Dr Mohammed Mahmoud Youssif

Hippobosca equina, a common ectoparasite of horses, poses a significant challenge to equine health worldwide. This study provides a molecular characterization of H. equina and examines its impact on host immune responses and oxidative stress. Genetic analysis of samples from various regions revealed notable homogeneity, indicating limited genetic variation among populations. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close genetic relationships among sequences from Egypt, France, Kazakhstan and Portugal, while also showing comparable but more distant identities to sequences from China, Denmark, Finland and other countries. Infested horses exhibited elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ, relative to uninfested control horses, indicating a strong immune response to the parasite. Additionally, there was a significant increase in oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide, indicating substantial cellular damage. These findings highlight the dual impact of H. equina infestations on horse health, prompting both immune activation and oxidative stress. This study emphasizes the importance of targeted pest management strategies that consider the genetic uniformity of parasites and host physiological responses. By providing valuable insights into the complex host–parasite interactions between H. equina and equine hosts, this research enhances our understanding of equine ectoparasites and suggests potential avenues for improving horse health and welfare. Molecular analysis confirmed the identity and phylogenetic placement of Hippobosca equina from equine hosts. Infestation led to significant alterations in immune‐regulating cytokine expression in horses. Increased oxidative stress biomarkers revealed systemic physiological impact of H. equina infestation.

Hypospadias, a common congenital penile anomaly, is typically repaired surgically during early childhood. Postoperative complications, such as urethrocutaneous fistula, remain a significant concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of age on postoperative complications in children undergoing distal hypospadias repair.

This study investigates the dissimilar welding of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) with mild steel by using friction stir welding (FSW). Both materials are widely utilized in many fields owing to the exceptional properties and relatively competitive costs. However, joining two materials with different chemical and mechanical properties presents significant challenges. After many modifications in FSW parameters, a successful butt-joint was achieved by fixing the ADI in the retreating side (RS) and mild steel in the advancing side (AS), using rotational speed 800 RPM and travelling speed 50 mm/min. These parameters have resulted a well-formed stir zone (SZ) and thermo-mechanical affected zone (TMAZ) without grooves or cracks. The microstructure of the weld regions exhibited deformation of graphite nodules into strips and mainly martensitic structure at SZ, but no carbide phases or cracks were observed in the SZ. The analysis of the as-welded samples showed that the maximum microhardness values are 590 HV and 406 HV at the SZ and TMAZ respectively, and the tensile strength is 350 MPa when fractured at AS-TMAZ. Post-weld tempering at 370°C for 1 hour has resulted a formation of tempered martensite at the SZ, and an obvious reduction in the microhardness values to 395 HV at SZ and 350 HV at TMAZ. The tensile strength has slightly improved and fractured at the mild steel base metal. These results demonstrate a successful joining of ADI and mild steel using FSW.

Amid global energy and environmental challenges, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (HICEs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their potential for clean emissions. However, significant challenges, such as combustion instability and low power density under ultra-lean conditions, persist. This study investigates turbulent jet ignition (TJI) systems in HICEs, focusing on how the start of injection (SOI) and duration of injection (DOI) influence hydrogen distribution, flow characteristics, and combustion efficiency. Four computational models were implemented to quantify these relationships and optimize flame kernel development and overall combustion performance. A specially designed engine configuration was developed to validate the numerical outcomes. The results show that early injection (90°CA BTDC) leads to hydrogen loss, while late injection (30°CA BTDC) delays flame kernel formation due to increased ignition energy dissipation caused by high-speed flow. An optimal SOI between 50°CA and 70°CA BTDC improves mixture concentration, shortens ignition delay, and enhances thermal efficiency to 47 %. Increasing the DOI to 2°CA–3°CA stabilizes flame kernel initiation and accelerates flame propagation in the main chamber. However, high-speed flow around the spark plug can impede flame kernel development and reduce combustion efficiency. This study highlights the importance of synergistic optimization of pre-chamber injection strategies and structural design, offering valuable insights into achieving efficient and clean combustion in HICEs.

Amid global energy and environmental challenges, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (HICEs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their potential for clean emissions. However, significant challenges, such as combustion instability and low power density under ultra-lean conditions, persist. This study investigates turbulent jet ignition (TJI) systems in HICEs, focusing on how the start of injection (SOI) and duration of injection (DOI) influence hydrogen distribution, flow characteristics, and combustion efficiency. Four computational models were implemented to quantify these relationships and optimize flame kernel development and overall combustion performance. A specially designed engine configuration was developed to validate the numerical outcomes. The results show that early injection (90°CA BTDC) leads to hydrogen loss, while late injection (30°CA BTDC) delays flame kernel formation due to increased ignition energy dissipation caused by high-speed flow. An optimal SOI between 50°CA and 70°CA BTDC improves mixture concentration, shortens ignition delay, and enhances thermal efficiency to 47 %. Increasing the DOI to 2°CA–3°CA stabilizes flame kernel initiation and accelerates flame propagation in the main chamber. However, high-speed flow around the spark plug can impede flame kernel development and reduce combustion efficiency. This study highlights the importance of synergistic optimization of pre-chamber injection strategies and structural design, offering valuable insights into achieving efficient and clean combustion in HICEs.

Amid global energy and environmental challenges, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (HICEs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their potential for clean emissions. However, significant challenges, such as combustion instability and low power density under ultra-lean conditions, persist. This study investigates turbulent jet ignition (TJI) systems in HICEs, focusing on how the start of injection (SOI) and duration of injection (DOI) influence hydrogen distribution, flow characteristics, and combustion efficiency. Four computational models were implemented to quantify these relationships and optimize flame kernel development and overall combustion performance. A specially designed engine configuration was developed to validate the numerical outcomes. The results show that early injection (90°CA BTDC) leads to hydrogen loss, while late injection (30°CA BTDC) delays flame kernel formation due to increased ignition energy dissipation caused by high-speed flow. An optimal SOI between 50°CA and 70°CA BTDC improves mixture concentration, shortens ignition delay, and enhances thermal efficiency to 47 %. Increasing the DOI to 2°CA–3°CA stabilizes flame kernel initiation and accelerates flame propagation in the main chamber. However, high-speed flow around the spark plug can impede flame kernel development and reduce combustion efficiency. This study highlights the importance of synergistic optimization of pre-chamber injection strategies and structural design, offering valuable insights into achieving efficient and clean combustion in HICEs.

Amid global energy and environmental challenges, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (HICEs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their potential for clean emissions. However, significant challenges, such as combustion instability and low power density under ultra-lean conditions, persist. This study investigates turbulent jet ignition (TJI) systems in HICEs, focusing on how the start of injection (SOI) and duration of injection (DOI) influence hydrogen distribution, flow characteristics, and combustion efficiency. Four computational models were implemented to quantify these relationships and optimize flame kernel development and overall combustion performance. A specially designed engine configuration was developed to validate the numerical outcomes. The results show that early injection (90°CA BTDC) leads to hydrogen loss, while late injection (30°CA BTDC) delays flame kernel formation due to increased ignition energy dissipation caused by high-speed flow. An optimal SOI between 50°CA and 70°CA BTDC improves mixture concentration, shortens ignition delay, and enhances thermal efficiency to 47 %. Increasing the DOI to 2°CA–3°CA stabilizes flame kernel initiation and accelerates flame propagation in the main chamber. However, high-speed flow around the spark plug can impede flame kernel development and reduce combustion efficiency. This study highlights the importance of synergistic optimization of pre-chamber injection strategies and structural design, offering valuable insights into achieving efficient and clean combustion in HICEs.

Reuse of sterile textiles could potentially reduce the carbon footprint of operating theatres. The aim of this mixed-methods study is to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation of reusable drapes and gowns across different contexts through applying the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

The use of kesterite materials in photovoltaic solar cells holds great promise due to their abundance, non-toxic nature, cost-effectiveness, and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, the power conversion efficiency of kesterite solar cells remains considerably below the Shockley-Queisser limit efficiency. This underscores the need for continuous development of new cell designs to maximize kesterite's potential for solar energy conversion. In this study, we presented a novel design for a kesterite solar cell incorporating semi-ellipsoidal nanostructures into the active layer to overcome its limitations and achieve higher efficiencies. Comprehensive simulations were conducted to study the effect of these nanostructures on solar cell performance. An extensive parametric study was also performed to identify the design parameters for the best performance. The results revealed that the presence of nanostructures significantly enhances power conversion efficiency, reaching a remarkable 17.6%, overcoming many challenging obstacles facing kesterite solar cells and making them more competitive in the ever-expanding solar cell market.

Realizing that in vitro cultivation of plant microbiota is crucial to access core resources of the microbial members of the holobiont; culturing strategies are currently advanced based on plant-based culture media. Followed was the introduction of “in situ similis” cultivation strategy depending on the use of plant intact organs, e.g. leaves/ roots that finger print plant nutritional composition and expose compartment-affiliated microbiota.

Realizing that in vitro cultivation of plant microbiota is crucial to access core resources of the microbial members of the holobiont; culturing strategies are currently advanced based on plant-based culture media. Followed was the introduction of “in situ similis” cultivation strategy depending on the use of plant intact organs, e.g. leaves/ roots that finger print plant nutritional composition and expose compartment-affiliated microbiota.

Microbiome-mediated strategies for future stressed-agriculture entail exploration of repertoires of halophyte microbiota. Culturomics strategies are advanced to improve culturability and extend diversity of microbiota of Salicornia europaea L.

Microbiome-mediated strategies for future stressed-agriculture entail exploration of repertoires of halophyte microbiota. Culturomics strategies are advanced to improve culturability and extend diversity of microbiota of Salicornia europaea L.

AIM: To describe the influence of adding topical nepafenac to both; oral eplerenone and intravitreal aflibercept on serous foveal detachment in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 31 eyes with non-resolving and recurrent CSCR that have been treated between 2015 and 2022 at Kasr Alainy Hospital. They were subdivided into Group A, which had been treated with a combination of systemic eplerenone, intravitreal aflibercept and topical nepafenac, and Group B, which had been treated with a combination of systemic eplerenone and intravitreal aflibercept (without topical nepafenac). Our outcome measures included changes in the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness (CMT) and serous detachment height (SDH) at baseline and at 2mo after treatment.

RESULTS: Group A included 16 eyes. BCVA improved significantly from a logMAR of 0.62±0.44 to 0.42±0.47 (=0.03), CMT decreased significantly from 401±61 to 301±100 µm, and SDH decreased significantly from 188±81 to 71±100 µm. Group B included 15 eyes. BCVA improved significantly from a logMAR of 0.68±0.39 to 0.55±0.62 (=0.03), CMT decreased significantly from 411±39 µm to 334±92 µm, and SDH decreased significantly from 191±88 to 121±74 µm. There was a significant difference between changes in BCVA, CMT, and SDH between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Using topical nepafenac in combination with both systemic eplerenone, and intravitreal aflibercept may provide better results in the treatment of CSCR.

Equine habronemiasis, caused by Habronema (H.) muscae, H. microstoma, and Draschia megastoma, is a parasitic disease that presents in both gastric and cutaneous forms. Conventional diagnostic methods often lack sensitivity due to intermittent egg shedding and nonspecific clinical signs. This study aimed to enhance diagnostic accuracy by integrating molecular identification, oxidative stress profiling, and cytokine gene expression analysis. A total of 100 horses from a private farm in Giza, Egypt, were clinically examined for signs of habronemiasis. Fecal and skin samples were examined using parasitological techniques alongside polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) gene. The serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were quantified. Additionally, the expression of cytokines (interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6))was assessed via real-time PCR. Habronema spp. eggs were detected in 62% of fecal samples, with molecular analysis confirming H. muscae as the predominant species. Infected horses exhibited significantly elevated oxidative stress markers compared with those in healthy controls. Cytokine gene expression analysis demonstrated a marked upregulation of proinflammatory markers, indicating a Th1-dominated immune response. This study underscores the value of molecular diagnostics combined with immunological profiling for the detection and characterization of equine habronemiasis. The integration of oxidative stress and cytokine biomarkers provides important insights into host–pathogen interactions and may contribute to the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Vaginal candidiasis remains a recurrent fungal infection affecting millions of women worldwide, necessitating innovative local delivery systems to overcome poor drug solubility and mucosal barriers. This study introduces Dual-Functional Hybrid Cationic PEGylated Proniosomes (DHCPP) as a smart nano-platform designed to boost the vaginal delivery of Fenticonazole Nitrate (FTN). DHCPP systems were fabricated via the coacervation phase separation method and optimized using a full 2 factorial design, achieving a high desirability value of 0.931. The optimized DHCPP exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 91.61%, particle size of 238.85 nm, and zeta potential of +58.85 mV, ensuring colloidal stability and efficient mucosal interaction. characterization using TEM and FTIR verified the formation of uniform spherical vesicles and successful FTN encapsulation without chemical incompatibility. Mucoadhesion testing revealed superior adhesive strength, indicating prolonged vaginal residence, while drug release followed a diffusion-controlled pattern. The optimized DHCPP was incorporated into a carbopol-based gel exhibiting pseudo-plastic rheology and pH compatibility with the vaginal environment. Multi-scale and evaluations revealed a 2.36-fold permeation enhancement compared to FTN gel, consistent with deeper mucosal penetration observed via confocal microscopy. The microbiological assessment indicated a pronounced reduction in MIC and MFC values and a remarkable improvement in biofilm inhibitory effect, highlighting enhanced antifungal efficacy. Histopathological examination verified the mucosal safety of the optimized gel. The developed DHCPP represents an innovative, multifunctional, and biocompatible delivery system offering enhanced vaginal permeation, prolonged retention, and potent antifungal activity for the effective management of vaginal candidiasis.

Schiff base complexes possess biological activity and electronic features, making them suitable for integration into both core and auxiliary components of bioelectronic technologies. However, integrated studies addressing their electrical, biological, and mechanical properties remain limited. This work investigates a Cu(II) complex based on a Schiff base ligand derived from 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde and 1,8-diaminonaphthalene. Comprehensive textural analyses using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, AFM, and N₂ adsorption revealed high surface area, nanoscale morphology, and porosity, which are advantageous for antimicrobial and therapeutic bioelectronic platforms. Mechanical characterization via ultrasonic pulse-echo indicated auxetic behavior, a rare and valuable trait for flexible substrates. The complex also exhibited high ionic conductivity, facilitating charge transport in aqueous environments and contributing to antimicrobial efficacy through ionic disruption of microbial membranes. Thermal analyses showed a phase transition at 44 °C and decomposition onset at 70 °C. A temperature-induced insulator-to-metal transition was observed, suggesting potential for thermally activated sensing, temperature-triggered drug release, and adaptive signal modulation. Biological assays confirmed strong antimicrobial activity, with a 30 mm inhibition zone against Bacillus subtilis (agar well diffusion), and potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with an IC₅₀ of 18.4 μg/mL (MTT assay). These biological properties enhance the complex’s biocompatibility and support its role in long-term bioelectronic device stability, particularly in applications where infection control is essential.

Heavy metal pollution poses serious environmental and health risks worldwide, with aquatic ecosystems like Lake Manzala being particularly vulnerable. Bioremediation using bacterial biosorbents offers a sustainable solution for heavy metal removal.

Polymer composites for flexible electronics and wearable devices are evolving to harness tunable negative permittivity, a key attribute for metamaterial design. However, while metal fillers boost negative permittivity, they can overshoot desired values and compromise the material’s flexibility, making the optimal filler balance a critical unresolved challenge in achieving integrated functionality. In this study, we address a critical research gap by demonstrating that weak negative permittivity can be achieved in polymer composite films using low metal content, below the percolation threshold, while retaining the polymer’s high elasticity and thermal stability. Ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA)/copper (Cu) composite films were fabricated at Cu loadings of (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.% of EVA) through a multilayer casting-assisted hot pressing process. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the effective preparation of the composites. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that incorporating small amounts of Cu preserves EVA’s thermal resistance and flexibility. Dielectric properties were examined across a broad frequency range: from 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz using a broadband dielectric spectrometer, and from 20 MHz to 3 GHz using an impedance analyzer. While all samples maintained low dielectric losses and weak frequency dependence at low frequencies, the 40 wt.% (≈6 vol.%) Cu-loaded sample exhibited weak negative permittivity (up to –12 at 2 GHz) that was well captured by the Lorentz model. The findings of this research revealed that the synthesized flexible composites exhibit advanced electromagnetic properties.

Noncontained (1- or combined 1- to 2-wall) periodontal intraosseous defects represent challenging clinical situations with unpredictable surgical therapeutic outcomes. This randomized clinical trial assessed demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) with low speed-platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane compared to DFDBA with collagen membrane (CM) in the surgical periodontal therapy of noncontained intraosseous defects of stage III periodontitis patients. Twenty-two stage III periodontitis patients with noncontained intraosseous defects measuring ≥3 mm and clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm were randomly allocated into two groups: test group (low-speed PRF membrane + DFDBA) and control group (CM + DFDBA), with 11 participants per group. Clinical and radiographic assessments were conducted at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for clinical attachment level (CAL; primary outcome), gingival recession depth (GRD), probing depth (PD), full mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and full mouth plaque score (FMPS), radiographic bone fill and radiographic linear defect depth (RLDD; all secondary outcomes). The mean (±SD) CAL-gain for the test group was 2.45 (±1.51), 2.91 (±1.70), 2.91 (±1.87), and 2.82 (±1.83) mm, while for the control group 2.82 (±1.25), 3.27 (±1.27), 3.00 (±1.41), and 2.64 (±1.50) mm at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively, with no significant intergroup differences ( > 0.05). Despite the absence of significant intergroup differences, both groups demonstrated significant intragroup improvement in CAL- and PD-gain, and RLDD-reduction at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months as well as RLDD improvement at 12 months ( < 0.05). PRF membranes, in conjunction with DFDBA, show significant improvement of periodontal clinical and radiographic parameters, comparable to CMs with DFDBA. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03922503.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant to hepatology, yet real-world adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is uncertain. We assessed awareness, use, perceived value, barriers, and policy priorities among hepatology clinicians in the region.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey targeted hepatologists and gastroenterologists across 17 MENA countries. The survey assessed clinical and research applications of AI, perceived benefits, clinical and research use, barriers, ethical considerations, and institutional readiness. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed.

RESULTS: Of 285 invited professionals, 236 completed the survey (response rate: 82.8%). While 73.2% recognized the transformative potential of AI, only 14.4% used AI tools daily, primarily for imaging analysis and disease prediction. AI tools were used in research by 39.8% of respondents, mainly for data analysis, manuscript writing assistance, and predictive modeling. Major barriers included inadequate training (60.6%), limited AI tool access (53%), and insufficient infrastructure (53%). Ethical concerns focused on data privacy, diagnostic accuracy, and over-reliance on automation. Despite these challenges, 70.3% expressed strong interest in AI training., and 43.6% anticipating routine clinical integration within 1-3 years.

CONCLUSION: MENA hepatologists are optimistic about AI but report limited routine use and substantial readiness gaps. Priorities include scalable training, interoperable infrastructure and standards, clear governance with human-in-the-loop safeguards, and region-specific validation to enable safe, equitable implementation.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant to hepatology, yet real-world adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is uncertain. We assessed awareness, use, perceived value, barriers, and policy priorities among hepatology clinicians in the region.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey targeted hepatologists and gastroenterologists across 17 MENA countries. The survey assessed clinical and research applications of AI, perceived benefits, clinical and research use, barriers, ethical considerations, and institutional readiness. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed.

RESULTS: Of 285 invited professionals, 236 completed the survey (response rate: 82.8%). While 73.2% recognized the transformative potential of AI, only 14.4% used AI tools daily, primarily for imaging analysis and disease prediction. AI tools were used in research by 39.8% of respondents, mainly for data analysis, manuscript writing assistance, and predictive modeling. Major barriers included inadequate training (60.6%), limited AI tool access (53%), and insufficient infrastructure (53%). Ethical concerns focused on data privacy, diagnostic accuracy, and over-reliance on automation. Despite these challenges, 70.3% expressed strong interest in AI training., and 43.6% anticipating routine clinical integration within 1-3 years.

CONCLUSION: MENA hepatologists are optimistic about AI but report limited routine use and substantial readiness gaps. Priorities include scalable training, interoperable infrastructure and standards, clear governance with human-in-the-loop safeguards, and region-specific validation to enable safe, equitable implementation.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant to hepatology, yet real-world adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is uncertain. We assessed awareness, use, perceived value, barriers, and policy priorities among hepatology clinicians in the region.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey targeted hepatologists and gastroenterologists across 17 MENA countries. The survey assessed clinical and research applications of AI, perceived benefits, clinical and research use, barriers, ethical considerations, and institutional readiness. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed.

RESULTS: Of 285 invited professionals, 236 completed the survey (response rate: 82.8%). While 73.2% recognized the transformative potential of AI, only 14.4% used AI tools daily, primarily for imaging analysis and disease prediction. AI tools were used in research by 39.8% of respondents, mainly for data analysis, manuscript writing assistance, and predictive modeling. Major barriers included inadequate training (60.6%), limited AI tool access (53%), and insufficient infrastructure (53%). Ethical concerns focused on data privacy, diagnostic accuracy, and over-reliance on automation. Despite these challenges, 70.3% expressed strong interest in AI training., and 43.6% anticipating routine clinical integration within 1-3 years.

CONCLUSION: MENA hepatologists are optimistic about AI but report limited routine use and substantial readiness gaps. Priorities include scalable training, interoperable infrastructure and standards, clear governance with human-in-the-loop safeguards, and region-specific validation to enable safe, equitable implementation.