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Evaluating anthelmintic, anti‑platelet, and anti‑coagulant activities, and identifying the bioactive phytochemicals of Amaranthus blitum L.

Research Abstract

for advancing nutrition and ensuring food security. Amaranthus blitum L. (AB) stands out as one such crop with a traditional
history of being used to treat intestinal disorders, roundworm infections, and hemorrhage. This study aimed
to evaluate the anthelmintic and hematologic activities across various extracts of AB and investigate the phytoconstituents
responsible for these activities.
Methods In vitro anthelmintic activity against Trichinella spiralis was evaluated in terms of larval viability reduction.
The anti-platelet activities were assessed based on the inhibitory effect against induced platelet aggregation. Further,
effects on the extrinsic pathway, the intrinsic pathway, and the ultimate common stage of blood coagulation, were
monitored through measuring blood coagulation parameters: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin
time (aPTT), and thrombin time (TT), respectively. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic
analysis.
Results Interestingly, a previously undescribed compound (19), N-(cis-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan, was isolated
and identified along with 21 known compounds. Significant in vitro larvicidal activities were demonstrated
by the investigated AB extracts at 1 mg/mL. Among tested compounds, compound 18 (rutin) displayed the highest
larvicidal activity. Moreover, compounds 19 and 20 (N-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan) induced complete
larval death within 48 h. The crude extract exhibited the minimal platelet aggregation of 43.42 ± 11.69%, compared
with 76.22 ± 14.34% in the control plasma. Additionally, the crude extract and two compounds 19 and 20 significantly
inhibited the extrinsic coagulation pathway.
Conclusions These findings extend awareness about the nutritional value of AB as a food, with thrombosis-preventing
capabilities and introducing a promising source for new anthelmintic and anticoagulant agents.
Keywords Amaranthus blitum L., Amaranthaceae, Anthelmintic, Haemostatic, Anti-coagulant, Anti-platelet

Research Authors
Ghada Abdel‑Moez1, Hanaa Sayed1, Azza Khalifa1, Salwa Abd‑Elrahman2, Mohammed Osman3 and Shaymaa Mohamed1*
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Research Member
Research Pages
1-13
Research Rank
Q2, impact factor 3.9
Research Vol
24:183
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04478-2
Research Year
2024

Nanocurcumin: A Promising Therapeutic Candidate for Experimental Trichinellosis

Research Abstract


In our pursuit of an alternative drug against Trichinella spiralis, we assessed the effectiveness of nanocurcumin in alleviating pathogenesis,
parasitological factors, MMP-9 levels, and its expression in the enteral and parenteral phases of infection. The nanocurcumin particles, with a
spherical shape and a size of 100 ± 20 nm, were used in the study. Eighty mice were divided into four groups: the control group, the
untreated infected group, the nanocurcumin-treated group, and the albendazole-treated group. The nanocurcumin-treated group exhibited a
statistically significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes, along with a reduction in neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils
compared to the untreated, infected group. Both the nanocurcumin (87.2 and 97.3%) and the albendazole-treated groups (99.8 and 98.2%)
showed a significant reduction in the mean number of intestinal worms and encysted larvae, respectively. The treated groups exhibited
normal intestinal villi, suppression of the inflammatory process, and fewer instances of degenerated larvae in the diaphragm and muscle
compared to the untreated, infected group. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA analyses revealed a significant downregulation of MMP-9
levels in the intestines and muscles of the treated groups. Our data demonstrate that nanocurcumin contains highly versatile molecules
capable of modulating biological activity against inflammation and its pathway markers.

Research Authors
Sara Salah Abdel-Hakeem1,* , Mahmoud Abdel-Zaher Abdel-Samiee2, Mohamed Salah Eldin Youssef2, Shimaa Hamdi Abd-Elsadek3, Salwa Mahmoud Abd-Elrahman4, and Sally Salah Abdel-Hakeem5
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Microscopy and Microanalysis
Research Pages
1-14
Research Rank
Q2
Research Vol
00
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1093/mam/ozae007
Research Year
2024

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF BLOOD PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN CATTLE IN ASSIUT GOVERNORATE EGYPT

Research Abstract

This research paper presents the epidemiological data and clinical manifestations of blood parasitic infections in cattle. A total of 130 blood samples were collected from animals exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of blood parasitic infection. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed an overall infection rate of 46.2% among the examined cattle. Theileria sp. infections were found to be the most prevalent, with an overall prevalence of 40%. Babesia sp. infections had a lower overall prevalence of 6.2%, Microscopic examination also highlighted the intracellular localization of Theileria and Babesia parasites within red blood cells. The infected red blood cells exhibited morphological changes, appearing enlarged and distorted compared to unaffected cells. The study analyzed the risk factors for Theileria sp. and Babesia sp. infections in cattle, specifically focusing on age and gender. The prevalence of Theileria sp. infection was highest in cattle less than one year, with no significant difference observed among different age groups or genders. Similarly, there was no significant difference in Babesia sp. infection rates based on age or gender. These results provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of blood parasitic infections in cattle. The findings can contribute to the development of effective control and prevention strategies, highlighting the importance of regular surveillance and management practices in mitigating the impact of these infections on cattle health and productivity.

Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal
Research Member
Research Pages
6-18
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
WOS
Research Vol
70
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2024

Light microscopical and parasitological analyses revealed the beneficial effects of silver nanoparticles and various myrrh extracts against Trichinella spiralis infection in mice

Research Abstract

Trichinella spiralis infection is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematodes
that dwell in the tissues, presenting a significant public health concern. This study
aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments including silver nanoparticles
(AgNPs), myrrh biosynthesized AgNPs “AgNPs synthesized using plant-based
green technologies”, myrrh extract, and myrrh essential oil, as alternative treatments
against T. spiralis infection. Parasitological, histopathological, and cytotoxicity assessments
were conducted to investigate the effects of various concentrations of these
treatments in reducing the populations of adult worms and larvae during both the
intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis-infected mice. The results showed that
the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis was
achieved by myrrh extract (86.66%), followed closely by AgNPs (84.96%) and myrrh
AgNPs (82.51%) at higher concentrations (800 mg/kg for myrrh extract, 40 μg/mL
for AgNPs, and 40 μg/mL for myrrh AgNPs). While the group treated with myrrh
essential oil showed the lowest percentage of adult reduction (78.14%). However, all
treatments demonstrated comparable effects in reducing the larvae population in the
muscle phase. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence
of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. Additionally,
a comprehensive assessment of the cytotoxicity of AgNPs indicated low
toxicity levels. This study supports that AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green
technologies hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of T. spiralis infectionThese findings present a promising avenue for the development of novel antiparasitic
drugs that are both effective and safe

Research Authors
Nahed A Elossily, Salwa M Abd‐ELrahman, Abeer A Khedr, Ahmed K Dyab, Abeer E Mahmoud, Shaymaa M Mohamed, Ahmed M Abd Elrahman, Fahd M Alsharif, Reem M Alsaadawy, Ramy KA Sayed, Mervat M Khalifa
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Microsc Res Tech
Research Pages
1-10
Research Publisher
wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jemt
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
2024;1–10.
Research Website
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24542
Research Year
2024

Very important notice... Organizing student graduation parties

نقلا عن الصفحة الرسمية لجامعة أسيوط

جامعة أسيوط تعلن عدم مسئوليتها عن تنظيم حفلات التخرج الطلابية التي تتم خارج الجامعة

   تعلن جامعة أسيوط؛ عدم مسؤوليتها عن أية حفلات تخرج، أو أنشطه يتم تنظيمها خارج أسوار الجامعة، وبغير موافقة الجامعة، والجامعه مسؤولة- فقط- عن حفلات التخرج التي تنظمها الكليات داخل أسوارها، تحت رعاية، وتنظيم السادة أعضاء هيئه التدريس، والعاملين بإدارة رعاية الشباب.

   وتحذر الجامعة؛ من استخدام أي كيانات لاسم جامعة أسيوط في أي حفلات، أو أنشطه تحمل اسم الجامعة، بدون موافقة كتابية من الجامعة، كما تناشد الجامعة أبناءها الطلاب؛ بعدم الانسياق لأي حفلات، أو أنشطة يتم تنظيمها خارج أسوارها.
#إعلام_جامعة_أسيوط

Novel Edible Bionanocomposites Films Based on Lemon Grass Nanoemulsion and ZnO-NPs for Extending the Shelf Life of Chilled Chicken Meat

Research Authors
Amal W Ayoub, Sherief M Sayed, Mahmoud A Ammar, Yehia A Hefnawy, Ahmed M Youssef
Research Date
Research Department
Research Year
2023

Variations of blood metabolites in single- and multiple-bearing Ossimi ewes during the transition period

Research Abstract

Abstract

Evaluation of the metabolic profile indices allows early detection and treatment of various metabolic disorders during the transition period in ewes. This study aimed to determine the variations in the blood metabolites around lambing in Ossimi ewes. The blood metabolites were investigated in ewes with single (n = 27) and multiple (n = 9) lambs at 3- and 1-week pre-lambing and 3-week post-lambing. The plasma concentrations of glucose were higher in single-bearing ewes than those in multiple-bearing ewes (p < .05), moreover, its lowest value was measured at 1-week prepartum in both groups. Throughout the study period, the serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were significantly increased in ewes with multiple lambs compared to ewes with single lambs (p < .05), and the highest value was found at 1-week before parturition in both groups. In addition, the serum level of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) was higher at 3-week postpartum, and it was significantly increased in multiple-bearing ewes than that in single-bearing ones (p < .05) at 3-week pre-lambing. In both groups, the lowest values of total proteins were determined 1-week before lambing, and its concentrations, at 3- and 1-week prepartum, were higher in ewes with single lambs than those with multiple lambs (p < .05). In contrast, the serum concentrations of albumin were significantly lowered 1-week postpartum (p < .05), and without significant differences between both groups (p > .05). The serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly increased at 1-week after parturition in both groups (p < .05). Furthermore, the serum activities of AST were higher in multiple-bearing ewes than those in single-bearing ones at 3-week pre-lambing and 3-week post-lambing (p < .05). Variable positive and negative correlations were determined among the blood metabolites. In conclusion, physiological adaptations are associated with the fluctuation of the blood metabolites around lambing. The higher the number of foetuses the higher the metabolic variations in Ossimi ewes. Therefore, regular metabolic profiling for health monitoring may be necessary to avoid disease development during the transition period.

Research Authors
Hussein Awad Hussein, Amany M. Mohammed Omer, Mohammad H. Karam
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Reproduction in Domestic Animals
Research Pages
1-8
Research Publisher
Wiley
Research Rank
Q2
Research Vol
59
Research Website
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rda.14649
Research Year
2024

Rabbit Model of Candida albicans Biofilm Infection: Liposomal Amphotericin B Antifungal Lock Therapy

Research Abstract
Catheter-related infections due to Candida albicans biofilms are a leading cause of fungal nosocomial bloodstream infection. In this paper, we describe the development of a model of catheter-associated infection with C. albicans biofilms and show that antifungal lock therapy with liposomal amphotericin B is an effective treatment strategy for these infections. Silicone catheters surgically placed in New Zealand White rabbits were infected with C. albicans, and the rabbits were randomized into three groups: (i) untreated controls, (ii) liposomal amphotericin B lock, and (iii) fluconazole lock. Upon completion of therapy, blood cultures were obtained and the catheters were removed for quantitative culture and scanning electron microscopic analyses. Quantitative cultures revealed that catheters treated with liposomal amphotericin B yielded 0 CFU, which was significant compared to the untreated controls (P < 0.001) and the fluconazole-treated group (P = 0.0079). Although fluconazole treatment tended to have lower CFU compared to untreated controls, there was no difference in mean colony counts between these two groups (1.128 ± 0.764 and 1.841 ± 1.141 log10 CFU/catheter segment, respectively; P = 0.297). Scanning electron microscopy revealed abundant biofilm in the control and fluconazole groups, while the liposomal amphotericin B group was virtually cleared. These findings suggest a possible treatment strategy for the successful salvage of catheters infected with C. albicans biofilms and describe an animal model that may play an important role in the further study of C. albicans biofilm pathogenesis and evaluation of potential antibiofilm agents.
Nosocomial bloodstream infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, with Candida species representing the fourth most common cause of such infections (9). Central venous catheters (CVCs) are responsible for many of these infections, and up to 40% of patients with Candida isolated from their CVCs have underlying fungemia (1). Despite the introduction of new antifungal therapies, the attributable mortality of patients with candidemia remains unacceptably high, ranging from 39 to 49% (10, 26).
Adherence of microorganisms and biofilm formation on catheter surfaces is a common mechanism for catheter-associated bloodstream infection (20). These biofilms are characterized by the production of a thick extracellular matrix and an altered resistance phenotype (8). Electron microscopic evaluation of catheters removed from patients has demonstrated widespread biofilm colonization, confirming the importance of biofilms in catheter-associated infections (20). CVCs infected with Candida biofilms are especially problematic since Candida species adhere avidly to catheter material and antifungal therapy alone is insufficient for cure (6). This explains the rationale behind the recent national guidelines recommending the removal of catheters infected with Candida in order to eradicate a potential nidus of bloodstream infection (17, 19). However, catheter removal is not always feasible for patients with coagulopathy or limited vascular access and is associated with increased healthcare expenses as well as complications related to catheter replacement (18).
Data from several laboratories have demonstrated the near-total resistance of in vitro Candida albicans biofilms to common antifungal agents (6, 7, 13, 15). More recently, our group and others have observed that in vitro C. albicans biofilms show susceptibility to the lipid formulations of amphotericin B and the echinocandins (3, 16). Although these data suggest a possible strategy for the salvage of CVCs infected with C. albicans biofilms, the clinical significance of these observations remains unknown. There has been no in vivo validation of these findings because (i) no animal model of catheter-related C. albicans biofilm infection is available and (ii) no prospective, randomized clinical trials have been performed. In this study, we describe the development of the first clinically relevant animal model of C. albicans biofilm-associated catheter infection and evaluate the effectiveness of liposomal amphotericin B antifungal lock therapy.
Research Authors
Matthew K. Schinabeck, Lisa A. Long, Mohammad A. Hossain, Jyotsna Chandra, Pranab K. Mukherjee, Sotohy Mohamed, Mahmoud A. Ghannoum
Research Date
Research Department
Research Member
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