egyptian blood donors. The study included 558 (100 females (17.92%) and 458 males (82.08%)) Egyptian healthy blood donors who showed normal levels of liver enzymes and kidney tests and were conformed negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies (Abs), HIV-1/2 Abs, anti-HBc and Treponema Abs. Autoantibody against IFN-alpha-1a and IFN-alpha-2b were screened using ELISA. Anti-IFN-alpha-1a positive cases were found to be 43 subject (7.76%; 6 females (1.08%); 37 males (6.68%)) and anti-IFN-alpha-2b positive cases were found to be 3 (0.54%; all males). Combined positivity against both IFN-alpha-1a and IFN-alpha-2b was 38 (6.86%; 7 females (1.26%) and 31 males (6.60%)). From these findings we can conclude that antibodies against IFN-alpha are present in considerable number at low titer in accepted blood donors.

Development of in-house ELISAs for the detection of anti-SARS­CoV­2 RBD and N IgG and IgM antibodies in biological samples.

By the end of year 2019, the new virus SARS-CoV-2 appeared, causing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and spread very fast globally. A continuing need for diagnostic tools is a must to contain its spread. Till now, the gold standard method, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), is the precise procedure to detect the virus. However, SARS-CoV-2 may escape RT-PCR detection for several reasons. The development of well-designed, specific and sensitive serological test like enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is needed. This EIA can stand alone or work side by side with RT-PCR. In this study, we developed several EIAs including plates that are coated with either specially designed SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid or surface recombinant proteins. Each protein type can separately detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM or IgG antibodies. For each EIAs, the cut-off value, specificity and sensitivity were determined utilizing RT-PCR confirmed Covid-19 and pre-pandemic healthy and other viruses-infected sera. Also, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to define the specificities and sensitivities of the optimized assay. The in-house EIAs were validated by comparing against commercial EIA kits. All in-house EIAs showed high specificity (98-99%) and sensitivity (97.8-98.9%) for the detection of IgG/IgM against RBD and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2. From these results, the developed Anti-RBD and anti-N IgG and IgM antibodies EIAs can be used as a specific and sensitive tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection, calculate the burden of disease and case fatality rates.

Antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and cytotoxic activities of green synthesized nanoparticles from Acacia honey and Calotropis procera.

Calotropis procera and Somra (Acacia) honey are used in traditional medicine. The benefits of mixing 20% Somra honey and C. procera leaf water extract (CPLWExt) were aimed to be studied. Honey/CPLWExt were utilized to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) separately. AgNPs were characterized via UV/Vis and electron microscope scanning. Bio-molecules in CPLWExt/honey were investigated utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy. Biological activities of CPLWExt and honey were tested. The outcomes showed that CPLWExt and honey have numerous functional groups and could produce AgNPs. CPLWExt, CPLWExt + AgNPs, honey and honey + AgNPs hindered the growth of rat splenocytes, while CPLWExt + honey invigorated it. Antimicrobial power was found in CPLWExt and honey, which increased in the presence of AgNPs. Honey/honey + AgNPs suppressed the proliferation of HeLa and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, honey/CPLWExt could produce AgNPs and showed immunomodulatory and antibacterial power. Somra honey/honey + AgNPs have anticancer power. Somra honey + CPLWExt reflected a good immunostimulatory powers that can be nominated as an immunostimulant.