Showing papers by "Yasser M. Moustafa published in 2022"

Protective Effect of Pycnogenol against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic, Renal, and Cardiac Toxicity: An In Vivo Study

Abstract: Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapies for various types of cancer, including leukemia, breast cancer, hepatocarcinoma, and gastric cancers. However, the efficacy of MTX is frequently limited by serious side effects. Several studies have reported that the cytotoxic effect of MTX is not limited to cancer cells but can also affect normal tissues, leading to prospective damage to many organs. In the present study, we extensively investigated the molecular and microscopic basis of MTX-induced toxicity in different organs (liver, kidney, and heart) and explored the possible protective effect of pycnogenol, a polyphenolic component extracted from the bark of P. pinaster, to attenuate these effects. Biochemical analysis revealed that administration of MTX significantly reduced the function of the liver, kidney, and heart. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis indicated that MTX treatment caused damage to tissues of different organs. Interestingly, administration of pycnogenol (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the deterioration effects of MTX on different organs in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by biochemical and histological analysis. Our results reveal that pycnogenol successfully ameliorated oxidative damage and reduced toxicity, inflammatory response, and histological markers induced by methotrexate treatment. Taken together, this study provides solid evidence for the pharmacological application of pycnogenol to attenuate damage to different organs induced by MTX treatment.

Evaluation of Groundwater Sensitivity to Pollution Using GIS-Based Modified DRASTIC-LU Model for Sustainable Development in the Nile Delta Region

Abstract: The groundwater resources in the Nile Delta region are an important resource for freshwater because of rising water demand due to anthropogenic activities. The goal of this study is to quantify groundwater sensitivity to pollution in the Nile Delta by a modified GIS-based DRASTIC-LU model. In this study, we utilized two types of modified DRASTIC-LU models, generic and pesticide, to determine the groundwater vulnerability rates to contamination. The results of the generic DRASTIC-LU model showed that the research region, except for the northwestern part with moderate vulnerability of 3.38%, is highly and very highly vulnerable to pollution with 42.69 and 53.91%, respectively. Results from the pesticide DRASTIC-LU model, on the other hand, also confirmed that, except for the northwestern and southern parts with a moderate vulnerability of 9.78%, most the Nile Delta is highly and very highly vulnerable with 50.68 and 39.53%, respectively. A validation of the model generated was conducted based on nitrate concentrations in the groundwater and a sensitivity analysis. Based on the nitrate analysis, the final output map showed a strong association with the pesticide vulnerability model. Examining the model sensitivity revealed that the influence of depth to water and net recharge were the most important factors to consider.

Superior photodegradation activity of MoS2/TiO2 nanofibers for phenol under visible light irradiation

Abstract: nanofibers (MTN) were elaborated by electrospinning technique. The photocatalytic efficiency of the binary nanofibers was controlled via different ratios between MoS 2 and TiO 2 . The structural, morphology and optical properties of the prepared nanofibers were detected by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The prepared nanofibers were showed remarkable performance in photocatalytic efficiency of phenol compounds degradation under visible light. MTN nanofibers recorded superior photocatalytic activity (96%) and high stability of several cycles under visible light. Therefore, MoS 2 /TiO 2 nanofibers have massive implementation prospects for the treatment of wastewater from toxic organic contamination due to their excellent photocatalytic performance reusability and recyclability.

RECORDS OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES A Comprehensive Overview of Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Approach

Abstract: The majority of the pharmaceutically active chemical moieties represent a challenge in their formulation. Most of these drugs have intricate bioavailability issues either related to their low solubility or permeability. Many problems may arise during formulations such as pH dependent ionization, poor drug solubility, limited absorption, unpredicted bioavailability, degradation, metabolism, and cellular efflux. Poor aqueous solubility is a determinate criterion, during formulation and Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) categorization. Among the most important approaches to enhance solubility, the Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems (LBDDS). The strategies involving lipid incorporation was a revolutionary step and included: vesicular systems, lipid particulate systems and emulsions.

Urban park design and children’s physical activity levels: an investigation of design characteristics of green areas and playgrounds

Abstract: Abstract Physical activity has a great impact on the development and overall health of children. Urban parks, which generally feature both green areas and playgrounds, offer children a wide range of opportunities to be physically active. However, previous studies have shown that a significant number of children are sedentary during park visits, rather than engaging in vigorous activities. In addition, children’s physical activities in urban parks have not been sufficiently studied in the Egyptian context. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the design characteristics of urban parks and children’s physical activity in the Egyptian context. To achieve its objective, the study relied on a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach to investigate six settings in a large urban park east of Cairo, three green areas, and three playgrounds. Methods of data collection included field documentation of the design characteristics of the six settings investigated, structured observations, behavioral mapping, and semi-structured interviews with 16 children. Study results show that the presence of both green areas and playgrounds is important in the design of parks. The study also identifies the design features that need to be considered in the design of parks to promote children’s vigorous activity. These features are the presence of wide-open green spaces, the presence and variety of vegetation, the presence of water bodies, the presence of challenging age-appropriate play equipment in playgrounds, the availability of pathways, the availability of shading, the variety and appropriate use of ground surface materials, and the variety in topography. Findings of the study can help designers and decision-makers in efforts to create urban parks that promote the active play of children.

Formulation and Evaluation of Novel Additive-Free Spray-Dried Triamcinolone Acetonide Microspheres for Pulmonary Delivery: A Pharmacokinetic Study

Abstract: This work aimed to establish a simple method to produce additive-free triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) microspheres suitable for pulmonary delivery, and therefore more simple manufacturing steps will be warranted. The spray-drying process involved the optimization of the TAA feed ratio in a concentration range of 1–3% w/v from different ethanol/water compositions with/without adding ammonium bicarbonate as a blowing agent. Characterization of the formulas was performed via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X-ray diffraction. Our results indicated that the size and morphology of spray-dried TAA particles were dependent on the feed and solvent concentrations in the spray-dried formulations. Furthermore, adding the blowing agent, ammonium bicarbonate, did not produce a significant enhancement in particle characteristics. We prepared additive-free TAA microspheres and found that TAA formulation #1 had optimal physical properties in terms of diameter (2.24 ± 0.27 µm), bulk density (0.95 ± 0.05), tapped density (1.18 ± 0.07), and flowability for deposition during the pulmonary tract, from a centric airway to the alveoli as indicated by Carr’s index = 19 ± 0.01. Hence, formulation #1 was selected to be tested for pharmacokinetic characters. Rats received pulmonary doses of TAA formula #1 and then the TTA concentration in plasma, fluid broncho-alveolar lavage, and lung tissues was determined by HPLC. The TAA concentration at 15 min was 0.55 ± 0.02 µg/mL in plasma, 16.74 ± 2 µg/mL in bronchoalveolar lavage, and 8.96 ± 0.65 µg/mL in lung homogenates, while at the 24 h time point, the TAA concentration was 0.03 ± 0.02 µg/mL in plasma, 1.48 ± 0.27 µg/mL in bronchoalveolar lavage, and 3.79 ± 0.33 µg/mL in lung homogenates. We found that TAA remained in curative concentrations in the rat lung tissues for at least 24 h after pulmonary administration. Therefore, we can conclude that additive-free spray-dried TAA microspheres were promising for treating lung diseases. The current novel preparation technology has applications in the design of preparations for TAA or other therapeutic agents designed for pulmonary delivery.

Children's Independent Mobility: A Study of Middle Childhood Home Ranges in Two Different Socio-Physical Settings in El-Shorouk City, Egypt

Abstract: Independent mobility has a positive impact on children's cognitive, physical, and social development. Many factors affect how children utilize spaces surrounding their homes. The characteristics of both the physical and the social environments are important influencing factors. The aim of this study was to explore children's independent mobility and free exploration within their home range extent. The study investigated children's home range extent and independent mobility-related activities in two different settings selected to represent two of the most common socio-physical contexts in the new settlements being developed around Cairo. Methods of data collection included semi-structured interviews with children and parents in addition to neighborhood walk-through observations. The forty children interviewed were categorized into two age groups, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12-year-old and included an equal number of girls and boys. The findings of the study appear to confirm the influence of gender, age, socio-economic context, and physical characteristics of the neighborhood environment on middle-aged children's independent mobility in the Egyptian context. The study suggests that land use diversity and residential density are issues that are closely related to parents' perceptions about the safety of their children around the neighborhood and need to be carefully considered in the planning of new settlements and housing projects.

The emerging role of autophagy in the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy

Abstract: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication that is associated with diabetic patients. It affects almost half of diabetic patients worldwide. Peripheral DN is associated with neurodegeneration as evidenced by the degenerative loss of fibres in the peripheral nerves with concomitant decrease of nerve conduction Multiple mechanisms were proposed to have role in the pathophysiology of DN including oxidative stress, inflammation and recently autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular process that is present from yeast to mammals for the sake of recycle damaged organelles and protein in autophagosomes. Persistent hyperglycaemia causes an imbalance in the cellular autophagic pathways. Autophagy plays an important role in reserving the cellular homeostasis via its ability to recycle the damaged proteins and organelles. The link between the activation of autophagic flux with the control of the toxic effect of hyperglycaemia on the neuronal cells will be discussed in this review. The present review hypothesizes that upregulation of the autophagic pathways in neuronal cells may aid them to ameliorate the bioenergetic crisis and cellular damage concomitant with DN.

RECORDS OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Mechanisms of Cyclosporin A Induced Hepatotoxicity

Abstract: Cyclosporin A (CsA); an immunosuppressive agent, is broadly used for the remedy of autoimmune diseases and after organ transplantations. However, its medical and experimental use is restrained with the aid of quite few side effects, such as nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, hypertension and hepatotoxicity. Despite its toxicity, CsA remains to be one of the most usually used immunosuppressive agent due to its therapeutic efficacy. The key mechanisms involved in organ damage caused by CsA include altered redox homeostasis and chronic systemic inflammation. Indeed, various mechanisms have been suggested for CsA induced hepatotoxicity along with the development of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and hepatic antioxidant system depletion. In some of the side findings, many mechanisms concerned have been appreciably explored and explained. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying CsA-mediated hepatotoxicity are not utterly understood. This review discusses CsA toxicity and its pathophysiology and role of oxidative stress in the initiation of the toxicity in addition to the different Therapeutic approaches for its toxicity.