Integrated management of groundwater quantity, physicochemical properties, and microbial quality in West Nile delta using a new MATLAB code and geographic information system mapping.

Groundwater is an excellent alternative to freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and developing arid regions. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal activities may affect groundwater quantity and quality. Therefore, we aimed to use advanced methods/techniques to monitor the piezometric levels and collect groundwater samples to test their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Our results using software programs showed two main types of groundwater: the most prevalent was the Na-Cl type, which accounts for 94% of the groundwater samples, whereas the Mg-Cl type was found in 6% of samples only. In general, the hydraulic gradient values, ranging from medium to low, could be attributed to the slow movement of groundwater. Salinity distribution in groundwater maps varied between 238 and 1350 mg L-1. Although lower salinity values were observed in northwestern wells, higher values were recorded in southern ones. The collected seventeen water samples exhibited brackish characteristics and were subjected to microbial growth monitoring. Sample WD12 had the lowest total bacterial count (TBC) of 4.8 ± 0.9 colony forming unit (CFU mg L-1), while WD14 had the highest TBC (7.5 ± 0.5 CFU mg L-1). None of the tested water samples, however, contained pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, the current simulation models for groundwater drawdown of the Quaternary aquifer system predict a considerable drawdown of water levels over the next 10, 20, and 30 years with the continuous development of the region.

Characterization of Portulaca oleracea Whole Plant: Evaluating Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Antiviral Activities and Application as Quality Enhancer in Yogurt.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is rich in phenolic compounds, protein, and iron. This study aims to produce functional yogurt with enhanced antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties by including safe purslane extract in yogurt formulation; the yogurt was preserved for 30 days at 4 °C, and then biochemical fluctuations were monitored. The purslane extract (PuE) had high phenolic compounds and flavonoids of 250 and 56 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, PuE had considerable antioxidant activity, which scavenged 93% of DPPH˙, inhibited the viability of MCF-7, HCT, and HeLa cell lines by 84, 82, and 80%, respectively, and inhibited 82% of the interaction between the binding between Spike and ACE2 compared to a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor test kit. PuE (20-40 µg/mL) inhibited the growth of tested pathogenic bacteria and Candida strains, these strains isolated from spoild yogurt and identified at gene level by PCR. Caffeic acid glucoside and catechin were the main phenolic compounds in the HPLC profile, while the main flavor compound was carvone and limonene, representing 71% of total volatile compounds (VOCs). PuE was added to rats' diets at three levels (50, 150, and 250 µg/g) compared to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The body weight of the rats fed the PuE diet (250 µg/g) increased 13% more than the control. Dietary PuE in rats' diets lowered the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by 72% and increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 36%. Additionally, liver parameters in rats fed PuE (150 µg/g) decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 50, 43, and 25%, respectively, while TP, TA, and GSH were increased by 20, 50, and 40%, respectively, compared to BHA. Additionally, PuE acts as a kidney protector by lowering creatinine and urea. PuE was added to yogurt at three concentrations (50, 150, and 250 µg/g) and preserved for 30 days compared to the control. The yogurt's pH reduced during storage while acidity, TSS, and fat content increased. Adding PuE increased the yogurt's water-holding capacity, so syneresis decreased and viscosity increased, which was attributed to enhancing the texture properties (firmness, consistency, and adhesiveness). MDA decreased in PuE yogurt because of the antioxidant properties gained by PuE. Additionally, color parameters L and b were enhanced by PuE additions and sensorial traits, i.e., color, flavor, sugary taste, and texture were enhanced by purslane extract compared to the control yogurt. Concerning the microbial content in the yogurt, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was maintained as a control. Adding PuE at concentrations of 50, 150, and 250 µg/g to the yogurt formulation can enhance the quality of yogurt.

Extraction, characterization of polyphenols from certain medicinal plants and evaluation of their antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, antimicrobial properties, and potential use in human nutrition.

Introduction: Dietary medicinal plants are among the most sought-after topics in alternative medicine today due to their preventive and healing properties against many diseases. Aim: This study aimed to extract and determine the polyphenols from indigenous plants extracts, i.e., Mentha longifolia, M. arvensis, Tinospora cordifolia, Cymbopogon citratus, Foeniculum vulgare, Cassia absus, Camellia sinensis, Trachyspermum ammi, C. sinensis and M. arvensis, then evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties, besides enzyme inhibition of isolated polyphenols. Methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, Superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical (OH.), and Nitric oxide (NO.) scavenging activity; the antidiabetic activity was evaluated by enzymatic methods, and anticancer activity using MTT assay, while the antibacterial activity. Results: The results showed that tested medicinal plants' polyphenolic extracts (MPPE) exhibited the most significant antioxidant activity in DPPH, hydroxyl, nitric oxide, and superoxide radical scavenging methods because of the considerable amounts of total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. UHPLC profile showed twenty-five polyphenol complexes in eight medicinal plant extracts, categorized into phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The main polyphenol was 3-Feroylquinic acid (1,302 mg/L), also found in M. longifolia, C. absus, and C. sinensis, has a higher phenolic content, i.e., rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, catechin, luteolin, 7-O-neohesperideside, quercetin 3,7-O-glucoside, hesperidin, rutin, quercetin, and caffeine in the range of (560-780 mg/L). At the same time, other compounds are of medium content (99-312 mg/L). The phenolics in C. sinensis were 20-116% more abundant than those in M. longifolia, C. absus, and other medicinal plants. While T. cordifolia is rich in alkaloids, T. ammi has a lower content. The MTT assay against Caco-2 cells showed that polyphenolic extracts of T. ammi and C. citratus had maximum cytotoxicity. While M. arvensis, C. sinensis, and F. vulgare extracts showed significant enzyme inhibition activity, C. sinensis showed minor inhibition activity against α-amylase. Furthermore, F. vulgare and C. sinensis polyphenolic extracts showed considerable antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, and S. enterica. Discussion: The principal component analysis demonstrated clear separation among medicinal plants' extracts based on their functional properties. These findings prove the therapeutic effectiveness of indigenous plants and highlight their importance as natural reserves of phytogenic compounds with untapped potential that needs to be discovered through advanced analytical methods.

The influence of bacterial selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Bacillus subtilus DA20 on blood constituents, growth performance, carcass traits, and gut microbiota of broiler chickens.

Selenium is one of the necessary micronutrients needed for enhanced gut microbiota and oxidative stress of poultry, so it improves their performance. In this study, Bacillus subtilus DA20 isolate that identified at the gene level by PCR was employed to produce eco-friendly selenium nanoparticles (BSeNPs) and investigate their effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, and gut microbiota of Indian River (IR) broiler chickens. The obtained selenium nanoparticles were spherical with size of 56 nm and net negative charge of -22.36 mV; the BSeNPs were surrounded with active compounds, which besides the tiny size attributed to antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Forty hundred and eighty unsexed IR broilers, 1-day old, were reared for 35 d. The chicks were weighed separately and distributed into 3 treatment groups; each group contained 4 replicates (40 birds per replicate). Chicks in the first, second, third, fourth groups were fed control diets supplemented with 0, 20, 40, and 60 µg/kg of BSeNPs, respectively; but the fifth group was fed 300 µg/kg bulk selenium. Dietary supplementation with BSeNPs (40 µg/kg diet) significantly increased the body weight of chicks and decreased the feed conversion ratio. Additionally, dietary BSeNPs significantly (P = 0.046) lowered the fat content in broiler by 24% compared to the control; on the other hand, the breast muscle significantly increased (P = 0.035) by 19%. The content of total bacterial count (TBC), total yeast mold count (TYMC), E. coli, and Salmonella counts significantly was decreased with BSeNPs and Se compared to the control. However, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was significantly increased with BSeNPs (60 µg/kg) when compared to control, showing the beneficial effects of BSeNPs in reducing pathogens and enhancing the beneficial bacteria, which reflects on the broiler performance.

Molecular detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in commercial broiler chicken farms from 2019 to 2022.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a serious viral infection that causes massive economic losses in poultry. The current study investigated the HPAI virus prevalence in commercial broiler chicken flocks from 2019 to 2022. Organ samples, including trachea, cecal tonsils, spleen, brain, as well as tracheal and cloacal swabs, were harvested from 111 problematic broiler chicken flocks that suffered from variable mortalities accompanied with respiratory signs (103 H5-vaccinated and 8 nonvaccinated flocks) in Egypt during the observation duration. Molecular tools were used to analyze the samples, including real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and sequence analysis of some PCR positive strains. The results indicated that 24 flocks were positive for HPAI H5N8, representing 21.6%, with 22.3% (23/103) prevalence and 12.5% (1/8) detection in vaccinated and nonvaccinated flocks, respectively, and they were almost detected in the autumn and winter seasons. Phylogenetic evaluation of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene showed that the 6 Egyptian strains were clustered in clade 2.3.4.4b and allocated into 2 groups (I and II). The samples recovered in 2019 were clustered in new subgroup A, and samples recovered in 2020 to 2022 were clustered in new subgroup B with 10 nucleotide mutations (R72S, A83D, T140A). In conclusion, HPAI H5N8 is a serious threat even in vaccinated birds; to control such problems, periodic molecular monitoring with vaccine efficacy evaluation and the use of preventive strategies are recommended.

Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Foodborne Pathogenic Strains and Assessment of Their Adhesion Ability and Cytotoxic Effects in HCT-116 Cells.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the high-threat pathogens equipped with a repertoire of virulence factors making it responsible for many infections in humans, including foodborne diseases. The present study aims to characterize antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in foodborne S. aureus isolates, and to investigate their cytotoxic effects in human intestinal cells (HCT-116). Our results revealed methicillin resistance phenotypes (MRSA) along with the detection of mecA gene (20%) among tested foodborne S. aureus strains. Furthermore, 40% of tested isolates showed a strong ability for adhesion and biofilm formation. A high rate of exoenzymes production by tested bacteria was also registered. Additionally, treatment with S. aureus extracts leads to a significant decrease in HCT-116 cell viability, accompanied by a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as a result of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Thereby, S. aureus food poisoning remains daunting and needs particular concern to prevent foodborne illness.

Characterization and Biodegradation of Phenol by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella variicola Strains Isolated from Sewage Sludge and Their Effect on Soybean Seeds Germination.

Phenols are very soluble in water; as a result, they can pollute a massive volume of fresh water, wastewater, groundwater, oceans, and soil, negatively affecting plant germination and animal and human health. For the detoxification and bioremediation of phenol in wastewater, phenol biodegradation using novel bacteria isolated from sewage sludge was investigated. Twenty samples from sewage sludge (SS) were collected, and bacteria in SS contents were cultured in the mineral salt agar (MSA) containing phenol (500 mg/L). Twenty colonies (S1 up to S20) were recovered from all the tested SS samples. The characteristics of three bacterial properties, 16S rDNA sequencing, similarities, GenBank accession number, and phylogenetic analysis showed that strains S3, S10, and S18 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella variicola, respectively. P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola were able to degrade 1000 mg/L phenol in the mineral salt medium. The bacterial strains from sewage sludge were efficient in removing 71.70 and 74.67% of phenol at 1000 mg/L within three days and could tolerate high phenol concentrations (2000 mg/L). The findings showed that P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola could potentially treat phenolic water. All soybean and faba bean seeds were germinated after being treated with 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L phenol in a mineral salt medium inoculated with these strains. The highest maximum phenol removal and detoxification rates were P. aeruginosa and K. variicola. These strains may help decompose and detoxify phenol from industrial wastewater with high phenol levels and bioremediating phenol-contaminated soils.

Pomegranate Pomace Extract with Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Antiviral Activity Enhances the Quality of Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie.

Valorizing the wastes of the food industry sector as additives in foods and beverages enhances human health and preserves the environment. In this study, pomegranate pomace (PP) was obtained from the company Schweppes and exposed to the production of polyphenols and fiber-enriched fractions, which were subsequently included in a strawberry-yogurt smoothie (SYS). The PP is rich in carbohydrates and fibers and has high water-absorption capacity (WAC) and oil-absorption capacity (OAC) values. The LC/MS phenolic profile of the PP extract indicated that punicalagin (199 g/L) was the main compound, followed by granatin B (60 g/L) and pedunculagin A (52 g/L). Because of the high phenolic content of PP extract, it (p ≤ 0.05) has high antioxidant activity with SC50 of 200 µg/mL, besides scavenging 95% of DPPH radicals compared to ascorbic acid (92%); consequently, it reduced lung cancer cell lines' viability to 86%, and increased caspase-3 activity. Additionally, it inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi i.e., L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, A. niger, and C. glabrata, in the 45-160 µg/mL concentration range while killing the tested isolates with 80-290 µg/mL concentrations. These isolates were selected based on the microbial count of spoiled smoothie samples and were identified at the gene level by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The interaction between Spike and ACE2 was inhibited by 75.6%. The PP extract at four levels (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.4 mg/mL) was added to strawberry-yogurt smoothie formulations. During 2 months storage at 4 °C, the pH values, vitamin C, and total sugars of all SYS decreased. However, the decreases were gradually mitigated in PP-SYS because of the high phenolic content in the PP extract compared to the control. The PP-SYS3 and PP-SYS4 scored higher in flavor, color, and texture than in other samples. In contrast, acidity, fat, and total soluble solids (TSS) increased at the end of the storage period. High fat and TSS content are observed in PP-SYS because of the high fiber content in PP. The PP extract (1.2 and 1.6 mg/mL) decreases the color differences and reduces harmful microbes in PP-SYS compared to the control. Using pomegranate pomace as a source of polyphenols and fiber in functional foods enhances SYS's physiochemical and sensory qualities.

Upgrading the physiochemical and sensory quality of yogurt by incorporating polyphenol-enriched citrus pomaces with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities.

Industrial pomaces are cheap sources of phenolic compounds and fibers but dumping them in landfills has negative environmental and health consequences. Therefore, valorizing these wastes in the food industry as additives significantly enhances the final product. In this study, the citrus pomaces, orange pomace (OP), mandarin pomace (MP), and lemon pomace (LP) were collected by a juice company and subjected to producing polyphenols and fiber-enriched fractions, which are included in functional yogurt; the pomace powder with different levels (1, 3, and 5%) was homogenized in cooled pasteurized milk with other ingredients (sugar and starter) before processing the yogurt fermentation. The HPLC phenolic profile showed higher phenolic content in OP extract, i.e., gallic acid (1,702.65), chlorogenic acid (1,256.22), naringenin (6,450.57), catechin (1,680.65), and propyl gallate (1,120.37) ppm with massive increases over MP (1.34-37 times) and LP (1.49-5 times). The OP extract successfully scavenged 87% of DPPH with a relative increase of about 16 and 32% over LP and MP, respectively. Additionally, it inhibits 77-90% of microbial growth at 5-8 µg/mL while killing them in the 9-14 µg/mL range. Furthermore, OP extract successfully reduced 77% of human breast carcinoma. Each of pomace powder sample (OP, MP, LP) was added to yogurt at three levels; 1, 3, and 5%, while the physiochemical, sensorial, and microbial changes were monitored during 21 days of cold storage. OP yogurt had the highest pH and lowest acidity, while LP yogurt recorded the reverse. High fat and total soluble solids (TSS) content are observed in OP yogurt because of the high fiber content in OP. The pH values of all yogurt samples decreased, while acidity, fat, and TSS increased at the end of the storage period. The OP yogurts 1 and 3% scored higher in color, flavor, and structure than other samples. By measuring the microbial load of yogurt samples, the OP (1 and 3%) contributes to the growth of probiotics (Lactobacillus spp) in yogurt samples and reduces harmful microbes. Using citrus pomace as a source of polyphenols and fiber in functional foods is recommended to enhance their physiochemical and sensory quality.

Evaluation of Green Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated by Spirulina platensis Phycocyanin as Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents.

Green nanotechnology has attracted attention worldwide, especially in treating cancer and drug-resistant section 6 microbes. This work aims to investigate the anticancer activity of green silver nanoparticles synthesized by Spirulina platensis phycocyanin (SPAgNPs) on two cancer cell lines: Lung cancer cell line (A-549) and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), compared to the normal human lung cell line (A138). We also aimed to investigate the bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29737, Bacillus cereus ATCC11778, Escherichia coli ATCC8379, and Klebsiella pneumonia, as well as the fungicidal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC6019) and Aspergillus niger. The obtained SPAgNPs were spherical and crystalline with a size of 30 nm and a net charge of -26.32 mV. Furthermore, they were surrounded by active groups responsible for stability. The SPAgNPs scavenged 85% of the DPPH radical with a relative increase of approximately 30% over the extract. The proliferation of cancer cells using the MTT assay clarified that both cancer cells (A-549 and MCF-7) are regularly inhibited as they grow on different concentrations of SPAgNPs. The maximum inhibitory effect of SPAgNPs (50 ppm) reached 90.99 and 89.51% against A-549 and MCF7, respectively. Regarding antimicrobial activity, no inhibition zones occurred in bacterial or fungal strains at low concentrations of SPAgNPs and the aqueous Spirulina platensis extract. However, at high concentrations, inhibition zones, especially SPAgNPs, were more potent for all tested microorganisms than their positive controls, with particular reference to Staphylococcus aureus, since the inhibition zones were 3.2, 3.8, and 4.3 mm, and Bacillus cereus was 2.37 mm when compared to tetracycline (2.33 mm). SPAgNPs have more potent antifungal activity, especially against Aspergillus niger, compared to their positive controls. We concluded that SPAgNPs are powerful agents against oxidative stress and microbial infection.

Effective Removal of Cr(VI) from Wastewater Using Biochar Derived from Walnut Shell.

Heavy metals are the major concern of the modern age. Among the heavy metals, chromium (Cr(VI)) is regarded as a highly toxic heavy metal released largely from leather tanning operations. To remove such high concentrations of Cr(VI), an advanced method is required urgently. Thus, biosorption using biochar, which is an organic material produced from various sources such as walnut shell, can be applied successfully for Cr(VI) abatement. The major objectives of this experiment were the remediation of the Cr(VI) heavy metal using walnut shell biochar and checking of the effect of pH, biochar dosage, Cr level, and shaking time. Remediation of Cr(VI) using walnut shell biochar was proved to be effective and removed the maximum concentration of Cr(VI) up to 93% at pH 5.5, 2 h agitation time, and the biochar amount of 1.1 g L-1 from an aqueous solution. Equilibrium modeling demonstrated that the chemisorption process was involved in adsorption of Cr(VI). The surface of the biochar was porous and provided numerous sites for Cr(VI) attachment, which was also confirmed by the presence of Cr(VI) onto the biochar after adsorption. Hence, the use of walnut shell biochar was highly effective as a sorbent, which could conveniently be applied to small-scale as well as large-scale levels.

Identification of Genetic Variants Associated With Myocardial Infarction in Saudi Arabia.

The genetic variants associated with various genetic disorders have not been identified decisively in Saudi Arabia. Among these variants, six known for their association with coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction (MI) were studied on Saudi patients. Reference single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these variants are rs5174, rs11591147, rs2259816, rs111245230, rs3782886 and rs2259820, referring to genes LRP8, PCSK9, HNF1A, SVEP1, BRAP and HNF1A, respectively. The analysis employed polymerase chain reaction panel coupled with mini-sequencing (SNapShot multiplex system) in order to identify these variants. A total of 100 MI patients and 103 healthy control individuals participated in this study. The six variants (SNPs) were evaluated for the risk of developing MI in the Saudi patients. Analysis of allele frequencies indicated that A allele of rs11591147 variant can be a protective allele, thus, is associated with the decreased risk of MI in Saudi individuals. Rare allele of rs111245230 variant (e.g., C allele) was extremely reduced, while rare allele of rs3782886 variant (e.g., G allele) does not exist in the ethnic signature of the Saudi population. This study elucidates the possible prediction of risk factors associated with severe diseases in Saudi population utilizing SNapShot multiplex system.

Stepwise response of MeJA-induced genes and pathways in leaves of C. roseus.

Catharanthus roseus is a perennial herb known for the production of important terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) in addition to a variety of phenolic compounds. The goal of the present work was to detect the prolonged effects of MeJA (6 uM) treatment across time (up to 24 days) in order to detect the stepwise response of MeJA-induced genes and pathways in leaves of C. rouses. Prolonged exposure of plants to MeJA (6 uM) treatment for different time points (6, 12 and 24 days) indicated that genes in the indole alkaloid biosynthesis pathway and upstream pathways were triggered earlier (e.g., 6 days) than those in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway and its upstream pathways (e.g., 12 days). Three enzymes, e.g., T16H, OMT, and D4H, in the six-step vindoline biosynthesis and two enzymes, e.g., TDC and STR, acting consecutively in the conversion of tryptophan to strictosidine, were activated after 6 days of MeJA treatment. Two other key enzymes, e.g., TRP and CYP72A1, acting concurrently upstream of the TIA biosynthesis pathway were upregulated after 6 days. The genes encoding TDC and STR might concurrently act as a master switch of the TIA pathway towards the production of the indole alkaloids. On the other hand, we speculate that the gene encoding PAL enzyme also acts as the master switch of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and the downstream flavonoid biosynthesis and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways towards the production of several phenolic compounds. PAL and the downstream enzymes were activated 12 days after treatment. Cluster analysis confirmed the concordant activities of the flower- and silique-specific bHLH25 transcription factor and the key enzyme in the TIA biosynthesis pathway, e.g., STR. Due to the stepwise response of the two sets of pathways, we speculate that enzymes activated earlier likely make TIA biosynthesis pathway a more favourable target in C. roseus than anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway.