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This paper aims to study the behavior of one-way concrete solid slabs reinforced with welded wire mesh to investigate the efficiency of using welded wire mesh in the construction of structural slabs as a replacement for ordinary steel bars. This research included experimental and analytical programs. Nine 700×1050 mm one-way simple specimens and six 525×1050 mm continuous one-way slabs with two equal spans were tested under point, line, and uniform static loads. The experimental program studied the use of welded mesh and the number of layers utilized. Numerical analysis was conducted using finite element modeling developed using the ABAQUS 6.13 software package. Experimental and analytical results showed good correlation: the number of layers of welded metal mesh and load type significantly affected the peak vertical load capacity of simple and continuous slabs, with slabs showing higher values with welded mesh than those of ordinary reinforcing bars. In addition, using welded metal mesh to reinforce solid slabs enhanced their cracking behavior as well as their ductility. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-04-03 Full Text: PDF

Six phenolic compounds were isolated from the solid rice culture media of Alternaria sp., an endophyte isolated from the leaves of three desert plants, Lycium schweinfurthii Dammer (Solanaceae), Pancratium maritimum L. (Amaryllidaceae) and Cynanchum acutum L. (Apocynaceae).

Background Trichinellosis, a zoonosis caused by the genus Trichinella, is a widespread foodborne disease. Albendazole, one of the benzimidazole derivatives, is used for treating human trichinellosis, but with limited efficacy in killing the encysted larvae and numerous adverse effects. Cyperus rotundus L. is a herbal plant with a wide range of medicinal uses, including antiparasitic, and is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. Methods LC-ESI-MS was used to identify the active phytoconstituents in the methanol extract (MeOH ext.) of the aerial parts of C. rotundus and its derivate fractions ethyl acetate (EtOAc fr.), petroleum ether (pet-ether fr.), and normal butanol (n-BuOH fr.). The in vivo therapeutic effects of C. rotundus fractions of the extracts were evaluated using the fraction that showed the most promising effect after detecting their in vitro anti-Trichinella spiralis potential. Results C. rotundus extracts are rich in different phytochemicals, and the LC-ESI-MS of the 90% methanol extract identified 26 phenolic compounds classified as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and organic acids. The in vitro studies showed that C. rotundus extracts had a lethal effect on T. spiralis adults, and the LC50 were 156.12 µg/ml, 294.67 µg/ml, 82.09 µg/ml, and 73.16 µg/ml in 90% MeOH ext., EtOAc fr., pet-ether fr. and n-BuOH fr., respectively. The n-BuOH fr. was shown to have the most promising effects in the in vitro studies, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The in vivo effects of n-BuOH fr. alone and in combination with albendazole using a mouse model were evaluated by counting adults in the small intestine and larvae in the muscles, in addition to the histopathological changes in the small intestine and the muscles. In the treated groups, there was a significant decrease in the number of adults and larvae compared to the control group. Histopathologically, treated groups showed a remarkable improvement in the small intestine and muscle changes. Remarkably, maximal therapeutic effects were detected in the combination therapy compared to each monotherapy. Conclusion Accordingly, C. rotundus extracts may have anti-T. spiralis potential, particularly when combined with albendazole, and they may be used as synergistic to anti-T. spiralis medication therapy.

Artemisia plants process potential bioactive secondary metabolites such as artemisinin and essential oil. They are useful in controlling potential pests and microbes and have a therapeutic effect. The commercial production of artemisinin and essential oil is limited to regarding the worldwide demand. Urgent attempts must be undertaken to improve the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. The objectives of this experiment were to increase the production and improve the quality of bioactive secondary metabolites in order to limit the use of agrochemicals. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Treatments included three elicitations (gamma irradiation, nano-selenium, and chitosan) and three kinds of fertilizers (NPK, Moringa leaf extract, and humic acid). The experiment was conducted as a factorial with a completely randomized block. The designs and treatments were arranged in a split–split plot with three replicates. A single application of elicitors showed that chitosan > nano-selenium, chitosan > gamma irradiation, and Moringa > humic acid > NPK in plants’ artemisinin and essential oil content, while the interaction showed a significant synergistic relationship between elicitors and the fertilizers in enhancing the quantity and quality of artemisinin and essential oil of Artemisia plants. Without using any pesticides, there was no infection that appeared in Artemisia plants, this could be due to the enhancement of bioactive secondary metabolite production.

Few studies had been conducted on the phytochemical profile and the biological activities of Brachychiton rupestris. The antioxidant activity of 85% methanolic extract of B. rupestris leaves and its derived fractions was assessed using five different in-vitro assays which are DPPH• assay, phosphomolybdenum assay (TAC), hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging assay, nitric oxide radical (NO•) scavenging assay and permanganate reducing antioxidant capacity (PRAC). The total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents were also determined for the different plant samples using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride and aluminum chloride/ sodium acetate methods, respectively. In-vitro cytotoxic activity of the crude extract and its fractions against HepG2 cell line was also evaluated via SRB assay. The ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the aqueous methanolic extract of the plant leaves possessed the most potent antioxidant potential according to the different applied assays (DPPH• SC50 = 25.50±0.76 µg/mL, TAC= 311.98±1.19 mg AAE/g ext., •OH SA= 68.42±0.15%, NO• SA= 33.68±1.98% & PRAC = 62.88±0.27%). It also owed the highest amount of phenolics (TPC= 342.10±2.08 mg GAE/ g ext.) whose majority were flavonoids (TFC= 309.82±3.64 mg QE/ g ext.). A strong positive correlation was found between the total phenolic contents of various plant samples and their antioxidant activity. The butanol derived fraction exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 8.60 µg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study reporting the antioxidant and the cytotoxic activities of B. rupestris leaves. The study revealed that the B. rupestris leaves could be a good source of natural antioxidants which may be applied in food and pharmaceutical industries. They could also be a new opportunity of discovering anti-mutagenic agents.

Two new compounds, 11S-methoxy-11,12-dihydro phytuberin (2) and 9S-methoxy-benzocyclononan-7-one (6), together with twenty-six known ones were isolated from Lycium schweinfurthii (Solanaceae). Thei...

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of HCC can greatly improve the efficiency of treatment and extend patient life. Aim of Study: To investigate the expression of serum Glypican-3 (GPC3) in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and determine its efficacy as a screening test in early detection of HCC. Patients and Methods: This case control study involved 30 HCC patients, 30 liver cirrhotic patients and 20 healthy controls. This study had been approved by local institutional research board in Menoufia Faculty of Medicine. All subjects participated in the study voluntarily and written informed consent was obtained from each participant. Clinical exami-nation, abdominal ultrasonography and triphasic Computed Tomography (CT) for focal lesion were performed. Liver function tests were performed using clinical auto-analyzer, serum a-Fetoprotein (AFP) was measured using Enzyme-linked Immune-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method and GPC3 was determined by ELISA kit for GPC3. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: GPC3 was highly significant higher in HCC group than cirrhotic and control groups. There was highly positive significant correlation between GPC3 and child score, size of focal lesions and number of focal lesions. The sensitivity of GPC3 in diagnosis of HCC was (68.5%) and the specificity was (83.3%) at cut off point (58.2ng/ml) that elicited from the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve with very good Area Under Curve (AUC) (0.814), whereas that the sensitivity of AFP was (66.7%) and the specificity was (66.7%) at cut off point (380ng/ml) that elicited from the ROC curve with very good AUC (0.679). Conclusion: GPC3 is highly associated with HCC and is more sensitive than AFP for early detection of HCC.

Sweet marjoram (Majorana hortensis) is an important aromatic herbal plant that has long been used and well managed in the traditional and general medical, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and perfume industries. Thus, the increase in its productivity appears to be of great value since there is a large number of bioactive secondary metabolites as well as an increase in the demand in domestic or foreign markets. The purpose of this study is the possibility of promoting the sustainable development of marjoram in the framework of organic farming through gamma irradiation, chitosan and yeast. Field experiments were conducted in a factorial split-plot design with three iterations over two consecutive seasons (2019 and 2020). The main plot is an abiotic elicitor (15 Gy gamma irradiation), two biotic elicitors 500 ppm chitosan, 0.5% yeast, and a non-elicitor (as control), while in the sub-main plot, there were two organic fertilizers, water extract of moringa 20 g/m2 dry leaves, 20 g/m2 fulvic acid, and 20 g/m2 (NPK); the latter is a traditional agrochemical. Statistical analysis of all characteristics of production and quality of biomass and biologically active secondary metabolites revealed that the use of organic fertilizers helped in increasing the yield of marjoram, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and significantly outperformed the chemical fertilizer. The experiment enhances the comprehensive and integrated development of marjoram under organic cultivation and achieves a promising alternative to traditional cultivation without the use of microbicides and/or agrochemical pesticides.

Six phenolic compounds (talaroflavone (1), alternarienoic acid (2), altenuene (3), altenusin (4), alternariol (5), and alternariol-5

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is important food in daily human diets. Root rot disease by Fusarium oxysporum caused huge losses in tomato quality and yield annually. The extensive use of synthetic and chemical fungicides has environmental risks and health problems. Recent studies have pointed out the use of medicinal plant essential oils (EOs) and extracts for controlling fungal diseases. In the current research, Mentha spicata and Mentha longifolia EOs were used in different concentrations to control F. oxysporum. Many active compounds are present in these two EOs such as: thymol, adapic acid, menthol and menthyl acetate. These compounds possess antifungal effect through malformation and degradation of the fungal cell wall. The relative expression levels of distinctly upregulated defense-related WRKY genes (WRKY1, WRKY4, WRKY33 and WRKY53) in seedling root were evaluated as a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) group in different response pathways of abiotic stress. Results showed significant expression levels of WRKY, WRKY53, WRKY33, WRKY1 and WRKY4 genes. An upregulation was observed in defense-related genes such as chitinase and defensin in roots by application EOs under pathogen condition. In conclusion, M. spicata and M. longifolia EOs can be used effectively to control this plant pathogen as sustainable and eco-friendly botanical fungicides.

Bioactive compounds extracted from marine organisms showed several biological activities. The present study is an extension of our earlier studies where we assessed the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of ethanol, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, acetone, and chloroform crude extracts of sponges: Negombata magnifica (NmE) and Callyspongia siphonella (CsE) against cancer cells. Herein, we are extending our previous findings on both sponge species depending on an alternative methanol extraction method with more advanced molecular biochemical insights as additional proof for anticancer and antimicrobial activity of N. magnifica and C. siphonella. Therefore, sponge specimens were collected during winter 2020 from the Dahab region at the Gulf of Aqaba. Each sponge was macerated with methanol to obtain the crude extracts; NmE and CsE. GC–MS analysis presented a total of 117 chemical compounds; 37 bioactive, 11 represented previously as constituents for a natural organism, and 69 had no biological activities. NmE dose-dependently inhibited the growth of HepG2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 carcinoma cell lines compared to CsE, which unfortunately has no antiproliferative activity against the same cancer cells. NmE was found to induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells with its inhibition for CDK6, Cyclins D1, and E1 in HepG2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cells. NmE also activated ROS production in HepG2 cells and induced apoptosis in HepG2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cells via an increase in pro-apoptotic protein Bax, caspase-3, and cleavage PARP, and a decrease in anti-apoptotic protein BCL2. Unlike its anticancer potential, CsE exhibited clear superior results as an antimicrobial agent with a wider range against six microbial strains, whereas NmE showed a positive antibacterial activity against only two strains.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is important food in daily human diets. Root rot disease by Fusarium oxysporum caused huge losses in tomato quality and yield annually. The extensive use of synthetic and chemical fungicides has environmental risks and health problems. Recent studies have pointed out the use of medicinal plant essential oils (EOs) and extracts for controlling fungal diseases. In the current research, Mentha spicata and Mentha longifolia EOs were used in different concentrations to control F. oxysporum. Many active compounds are present in these two EOs such as: thymol, adapic acid, menthol and menthyl acetate. These compounds possess antifungal effect through malformation and degradation of the fungal cell wall. The relative expression levels of distinctly upregulated defense-related WRKY genes (WRKY1, WRKY4, WRKY33 and WRKY53) in seedling root were evaluated as a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) group in different response pathways of abiotic stress. Results showed significant expression levels of WRKY, WRKY53, WRKY33, WRKY1 and WRKY4 genes. An upregulation was observed in defense-related genes such as chitinase and defensin in roots by application EOs under pathogen condition. In conclusion, M. spicata and M. longifolia EOs can be used effectively to control this plant pathogen as sustainable and eco-friendly botanical fungicides.

Present work presents an analytical survey of the murals at the tomb of Iwrakhy/Hatia (1550 BC-1077 BC). The owner was a noble lived during the ruling era of king Ramses II (reigned 1279-1213 BC), discovered during the Cairo University excavation season of 2018 at Saqqara area. New evidence is produced for the use of lead ores abreast with hematite as a source of red pigments, moreover; as well as proof of the mixing process of goethite with orpiment to get a gold-like colour. Stones, mortars, plasters and pigments were investigated using the digital microscope and the scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDX, while the paint medium was examined using the FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Mortars and rendering layers are composed of gypsum, the latter is the ideal arriccio for the tempera murals and for the dry Egyptian climate; crushed limestone and quartz were added to gypsum as fillers. The red pigment is hematite mixed with lead; this represents a new discovery in the new kingdom murals. Yellow pigment is goethite mixed with orpiment, a rare case of the ancient Egyptian trials for gaining the effect of gilding on the walls, trying to imitate the common tradition in painting coffins. Regarding the blue pigment it is Egyptian blue containing high amounts of wollastonite and atacamite, blue is turned into greenish due to the presence of halite, animal glue was used as a paint medium in the studied tomb.

This research aims to shed light on an experimental study to evaluate acrylic, silicone materials and nano additives used to consolidate the sandstone with an application to a statue in Sphinxes Avenue at Luxor, Egypt. Samples of sandstone were taken from one of the statues of Sphinxes Avenue to determine their com-ponents and current status by X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope's examination (SEM) and EDAX elemental analysis to choose the standard sample which should be very close to the sand-stone of the statue. Six materials were selected to the experimental study; two of them belong to acrylic group (Addicon and Paraloid B72), Kemtekt and Wacker (OH 100) which are silicone materials, Nano silica which is an additive material to Paraloid B72 and Wacker (OH 100). The selection of the best material by the evaluation of visual examination, measuring physical properties such as density, porosity and water absorption as well as mechanical properties (compressive strength) of standard and treated samples in addition to examination by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The treated samples were subjected to artificial aging (thermal and salt weathering) and the results were also evaluated by previous methods before weathering, the best consolidation material is Wacker (OH 100)+ Nano silica which achieved the best results comparing to the other materials in physical and mechanical properties and scanning electron microscope 's examination. It's found that high temperatures have good effect on some hydrophobic materials like Siloxanes which make them Superhydrophobic, also nanoparticles improve the performance of some consolidation materials like Wacker (OH 100) and Paraloid B72.

The Eremobium aegyptiacum (Spreng.) Schweinf.et Asch.ex Boiss aqueous extract (EAAE) was subjected to phytochemical investigation using LC–ESI–MS analysis. Twenty-seven compounds (one organic acid, two phenolic acids and twenty-four flavonoids) were characterized and tentatively identified. Among the detected compounds, acyl triglycoside derivatives of kaempferol and isorhamnetin are identified in the current study by using LC–MS technique for the first time from this species. EAAE was evaluated for its anti-Alzheimer activity. EAAE dose (156 mg/kg bw/day) was administrated for 6 weeks orally to female adult rats prior treated with AlCl3 (50 mg/Kg b.wt) to induce Alzheimer disease. AChE level, lipid profile (TC, TG and LDL-C) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were investigated. EAAE exhibited significant reduction in AChE level (58.57 ± 9 µMSH/min/mg protein) in comparison with AlCl3 group (97.88 ± 9.87 µMSH/min/mg protein). Also, GSH level was increased to 100.09 ± 25.51 mg/g tissue and MDA level was decreased to 1.26 ± 0.1 µmol/g tissue, compared to AlCl3 rats (57.05 ± 12.56 mg/g tissue and 1.96 ± 0.29 µmol/g tissue, respectively). Additionally, lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-C) levels were significantly reduced to 35.15 ± 4.74, 18.16 ± 3.07 and 35.75 ± 4.17 µmol/g tissue, in comparison with AlCl3 group (65.20 ± 5.54, 27.93 ± 3.51 and 63.84 ± 6.98, respectively). Briefly, EAAE succeeded in amelioration of the increased AChE activity and the antioxidant activity which considered as an important defense mechanism to control the brain injury in AlCl3 rats. This amelioration was parallel to its effect on total cholesterol triglycerides and LDL levels.

Background. The treatment of scars caused by burn is a difficult challenge in developing countries that includes enormous treatment cost. Burn scars tend to get worse with hypertrophy and contracture, leading to limitations of function. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to therapeutic ultrasound (US) on hypertrophic scar in pediatric burns. Methods. 45 children participated in the study, their age ranges from 12 to 15 years of age, suffering from hypertrophic scars. Each scar divided to 2 identical halves. One half received (LLLT) with deep friction massage and the other received therapeutic ultrasound with deep friction massage. Participants were assessed pre & post two months of study by Ultrasonography and Vancouver Scar Scale. Results. Significant improvement was reported in both halves of scar but laser was more effective in decreasing scar height, and lowering Vancouver scale score (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. LLLT and US are proficient and secure modalities for post-burn hypertrophic scars treatment in children.

A new glucoside, 3-methoxy-4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-methyl benzoate, has been isolated from Lycium schweinfurthii along with five known compounds through bioactivity guided fractionation of the total plant methanolic extract towards α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. All the isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase enzyme. As a result, four of them showed a potent inhibitory activity and thus constitute a therapeutic approach to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.

Due to the expansion of praziquantel (PZQ) schistosome resistant strains, the detection of novel antischistosomal agents is of high seniority. Therefore, in this study, the in vitro and in vivo effects of the defatted methanolic extract of Nerium oleander leaves as well as ethyl acetate and butanol fractions against Schistosoma mansoni were evaluated. In vitro effect of extracts of N.oleander leaves have been carried against S. mansoni adult worms. The results appeared that the extracts have activity against adult worms and the mortality was highest with ethyl acetate fraction. On other hand, the Vivo antischistosomal activities of N.oleander leaves extracts on infected mice with S. mansoni was carried out compared with praziquantel. The results showed a high reduction in immature and mature eggs. Also, the number of dead eggs increased by treating infected mice with the three extracts. Beside, the antioxidant activity of infected mice was improved by treating with N.oleander leaves extracts. The defatted methanolic extract of N.oleander leaf as well as two fractions ethyl acetate and butanol, were submitted to HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. The results produce to identification of mixture phenolic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides in each plant extract which exhibit a respectable effect against S. mansoni infections

This research aims to shed light on the effect of the geological nature of Siwa Oasis on the deterioration of the saline building materials in it. The application is made to the Temple of Oracle and the historic Shali Castle. Sampling was made on the saline limestone, Al-Kurshef and its mortar for the determination of their compo-nents, elements and current status. Methods used were Scanning Electron Microscope with EDAX (SEM-EDAX), X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), the results have shown that the halite salt is the main component of saline limestone and Al-Kurshef. The Oasis is characterized by the presence of salt lakes, as the climate is a very dry continental desert. The rain falls many times, and thus salt deposits are formed from halite salts, gypsum and other salts. The salts, mud and other deposits are forming a local saline building material that ancient people from Siwa used extensively in their unique-style buildings (called al-Kurshef), which is a mixture of mud and sediments. It is found that the salty nature and very low rainfall are most prominent in the preservation of the historical Shali castle. It has been shown that the geological nature of Siwa Oasis had the greatest impact on the damage of these ma-terials. The limestone in the village of Aghurmi, Siwa Oasis, the Temple of Oracle contains a large percentage of salts in addition to the clay minerals of Smectite, Illite and kaolin and the presence of marine fossils.

Introduction Many therapeutic modalities have been used for management of plantar warts; however, no optimal treatment with high efficacy and no or low recurrence has been explored to date. Intralesional immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of different types of warts.Here we compare the efficacy of Candida albicans-specific antigen versus measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for treatment of plantar warts by intralesional injection. Methods Sixty patients with refractory or recurrent plantar warts were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A was treated with C. albicans antigen and Group B with MMR vaccine. Both groups were injected intralesionally in a single wart every 3 weeks until complete clearance of the wart or for a maximum of five sessions. The patients were followed up for an additional 2 months. Results C. albicans antigen yielded a statistically significant higher cure rate (80,0%) than MMR vaccine (26.7%) in the treatment of plantar warts through a mean of 3.98 sessions versus 4.24 sessions, respectively (p = 0.002), and both modalities were well tolerated, with no remarkable side effects and no recurrence in cured patients during follow-up. Conclusions Intralesional C. albicans antigen injection is an easy and effective treatment tool for plantar warts, even resistant and recalcitrant ones, with no post-procedural downtime and only transient occasional side effects. MMR vaccine is thought to be less effective.

The Egyptian coast of Aqaba Gulf, north of the Red Sea suffers from severe destruction and deterioration in habitat and biodiversity due to anthropogenic activities and flooding. The present work aims to evaluate the impacts of different human activities and flooding on the biodiversity of macro-benthos invertebrates along the Egyptian coast of the Aqaba Gulf. From January 2019 to December 2019, many field trips (12 trips) were conducted to survey macro-benthos-invertebrate communities and monitor water quality at nine sites within three sectors along the study area. Each site was divided into four ecological zones and one of five categories, according to the main activities at each site. Furthermore, satellite data were used to monitor the progress of land use, and turbidity in the study area. Therefore, the current study assessing the relationship between these factors and water quality and macro-benthos-invertebrates distributions, similarity, diversity, dominance and abundance. The results revealed that fifty-three macro-benthos-invertebrates species belonging to four phyla (Crustacea, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Annelida) were recorded. Echinometra mathaei was the major eudominant species. The northern part of the Gulf was higher abundance and diversity with low land use and lowest water turbidity, while the south part showed the contrary findings. All statics analysis confirmed that the dissolved oxygen concentration was considered the only limiting factor for the abundance and diversity of macro-benthos invertebrates. Also, the variation in activities at investigated sites affected the dominance state of species in each site. Moreover, GPS data confirmed that the tourism activity had the largest influence on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, followed by fishing and desalination practices. Otherwise, flooding has significant influence on marine habitats and creates a habitat in which other certain species can be survived. In the absence of awareness, intervention and disregard for the effective coastal zone management concept, especially for the unique marine ecosystems such as the Gulf of Aqaba, the degradation of biodiversity will continue until extinction, and human life is rendered unsustainable.

Reported COVID-19 deaths in Germany are relatively low as compared to many European countries. Among the several explanations proposed, an early and large testing of the population was put forward. Most current debates on COVID-19 focus on the differences among countries, but little attention has been given to regional differences and diet. The low-death rate European countries (e.g. Austria, Baltic States, Czech Republic, Finland, Norway, Poland, Slovakia) have used different quarantine and/or confinement times and methods and none have performed as many early tests as Germany. Among other factors that may be significant are the dietary habits. It seems that some foods largely used in these countries may reduce angiotensin-converting enzyme activity or are anti-oxidants. Among the many possible areas of research, it might be important to understand diet and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) levels in populations with different COVID-19 death rates since dietary interventions may be of great benefit.

Background The plant kingdom is considered one of the most common sources for structural and biological diversity. In particular, the wild category acquires our attention to investigate the phytochemical and the biological evaluations. Methods Dobera glabra was exposed to phytochemical examination using HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, whereas both the central and peripheral analgesic activities were tested via hot plate test in rats and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, respectively. Results Twenty phenolic compounds of D. glabra aqueous leaves extract were emphasized by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Moreover, D. glabra exhibited both anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgesic activities. Furthermore, D. glabra significantly decreased the immune expression of MMP-9, TNF-α and TGF-β1 in the hind paw of rats. Conclusion D. glabra possess peripheral anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in rats mediated through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The activity of D. glabra leaves extract might be attributed to the presence of hydroxy and keto structures., Dobera glabra; Anti-Inflammatory; Analgesic; Flavonoids; Rat

A new homoisoflavan, identified as (3

Two new compounds, 11S-methoxy-11,12-dihydro phytuberin (2) and 9S-methoxy-benzocyclononan-7-one (6), together with twenty-six known ones were isolated from Lycium schweinfurthii (Solanaceae). Their planar structure was established by extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of compound 6 was determined by time dependent density functional theory calculations (TDDFT). The cytotoxic potential of the isolates was assessed in cultured skin cancer (G-361) and colon cancer (HCT-116 and CaCo-2) cell lines. Certain flavonoids showed the highest cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 7.1 to 63.3 µM; meanwhile 5-flurouracil showed IC50 values ranging from 62.4 to >100 µM. All compounds showed minimal toxicity towards normal cells from skin (NHDF-4) and colon (CCD-841), indicating their potential selectivity and safety as cytotoxic candidates.

A new homoisoflavan, identified as (3 R)-7-hydroxy-3′,4′-methylenedioxyhomoisoflavan, was isolated from Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. resin. The structure was elucidated by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy as well as high resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, a diverse group of flavonoids were isolated, representing homoisoflavans, flavans, flavanones, chalcones and dihydrochalcones. The compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and COX-II inhibition activity. The obtained IC50 values of the tested flavonoids gave an insight about some key structural features to their α-glucosidase and COX-II inhibitory activity. For α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, a flavanone skeleton was favorable over a flavan. For COX-II inhibition, the introduction of a fused heterocyclic ring at the homoisoflavan skeleton enhanced the activity.

The most dominant needs for the recent wireless mobile applications are higher bandwidth (BW) efficiency, higher energy efficiency higher quality of services (QOS). The main technique in 4G systems is OFDM but it suffers from some limitations such as large peak to average power ratio (PAPR), higher Out-of-Band (OOB) power radiation, and wasting bandwidth efficiency due to cyclic prefix (CP) extension. In his paper, these OFDM limitations will be reduced with low computational complexity compared to filter bank multicarriers (FBMC). The proposed scheme is based on symbol time compression (STC) for OFDM system. The proposed STC-Shaped system is achieved via interleaver-spreader and symbol shaper in the transmitter side in addition to equalization and combining processes in the receiver side. Comparative study between the proposed system and the conventional OFDM in case of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and COST 207 typical multipath fading channel will be presented. The numerical results show that the proposed STC-Shaped scheme reduces OOB significantly. The proposed scheme improves BER in multipath Rayleigh fading although it is without CP. Thus, the proposed system is more robust against inter symbol interference (ISI) compared to conventional OFDM system. Also, the numerical results show that the PAPR of the proposed system is decreased significantly and also, it is derived theoretically. Also, the proposed scheme overcomes CP extension, and hence increases the bandwidth (BW) efficiency. Finally, the computational complexity for the proposed scheme is derived and it has very low complexity compared to FBMC. The system performance measurments has been fulfilled using cumulative distribution function (CDF), power spectral density (PSD) and bit error rate (BER).

The water extract of Lepidium coronopus (L.); Al-Shehbaz (syn. Coronopus squamatus (Forrsk.) Asch); (LCWE) was subjected to phytochemical investigation using HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Thirteen flavonoid derivatives were detected. Nine kaempferol glycoside and acyl derivatives were identified, in addition to two quercetin and two isorhamnetin glycosides. Among the identified compounds, 8 and 12 (kaempferol-di-O-glucoside-sinapoyl acetate isomers) are newly identified natural products and were firstly identified in the current study using LC-MS technique. LCWE was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory potential in vivo. It showed significant inhibition of the carrageenan induced hind rat paw edema, showing potencies 78.5%, 78.5%, and 89.3% at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, the effects of LCWE on PGE2, TNF-ɑ, and MPO production in the inflamed paw exudate were measured. Central and peripheral analgesic activities were evaluated by hot plate and writhing techniques. LCWE protected mice against acetic acid-induced writhing by 28.2%, 37.0%, and 54.2% at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. LCWE peripheral analgesia was stronger than central effect. LCWE also inhibited RANKL stimulated TRAP activity in RAW264 cells completely at 50 and 20 µg/mL without any significant cytotoxicity to RAW264 macrophages. The metabolomic profile of LCWE explained its biological activities. Furthermore, the identified flavonoid constituents have strong chemosystematic significance confirming the change of nomenclature from the genus Coronopus to the genus Lepidium.

Thomas Alloum was an English artist, painter topographical engineer, and member of the Royal Institute of British architects. He designed several build structures in London such as the Christ Church in Highbury in 1850 and the library of William Brown, as well as a lot of structures in Liverpool (1857-1860). In addition he designed the tower of Saint Leo de Garis church, near Tottenham in 1860. Most of his structures followed the Gothic style, and he was known by his several topographical works which were used to illustrate travel books since 1820 when he traveled all over the United Kingdom and Europe. In 1834, he traveled to Istanbul and began to draw a lot of his paintings during his journeys through Anatolia, Syria, and Palestine. The outcomes of these journeys were published in 1838. In addition, he worked on church paintings in Minor Asia, which were published in two volumes by Robert Walsh. This paper examines the Turkish structures by Thomas Alloum during his stay in Turkey through several painting. In addition, it compares them to the remaining structures.

The in vivo antischistosomal activities of Carica papaya L. extracts were evaluated and the characterization of the active secondary metabolites of the defatted methanolic extract was performed using HPLC-ESI-MS. The plant fruit powders were extracted with 85% methanol and fractionated using organic solvents. The in vivo antischistosomal effects of the methanolic extracts and its fractions, as well as the assessment of the relationship between the antischistosomal activity of these plant extracts and oxidative stress, was determined. In addition, the defatted methanolic extract was characterized by HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. The number of worms, ova, and the Oogram pattern displayed typical Schistosoma mansoni pathology 8 weeks after infection in mice. Treatment of the infected group with the defatted methanolic extracts significantly decreased worm burden, immature ova and mature ova, while increasing the percentage of dead ova in vivo. The butanol fraction was the most effective fraction reducing worm burden by 77%, ova count in the intestine by 76% and in the liver by 80%, and significantly decreased immature and mature ova (P

A method has been developed for the quantitative elemental analysis of Mentha longifolia L. leaves collected from different cities in Saudi Arabia using total reflection X-ray fluorescence. Using a microwave digestion system, 100 mg of each sample was completely digested using 3 mL of nitric acid and 2 mL of hydrogen peroxide. The stabilization of the digested samples on the silicon reflectors was studied using a silicone solution and polyvinyl alcohol. 5 µL of either silicone solution or polyvinyl alcohol (1% m/v) was pipetted and dried on the silicon reflector prior to the deposition of the digested samples. It was recognized that there is some enhancement on the intensity of the peak area with the silicone solution at photon energies less than 11 keV. However, the obtained results confirm the ability of using silicone solution or polyvinyl alcohol (1% m/v) as the stabilizer prior to the deposition of the sample droplet on the quartz reflector. However, the silicone solution was more applicable....

Aim of Work: The aim of this study is to determine which type of intermittent exotropia that may be corrected by glasses and which type that is best corrected by surgery and to evaluate the condition of binocular functions both before and after wearing glasses and before and after surgery.Patients and Methods: Fifty patients (3 to 25 years) with intermittent exotropia were evaluated using a new scale to assess the level of control for both distance and near fixation. Near stereoacuity was evaluated with Tetmus Fly test. Diag-nosis of IXT was based on history taking from patients or their parents and clinical examination.Results: The 50 patients with intermittent exotropia had mean age of 9.56-}6.48 with range between (3-25) years. Twenty six patients (52%) were below 10 years and 24 patients (48%) were above 10 years, 34 patients (68%) were males and 16 patients (32%) were females. The mean spherical was –2.88±7.3 1 . The BCVA ranged from 0.40 to 1.0 log MAR (mean 0.69±0.16). Pretreatment distance deviation of exotropia ranged from15 to 80A (mean 3 8.40±16. 14). Twenty four patients (48%) underwent surgery, glasses were prescribed for 8 patients (16%) and over-correcting minus lenses were prescribed for 18 patients (36%).Conclusions: Over correcting minus lenses should be prescribed for IXT patients with the following criteria: high AC/A ratio, moderate to good control of exotropia, a tempo-rizing measure for young patients waiting for surgery and sometimes for patients with undercorrection after surgery. Glasses should be prescribed for IXT patients with the fol-lowing criteria; refractive error either astigmatism or myopia, moderate to good control of exotropia, and small angle of deviation. IXT patients with the following criteria should be corrected by surgery: Gradual loss of fusional control as evidenced by increasing frequency of the manifest phase of the strabismus, an increase in size of the basic deviation, development of suppression and decrease of stereoacuity.

Introduction : Kalanchoe laxiflora (Family Crassulaceae) contains different bioactive phytochemicals, which possess several biological activities. The present study aimed at assessing the antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, and antibiofilm activities of Kalanchoe laxiflora flower extracts, as well as identification of their phytochemicals. Methods : The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the tested extracts were established. The antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic and antibiofilm activities were also evaluated using different methods. The phytoconstituents of K. laxiflora flower extracts were profiled using LC-ESI(-ve)-MS analysis. Results : The phytochemical investigations showed that the n-BuOH fraction had the highest total phenolic content (397.25 ± 1.18 mg GAE / g ext.) and flavonoid content (99.71 ± 0.24 mg RE / g ext.). The n-BuOH fraction also possessed the most potent antioxidant activities (DPPH; SC50=18.72±1.81 µg/mL, RPA; 78.26±0.49 mg AAE /g ext.), and TAC; 446.37±0.23 mg AAE /g ext.) and cytotoxic potential in HepG2 cells with IC50= 9.15±0.33 μg/mL. Furthermore, it exhibited the strongest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC50= 54.72±0.96 µg/mL and 89.02±0.99 µg/mL, respectively). Whereas, the 85% methanolic extract exhibited the highest antibiofilm activity against Escherichia coli (MBIC100= 15.63 µg/ml). Additionally, the LC-ESI(-ve)-MS analysis of K. laxiflora extracts led to the characterization of a total of 35 compounds classified to flavonoid glycosides, gallotannins, alkaloids and fatty acids, which are considered to be the major components. Conclusions : K. laxiflora extracts reduce ROS, improve antidiabetic responses and inhibit bacterial growth. The identification of K. laxiflora specific phytoconstituents will provide a starting point to carry out further in vivo studies on these extracts.

Context: Hair is said to gray prematurely when a minimum of five gray hairs occurs before the age of 20 in fair skinned, 25 in Asians, and 30 in Africans. It may be genetically associated with autoimmune syndromes or certain environmental factors. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum level of iron, copper, and calcium and to assess their role in premature hair graying. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 60 patients with premature hair graying (PHG) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals served as a control group. The severity of PHG was assessed by the hair whitening scoring system. Serum iron, copper, and calcium concentrations were measured using Beckman Coulter instrument and spectrophotometric method. Results: There was a reduction in serum levels of iron, copper, and calcium in patients with PHG in comparison with controls. There was a statistically negative significant correlation between the severity of PHG and serum iron and calcium levels. There was a negative nonsignificant correlation between body mass index and serum iron, copper, and calcium levels. Conclusions: Serum iron, copper, and calcium levels were reduced in association with PHG and correlated with its severity. Premature graying may be an indicator that hair is not getting enough nutrients and minerals, and supplementation with these trace elements might reverse and is expected to prevent progression of canities; however, further studies are needed to find the underlying mechanism of this relationship.

Grasses (family Poaceae) are economically important plants; they are used as crops and animal foods. Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anderson is a member of this family and subjected to chemical and biological studies. The chromatographic techniques, LC–ESI–MS and GC/MS were used for identification of polar and non-polar compounds in its extract. Ten compounds, including one new flavone glycoside; tricin 7-O-galactoside, three known flavones, three C-glycosyl flavones and three phenolic acids, were isolated from S. plumosa for the first time except tricin. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic interpretation. In addition to the isolated compounds, eleven compounds were tentatively identified using LC–ESI–MS, five of them were detected for the first time from this species. 29 non polar compounds were identified using GC–MS analysis, representing 83.13% of S. plumosa diethyl ether extract. In addition to the DPPH activity evaluation, the crude extract and the isolated compounds were investigated against five human carcinoma cell lines; A549, HCT-116, HepG2, MCF-7 and PC3 at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. From the isolated compounds tricin and luteolin 6,8-di-C-glucoside could be considered as natural-free radical scavenging agents.

Keloids are benign fibro-proliferative growths occurring after skin injury or spontaneously. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is their first-line therapy, but commonly associated with side effects or recurrence. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood-derived product with promising results in improving wound healing with lower keloid occurrence.To compare the efficacy of combined intralesional TA and PRP versus TA alone in keloids treatment.Forty patients with keloids were divided randomly into two equal groups (A and B). Both groups received intralesional TA (20 mg/ml) for four sessions, 3 weeks apart. Group A patients received additional intralesional PRP 1 week after TA injections. Evaluation was done after 3 months of follow up by Vancouver scar scale (VSS) and verbal rating scale (VRS) for pain and itching.Both groups showed significant improvement in all parameters of VSS and VRS in comparison with baseline. Significantly better improvement in height, pigmentation, and pliability and overall VSS was detected in patients of group A. A significantly higher incidence of post-TA atrophy and hypopigmentation was observed in group B.Combining intralesional PRP with TA could yield cosmetically better outcomes in keloid treatment with lower incidence of TA-induced side effects especially atrophy and hypopigmentation.

A new C-linked chalcone-dihydrochalcone dimer, named dracidione, was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of dragon's blood resin of

A new glucoside, 3-methoxy-4

Climatic and geographic conditions play an important role in the variations of chemical composition of essential oils and consequently its biological activities. The chemical constituents of essential oil from leaves of S. molle L. (Family Anacardiaceae) growing in Taif, KSA were investigated using capillary GC-MS technique. Mono- and sesquiterpenes represented by fifty compounds were identified and quantified. The total sesquiterpenes had the higher quantity (594.50 mg/100 g FWL) whereas the total monoterpenes had a lower quantity (353.69 mg/100 g FWL). α-phellandrene (211.70 mg/100 g FWL, 22.33%) was the major compound in the monoterpenes whereas δ-cadinene (57.72 mg/100 g FWL) and guaiol (55.69 mg/100 g FWL) were the major compounds in the sesquiterpenes. The special climate and geographic location of Taif governorate play an important role in the variation of chemical composition of S. molle essential oil. The S. molle essential oil showed promising anticancer activity toward the HepG2 cell li...

Objective To investigate the phenolic profile of Rorippa palustris (R. palustris) compared to Egyptian Rorippa species to evaluate their chemosystematic significance as well as screen cytotoxicity of R. palustris extract. Methods The chemical components of defatted hydroalcoholic R. palustris extract were analyzed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry technique. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated by using MTT assay against four carcinoma cell lines. Results Sixteen compounds corresponding to flavonoids (kaempferol and quercetin derivatives), phenolic acids (gallic, coumaric and ferulic acids derivatives) and an anthocyanin (delphinine derivative) were identified or tentatively characterized, of which ten compounds were detected for the first time from R. palustris. Moreover, R. palustris extract showed a moderate activity against MCF7 and A549 cell lines at 100 mg/mL with cell viability of 47.3% and 65.4%, respectively. Conclusions The phenolic profile and the morphological characters of R. paluatris seem to be in relation with those of Rorippa indica, which can be considered as an indicative parameter for its medicinal importance.