Efficacy of combining ING4 and TRAIL genes in cancer-targeting gene virotherapy strategy: first evidence in preclinical hepatocellular carcinoma

Galal El-Shemi, A,Mohammed Ashshi, A,Oh, E,Jung, B-K,Basalamah, M,Alsaegh, A,Yun, C-O Nature Publishing Group 2018 Gene Therapy Vol.25 No.1

<P>Current treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are ineffective and unsatisfactory in many aspects. Cancer-targeting gene virotherapy using oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) armed with anticancer genes has shown efficacy and safety in clinical trials. Nowadays, both inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4), as a multimodal tumor suppressor gene, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), as a potent apoptosis-inducing gene, are experiencing a renaissance in cancer gene therapy. Herein we investigated the antitumor activity and safety of mono- and combined therapy with OAds armed with ING4 (Ad-ΔB/ING4) and TRAIL (Ad-ΔB/TRAIL) gene, respectively, on preclinical models of human HCC. OAd-mediated expression of ING4 or TRAIL transgene was confirmed. Ad-ΔB/TRAIL and/or Ad-ΔB/ING4 exhibited potent killing effect on human HCC cells (HuH7 and Hep3B) but not on normal liver cells. Most importantly, systemic therapy with Ad-ΔB/ING4 plus Ad-ΔB/TRAIL elicited more eradicative effect on an orthotopic mouse model of human HCC than their monotherapy, without causing obvious overlapping toxicity. Mechanistically, Ad-ΔB/ING4 and Ad-ΔB/TRAIL were remarkably cooperated to induce antitumor apoptosis and immune response, and to repress tumor angiogenesis. This is the first study showing that concomitant therapy with Ad-ΔB/ING4 and Ad-ΔB/TRAIL may provide a potential strategy for HCC therapy and merits further investigations to realize its possible clinical translation.</P>

Phenotypic Stability for Selected Traits of Some Cowpea Lines in Nigerian Agro-ecologies

( Mohammed F. Ishiyaku ),( Victoria M. Yilwa ),( Bir B. Singh ),( Olusoji O. Olufajo ),( Aminu A. Zaria ) 한국육종학회 2017 Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Vol.5 No.2

Eight advanced breeding lines of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] were evaluated in a multi-environment trial for phenotypic stability of grain yield, maturity and grain size. There was highly significant genotype x environment interaction for all traits. Simple correlation coefficient was computed to ascertain the level of relationship between stability parameters and agronomic traits. Line IT93K-452-1 was identified as most stable genotype and can be grown all over the Nigerian cowpea belt. The line IT90K-503-1 was the most unstable genotype in terms of grain yield and was also nonresponsive to the environment. However, it is environment specific. IT93K-452-1 has relatively stable maturity across environments. The result suggests that IT93K-452-1 will mature around the average of 65 days irrespective of the location in Nigeria. Lines IT95K-1455 and IT90K-503-1, whose stability parameter values were high, means that in respect of maturity, they are photo-thermo sensitive. They can mature early or delayed depending on the photo-thermal environment. However, lines such as IT93K-273-2-1, IT93K-129-4, IT93K-452-1 and IT86D-719 are photo-thermo insensitive. Line IT93K-1543 was identified as the most desirable genotype in terms of grain size. This is followed by IT93K-452-1. The line IT90K-503-1 had small but unstable seed size. This work identified IT93K-452-1 and IT93K-273-2-1 as the most stable genotypes for yield and maturity. Grain yield was highly positively correlated with bi and R² but was negatively correlated with Sd²_i. Maturity was negatively highly correlated with b_i, W_i, and CV_i. Grain size on the other hand is not correlated with any of the parameters.

Spectral, Magnetic, and Thermal Properties of Some Thiazolylazo Complexes

Masoud, M.S.,Mohamed, G.B.,Abdul-Razek Y.H.,Ali A.E.,Khairy F.N. 대한화학회 2002 대한화학회지 Vol.46 No.2

Thiazolylazo 화합물과 barbituric산, uracil, thiouracil, citrazinic산 chromotrotropic산, gallict산, pyrogallol 그리고 salicylic산의 Co(II), Ni(II) 그리고 Cu(II) 착화합물의 제조하였고, NMR, IR, 그리고 전기 흡수 스펙트럼에 대한 pHdudgid에 의하여 규명하였다. 이온화형태, 전기적 전이 그리고 해리상수에 대하여 설명하였다. 구리 착화합물은 등방형 ESR스펙트럼이었으며 자기적으로 궤도 기여를 갖는 묽은 성질이었다. 상세한 DTA데이타를 얻었고, 그 결과를 토론하였다. The thiazolylazo compounds and their Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of barbituric acid, uracil, thiouracil, citrazinic acid, chromotropic acid, gallic acid, pyrogallol and salicylic acid were pre-pared and characterized by NMR , IR and the effect of pH on the electronic absorption spectra . The mode of ionization, the electronic transitions and the dissociation constants were discussed. The stoichiometries of the complexes were of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:2 (M:L). The copper complexes are of isotropic ESR spectra (except that of gallic acid which showed a complicated one) and are of magnetically diluted behaviour with orbital con-tribution. Detailed DTA data were obtained and discussed.

Dual-textured Prussian Blue nanocubes as sodium ion storage materials

Kim, Dae Sik,Zakaria, Mohamed B.,Park, Min-Sik,Alowasheeir, Azhar,Alshehri, Saad M.,Yamauchi, Yusuke,Kim, Hansu Elsevier 2017 ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA Vol.240 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Sodium ion batteries are being highlighted as a promising energy storage system to resolve the critical issues associated with lithium ion battery usage due to a limited quantity of lithium resources on the earth. Although recent advances in sodium ion battery technology have been remarkable, the reversible capacities and cyclic performance of sodium ion batteries should be further advanced prior to their successful implementation. Herein, we demonstrate dual-textured Prussian blue nanocubes prepared <I>via</I> simple acid etching as a reliable sodium storage material. Taking advantage of their hybrid microstructure composed of porous and non-porous domains, dual-textured Prussian blue nanocubes exhibit high reversible capacities, good rate capabilities, and stable cyclic performance. Moreover, the nanocubes exhibit excellent dimensional stability even after 100 cycles, offering new opportunities for the development of robust and high-performance sodium rechargeable batteries.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Dual-textured Prussian Blue nanocubes by controlled chemical etching. </LI> <LI> Highly reversible Na<SUP>+</SUP> storage characteristics of dual-textured PB nanocubes. </LI> <LI> Mechanical integrity of proposed PB against repeated Na<SUP>+</SUP> storage and extraction. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Identification of Green Alga Chlorella vulgaris Isolated from Freshwater and Improvement Biodiesel Productivity via UV Irradiation

( Mohamed A. Gomaa ),( Mohamed H. Refaat ),( Tamer M. Salim ),( Abo El-khair B. El-sayed ),( Makhlouf M. Bekhit ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2019 한국미생물·생명공학회지 Vol.47 No.3

Chlorella vulgaris was isolated from the Nile River, Qalubia Governorate, Egypt, for possible use in biodiesel production. BG-II nutrient growth media was used for isolation and laboratory growth. Identification was performed via 18S rRNA gene amplification, followed by sequencing. The alga was exposed to UVC (254 nm) for 15, 30, and 45 s to improve dry weight accumulation and to increase the oil production. Daily measurements of dry weight (g·l^-1) were performed; oil content and volumetric lipid productivity were also determined. UV-C exposure led to an increase in the volumetric lipid productivity by 27, 27.3, and 32.4 mg·l^-1·d^-1 with 15, 30, and 45 s, respectively, as compared with the control, which resulted in 18 mg·l^-1·d^-1. Of the examined mutants, the one with the highest productivity was re-irradiated by UV-C (254 nm) for 15, 30, 45, and 60 s. For 15 s of exposure time, the oil content increased to 34%, while it was 31% at 30 s; further, it decreased to 22% at 45 and 60 s exposures. The fatty acid methyl ester profile was 82.22% in the first mutant at 45 s, compared with the wild strain that contained a total of 66.01% of FAs. Furthermore, the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl ester were observed in the mutant exposed for 45 s, and it reached 11.41%, which reduced the cetane number to 71.3.

Size controlled sonochemical synthesis of highly crystalline superparamagnetic Mn–Zn ferrite nanoparticles in aqueous medium

Abbas, Mohamed,Torati, Sri Ramulu,Rao, B. Parvatheeswara,Abdel-Hamed, M.O.,Kim, CheolGi Elsevier 2015 JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS Vol.644 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Monodisperse Mn<I> <SUB>x</SUB> </I>Zn<SUB>1−</SUB> <I> <SUB>x</SUB> </I>Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> (<I>x</I> =0.2, 0.5 and 0.8) nanoparticles have been synthesized using two different routes namely sonochemical and polyol methods, and the shape and size along with physiochemical properties of the nanoparticles were compared in detail. In both the routes, the synthesis was performed in a single reaction without the use of any surfactant and deoxygenated conditions. The reaction kinetics and surface adsorption characteristics of nanoparticles were observed by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of a pure ferrite phase with cubic spinel structure, and the patterns further clearly indicate that the sonochemical method produces highly crystalline particles without any post calcination reaction, comparing with the polyol process. Transmission electron microscopy results reveal that the nanoparticles synthesized by polyol method are mostly aggregated and spherical in nature whereas the nanoparticles produced by sonochemical method are monodisperse large particles with cubic like shapes. The overall studies demonstrated that the sonochemical method is facile, reliable, rapid and very attractive for the aqueous synthesis of highly crystalline and high magnetic moment (84.5emu/g) monodisperse superparamagnetic Mn–Zn ferrite nanoparticles which considered as potential materials for various applications.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Mn–Zn ferrite NPs were synthesized by two different methods are polyol and sonochemical. </LI> <LI> The sonochemical method produced NPs with high crystallinity than polyol method. </LI> <LI> The ferrite samples synthesized by sonochemical method showed high magnetization values and superparamagnetic properties. </LI> <LI> XRD, TEM, EDS, TGA, FTIR, and VSM techniques used to characterize the samples. </LI> </UL> </P>

Facile one-pot chemical approach for synthesis of monodisperse chain-like superparamagnetic maghemite (g-Fe2O3) nanoparticles

Mohamed Abbas,김철기,Md. Nazrul Islam,B. Parvatheeswara Rao,M.O. Abdel-Hamed 한국공업화학회 2015 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.31 No.-

In this study, we demonstrated a novel and facile chemical approach for synthesis of monodispersemaghemite (g-Fe2O3) nanoparticles. Compared to the reported works for synthesis of maghemitenanoparticles which require the use of much amount of surfactant and complicated procedures, wecould develop here an approach in which we did not use any surfactant or deoxygenated condition andfurther the synthesis process was also completed in a single reaction. X-ray diffraction analysis of thesample confirms single phase fully crystalline spinel structure. Transmission electron microscopyimages reveal that the shape of the synthesized maghemite nanoparticles is a mix of spherical and cubewith chain-like patterns and the average particles size is of 25 nm. The obtained maghemite (g-Fe2O3)nanoparticles showed high magnetic moment of 65 emu/g with superparamagnetic properties. Owing tothe high moment, mono disperse superparamagnetic nature of the sample, the synthesized maghemitenanoparticles are useful for biomedical applications.

Camellia sinesis leaves extract ameliorates high fat diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in rats: analysis of potential mechanisms

Mohamed Safaa H.,Shahat Abdelaaty A.,Mohamed Mohamed Ragaa,Khalil Wagdy K. B.,Salem Ahmed M.,Farrag Abdel Razik H.,Ahmed Hanaa Hamdy 한국약제학회 2021 Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation Vol.51 No.2

Purpose Our research aims to address and determine the effect of Camellia sinensis extract in the management of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats. Methods Forty adult female albino rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 (G1) served as the control group, while the other three groups received high-fat diet for 32 weeks to induce NASH and then were later assigned to the following groups: (G2) NASH-afflicted group which was left untreated, (G3) NASH-afflicted group treated with Camellia sinensis extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg, and (G4) NASH-afflicted group treated with Camellia sinensis extract in a dose of 200 mg/kg. Results Significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, albumin, bilirubin (total and direct), cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, leptin, Cox-2, and CD40 values was recorded. Moreover, overexpression of hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha and hepatocyte growth factor genes were recorded, whereas blood platelet count and serum high density lipoprotein concentration revealed significant depletion, which was paralleled by significant downregulation of hepatic adiponectin gene expression level in NASH group versus the control group. On the opposite side, treatment of NASH groups with two different doses of Camellia sinensis extract reversed the values of the measured biochemical parameters and the targeted gene expression levels when compared with the NASH group. Optical micrograph of liver tissue sections of rats treated with Camellia sinensis extract showed the observed improvement in the studied biochemical and genetic markers. Conclusion This study provides a clear evidence for the promising therapeutic potential of Camellia sinensis extract against NASH. This could be ascribed to its hepatoprotective activity, hypolipidemic effect, and anti-inflammatory potency.

A new class of bivariate distributions with exponential and gamma conditionals

M. Gharib,B. I. Mohammed 한국신뢰성학회 2014 International Journal of Reliability and Applicati Vol.15 No.2

A new class of bivariate distributions is derived by specifying its conditionals as the exponential and gamma distributions. Some properties and relations with other distributions of the new class are studied. In particular, the estimation of parameters is considered by the methods of maximum likelihood and pseudolikelihood of a special case of the new class. An application using a real bivariate data is given for illustrating the flexibility of the new class in this context, and, also, for comparing the estimation results obtained by the maximum likelihood and pseudolikelihood methods.

Electronic properties of monolayer silicon carbide nanoribbons using tight-binding approach

Chuan, M.W.,Wong, Y.B.,Hamzah, A.,Alias, N.E.,Sultan, S. Mohamed,Lim, C.S.,Tan, M.L.P. Techno-Press 2022 Advances in nano research Vol.12 No.2

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a binary carbon-silicon compound. In its two-dimensional form, monolayer SiC is composed of a monolayer carbon and silicon atoms constructed as a honeycomb lattice. SiC has recently been receiving increasing attention from researchers owing to its intriguing electronic properties. In this present work, SiC nanoribbons (SiCNRs) are modelled and simulated to obtain accurate electronic properties, which can further guide fabrication processes, through bandgap engineering. The primary objective of this work is to obtain the electronic properties of monolayer SiCNRs by applying numerical computation methods using nearest-neighbour tight-binding models. Hamiltonian operator discretization and approximation of plane wave are assumed for the models and simulation by applying the basis function. The computed electronic properties include the band structures and density of states of monolayer SiCNRs of varying width. Furthermore, the properties are compared with those of graphene nanoribbons. The bandgap of ASiCNR as a function of width are also benchmarked with published DFT-GW and DFT-GGA data. Our nearest neighbour tight-binding (NNTB) model predicted data closer to the calculations based on the standard DFT-GGA and underestimated the bandgap values projected from DFT-GW, which takes in account the exchange-correlation energy of many-body effects.