OBJECTIVETo characterize, identify and investigate the anticancer properties of two new soil fungal isolates, Emericella nidulans and Fusarium solani isolated from Wady El-Natron in Egypt against colon cancer Caco-2 (ATCC) cell line.

METHODSSoil sample was cultured and two strains were chosen for morphological and phenotypical characterization. Partial sequences of the 18s rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer region ITS of the two isolates were amplified by PCR. Phylogenetic tree construction and analysis of the resulted multiple sequences from the two fugal isolates were also carried out. In vitro anticancer activity of the two strains was done against colon Caco-2 cancer cell line. Reverse transcription - PCR was carried out to detect level of expression of p53 in Caco-2 cell line.

RESULTSHF.1 displayed morphological and genotypic characteristics most similar to that of Fusarium solani while HF.2 was most similar to Emericella nidulans with high similarity of 99% and 97% respectively. The multiple sequence alignment of the two fungal isolates showed that, the maximum identical conserved domains in the 18s rRNA genes were identified with the nucleotide regions of 51st to 399th base pairs, 88th to 525th base pairs respectively. While those in the ITS genes were identified with the nucleotide regions of 88th to 463rd and 51st to 274th. The two isolates showed IC50 value with (6.24±5.21) and (9.84±0.36) µg/mL) concentrations respectively at 28h. Reverse transcription - PCR indicated that these cells showed high level of expression for p53 mRNA.

CONCLUSIONSThe morphology and molecular analysis identified HF.1 and HF.2 to be Fusarium solani and Emericella nidulans; new isolates of anticancer producing fungi from Wady El-Natroon city in Egypt. Treatment with the two isolates caused P53 expression in Caco-2 cell line. These two isolates can be used as an anticancer agents.

Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Caco-2 Cells ; Complex Mixtures ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Egypt ; Emericella ; chemistry ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Fusarium ; chemistry ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Soil Microbiology ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics ; metabolism

Colloidal lipid particles such as solid lipid nanoparticles and liquid crystalline nanoparticles have great opportunities as drug carriers especially for lipophilic drugs intended for intravenous administration. In order to evaluate drug release from these nanoparticles and determine their behavior after administration, emulsion droplets were used as a lipophilic compartment to which the transfer of a model drug was measured. The detection of the model drug transferred from monoolein cubic particles and trimyristin solid lipid nanoparticles into emulsion droplets was performed using a flow cytometric technique. A higher rate and amount of porphyrin transfer from the solid lipid nanoparticles compared to the monoolein cubic particles was observed. This difference might be attributed to the formation of a highly ordered particle which leads to the expulsion of drug to the surface of the crystalline particle. Furthermore, the sponge-like structure of the monoolein cubic particles decreases the rate and amount of drug transferred. In conclusion, the flow cytometric technique is a suitable technique to study drug transfer from these carriers to large lipophilic acceptors. Monoolein cubic particles with their unique structure can be used successfully as a drug carrier with slow drug release compared with trimyristin nanoparticles.

Gastric ulcer is one of the most serious diseases. Nebivolol (Neb), a β1-blocker, exhibits vasodilator and antioxidative properties, simvastatin (Sim) antihyperlipidemic drug, exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory properties and promote endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of Neb and Sim against cold restraint stress (CRS)-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Rats were restrained, and maintained at 4°C for 3 hours. Animals were divided into six groups; control group, CRS group, and four treatment groups received ranitidine (Ran), Neb, Sim and both Neb and Sim. Treatments were given orally on a daily basis for 7 days prior to CRS. The gastroprotective effects of Neb and Sim were assessed biochemically by measuring variations in prostaglandins E2, NO, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde, and functionally by estimating force of contractions of isolated rat fundus in the studied groups in response to acetylecholine stimulation and morphologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff ’s reaction and immunohistochemistry for cyclooxygenase 2 in gastric mucosa. CRS caused significant ulcerogenic effect. Alternatively, pretreatment with Ran, Neb, and Sim significantly corrected biochemical findings, pharmacological and histological studies.

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune condition characterized by low platelet count and increased risk of bleeding. Several pathophysiological processes contribute to the disease, including complement activation by autoantibodies bound to platelet surfaces. This study aimed to assess complement levels in ITP patients and determine their correlation with clinical presentation and disease severity.Patients and methods This case–control study enrolled 40 patients (both sexes, aged 18–40 years) with primary ITP and 40 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive health assessment, thorough physical examination, laboratory investigations, and abdominal ultrasound. These included a complete blood count (CBC) with blood film, renal and hepatic function tests, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCV-Abs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), C-reactive protein (CRP), antinuclear antibody (ANA), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum complement levels (C3 and C4), and Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool. Results: Mean C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower in patients with ITP than in healthy controls. A statistical significant negative correlation was found between CRP and C4 levels in ITP patients. However, no statistically significant relationship was observed between C3 and C4 levels and platelet count in ITP patients, regardless of the presence of bleeding complications. Conclusion Complement levels were significantly lower in patients with ITP than in healthy controls. Complement levels were also significantly lower in treatment-naïve patients than in patients who received treatment. Therefore, complement levels could serve as a valuable laboratory test for disease activity.

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune condition characterized by low platelet count and increased risk of bleeding. Several pathophysiological processes contribute to the disease, including complement activation by autoantibodies bound to platelet surfaces. This study aimed to assess complement levels in ITP patients and determine their correlation with clinical presentation and disease severity.Patients and methods This case–control study enrolled 40 patients (both sexes, aged 18–40 years) with primary ITP and 40 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive health assessment, thorough physical examination, laboratory investigations, and abdominal ultrasound. These included a complete blood count (CBC) with blood film, renal and hepatic function tests, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCV-Abs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), C-reactive protein (CRP), antinuclear antibody (ANA), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum complement levels (C3 and C4), and Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool. Results: Mean C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower in patients with ITP than in healthy controls. A statistical significant negative correlation was found between CRP and C4 levels in ITP patients. However, no statistically significant relationship was observed between C3 and C4 levels and platelet count in ITP patients, regardless of the presence of bleeding complications. Conclusion Complement levels were significantly lower in patients with ITP than in healthy controls. Complement levels were also significantly lower in treatment-naïve patients than in patients who received treatment. Therefore, complement levels could serve as a valuable laboratory test for disease activity.

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune condition characterized by low platelet count and increased risk of bleeding. Several pathophysiological processes contribute to the disease, including complement activation by autoantibodies bound to platelet surfaces. This study aimed to assess complement levels in ITP patients and determine their correlation with clinical presentation and disease severity.Patients and methods This case–control study enrolled 40 patients (both sexes, aged 18–40 years) with primary ITP and 40 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive health assessment, thorough physical examination, laboratory investigations, and abdominal ultrasound. These included a complete blood count (CBC) with blood film, renal and hepatic function tests, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCV-Abs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), C-reactive protein (CRP), antinuclear antibody (ANA), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum complement levels (C3 and C4), and Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool. Results: Mean C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower in patients with ITP than in healthy controls. A statistical significant negative correlation was found between CRP and C4 levels in ITP patients. However, no statistically significant relationship was observed between C3 and C4 levels and platelet count in ITP patients, regardless of the presence of bleeding complications. Conclusion Complement levels were significantly lower in patients with ITP than in healthy controls. Complement levels were also significantly lower in treatment-naïve patients than in patients who received treatment. Therefore, complement levels could serve as a valuable laboratory test for disease activity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the leading causes of neurological handicap in developing countries. Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) CD34-positive (CD34⁺) stem cells exhibit the potential for neural repair. We tested the hypothesis that hUCB CD34⁺ stem cells and other cell types [leukocytes and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs)] that are up-regulated during the acute stage of perinatal asphyxia (PA) could play a role in the early prediction of the occurrence, severity, and mortality of HIE. METHODS: This case-control pilot study investigated consecutive neonates exposed to PA. The hUCB CD34⁺ cell count in mononuclear layers was assayed using a flow cytometer. Twenty full-term neonates with PA and 25 healthy neonates were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: The absolute CD34⁺ cell count (p=0.02) and the relative CD34⁺ cell count (CD34+%) (p<0.001) in hUCB were higher in the HIE patients (n=20) than the healthy controls. The hUCB absolute CD34⁺ cell count (p=0.04), CD34⁺% (p<0.01), and Hobel risk scores (p=0.04) were higher in patients with moderate-to-severe HIE (n=9) than in those with mild HIE (n=11). The absolute CD34⁺ cell count was strongly correlated with CD34⁺% (p<0.001), Hobel risk score (p=0.04), total leukocyte count (TLC) (p<0.001), and NRBC count (p=0.01). CD34+% was correlated with TLC (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: hUCB CD34⁺ cells can be used to predict the occurrence, severity, and mortality of neonatal HIE after PA.
Asphyxia ; Case-Control Studies ; Cell Count ; Developing Countries ; Erythrocytes ; Fetal Blood* ; Humans* ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain* ; Incidence* ; Infant, Newborn ; Leukocyte Count ; Mortality ; Pilot Projects* ; Stem Cells ; Umbilical Cord*

The objective of this study was to prepare cubosomal nanoparticles containing a hydrophilic anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for liver targeting. Cubosomal dispersions were prepared by disrupting a cubic gel phase of monoolein and water in the presence of Poloxamer 407 as a stabilizer. Cubosomes loaded with 5-FU were characterized in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, 5-FU-loaded cubosomes entrapped 31.21% drug and revealed nanometer-sized particles with a narrow particle size distribution. In vitro 5-FU release from cubosomes exhibited a phase of rapid release of about half of the entrapped drug during the first hour, followed by a relatively slower drug release as compared to 5-FU solution. In vivo biodistribution experiments indicated that the cubosomal formulation significantly (P<0.05) increased 5-FU liver concentration, a value approximately 5-fold greater than that observed with a 5-FU solution. However, serum serological results and histopathological findings revealed greater hepatocellular damage in rats treated with cubosomal formulation. These results demonstrate the successful development of cubosomal nanoparticles containing 5-FU for liver targeting. However, further studies are required to evaluate hepatotoxicity and in vivo antitumor activity of lower doses of 5-FU cubosomal formulation in treatment of liver cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Food bolus impaction is the most common form of esophageal foreign body impaction observed in adults. Clinical guidelines recommend using the push technique or retrieval methods in such cases. The push technique can cause injuries in certain clinical situations. Notably, conventional retrieval methods are time and effort consuming. Cap-assisted endoscopic extraction of an impacted food bolus is an easy and effective technique; however, more data are needed for its validation. This study compared the capassisted extraction technique with conventional methods. METHODS: This prospective observational multicenter study compared the success and en bloc removal rates, total procedure time, and adverse events in both techniques.. RESULTS: The study included 303 patients who underwent food bolus extraction. The push technique was used in 87 patients (28.7%) and a retrieval procedure in 216 patients (71.3%). Cap-assisted extraction was performed in 106 patients and retrieval using conventional methods in 110 patients. The cap-assisted technique was associated with a higher rate of en bloc removal (80.2% vs. 15%, p<0.01), shorter procedure time (6.9±3.5 min vs. 15.7±4.1 min, p<0.001), and fewer adverse events (0/106 vs. 9/110, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cap-assisted extraction showed no adverse events, higher efficacy, and a shorter procedure time compared with conventional retrieval procedures.
Adult ; Foreign Bodies ; Humans ; Methods ; Prospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the synergetic effect of an ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis in immunization of BALB/c mice with Taenia saginata (T. saginata) crude antigen against bovine cysticercosis, with reference to its effects on liver and kidney functions. METHODS: Sixty female mice BALB/c strain weighing 20 to 25 g and 6-8 weeks old were randomly allocated into six groups of ten mice each. Mice in groups 1 and 2 (G1 and G2) were immunized intraperitoneally with 100 μg of T. saginata crude antigen in 100 μL phosphate buffer saline emulsified in Freund's adjuvant. Besides, the mice in G2 were administered with propolis extract simultaneously with immunization. Control mice were either administered with propolis extract (G3) or injected with the same volume of phosphate buffer saline emulsified in Freund's adjuvant (G4). The mice in G5 were non-immunized infected control while, those in G6 were non-immunized non-infected control. Two weeks after the last immunization, each mouse was challenged intraperitoneally with 5 000 oncospheres except those of G6. Ethanolic extract of propolis was prepared at a dose 50 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of challenge, the mice in G2 showed the highest level of protection (100%), with no cyst being detected rather than mice in G1 (33.3% protection). Additionally, the ELISA results, in this study, showed higher antibody titer in G2 with reduction the alteration in liver and kidney functions compared to G1. CONCLUSIONS: Egyptian propolis could increase the level of protection against experimental challenge infection with T. saginata eggs when administered simultaneously with immunization. Furthermore, it could enhance the production of antibodies to immunized antigen and decrease the alteration in liver and kidney functions.