Vol.9 No.4-6: Detection of Candidemia in a Sample of Iraqi Neonates Admitted to the Neonates Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by Molecular Methods.

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BY: Mihad Shakir Nasif 1*, Azhar Abdul Fattah Al-Attraqchi 2, Areej Abdul Abass3

1Department of Physiology, Al-Iraqia University/ College of Medicine -Baghdad, Iraq.

2PhD in Department Microbiology Medical College/Al Nahrain University, Iraq.

3MbchB/CABP professor in pediatric medicine/pediatric department/Medical College/Al Nahrain University, Iraq.

Abstract:

Candidemia is a leading cause of sickness and mortality in neonatal care. Although current diagnostic methods are beneficial, a better knowledge of molecular pathways is necessary for enhancing detection. This study used molecular techniques to assess the incidence of candidemia in infants being treated in Iraqi NICUs. Using a cross-sectional experimental design, blood samples from newborns exposed to different risk factors were analyzed. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that targeted the ITS1 and ITS2 regions facilitated the identification of fungi. Several Cladosporium species, such as Cladosporium macrocarpum, Cladosporium allicinum, Cladosporium limoniforme, Cladosporioides, and Cladosporium tenuissimum, were found, which was unexpected. A phylogenetic study indicated the widespread distribution of these strains throughout Asia and North America. Cladosporium’s unexpected appearance necessitates a broadening of infection control measures and diagnostic perspectives in healthcare facilities. The findings of this research stress the need for constant vigilance and an all-encompassing approach to infection and diagnosis management in NICUs.

Detection-of-Candidemia-in-a-Sample-of-Iraqi-Neonates-Admitted-to-the-Neonates-Intensive-Care-Unit-NICU-by-Molecular-Methods.

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Vol.9 No.4-5:Chemical composition and antifungal properties of Oregano essential oils against the Moroccan soil-born pathogen Fusarium culmorum

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By: Jamila Bouarda1,2, Mustapha Labhilili2, Ilyass Maafa3,4, Aicha El Aissami3, MohammedBenchachoˡ and Fatiha Bentata2*

ˡ Laboratory of Botanic, Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco

2 Research Unit of Plant Breeding and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources, National Institute for Agricultural Research, Rabat, Morocco

3Research Center in Plant and Microbial Biotechnologies, Biodiversity and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco

4International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Rabat 10080, Morocco

Abstract:

In our study, the application of Oregano was investigated in vitro against ten isolates of Fusarium culmorum the causative agent of wheat root rot in Morocco. The chemical composition of essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Origanum onites and Origanum compactum was analyzed by GC. The major components of O. onites Eo were Carvacrol (29,7%) and p-cymene (22,48%) while Thymol (26,25%) was the predominant constituent in O. compactum EO. The results of the antifungal activity revealed that both oils have an inhibitory effect against all tested isolates. O. onites and O.compactum Eos inhibited the growth of all isolates tested by 100% at the concentration of 1 µL.mL−1 and 1.2 µL.mL−1 respectively. They have the potential to be used as antifungal agents for the control of wheat Rot root.

Chemical-composition-and-antifungal-properties-of-Oregano-essential-oils-against-the-Moroccan-soil-born-pathogen-Fusarium-culmorum

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Vol.9 No.4-4: MiRNA-122 association with TNF-α in some liver diseases of Egyptian patients

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By: Ahmed Abdelhalim Yameny1, Sabah Farouk Alabd1, and Magda Ahmed M. Mansor2

1Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of      Sadat City, Egypt

2Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt

Abstract:

Background:  Due to the high frequency of HCC, ongoing research is needed to find precise, non-invasive biomarkers for early identification and follow-up that will improve prognostic results. Patients and methods: this study was conducted on 90 patients with liver diseases and 25 healthy control G1, patients divided into 4 groups, (G2) 25 patients with HCV infection, (G3) 25 HCC+HCV infection, (G4) 25 patients with HBV infection, (G5) 15 patients with HCC + HBV. Results: Serum miR-122 and TNF-α levels were increased in HCV and HBV infection significantly with p-value >0.001*compared to the control group, and their levels decreased when developed into HCC but still higher than the healthy subjects significantly with p-value >0.001. For discriminating HCV from HCV+HCC the cut-off for miR-122 was >7.1 at sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%, and the AUC was 1.0 (Excellent) P-value <0.001, also the sensitivity and specificity for TNF-α 72%, and 60% respectively with cut off >12.1 and AUC of 0.745 (Good) p-value 0.003. For discriminating HBV from HBV+HCC the cut-off for miR-122 was ≤6.4 at a sensitivity of 86.67% and specificity of 96%, and the AUC of miR-122 was 0.99 (Excellent) P-value <0.001, also the sensitivity and specificity for TNF-α 93.33%, and 48.0% respectively with cut-off ≤15.73, TNF-α has AUC of 0.527 (fair) it was not significant p-value 0.780.

MiRNA-122-association-with-TNF-α-in-some-liver-diseases-of-Egyptian-patients

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Vol.9 No.4-3:Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Coffee Arabica: Larvicidal and Biochemical Study

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By: Yousef Abdulwahab1,3 , Ahyar Ahmad1,*, Isra Wahid2, Paulina Taba1

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University,  Makassar, Indonesia.

2Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University,  Makassar, Indonesia.

3Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen.

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is a major problem in transmitting dangerous diseases to humans, including dengue fever. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles from Coffee arabica and use them in the control of this dangerous insect. To confirm and characterize the formation of copper nanoparticles ultraviolet spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction methods were used. To study the toxicity of copper nanoparticles on some biochemical parameters in the body of the insect, the amount of glucose, total protein, and metabolic enzymes such as aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed. The results indicated that the highest mortality rate in Aedes aegypti larva was 96.3 % at a concentration of 100 ppm, and LC50 and LC90 were 5.7 and 36. 5%, respectively. It also showed that the lowest rate of emergence of pupae is 3.75 % at a concentration of 100 ppm, and the lowest rate of emergence of an adult insect is 2.5 % at a concentration of 50 ppm. Biochemical analyses indicate a significant decrease in the amount of total protein, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, but a significant increase in the amount of glucose and aspartate transferase enzyme was observed. Based on the obtained results, copper nanoparticles are considered a strong and promising candidate for controlling Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae and inhibiting their developmental stages.

Green-Synthesis-of-Copper-Nanoparticles-Using-Coffee-Arabica-Larvicidal-and-Biochemical-Study-1

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Vol.9 No.4-2: Interconnection between oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes mellitus

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By: Vaishali S. Pawar1*, Ajit Sontakke2, and Satyajeet K. Pawar3

  1. MD Biochemistry, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, KVV(DU), KIMS, Karad, Maharashtra, India. 
  2. MD Biochemistry, Professor & HOD, Department of Biochemistry, KVV(DU), KIMS, Karad, Maharashtra, India.
  3. MD Microbiology, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, KVV(DU), KIMS, Karad, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) are two important biomarkers used in the context of diabetes mellitus (DM) to assess oxidative stress and damage. This study aimed to compare TAC and MDA levels in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals and find out the correlation between them. Estimation of TAC and MDA levels was done in a total of 200 individuals (100 non-diabetic and 100 diabetic individuals) by using standard spectrophotometric methods. This case-control study was done from May 2022 to Dec 2022 in a tertiary care hospital. For statistical analysis, version 20 of SPSS software was used. MDA and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were significantly higher (P=0.000) and TAC levels were significantly lower (P=0.000) in diabetic than non-diabetic individuals. A significant negative correlation was observed between MDA and TAC in both groups. No significant correlation was found between MDA, TAC, and FPG levels. With the rise in the duration of diabetes significant increase was found in MDA and FPG levels. Also, there was a significant decrease in TAC levels. The combination of increased MDA levels, elevated FPG levels, and decreased TAC with increasing duration of diabetes indicates a state of heightened oxidative stress in DM patients.

Interconnection-between-oxidative-stress-and-type-2-diabetes-mellitus

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Vol.9 No.4-1:Integrating Morphological and Molecular Approaches for Identifying Pediculus humanus capitis and Assessing the Resistance to Certain Pediculicides

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By: Shaymaa H Mahmoud1*, Wafaa A Shehata2 and Salwa F Oshiba 3

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt

2 Department of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt

3 Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt

Abstract

Infestations of head lice continue to be a serious public health issue, notably in Egypt. For the implementation of efficient management measures, accurate species identification and researching their treatment approaches became crucial. So, the purpose of this research was to examine the morphological structure of Pediculus humanus capitis (P. h. capitis) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as a foundational study for further investigation into the function of sensory structures and their significance in the host choice. As well as it aimed to study the evolutionary relationships between P. h. capitis populations through the analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences, subsequently investigating the host’s pediculicide resistance. Participants from Menoufia Governorate, Egypt provided head lice sample specimens. SEM analysis provided detailed insights into the external morphology of P. h. capitis, elucidating its features. The resulting COI sequences of Egyptian lice were investigated comparing them with those in different countries.In addition, molecular assessment of topical preparations of pediculicides (malathion, permethrin, phenothrin, and ivermectin) and garlic oil was performed after one and three weeks of treatment of the lice-infested individuals. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) gene expression were used to evaluate the efficacy of anti-lice preparations. The results of this study revealed that SEM of P. h. capitis indicated morphological features that could help in further studying the functions of sensory structures. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Egyptian samples clustered together with head lice populations from Asia and Africa.  Also, it was noticed that increased transcriptional levels of CYP450, AChE, and GST genes in malathion, permethrin, and phenothrin-treated groups suggested some level of resistance to these agents. While ivermectin and garlic oil were recommended at the same time as efficient substitutes. In conclusion, the COI gene sequences of P. h. capitis in Egypt are phylogenetically related to other countries. Additionally, molecular analysis revealed that several of the regularly used pediculicides result in resistance in the infested individuals.

Integrating-Morphological-and-Molecular-Approaches-for-Identifying-Pediculus-humanus-capitis-and-Assessing-the-Resistance-to-Certain-Pediculicides

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Vol.9 No.3-5:Antifungal activity of essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum on Rhynchosporium secalis, the causal agent of barley Scald

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By: Naima Essouaadi1,2, Aicha El aissami3, , Abduladeem G.M.Al-Selwi4, Sanae Karim3, Mustapha Labhilili2, Houda Khalifi 1, Soukaina Hamoumi 1, Mohamed Benchacho1 andFatiha Bentata2*

1 Botanical laboratory, biotechnology and protection of plants, university of Science Kénitra Morocco

2Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Unit, Institute of Agricultural Research Rabat Morocco

3 Botanical laboratory, biotechnology and protection of plants, University of Science of Rabat –       Morocco

4Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rabat-Morocco

Abstract

Scald caused by Rhynchosporium secalis is one of the most devastating barley foliar diseases worldwide. Morocco has not been spared from this scourge. Our research focused on the antifungal effects of clove essential oil. Essential oils are extracted from the flower buds of aromatic plants using hydrodistillation. According to this study, the obtained extraction rate (9.07%) is quite satisfactory, making the plant a valuable natural resource. The aroma essential oil was identified by gas chromatography, and its main component was eugenol with a content of more than 52%, followed by eugenol acetate (25.94%), caryophyllene (7.845%) and caryophyllene oxide (1.74%). Two R. secalis isolates were tested for antibacterial efficacy. For the two isolates (Rs1 and Rs2) at a low concentration of 0.4 µl/ml, complete inhibition was observed under the action of S. aromaticum essential oil. According to our results, the essential oil has an antifungal effect on Scald.

Antifungal-activity-of-essential-oil-of-Syzygium-aromaticum-on-Rhynchosporium-secalis-the-causal-agent-of-barley-Scald

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Vol.9 No.3-4:Relationship between LSP1 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to chronic kidney disease with hypertensive

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By: Ahmed MudherAL khaykanee1,Thulfeqar Ahmed Hamza2, Soura Alaa Hussein3

1 General Directorate of Education of Babylon Governorate, Iraq

2 Chemistry Department- College of Science for Women – University of Babylon, Iraq

3Al-Rafidain University College, Iraq

Abstract

Background: LSP1 gene polymorphisms have been tied with some diseases as well as some types of cancer.      Aims: aimed to Evaluate the link of LSP1gen  rs569550 andrs592373 linked with CKD with hypertension. Methods: 100 patients with CKD without hypertension, 100 patients with CKD with hypertension, and 100 controls were genotyped for LSP1gen  rs569550 andrs592373 using allele-specific Real-Time PCR analysis.

Results: genotype TT and GT of the LSP1 rs569550 were associated with a significantly lower risk of CKD with hypertension in patients with CKD without hypertensive  [OR (95 % CI) = 0.2 (0.08 – 0.4), P < 0.001and[OR (95 % CI) = 0.38 (0.28 – 1.23), P < 0.001*]. Patients less likely to be affected were carriers of the allele T . CKD with hypertensive than those they have the G allele [OR (95 % CI) = 0.43 (0.29 – 0.67), P < 0.001*].

Related LSP1rs592373  the variant genotypes, TC and CC were significantly associated with increased risk of CKD with hypertensive [OR (95 % CI) =4.01 (1.98 – 6.5), P < 0.001 and OR (95 % CI) =8.7 (3.01 –25.65), p <0.001 respectively]. Similar trends were observed at the allele levels, carriers of the C allele were at a higher risk for developing CKD with hypertensive [OR (95 % CI) = 3.02 (2.05 – 3.98), p< 0.001].

Conclusions: LSP1 rs569550 and rs592373 genes were associated with CKD with hypertensive sensitivity suggesting its inclusion in CKD with hypertensive in CKD without hypertensive patients.

Relationship-between-LSP1-polymorphisms-and-the-susceptibility-to-chronic-kidney-disease-with-hypertensive

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Vol.9 No.3-3: Effects of COVID-19 vaccine on experimentally infected mice with Schistosoma mansoni

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By: Salwa Fouad Oshiba1*, Nancy Mahmoud Harba1, Manal Ahmed El Melegy1, Shaymaa Sabry El Gammal2, Asmaa Ramadan Hegazy1, Noha Ahmed Abokhalil1

1 Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt.

2 Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: In developing countries, schistosomiasis is a serious illness. Schistosomiasis continues to reach new areas despite coordinated management strategies. Therefore, to increase vaccination effectiveness, additional antigens and adjuvants must be discovered. Additionally, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine that has already been developed must be used to combat other illnesses that are currently present. The ongoing study goal was to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccine’s impact on experimentally Schistosoma (S.) mansoni-infected mice.

Main body: Seventy-two mice were used in that research. The mice were placed into eight groups, each with eight mice, except for two chronic groups, each included twelve mice. Two intramuscular injections of the vaccine were administered at intervals of three weeks. Two weeks following the first dosage of the vaccine, S. mansoni infection was performed. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination on S. mansoni infection, tests were performed on worm load, hepatic and intestinal ova count, oogram pattern, hepatic granuloma number and diameter, and Masson’s trichrome for fibrosis. To evaluate toxicity and morbidity; urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes were performed. To measure the immunological effects; interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-17 serum concentrations were measured. For further analysis, immunohistochemical staining on liver sections for detection of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and alpha-smooth muscle (α-SM) was performed. Results revealed that the COVID-19 vaccination was linked to a considerable reduction in tissue egg load and worm burden along with an increase in the percentage of eggs that were dead. The number and diameter of the granulomas were significantly reduced. Additionally, a lower proportion of fibrosis was seen on Masson’s trichrome-stained sections. Decreased schistosomiasis-related morbidity and reduction in the H scores of TGF-β and α-SM in the tissues were also observed.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 vaccine reduces the worm burden, pathology, and morbidity of S. mansoni. These findings indicated that more research into the effects of various COVID-19 vaccines on schistosomes is necessary both alone and in conjunction with other Schistosoma vaccines.

Effects-of-COVID-19-vaccine-on-experimentally-infected-mice-with-Schistosoma-mansoni-1

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Vol.9 No.3-2:Biomolecular evaluation of apoptosis, cell cycle, oxidative stress, and limiting enzymes of the glycolytic pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 treated with crude snake venom with or without sorafenib

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By: Maha Y. Abdel Al Shakour1, Emad M. Elzayat2*, Khalid M. Mahmoud3,

Mamdouh I. Nassar4, Abdel Hamid Z. Abdel-Hamid5

1PhD student at Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

2* Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

3Pharmacognosy Department, NRC, Giza, Egypt

4Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

5Therapeutic Chemistry Department, NRC, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Natural venoms have biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects.  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a worldwide problem and difficult to treat by chemotherapeutic agents especially sorafenib (SOR), as it evokes many harsh side effects and is disable to differentiate between normal and cancer cells. Objective: The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that combining crude venoms of the snake or the bee or the scorpion could synergistically enhance the antiproliferative effects of SOR in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Experimental design: Separate crude venoms have been applied to HepG2 cells and normal human retinal cells(RBE1) for estimation of IC50. The most effective venom has been combined with sorafenib in five nonconstant ratios and the combination index (CI) was estimated to expose their synergistic or antagonistic action. The best combination was used for downstream analysis. Results: The crude snake venom exhibited the most cytotoxic effect and the least IC50. It has been combined with sorafenib, and the combination index (CI) was calculated. IC25 SV + IC10 SOR was the best combination with CI=0.209 indicating high synergistic cytotoxic activity against HepG2. The underlining molecular mechanisms of action, in terms of the expression level of apoptotic genes (p53, Bax, Caspase 3, and Bcl2), flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle, oxidative stress markers as well as the activity of some limiting enzymes in the glycolytic pathway (ALDOB, PK and LDH) have been investigated.

Conclusion: Our results suggest a novel synergistic, and anti-proliferative effect of snake venom with sorafenib on HepG2 cells.

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