Browse Articles

Risk assessment of heavy metals in coastal sediments of the Red Sea in Egypt

Abstract The Red Sea’s near-shore zones are considered nurseries and grazing grounds for the various economic fish species. To illustrate the relation between human health and seafloor sediments, the geological and geochemical properties of seafloor sediments were investigated in near-shore zones at Marsa Alam and Hurghada cities along the Red Sea. The obtained data illustrated that the sediment nature at Hurghada is primarily of biogenic origin, as indicated by the high carbonate contents; however, the sediment nature at Marsa Alam is attributed mainly to the terrigenous origin. Accordingly, the studied heavy metals at both localities showed different feeding sources; Marsa Alam sites showed high levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, and Cu attributed to terrigenous inputs; however, the high averages of Cd and Pb at Hurghada indicating influence from land-based and anthropogenic activities. The calculated risk assessment parameters and carcinogenic risk (ILCR) do not indicate any significant risk. Geochemically and as indicated by the statistical parameters: correlation coefficient, PCA, and Geo-accumulation (Igeo); Mn, Zn, Cu, and Ni were found to be mainly associated with Fe in the same source of accumulation and similar geochemical forms. However, the adsorption over sediment particles and/or assimilation inside the carbonate lattices are possible occurrences of Cd, Pb, and partially Ni. The calculated risk assessment parameters and carcinogenic risk (ILCR) do not indicate any significant risk to marine organisms and human consumption.

The relationship between family environments growing up and behavioral health among LGBTQ+ adults: The mediating role of internalized homonegativity

Purpose Disparities in the behavioral health outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ (LGBTQ+) adults—such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use—are often attributed to experiences of discrimination, victimization, and lack of supportive environments, including hetero- and cis-normative family settings. Yet, how family environments in childhood influence LGBTQ+ adults’ behavioral health and internalized homonegativity has not been extensively examined. Methods This study utilized a U.S. national dataset of LGBTQ+ adults (N = 499). Data were collected in November 2020 using an online survey. A series of multivariate ordinary least squares regression models and Sobel tests were performed. Results Results showed that as homophobic messages from family increased, levels of depression (β = .19, p < .001), anxiety (β = .17, p < .001), and internalized homonegativity (β = .13, p < .01) increased. As the conservatism level in families increased, levels of alcohol use (β = .11, p < .05), and internalized homonegativity (β = .15, p < .01) increased. In the mediation analysis, internalized homonegativity was found to partially mediate the relationship between homophobic messages from family and depression (z = 3.35, p < .001), homophobic messages and anxiety (z = 3.09, p < .01), and conservatism in family and alcohol use (z = 2.80, p < 0.01). Internalized homonegativity also fully mediated the relationship between homophobic messages and alcohol use (z = 2.66, p < 0.01), conservatism in family and depression (z = 3.76, p < 0.001), and conservatism in family and anxiety (z = 3.45, p < 0.001). Conclusion Study findings underscore the importance of inclusive climates within a family and internalized homonegativity as a mediator for LGBTQ+ individuals’ behavioral health. Implications for intervention and future research are discussed.

Synthesis of Chitosan based nanoemulsions and their characterization and antifungal activity toward fungi causing mucormycosis

Abstract Aromatic plants produce essential oils (EOs) with diverse phytochemicals and biological applications. This study investigated three eco-friendly nanoemulsions of Lemon peel (LPO), Turmeric (TO), and Black seed (BSO) oils loaded into nanochitosan (NCh) for their antifungal activity against resistant fungal strains. Phytochemical analysis identified oxygenated/non-oxygenated hydrocarbons and saturated/unsaturated fatty acids in the EOs. Physicochemical characterization using FTIR, DLS, and HR-TEM showed stable nanoemulsions and nanochitosan with homogeneous particle size distributions in the nanoscale range. Notably, the essential oil nanoemulsions exhibited potent antifungal activity against Mucor racemosus, Rhizopus microsporus, and Lichtheimia corymbifera, resistant to commercial antifungal drugs. The nanoemulsions loaded with 1–3% chitosan showed inhibition zones ranging from 17 to 23 mm, outperforming the synthetic antifungal treatments. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived essential oil nanoemulsions loaded into biocompatible nanochitosan as a promising, sustainable alternative to combat the growing threat of invasive fungal infections and drug resistance. Incorporating natural, eco-friendly materials enhances the stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of the active phytochemicals, contributing to the antifungal solution’s overall efficacy and safety profile.

From ice cores to dinosaurs: physical collections managers’ research data curation perceptions and behaviors

Physical collections provide the tangible objects that when analyzed become data informing all sciences. Physical collection managers aim to make physical objects discoverable, accessible, and reusable. The volume and variety of physical collections acquired, described, and stored across decades, and in some cases centuries, results from large public and private investments. The purpose of this study is to understand the curation perceptions and behaviors of physical collection managers across domains to inform cross-disciplinary research data management. Ten focus groups were conducted with thirty-two participants across several physical collection communities. Participants responded to open-ended questions about the data lifecycle of their physical objects. Results indicated that physical collections attempt to use universal metadata and data storage standards to increase discoverability, but interdisciplinary physical collections and derived data reuse require more investments to increase reusability of these invaluable items. This study concludes with a domain-agnostic discussion of the results to inform investment in cyberinfrastructure tools and services.

Synthesis, cytotoxic screening and molecular docking, DFT calculation of novel furan-heterocyclic derivatives as insecticidal agents

Abstract The insecticidal furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (1) as staring compound underwent a nucleophilic substitution reaction with different reagents, chloroacetyl chloride, chloroacetic acid. 1,4-dibromobutane-2,3-dione and also, with different activated reagents 2-cyanoacetohydrazide, phthalic anhydride, and 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde as good yields. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses. The majority of the synthesized compounds were assessed for their insecticidal activity towards three insects, Cryptoblabes gnidiella , Retithrips syriacus and Spodoptera frugiperda under laboratory conditions and promising results were obtained, with encouraging outcomes observed. Compounds 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 were found to the most effective than other compounds on all insects. Also, R. syriacus insects are more affected than C. gnidiella and S. frugiperda after one day of treatment with LC 50 values 15.68, 18.90, 58.04, 17.81, and 42.21 μg/mL respectively, comparing with positive control LC 50 , 8.90 μg/mL. Furthermore, biochemical parameters of five enzymes of S. frugiperda ; Acid Phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transferase, alanine transaminase, and acetylcholinesterase enzymes were conducted at LC 50 value of the highly toxic compounds. Density functional theory calculations were employed to optimize the molecular geometry and compute the electrostatic potential, complemented by molecular docking to predict the most acceptable score and root mean square deviation and affinities of the synthesized compounds.

Effects of 810 nm treatments in acute myofiber contraction of C2C12 myotubes

The muscoskeletal system can be irradiated with wavelengths in the red and near infrared regions which penetrate deep into the body and stimulate biological mechanisms. However, the activation of cellular responses in muscle, specifically actively contracting, is not clearly understood. Therefore, we investigated biological effects induced by irradiation with 810 nm wavelength of light in myotubes, resting or actively contracting in an acute model of exercise. In resting myotubes, cytosolic Ca2+ rose within 10 minutes post treatment with 810 nm at 2–4 J/cm2. ATP production was increased 4% ± 3 at 24 hrs post light treatment. In contracting myotubes, 810 nm treatment resulted in a significant ~30% increase in intracellular ATP levels and a 20% ± 12 reduction in lactate secretion into cell culture media. 810 nm treated myotubes also had a smaller change in myotube width during contractions, 5% ± 3, suggesting the myotubes were contracting with less force. Although the contractile motion was reduced, 810 nm treated myotubes had a higher frequency of spontaneous contractions after removal of electric pulse stimulation (EPS), 42% ± 21 and 1.3-2 – fold increase in mitochondrial proteins, Tom70, citrate synthase (CS) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA). This finding suggests that 810 nm treatment altered metabolic and contractile properties of myotubes due to mitochondrial activation. A more thorough understanding of these effects could lead to new treatment modalities that could improve physical performance.

Acute neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation per se do not trigger secondary autoimmune encephalitis in mice

Abstract Patients with virus encephalitis, such as herpes simplex encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis frequently relapse with autoimmune encephalitides associated with neural autoantibodies. It has been hypothesized that the infection-induced damage to the central nervous system results in shedding of neural autoantigens, their presentation to the peripheral immune system, and initiation of a secondary autoimmune encephalitis that targets these autoantigens. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a transgenic mouse model of virus-like but sterile encephalitis. After induction of acute neuronal death in the hippocampus, we monitored the mice for encephalitis-like symptoms for up to 10 months, evaluated the degree of neuroinflammation at several time points and screened their plasma for autoantibodies against 49 different autoimmune disease-associated brain autoantibodies. Throughout the study period, we did not detect any symptoms of severe autoimmune encephalitis, like hyperactivity, circling, seizures, lethargy. Evaluation of microglia numbers and morphology revealed pronounced microgliosis 1-week after initial encephalitis induction, which decreased over time. Scattered lymphocyte infiltration was present at all times in hippocampi of encephalitis mice, and did not increase over time. Perivascular cuffs were not detected. Infiltrating lymphocytes mainly consisted of CD8+ T cells. B cell infiltration was rare and did not differ from healthy control mice. High-parameter immunophenotyping of peripheral blood leukocytes did not reveal any changes associated with an autoimmune response. Testing all plasma samples (n = 30/group) at a dilution of 1:100 for autoantibodies against 49 neural autoantigens gave only two positive results, namely one healthy control with anti-CASPR2 autoantibodies (IgG) and one post-encephalitis mouse with anti-homer-3 autoantibodies (IgM). Overall, these findings suggest that acute neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation per se are not sufficient to trigger downstream autoimmune encephalitis relapses in mice.

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ADAT3-related neurodevelopmental disorder in 24 new patients with a high frequency of the p.Val144Met and a new founder variant

Abstract Biallelic variants in the adenosine deaminase tRNA specific 3 (ADAT3) gene are associated with a distinct neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by dysmorphic facies, poor growth, cognitive impairment, and variable brain anomalies. We describe 24 patients from 16 unrelated Egyptian families with ADAT3-related neurodevelopmental disorder. All patients presented with developmental delay, growth retardation, cognitive impairment, and the characteristic facial features of the disorder, which appears to be more recognizable in older patients. Seizures were noted in 20% of patients and showed favorable responses to treatment. Brain imaging showed corpus callosum abnormalities in most patients (91.6%), followed by delayed myelination and cortical atrophy. Exome sequencing identified three ADAT3 variants, including the Saudi founder variant c.430G > A (p.Val144Met), which was detected in 17 patients (70%). In addition, two novel variants were identified, c.319G > A (p.Glu107Lys) and c.1013_1018dup (p.Arg338_Ile339dup). The c.319G > A (p.Glu107Lys) was recurrent in 6 patients (25%) who shared a similar haplotype, suggesting a likely founder effect in our population. On the other hand, the c.1013_1018dup (p.Arg338_Ile339dup) was identified in a single patient. Our study reports a large cohort of patients with ADAT3-related neurodevelopmental disorder from Egypt and reinforces the clinical and brain imaging characteristics of the disorder. The high prevalence of the c.430G > A (p.Val144Met) in our population strongly suggests the existence of a founder effect of this variant in the Middle East and Arab region. In addition, we report a new founder variant expanding the mutational spectrum of this rare disorder.

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Synergistic effects of notoginsenoside R1 and saikosaponin B2 in atherosclerosis: A novel approach targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and macrophage autophagy

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major global contributor to cardiovascular diseases and associated mortality. The traditional treatment primarily relies on statins; however, these drugs are often linked to side effects such as liver dysfunction and muscle impairment. Recent studies have highlighted the potential protective properties of saponin compounds derived from traditional herbal sources, such as notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) and saikosaponin B2 (SSB2), in combating atherosclerosis. However, the comprehensive effects of these compounds against atherosclerosis and their underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Firstly, we employed network pharmacology analysis to identify 113 common targets, including mTOR and CASP3, for NGR1, SSB2, and atherosclerosis from databases such as TCMSP. We constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and performed GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, whcih revealed key signaling pathways involved in PI3K/Akt, inflammation, and autophagy. The atherosclerosis model was established using ApoE-/- mice fed with a “Western diet” followed by treatment with NGR1, SSB2, or NS combination. Histological examinations, including hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, oil red O (ORO) staining, and CD68 immunofluorescence, were conducted to evaluate the pathological conditions of the aortic root, liver and kidneys in ApoE-/- mice. Our findings demonstrate that the NS combination improves lipid levels, lipid transport, and unstable plaque formation in ApoE-/- mice without adverse effects on liver or kidney function. Finally, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to culture RAW264.7 macrophages to establish an in vitro foam cell model. The effects of NS combination on lipid uptake, inflammatory response, apoptosis, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and autophagy were evaluated using methods such as CCK-8 assay, Oil Red O staining, immunofluorescence analysis, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. The results indicated that NS combination promoted autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. This significantly alleviated inflammation, reduced apoptosis, and decreasing lipid accumulation, thereby improving the pathological progression of atherosclerosis. Collectively, this study demonstrates, for the first time, that the NS combination synergistically activates macrophage autophagy by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thereby attenuating lipid accumulation, inflammation, and apoptosis in atherosclerotic models.

3D structural modeling of lower cretaceous Alam El Bueib reservoir in Menes field, Shushan Basin, north Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract This study is focused on the Menes oil field, located on the western flank of Shushan Basin in Egypt’s northern Western Desert (NWD). The primary oil-bearing reservoir in this area is the Lower Cretaceous Alam El Bueib (AEB) Formation (Fm), that extends through the Barremian to Aptian stages. This formation is characterized by thick, massive, argillaceous, and calcareous sandstones interbedded with shale and carbonate layers. 2D seismic profiles are interpreted to delineate the structural features of the subsurface. The well to seismic tie via synthetic seismograms and check-shot data are utilized for mapping the formation tops of Alamein dolomite, as well as the AEB units (1, 3 A, 3 C, and 3D), and the Paleozoic strata. Electrical wireline logs from four wells in Menes oil field were analyzed to estimate key petrophysical parameters, including porosity and hydrocarbon saturation for reservoir characterization. Finally 3D structural model was developed to enhance subsurface visualization, enabling a more precise characterization of the AEB reservoirs. This model also aims to reduce exploration risks and improve field development strategies in the study area. These findings provide crucial insights into the subsurface characteristics and hydrocarbon prospects of this formation, offering valuable information that can inform strategic decision-making in both exploration and production activities within Shushan basin. The comprehensive understanding gained from these results serves as a key contribution to optimizing future exploration efforts and enhancing the development of hydrocarbon resources in the near by regions.

Associations of green space visitation patterns with sociodemographics, health, and perceptions: A cluster analysis using smartphone Wi-Fi and GPS data

Understanding the multiple impacts of green spaces on individual health and overall quality of life is a key factor in urban planning and public health promotion. This study integrated smartphone Wi-Fi and GPS location data, survey data, and green space data to analyze the relationships between green space visitation patterns and sociodemographic characteristics, health, and green space perceptions of 1,715 residents of the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea. Green space visitation patterns of urban residents were categorized into Non-Visitors (rarely visited green spaces), Weekday Visitors (weekday visits), Weekend Visitors (weekend visits), and Frequent Visitors (weekday and weekend visits). The health status of residents in each group was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L scale, which evaluates overall mental and physical health. The analysis indicated variations in educational background across groups, with the Non-Visitors and Frequent Visitors showing differing distributions. In addition, the Weekend Visitors group had the best mental and physical health, which were significantly different from the Non-Visitors group. Perceptions of green space were significantly more positive for Weekend Visitors and Frequent Visitors than for Non-Visitors. These results suggest that green space usage patterns can be segmented not only by frequency of visits, but also by when and whether they are visited. It is also worth noting the differences in green space visitation by educational background, highlighting the need for environmental education programs and campaigns to mitigate these environmental inequalities. The positive effect of weekend visits, in particular, highlights the value of green spaces for leisure and relaxation. This finding suggests that urban planning can benefit city residents by providing high-quality, easily accessible green spaces.

Utilization of plasma as an ameliorator for forage productivity and in vitro traits of cowpea cultivated in salty soil

Abstract The adoption of advanced and practical technologies to boost plant productivity and improve quality under challenging environmental conditions, such as salinity, has become an essential need in modern agriculture. Plasma technology can significantly improve the seed’s resistance to stress factors like high salinity and dry environments. Thus, the current work aimed to improve the yield and quality of cowpea as an important forage crop grown in saline soil using a plasma coating approach. The seeds of cowpea were treated with three plasma doses expressed in different times of exposure (0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 min) and planted (for two seasons of 2022 and 2023) in three soil salinity levels expressed in electrical conductivity, EC (normal, 0.3 dS m−1, moderate salinity 5.5 dS m−1, and high salinity, 7.0 dS m−1, abbreviated as EC3.0, EC5.5 and EC7.0, respectively). The electron micrographs and elemental detection revealed that 2.0 min treatment resulted in deep cracking and topographical modulation with the best enhancements in cowpea seed surface nutrients. The agronomic findings revealed that compared to the corresponding check treatment (without plasma, 0.0 min), the exposure to plasma for 2.0 min in the first season was the efficient for enhancing forage yield under normal (1.37-fold increase) and medium salinity (1.79-fold increase). The in vitro data showed plasma-treated seeds for 2.0 min displayed higher acid detergent fiber content under EC3.0 or EC5.5 compared to the other treatments. Plants grown from seeds treated with plasma for 1.0 min showed higher dry matter degradability levels at EC7.0 compared to the other treatments. At EC7.0 the highest ammonia concentration was recorded in plants grown plasma-treated seeds for 1.0 min, while the lowest value was observed in 2.0-min. 2.0-min plasma-treated seeds produced the highest total volatile fatty acids across different salinity conditions, particularly at EC7.0. Plasma treatment, as a safe and innovative seed priming method, validates substantial potential in improving cowpea productivity under saline conditions. This study revealed that exposing cowpea seeds to a 2-min plasma treatment before sowing enhanced seed germination rate, and overall yield, even under challenging saline environments. Moreover, enhanced feed quality resulting from plasma-treated seeds offers direct benefits to livestock nutrition, supporting both human and animal food chains.

Signal preprocessing for foreign body detection using terahertz real-time non-destructive imaging system

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Lipoprotein(a) levels in a sample of 115,197 subjects from the largest Brazilian private laboratory

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease and is increasingly being incorporated into clinical algorithms of cardiovascular risk prediction. However, the epidemiology of Lp(a) in Brazil remains unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the distribution of Lp(a) levels and its association with laboratory parameters and clinical characteristics in a population of subjects submitted to blood tests in a private laboratory. Methods involved assessing Lp(a) levels from 115,197 subjects in a nationwide database from one Brazilian private laboratory, with Lp(a) measured using a nephelometric assay and expressed in mg/dL. Results showed that among the 115,197 subjects, the median age was 44 years. Women composed 61% of the sample and displayed higher Lp(a) levels in comparison to men (13.90 vs 11.58 mg/dL, p < 0.001). The distribution of Lp(a) levels was skewed rightward, as 70% of the individuals showed levels < 30 mg/dL, and 18% had levels higher than 50 mg/dL. The presence of criteria for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and levels of HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides showed no correlation with Lp(a) levels. Additionally, there was no significant association between Lp(a) levels in individuals with and without criteria for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, this study represents the largest descriptive analysis of Lp (a) in Brazil, encompassing individuals with a wide age range and geographical distribution. This data contributes to the generation of high-quality evidence needed for improving cardiovascular risk assessment in clinical care settings.

Genetic screening of tuberous sclerosis complex in Sicily with a focus on neurological manifestations

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