Scopus Research — Aysam Mahmoud Ali

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen and a major causative agent of hospital-acquired infections. This pathogen can acquire various antibiotic resistance genes, including those conferring resistance to last-resort antibiotics such as carbapenems. MDR A. baumannii is known to cause several infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore alternative therapies, and bacteriophage (phage) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Materials and methods: This study investigates the therapeutic potential of specific bacteriophages against MDR, particularly carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, and evaluates lytic activity against 41 clinical isolates of MDR A. baumannii. The phages morphotypes were identified by transmission electron microscope. The stability of these phages was assessed under different conditions, including pH (2, 3, 4, 7, and 10–12), temperature (-80, -20, 4, 37, 50, 60, 70, and 80 oC), UV exposure (15, 30, 45, 60. 75, 90). Their antibacterial activity was also evaluated using a time-killing assay. Bacteriophage Insensitive Mutants (BIM) was assessed by MOI of 100. Genomic characterization was performed to predict protein-coding genes, life cycle, and suitability for therapeutic applications. Additionally, the safety and therapeutic efficacy of the phage were assessed using a cell viability MTT assay on adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cells to evaluate the ability to rescue the lung cells from infection. Results: Two phages, vB_AbaP_ZC2 (ΦZC2) and vB_AbaM_ZC3 (ΦZC3), were isolated from hospital wastewater in Egypt. The phages demonstrated lytic activity against 24.3% (n = 10) and 31.7% (n = 13) of the isolates, respectively. Phage ΦZC2 demonstrated high EOP values (0.75–1) against AB23 and AB26, moderate activity on AB34 and AB35 (EOP = 0.19), and low or no activity on AB10, AB24, and AB31. Similarly, phage ΦZC3 exhibited high EOP on AB24 (EOP = 1), moderate levels on AB12, AB29, and AB38, while showing low or no efficacy against the remaining tested isolates. The morphotypes of ΦZC2 and ΦZC3 are podovirus and myovirus, respectively. The two phages were amplified using a bioreactor and reached titers of approximately 10¹⁰ PFU/ml in 2 L.ΦZC2 was stable at a pH range from 3 to 12 approximately 108 PFU/ml, while ΦZC3 was stable at a pH range from 3 to 11 approximately 109 PFU/ml compared to pH 7. ΦZC2 was stable at -80, 37, and 50 °C approximately 108 PFU/ml, while ΦZC3 was stable at -80, 37,50, 60, and 70 °C with approximately 109 PFU/ml compared to 4 °C. Additionally, the ΦZC2 phage exhibited stability at 90 min, while ΦZC3 phage exhibited stability at 75 min of exposure to UV light. The optimum MOI at which the ΦZC2 and ΦZC3 significantly reduced bacterial growth 0.1 and 0.01, respectively. The BIM frequency was higher for phage ΦZC3 compared to ΦZC2, indicating a slightly greater emergence of phage-resistant mutants with ΦZC3. Whole genome sequencing and annotation did not identify markers for lysogeny or antibiotic resistance. Phylogenetic analysis classified ΦZC2 and ΦZC3 within the genera of Obolenskvirus and Friunavirus, respectively. ΦZC3 was selected for its broad host range to be evaluated for rescuing A549 cells from MDR A. baumannii infection. ΦZC3 phage was not cytotoxic to A549 cells and rescued lung cells cocultured, reducing the concentration of bacteria by approximately 5 logs with different MOIs, after 6 h of incubation. Conclusion: In this study, the two lytic phages have antibacterial activity against MDR A. baumannii. particularly, ΦZC3 can be a potential therapy for pulmonary infections. © The Author(s) 2025.

Objectives: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10 % of all cancer cases. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Phloretin is a natural compound found in apples and other fruits. It has been studied for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on cancer prevention or treatment. This article aimed to prepare phloretin-nanospanlastics (Ph-NSLs) to evaluate their effects on dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in mice. Methods: Morphology, Particle size, zeta potential, UV–vis, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index, FT-IR spectra, and drug release of phloretin and Ph-NSLs at pH 6.8.were described. Ph-NSLs were also tested for their anti-cancer properties in DMH-induced colon cancer in mice. A 36 mice were divided into 6 groups; Normal control, DMH (20 mg/k.g.b.w.), DMH + Ph-NSLs (25 mg/k.g.b.w.), DMH + Ph-NSLs (50 mg/k.g.b.w.), DMH + 5-FU(20 mg/k.g.b.w.), DMH + Ph-NSLs (50 mg), 5-FU (20 mg). Ph-NSLs were tested for their anticancer properties in DMH-treated mice by evaluating the IC50, viability and inhibitory values of Ph-NSLs against Caco-2. Also, the effect of Ph-NSLs administration on number of surviving mice, number of tumors/mice, average of tumor size, Hb, RBCs, WBCs, C19–9, MDA, GSH, SOD, IL-2, TNF-α, TGF-β1, CEA, and P53 levels in mice treated DMH were estimated. Results: The synthesized Ph-NSLs were uniform, spherically shaped, and well dispersed, with a size, entrapment efficiency, and polydispersity index of approximately 114.06 ± 8.35 nm, 78.60 %, and 0.05, respectively. The zeta potential value of Ph-NSLs was measured at −21.5 ± 1.47 mV. Zeta potential reflects the surface charge of nanoparticles and affects their stability and interactions. UV spectra of phloretin and Ph-NSLs showed strong absorption peaks at 225 and 285 nm. These peaks correspond to specific wavelengths where the compound absorbs light. The percentage of Ph- NSLs release was found to be 56.87 ± 2.45 %. IC50 of Ph-NSLs was recorded 15.76 ± 0.42 μg/ml and the viability and inhibitory values of Ph-NSLs against Caco-2 cell lines was resorded 2.39, and 97.61 %, respectively at 100 μg/ml as well as 10.3, and 89.7 %, respectively at 50 μg/ml. Moreover, The combination of 5-FU and Ph-NSLs resulted in a moderate increase in survival and significantly reduces tumor size and number, showing enhanced anticancer efficacy compared to individual treatments as well as attenuated levels of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (WBCs). Reduced plasma cancer antigen 19–9 (CA19–9) levels as well as improved of colon malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukine-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), tumor growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and tumor protein (P53) levels. Also, Ph-NSLs and 5FU, either alone or together, decreased the expression of the Akt and PI3K genes in the colon. The combination of Ph-NSLs and 5FU showed more pronounced anticancer activity than Ph-NSLs administered individually. Conclusion: The combination of 5-FU and Ph-NSLs significantly enhances anticancer efficacy, reducing both the number of tumors and average tumor size more effectively than either treatment alone. This synergistic effect leverages 5-FU's inhibition of DNA synthesis and phloretin's induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation, offering a promising approach for improved cancer treatment outcomes. © 2024 The Authors

Introduction: Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) causes significant financial harm to the cattle industry through decreased productivity and trade limitations, while also posing a risk to human health through zoonotic transmission, which is primarily from unpasteurized milk or close animal contact. Methods: Single intradermal tuberculin was used to test 2400 cases (1000 Holstein Friesian cattle and 1400 native breed buffaloes) during the national control program from Cairo, El-Buhaira, Dakahlia, Gharbia, Menoufia, and Sharkia districts located at the northern areas of Egypt. Tuberculin-positive cases were slaughtered and subjected to postmortem examination and isolation of M. bovis was performed. IS6110 primer was used in PCR test to confirm the existence of genus mycobacterium and regions of difference-based differentiation was used to detect M. bovis on the species level, phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance, as well as mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat analysis (MIRU-VNTR) were performed. Results: A total of 65 out of 2400 (2.7%) cases were single intradermal tuberculin test positive, 40 out of 65 (61.53%) were M. bovis positive on PCR, and the 40 isolates exhibited susceptibility to ethambutol, rifampicin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and sparfloxacin. From them, 32 (80%) were susceptible to isoniazid, and 8 (20%) were resistant. These eight isolates contained three distinct katG mutations at codons 315, 463, and 506 with rates of 2/8 (25%), 3/8 (37.5%), and 3/8 (37.5%), respectively each representing a unique, single-codon mutation. MIRU-VNTR analysis enabled the identification of 35 distinct genotypes, with genotypes 26, 27, and 28 showing high prevalence. The nine highly discriminatory loci MIRU10, QUB11b, MIRU26, QUB26, QUB4156, MIRU04 ETRD, ETRA, Mtub30, and Mtub39 with a discriminating index of 0.9676 were suitable for the preliminary genotyping of M. bovis isolates from animals. M. bovis, ID: 7540/01, Lineage: Bovis and ID: 951/01, Lineage: Bovis from Germany were the closest lineages to our genotypes using the MIRU-VNTR plus database. Conclusion: M. bovis isolated from cattle and buffaloes of some Delta area districts expressed high diversity and some isolates showed resistance to isoniazid with katG mutations. Continuous implementation of MIRU-VNTR analysis will help to trace the origin and similarities among animal and human isolates within the Delta area. Copyright © 2025 Elsayed, Alqaim, Fayed, Eldsouky, Basiouny, Metwally, Abdelbadee, Hasan, ElAlfy, Nasr, Wahdan, Elsayed, Anwer, El-Bahy and Salah.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent form of malignancy in males and is a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Because of this, studying the molecular processes of PCa cell growth and death is crucial. Hence, it is imperative to conduct further research on the regulatory mechanism underlying the progression of PCa to enhance our comprehension and identify innovative therapeutic targets. The present study investigates an experimental approach that utilizes cost-effective and environmentally sustainable plant extracts sourced from Egypt, namely ginger, chamomile, and green tea, which have been solubilized in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), then characterized by using different analytical means and techniques, such as HPLC and GC–MS. The present study employed MTT assay, ELISA, and qRT-PCR techniques to assess the possible impact of the investigated extracts on PCa in PC-3 cells. The findings indicate that ginger exhibited a noteworthy cytotoxic impact on PC-3. Remarkably, the treatment of PCa cells with ginger significantly increased relative lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production compared to those treated with chamomile and green tea extracts. Autophagy may play a crucial role in the context of chemotherapy. Modifying autophagy through its induction or inhibition is a promising and innovative approach to control cancer progression. Accordingly, it was found that ginger extract affects protein expression levels of autophagy markers LC3B, ATg12, and pro‐apoptotic signaling, including the Caspase-3 signaling pathway. The ELISA findings revealed a significant rise in the average levels of IL-1β and IL-8 after a 12-hour interval. To conclude, it can be inferred that ginger extract possesses the capability to control the production of inflammatory cytokines. Alternatively, utilizing herbal remedies containing ginger as a viable and secure means of treating PCa as an anticancer agent is possible. © 2024 The Author(s)

Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. Colon cancer, also known as Caco-2, is caused by multiple epigenetic alterations and involves unregulated proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of neighboring tissues. Colon cancer patients have had surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. This study investigates a new experimental method using inexpensive and environmentally friendly Egyptian plant extracts. DMSO-dissolved ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and chamomile were employed in this investigation. HPLC and GC-MS were used to analyze plant extracts. These extracts were tested for colon cancer efficacy using various methods. These methods included Caco-2 cells, MTT test, Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. Garlic and ginger were found to be cytotoxic to Caco-2 cells. Compared to cinnamon and chamomile extracts, garlic and ginger have boosted LDH synthesis significantly. Garlic and ginger also altered autophagy genes (Bectin1, Atg5, PTEN) and Caspase-3 expression pathways on proapoptotic signaling. Garlic and ginger increased cleaved PTEN and caspase-3 and decreased Atg5 and Bectin1. Ginger and garlic caused extrinsic apoptosis and prevented Atg5 and Bectin1 phosphorylation. The average IL-8 and IL-6 levels increased significantly after 24 hours, according to ELISA. In conclusion, garlic and ginger extracts modify pro-inflammatory cytokines. Alternative herbal remedies like garlic and ginger may be effective and safe colon cancer treatments. © This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License

Objective: The lack of indicators to measure tumor’s invasive biological behavior is an important issue. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of miRNAs 129 and 145 on tumor progression as well as patient survival. Method: Seventy five breast cancer (BC) patients and 75 controls were included in this research. Two miRNA expressions were estimated using real-time PCR. Biomarkers for BC detection was tested using ROC curves and AUC. Result: miR-129 and miR-145 expressions were significant. miR-129 and miR-145 classifiers (AUC = 0.943 and 0.748, respectively) help diagnose BC. Unlike miR-145, miR-129 did not affect the Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis for progression-free survival at the end of the trial. The development of transitional cell carcinoma disease was found to have a strong correlation with miR-145 in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Additionally, infiltrating + invasive urothelial carcinoma was also found to be correlated with miR-145. Conversely, elevated miR-129 expression in BC patients did not lead to an increase in cancer-specific recurrence or mortality, as observed in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression studies. Conclusion: The miRNA signature can help detect survival-associated miRNAs and develop BC miRNA therapeutics. © (2024), (Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention). All rights reserved.