Unraveling IL-17 and IL-22 role in occult hepatitis C versus chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines play a crucial role in regulating the function of the immune system by controlling the production, differentiation, and activity of immune cells. Occult hepatitis C virus (OHCV) infection can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study investigates the immunopathogenic impact of the cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in OHCV infection compared to chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. METHODS: We studied three groups of patients: 35 with OHCV, 100 untreated patients with CHC, and 30 healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent physical examination and biochemical testing. We used the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method to measure serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels in all groups. RESULTS: Compared to the occult and control groups, the CHC group had significantly higher serum IL-17 levels (p < 0.001). The occult group also had higher serum IL-17 levels compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in IL-22 levels across the research groups. In the OHCV group, individuals with moderate inflammation (A2-A3) had significantly higher serum IL-17 levels than those with minimal inflammation (A0-A1), while in the CHC group, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.601). Neither the occult nor the CHC groups showed a correlation between serum IL-22 and inflammatory activity. There was no significant correlation between the levels of IL-17 or IL-22 and the stage of fibrosis/cirrhosis in either group. ROC curves were calculated for serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels and occult HCV infection, with cut-off values set at ≤ 32.1 pg/ml and < 14.3 pg/ml for IL-17 and IL-22, respectively. The AUROC (95%CI) was significantly higher for IL-17 than IL-22 (0.829 (0.732-0.902) vs. 0.504 (0.393-0.614), p < 0.001), suggesting that IL-17 has a stronger correlation with infection risk than IL-22. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that IL-17 may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of OHCV infection, especially in patients with moderate inflammation.

Detection and quantification of adenovirus, polyomavirus, and papillomavirus in urban sewage.

The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence and seasonal frequency of human adenovirus (HAdV), human polyomavirus (HPyV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) in urban sewage. The detection of these viruses was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then the viral concentrations in the positive samples were quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, HAdV and HPyV genotyping was also performed by PCR. A total of 38/60 (63.3%) positive samples were found. HAdV was the most prevalent virus (26/60; 43.3%), followed by HPyV (21/60; 35%) and HPV (21/60; 35%). The viral concentrations ranged from 3.56 × 102 to 7.55 × 107 genome copies/L. The most common dual viral agents was found between HAdV and HPyV, in eight samples (8/38, 21%). HAdV types 40 and 41 as well as HPyV types JC and BK were identified, with HAdV-40 and HPyV JC being the most prevalent types. Furthermore, the detection rates of HAdV, HPyV, and HPV were higher during the winter season than the other seasons. The high prevalence of HAdV and HPyV supports their suitability as viral indicators of sewage contamination. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the advantages of environmental surveillance as a tool to elucidate the community-circulating viruses.

Effect of platelet rich plasma versus melatonin on testicular injury induced by Busulfan in adult albino rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study.

This study was done to estimate the testicular histological alterations induced by Busulfan (BUS) and compare the possible protective effects of melatonin (MT) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) in a rat model. Sixty-four male rats were dispersed into: control group, BUS group, melatonin group, and PRP group. Blood samples were processed for biochemical analysis. Tissue specimens were managed for light and electron microscopic studies. Immunohistochemical expression of vimentin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed. Busulfan induced severe testicular damage in all studied methodologies. It showed a statistically significant decrease in serum testosterone and elevation of MDA when compared to the control group. Abnormal testicular cytostructures suggesting defective spermatogenesis were observed: distorted seminiferous tubules, deformed spermatogenic cells, low germinal epithelium height, few mature spermatozoa, and also deformed barrier. Vimentin and PCNA expressions were reduced. Ultrastructurally, Sertoli cells and the blood testis barrier were deformed, spermatogenic cells were affected, and mature spermatozoa were few and showed abnormal structure. Both melatonin and PRP induced improvement in all the previous parameters and restoration of spermatogenesis as confirmed by improvement of Johnsen's score from 2.6 ± .74 to 7.6 ± .92. In conclusion, melatonin and PRP have equal potential to ameliorate the testicular toxicity of BUS. Melatonin can provide a better noninvasive way to combat BUS induced testicular injury.

Silver and gold nanoparticles: Eco-friendly synthesis, antibiofilm, antiviral, and anticancer bioactivities.

For the first time in this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were green synthesized by the cost-effective and eco-friendly procedure using Cotton seed meal and Fodder yeast extracts. The biosynthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the biosynthesized NPs were tested in vitro against biofilm formation by some pathogenic negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella sp., Salmonella sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and negative bacteria (staphylococcus aureus) as well as against human denovirus serotype 5 (HAdV-5) and anticancer activity using HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells. UV-Vis absorption spectra of reaction mixture of AgNPs and AuNPs exhibited maximum absorbance at 440 nm and 540 nm, respectively. This finding was confirmed by DLS measurements that the highest intensity of the AgNPs and AuNPs were 84 nm and 73.9 nm, respectively. FTIR measurements identified some functional groups detected in Cotton seed meal and Fodder yeast extracts that could be responsible for reduction of silver and gold ions to metallic silver and gold. The morphologies and particle size of AgNPs and AuNPs were confirmed by the TEM and SAED pattern analysis. Biosynthesized AgNPs and AuNPs showed good inhibitory effects against biofilms produced by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella sp., Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, they showed anticancer activities against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) and antiviral activity against human adenovirus serotype 5 infection in vitro. Finally, the results of this study is expected to be extremely helpful to nano-biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food packing applications through developing antimicrobial and/or an anticancer drugs from ecofriendly and inexpensive nanoparticles with multi-potentiality.

The concept of one health applied to the problem of zoonotic diseases.

Zoonotic diseases are a burden on healthcare systems globally, particularly underdeveloped nations. Numerous vertebrate animals (e.g., birds, mammals and reptiles) serve as amplifier hosts or reservoirs for viral zoonoses. The spread of zoonotic disease is associated with environmental factors, climate change, animal health as well as other human activities including globalization, urbanization and travel. Diseases at the human-animal environment interface (e.g., zoonotic diseases, vector-borne diseases, food/water borne diseases) continue to pose risk to animals and humans with a great significant mortality and morbidity. It is estimated that of 1400 infectious diseases known to affect humans, 60% of them are of animal origin. In addition, 75% of the emerging infectious diseases have a zoonotic nature, worldwide. The one health concept plays an important role in the control and prevention of zoonoses by integrating animal, human, and environmental health through collaboration and communication among osteopaths, wildlife, physicians, veterinarians professionals, public health and environmental experts, nurses, dentists, physicists, biomedical engineers, plant pathologists, biochemists, and others. No one sector, organization, or person can address issues at the animal-human-ecosystem interface alone.

Infliximab substantially re-silenced Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and ameliorated doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats.

The release of inflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy. TNF-α increases in plasma and in myocardium of heart failure patients. We aimed to investigate the role of TNF-α inhibitor (infliximab; IFX) in regulating dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) induced in rats. DCM was induced in rats by doxorubicin (DOX; 3.5 mg. kg-1 , i.p) twice weekly for 3 weeks (21 mg. kg-1 cumulative dose). DCM rats were treated with RPL (1 mg. kg-1 orally, daily), IFX (5 mg. kg-1 ; i.p. once) or their combination for 4 weeks starting next day of last DOX dose. Echocardiography was conducted followed by a collection of blood and left ventricle (LV) for biochemical and histological investigations. DCM rats revealed deteriorated cardiac function (increased CK-MB activity, LVIDs, LVIDd, ESV, and EDV, while decreased EF% and FS%), hypertrophy (increased HW/TL, ß-MHC, and α-actin), inflammation (increased IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α). The activation of Wnt/ß-catenin along with increased gene expression of RAS components (RENIN, ACE, and AT1) were evident. LV architecture also revealed abnormalities and some degree of fibrosis. Treatment with RPL and/or IFX suppressed TNF-α and consequently improved most of these parameters suppressing Wnt/ß-catenin/RAS axis. Combined RPL and IFX treatment was the best among all treatments. In conclusion, Wnt/ß-catenin/RAS axis is implicated in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. The upstream TNF-α was proved for the first time in-vivo to stimulate this axis where its inhibition by RPL or IFX prevented DCM. Targeting this axis at two points using RPL and IFX showed better therapeutic efficacy.

Comparative assessment of homemade ELISA and lateral flow assay (LFA)in the rapid, specific and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid protein in sera of Egyptian patients.

Several diagnostic measures have been employed to precisely detect the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection using viral antigens, nucleic acids, and other serological approaches. The sensitivity and specificity of the serological tests remain a challenging need. Here, we describe the detection of human anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies qualitatively through two optimized in-house ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay. Both approaches are based on the prokaryotic expression of 50 kDa SARS-CoV-2 recombinant nucleocapsid protein. This SARS-CoV-2rN-6×His was used either to coat ELISA plates or to be conjugated to gold nanoparticles followed by colorimetric detection of bound human IgG or IgM. In the LFA, we show the optimization of nanoparticle size, protein-binding capacity, membrane treatment, and finally testing the potential capacity of using either the optimized ELISA or LFA in detecting antibodies raised against viral infection. Assessment of both methods was carried out using human sera-positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The ELISA and LFA tests showed 86%, 96.5% sensitivity, 92%, 93.75% specificity, 97%, 98.2% PPV, and 64%, 88.2% NPV, respectively. In conclusion, both approaches were able to successfully detect human antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. The importance of both protocols cannot be overstated in the detection and diagnosis of viral infections, especially in developing countries.

Diagnostic Significance of hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-192-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-199a-5p Panel and Ratios in Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Top of Liver Cirrhosis in HCV-Infected Patients.

Early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis is challenging. Moreover, for patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-negative HCC, this challenge is augmented. MicroRNAs (miRs) profiles may serve as potential HCC molecular markers. We aimed to assess plasma homo sapiens-(hsa)-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-192-5p, and hsa-miR-199a-5p-expression levels as a panel of biomarkers for HCC in chronic hepatitis C virus (CHCV) patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), especially AFP-negative HCC cases, as a step toward non-protein coding (nc) RNA precision medicine. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 79 patients enrolled with CHCV infection with LC, subclassified into an LC group without HCC (n = 40) and LC with HCC (n = 39). Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure plasma hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-192-5p, and hsa-miR-199a-5p. RESULTS: Plasma hsa-miR-21-5p and hsa-miR-155-5p demonstrated significant upregulation, while hsa-miR-199a-5p demonstrated significant downregulation in the HCC group (n = 39) when compared to the LC group (n = 40). hsa-miR-21-5p expression was positively correlated with serum AFP, insulin, and insulin resistance (r = 0.5, p < 0.001, r = 0.334, p = 0.01, and r = 0.303, p = 0.02, respectively). According to the ROC curves, for differentiating HCC from LC, combining AFP with each of hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, and miR199a-5p improved the diagnostic sensitivity to 87%, 82%, and 84%, respectively, vs. 69% for AFP alone, with acceptable specificities of 77.5%, 77.5%, and 80%, respectively, and AUC = 0.89, 0.85, and 0.90, respectively vs. 0.85 for AFP alone. hsa-miR-21-5p/hsa-miR-199a-5p and hsa-miR-155-5p/hsa-miR-199a-5p ratios discriminated HCC from LC at AUC = 0.76 and 0.71, respectively, with sensitivities = 94% and 92% and specificities = 48% and 53%, respectively. Upregulation of plasma hsa-miR-21-5p was considered as an independent risk factor for HCC development [OR = 1.198(1.063-1.329), p = 0.002]. CONCLUSIONS: Combining each of hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, and hsa-miR-199a-5p with AFP made it possible to identify HCC development in the LC patients' cohort with higher sensitivity than using AFP alone. hsa-miR-21-5p/hsa-miR-199a-5p and hsa-miR-155-5p/hsa-miR-199a-5p ratios are potential HCC molecular markers for AFP-negative HCC patients. hsa-miR-21-5p was linked, clinically and via in silico proof, to insulin metabolism, inflammation, dyslipidemia, and tumorigenesis in the HCC patients' group as well as for an upregulated independent risk factor for the emergence of HCC from LC in the CHCV patients.

Egyptian cobra (Naja haje haje) venom phospholipase A2: a promising antiviral agent with potent virucidal activity against simian rotavirus and bovine coronavirus.

Viral infections are linked to a variety of human diseases. Despite the achievements made in drug and vaccine development, several viruses still lack preventive vaccines and efficient antiviral compounds. Thus, developing novel antiviral agents is of great concern, particularly the natural products that are promising candidates for such discoveries. In this study, we have purified an approximately 15 kDa basic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme from the Egyptian cobra Naja haje haje venom. The purified N. haje PLA2 showed a specific activity of 22 units/mg protein against 6 units/mg protein for the whole crude venom with 3.67-fold purification. The antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 has been investigated in vitro against bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and simian rotavirus (RV SA-11). Our results showed that the CC50 of PLA2 were 33.6 and 29 µg/ml against MDBK and MA104 cell lines, respectively. Antiviral analysis of N. haje PLA2 showed an inhibition of BCoV and RV SA-11 infections with a therapeutic index equal to 33.6 and 16, respectively. Moreover, N. haje PLA2 decreased the BCoV and RV SA-11 titers by 4.25 log10 TCID50 and 2.5 log10 TCID50, respectively. Thus, this research suggests the potential antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 against BCoV and RV SA-11 infections in vitro.

Lacrimal gland injection of platelet rich plasma for treatment of severe dry eye: a comparative clinical study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the efficacy of the injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of severe dry eye disease (DED). RESULTS: In this retrospecitve interventional clinincal study, we included 28 eyes of 14 patients with severe DED who were diagnosed with Sjogren syndrome. Each patient received unilateral lacrimal gland injection of PRP at days 0, 30, 60 and 90 days while the other eye served as control group who received preservative free eye drops. We objectively assessed parameters at baseline, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months including ocular surface analyzer (OSA) namely; noninvasive tear breakup times (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), lipid layer thickness (LLT) in addition to the Schirmer test I, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) and meiboscore. The mean age was 43.4 ± .7.85 years. Comparing different parameters, baseline data showed non-significant difference between injected eye group and control group. After 1 and 3 months of follow up, there were significant differences between both groups regarding NITBUT, TMH, LLT, CFS and Schirmer test, with p <  0.001 in favor of PRP group. CONCLUSION: Injection of PRP in lacrimal gland is simple, safe, and effective technique in treatment of severe dry eye; proved by improvement of tear film parameters through subjective and objective assessment. Further studies are needed to standardize the technique and to confirm these results.

The first detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urban wastewater in Giza, Egypt.

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory virus causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Individuals with COVID-19 can shed the viral genome in their feces, even if they do not have symptoms, and the virus can be detected in wastewater. The current study provides the first surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in the wastewater in Egypt. To study this aim, untreated influent (n = 48) and treated effluent (n = 48) samples were collected between January and December 2021 from the wastewater treatment plant in Giza. The viral RNA genome was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (S, E, and N target regions) and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) (N1 and N2 target regions). The RT-PCR assay failed to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in all samples analyzed, whereas RT-qPCR succeeded in the detection of N gene of SARS-CoV-2 in 62.5% of untreated influent samples. The RT-qPCR Ct values of those samples tested positive ranged from 19.9 to 30.1 with a mean of 23. The treated effluent samples were negative for viral RNA detected by both RT-PCR and RT-qPCR, indicating the efficiency of the sewage treatment plant in degrading SARS-CoV-2. Our preliminary findings provide evidence for the value of wastewater epidemiology approach for the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the population to assist in the responses of public health to COVID-19 outbreak.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Aortic Calcification in Ovariectomized Rats via SIRT1 Signaling.

Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of vascular calcification which is defined as the pathological deposition of minerals in the vasculature, and is strongly linked with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Since estrogen-replacement therapy is associated with increased cancer risk, there is a strong need for safer therapeutic approaches. In this study we aimed to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of the phytoestrogen resveratrol against vascular calcification in ovariectomized rats, a preclinical model of postmenopause. Furthermore, we aimed to compare the effects of resveratrol to those of estrogen and to explore the mechanisms underpinning those effects. Treatment with resveratrol or estrogen ameliorated aortic calcification in ovariectomized rats, as shown by reduced calcium deposition in the arterial wall. Mechanistically, the effects of resveratrol and estrogen were mediated via the activation of SIRT1 signaling. SIRT1 protein expression was downregulated in the aortas of ovariectomized rats, and upregulated in rats treated with resveratrol or estrogen. Moreover, resveratrol and estrogen reduced the levels of the osteogenic markers: runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) which have been shown to play a role during vascular calcification. Additionally, the senescence markers (p53, p16 and p21) which were also reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification, were reduced upon treatment with resveratrol and estrogen. In conclusion, the phytoestrogen resveratrol may be a safer alternative to estrogen, as a therapeutic approach against the progression of vascular calcification during postmenopause.

Effect of resveratrol and mesenchymal stem cell monotherapy and combined treatment in management of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats: Role of SIRT1/FOXO3a and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that is common in postmenopausal women. It is characterized by deteriorated bone mass and microarchitecture. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) individual and combined treatment in management of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Our results demonstrated that treatment of ovariectomized rats with resveratrol or MSCs improved bone mass and microstructure as indicated by increased bone mineral content and density. Moreover, resveratrol and MSCs stimulated osteogenesis as shown by increased levels of osteogenic markers such as runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). In addition, resveratrol and MSCs inhibited adipogenesis and osteoclastogenesis as indicated by the suppression of the adipogenic marker, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the osteoclastogenesis marker, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Mechanistically, our results showed that management of osteoporosis in resveratrol or MSC treated rats was achieved by activating two signaling pathways, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and wingless-related MMTV integration site (Wnt). Finally, the combination of resveratrol and MSCs was more effective in increasing bone mass and improving osteoporosis than individual treatments.

Pachymic Acid Attenuated Doxorubicin-Induced Heart Failure by Suppressing miR-24 and Preserving Cardiac Junctophilin-2 in Rats.

Defects in cardiac contractility and heart failure (HF) are common following doxorubicin (DOX) administration. Different miRs play a role in HF, and their targeting was suggested as a promising therapy. We aimed to target miR-24, a suppressor upstream of junctophilin-2 (JP-2), which is required to affix the sarcoplasmic reticulum to T-tubules, and hence the release of Ca2+ in excitation-contraction coupling using pachymic acid (PA) and/or losartan (LN). HF was induced with DOX (3.5 mg/kg, i.p., six doses, twice weekly) in 24 rats. PA and LN (10 mg/kg, daily) were administered orally for four weeks starting the next day of the last DOX dose. Echocardiography, left ventricle (LV) biochemical and histological assessment and electron microscopy were conducted. DOX increased serum BNP, HW/TL, HW/BW, mitochondrial number/size and LV expression of miR-24 but decreased EF, cardiomyocyte fiber diameter, LV content of JP-2 and ryanodine receptors-2 (RyR2). Treatment with either PA or LN reversed these changes. Combined PA + LN attained better results than monotherapies. In conclusion, HF progression following DOX administration can be prevented or even delayed by targeting miR-24 and its downstream JP-2. Our results, therefore, suggest the possibility of using PA alone or as an adjuvant therapy with LN to attain better management of HF patients, especially those who developed tolerance toward LN.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using isolated Bacillus subtilis: characterization, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and their performance as antimicrobial agent for textile materials.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have unique properties and a large range of applications. Biosynthesis of stable AgNPs using the extracellular filtrate of Bacillus subtilis was proved by the characteristic surface plasmon resonance at about 420-430 nm. They were polycrystalline with spherical, hexagonal, and irregular shapes and they were negatively charged (-40 mV) with an average diameter of 20 nm. FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of protein molecules coating AgNPs. The optimum conditions for the synthesis of tested AgNPs were 1:6 filtrate dilution, 1 mM AgNO3, pH 7, 30 °C , 48 h contact time under static and illuminating conditions. The synthesized AgNPs showed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella typhi, antifungal activity against Candida albicans and antiviral activity against rotavirus. Also, they showed potent cytotoxic effects on lung and hepatic carcinoma human cell lines. Meanwhile, the acute toxicity study against mice showed no significant changes in hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters of AgNPs treated mice. They also showed mild hepatoprotective effect in thioacetamide (TAA) - induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. AgNPs treated textiles fabrics showed high antimicrobial activities against different pathogenic microorganisms as well as UV protection adequacy.

Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to animals: an updated review.

COVID-19 caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originated in Wuhan (Hubei province, China) during late 2019. It has spread across the globe affecting nearly 21 million people with a toll of 0.75 million deaths and restricting the movement of most of the world population during the past 6 months. COVID-19 became the leading health, economic, and humanitarian challenge of the twenty-first century. In addition to the considerable COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in humans, several cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animal hosts (dog, cat, tiger, lion, and mink) have been reported. Thus, the concern of pet owners is increasing. Moreover, the dynamics of the disease requires further explanation, mainly concerning the transmission of the virus from humans to animals and vice versa. Therefore, this study aimed to gather information about the reported cases of COVID-19 transmission in animals through a literary review of works published in scientific journals and perform genomic and phylogenetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from animal hosts. Although many instances of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 have been reported, caution and further studies are necessary to avoid the occurrence of maltreatment in animals, and to achieve a better understanding of the dynamics of the disease in the environment, humans, and animals. Future research in the animal-human interface can help formulate and implement preventive measures to combat the further transmission of COVID-19.

Multi-bioactive silver nanoparticles synthesized using mosquitocidal Bacilli and their characterization.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using cell-free filtrates of some mosquitocidal Bacilli. They showed the optical absorption peaks at 386-412 nm. They were polycrystalline spherical, hexagonal, cuboidal, rod and anisotropic shapes as detected by TEM. These nanoparticles were negatively charged with sizes ranging from 15 to 21 nm average diameter as detected by DLS. FTIR spectra showed that the main absorption bands of biomolecules capping AgNPs appeared at average wave numbers of 3435 cm-1 [ν(N-H) of amide A overlapped by ν(O-H)], 1631 cm-1 [(ν(C=O) of amide I], 1396 cm-1 [ν(C-N) of amide I], 2929 cm-1 (aliphatic C-H) and 1040 cm-1 (C-C-O). FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of protein biomolecules in the bacterial filtrate-formed coat covering AgNPs through free amide groups resulting in their stabilization in the aqueous medium. Nitrate reductase activity was found in all tested bacterial filtrates and ranged from 1.66 to 2.51 µmol/ml/min. These findings point to the probable role of nitrate reductase in reducing silver ions to silver nanoparticles and their stabilization. Tested AgNPs were multi-bioactive nanometals and showed mosquitocidal, bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal activities. In addition, they exhibited highly synergistic mosquitocidal effect to spore toxin complex of mosquitocidal Bacilli at a very low concentration. AgNPs exhibited activities that were not or slightly cytotoxic to MA 104 cell line at tested concentrations. Therefore, they can be applied in the medical field. Finally, this study offered a simple, highly efficient, eco-friendly, economic method for biosynthesis of multi-bioactive AgNPs by some mosquitocidal Bacilli.

Modulation of brain insulin signaling in Alzheimer's disease: New insight on the protective role of green coffee bean extract.

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, involves brain insulin signaling cascades and insulin resistance (IR). Because of limited treatment options, new treatment strategies are mandatory. Green coffee bean extract (GCBE) was reported to attenuate IR and improve brain energy metabolism. We aimed to investigate the possible use of GCBE as a prophylactic strategy to delay the onset of AD or combined with pioglitazone (PIO) as a strategy to retard the progression of AD.Methods: Rats received 10% fructose in drinking water for 18 weeks to induce AD. GCBE-prophylactic group received GCBE for 22 weeks started 4 weeks prior to fructose administration. The PIO group treated with PIO for 6 weeks started on week 12 of fructose administration. The GCBE+PIO group received GCBE for 22 weeks started 4 weeks prior to fructose administration and treated with PIO for the last 6 weeks of fructose administration.Results: Pretreatment with GCBE, either alone or combined with PIO, alleviated IR-induced AD changes. GCBE improved cognition, decreased serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate, increased phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) activity and protein kinase B (Akt) gene expression, decreased glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GS3Kß) gene expression and Tau hyperphosphorylation.Discussion: GCBE exerted neuroprotective effects against IR-induced AD mediated by alleviating IR and modulating brain insulin signaling cascade.

Comparison between refractive outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and standard phacoemulsification.

BACKGROUND: To compare the visual and refractive outcomes of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using Victus platform (Technolas Bausch and Lomb (B&L), Munich, Germany) and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (CPCS). METHODS: A retrospective study of 100 eyes operated for cataract. FLACS was performed in 50 eyes and CPCS was done in another 50 eyes. Preoperative and 6 months postoperative visual and refractive evaluation (efficacy, safety, predictability, and surgically induced astigmatism) as well as higher-order aberrations were analyzed. Efficacy index which equals post-operative mean of uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) divided by preoperative mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was calculated in both groups. Safety index equals post-operative mean of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) divided by preoperative mean CDVA. RESULTS: Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR), UDVA improved in both groups after surgery (p < 0.05). It was 0.23 ± 0.20 and 0.291 ± 0.311 log MAR in FLACS and CPCS groups respectively. Safety index was 1.777 in FLACS group and 1.744 in CPCS groups showing high degree of safety of both measures. Mean surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was 0.35 ± 0.67 D and 0.901 ± 0.882 D in FLACS and CPCS groups respectively (p = 0.015). The post-operative comparison between both groups was in favor of CPCS group vs. FLACS group regarding total aberrations (0.563 ± 0.386 vs. 0.91 ± 1.20) (p = 0.03), while low order aberrations were significantly less in FLACS group vs. CPCS group (0.64 + 0.63 vs. 2.07 + 3.15) (p = 0.027). RMS high order aberration was higher in FLACS group vs. CPCS group but of no statistical significance 0.54 ± 0.96 vs. 0.328 ± 0.360 (p = 0.082). CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser -assisted cataract surgery was a safe and precise procedure but enhanced visual outcomes only minimally when compared to conventional cataract surgery in experienced hands. Both FLACS and manual surgeries can achieve a high efficacy, predictability and safety with slight superior outcomes in FLACS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PACTR201804003256258 (date: 27 Mar 2018) Available at: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/.

Environmental monitoring of Aichi virus and human bocavirus in samples from wastewater treatment plant, drain, and River Nile in Egypt.

Wastewater plays a major role in water pollution causing transmission of several viral pathogens, including Aichi virus (AiV) and human bocavirus (HBoV), associated with gastrointestinal illness in humans. In this study, we investigated the presence of AiV and HBoV in aquatic, sludge, sediment matrices collected from Abu-Rawash wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), El-Rahawy drain, Rosetta branch of the River Nile in Egypt by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). AiV RNA was detected in 16.6% (2/12), 8.3% (1/12), 8.3% (1/12), 22% (16/72), 12.5% (3/24), 4% (1/24), and 0/24 (0%) of untreated raw sewage, treated sewage, sewage sludge, drainage water, drain sediment, river water, and river sediment, respectively. On the other hand, HBoV DNA was detected in 41.6% (5/12), 25% (3/12), 16.6% (2/12), 48.6% (35/72), 29% (7/24), 3/24 (12.5%), 4% (1/24) of untreated raw sewage, treated raw sewage, sewage sludge, drainage water, drain sediment, river water, and river sediment, respectively. This study provides data on the presence of these viruses in various types of water samples that are valuable to environmental risk assessment. In addition, the current study demonstrates the importance of environmental monitoring as an additional tool to investigate the epidemiology of AiV and HBoV circulating in a given community.