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Establishment of In Vitro Regeneration Systems for Pearl millet (Pennisetum Glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Using Different Explants
No full textPearl millet is one of the widely known and cultivated C4 monocot cereal crops in tropical and subtropical regions and is characterized by several intriguing characteristics that allow it to become comparable to some economically valued crops. Being highly nutritious, highly resilient to drought, and gluten-free, pearl millet is a notorious source of food in developing countries in Africa and Asia that sustains food security while also being used as fodder for livestock and birds. Despite the unique characteristics, there are limited ongoing research and breeding programs working on developing new millet varieties to cope with increasing food and feed demand worldwide and foreseen climate change challenges. This study aims to examine two different explants (immature inflorescences and immature zygotic embryos) to establish a successful in vitro regeneration system for an Egyptian variety of pearl millet. For immature inflorescences, it was found that MS media supplemented with 1 mg L-1 proline, 1 mg L-1 asparagine, 1 mg L-1 2,4-D, plus 0.5 mg L-1 BAP gave the best callus regeneration rate. The incorporation of L-proline and L-asparagine combination was found to be better than casein hydrolysate alone in enhancing the quality and regeneration potential of the produced callus. However, the addition of silver nitrate did not show any significant impact on vitrification rate or callus formation. As for the second explant (immature zygotic embryos), it was noted that MS media supplemented with 1 mg L-1 BAP plus 0.5 mg L-1 NAA resulted in the highest regeneration percentage for the callus formed. Transient expression of uidA resulted in blue spots after 48 and 72 hours after bombardment, confirming the suitability of the generated callus for receiving transgenes using a biolistic gene gun. Preliminary results to develop a stable transformation system for immature inflorescence-derived callus tissues using pAB6 construct harboring bar gene encoding for phosphinothricin (PPT) resistance and uidA encoding for gus resulted in the regeneration of a potential transgenic plant based on resistance to glufosinate. Successfully establishing regeneration and transformation systems for pearl millet will lay the foundation for modification of local varieties of pearl millet to become more resilient and further improve their quality.
Keywords: Pearl millet, Biotechnology, In vitro tissue culture, Biolistic transformation, Immature inflorescences, Immature zygotic embryo
Fragmentation Functions for Light and Heavy Quarks in Simulated Proton-Proton Collisions
Get PDFIn the first microsecond after the Big Bang, the early universe is believed to have been in an excited state known as the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) state, a state of free quarks and gluons. Conducted experiements, like Heavy-ion collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), have showed some evidences of the formation of this extreme states in the collisions. Jet quenching and elliptic flow are two phenomena that provide significant evidence for the creation of QGP and its distinctive characteristics. Although the major framework for studying QGP is still heavy-ion collisions, new research indicates that, under some circumstances, small collision systems like proton-proton (p-p) and proton-nucleus (p-A) collisions may also show QGP-like effects. Using the PYTHIA event generator as a theoretical baseline, this work creates a baseline for researching such effects in p-p collisions. In order to study non-collective phenomena in small systems, PYTHIA is an idealized reference that replicates particle generation in a vacuum without medium effects. This thesis analyzes near-side and away-side particle yields, azimuthal correlations, and the nuclear modification √ factor IAA for π 0 and J/ψ triggers in p-p collisions at s = 13 TeV, with data generated using PYTHIA. The dependence of these observables on particle multiplicity, transverse momentum thresholds, and fragmentation variables provides detailed insights into the contrasting behavior of soft (π 0 ) and hard (J/ψ) fragmentation processes. Comparisons across different multiplicity classes and passoc thresholds highlight the distinct sensitivity of π 0 to background effects and the T relative stability of J/ψ yields in high-multiplicity environments. This work provides a useful reference for understanding experimental data and identifying possible signatures of QGP in small systems by imposing additional constraints on the extracted measured observables and establishing a baseline for azimuthal correlations and yield distributions in p-p collisions
Breaking Down Defenses: Autophagy as a Therapeutic Tool to Enhance Chemosensitivity in Neuroblastoma
No full textNeuroblastoma is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in children aged between one and five years old. Diagnosed children with high-risk neuroblastoma have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. Cisplatin is a commonly used treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma, unfortunately, it is often challenged with chemoresistance due to the induction of autophagy. Autophagy is an interesting cellular pathway that is considered a double-edged sword; it can either enhance apoptosis and suppress tumor progression or promote cell survival thus promoting tumorigenesis.
The current study aimed to explore the role of autophagy inhibition as an adjuvant to chemotherapy on neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cells in vitro. Bafilomycin A-1; 200 nM, was used either as a pretreatment or concurrently with Cisplatin. Cell viability assessment showed that pretreatment with Bafilomycin A1 significantly enhanced cell death of SK-N-AS cells induced by Cisplatin with 82% decrease in cell viability compared to only a 31% decrease with Cisplatin alone. Cell death was further confirmed with flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis, confirming that Bafilomycin A1 pretreatment resulted in a higher percentage of apoptotic cells and induced a G0-G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, Bafilomycin A1 pretreatment downregulated mRNA expression of pivotal genes such as ATG7, implying that inhibiting autophagic flux sensitizes neuroblastoma cells to Cisplatin. Additionally, Bafilomycin A1 pretreatment significantly downregulated MYCN, a key chemoresistance driver in high-risk neuroblastoma.
In conclusion, the current findings highlight the use of Bafilomycin A-1 as an adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy as a promising treatment strategy to overcome autophagy-mediated chemoresistance in high-risk neuroblastoma and improve treatment outcomes in pediatric cancer patients
Box-Behnken Design of Chitosan-NPs Encapsulating 5-Fluorouracil and Santalum album Essential Oil and Investigating their Combinatorial Therapeutic Effect against Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cell line.
No full textDespite its widespread use, the clinical utility of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) is limited by systemic toxicity, poor selectivity, and drug resistance in aggressive cancers, such as the Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). This study investigates a polymeric hybrid nanoparticle (NP) system co-delivering 5FU with Santalum album EO (SAEO), a natural product rich in α- santalol, to enhance therapeutic efficacy and achieve controlled release for TNBC Treatment. Chitosan-based nanoparticles were developed using ionic gelation to encapsulate 5FU and SAEO, followed by the Design of Experiments (DOE) optimization. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited a mean size of 363.8 ± 11.68 nm, a zeta potential (ZP) of 12.7 ± 0.57 mV, and demonstrated a high encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of 88.60 ± 0.73.% along with a loading capacity (LC%) of 17.0 ± 0.08%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed successfully incorporating 5- 5FU and SAEO into the system. The nanoparticles displayed controlled and sustained drug release characteristics compared to free 5FU. The combinatorial formulation of 5FU/SAEO@CS-NP exhibited superior anti-cancer activity, with IC50 values recorded at 12.1 ± 0.20 μg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells and 8.7 ± 1.43 μg/mL for MCF-7 cells. The free SAEO and SAEO@CS-NP formulations demonstrated significant selectivity toward the MDA-MB-231 cells, and at the prospective IC50, normal cells are viable by more than 80%
Selecting Green Wall Adoption Best Solutions Using Optimization: Addressing Barriers and Maximizing Benefits
Get PDFThis research explores the potential of green walls as a sustainable solution to mitigate urban challenges and align with global climate change objectives. Despite their ecological and social benefits, green wall implementation faces significant barriers, hindering their adoption. Consequently, this study aims to develop a comprehensive framework to identify the obstacles, propose feasible solutions, and provide actionable strategies for promoting green walls. This framework incorporates an optimization model specifically designed for government-led solutions, evaluating their feasibility based on administrative feasibility, community acceptance, technical feasibility, industrial acceptance, and long-term adoption potential. By quantifying and prioritizing solutions based on their cost, feasibility, and multi-dimensional impacts, the model ensures their applicability within real-world constraints. This aspect makes the framework highly relevant for supporting governmental bodies and decision-makers in constructing practical, resource-efficient plans to promote green walls. To achieve this, the research employed a combination of literature review, and focus group discussions for data gathering process. The findings revealed widespread agreement on key barriers, which were validated through stakeholder perspectives and the literature. These barriers include high initial costs, lack of public awareness, inadequate maintenance planning, and the absence of mandatory policies for the integration of green walls. These barriers hinder adoption, particularly in regions like Cairo, Egypt, where urban sustainability is crucial. Moreover, the optimization model was designed to reflect real-life complexities, accounting for financial, social, environmental, and technical factors. The outcomes highlight the model’s effectiveness in representing real-world conditions by aligning solutions with stakeholder priorities and resource limitations. By providing a structured and scalable approach to decision-making, this research not only addresses Cairo’s unique needs but also offers a guiding framework for governmental bodies in other regions and cities. The framework enables decision-makers to promote green walls effectively, contributing to sustainable development goals and fostering their wider adoption in urban contexts globally
Poetries of Abandonment: A Study of Plath and Glück
No full textThis thesis explores the intersection between literature and trauma, which can be discerned in the key works of two poets, Sylvia Plath and Louise Glück. While offering readings of crucial poems, the thesis also examines the interrelations among trauma, memory and narrative as theorized by two contemporary psychiatrists, Bessel van der Kolk and Judith Herman. Both Plath and Glück wrote about personal and generational trauma after going through different experiences of abandonment. Absence, indirection and repetition provide the basis for literary techniques that allow their traumas to be better understood by authors and readers alike. The degree to which each poet succeeded in using poetry as a means for healing is discussed comparatively. The conclusion of the thesis emphasizes the possible role of writing in the recovery from trauma, but only when the writer receives the benefit of a support community that, in various ways, assists in recovery
Informing Clinical Research and Practice: Evidence for Environmental Consideration in Neurodegenerative Diseases Policy and Prevention
No full textResearch and practice in the arena of neurodegenerative disease (ND) is fraught with challenges. While the majority of ND are recognized as being idiopathic, or sporadic, most of the attention has focused on risk genes, yet no single gene can account for development of a given ND. Reports recognize “environment” as being a contributing factor, yet environmental considerations are ignored in design of clinical research of diagnostics, or in clinical practice. Review of the literature has identified some of these challenges, which include (1) The disregard for integrating environmental factors, despite the acknowledged preponderance of evidence; (2) The characterization of control (reference groups), as well as those with overt ND in clinical research, thus a perceived missed opportunity towards identifying etiological contributions and prediction; (3) The need to develop non-technical measures and terminology to inform the non-expert clinician, the public and policymakers and the translation of biomedical and environmental innovation towards implementation science (IS). Here, a scoring system for novel autoantibodies against nervous system proteins (i.e., neuroantibodies or NAb) are utilized on archived data in three studies. Study 1, exclusively on asymptomatic reference data, where the scoring system strongly associated with the raw data, differentiated between male and female and rural and urban stratifications, and associated significantly with known neurotoxic metals. Study 2 utilized data from asymptomatic individuals and those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) demonstrated that he scoring system proved to have both a great degree of sensitivity and specificity, differentiating between reference and PD subjects, and produced differential profiles for sex, environment, resident governorate and association with heavy metals implicated in PD, namely Cd, Cu and Mn. They also proved to strongly correlate with clinical outcomes. Results in Study 1 and 2 stimulated Study 3 in an attempt to explain differential profiles between governorates, anthropogenic activity, and occupation. The socioeconomic, demographics and industrial-activity that may contribute to environmental degradation and public vulnerability to environmental disease, while challenging, are explored. Finally, recommendation to lay the groundwork towards IS through education of health professionals by reforming curricula, raise awareness among the public, particularly the marginalized, first by tackling illiteracy, and work towards health and environmental literacy in the general public. The need for transparency in data collection, establishing evidence-based policies and enforceable regulations to inform community design, and safeguard the vulnerable with an eye towards environmental justice and knowledgeable stewardship are recommended
Comparative Analysis of Different Techniques of Recycling Organic Waste: Impacts on Climate Change and Sustainable Resource Management
No full textOrganic waste plays a significant role in climate change and sustainable resource management. It decomposes in landfills, producing methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates global warming. Despite the growing interest in organic waste management, there is a significant need for a comprehensive sustainability assessment tool to evaluate recycling techniques. Existing research often lacks clear definitions and boundaries for organic waste, and comparative analyses of different recycling methods remain limited. While many approaches emphasize environmental benefits, they frequently overlook the social and economic dimensions of sustainability. This study examines current practices in organic waste recycling techniques and explores their potential applications through a comprehensive review of existing research. Four primary recycling techniques are identified: aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, vermicomposting, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF). A multi-criteria analysis is conducted using a standardized set of comparison criteria, including technical performance, social impact, environmental impact, effectiveness, conversion rates, and financial feasibility. The study employs a simple Multi-Attribute Value Theory (MVAT) approach to systematically compare and analyze these factors. The analysis indicated that BSF is the most sustainable recycling technology, outperforming others in environmental impact, social impact, financial feasibility, and the effectiveness and conversion rates of recycling organic waste. Comparatively, BSF was found to be more socially accepted than the other treatment techniques. Environmental factors contributed to a greater sustainability score, along with effectiveness and conversion rates for BSF. Then, a case study was conducted on one of the biggest BSF farms in Sharqeya governorate, Egypt, to investigate how the criteria used to evaluate the BSF technology, measure the sustainability level of an existing project application, and all aspects related to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. Recommendations for the importance of using recycling technologies, especially the BSF technology, are provided highlighting future opportunities for investors and positive environmental impact
Novel Quercetin-Based Sensors for Aluminum Detection in Complex Matrices
No full textThe potential health risks associated with aluminum intake through food have raised concerns, necessitating accurate detection methods. Among promising approaches, ion-selective electrodes offer rapid and cost-effective aluminum detection. Quercetin, recognized for its ability to chelate aluminum ions, stands out as a leading candidate for the fabrication of these electrodes. Our research introduces a novel, selective, and environmentally friendly screen-printed sensor specifically designed for measuring aluminum ions (Al³⁺) in food and beverages. In comparing various ionophores (quercetin, morin, calixarene 4, and di-iodohydroxyquinoline), the quercetin-based sensor demonstrated superior recognition capability and sensitivity toward aluminum. The sensor utilizes multi-walled carbon nanotubes to enhance its stability and detection capabilities. The performance parameters of the sensor were validated according to the IUPAC criteria. The proposed MWCNT-SPE demonstrated a Nernstian slope of 21.9 ± 0.4 mV decade−1 within the concentration range of 0.023 -1070 µM. It maintained a rapid response time of 3 seconds. and was unaffected by pH changes in the range of 3.0 – 5.0. The sensor also demonstrated significant selectivity toward ions when compared to several other cations and showed minimal slope or operating range variations. Further research was conducted to test the applicability of the designed sensor for analyzing aluminum in various dietary samples and simulated biological fluids. This study also validated the binding interactions between ions and quercetin theoretically using Density Functional Theory computation, which revealed a strong correlation with experimental findings. The computational analysis provides robust evidence supporting the binding affinity and interaction mechanism observed in the experimental study, further enhancing the understanding of the complexation between Al3+ ions and quercetin at a molecular level. Finally, our results exhibit the potential of the fabricated quercetin-based sensor as a reliable tool for determining aluminum levels in different matrices, contributing to enhanced food safety and quality control measures and paving the way for promising point-of-care testing applications
Breaking Barriers Exploring Guardianship & Public Administration Challenges Facing Egyptian Widows
Get PDFThis thesis examines the influence of guardianship policies and the administrative infrastructure on the well-being of widows\u27 families in Egypt. Widows in Egypt encounter significant challenges in exercising their guardianship rights due to patriarchal norms, bureaucratic hurdles, inefficient systems, and limited access to information. These obstacles can negatively impact their children\u27s well-being, as well as economic and social stability. Despite social media activism, calls for administrative reforms, and legislative debates, no changes have occurred. This study aims to conduct in-depth exploratory qualitative research to analyze the challenges and limitations of current guardianship policies and administrative systems affecting widows’ families in Egypt. Additionally, it seeks to pave the way for developing effective policy reforms