Ain Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and in vitro safety of the methanolic extract of Streptomyces manipurensis soil isolate H21 for potential industrial applications1102901110.21608/aps.2019.20201ENYomna N.ElkholyMicrobiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo11566, EgyptWalid FaisalElkhatibDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization St., Abbassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt0000-0001-5815-3200Khaled M.AboshanabDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt0000-0002-7608-850XMohammadAboulwafaDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams UniversityNadia A.HassounaMicrobiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo11566, EgyptJournal Article20190330<em>Streptomyces manipurensis</em> isolate H21 was recovered from a soil sample in Cairo, Egypt. Cell-free culture supernatant of <em>Streptomyces manipurensis</em> isolate H21 previously showed antifungal and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against some Gram-positive, Gram-negative, MDR, and ESBL producer pathogens as well as some reference strains. The present study aimed at investigating antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of its crude methanolic extract. The antibacterial activity of the crude methanolic extract was determined using broth-dilution method against <em>Staphylococcus aureus </em>ATCC 43300<em>, </em><em>Klebsiella </em><em>oxytoca </em>ATCC 700324<em>, </em><em>Klebsiella pneumoniae </em>ATCC 700603<em>, Klebsiella</em><em> pneumoniae</em> ATCC BAA-1705 and 2 MDR uropathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the crude extract against the tested bacteria were in the range of 5-10 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that the CD<sub>50</sub> value of the extract was 1.17 mg/mL, against Caco-2 cell line, indicating <em>in vitro</em> safety and low cytotoxicity. Accordingly, <em>Streptomyces manipurensis</em> isolate H21 would be an excellent source of relatively safe and potent antibacterial agent.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_29011_bb36b4f63bf9e9a264a12e06ec1d6e1f.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Antifungal resistance and predominance of virulence determinants among Candida albicans isolated from various clinical specimens11202901210.21608/aps.2019.20210ENHoudaii H.El-HoussainiDepartment of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Road, El Horreya P.O 11788, Cairo, EgyptWalid FaisalElkhatibDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization St., Abbassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt0000-0001-5815-3200Omnia M.ElnabawyDepartment of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia square, Cairo, EgyptHebatallah A.NasserDepartment of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Road, El Horreya P.O 11788, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20190305<em>Candida albicans</em> remains the most common cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections due to its virulence determinants. Resistance to antifungal therapy has increased dramatically, narrowing the few available therapeutic options due to their potential toxicity. However, the association between <em>C. albicans</em> virulence determinants and resistance profiles needs further investigation. <em>C. albicans</em> (n= 25) isolated from various clinical samples were identified. Antibiogram analysis of the tested isolates against different antifungal agents was performed and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were verified. Virulence determinants including extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, biofilm formation, and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) were investigated. Correlations between virulence determinants and resistance profiles of the experimented isolates, in addition to their potential association with the source of clinical specimens, were analyzed. All isolates were amphotericin B, nystatin and micafungin sensitive, while 100% were clotrimazole, fluconazole and voriconazole resistant. Extracellular hydrolytic activities were detected in 52, 68 and 100% of the tested isolates for phospholipase, protease, and hemolysin, respectively, while CSH and biofilm production was shown in 24 and 20% of isolates, respectively. CSH had significant (<em>p < /em> < 0.05) positive as well as negative associations with amphotericin B and fluconazole MICs, respectively. Source of clinical isolates showed significant (<em>p < /em> < 0.05) influence on some resistance and virulence patterns. </em></em>https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_29012_181bd45ec15a7d4988177a9fc5b69da7.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Diverse origins of microbial L-asparaginases and their current miscellaneous applications21362901310.21608/aps.2019.20220ENNada A.AbdelrazekDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University, Cairo, EgyptWalid FaisalElkhatibDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization St., Abbassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt0000-0001-5815-3200Marwa M.RaafatDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University, Cairo, EgyptMohammadAboulwafaDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams UniversityJournal Article20190223L-asparaginase, also known as amidohydrolase, catalyzes the breakdown of asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Due to its ability to inhibit the biosynthesis of protein lymphoblasts, it is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It also has other applications in the food industry by preventing the formation of acrylamide. Different organisms including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and plants produce L-asparaginase. This review highlights different applications of L-asparaginase in the industrial fields, the major sources of L-asparaginase, its immunological reactions and production techniques through the solid state (SSF) and submerged (SmF) fermentation as well as optimization of the production process.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_29013_71b9b7bae132aa82985c2b841bafb030.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Apoptosis in cancer: from pathogenesis to discovery of advanced selective Bcl-2 family inhibitors37542901610.21608/aps.2019.20225ENSamaaAbbasPharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, ASU, Cairo, EgyptNermin S.AbdouPharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt0000-0002-8654-5540Deena S.LasheenPharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo11566, EgyptDalal A.Abou El EllaPharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, El-Nahda University, Beni sweif, EgyptJournal Article20190406Cancer is a genetic disease characterized by two features: unregulated cell growth and tissue invasion (metastasis). It can be viewed as the result of a succession of genetic changes during which a normal cell is transformed into a malignant one. Evasion of cell death, apoptosis, is one of the essential changes in a cell that cause this malignant transformation. Hence, reduced apoptosis or its resistance plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. The Bcl-2 family of proteins regulates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Disease states arise upon deregulation of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, where cell death is either promoted or evaded; one of the most common tactic cancer cells utilize to promote survival is anti-apoptotic protein overexpression. Specifically, Bcl-2 overexpression has been shown to be a major chemoresistance factor in a number of human cancers, and for this reason, Bcl-2 targeting is a pharmacologic priority in the quest to reactivate cell death for therapeutic benefit in cancer.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_29016_16f153d01e59a86a53c1dff39900c5e9.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Enhancing dissolution of artesunate from immediate release tablets using a green granulation technique55772901810.21608/aps.2019.20230ENAkram AhmadBashirresearch and development department - Eipico -10th of Ramadan City- alsharquia-EgyptSamehAbd-elhamidDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.AliaBadawiDepartment of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.Ahmed S.GeneidiPharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo11566, EgyptJournal Article20190218Artesunate is a poorly soluble drug and liable to aqueous hydrolysis. This study aims to formulate Artesunate as an immediate release tablet through optimization of the melt granulation technique to improve the dissolution of the drug. Three different meltable binders were used (Polyethylene Glycol PEG 6000, Poloxamer 188 and Gelucire 50/13) for granulation step in high shear mixer prior tablets compression step applying Box-Behnken experimental design to determine the significant variables and their interactions that impact dissolution of Artesunate. Optimization mathematical models showed that by increasing binder concentration, D50 was increased, and narrow particle size distribution with minimum fines percentage was produced. Higher binder concentration and impeller speed resulted in retarding tablets dissolution. PEG 6000 and Poloxamer 188 based tablets showed faster disintegration and dissolution than Gelucire 50/13 based tablets, as well as tablets prepared by wet granulation due to hydrophilic pore forming. Melt granulation technique using a low level of PEG 6000 and Poloxamer 188 not only enhanced the dissolution of Artesunate from their immediate release tablets in comparison to traditional wet granulation technique but also maintained the stability of the product under accelerated conditions of heat and moisture. https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_29018_5fd5ebcb22fe6dde544133c10d98a45a.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Microwave-assisted extraction of the gallic acid biomarker from Acacia arabica bark followed by HPLC analysis78892902010.21608/aps.2019.20240ENHend Z.YamaniPharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, EgyptLobna A.HusseinPharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, EgyptMaha F.Abdel GhanyPharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt0000-0001-7561-1138Journal Article20190415An efficient and fast microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique was developed for extracting gallic acid as an indicative biomarker for the quality control of <em>Acacia arabica</em> bark. The MAE technique was optimized and compared with other conventional extraction techniques. The optimal conditions of MAE were 20% methanol as solvent, solid/liquid ratio 1:40 (g/mL), irradiation power 20% and two extraction cycles, 5 min each. The proposed extraction technique produced a maximum yield of 10.59 (mg/g) gallic acid in 10 min, which was 1.03 and 1.15 times more efficient than 6 h of heat reflux and 24 h of maceration extraction, respectively. This high yield, along with saving of time, energy, and solvent would position MAE as a valuable and cost-effective technology suitable for today's highly competitive industries, with growing demand for increased productivity, improved efficiency, and reduced cycle time. Moreover, a new high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the determination of gallic acid in <em>Acacia arabica</em> bark extract. The method was found to be rapid, sensitive, accurate, precise, and robust. The method showed good linearity over concentration range 1-100 (µg/mL) with LOD 16.08 (ng/mL) and LOQ 48.73 (ng/mL). The average recovery obtained using standard addition technique was 100.36% with a low value of RSD% (1.19%) indicating the accuracy of the proposed method for determination of gallic acid in <em>Acacia arabica</em> bark extract. https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_29020_14134cffe5bb1ce0200e8ee4a5d5f27e.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Assessing the impact of wastewater irrigation on cobalt cadmium and lead contents of grains of Sorghum bicolor90982902310.21608/aps.2019.20255ENMohamed MuthanaTaherDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Education, Aden University, Aden, YemenMahfoudh M. S.Al-HammadiDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Sana'a, YemenJournal Article20190116The impact of waste irrigation on the concentrations of the metals Cd, Co and Ni contents in grains of <em>Sorghum bicolor</em> was investigated through analyzing (for three seasons 2008-2010s) four different-irrigation sorghum grains samples grown on four different-irrigation soil areas according to the experimental design. Two original soils: Soil, historically and experimentally, irrigated with Wastewater (SHEwastewater), and Soil, historically and experimentally, irrigated with wells water samples were analyzed in the 1st and 2nd seasons. According to the procedures used in the literature, Samples were collected, pretreated, preserved, digested according to the microwave assisted acids digestion procedures, and analyzed for metals by ICP-AES. Quality control was performed and %R(s) we have gotten were good for real samples analysis. Cd and Pb metal contents of the two types of the original soil samples were not significantly different. In addition, these metal contents of the two types of soil samples have not exceeded the upper EU standards. The average means (of 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> seasons) levels of Cd and Pb of wastewater were higher than that of wells water. In addition, the average means of these metal ions of both wastewater and wells water was lower than Yemeni standard for irrigation water. Sorghum grains analysis results, for at least two of the three seasons, indicated that: wastewater irrigation resulted in an increase in Cd and Pb contents of grains of <em>Sorghum bicolor</em>. Moreover, there is no significant difference between the effect of wastewater and wells water irrigation on Co content of grains of <em>Sorghum bicolor</em>.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_29023_3f0b4f2b7a62e1c7e5f037a7fc8e5517.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601A Phytochemical Study on Olea europaea L. Olive Leaf Extract (cv. Koroneiki) growing in Egypt991054511910.21608/aps.2019.45119ENEman MahmoudKabbashNational Organization for Drug Control and ResearchIriny MAyoubDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptZeinab TAbdel-ShakourNational Organization for Drug Control and Research, Phytochemistry department, Giza, EgyptSherweit H.El-AhmadyDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, EgyptJournal Article20190408<em>Olea europaea</em> is an evergreen tree, native to the Mediterranean region and well known for its edible fruits and oil. Recently much focus has been made on the leaves of the trees due to their high antioxidant property in addition to other therapeutic value. The leaves that are considered by-products during olive oil production are now an essential commodity in the nutraceutical industry. Koroneiki (<em>Olea europaea </em>L. <em>cv </em>Koroneiki) is one of the well-known Greek olive cultivars as the queen of oil-producing olive trees. Our study focuses on studying this tree growing in Egypt in regards to its total flavonoids (TF) and phenolic content (PPh) as well as antioxidant activity in 2 seasons in a comparative presentation. The average PPh for Koroneiki leaf extract was found to be 116.81±0.97 and 152.98±0.11 mg/g dried extract for autumn and spring respectively while TF was found to be 48.32±0.5 and 82.68±0.71 mg/g respectively. In autumn the oleuropein content was found to be 12.65±0.06 mg/100 g dried extract, while in spring marked an increase in oleuropein content reaching 92.25±0.26 mg/100 g was observed. The % inhibition of the free radical for autumn extract was found to be 86.56 %±0.39, while 90.09%±1.18 for spring. The results indicated that spring is the season of choice for leaf collection.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_45119_b5e924be02716e7e7a2c169abc69bf83.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190101Effects of esomeprazole and pantoprazole on renal function in stable kidney transplantation recipients: A randomized clinical trial.1061154582110.21608/aps.2019.10411.1003ENDoaaElBohyDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy; Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.0000-0002-4283-9651MagdyEl SharkawyDepartment of Internal Medicine & Nephrology; Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo,EgyptSoheirAbo-Elazmc Department of Pharmacology; Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo,Egypt.SaraShahinDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.0000-0001-5295-6926WaleedBchariDepartment of Internal Medicine & Nephrology; Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo,Egypt.AzzaMancDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.ManalEl HamamsyDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy; Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20190411Renal allograft survival requires the administration of multiple immunosuppressive drugs. This strategy may lead to gastric complications that necessitate gastro-protective medications, notably, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This study aimed to compare the effects of pantoprazole and esomeprazole on renal function in stable renal transplant recipients. A prospective, parallel, open-label clinical trial was performed with forty-seven adult renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine (CSA) doses adjusted to attain trough concentrations of 100-150 µg/L, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) at 750 mg q12 hr and prednisolone at 5 mg daily at Nasser Institute, Cairo, Egypt. The enrolled participants were randomized into two groups, which received either esomeprazole or pantoprazole at the same dose (40 mg once daily). Renal function was measured at baseline and monthly for 6 months. The study was conducted between January-September 2016. Main outcome measures clinical signs of rejection reflected by renal function decline, assessed by elevated levels of serum creatinine. The mean serum creatinine level was significantly lower in the sixth month than at baseline in esomeprazole group (p 0.004); interestingly there was a continuous decrease of serum creatinine levels in esomeprazole group and nearly constant values in pantoprazole group. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine levels between the two groups. From this study, it could be concluded that esomeprazole may be preferred over pantoprazole in renal transplant recipients because it decreased serum creatinine which is one of the markers of chronic allograft rejection in stable renal transplantation recipients.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_45821_7fcf789ca0e25148a4ec343085319751.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Grade in Females with Colorectal Cancer Patients1161224582210.21608/aps.2019.10411.2020ENInas MoawyaAhmedDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptLamiaElwakeelDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt0000-0003-0250-1709Amr S.TawfikDepartment of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptRaafat RagaieAbdel-MalekDepartment of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20190501The oxaliplatin-based regimen is considered an important standard of care for patients with colon cancer (CC). Neurotoxicity is the most relevant non-hematologic toxicity of oxaliplatin. The current study aimed to assess the association between colorectal cancer patient's (CRC) gender and susceptibility of oxaliplatin-induced sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy grades in Egyptian patients. All eligible patients between 18-75 years old with CRC were included in the study and only those who had a neurologic disease or diseases impairing neurologic function were excluded. Then eligible patients were stratified into two groups according to gender; oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) was evaluated and graded on day 1 of each chemotherapy cycle for 12 cycles according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE), version 4.0 from March 2015 to October 2017. From a total of 47 females and 33 males; 41(87.2%) females and 29 (87.9%) males suffered from different grades of sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy.Regarding sensory oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN), females had a higher risk of grade II-III PN than males (92.7% versus 58.6% respectively; p =0.001) For motor OIPN, females were more susceptible to grade II-III PN versus males (84.6% versus 56.5% respectively; p=0.015). In conclusion<strong>, </strong>High grade (grade II-III) Oxaliplatin-induced sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy occurred more frequently in females versus males Egyptian colorectal cancer patients.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_45822_c3fa5a4c29e368dd43786dbfac5b0a17.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of PharmacyArchives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University2356-83803120190601Detection of Medication Errors in Primary Care Units through Passive Voluntary Reporting Forms1231297146710.21608/APS.2019.45300ENRowan W.AhmedClinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptNagwa AliSabriClinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptManal HEl HamamsyClinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptAmr A.SaadFormer Head of the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Vigilance Center (EPVC), EgyptJournal Article20190217The lack of a universally accepted terminology of what constitutes a Medication Error (ME), makes it difficult to report, detect, categorize and prevent MEs. Methodologically, there isn't a complete picture of the incidence and prevalence of MEs. The broad range of ME rates in literature reflects heterogeneity in the study designs and detection methods used. The current study aimed to detect MEs in reports received from Primary Care Units. A retrospective analysis was applied on such reports dated from March to November 2013 and some fatal cases are taken from 2014. All voluntary reports were included, excluded were errors not associated with drug use and pharmaceutical company reports. Eligible reports underwent assessment using predetermined criteria to pick up MEs. The criteria were applicable on 115 reports, in which MEs were detected. 60% (69/ 115) of ME cases were error cluster while 40% (46/115) were unknown due to either underreporting, lack of data or poor observation and correlation (p < 0.05). Only 7% (8/115) p < 0.001 of the reports were pregnancy cases. Moreover, errors associated with vaccine use accounted for 7% (8/115) of the cases while 93% accounted for errors from other drug use at p < 0.001. Long-term follow-up was needed but not done by the assessors in 41% (47 of 115) of ME cases at pvalue=0.05. Attachments were provided with the reports in 9% (10 /115) of the cases while the majority 91% (105/115) were not (p < 0.001). In conclusion, voluntary reporting is a major strategy to prevent MEs by learning from errors reported.https://aps.journals.ekb.eg/article_71467_adf4ce6396874ec2aaf263ae976a7e1b.pdf