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Alaa U AlRuwaisan,1 Mashael R Al-Anazi,2 Mohammed I Shafeai,3 Fuad H Rudiny,3 Ali M Motaen,3 Saad M Bin Dajem,4 Hani Alothaid,5 Kareem Morsy,4,6 Saad Alkahtani,1 Ahmed A Al-Qahtani2,7 1Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Infection and Immunity, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Sabya General Hospital, Sabya, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia; 6Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 7Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ahmed A Al-Qahtani Email aqahtani@kfshrc.edu.saIntroduction: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, reported to be involved in the initial immune responses against malaria. Genetic variations in the host are an important factor that influences the etiology of malaria at several disease levels. Polymorphisms within the IL-18 gene are associated with susceptibility and clinical outcome of several diseases.Methods: We genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-18 of patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum with varying extent of parasitemia and different age groups.Results: SNPs rs5744292 (OR = 70.446; 95% CI = 4.318– 1149.323; p< 0.0001) and rs544354 (OR = 1.498; 95% CI = 1.088– 2.063; p=0.013) were found to be significantly associated with parasitemia in P. falciparum-infected patients when compared with healthy control subjects. SNP rs5744292 (OR = 7.597; 95% CI=1.028– 56.156; p=0.019) was associated with increased parasite density in infected patients. SNPs rs544354 (OR 0.407; 95% CI=0.204– 0.812; p = 0.009) and rs360714 (OR of 0.256; 95% CI=0.119– 0.554; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with parasite density in an age-dependent manner, with the risk alleles present more frequently among the younger (1– 9 years) patients. Several haplotypes were found to have a significant association with parasitemia. In-vitro expression analysis using luciferase reporter assay showed that SNPs rs1946518 and rs187238 in the IL-18 gene promoter region and rs360728 and rs5744292 in the 3ʹ-untranslated region of the IL-18 gene were associated with enhanced transcriptional activity.Conclusion: Our results suggest that polymorphisms within the IL-18 gene are associated with the susceptibility to P. falciparum infection and related parasitemia among groups with different parasite density and across various age groups.Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, IL-18 gene, SNPs

Parapharyngodon (Oxyurida) is a lizard gastrointestinal nematode parasite with a life cycle including lizards as main hosts. However, some species are known to parasitize anurans. In the present study, P. japonicus isolated from the large intestine of the Egyptian changeable lizard, Agama mutabilis was described and illustrated. Forty five specimens of these animals were collected from south Sinai desert, Egypt during the period from May to September 2017. After necropsy, the body was opened by a longitudinal incision from vent to throat, and the gastrointestinal tract was removed. The esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines were examined separately for helminthes. The recovered nematodes were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Thirty six specimens (80.0 %) were found to be naturally infected. The parasite was robust with prominent cuticular transverse annulations. Mouth surrounded by three bilobed lips, each with tiny labial papillae. Three pairs of caudal papillae were observed in male worms; 1 pair precloacal, 1 pair sublateral in cloacal opening line, 1 pair in proximal region of caudal appendage on its narrowed point. The posterior extremity beard dorsally directed caudal appendages. Females were with a conical posterior end terminated at a terminal spike. Ovaries reached esophageal isthmus but not wrapped around corpus. The parasite recorded was compared morphologically and morphometrically with the most similar species, it was found that it was most similar to P. japonicus with new host and locality records.

Clove plant (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the Myrtaceae family. It's a common flavor in food and the traditional medicine. The study's objective was to ascertain whether the clove bud aqueous extract (CAE) and CAE + nanosilver have any biological effects on immune cells and HT-29 colon cancer cell line. Nanosilver was produced through green synthesis approach using CAE. Produced nanosilver was characterized via electron microscope (scanning, SEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. CAE and CAE + nanosilver were examined for their active biomolecules using FTIR analysis, p53 contents using real-time PCR, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest power on HT-29 cancer cell line via flow cytometerty and immunomodulatory potential utilizing MTT assay. Results cleared that a spherical nanosilver with a diameter range of 53 nm was formed by CAE. There were several active biomolecules in CAE and CAE + nanosilver. CAE and CAE + nanosilver increased the p53 protein expression and apoptotic cell number in HT-29 colon cancer cells. CAE and CAE + nanosilver could arrest HT-29 cells at the phase G2/M. CAE and CAE + nanosilver stimulated quiescent and PHA-pre-treated splenic cells at higher concentrations, and CAE suppressed quiescent splenic cell when diluted. In conclusion, the safe edible Syzygium aromaticum plant can be utilized to make anti-tumor agent, essentially for colon tumor. As Syzygium aromaticum plant could stimulate immune cells, it can be used as immune-stimulatory agent that can help fight tumor and tumor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study was designed to perform a transmission electron microscopic investigation focusing on the dark and light pancreatic acinar β-cells of young domesticated pig (Sus Suidae). Materials and methods: This study depended on the fresh pancreatic specimens from 5 healthy young (2-month-old) pigs that were collected immediately after they were slaughtered at the abattoir of Abdelkader Alexandria, Egypt. Results and Conclusions: In our findings, the acinar pancreas was formed of pyramidal pancreatic acinar cells with large spherical nuclei of condensed heterochromatin at the periphery and prominent eccentric nucleoli. Zymogen granules were observed at the apical region of the acinar cells, and they appear as electron dense bodies. Numerous mitochondria and Golgi complexes observed in the acinar cell cytoplasm. The electron dense acinar cells were joined by junctional complexes. The rough endoplasmic reticulum was more prominent in the electron-dense acinar cells than did electron-lucent acinar cells. There was no connective tissue capsule separate the acinar portion of pancreas from the pancreatic islets. The pancreatic islets mainly formed of β-cells. The irregular α-cells possess numerous small granules. The cytoplasmic β-cells granules were surrounded by hallow area and enclosed by a limiting membrane. Delta cells were generally polygonal in shape and found in clumps throughout the islet and they were also identified in between β-cells. Their granules were of moderate electron density and were generally smaller than β-cells’ granules. The limiting membrane was tightly enclosed the delta cells granules and the hallow area around the granule were found similar to the granules of β-cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monogenea is a class of ectoparasitic flatworms on the skin, gills, or fins of fish. Microcotylidae is a family of polyopisthocotylean monogeneans parasitising only marine fishes. This work describes and taxonomically determines a microcotylid polyopisthocotylean monogenean in an important fish in Saudi aquaculture.

Introduction: There is still lack of morphological and phylogenetic information on the pathogenic nematode of the camel Haemonchus longistipes. In the present study, this parasite was isolated in Saudi Arabia and described.

Mohamed A Mekky,1 Hani I Sayed,2 Mohamed O Abdelmalek,1 Medhat A Saleh,3 Osman A Osman,1 Heba A Osman,4 Khairy H Morsy,5 Helal F Hetta6,7 1Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt; 2Center for Management of Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of Health, Assiut, Egypt; 3Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; 4Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, South Valley University Hospital, Qena, Egypt; 5Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt; 6Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; 7Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA Background: Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI) is characterized by the detection of HCV-RNA in non-serum reservoirs, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and/or hepatocytes with undetectable HCV-RNA or antibodies in the serum. In this study, we tried to evaluate the prevalence and possible predictors of OCI in patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) post sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV) therapy.Patients and methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was designed to enroll 1,280 HCV-infected patients who received SOF (400 mg) plus DCV (60 mg) once daily ± ribavirin regimen for 12 weeks and achieved SVR 12 weeks post treatment. They were randomly recruited from three dedicated Egyptian centers for management of HCV. Real-time PCR was performed to detect HCV-RNA in serum and PBMCs and to evaluate the different risk factors pertaining to the existence of OCI.Results: HCV-RNA was detected in PBMCs of 50 (3.9%) of them. All OCI cases exhibited significant fibrosis score and raised pre-treatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Logistic regression analysis comparing OCI with non-OCI revealed that high pre-treatment viral load, raised ALT, advanced fibrosis score, prolonged prothrombin time, low albumin, Child B score, antiviral experienced patients, and raised bilirubin are the most significant predictor for the possibility of OCI presence with Odds Ratio as 7.03, 5.13, 4.4, 2.68, 2.52, 1.9, 1.5, and 1.2, respectively.Conclusion: In spite of its remote possibility, OCI post SOF/DCV therapy may be present in some cases, and this may entail a re-auditing for the definition of SVR by dual testing in both serum and PBMCs. Keywords: Occult, hepatitis C, Direct acting, Sofosbuvir

Biosensing, a promising branch of exploiting nanophotonic devices, enables meticulous detection of subwavelength light, which helps to analyze and manipulate light-matter interaction. The improved sensitivity of recent high-quality nanophotonic biosensors has enabled enhanced bioanalytical precision in detection. Considering the potential of nanophotonics in biosensing, this article summarizes recent advances in fabricating nanophotonic and optical biosensors, focusing on their sensing function and capacity. We typically classify these types of biosensors into five categories: phase-driven, resonant dielectric nanostructures, plasmonic nanostructures, surface-enhanced spectroscopies, and evanescent-field, and review the importance of enhancing sensor performance and efficacy by addressing some major concerns in nanophotonic biosensing, such as overcoming the difficulties in controlling biological specimens and lowering their costs for ease of access. We also address the possibility of updating these technologies for immediate implementation and their impact on enhancing safety and health., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Javaid, Iqbal, Javeed, Maidin, Morsy, Shati and Choi.)

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug widely employed in the treatment of various cancers, known for its potent antineoplastic properties but often associated with dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, limiting its clinical use. This review explores the complex molecular details that determine the heart-protective effectiveness of carvedilol in relation to cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. The harmful effects of DOX on heart cells could include oxidative stress, DNA damage, iron imbalance, disruption of autophagy, calcium imbalance, apoptosis, dysregulation of topoisomerase 2-beta, arrhythmogenicity, and inflammatory responses. This review carefully reveals how carvedilol serves as a strong protective mechanism, strategically reducing each aspect of cardiac damage caused by DOX. Carvedilol's antioxidant capabilities involve neutralizing free radicals and adjusting crucial antioxidant enzymes. It skillfully manages iron balance, controls autophagy, and restores the calcium balance essential for cellular stability. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic effects of carvedilol are outlined through the adjustment of Bcl-2 family proteins and activation of the Akt signaling pathway. The medication also controls topoisomerase 2-beta and reduces the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, together offering a thorough defense against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. These findings not only provide detailed understanding into the molecular mechanisms that coordinate heart protection by carvedilol but also offer considerable potential for the creation of targeted treatment strategies intended to relieve cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, has proven efficacy against various malignancies. However, its clinical utility is hampered by its dose-limiting toxicities, including nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, and myelosuppression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cisplatin toxicity, encompassing its underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and emerging therapeutic strategies. The mechanisms of cisplatin toxicity are multifactorial and involve oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and cellular apoptosis. Various risk factors contribute to the interindividual variability in susceptibility to cisplatin toxicity. The risk of developing cisplatin-induced toxicity could be related to pre-existing conditions, including kidney disease, hearing impairment, neuropathy, impaired liver function, and other comorbidities. Additionally, this review highlights the emerging therapeutic strategies that could be applied to minimize cisplatin-induced toxicities and aid in optimizing cisplatin treatment regimens, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the overall quality of cancer care., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Electronic and structural properties of calcium clusters with a varying size range of 2-20 atoms are studied using a two-step scheme within the GW and density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The GGA overestimates the binding energies, optimized geometries, electron affinities, and ionization potentials reported in the benchmark. The ground-state structure geometry and binding energy were obtained from the DFT for the ground-state structure of each cluster. The binding energy of the neutral clusters of the calcium series follows an increasing trend, except for a few stable even and odd clusters. The electronic properties of the calcium cluster were studied with an all-electron FHI-aims code. In the G 0 W 0 calculation, the magic cluster Ca 10 has relatively high ionization potential and low electron affinity. The obtained ionization potentials from the G 0 W 0 @ PBE calculation showed that the larger cluster has less variation, whereas the electron affinities of the series have an increasing trend. The ionization potentials from the G 0 W 0 benchmark for the calcium cluster series have not yet been described in the literature., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024, Bakhsh et al.)

The change in composition and pressure, both of which lead to new desired properties by altering the structure, is particularly important for improving device performance. Given this, we focused here on the mechanical, elastic, and optoelectronic characteristics of the Cd 0.75 Zn 0.25 Se alloy using density functional theory at various pressures from 0 GPa to 20 GPa. It is found that the bulk modulus of the material rises with increasing pressure and exhibits mechanical stability as well as cubic symmetry. In addition, the increased pressure leads to a rise in the direct bandgap energy of the material from 2.03 eV to 2.48 eV. The absorption coefficient of the alloy also increases as the pressure increases, where the effective range of absorption covers the broad spectrum of light in the visible range from orange to cyan. This is due to the electronic transitions caused by the altered pressure. The optical parameters, including optical conductivity, extinction coefficient, reflection, and refractive index, are also analyzed under the influence of pressure. Based on this research, effective applications of the Cd substituted Zn-chalcogenides (CdZnSe) alloys in the fields of optoelectronics and photovoltaics are outlined, especially concerning fabricating solar cells, photonic devices, and pressure sensors for space technology., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Iqbal, Javeed, Bakhsh, Arellano-Ramírez, Khalid, Morsy, Shati and Choi.)

The optoelectronic and structural characteristics of the Zn 1-x Cr x Se (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) semiconductor are reported by employing density functional theory (DFT) within the mBJ potential. The findings revealed that the lattice constant decreases with increasing Cr concentration, although the bulk modulus exhibits the opposite trend. ZnSe is a direct bandgap material; however, a change from direct to indirect electronic bandgap has been seen with Cr presence. This transition is caused by structural alterations by Cr and defects forming, which results in novel optical features, including electronic transitions. The electronic bandgap decreases from 2.769 to 0.216 eV, allowing phonons to participate and improving optical absorption. A higher concentration of Cr boosts infrared absorption and these Cr-based ZnSe (ZnCrSe) semiconductors also cover a wider spectrum in the visible range from red to blue light. Important optical parameters such as reflectance, optical conductivity, optical bandgap, extinction coefficient, refractive index, magnetization factor, and energy loss function are discussed, providing a theoretical understanding of the diverse applications of ZnCrSe semiconductors in photonic and optoelectronic devices., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The structural and electronic properties of zinc clusters (Zn n ) for a size range of n = 2-15 are studied using density functional theory. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to search the structure and to determine the ground-state structure of the neutral Zn clusters. The structural motifs are optimized using the density functional theory approach to ensure that the structures are fully relaxed. Results are compared with the literature to validate the accuracy of the prediction method. The binding energy per cluster is obtained and compared with the reported literature to study the stability of these structures. We further assess the electronic properties, including the ionization potential, using the all-electron FHI-aims code employing G 0 W 0 calculations, and the G 0 W 0 Г 0 (1) correction for a few smaller clusters, which provides a better estimation of the ionization potential compared to other methods., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024, Bakhsh et al.)

The increase in global energy consumption and the related ecological problems have generated a constant demand for alternative energy sources superior to traditional ones. This is why unlimited photon-energy harnessing is important. A notable focus to address this concern is on advancing and producing cost-effective low-loss solar cells. For efficient light energy capture and conversion, we fabricated a ZnPC:PC70BM-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and estimated its performance using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D). We evaluated the output parameters of the ZnPC:PC70BM-based DSSC with different photoactive layer thicknesses, series and shunt resistances, and back-metal work function. Our analyses show that moderate thickness, minimum series resistance, high shunt resistance, and high metal-work function are favorable for better device performance due to low recombination losses, electrical losses, and better transport of charge carriers. In addition, in-depth research for clarifying the impact of factors, such as thickness variation, defect density, and doping density of charge transport layers, has been conducted. The best efficiency value found was 10.30% after tweaking the parameters. It also provides a realistic strategy for efficiently utilizing DSSC cells by altering features that are highly dependent on DSSC performance and output., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The unique consequence of green synthesis is that the mediator plant is able to release chemicals that are efficacious as reducing as well as stabilizing agents. In this work, the fruit pulp and leaf essences of Cassia fistula have been used to manufacture silver nanoparticles through the green synthesis technique. The sculpturing of nanoparticles was accomplished by utilizing the reduction phenomenon that ensued due to the reaction between plant essences and the precursor solution. These biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were examined, where we used scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques as means to analyze the structure, optical properties, and crystalline behavior, respectively. The absorption spectra for fruit and leaf extracts obtained from the UV-vis analyses peaked at 401 and 397 nm, and these peaks imply the appearance of optical energy gaps of 2.12 and 2.58 eV, accompanying spherical shapes of particles with diameters in the ranges of 12-20 and 50-80 nm, respectively. These silver nanoparticles together with the adopted green technique have a vast array of applications, specifically in the biomedical realm. In particular, they are being used to treat several diseases and are manifested as strong anti-tumor agents to medicate MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines in order to minimize the cell growth rate depending on their concentrations., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

This study reports the synthesis of ferric vanadate (FeVO 4 ) via a facile hydrothermal method, focusing on demonstrating its exceptional electrochemical (EC) properties on detecting low-density ascorbic acid (AA). The phase purity, crystallinity, structure, morphology, and chemical compositional properties were characterized by employing X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. EC impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques were also adopted in order to assess the EC response of a FeVO 4 -modified glassy carbon electrode for sensing AA at room temperature. The AA concentration range adopted in this experiment is 0.1-0.3 mM at a working electric potential of -0.13 V. The result showed functional excellence of this material for the EC determination of AA with good stability and reproducibility, promising its potentiality in connection with relevant sensing applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

A prevalent bacterial intestinal infection with severe economic damage is salmonellosis. Our study was carried out to diagnose Salmonella from chickens and calves, to determine its resistance to antimicrobials' phenotypic and genotypic characterization of integrons and β lactamase genes in the multidrug resistance of different Salmonella serotypes, and to detect the genetic relationship between Salmonella isolates collected from different origins using an ERIC PCR. In total, 200 samples from diseased chicken and diarrheic calves were obtained from 50 various farms from Kafr El-sheikh, Egypt. Salmonella poultry isolates were characterized as S. Typhimurium (3/8), S. Enteritidis (3/8), and S. Kentucky (2/8), but Salmonella isolates from cattle were S. Enteritidis (1/2) and S. Kentucky (1/2). When antibiotic susceptibility testing was completed on all of the isolates, it showed that there was multidrug resistance present (MDR). A PCR was applied for identifying the accompanying class 1 integrons and ESBLs from MDR Salmonella isolates (two isolates of S. Kentucky were divided as one from calf and one from poultry). Our results detected blaTEM and class 1 integron , but were negative for bla IMP , bla VIM , and bla SHV. An ERIC PCR was conducted for understanding the clonal relation between various β-lactamase-producing MDR Salmonella isolates. The same four previously mentioned isolates were also tested. The two isolates of S. Enteritidis isolated from poultry and calves had 100% similarity despite indicating that there were interactions between broilers and calves living on the same farm that caused infection from the same Salmonella strains, while the other two isolates of S. Kentucky showed only 33% serovarities., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

In this study, Fe 2 O 3 powder was synthesized using the co-precipitation method from scrap iron, which was then treated with varying concentrations of copper. Afterwards, the modified Fe 2 O 3 was reinforced in the PVC matrix by using the solution-casting method to synthesize PVC composite films, which were subjected to a UV-visible spectrophotometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, an X-ray diffractometer, and a thermal gravimetric analyzer to evaluate the optical, chemical, structural, and thermal properties. FTIR analysis reveals the formation of the composite through vibrational bands pertaining to both components present, whereas no significant changes in the XRD patterns of PVC were observed after the doping of modified iron oxide, which reveals the compatibility of fillers with the PVC matrix. The optical properties of the copper-doped iron oxide-PVC composites, including absorbance, refractive index, urbach energy, and optical as well as electrical conductivity are measured, and show an increase in optical activity when compared to the pure PVC compound. Moreover, the increased thermal stability of the synthesized composite was also observed and compared with conventional compounds, which, in accordance with all the other mentioned properties, makes the copper-dopped iron oxide-PVC composite an effective material for electronic, photonic, and optical device applications.

The optoelectronic properties of the ternary Cd 0.25 Zn 0.75 Se alloy are reported under the influence of a high pressure ranging from 0 to 25 GPa, within a modified Becke-Jhonson potential using density functional theory. This alloy has a cubic symmetry, is mechanically stable, and its bulk modulus rises with pressure. It is observed to be a direct bandgap material with a bandgap energy that increases from 2.37 to 3.11 eV with rise in pressure. Pressure changes the optical and electronic properties, causing the absorption coefficient to rise and absorb visible green-to-violet light. The static dielectric constant, along with the static index of refraction, both increase under the influence of pressure. Optical constants, including dielectric constant, optical conductivity, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and reflection, are also investigated and discussed. This DFT forecast explores important research directions for the usage of the CdZnSe semiconductor alloys in the manufacturing of space photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices operating at different pressures., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The thrombospondin related anonymous protein (TRAP) is considered one of the most important pre-erythrocytic vaccine targets. Earlier population genetic studies revealed the TRAP gene to be under strong balancing natural selection. This study is the first attempt to analyze genetic diversity, natural selection, phylogeography and population structure in 199 clinical samples from Saudi Arabia using the full-length PfTRAP gene. We found the rate of nonsynonymous substitutions to be significantly higher than that of synonymous substitutions in the clinical samples, indicating a strong positive or diversifying selection for the full-length gene and the Von Willebrand factor (VWF). The nucleotide diversity was found to be π~0.00789 for the full-length gene; however, higher nucleotide diversity was observed for the VWF compared to the thrombospondin repeat region (TSP). Deduction of the amino acid sequence alignment of the PNP repeat region in the Saudi samples revealed six genotypes characterized by tripeptide repeat motifs (PNP, ANP, ENP and SNP). Haplotype network, population structure and population differentiation analyses indicated four distinct sub-populations in spite of the low geographical distance between the sampling sites. Our results suggest the likeliness of independent parasite evolution, creating opportunities for further adaptation, including host transition, and making malaria control even more challenging.

Members of the order Trypanorhyncha are cestode parasites that are frequently found infecting the muscles of several marine fish species, affecting fish health and resulting in consumers' rejection. Seventy-five specimens of marine fish were freshly caught from boat landing sites at the Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, including two Carangids, the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili and the gulley jack Pseudocarans dentex; two Serranids, the Haifa grouper Epinephelus haifensis and the mottled grouper Mycteroperca rubra. Forty-five fish were infected; the infection was recorded as blastocysts embedded in fish flesh. Blastocysts were isolated and ruptured; the generated plerocerci were described morphologically, where, four different species were recovered; Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, Callitetrarhynchus speciosus, Protogrillotia zerbiae, and Grillotia brayi. The taxonomic position of these parasites was justified by multiple-sequence alignment and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following maximum likelihood analysis of the 18s rRNA sequences of the recovered worms. The accession numbers MN625168, MN625169, MN611431and MN611432 were respectively assigned to the recovered parasites. The results obtained from the molecular analyses confirmed the morphological records of the recovered parasites. Since metacestodes are found in the musculature of infected fish specimens, it is necessary to remove these areas in the commercialization of fish.

Moringa oleifera plant grows in many countries worldwide and being utilized as a customary medication. The current study aimed to investigate the biological effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) alone or in combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on colon cancer, microbial cell growth. MOE was utilized in the green synthesis of AgNPs. The characterization of AgNPs was done by UV-Vis-spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MOE was tested for their sugars, active biomolecules, ROS, protein contents. Results revealed that created AgNPs are about 61 nm in diameter. There were no detectable sugar and protein in MOE, but it contains ROS and active biomolecules. MOE and MOE+AgNPs exerted mild antibacterial action and increased the number of apoptotic cells and p53 protein expression of HT-29 colon cancer cells. MOE and MOE+AgNPs could arrest HT-29 cells at G2/M phase and stimulate splenic cell growth. Both extract preparations showed antioxidant activities. Because MOE and MOE+AgNP stimulated immune cells and activated apoptosis in cancer cells, these preparations can be utilized as anticancer agents.

The crude aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Coccinia indica were screened for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) , multidrug resistant (MDR) Streptococcus pyogenes , Escherichia coli , Candida auris and Trichophyton rubrum . Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed by standard disc diffusion and tube dilution methods. The results showed that ethanolic extract inhibited MRSA , C. auris at 250 µg/mL and S. pyogenes at 200 µg/mL comparable to the susceptible antibiotics used as positive controls. There was no observable activity against T. rubrum , while a mild activity was observed with ethanolic extracts over E. coli at higher concentrations which did not turn out to be complete or significant inhibition. Aqueous extract did not exhibit any observable activity over the five organisms tested. Furthermore, the results showed clear cut concentration dependent antibacterial and antifungal activities with additional variation of specific activity over Gram positive and negative bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. So, it is evident that ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica could be further escalating for mechanistic studies in the era of multidrug resistance, indigenous preparations from herbs could be a safe choice over clinically challenging organisms., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: Malaria is still a public health problem in Saudi Arabia specifically in the Jazan region. Plasmodium falciparum knob-associated histidine-rich proteins (PfKAHRPs) play an important role in cerebral malaria pathophysiology as well as pathogenesis of P. falciparum infections. The repeat region of PfKAHRP C-terminal interaction domain has been found to bind to the infected red blood cells and the vascular endothelium. Thus, this study aimed to assess the allelic variations, genetic diversity, and natural selection acting at the C-terminal PfKAHRP between parasite isolates from Saudi Arabia., Materials and Methods: The PfKHARP C-terminal interaction domain was successfully PCR-amplified and sequence data from 441 clinical isolates from Saudi Arabia were obtained. The DnaSP v5.10 software was used to determine the genetic diversity, polymorphism, haplotype, and natural selection. Haplotype network analysis was constructed by using the median-joining method in the NETWORK version 5.0.0.1 software., Results: Alignment and analysis of 441 C-terminal PfKAHRP-deduced amino acid sequences identified 5 genotypes (I-V) based on the decapeptide repeat arrangements (TKEASTSKEA, TKEASTSKGA, TKEASTTEGA, and TKEASTSKRA). Among the repeat types, Type I (49.43%, 218/441) was the most abundant in Saudi Arabia, followed by Type II (48.29%, 213/441). Overall, the nucleotide diversity in the PfKHARP C-terminal region was found to be low in Saudi Arabia ( π  = 0.00142); however, natural selection tests indicated positive selection (dN-dS = 1.64, P < 0.05) which was due to the variations within the repeat motifs. Genealogical relationship haplotype network of PfKAHRP from 4 different countries (i.e., Saudi Arabia, Iran, Burundi, and India) revealed 1 major shared haplotype cluster (H&#95;1) with samples representative from all 4 countries (Saudi Arabia; n  = 441, Burundi; n  = 4, Iran; n  = 13, and India; n  = 1)., Conclusion: Since this is the first study to report on genetic diversity of C-terminal PfKAHRP interaction domain and the repeat motifs from clinical samples in Saudi Arabia, it will contribute towards the rational design of antiadhesion drug therapies for P. falciparum malaria., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Saad M. Bin Dajem et al.)

During a recent survey on digenean parasites infecting marine fish captured from water located along the Red Sea off Gizan Coasts, Saudi Arabia, thirty-two (29.09%) out of 110 fish were naturally infected with three different species of digenean parasites. The taxonomical status of the recovered worms was confirmed by light microscopy and molecular analysis. Transversotrema licinum infecting the Haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara possessed a transversely elongated body with eyespots and the anterior body margin with delineated velum along with its entire breadth. Oral sucker was absent, and eyespots were paired anterior to or at the level of ventral sucker. Phyllodistomum hoggettae from the urinary bladder of the Arabian Nagil Plectropomus areolatus was differentiated by its elongated body, narrow anterior end widened as going posteriorly with prominent marginal undulations in the hindbody. Gyliauchen volubilis infecting the marbled spinefoot Siganus rivulatus , was with fleshy body, conical, tapered anteriorly, convex dorsally, and concave ventrally. Prepharynx was very long and convoluted and had occupied the greater part of the anterior half of the body. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny were based on maximum likelihood analysis for the ITS-2 and 28S rDNA for Transversotrema licinum and Phyllodistomum hoggettae were constructed, respectively. They were compared to species within their families and further deposited into the Genebank under accession numbers MG 722711 and MG722710, respectively., (© 2021 Urmia University. All rights reserved.)

In this research, some plant seeds powder was evaluated to find their potential effect to rule diseases of food poisoning. Antimicrobial effect of five plant seeds was examined contra Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella. pneumonia and Candida albicans by using well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity studies revealed high potential activity of plant seeds powder of Nigella sativa L., cucurbita pepo, Sesamum radiatum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Linum usitatissimum with variable efficiency contra tested microbial strains with concentration of 100 mg/ml, except Sesamum radiatum scored no effect. The T. foenum and N. sativa seed powder showed the largest inhibition zone (24-20 mm) contra K. pneumonia, followed by S. aureus (20-18 mm) and C. albicans (15mm) respectively. The five plant seeds powder exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects with MIC's 20 and MBC 40 mg/ml against K. pneumonia, and MIC's 40 and MBC 60 mg/ml against S. aureus. The results of this study indicated that plants seeds powder have promising antimicrobial activities and their potential applications in food process. It could be utilized as a natural medicinal alternative instead of chemical substance.

Background: The available data is scanty about Egyptian water buffalo lips, cheeks, and palate., Aims: The current investigation was focused on describing the morphology of the lip, cheek, and palate., Methods: Our study included the gross, light, and electron microscopic examinations of ten heads of the Egyptian water buffalos., Results: The nasolabial plate surface carried numerous scales of keratinized epithelium. Internal labial surface and labial mucocutaneous junctions were covered with stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Two types of hair follicles in the dermis included ordinary and cavernous types characterized by cavernous space. The conical papillae on the internal aspect of the oral commissure were projected from the mucous membrane. Seromucous glands were occasionally observed under the oral mucous membrane of the commissure and gave positive PAS and AB. Conical papillae density on the inner cheek surface had some variations: the rostral part had large papillae, while the dorsal part had numerous papillae than the ventral part, the caudal part had a smaller number of papillae, while the middle part was devoid of papillae. Parotid duct opening in the buccal vestibule was without papillae. Conical papillae had two surfaces; the rostral surface was highly keratinized than the caudal one. The buccal gland was a compound tubuloacinar mixed (mucoserous) gland and mucus acini only reacted to PAS and AB. The oral surface of palatine rugae was covered with highly keratinized epithelium than the aboral surface. Palatine glands showed PAS and AB positive., Conclusion: The result describes the relationship between the available food particles, environmental conditions and the lip, cheek, and palate appearance, and structure., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

In the present study, pentastomids belonging to the order Cephalobaenida were isolated from the lungs of Berber skinks Eumeces schneideri (Famiy: Scincidae), which were morphologically described by light and scanning electron microscopy and taxonomically justified by 18s rDNA molecular analyses of the parasites. Seventeen host specimens were collected from well-vegetated wadis at high altitudes, Jizan, Saudi Arabia as new type locality; twelve specimens (70.59%) were infected. All of the recovered parasites were adults, possessed small broadly triangular cephalothorax flattened on the ventral surface and merged smoothly with a uniformly thick and squat abdomen and terminated in a pair of divergent lobes. The results obtained indicated that the parasites belong to the sharp-tipped posterior-hook Raillietiella spp. distinguished from other raillietiedids of the same group some important characteristic features including annulus number, shape and dimensions of the buccal cadre, copulatory spicules, and anterior and posterior hooks. The anterior hook of the female specimens (n=5) had a blade length (AB) of 135±5 (110-146) μm and shank length (BC) 158±5 (150-169) μm while the posterior hook was much larger with AB measuring 221±5 (200-236) μm and BC 286±6 (280-289) μm. For the male specimens (n=5), the anterior hook had an AB of 73±3 (72-75) μm and a BC 102±5 (100-103) μm. The posterior hook was much larger with AB 190.6±5 (190-191) μm and BC 221±5 (280-289) μm. The morphological characterization of the recovered parasites was closely similar to R. aegypti previously isolated from the same host. Sequence alignment by the maximum likelihood analysis for the data obtained from the 18S rDNA analysis of the parasites exhibits identities ranging between 88-95% with pentastomid genera recovered from the GenBank. The phylogenetic tree supported the inclusion of the parasites within the monophyletic Pentastomida clade with maximum identity to the raillietiellid species. The recovered sequences from the present study were deposited in GenBank under Accession number MK970649.1. The present molecular analysis was the first to confirm the taxonomic position of R. aegypti isolated from the host examined., (Copyright © 2020 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The consumption of inadequately thermally treated fish is a public health risk due to the possible propagation of Anisakis larvae. The present study demonstrated the physiological and histopathological changes that accompanied an oral inoculation of crude extracts from fresh and thermally treated Anisakis Type II (L3) in rats. Worms were isolated from a marine fish and examined and identified using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study was performed in 6 rat groups: control (I), garlic oil (GO) inoculated (II), fresh L3 inoculated (III), thermally treated L3 inoculated (IV), fresh L3 + GO inoculated (V), and a thermally treated L3 + GO inoculated (VI) groups. Rats inoculated with fresh and thermally treated L3 showed abnormal liver and kidney functions associated with the destruction of normal architecture. GO produced a protective effect in rat groups inoculated with L3 extracts + GO via the amelioration of liver and kidney functions, which was confirmed by the marked normal structure on histology. Cooking of L3-infected fish induced severe alterations compared to uncooked fish. The administration of garlic before and after fish eating is recommended to avoid the dangerous effect of anisakids, even if they are cooked.

Avermectins are broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs in veterinary and human medication. The current study aimed to examine the toxic effects of ivermectin (IVM) and doramectin (DRM), with or without co-treatment of vitamin E (Vit.E) and selenium (Se) on apoptosis, oxidative stress and male fertility in Wistar rats. Twenty five adult male animals were divided into five groups; G1; was control (CTL) received saline, G2; IVM (0.2 mg/kg b.w), G3; IVM plus Vit.E/Se (80/1.6 mg/kg b.w, respectively), G4; DRM (0.2 mg/kg b.w), and G5; DRM plus Vit.E/Se. Both IVM and DRM were given by subcutaneous (s.c) injections while Vit.E/Se was orally given. All treatments were administered once weekly for four consecutive weeks. By 24 h after the last treatment, the animals were sacrificed. Blood and tissue samples were collected for hematology, serobiochemistry, histopathology, and molecular assays for hepatic/ renal toxicities, oxidative stress, cell viability and fertility parameters. Apoptosis of the hepatic cells obtained from the treated rats was assayed by detection of annexin-V using the flow cytometric assay (FCA). The proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and DNA fragmentation in the treated rats' testicular tissues were also assayed. Moreover, the direct effects of IVM or DRM with or without concomitant administration of Vit.E/Se on testicular cells isolated from adult rat were also performed in vitro. Apoptosis of those cultured testicular cells in response to the different treatments was assayed by detection of the inhibition-concentration fifty (IC 50 ) using the SRB method, and evaluating the viable versus apoptotic cells microscopically after staining with acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO/EB). In conclusion, both avermectins induced apoptosis in the living and cultured cells, while those antioxidants; Vit.E and Se, reduced the oxidative stress and cytotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro, either. Furthermore, the reprotoxicity and reduced male fertility were seriously evoked by IVM, but not DRM with dramatic ameliorative effect of Vit.E/Se if concomitantly administered. Avermectins, especially ivermectin, should be given according to the dose recommended by the manufacturer company and repeated dosages should be given with Vit.E/Se., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Forty specimens of the Narrowstripe cardinal fish Apogon exostigma were examined for gastrointestinal helminthes, and 62.5% were infected with a new trypanorhynchid larval cestode parasite. The morphology of its larval stage was studied based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The data revealed plerocercoid larvae characterized by a pyriform body lined with prominent microtriches; the acraspedote scolex had four overlapping bothridia; four tentacles protruded through the pars bothridialis; the armature of the tentacles was homeocanthous, homeomorphous, and consisted of falcate compact rose-thorn-shaped tentacular hooks; four oval-shaped bulbs in pars bulbosa; and short appendix at terminal end of the body. Molecular analysis of the 18S rRNA sequences verified the taxonomy of this parasite and supported its morphology. We discovered that there was a close identity (up to 87%) with alternative species obtained for comparison from GenBank. The data also showed that there were high blast scores and low divergence values between this parasite and other Tentaculariidae species. The phyletic analysis showed that parasite sequences in conjunction with existing data places this trypanorhynchid species among the Tentaculariidae. This species is deeply embedded within genus Nybelinia with close relationships to Nybelinia queenslandensis as a putative sister taxon.

A total of 100 specimens of the greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil were collected during the current investigation from the coasts of Hurghada City at the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, Egypt; and necropsied to study their metazoan parasites. Of the total specimens collected, 32.0% were found to be naturally infected with hemiurid trematodes. The prevalence of parasitic infections increased to 48.0% during winter and fell to 16.0% during summer season with no mixed infections being observed. Two species of the hemiurid trematodes were recovered from the stomach of the infected fish samples; both belonged to the genus, Lecithocladium, in the family Hemiuridae. The morphometrics of their different body parts were characterized by light microscopy. Comparisons between the recovered parasites and previously studied species showed that the present investigation is the first report of Lecithocladium species infecting marine fish in the Red Sea. Additionally, molecular analysis of the parasites' 18S small subunit (SSu) rDNA was performed to determine their phylogenetic position in relation to previously recorded species in GenBank, which distinctly supported the morphological characteristics identified here. Two hemiurid species from the genus, Lecithocladium, to be L. cristatum and L. parviovum, were identified. Comparison of 18S rDNA sequences revealed that they had 98.0% sequence identity with L. excisum (gb| AJ287529) with a low divergence value. On the basis of these results, the two species isolated here were recorded within a new host and locality records in Egypt., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aspiculuris tetraptera is a heteroxynematid nematoda infecting most of the laboratory animals, occasionally mice which represent the mostly used animal for biological, medical, and pharmacological studies. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nematode parasites infection in the laboratory mice Mus musculus in Egypt. Morphologically, this oxyurid possessed four distinct cephalic papillae on a cephalic plate, with three small rudimental lips carrying two sessile poorly developed labial papillae and one pair of amphidial pores. Esophagus divided into cylindrical corpus and globular bulb. Distinct cervical alae interrupted at the level of esophago-intestinal junction forming an acute angle. At the caudal end, twelve caudal papillae in male worms while an ovijector apparatus opening and a vulva surrounded by protruded lips in females were observed. The general morphological criteria include this nematode with other Aspiculuris species which were compared in the present study. Molecular characterization based on 18SSU rDNA sequencing performed to confirm the taxonomic position of this species and to documents the morphological data. Sequence alignment detects a percent of identity up to 88.0% with other Heteroxynematidae species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the present recorded is a putative sister taxon to A. tetraptera recorded in a previous study. The SSU rDNA sequence has been deposited in the GenBank under the accession no. MG019400., (© The Society of Nematologists.)