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Hamed EFA, Mostafa NES, Fawzy EM, Ibrahim MN, Ibrahim BH, Radwan M, Salama MA. Toxoplasma gondii Suppresses Th2-Induced by Trichinella spiralis Infection and Downregulates Serine Protease Genes Expression: A Critical Role in Vaccine Development. Iran J Parasitol 2023; 18:172-181. [PMID: 37583627 PMCID: PMC10423907 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i2.13183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii coinfection can modify host immune responses and the severity and spread of other parasites. We investigated how T. gondii and Trichinella spiralis infections counter-regulate each other's immune responses. Methods The parasite burden, the expression of T. gondii rhoptry kinase ROP18 and T. spiralis putative serine protease (TsSP), the IgG1 and IgG2a responses, besides histopathological and immunohistochemical staining with iNOS and arginase were used to evaluate the dynamics of coinfection. Results Through their effects on host immune responsiveness, coinfection with T. gondii modified the virulence of T. spiralis infection. Coinfected animals with high and low doses of T. gondii demonstrated significant reductions in the T. spiralis burden of 75.2% and 68.2%, respectively. TsSP expression was downregulated in both groups by 96.2% and 86.7%, whereasROP18 expression was downregulated by only 6% and10.6%, respectively. In coinfected mice, elevated levels of T. gondii-specific IgG2a antibodies were detected. Th1 induced by T. gondii inhibits the Th2 response to T. spiralis in coinfected animals with high iNOS expression andlow-arginine1 expression. Conclusion T. gondii infection induces a shift toward a Th1-type immune response while suppressing a helminth-specific Th2 immune response, paving the way for developing novel vaccines and more efficient control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nahed El-Sayed Mostafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Eman Magdy Fawzy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Nabil Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Qurrayat, KSA
| | - Basma Hamed Ibrahim
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Mona Radwan
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Marwa Ahmed Salama
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
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Ibrahim MN, Bashar SB, Rasheed MA, Selvam A, Sant V, Sahel JA, Chhablani J, Vupparaboina KK, Jana S. Volumetric quantification of choroid and Haller's sublayer using OCT scans: An accurate and unified approach based on stratified smoothing. Comput Med Imaging Graph 2022; 99:102086. [PMID: 35717830 DOI: 10.1016/j.compmedimag.2022.102086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The choroid, a dense vascular structure in the posterior segment of the eye, maintains the health of the retina by supplying oxygen and nutrients, and assumes clinical significance in screening ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). As a technological assist, algorithmic estimation of choroidal biomarkers has been suggested based on sectional (B-scan) optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. However, most such 2D estimation techniques are compute-intensive, yet enjoy limited accuracy and have only been validated on OCT image datasets of healthy eyes. Not surprisingly, fine-scale analyses, including those involving Haller's sublayer, remain relatively rare and unsophisticated. Against this backdrop, we propose an efficient algorithm to quantify desired biomarkers with improved accuracy based on volume OCT scans. Specifically, we attempted an accurate, computationally light volumetric segmentation method involving stratified smoothing to detect choroid and Haller's sublayer. METHODS For detecting the various boundaries of the choroid and the Haller's sublayer, we propose a common volumetric method that performs suitable exponential enhancement and maintains smooth spatial continuity across 2D B-scans. Further, we achieve suitable volumetric smoothing by primarily deploying light-duty linear regression, and sparingly using compute-intensive tensor voting, and hence significantly reduce overall complexity. The proposed methodology is tested on five health and five diseased OCT volumes considering various metrics including volumetric Dice coefficient and corresponding quotient measures to facilitate comparison vis-à-vis intra-observer repeatability. RESULTS On five healthy and five diseased OCT volumes, respectively, the proposed method for choroid segmentation recorded volumetric Dice coefficients of 93.53 % and 93.30 %, which closely approximate the respective reference observer repeatability values of 95.60 % and 95.49 %. In terms of related quotient measures, our method achieved more than 50 % improvement over a recently reported method. In detecting Haller's sublayer as well, our algorithm records statistical performance closely matching that of reference manual method. CONCLUSION Advancing the state-of-the-art, the proposed volumetric segmentation, tested on both healthy and diseased datasets, demonstrated close match with the manual reference. Our method assumes significance in accurate screening of chorioretinal diseases including AMD, CSCR and pachychoroid. Further, it enables generating accurate training data for developing deep learning models for improved detection of choroid and Haller's sublayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Ibrahim
- Dept. of Electrical Engg, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S Bin Bashar
- L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - M A Rasheed
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Selvam
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - V Sant
- Fox Chapel Area High School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J A Sahel
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Chhablani
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - K K Vupparaboina
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - S Jana
- Dept. of Electrical Engg, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Khan AA, Syarifah Adilah MY, Mamat MH, Yahaya SZ, Setumin S, Ibrahim MN, Daud K, Abdullah MH. Magnesium sulfate as a potential dye additive for chlorophyll-based organic sensitiser of the dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC). Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2022; 274:121140. [PMID: 35305518 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a new chlorophyll dye-sensitiser derived from mitragyna speciosa (MS) leaves, also known as Kratom, was employed for dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs). The influence of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), a low-cost dye additive, and suitable extraction solvents on the performance of DSSCs were examined. Here, the optical properties were investigated using UV-Visible spectroscopy and the functional anchoring group were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the photovoltaic parameters were investigated by I-V measurements. The highest conversion efficiency is obtained when using a dye extracted from methanol solvent in combination with MgSO4 additive, namely methanolic magnesium sulfate (MMSO). This higher power conversion efficiency is mainly attributed to the enhancement of the hydroxyl group in the MMSO dye solutions, which promotes higher dye adsorption and provides an organic dye passivation layer that reduces back-recombination in the cell. Furthermore, MgSO4 aids in the replenishment of magnesium lost in the chlorophyll porphyrin ring during the degradation process. These combined effects have contributed to the overall conversion efficiency of the MMSO cell at 0.26 %, followed by 0.24 % for ethanolic magnesium sulfate (EMSO), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Khan
- Center for Electrical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - M Y Syarifah Adilah
- Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - M H Mamat
- NANO-ElecTronic Centre (NET), School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - S Z Yahaya
- Center for Electrical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - S Setumin
- Center for Electrical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - M N Ibrahim
- Center for Electrical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - K Daud
- Center for Electrical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - M H Abdullah
- Center for Electrical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia..
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Mostafa WSEM, Al-Dahr MHS, Omran DAH, Abdullah ZF, Elmasry SH, Ibrahim MN. Influence of some methylated hepatocarcinogenesis-related genes on the response to antiviral therapy and development of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. Clin Mol Hepatol 2019; 26:60-69. [PMID: 31630500 PMCID: PMC6940485 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2019.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Epigenetics involved in multiple normal cellular processes. Previous research have revealed the role of hepatitis C virus infection in accelerating methylation process and affecting response to treatment in chronic hepatitis patients. This work aimed to elucidate the role of promoter methylation (PM) in response to antiviral therapy, and its contribution to the development of fibrosis through hepatocarcinogenesis-related genes. Methods A total of 159 chronic hepatitis Egyptian patients versus 100 healthy control group were included. The methylation profile of a panel 9 genes (SFRP1, p14, p73, APC, DAPK, RASSF1A, LINE1, O6MGMT, and p16) was detected in patients’ plasma using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). Results Clinical and laboratory findings were gathered for patients with combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin antiviral therapy. Regarding the patients’ response to antiviral therapy, the percentage of non-responders for APC, O6MGMT, RASSF1A, SFRP1, and p16 methylated genes were significantly higher versus responders (P<0.05). Of the 159 included patients, the most frequent methylated genes were SFRP1 (102/159), followed by p16 (100/159), RASSF1A (98/159), then LINE1 (81/159), P73 (81/159), APC (78/159), DAPK (66/159), O6MGMT (66/159), and p14 (54/159). A total of 67/98 (68.4%) cases of RASSF1A methylated gene (P=0.0.024), and 62/100 (62%) cases of P16 methylated gene (P=0.03) were associated with mild-degree fibrosis. Conclusions To recapitulate, the PM of SFRP1, APC, RASSF1A, O6MGMT, and p16 genes increases in chronic hepatitis C patients, and can affect patients’ response to antiviral therapy. The RASSF1A and P16 genes might have a role in the distinction between mild and marked fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Seif Eldin Mohamed Mostafa
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Hassan Saiem Al-Dahr
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia Abdel Hamid Omran
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zeinab Fathy Abdullah
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Suzan Hamdy Elmasry
- Department of Biochemistry, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Nabil Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Moringa oleifera leaves were selected as a model due to their hundreds of health benefits. On the other hand, the powder of these leaves has exhibited poor flowability, low tensile strength, bitter taste, poor dissolution rate, and lack of information regarding dosage. These are the common hurdles and limitations in the adaptation of herbal-based medications. Therefore, a comprehensive study was planned to introduce herbal-based medicines into mainstream medicines by standardization according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international pharmaceutical standards. A Simplex Lattice Design (SLD) of Design Expert 8.0 software was used to formulate different concentrations of superdisintegrant, binder/diluent, and sweeteners. An Instron Universal Testing machine coupled with a 13 mm stainless cylindrical die was used to manufacture tablets by means of direct compression method at 20 kN applied force. Therefore, selection of excipients was made on the basis of their tensile strength, flowability, and taste-masking properties. Optimum formulation was tested on rabbits for toxicity and growth rate. All formulated tablets were evaluated on standard parameters for orally disintegrating tablets described by the Food and Drug Authority (U.S.). The optimum formulation fulfills all standard parameters such as hardness, disintegration time, friability, and dissolution rate. The present formulation showed no toxicity when tested on rabbits. The present study provides a fundamental understanding of the tableting characteristics of natural medicines. The present study provides information that will help to overcome the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar Ali
- a Department of Process and Food Engineering , Universiti Putra Malaysia , Selangor , Malaysia.,b Department of Structures and Environmental Engineering , University of Agriculture , Faisalabad , Punjab , Pakistan
| | - Yus Aniza Yusof
- a Department of Process and Food Engineering , Universiti Putra Malaysia , Selangor , Malaysia
| | - Nyuk Ling Chin
- a Department of Process and Food Engineering , Universiti Putra Malaysia , Selangor , Malaysia
| | - M N Ibrahim
- a Department of Process and Food Engineering , Universiti Putra Malaysia , Selangor , Malaysia
| | - Sadaf Muneer
- c Department of Ophthalmology , The University of Faisalabad , Punjab , Pakistan
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Yousuf JM, Ibrahim MN, Hickey P. Dissection of vertebral artery. Ir Med J 2003; 96:56-7. [PMID: 12674160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
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Abstract
A survey on feeding practices was conducted with 60 farmers belonging to four categories (15 farmers in each): male farmers without off-farm income (M-), male farmers with off-farm income (M+), female farmers without off-farm income (W-), and female farmers with off-farm income (W+). Data on herd size, feeds offered, milk production, chest girth, reproduction and management were collected monthly over a period of 1 year. In addition, samples of fodder and concentrates were collected monthly and analysed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD). Of the 550 rations analysed, grass was included in 99.8% of all rations, followed by gliricidia (65%), creepers (50%) and jak leaves (32%). Consequently, the rations were high in OMD (47-59%) and CP (7.8-23.5%). High-protein forage or coconut cake or both were also included as a supplement in 92% of the rations. Both M- and W- farmers had larger (p < 0.001) herds (mean 1.8 animal units (AU) per household) than their counterparts with off-farm income (mean 1.44 AU/household), but only the male farmers without off-farm income achieved higher feeding levels (84.4 vs 65.6 72.1 g digestible organic matter (DOM)/kg0.75 per day) and milk production (6.4 vs 5.3-5.7 L/lactating cow). The lower production of animals kept by female and M+ farmers was related to lower feeding levels. M- farmers realized higher feeding levels than their M+ counterparts. W- farmers did not collect extra feed in response to higher levels of production. It was concluded that dairy farming in the mid-country of Sri Lanka is particularly important for poorer households without income from off-farm employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zemmelink
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences (WIAS), Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands
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Sharaf AS, Ibrahim MN, Sobhi FS, Khalaf MA. Effect of two types of composite resin on oral bacterial plaque. "In vitro qualitative and quantitative study". Egypt Dent J 1995; 41:1057-66. [PMID: 9497641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
160 specimens of composite (80 chemical and 80 light cured) were prepared in teflon mold 4 mm x 2.5 mm in dimension. Plaque samples were collected using absorbent paper points from 20 normal persons and 20 persons with cervical carious teeth. The samples were inoculated in TSB containing both types of composites. Duplicate cultures were done for aerobic and anaerobic incubations at 37 degrees C. There was no effect of both types of composite on the quality of the isolated organisms from normal group or patient group. Chemical and light cured composite increased significantly the count of aerobic bacterial plaque from normal group. While they decreased the count of aerobic bacterial plaque from patient group and also the anaerobic bacterial plaque from both normal and patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Sharaf
- Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University
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