Asiatic acid rescues intestinal tissue by suppressing molecular, biochemical, and histopathological changes associated with the development of ulcerative colitis.

Asiatic acid (AA) is a polyphenolic compound with potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities that make it a potential choice to attenuate inflammation and oxidative insults associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate if AA can attenuate molecular, biochemical, and histological alterations in the acetic acid-induced UC model in rats. To perform the study, five groups were applied, including the control, acetic acid-induced UC, UC-treated with 40 mg/kg aminosalicylate (5-ASA), UC-treated with 20 mg/kg AA, and UC-treated with 40 mg/kg AA. Levels of different markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were studied along with histological approaches. The induction of UC increased the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream antioxidant proteins [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR)] were downregulated in the colon tissue. Moreover, the inflammatory mediators [myeloperoxidase (MPO), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß)] were increased in the colon tissue after the induction of UC. Notably, an apoptotic response was developed, as demonstrated by the increased caspase-3 and Bax and decreased Bcl2. Interestingly, AA administration at both doses lessened the molecular, biochemical, and histopathological changes following the induction in the colon tissue of UC. In conclusion, AA could improve the antioxidative status and attenuate the inflammatory and apoptotic challenges associated with UC.

Ameliorative effects of propolis and wheat germ oil on acute toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice are associated with reduction in parasite burden and restoration of histopathological changes in the brain, uterus, and kidney.

Toxoplasmosis continues to be a prevalent parasitic zoonosis with a global distribution. This disease is caused by an intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, and the development of effective novel drug targets to combat it is imperative. There is limited information available on the potential advantages of wheat germ oil (WGO) and propolis, both individually and in combination, against the acute phase of toxoplasmosis. In this study, acute toxoplasmosis was induced in Swiss albino mice, followed by the treatment of infected animals with WGO and propolis, either separately or in combination. After 10 days of experimental infection and treatment, mice from all groups were sacrificed, and their brains, uteri, and kidneys were excised for histopathological assessment. Additionally, the average parasite load in the brain was determined through parasitological assessment, and quantification of the parasite was performed using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting gene amplification. Remarkably, the study found that treating infected animals with wheat germ oil and propolis significantly reduced the parasite load compared to the control group that was infected but not treated. Moreover, the group treated with a combination of wheat germ oil and propolis exhibited a markedly greater reduction in parasitic load compared to the other groups. Similarly, the combination treatment effectively restored the histopathological changes observed in the brain, uterus, and kidney, and the scoring of these reported lesions confirmed these findings. In summary, the present results reveal intriguing insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of wheat germ oil and propolis in the treatment of acute toxoplasmosis.

High Prevalence of Bovine Cardiac Cysticercosis in Upper Egypt: An Epidemiological and Histopathological Study.

Bovine cysticercosis is categorized as a serious parasitic zoonotic infestation. The infection is mainly caused by the tapeworm Taenia saginata, which infects cattle and humans. The larval stage, Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis), is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of infected cattle. Despite its potential public health concern, few studies have been conducted on cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt. This study investigates the prevalence, epidemiology, and impact of cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt, emphasizing how histopathological changes in cardiac muscle and physiological parameters might be associated with the infection. From December 2022 to October 2023, a total of 941 animals from Assiut province, Upper Egypt, were slaughtered and their cardiac muscles were examined for the presence of C. bovis. Cysts were classified as viable or degenerated through macroscopic inspection. The overall prevalence of C. bovis infected hearts made up 10.8% of the total examined. The highest prevalence rate was in the summer season followed by spring; winter had the lowest infections. The histopathological examination of infected tissues revealed immune cell infiltration around Cysticercus-infected areas. Additionally, Bax immunostaining demonstrated the apoptotic effect of cysticercosis. Regarding the measured physiological parameters, there were non-significant changes in plasma levels of total protein and albumin in cattle infected with cysticercosis compared with control animals. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) combined with a significant increase in lipid peroxide (Malondialdehyde) (MDA), troponin T, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in infected animals. The present work documented a set of epidemiological and pathological findings, revealing that C. bovis is a potentially harmful parasite and can cause significant health problems in both cattle and humans.

Comprehensive Tools of Alkaloid/Volatile Compounds-Metabolomics and DNA Profiles: Bioassay-Role-Guided Differentiation Process of Six Annona sp. Grown in Egypt as Anticancer Therapy.

Trees of the Annona species that grow in the tropics and subtropics contain compounds that are highly valuable for pharmacological research and medication development and have anticancer, antioxidant, and migratory properties. Metabolomics was used to functionally characterize natural products and to distinguish differences between varieties. Natural products are therefore bioactive-marked and highly respected in the field of drug innovation. Our study aimed to evaluate the interrelationships among six Annona species. By utilizing six Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and six Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers for DNA fingerprinting, we discovered polymorphism percentages of 45.16 and 35.29%, respectively. The comparison of the profiles of 78 distinct volatile oil compounds in six Annona species was accomplished through the utilization of GC-MS-based plant metabolomics. Additionally, the differentiation process of 74 characterized alkaloid compound metabolomics was conducted through a structural analysis using HPLC-ESI-MSn and UPLC-HESI-MS/MS, and antiproliferative activities were assessed on five in vitro cell lines. High-throughput, low-sensitivity LC/MS-based metabolomics has facilitated comprehensive examinations of alterations in secondary metabolites through the utilization of bioassay-guided differentiation processes. This has been accomplished by employing twenty-four extracts derived from six distinct Annona species, which were subjected to in vitro evaluation. The primary objective of this evaluation was to investigate the IC50 profile as well as the antioxidant and migration activities. It should be noted, however, that these investigations were exclusively conducted utilizing the most potent extracts. These extracts were thoroughly examined on both the HepG2 and Caco cell lines to elucidate their potential anticancer effects. In vitro tests on cell cultures showed a significant concentration cytotoxic effect on all cell lines (HepG2, HCT, Caco, Mcf-7, and T47D) treated with six essential oil samples at the exposure time (48 h). Therefore, they showed remarkable antioxidant activity with simultaneous cytotoxic effects. In total, 50% and 80% of the A. muricata extract, the extract with the highest migratory activity, demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of migration. It was strong on highly metastatic Caco cells 48 h after treatment and scraping the Caco cell sheet, with the best reduction in the migration of HepG2 cells caused by the 50% A. reticulata extract. Also, the samples showing a significant IC50 value showed a significant effect in stopping metastasis and invasion of various cancer cell lines, making them an interesting topic for further research.

Identification of sheep eimerian parasites, Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria faurei, employing microscopic and molecular tools.

Coccidiosis, caused by apicomplexan Eimeria species, is a protozoan disease that affects various species of wild and domestic animals. However, data available on Eimeria diversity in ruminants in Saudi Arabia is meagre. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate some eimerian parasites infecting sheep (Sawakni and Harrie breeds) using microscopy and molecular methods for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Twenty-four fecal samples were collected from sheep farms. Based on the floatation technique, eimerian oocysts were observed in 8 of the 24 (33.33%) fecal samples. The coccidian-positive samples were subjected to fecal culture in a shallow layer of 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2 Cr2 O7 ). Detected eimerian oocysts were described micromorphometrically as the basis for traditional oocyst identification. Morphologically, the sporulated oocysts were similar to those of sheep eimerian parasies; Eimeria faurei and Eimeria crandallis. PCR products from the two eimerian species detected from Sawakni and Harrie breeds were sequenced and were found to be distinct from each other with mutations at five positions. One of them clustered with E. crandallis with 99.8%-100% identity with sequences available in GenBank. E. crandallis was obtained from two Sawakni sheep and two Harrie sheep. The other sequences grouped with E. faurei with 99.8% identity with the only sequences available in GenBank. E. crandallis was detected from both Sawakni and Harrie breeds whereas E. faurei was detected only from Sawakni sheep. The findings of this study have implications for the importance of morphometric identification with advanced molecular tools to confirm the identities of sheep Eimeria species and to address the taxonomic study of this eimeriid parasite at the species level.

Molecular typing of canine parvovirus type 2 by VP2 gene sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism in affected dogs from Egypt.

Introduction: Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs characterized by severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Little information is available about this topic in Egypt, particularly in the Delta region. This study reports the prevalence and molecular analysis of CPV-2 variants collected from El-Gharbia and Kafrelsheikh governorates in the Delta of Egypt. Methods: In this study, 320 rectal swabs were collected from infected domestic dogs from two districts in delta Egypt. The samples were investigated by rapid immunochromatographic test and polymerase chain reaction for detection the prevalence of CPV-2 variants. The genetic characterization was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and partial VP2 gene sequence. Results and discussion: The viral antigen was detected in (264/320, 82.5%) of samples by IC test, while PCR was found more sensitive by detecting (272/320, 85%) positive samples. The RFLP technique using MboII restriction enzyme was successfully used for the differentiation of CPV-2c antigenic variants from CPV-2a/2b strains. Interestingly, the molecular and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both CPV-2a and CPV-2c are circulating in the study area. Deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed changes at residue (N426E) and residue (T440A).: Our results indicated that CPV-2 is prevalent among dogs in Egypt, and therefore further molecular and epidemiological studies of CPV-2 are warranted.

Molluscicidal activity of sodium hypochlorite against Biomphlaria alexandrina snails: Immunological and hepato-endocrine alterations with in silico docking study.

Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease that widely neglected. Schistosoma mansoni reproduce asexually within the freshwater snail, Biomphlaria alexandrina. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a widely used disinfectant, so its effect against gainst B. alexandrina snails was evaluated. The present results showed that NaOCl has a molluscicidal activity against adult B. alexandrina snails at LC50 1.25 ppm. Hemocytes displayed varied morphological forms after being exposed to the LC10 and LC25 concentrations of NaOCl in B. alexandrina snails, and the phagocytic index of B. alexandrina snail's hemocytes significantly increased. The phagocytic potency of exposed hemocytes to charcoal showed ruptured plasma membrane, engulfed particles, vacuolation in the cytoplasm and degeneration of nuclei. When B. alexandrina snails were treated with sublethal concentrations of NaOCl, transaminases (AST & ALT), alkaline and acid phosphatase activities were significantly increased. In contrast, the total protein, albumin concentrations, Testosterone (T) and 17ß Estradiol (E) showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) as compared to the control groups. The molecular docking interaction showed high efficiency for the ligand, NaOCl against the receptor binding sites of the acid phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, estrogen and testosterone. The present results showed that NaOCl could be used as an effective molluscicide against B. alexandrina snails but more attention should be paid to investigate the side effects on the non-target organisms living in the freshwater environment.

Coenzyme Q10-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles Protect against Redox Imbalance and Inflammatory, Apoptotic, and Histopathological Alterations in Mercuric Chloride-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats.

Exposure to mercuric chloride (HgCl2), either accidental or occupational, induces substantial liver and kidney damage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Herein, our study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of CoQ10 alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles (CoQ10NPs) against HgCl2-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Experimental animals received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/oral) or CoQ10NPs (10 mg/kg/oral) and were injected intraperitoneally with HgCl2 (5 mg/kg; three times/week) for two weeks. The results indicated that CoQ10NP pretreatment caused a significant decrease in serum liver and kidney function markers. Moreover, lowered MDA and NO levels were associated with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT), along with higher GSH contents, in both the liver and kidneys of intoxicated rats treated with CoQ10NPs. Moreover, HgCl2-intoxicated rats that received CoQ10NPs revealed a significant reduction in the hepatorenal levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, NF-κB, and TGF-ß, as well as an increase in the hepatic level of the fibrotic marker (α-SMA). Notably, CoQ10NPs counteracted hepatorenal apoptosis by diminishing the levels of Bax and caspase-3 and boosting the level of Bcl-2. The hepatic and renal histopathological findings supported the abovementioned changes. In conclusion, these data suggest that CoQ10, alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles, has great power in reversing the hepatic and renal tissue impairment induced by HgCl2 via the modulation of hepatorenal oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, this study provides a valuable therapeutic agent (CoQ10NPs) for preventing and treating several HgCl2-induced hepatorenal disorders.

Therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on skin burn healing and rejuvenation: A focus on scar regulation, oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptotic mechanisms.

Cell-based therapies have great promise in accelerating and improving burn wound healing. It is a growing need to scale their competence to meet the clinical demands. In this study, the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were tested on the repair of induced burn wounds in a murine model. After the induction of thermal injury, rats were injected with BMSCs and/or PRP in the burn area. After 4 weeks of post-burn, our findings revealed that local treatment of burnt skin with BMSCs and/or PRP offered substantial outcomes when compared with the untreated group. Injected burn with BMSCs and/or PRP enhanced the wound contraction rate and decreased the burn area and period of epithelization. Significant increases in VEGF together with declines in MMP-9 and TGF-ß1 were observed in burnt areas after being treated with BMSCs and/or PRP therapy that indicated improved angiogenesis, and re-epithelization. Furthermore, both MSCs and PRP modulated the burn's oxidative and inflammatory microenvironment as indicated by increases in SOD, CAT, and GSH besides declines in MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, NO, and iNOS. Notable increases in Bcl-2 levels and decreases in Cas-3 and Bax levels were recorded in burnt skin that received both agents concomitantly. Interestingly, the histopathological examination validates the healing power of BMSCs and/or PRP. Collectively, BMSCs and PRP have pioneered therapeutics candidates for clinical application in burn healing possibly via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms along with regulating angiogenesis and scar formation.

Free Salt Dyeing by Treatment of Cotton Fabric Using Carboxyethyl Chitosan and Synthesized Direct Dyes to Enhance Dyeing Properties and Antibacterial Activity.

AIM: The purpose of this paper is to synthesize and characterize two new direct dyes based on chromenes derivatives. BACKGROUND: The synthesis of carboxyethyl chitosan (CECS) by the reaction of chitosan and acrylic acid via Michael's addition reaction was conducted. Cotton fabrics were treated with CECS to enhance the exhaustion of dye, fastness properties, and antimicrobial activity of dyed fabric. METHODS: Chitosan (CS) and acrylic acid were combined in Michael's addition process to successfully produce N-carboxyethylchitosan (CECS). Then, the cotton was treated with different concentrations of carboxyethyl chitosan (0.5-5 wt.%) and then dyed by synthesized mono azo and diazo direct dyes based on chromene derivatives. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results regarding dyeing and antibacterial activity indicated highquality dyeing properties, However, direct dyes showed higher exhaustion and fixation values, fastness properties, and the colorimetric CIE L*a*b* C*h° data of the dyed cotton fabric. CONCLUSION: Cotton fabrics treated with carboxyethyl chitosan and dyed with direct dyes were found to have higher antibacterial activity upon a concentration of 2.5 wt.%. In addition, the antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive bacteria was reported to be more than Gram-negative bacteria.

Circulation of thermophilic Campylobacter in pigeons, turkeys, and humans at live bird markets in Egypt.

Live bird markets increase the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases. Few studies have investigated the potential zoonotic transmission of Campylobacter in Egypt. Therefore, our study was carried out to investigate the presence of Campylobacter species, mainly Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and Campylobacter coli (C. coli), in pigeons and turkeys sold at poultry shops. Furthermore, the study aimed to explore the potential occupational risk of Campylobacter infection, mainly among workers at poultry shops. Six hundred (n = 600) samples from various organs were obtained from pigeons and turkeys from live bird shops in the Giza and Asyut provinces in Egypt. Additionally, 100 stool samples were collected from persons working at poultry shops. Circulation of thermophilic Campylobacter in pigeons, turkeys, and humans was investigated based on culture and molecular methods. The rate of detection of Campylobacter species from the samples was significant when the culture method was used alone in comparison to when it was used in combination with mPCR. The prevalence rates of Campylobacter species detected by mPCR were 36% (C. jejuni 20%; C. coli 16%), 28% (C. jejuni 12%; C. coli16%), and 29% (C. jejuni 15%; C. coli 14%) in pigeons, turkeys, and workers, respectively. In pigeons, significant variations in the C. jejuni and C. coli occurrence rates were reported in terms of the intestinal content (15, 4%), liver (4, 13%), and skin (9, 7%), respectively. In turkeys, Campylobacter species were mostly detected in liver samples with a percentage of 19%, followed by the skin (12%), and the intestinal content (8%). In conclusion, Campylobacter species are circulating in poultry farms in Egypt and could represent a hazard for humans. It is recommended that biosecurity measures should be applied to mitigate the occurrence of Campylobacter in poultry farms. Moreover, there is an urgent need to transform live bird markets into chilled poultry markets.

Molecular and pathological investigation of avian reovirus (ARV) in Egypt with the assessment of the genetic variability of field strains compared to vaccine strains.

Avian orthoreovirus (ARV) is among the important viruses that cause drastic economic losses in the Egyptian poultry industry. Despite regular vaccination of breeder birds, a high prevalence of ARV infection in broilers has been noted in recent years. However, no reports have revealed the genetic and antigenic characteristics of Egyptian field ARV and vaccines used against it. Thus, this study was conducted to detect the molecular nature of emerging ARV strains in broiler chickens suffering from arthritis and tenosynovitis in comparison to vaccine strains. Synovial fluid samples (n = 400) were collected from 40 commercial broiler flocks in the Gharbia governorate, Egypt, and then pooled to obtain 40 samples, which were then used to screen ARV using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with the partial amplification of ARV sigma C gene. The obtained RT-PCR products were then sequenced, and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed together with other ARV field and vaccine strains from GenBank. RT-PCR successfully amplified the predicted 940 bp PCR products from all tested samples. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the analyzed ARV strains were clustered into six genotypic clusters and six protein clusters, with high antigenic diversity between the genotypic clusters. Surprisingly, our isolates were genetically different from vaccine strains, which aligned in genotypic cluster I/protein cluster I, while our strains were aligned in genotypic cluster V/protein cluster V. More importantly, our strains were highly divergent from vaccine strains used in Egypt, with 55.09-56.23% diversity. Sequence analysis using BioEdit software revealed high genetic and protein diversity between our isolates and vaccine strains (397/797 nucleotide substitutions and 148-149/265 amino acid substitutions). This high genetic diversity explains the vaccination failure and recurrent circulation of ARV in Egypt. The present data highlight the need to formulate a new effective vaccine from locally isolated ARV strains after a thorough screening of the molecular nature of circulating ARV in Egypt.

Biochemical and histopathological effects of copper oxide nanoparticles exposure on the bivalve Chambardia rubens (Lamarck, 1819).

Copper nanoparticles are widely incorporated into many applications, including air and liquid filters, wood preservatives, batteries, thermal and electrical conductivity, inks and skin products. Their potential toxicity and environmental fate, however, are poorly studied in the freshwater bivalves. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different effects of copper oxide nanoparticles and ionic copper on the digestive glands and gills of the mussel Chambardia rubens. Mussels were treated with 100 and 1000 µg Cu L-1 of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) or ionic copper (Cu2+) for 3, 7, and 14 days. The Cu accumulation and markers of oxidative stress in the digestive glands and gills were evaluated. The results show that the digestive gland collected higher levels of the two forms of copper than the gills. Exposure to CuONPs or Cu2+ induced significant elevations in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidation. Notably, a significant decrease was observed in the glutathione levels after exposure to both copper forms. CuONPs only induced a significant increase in glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase. The ionic copper only induced a significant decrease in catalase activities in the gill tissues. Overall, CuONPs and Cu2+ provoked oxidative stress, and further research is needed to clarify their genotoxic and neurotoxic effects on freshwater mussels and other biota.

Assessment of the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of fermented camel milk fortified with Cordia myxa and its biological effects against oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in rats.

Natural feed additives and their potential benefits in production of safe and highly nutritious food have gained the attention of many researchers the last decades. Cordia myxa is a nutrient-dense food with various health benefits. Despite this fact, very limited studied investigated the physicochemical and sensory impacts of incorporation of fermented camel milk with Cordia myxa and its biological effects. The current study aimed to assess the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of fermented camel milk (FCM) fortified with 5, 10, and 15% Cordia myxa pulp. The study demonstrated that fortification of camel milk efficiently enhanced protein, total solids, ash, fiber, phenolic substance, and antioxidant activity. When compared to other treatments, FCM supplemented with 10% Cordia myxa pulp had the best sensory features. In addition, FCM fortified with 10% Cordia myxa pulp was investigated as a potential inhibitor of hypercholesterolemia agents in obese rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were split into two main groups including normal pellet group (n = 8) served as negative control group (G1) and a group of hyperlipidemic animals (n = 24) were feed on a high-fat diet (HFD). Hyperlipidemic rats group (n = 24) were then divided into three subgroups (8 per each); second group or positive control (G2) which include hyperlipidemic rats received distilled water (1 mL/day), the third group (G3) involved hyperlipidemic rats feed on FCM (10 g/day) and the fourth group (G4) included hyperlipidemic animals feed on 10 g/day FCM fortified with 10% of Cordia myxa pulp by oral treatment via an intestinal tube for another 4 weeks. In contrast to the positive control group, G4 treated with Cordia myxa showed a substantial decrease in malondialdehyde, LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea levels, while a significant increase in HDL, albumin, and total protein concentrations. The number of large adipocytes decreased while the number of small adipocytes increased after consumption of fortified FCM. The results indicated that fermented milk fortified with Cordia myxa pulp improved the functions of the liver and kidney in hyperlipidemic rats. These results demonstrated the protective effects of camel milk and Cordia myxa pulp against hyperlipidemia in rats.

Neuro-amelioration of Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig) extract conjugated with selenium nanoparticles against aluminium toxicity in rat brain: relevance to neurotransmitters, oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic events.

Aluminium is a non-essential metal, and its accumulation in the brain is linked with potent neurotoxic action and the development of many neurological diseases. This investigation, therefore, intended to examine the antagonistic efficacy of Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig) extract (FLE) conjugated with selenium nanoparticles (FLE-SeNPs) against aluminium chloride (AlCl3)-induced hippocampal injury in rats. Rats were allocated to five groups: control, FLE, AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), AlCl3 + FLE (100 mg/kg), and AlCl3 + FLE-SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg). All agents were administered orally every day for 42 days. The result revealed that pre-treated rats with FLE-SeNPs showed markedly lower acetylcholinesterase and Na+/K+-ATPase activities in the hippocampus than those in AlCl3 group. Additionally, FLE-SeNPs counteracted the oxidant stress-mediated by AlCl3 by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione contents in rat hippocampus. Besides, the formulated nanoparticles decreased the hippocampal malondialdehyde, carbonyl protein, and nitric oxide levels of AlCl3-exposed animals. Furthermore, FLE-SeNPs attenuated neural tissue inflammation, as demonstrated by decreased interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, nuclear factor kappa B, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Remarkable anti-apoptotic action was exerted by FLE-SeNPs by increasing B cell lymphoma 2 and decreasing caspase-3 and Bcl-2-associated-X protein in AlCl3-exposed rats. The abovementioned results correlated well with the hippocampal histopathological findings. Given these results, SeNPs synthesized with FLE imparted a remarkable neuroprotective action against AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity by reversing oxidative damage, neuronal inflammation, and apoptosis in exposed rats.

Prevalence and Morphological Investigation of Parasitic Infection in Freshwater Fish (Nile Tilapia) from Upper Egypt.

Fish are a source of high-quality protein with low cholesterol, but they are susceptible to parasitic infections, which have a significant impact on aquaculture, in addition to their zoonotic potential. The present study estimated parasitic infections and evaluated the diversity of zoonotic parasites in freshwater Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. A total of 300 samples were randomly collected from the Assiut Governorate. These fish were examined for both ectoparasites and endoparasites, followed by the experimental infection of mice with encysted metacercariae (EMC) for the retrieval of the adult worms. The overall prevalence of the variable parasites was 82% (246 of 300). Both ecto- and endoparasites were detected in 41% (123 of 300) of the examined fish. The identified ectoparasites were Gyrodactylus, Dactylogrus, Cichlidogyrus, Trichodina and Icthyophthirius multifiliis, in 5%, 4%, 22%, 6% and 4% of the fish, respectively. The endoparasites were trematodes (Orientocreadium batrachoides 3%), nematodes (Contracaecum. 2%), acanthocephala (Acanthosentis tilapiae 25%) and protozoa that included Isospora and Eimeria spp., in 1% and 8% of fish, respectively. Myxobolus was detected in 2% of the examined fish. The overall prevalence of encysted metacercariae (EMC) was 95% (285 of 300), while infection with macroscopic EMC had a prevalence of 37% and microscopic EMC had a prevalence of 58%. The adult worms recovered from the experimental infections were Prohemistomum vivax and Mesostephanus spp., which belong to the family Cyathocotylidae. Collectively, these findings reflect the relatively high occurrence of parasites among the studied fish, confirming the necessity of strict measures to control infection.

Immunological and Oxidative Biomarkers in Bovine Serum from Healthy, Clinical, and Sub-Clinical Mastitis Caused by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Infection.

The study aimed to investigate the mastitis' emerging causative agents and their antimicrobial sensitivity, in addition to the hematological, biochemical indicators, oxidative biomarkers, acute phase protein (APP), and inflammatory cytokine changes in dairy farms in Gamasa, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. One hundred Holstein Friesian dairy cattle with clinical and subclinical mastitis were investigated and were allocated into three groups based on a thorough clinical examination. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were found responsible for the clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy farms, respectively. Multiple drug resistance (MDR) was detected in 100%, and 94.74% of E. coli and S. aureus isolates, respectively. Significantly low RBCs count, Hb, and PCV values were detected in mastitic cows compared with both subclinical mastitic and control groups; moreover, WBCs, lymphocytes, and neutrophil counts were significantly diminished in mastitic cows compared to the controls. Significantly higher levels of AST, LDH, total protein, and globulin were noticed in both mastitic and subclinical mastitic cows. The haptoglobin, fibrinogen, amyloid A, ceruloplasmin, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 levels were statistically increased in mastitic cows compared to the controls. Higher MDA levels and reduction of TAC and catalase were identified in all the mastitic cases compared to the controls. Overall, the findings suggested potential public health hazards due to antimicrobial resistance emergence. Meanwhile, the APP and cytokines, along with antioxidant markers can be used as early indicators of mastitis.

Parasitological, Molecular, and Histopathological Investigation of the Potential Activity of Propolis and Wheat Germ Oil against Acute Toxoplasmosis in Mice.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses that affects all vertebrates. The drugs most commonly used against toxoplasmosis have many side effects, making the development of new antiparasitic drugs a big challenge. The present study evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness of novel herbal treatments, including propolis and wheat germ oil (WGO), against acute toxoplasmosis. A total of 50 albino mice were divided into five groups: group 1 (G1) (non-infected and non-treated); group 2 (G2) (infected without treatment); group 3 (G3) (treated with propolis); group 4 (G4) (treated with WGO); group 5 (G5) (treated with a combination of propolis and WGO). The effects of the herbal substances on different organs, mainly liver, spleen, and lungs, were investigated using parasitological, molecular, and histopathological examinations. The results of parasitological examination demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in the parasitic load between treated groups (G3, G4, and G5) compared to the control positive group (G2). These differences were represented by a significant reduction in the parasite load in stained tissue smears from the liver obtained from the animals treated with propolis (G3) compared to the parasite load in the positive control group. Similarly, animals (G4) treated with WGO exhibited a significant reduction in the parasite load versus the positive control group, while the lowest parasite load was found in G5, treated with propolis and WGO. Quantification of the parasite burden through molecular methods (PCR) revealed similar findings represented by reduction in the parasite burden in all treated groups with WGO and propolis as compared to the control group. Importantly, these previous parasitological and molecular findings were accompanied by a marked improvement in the histopathological picture of the liver, spleen, and lungs. In conclusion, propolis and WGO showed a good combination of therapeutic efficacy against acute toxoplasmosis.

Metabolomic Profiling, Antibacterial, and Molluscicidal Properties of the Medicinal Plants Calotropis procera and Atriplex halimus: In Silico Molecular Docking Study.

The potential of plant-based natural compounds in the creation of new molluscicidal and antimicrobial medications has gained attention in recent years. The current study compared the metabolic profiles, antibacterial, and molluscicidal properties of the medicinal plants Calotropis procera (C. procera) and Atriplex halimus (A. halimus). In both plants, 118 metabolites were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Palmitic acid, stigmasterol, and campesterol were the most prevalent constituents. C. procera extract showed stronger antibacterial activity than A. halimus against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Both extracts exhibited molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria alexandrina, with LC50 values of C. procera (135 mg/L) and A. halimus (223.8 mg/L). Survival rates of snails exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (LC25) of C. procera and A. halimus extracts were 5% and 20%, respectively. The hatchability of snail eggs exposed to both extracts has been dramatically reduced. Both extracts significantly decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, total protein, and albumin in snails, as well as causing DNA damage and resulting in numerous hermaphrodite and digestive gland damages and distortions. Molecular docking showed palmitic acid binding with acid, alkaline, and alanine aminotransferases in treated digestive gland snails. In conclusion, C. procera and A. halimus have antibacterial and molluscicidal properties.

Molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus in sheep from Upper Egypt.

Introduction: Haemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite's blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples. Methods: We employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored. Results: The study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with the infection. Notably, sheep under 2 years old exhibited a higher risk, with an infection rate of 43.75% (84 out of 192), than their older counterparts. Furthermore, all reported infections were exclusively observed during the cold season, constituting 58.93% (132 out of 224) of cases. By contrast, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis. Discussion: The study concluded that there was a relatively high occurrence of H. contortus among sheep from Upper Egypt. We recommend the implementation of stringent and effective control measures to combat the infection and safeguard livestock health.