Publications by authors named "Yousra A El-Maradny"

The growing demand for sustainable agriculture imposes innovative biocontrol strategies to mitigate phytopathogen threats while reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. This review explores the current knowledge on enzyme-based biocontrol, focusing on hydrolytic enzymes (e.g.

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Modifying the gut microbiome, also known as bacteriotherapy, is a key strategy that uses probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics to reduce inflammation and fight infection and colonization by pathogenic bacteria. Various food sources, particularly those rich in Lactobacillus species, are well-recognized for their probiotic properties. Edible mushrooms are rich with their nutrient-dense composition, including carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, minerals, vitamins, and lipids, which stand out as a promising bio-source for several biological uses.

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Viruses are responsible for numerous serious outbreaks and pandemics worldwide. In this context, lectins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins, have garnered attention due to their antiviral properties against RNA and DNA viruses. The antiviral potential of the purified and well-characterized lectin from Pleurotus ostreatus (POL) was assessed against various viruses.

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Olea europaea tree has long been a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Its different parts have been used as a remedy for viral accompanied diseases as asthma, sore throat, fever, and others. Despite its historical significance, olive stem's chemical diversity and pharmacological potential remain underexplored.

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This work aimed to assess the chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles' (Ch/AgNPs) antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2 by investigating their in vivo safety, cytotoxicity, and action mechanisms. Herein, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs), and Ch/AgNPs were fabricated and characterized using TEM, SEM, zeta potential analysis, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and EDX analysis. Their antiviral activity was assessed through multiple mechanisms, including cell viability of SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero-E6 cells using the MTT assay, ACE2/spike protein binding inhibition, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) suppression, and Cathepsin L (CTSL) inhibition.

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Dear Editor, About one-third of the human population is presently infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and about 10% during their life develop active tuberculosis (TB) (5% during the first 2 years following infection)...

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In an attempt to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents, we designed non-nucleoside small molecules as deubiquitinating enzyme inhibitors. The newly developed candidates are based on the quinazolinone nucleus and have been biologically evaluated as antiviral agents against four viruses: adenovirus, HSV-1, coxsackievirus, and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, activity against papain-like protease (PL), a DUB enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, was evaluated.

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Microbial biofilms present a significant global health challenge, as they are associated with severe chronic infections and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Currently, only a limited number of clinically available drugs effectively target microbial biofilms. This underscores the urgent need for the development of new sustainable therapeutic strategies to address biofilm-associated infections.

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The phyto-synthesis of ternary CuO/ MnO/ZnO nanocomposite was achieved by the utilization of an eco-friendly, straightforward approach that involved the extract of Nigella sativa seeds. Our ternary nanocomposite appears to include equal amounts of CuO, MnO, and ZnO based on the atomic percentages. The results indicate that a robust and thermally stable CuO/MnO/ZnO nanocomposite was developed in stable nanosuspensions.

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Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global public health concern. The incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is increasing; however, comprehensive data on its epidemiological and clinical characteristics remain limited, especially among populations who are co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of EPTB in patients co-infected with HIV or HCV in Egypt.

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In this study, composite films (BC/Ch/SA/EEMS) were fabricated using the casting method by incorporating bacterial cellulose (BC), chitosan (Ch), and sodium alginate (SA) with ethanolic Moringa seed extract (EEMS). HPLC analysis detected 16 polyphenolic compounds in EEMS, with Rutin (59.56 μg/mL) the most abundant, while GC-MS analysis identified 11-octadecenoic acid (88.

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Algal enzymes are essential catalysts in numerous biological reactions and industrial processes owing to their adaptability and potency. The marketing of algal enzymes has recently risen due to various reasons, including the cost-efficient manner of their cultivation in photobioreactors, the eco-friendly production of high biomass contents, sources of novel enzymes that used in many sectors (biofuel and bioremediation applications), sustainability, and more renewability. Oxidoreductases and hydrolytic enzymes are among the important applied algal enzymes in industrial applications, with annually growing demand.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Post-COVID conditions (PCC) affect a significant number of COVID-19 survivors, with incidences ranging from 10-30% in non-hospitalized individuals and 50-70% in those hospitalized, leading to a variety of persistent symptoms.
  • - A study conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, from June 2022 to February 2023 enrolled 1,546 COVID-19 patients, finding that 49.2% reported PCC symptoms, predominantly shortness of breath, with additional symptoms including mood changes and fatigue.
  • - Risk factors for developing PCC included older age, hospitalization during acute COVID-19, pre-existing conditions like asthma and diabetes, as well as certain treatments received during hospitalization.
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Background: The nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is the most abundant protein in SARS-CoV-2. Viral RNA and this protein are bound by electrostatic forces, forming cytoplasmic helical structures known as nucleocapsids. Subsequently, these nucleocapsids interact with the membrane (M) protein, facilitating virus budding into early secretory compartments.

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Microbial enzymes are crucial catalysts in various industries due to their versatility and efficiency. The microbial enzymes market has recently expanded due to increased demand for many reasons. Among them are eco-friendly solutions, developing novel microbial strains with enhanced enzymes that perform under harsh conditions, providing sustainability, and raising awareness about the benefits of enzyme-based products.

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Long COVID, a name often given to the persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses a multifaceted challenge for health. This review explores the intrinsic relationship between comorbidities and autoimmune responses in shaping the trajectory of long COVID. Autoantibodies have emerged as significant players in COVID-19 pathophysiology, with implications for disease severity and progression.

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Bedaquiline (BDQ), an innovative anti-tuberculous (TB) agent, has attracted attention for its potential effectiveness against drug-resistant TB. This study investigated the impact of BDQ-containing regimens on treatment success rates among multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients in Egypt. We conducted a prospective cohort study that included all adult non-pregnant patients treated in MDR-TB centers in Egypt from April 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, with follow-up extended until December 31, 2022.

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The wide biological activity of the Moringa oleifera represents a potential opportunity for developing selective cancer treatment drugs. The bioactive phytochemicals in Moringa seed extract (MSE) indicated large numbers of phytochemicals (21 compounds) with dominant abundance for cycloisolongifolene, 8,9-dehydro-9-vinyl, and chamazulene accounting for 12.7% and 12.

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Therapeutic proteins have been employed for centuries and reached approximately 50 % of all drugs investigated. By 2023, they represented one of the top 10 largest-selling pharma products ($387.03 billion) and are anticipated to reach around $653.

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With the decline in the number of new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, the World Health Organization announced the end of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the repercussions of this viral pandemic may remain with us for a longer period of time, as it has remodeled the lives of humankind in many ways, including social and economic. Of course, its most important repercussions remain on the human health level.

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The ethanolic extract of Coleus forskohlii Briq leaves was employed in the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) by an immediate, one-step, and cost-effective method in the present study. Zn-NPs were coated with purified bovine lactoferrin (LF) and characterized through different instrumental analysis. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs were white in color revealing oval to spherical-shaped particles with an average size of 77 ± 5.

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2019-new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a major global challenge caused by a pandemic disease, named 'COVID-19' with no effective and selective therapy available so far. COVID-19-associated mortality is directly related to the inability to suppress the viral infection and the uncontrolled inflammatory response. So, we investigated the antiviral efficiency of the nanofabricated and well-characterized lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles (Lf-Zn-NPs) on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells.

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Background: During a pandemic, healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. To protect these important individuals, it is highly recommended that they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our study focused on evaluating the safety and efficacy of Egypt's first approved vaccine, the Sinopharm vaccine (BBIBP-CorV), and comparing these findings with other vaccines.

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