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This work aimed to study the effect of FYM rates (0, 10 & 20 m3 fed-1) and application in time of N fertilizer on maize grain yield and its attributes using single cross hybrid 130 at two field experiments. The technique of treatment - trait (TT) biplot graph was used to study the interrelationships among maize traits. The Results showed that application of 10 or 20 m3 FYM and adding the recommended N fertilizer on these doses with first, second or third irrigations gave highest values for the grain yield and most agronomic traits. It is obvious that the highest correlation coefficients were obtained between grain yield and each of number of ears plot-1 (NE),ear length (EL), ear diameter (ED) and 100 kernel weight (KW),under Gemmeiza location, while the traits of days to 50%tassiling and silking, plant height (PH), ear height (EH), number of ears plot-1 (NE) and 100 kernel weight (KW) were the most associated traits with grain yield under Sids location. Using the TT biplot graph, results revealed that the best performance treatments for most studied across the two locations were the application (T11) before as well as application (T10). The results showed that TT biplot graph was an effective statistical tool to study the effects of treatments on yield and its attributes and also to discover the interrelationships among these traits. Accordingly, the maize breeder should give interest in the interrelationships among grain yield and its attributes when planning the breeding program.

Abstract The main objective of the current study was to assess the impact of the water taken from the ‘Tunisian Refining Industries Company’ on meiobenthic nematodes, before and after a series of treatments in decantation basins followed by its discharge in Bizerte bay, Tunisia. The comparison of environmental parameters of the two types of water was clearly indicative of an improvement in the quality of treated waters after a significant reduction in their loads in hydrocarbons. Overall, the water retained a good quality after being treated by ‘Tunisian Refining Industries Company’ before discharge in the sea. At the end of the experiment, differential responses were observed according to the richness of sediment in organic matter and hydrocarbons. Thus, it was apparent that the nematode assemblage exposed to the treated waters was closer to controls and associated to higher values of abundance, than that under untreated ones. It was also assumed that the species Microlaimus honestus De Man, 1922, Paramonohystera proteus Wieser, 1956 and Cyartonema germanicum Juario, 1972 are sensitive bioindicators of bad environmental statues and of hydrocarbon presence in the environment. On the other hand, Metoncholaimus pristiurus (Zur Strassen, 1894) Filipjev, 1918 would rather be classified as a positive bioindicative species of this type of pollutants.

This is the first work on Egyptian ancient DNA (aDNA) from plant fossil remains. Two aDNA extracts from Miocene petrified dicot woods were successfully obtained, amplified, sequenced and recorded for the first time in the world using a DNA barcoding technique. Internal transcribed spacers (ITS) barcoding is a technique for delimiting and identifying specimens using standardized DNA regions. The two Miocene dicot woods: Bombacoxylon owenii (Malvaceae/Bombacoideae) and Dalbergioxylon dicorynioides (Leguminosae/Papilionoideae) were collected from the Wadi Natrun area in Egypt and were identified by palaeobotanists on the basis of wood anatomy. The molecular identification by ITS region of Bombacoxylon owenii did not match the wood taxonomic assignation. The molecular identification of Bombacoxylon owenii suggested that it is more related to the extant genus Ceiba rather than to the extant genus Bombax. In contrast, the molecular identification by ITS of Dalbergioxylon dicorynioides matched the identification of the palaeobotanist (related to extant genus Dalbergia). Therefore, we suggest that this region should be used as a starting point to identify several plant fossil remains and this work will be helpful in solving problems related to the identification of plant fossils.

Abstract Background Burullus Lake has received a great attention because of its environmental and economic importance for being a significant source of fish production in Egypt. It is subjected to many of environmental changes due to the huge amount of discharges originated from different sources as well as many human activities. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is an abundant sedentary fish present in the most Egyptian lakes, Nile River, and ponds. The study was designed to evaluate some metal pollution in Burullus Lake. Results The values of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Pb) were measured in lake water and muscles of O. niloticus fish during winter and summer 2014. Water samples were collected from six sampling sites, while fish samples were collected from the three sectors (eastern, middle, and western) of the lake. The mean values of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Pb) in surface water of Burullus Lake during winter and summer for the year 2014 were 1.09, 10.50, 29.38, 6.87, 2.05, and 5.98 μg/L, respectively, whereas the annual means of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Pb) in the muscles of O. niloticus fish were 0.68, 4.70, 10.62, 0.52, 0.39, and 0.46 μg/g wet wt., respectively. Conclusions In lake water, Mn was the lowest concentration of the six sampling sites, while Fe was the highest concentration, whereas in fish muscles, Cu recorded the lowest concentration of the three sectors, while Fe was the highest concentration. The southern part of Burullus Lake had the highest heavy metal values as it influenced by the discharge of massive amounts of domestic sewage as well as agricultural and industrial effluents. The accumulation of heavy metals in fish muscles of the three sectors showed different patterns. Generally, the values of metals in the fish muscles were accepted by the international legislation limits and are safe for human consumption.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate broiler chicken performance, ready-to-cook carcass value, and the size of cut-up parts of the left carcass section in response to feeding a corn-soybean meal diet containing graded levels of Litani (L2), Pamir 35 (P2), or Rihan 03 (R6) barley without or with 0.1% enzyme. In the first experiment, a diet containing 25% L2 or R6 without or with enzyme was fed during the finisher period. Enzyme supplementation of the barley containing diets improved (P

Two experiments were conducted to determine the true metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen balance (TMEn) and true amino acid availability (TAAA) of three local barley varieties, two-row Litani (L2), two-row Pamir-35 (P2), and six-row Rihan-03 (R6) and to study the effect of enzyme supplementation on their apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen balance (AMEn). Forty grams of glucose, corn, or barley variety grains was precision intubated to eight individually caged Babcock B 380 roosters. The TMEn of L2, P2, and R6 (3224, 3419, and 3253kcal/kg, on dry matter basis (DM), respectively) was lower than that of corn (P

Abstract Background There are no studies belong NOTCH2 gene polymorphism in relation to reproductive and productive traits in Holstein cattle. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of NOTCH2 gene polymorphisms on productive and reproductive performance of fertile and anestrum cattle. Methods The cattle were classified into anestrus for 3–12 months postpartum (n = 115, 37.7%) and normal cyclic fertile (n = 190, 62.3%). Age at 1st calving, calving interval, calf birth weight, milk yield and days of milking data were obtained from the farm records for all animals. Blood samples were collected from fertile and anestrum animals for DNA extraction and the PCR as well as single-strand conformation polymorphism techniques (SSCP) were performed for detection of the NOTCH2 gene polymorphism. Results The sequencing results showed that NOTCH2 gene in cattle is polymorphic with 5 genotypes AA, AG, GG, CC and CT. Four novel SNPs as transition single base substitution mutations were detected at 3: 23,192,033 (A/G), 3:23192149 (C/T), 3:23192071 (C/T) and 3:23192143 (G/A). GG genotype of NOTCH2 gene was associated with shorter calving interval and heavier calf birth weight in both fertile and anestrum cattle. Conclusions NOTCH2 gene in cattle could be used as a genetic marker involved in reproductive traits in both fertile and anestrum cattle.

Abstract Background Soil-borne plant diseases represent a severe problem that negatively impacts the production of food crops. Actinobacteria play a vital role in biocontrolling soil-borne fungi. Aim and objectives The target of the present study is to test the antagonistic activity of chitinase-producing Streptomyces cellulosae Actino 48 (accession number, MT573878) against Rhizoctonia solani. Subsequently, maximization of Actino 48 production using different fermentation processes in a stirred tank bioreactor. Finally, preparation of bio-friendly formulations prepared from the culture broth of Actino 48 using talc powder (TP) and bentonite in a natural as well as nano forms as carriers. Meanwhile, investigating their activities in reducing the damping-off and root rot diseases of peanut plants, infected by R. solani under greenhouse conditions. Results Actino 48 was found to be the most significant antagonistic isolate strain at p ≤ 0.05 and showed the highest inhibition percentage of fungal mycelium growth, which reached 97%. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images analysis showed a large reduction in R. solani mycelia mass. Additionally, many aberrations changes and fungal hypha damages were found. Batch fermentation No. 2, which was performed using agitation speed of 200 rpm, achieved high chitinase activity of 0.1163 U mL− 1 min− 1 with a yield coefficient of 0.004 U mL− 1 min− 1 chitinase activity/g chitin. Nano-talc formulation of Actino 48 had more a significant effect compared to the other formulations in reducing percentages of damping-off and root rot diseases that equal to 19.05% and 4.76% with reduction percentages of 60% and 80%, respectively. The healthy survival percentage of peanut plants recorded 76.19%. Furthermore, the nano-talc formulation of Actino 48 was sufficient in increasing the dry weight of the peanut plants shoot, root systems, and the total number of peanut pods with increasing percentages of 47.62%, 55.62%, and 38.07%, respectively. Conclusion The bio-friendly formulations of actinobacteria resulting from this investigation may play an active role in managing soil-borne diseases.

Electronic nose (E-Nose) technology is gaining prominence as a tool for cancer diagnostics due to its ability to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in bodily fluids. There has been no comprehensive study of the methodologic hurdles and overall diagnostic accuracy of E-Noses for cancer detection in blood samples. The aim of this investigation was to standardize a procedure for using a machine learning-based E-Nose to accurately diagnose five different cancers. This prospective (diagnostic/prognostic) study included 1001 newly diagnosed adult male and female participants with blood, brain, breast, liver, and lung cancers, as well as healthy controls. Blood samples were collected from all participants for complete blood counts, specific tumour markers testing, and E-Nose measurements. Sensor response patterns at the plateau region were used for training, testing, and machine learning cross-validation. Out of the final 550 participants, the E-Nose accurately categorized 100 to CLL, 50 to GBM, 150 to IDC, 50 to HCC, 50 to AC, and 150 to HC in agreement with specific tumour markers data; there were no false-positives or false-negatives. With an average area under the curve (AUC) of 1.0, the support vector machine had 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Thus, the E-Nose had high diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in cancer detection in blood samples.

Water quality is crucial to the environmental system and thus its chemistry is important, and can be directly related to the water’s source, the climate, and the geology of the region. This study focuses on analyzing the hydrochemistry of specific locations within the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt. A total of thirty-nine groundwater samples representing the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer (NSSA) and seven surface water samples from wastewater lakes and canals were collected for analysis. Key parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured on-site, while major ions and trace elements (Fe+2 and Mn+2) were analyzed in the laboratory. The water quality index (WQI) method was employed to assess the overall water quality. Hydro-chemical facies were investigated using Piper’s, Scholler’s, and Stiff diagrams, revealing sodium as the dominant cation and chloride, followed by bicarbonate as the dominant anion. The hydro-chemical composition indicates that Na–Cl constitutes the primary water type in this study. This points to the dissolution of evaporates and salt enrichment due to intense evaporation resulting from the region’s hyper-aridity. In groundwater samples, the order of hydro-chemical facies is HCO3− > Cl− > SO4−2 > Na+ > Ca+2 > K+ > Mg+2, while in wastewater samples, it is Cl− > Na+ > SO4−2 > HCO3− > Ca+2 > Mg+2 > K+. When considering iron and manganese parameters, the water quality index (WQI) values suggest that most groundwater samples exhibit excellent to good quality but become poor or very poor when these elements are included. This study could prove valuable for water resource management in the Dakhla Oasis.

Introduction Structural abnormalities in the shoulder joint are a common complication post stroke, and the consequent pain and functional limitations become devastating quality of life problems for such patients. Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive method that can enhance the level of perfusion in ischaemic tissues, relieve inflammation, and promote healing. The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on pain and disability levels in stroke patients with shoulder structural abnormalities. Material and methods Thirty subacute stroke patients aged between 40 and 60 years were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups after signing an institutional consent form. The real rESWT group (GA) underwent rESWT in addition to a designed program of physical therapy to the shoulder joint. The control group (GB) received sham rESWT in addition to the same physical therapy program as for GA. The treatment protocol for both groups was 2 times per week for a month. Baseline and post-intervention findings in both groups were assessed and compared for primary outcomes including shoulder structural changes, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and shoulder disability, measured by ultrasonography (USS), a handheld algometer, and the shoulder pain disability index (SPADI), respectively. Results Significant reduction of all post-treatment SPADI scores (pain, disability, and total scores) in both groups with a remarkable decrease in the rESWT group (GA) (p < 0.05). In addition, USS scores and PPT findings showed notable preference in favour of the GA group, which was demonstrated as significant decrease in USS score with an increase in PPT findings only in the rESWT group (GA) (p < 0.05). Conclusions The addition of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) to a designed physical therapy program is more efficient in reducing shoulder structural abnormalities, pain, and disability in subacute stroke patients.

Abstract Background No doubt that the corpus luteum (CL) plays a vital role in the regulation of female cyclicity in mammals. The scenarios among microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes and steroid hormones {estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4)} are required for better understanding the molecular regulation of CL during its formation, maturation, and regression. We aimed to (I) study the changes in the relative abundance of miR-205, miR-26a-5p, miR-17-5p, and let-7b-5p and their target genes: LHCGR, CASP3, PCNA, AMH, and PLA2G3, during different stages of corpus luteum in Egyptian buffaloes, and (II) and to address different scenarios between steroid concentrations in the serum and the expression pattern of selected miRNAs and their targets. Methods The paired ovaries and blood samples were collected from apparently healthy 50 buffalo cows at a private abattoir. The ovaries bearing CL were macroscopically divided according to their morphological structure and color into hemorrhagic (CLH), developing (CLD), mature (CLM), regressed (CLR), and albicans (CLA). Small pieces from different stages of CL (CLH, CLD, CLM, CLR, and CLA) were cut and immediately kept at − 80 °C for total RNA isolation and qRT-PCR. The serum was separated for steroid level estimation. Results The LHCGR was expressed during different stages of CL, and the peak of expression was at the mid-luteal stage. The CASP3 revealed a stage-specific response at different stages of CL. The PCNA has an essential role in cellular proliferation in buffaloes CL. Both expression patterns of PLA2G3 and AMH were found over the various developmental and regression stages. It was noticed that miR-205 is conserved to target LHCGR and CASP3 transcripts. Moreover, CASP3 and AMH were targeted via miR-26a-5p. Additionally, the CASP3 and PLA2G3 were targeted via let-7b-5p. The P4 level reached its peak during CLM. There were positive and negative strong correlations between miRNAs (miR-26a-5p and miR-205), target genes (LHCGR and CASP3) during different stages of CL, and steroid hormones in the serum. Conclusions Taken together, the orchestrated pattern among miRNAs, target genes, and steroid hormones is essential for maintaining the proper development and function of CL in buffalo cows.

Abstract Background The concepts of brain excitability are still re-wiring in response to changes in environment. Ambulation is often limited in stroke patients. Objective To determine the effect of cycling exercise on motor excitability and consequences on spatiotemporal gait parameters in stroke patients. Methods Forty male ischemic stroke patients were included; their age ranged from 45 to 60 years. The patients were assigned into two equal groups: control group (GI) and study group (GII). The GI is treated by a design physical therapy program in the form of task-oriented progressive resistance exercise for lower limb muscles, and the GII is treated by the same program in addition to cycling exercise for 30 min. Treatment was conducted three times per week for 10 weeks. The excitability over motor area (Cz) was assessed by the quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). The spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed by the Biodex Gait Trainer 2TM. Results There was a significant increase of speed, step cycle, and step length of the affected side (P < 0.05) and a non-significant difference of step length of the non-affected side in the study group compared with that of the control group (P > 0.05). There was a significant increase of excitability over motor area (Cz) in the study group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Cycling exercise has a positive effect on excitability over motor area of lower limbs and can improve gait parameters in stroke patients.

ObjectivesStudies have shown that acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence post SARS-CoV-2 infection is complex and has a poor prognosis. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the rate and the predications of AKI involvement among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and AKI's impact on prognosis while under different types of medications.Patients and methodsThis study is a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Royal Medical Services. Medical records of COVID-19 patients admitted to BDF hospital, treated, and followed up from April 2020 to October 2020 were retrieved. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression with covariate adjustment, and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence (95% CI) interval were reported.ResultsAmong 353 patients admitted with COVID-19, 47.6% developed AKI. Overall, 51.8% of patients with AKI died compared to 2.2% of patients who did not develop AKI (p< 0.001 with OR 48.6 and 95% CI 17.2-136.9). Besides, deaths in patients classified with AKI staging were positively correlated and multivariate regression analysis revealed that moderate to severe hypoalbuminemia (ConclusionsThe incidence of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and the mortality rate among AKI patients were high and correlated with AKI staging. Furthermore, laboratory testing for serum albumin, hypercoagulability and cardiac injury markers maybe indicative for AKI development. Therefore, clinicians should be mandated to perform such tests on admission and follow-up in hospitalized patients.

We present a case of an intra-orbital, subperiosteal organizing hematoma (pseudocyst) which was referred to our clinic with a misdiagnosis of an orbital epidermoid cyst. This confounding lesion caused a great deal of debate following a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. It was only after surgery and investigating that the patient remembered an incident with orbital trauma nearly 2-years prior. We used existing literature to hypothesise that this lesion has a spectrum of presentations readily reported, but poorly presented. Histo-pathologically it seems feasible that this lesion progresses from an acute intra-orbital subperiosteal haemorrhage, to an organizing hematoma with associated scar tissue (pseudocyst) which would eventually develop into a chronic hematic (blood) cyst.

Abstract Background Kima company is located east of the river Nile, 2.5 km south of Aswan City. The Quaternary sands and gravels represent the main groundwater aquifer in the area. It is mainly recharged from the river Nile seepage between the high and the old Aswan Dams. Some water seepage comes from the fish hatchery canal close to the area. The objective is to study the temporal-spatial development of the drainage ponds resulting from the rise of the groundwater level in line with the agricultural and urban development in and around the Kima plant area using chemical analysis and advanced technology (remote sensing and GIS techniques). Results Many wells were drilled and used to pump the groundwater in and south of the area, from which 15 wells that were used to feed Aswan city by drinking water were stopped since 2009. As result, the groundwater level rises and most of the wells of Kima company flooded. The groundwater quality deteriorated and some environmental changes in the surrounding area were detected. Monitoring and analysis of these changes are studied using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The results show an increase in both the surface water bodies (ponds) and urban areas. Conclusions Since 2009, 15 productive drinking water wells were ceased in the study area. It is the main reason which caused more rising of the groundwater level accompanied by increasing of its salinity. The study detected and calculated the area influenced by the groundwater seepage, urbanization, and the agricultural reclamation areas. The successive changes in these parameters throughout the period 2007–2017 are calculated. Rising groundwater levels are expected to be a chronic problem and will likely be a major issue for residential areas of Aswan city.

Objectives It is not always easy to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) accurately; thus, there are always continuous trials to find the best possible method with a short duration and acceptable accuracy. This study aimed to correlate between serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) in the assessment of severity of pulmonary TB. Patients and methods A total of 45 sex-matched and age-matched patients were included in our study and were classified into three groups: group I included 15 patients with active pulmonary TB with positive sputum smear result, group II included 15 patients with multidrug resistance pulmonary TB, and group III included 15 patients with pulmonary TB after sputum conversion. All included patients were subjected to detailed medical history; full clinical examination; chest radiography to determine the severity of the disease whether minimal, moderate, advanced, or far advanced; laboratory investigations [white blood cells count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and sputum Ziehl–Neelsen staining]; grading on sputum smear microscopy as 1+, 2+, or 3+; sputum culture on L-J media; and CA125 and ADA analysis, where 5 ml of blood was collected and centrifuged and serum was separated, from which CA125 and ADA were measured using CA125II kits and ADA016 kits, respectively. Patients received antituberculous treatment in the hospital according to WHO and national guidelines. Results There was a significant statistical difference among the studied groups regarding CA125 and ADA, where P values were 0.018 and 0.014, respectively. Both were higher in group I measuring 64.42 U/ml and 24.22 U/l, respectively, and lower in group III measuring 27.22 U/ml and 16.08 U/l, respectively, after treatment for 2 months. In the current study, there was an insignificant statistical difference in serum CA125 and ADA regarding age and sex, but there were statistically significant differences among the studied groups regarding sputum Ziehl–Neelsen staining, chest radiography, and ESR. In this study, there was a significant positive correlation between both serum CA125 and serum ADA and chest radiography and ESR. Regarding sputum analysis, there was no difference regarding CA125 between positive and negative cases, but serum ADA was higher in positive cases than in negative ones. On the contrary, there was an insignificant statistical correlation between serum ADA and serum CA125.

Context : Impairment of initiating sequential movements and processing of proprioception contribute to characteristic Parkinson′s disease (PD) gait abnormalities. Many studies have used a single external cue or 2 different cues to correct PD gait. Aim: An aim of this study was to determine the influence of paired proprioceptive cues on gait parameters of individuals with PD. Setting and Design: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Subjects were 30 PD patients who had mild to moderate impairment according to the United Parkinson′s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). They were randomly assigned to either a routine physiotherapy program or treadmill training with vibratory stimuli applied to the feet plantar surfaces and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) as well as the same physiotherapy program. All Participants received a 45-minutes session of low intensity physiotherapy program, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks. The duration of treadmill training was 5 minutes at baseline and 25 minutes at the end of treatment. Walking speed and distance were recorded from the treadmill control panel for both groups before and immediately after the end of treatment. The Qualysis ProReflex motion analysis system was used to measure cadence, stride length, hip, knee, and ankle joints′ angular excursion. Results: The cadence, stride length, and lower limb joints′ angular excursion showed a significant improvement in both groups (P ≤ 0.05). These improvements in spatio-temporal parameters and angular excursion were higher in the study group than in the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Potentiated proprioceptive feedback improves parkinsonian gait kinematics, the hip, knee, and ankle joints′ angular excursion.