Dr Mohammed Mahmoud Youssif

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.

Freund’s adjuvants have been used in vaccine and autoimmune settings, and their effects can be overlapping or unique to each. While both incomplete Freund’s adjuvants (IFA) and complete Freund’s adjuvants (CFA) influence antibody and T cell responses, the robust T helper 1 cytokines induced by the mycobacterial components make CFA the powerful immunostimulating adjuvant. In these studies, the adjuvant effects are investigated in a select population of cells, and the changes, if any, with the metabolic alterations in the systemic compartment are unclear. We investigated whether the effects of IFA and CFA can be influenced by the metabolic shifts in mice immunized with saline, IFA, or CFA using Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) as a positive control. After seven days of immunization, we analyzed the serum metabolite profiles using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis to identify metabolic features between the groups. The data revealed that, in the scores space, the CFA and BCG groups were more closely aligned compared to the saline group, while the IFA group displayed an intermediate profile. Furthermore, comparisons between the CFA and BCG groups showed more significant perturbations in lipid and amino acid metabolism, particularly involving glycerophospholipids, cysteine, and aromatic amino acids. In contrast, comparisons between the BCG and IFA groups indicated a more pronounced disruption in central energy metabolism pathways, such as the citric acid cycle and pyruvate metabolism. Together, the data suggest that the serum metabolite profiles in response to IFA and CFA might play a role in modulating the immune responses.

The growing dietary supplement (DS) market continues to face concerns regarding product quality and regulatory oversight. In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a sweeping reorganization to consolidate and modernize its food-related divisions under the Human Foods Program. As part of this effort, the Office of Dietary Supplement Program has been integrated into a newly established Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation, underscoring the urgent need for improved analytical capabilities and sustainable quality control frameworks. In this context, we developed and validated a sustainable and green micellar-enhanced synchronous spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of trans-Resveratrol (RES), a bioactive polyphenol widely used in DS formulations. The method employs micellar enhancement using Triton X-100 (TX-100) to amplify the native fluorescence of RES without requiring chemical derivatization or photodegradation, offering a greener alternative to conventional chromatographic techniques. The method showed excellent sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.78 ng/mL and linearity over 10–170 ng/mL. Sustainability was systematically assessed through multi-dimensional tools confirming the method's minimal environmental impact. A novel sustainability framework was introduced in this work via alignment with Circular Analytical Chemistry (CAC) goals, marking the first application of this emerging concept in analytical method evaluation. These results reinforce the method's suitability for deployment in modern quality control laboratories aligned with the FDA's regulatory modernization goals. This study not only introduces RES as a model compound for micellar-enhanced fluorimetry but also demonstrates the potential of spectrofluorimetry as a sustainable, regulatory-aligned platform for the evolving landscape of DS quality assessment.

The growing dietary supplement (DS) market continues to face concerns regarding product quality and regulatory oversight. In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a sweeping reorganization to consolidate and modernize its food-related divisions under the Human Foods Program. As part of this effort, the Office of Dietary Supplement Program has been integrated into a newly established Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation, underscoring the urgent need for improved analytical capabilities and sustainable quality control frameworks. In this context, we developed and validated a sustainable and green micellar-enhanced synchronous spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of trans-Resveratrol (RES), a bioactive polyphenol widely used in DS formulations. The method employs micellar enhancement using Triton X-100 (TX-100) to amplify the native fluorescence of RES without requiring chemical derivatization or photodegradation, offering a greener alternative to conventional chromatographic techniques. The method showed excellent sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.78 ng/mL and linearity over 10–170 ng/mL. Sustainability was systematically assessed through multi-dimensional tools confirming the method's minimal environmental impact. A novel sustainability framework was introduced in this work via alignment with Circular Analytical Chemistry (CAC) goals, marking the first application of this emerging concept in analytical method evaluation. These results reinforce the method's suitability for deployment in modern quality control laboratories aligned with the FDA's regulatory modernization goals. This study not only introduces RES as a model compound for micellar-enhanced fluorimetry but also demonstrates the potential of spectrofluorimetry as a sustainable, regulatory-aligned platform for the evolving landscape of DS quality assessment.

In this study, the design and characterization of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) as a light source for a mid-infrared supercontinuum generation (SCG) is presented. This PCF is based on a highly nonlinear chalcogenide $${\text{As}}_{40}{\text{Se}}_{60}$$background material with a hexagonal structure arrangement of air-holes rings. The PCF parameters such as the chromatic dispersion (D), the effective refractive index ($${n}_{eff}$$) and the nonlinear coefficient (γ) have been investigated. We study the stimulated SCG in two types of dispersion regimes: anomalous and all-normal dispersion (ANDi). We initiate the study by sending a 28.4 fs wide optical pulse with a peak power of 10 kW and a central wavelength of 2.8 µm through a 2 cm long PCF. In the anomalous dispersion, we demonstrate the generation of coherent and broadband SCG spectrum spanning the wavelength region from 1.6 to 7.8 µm. While, in the ANDi regime we demonstrate the generation of a broad, ultra-flat-top and highly coherent SCG spectrum extending from 2 to 4 µm at 6 dB spectral flatness. Thus, we achieve ultra-flat SCG spectrum source with a bandwidth as wide as 2400 nm within only 2 cm propagation length of the proposed PCF. This spectrum range is very suitable for variety of applications in mid-infrared region such as optical metrology, frequency comb generation, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results further demonstrate that with an applied pump power of 15 kW through the ANDi regime, a flat spectral bandwidth of 380 nm (wavelengths ranging from 1260 to 1640 nm) at just 3 dB spectral flatness is achieved. This band covers the five-telecommunication optical bands O-, E-, S-, C- and L-bands that comply with ITU-T-compliant wavelengths for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications like coarse WDM (CWDM) and dense WDM (DWDM).

Parasitic infections caused by Clinostomum complanatum and Euclinostomum heterostomum pose significant threats to aquaculture systems and public health. This study examined their molecular, immunological, and pathological impacts in Egyptian Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with COXI gene sequencing confirming both species and revealing genetic similarities to regional isolates, suggesting broad geographical distribution. Euclinostomum heterostomum-infected fish exhibited significant upregulation of immune-related genes (IFN-γ: 1.96-fold; IL-10: 2.06-fold; IL-12: 1.91-fold; IL-1β: 4.07-fold; CYP-1α: 2.07-fold) and elevated oxidative stress markers (SOD: 2.96-fold; CAT: 3.52-fold; GSH: 3.07-fold; TAC: 2.58-fold) compared to uninfected controls (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Similarly, Clinostomum complanatum infections triggered upregulation of IFN-γ (2.17-fold), IL-10 (2.09-fold), IL-12 (2.25-fold), IL-1β (2.51-fold), and CYP-1α (2.58-fold), alongside increased SOD (2.63-fold), CAT (2.70-fold), GSH (2.99-fold), and TAC (2.65-fold) compared to uninfected controls (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Histopathology revealed necrosis, fibrosis, and inflammation in gill and kidney tissues, with immunohistochemical staining confirming localized inflammatory markers. These findings demonstrate systemic immune activation and physiological stress caused by clinostomid infections, providing critical insights for aquaculture disease management strategies.

Barium hexaferrite (BHF) presents significant potential for different technological applications. By doping BHF with different substitution cations, a range of samples exhibiting diverse electrical and magnetic properties can be created. Gadolinium (Gd3+) was used as an isovalent substitution for Fe3+. On the other hand, Zirconium (Zr4+), Zinc (Zn2+) and Nickel (Ni2+) were used as heterovalent substitutions for Fe3+ as tetravalent and divalent elements. The structure, surface morphology characteristics and magnetic behavior of the samples were investigated. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), and Raman spectroscopy analysis (RSA) were used to evaluate the microstructure and establish the presence of the hexagonal phase as the main phase for the prepared samples. The average crystallite sizes obtained from XRD measurements ranged from 29 to 44 nm, while the grain sizes estimated through FE-SEM varied between 56 and 94 nm. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine quantitative elemental composition and the change in valencies due to substitution. The analysis used Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) to study the different magnetic properties of the samples. The composition BaFe11.5Gd0.5O19 exhibited a minimum saturation magnetization of 38.753 emu/g, characterized by an average ionic radius of the B-sub-lattice measuring 0.938 Å, a minimum crystallite size of 29.577 nm, and a maximum coercivity value of 4639.5 Oe. While the composition BaFe11.5Zr0.5O19 with a B-sub-lattice average ionic radius of 0.56 Å has the maximum saturation magnetization of 57.226 emu/g with the minimum coercivity of 2061 Oe. The high-frequency response of the BHFNPs demonstrates that they are capable of functioning in the frequency range of 8.5–13.17 GHz. The barium hexaferrite (BHF) powders synthesized in the present study exhibit high saturation magnetization, high coercivity, minimal magnetic loss, high chemical stability, and significant magnetic anisotropy, making them a strong candidate for high-frequency applications such as communication devices, and electromagnetic shielding.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease that causes significant economic losses in livestock and poses health risks to humans, necessitating improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study investigates CE in donkeys using a multifaceted approach that includes molecular identification, gene expression analysis, serum biochemical profiling, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, and in vitro drug efficacy evaluation. Molecular analysis of hydatid cyst protoscolices (HC-PSCs) from infected donkey livers and lungs revealed a high similarity to Echinococcus equinus (GenBank accession: PP407081). Additionally, gene expression analysis indicated significant increases (P < 0.0001) in interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) levels in lung and liver homogenates. Serum biochemical analysis showed elevated aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and globulin levels, alongside decreased albumin compared to non-infected controls. Histopathological examination revealed notable alterations in pulmonary and hepatic tissues associated with hydatid cyst infection. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), indicating a robust inflammatory response. In vitro drug evaluations revealed that Paroxetine (at concentrations of 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) demonstrated the highest efficacy among repurposed drugs against HC-PSCs, resulting in the greatest cell mortality. Colmediten followed closely in effectiveness, whereas both Brufen and Ator exhibited minimal effects. This study identifies Paroxetine as a promising alternative treatment for hydatidosis and provides a framework for investigating other parasitic infections and novel therapies.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results from irreversible kidney damage and is primarily linked to glomerular diseases and congenital anomalies in children. Patients with CKD experience increased oxidative stress. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a synthetic form of cysteine that breaks down into glutathione, which acts as an antioxidant. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NAC on hematological and cardiac indices in children with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis.

Chemical fungicides have been used to control fungal diseases like Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These fungicides must be restricted because of their toxicity and the development of resistance strains. Therefore, utilizing natural nanoscale materials in agricultural production is a potential alternative. This work aimed to investigate the antifungal properties of a nanocomposite (nano-chitosan-coated, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles) against the plant pathogenic fungus S. sclerotiorum. Chemical reduction was used to produce selenium nanoparticles from citrus peel extracts, and ionotropic gelation was used to produce chitosan nanoparticles. The nanocomposite has been produced using selenium nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan and cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize all produced nanostructures. The in vitro antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of all bulk and nanostructures are investigated at (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100) ppm concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect structural deformations in the fungal mycelium. The findings support the successful synthesis and characterization of all nanoparticles. Lemon peel extract produced smaller, more stable, and distributed selenium nanoparticles (42.28 ± 18.5 nm) than orange peel extract (85.7 ± 140.22 nm). Nanostructures, particularly nanocomposite, have shown a considerable increase in antifungal efficacy compared to bulk structures. At a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5 ppm, the nanocomposite exhibited 100% inhibitory activity. The nanocomposite with a concentration of 0.5 ppm exhibited the lowest average fungal biomass (0.32 ± 0.05 g) among all tested nanostructures. Fungal hyphae treated with 0.5 ppm of nanocomposite within 18 h of treatment revealed substantial damage and deformation. These results provide new insights into the nanocomposite as an eco-friendly and promising antifungal agent against other plant pathogenic fungi.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) poses a persistent challenge in the beef cattle industry, impacting both animal health and economic aspects. Several risk factors make an animal susceptible to BRD, including bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis. Despite efforts to characterize and quantify these bacteria in the nasal cavity for disease diagnosis, more research is needed to understand if there is a pathobiont abundance threshold for clinical signs of respiratory disease, and if the results are similar across feedlots. This study aims to compare the nasal microbiome community diversity and composition, along with the abundance of four bacterial pathogens and associated serotypes, in apparently healthy and BRD-affected beef cattle. Nasal swabs were collected from four beef feedlots across the US, covering the years 2019 to 2022. The study included post-weaned beef cattle with diverse housing conditions. Quantification of BRD-associated pathogens effectively distinguished BRD-affected from apparently healthy beef cattle, surpassing the efficacy of 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the nasal microbiome community. Specifically, H. somni, M. bovis, and M. haemolytica had higher abundance in the BRD-affected group. Utilizing the abundance of these pathobionts and analyzing their combined abundance with machine learning models resulted in an accuracy of approximately 63% for sample classification into disease status. Moreover, there were no significant differences in nasal microbiome diversity (alpha and beta) between BRD-affected and apparently healthy cattle; instead, differences were detected between feedlots. Notably, this study sheds light on the beef cattle nasal microbiome community composition, revealing specific differences between BRD-affected and apparently healthy cattle. Pathobiont abundance was increased in some, but not all farms. Nonetheless, more research is needed to determine if these differences are consistent across other studies. Additionally, future research should consider bacterial-viral interactions in the beef nasal metagenome.

For a very long time, herbal treatments have served as remedies for various humans and animals. Natural compounds typically have multiple pharmacological actions because they interact with various biological targets. This characteristic could be exploited to effectively treat disorders with complex physiopathological causes, such as endometriosis. Endometriosis is the proliferation, infiltration, and recurrent bleeding of endometrioid tissue, including stroma and glands, outside the uterine cavity, forming nodules or masses. It affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by persistent inflammation and estrogen dependence, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Although the precise pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, current treatments mainly include medication and surgery. Pharmacotherapy typically relies on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal agents, which may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, hepatic and renal dysfunction, and thrombosis when used as a long-term treatment. Surgical removal of lesions is possible but often followed by recurrence rates of 21.5% after 2 years and up to 50% within 5 years. Therefore, alternative or complementary therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. This review summarizes current evidence on bioactive plant extracts, both crude and refined, and their mechanisms of action against endometriosis, highlighting their multi-target therapeutic potential and underscoring the need for further pre-clinical and clinical studies to develop effective, safer natural treatment strategies.