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Sensory organs reflect the effects of stimuli and reveal the biological events in their outside and inside environments. The behaviour of spiders is controlled by the central nervous system like in other animals. Spiders contain several types of sensory organs that help them recognize their surroundings. These sensory organs may have mechanoreceptor or chemoreceptor functions. All parts of the spider's body contain different hairs, sensillae, setae and spines. The function of sensory structures is affected by their site in the spider's body. This study aimed at describing different types, distribution and functions of sensory organs of five ground spiders inhabiting Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Fifty samples of spider specimens were collected by hand picking and pitfall traps during years 2016 and 2017 from different habitats. The specimens were examined under a binocular stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. The study revealed the presence of sensory organs on different body parts of the studied spiders, including sensilla trichodea, sensilla placodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla styloconica, setae, trichobothria and slit sense organs (Lyriform organs). A significant difference in the position and type of sensory organs was detected between males and females of different spider species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus spp. are foodborne pathogens important in food contamination, especially in dried milk products. They are associated with foodborne outbreaks, spoilage of dairy products (sweet curdling and bitterness), and bovine mastitis. This study investigated the contamination rate of Bacillus spp. in a total of 105 samples of the dried milk products kishk, Cerelac and whole milk powder, marketed in Assiut city, Upper Egypt. The identification of the Bacillus spp. strains was completed using conventional biochemical methods and PCR protocols for the confirmation of isolates. Bacillus spp. were isolated from 57 out of 105 (54%) [95% CI: 44.6-64.0%] of the examined samples at levels of up to 7.7 log10 cfu/g. The prevalence of Bacillus spp. was significantly (P<0.05) higher in kishk (74%) than in the other food categories with a mean count of 4.04±0.49 log10 cfu/g. Regarding the species of Bacillus detected, 39.05% of the examined samples contained B. cereus, 8.57% contained B. subtilis, 2.86%: B. pumilus, another 2.86%: B. megatrium and 0.95%: B. licheniformis. B. cereus was isolated from 18 (51.43%) of the kishk samples, 9 (25.71%) of the Cerelac samples and 14 (40%) of the whole milk powder samples. Out of the 41 B. cereus strains previously identified by biochemical tests, 19 (46.34%) isolates were also confirmed using PCR (61.11%, 42.86% and 22.22% for kishk, whole milk powder and Cerelac, respectively). In conclusion, incorporating preventive measures to reduce bacterial contamination in the Egyptian dairy environment are warranted in order to avoid the contamination of milk products with these life-threatening pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Economics & Social Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of Egypt's most notable and historically significant vegetable crops is the Liliaceae plant, Allium cepa L. In this study, the effectiveness of methanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves, Calotropis procera latex, Moringa oleifera seeds, and Syzygium aromaticum clove was investigated in vitro and, in a greenhouse, setting against Fusarium oxysporum, the pathogen that causes onion basal rot in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The S. aromaticum extract exhibited the inhibition peak (63.3%), whereas the A. absinthium extract had the lowest inhibition impact against F. oxysporum growth (41.1%). The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis revealed that 82 important compounds, with abundances ranging from low to high, were present in the tested S. aromaticum's methanolic extract. The primary components were acetaldehyde, hydroxy- and 2-propanone, 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-(42.71%), 1,2-ethanediol, and methyl alcohol (34.01%). In comparison to the infected control, the disease severity was significantly reduced by 20% with the use of a plant extracts mixture and Dovex 50% and increased by 62.22% with the use of an extract from A. absinthium. When compared to the infected control, onion plant fresh weight and dry weight were considerably higher under the clove extract therapy. The plant extracts used in this study's testing contain a number of active ingredients, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes, which is probably why they have such positive impacts. The application of a combination of plant extracts was suggested as a feasible strategy for improving the growth and productivity of onion plants by the study's findings. More research is needed to comprehend the mechanisms by which plant extracts promote plant development and to optimize the concentration and timing of administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blood parasites pose a significant threat to livestock production in southern Egypt, yet there is a scarcity of information regarding their circulation and epidemiology in sheep in this region. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of blood parasite infections in sheep in Assiut governorate, Upper Egypt. Methods: A total of 400 blood samples were collected from sheep of varying ages and genders. The preliminary screening for the presence of piroplasms, mainly Babesia and Theileria spp., via microscopic examination, followed by investigation of the potential risk factors linked with the exposure to infection. Moreover, molecular identification of both parasites on some of positive samples was performed using PCR targeting Babesia 18S rRNA and Theileria annulata Tams1 gene. Results: The microscopic examination revealed that among the examined sheep, there was an overall prevalence of blood parasites at 44% (176 out of 400), with Babesia spp. observed in 14% (56 out of 400) and Theileria spp. in 30% (120 out of 400). Furthermore, the infection rate was non-significantly higher in young animals (50%) compared to adults (38.5%) (P = 0.246). Male sheep exhibited a significantly higher vulnerability to both parasites’ infection (63.3%) compared to females (35.7%) (P = 0.011). Interestingly, the prevalence of both blood parasites was significantly higher during the cold season (66.1%) compared to the hot season (15.9%) (P = <0.001). The molecular analysis identified the presence of Babesia ovis and Theileria annulata among a subsample of the positive sheep’s bloods films. The identified species were recorded in the GenBankTM databases and assigned specific accession numbers (OQ360720 and OQ360719 for B. ovis), and (OP991838 for T. annulata). Conclusions: Taken together, this study confirms a high prevalence of piroplasmosis and oers epidemiological and molecular insights into blood parasites in sheep from Upper Egypt, highlighting the importance of detecting these parasites in various hosts and their competent vectors (ticks) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum family planning (PPFP) is important in helping couples to achieve their reproductive intentions. National surveys have consistently reported higher fertility, lower use of family planning (FP), and higher unmet needs for FP in Upper Egypt. This study aims to identify the factors associated with the use of PPFP in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt, and to assess the current status of integration of PPFP counseling in the existing maternal and child health services (MCH). Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional study design, collecting data from 455 postpartum women aged 15 to 49 years in 4 primary health care (PHC) centers in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. The women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 4 sections: the first section included the participants' demographic characteristics; the second section included women's obstetric history; the third section included questions about PPFP knowledge, attitude, past and current use of contraception; and the fourth section assessed the current status of integrating PPFP counseling within antenatal, natal, and postnatal services. Results: In total, 54.5% of postpartum women were using a modern contraceptive method. The significant predictors of using PPFP methods were as follows: receiving information about PPFP from health care providers (AOR = 11.46, p < 0.001), better attitude towards PPFP (AOR = 10.54, p < 0.001), using modern FP methods (AOR = 6.98, p < 0.001), resumption of menstruation (AOR = 4.11, p < 0.001), older age (AOR = 2.15, p < 0.05), and better PPFP knowledge (AOR = 1.72, p < 0.001). Only 5.3%, 1.3%, and 3.5% received PPFP counseling during antenatal care (ANC), delivery, and the postpartum period, respectively. Conclusions: Postpartum contraception use was associated with receiving PPFP counseling by health care providers and women's knowledge and attitude regarding PPFP. However, FP counseling was not integrated with other MCH services. Updating the components of MCH services to include PPFP counseling during ANC, at delivery, and during the postpartum period should be prioritized by program planners and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this paper were to investigate the existence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in different types of cheese (Mozzarella, Thalaga, and Romy cheeses, 40 samples each) sold in Assiut dairy shops and to evalute antibacterial properties of chitosan and its nanoparticles against isolated strains. L. monocytogenes was isolated in higher percentage from Mozzarella cheese (25%) followed by Thalaga and Romy cheese samples. L. monocytogenes isolates were validated by PCR utilising the 16S rRNA gene. Zeta-sizer and TEM were used to characterise nano-chitosan. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of chitosan and nano-chitosan on L. monocytogenes were detected by MIC test. Nano-chitosan (3.125%) could prevent organism growth in cheese as early as the third week. The findings revealed that 3.125% nano-chitosan had a sufficient effect on L. monocytogenes while also providing good consumer satisfaction; therefore, nano-chitosan should be utilised as a natural food additive in Egyptian dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development constitutes a human right that must be enjoyed by all people, whether individually or collectively. Every human being has the right to participate and contribute to achieving and enjoying economic, social, cultural and political development in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully implemented. The main task is for the renaissance in the Arab world, it is to raise the efficiency of the human framework as the manager and leader of the development process and the main actor in it. Therefore, it was necessary to pay attention to the quality of health services provided to people, determine the level of quality of health services, determine the role of planning maps in improving the quality of health services, and identify obstacles. Which prevents social planners from benefiting from planning maps and improving the quality of health services, and coming up with proposals that help activate social planners' benefit from planning maps in improving the quality of health services. This study belongs to the type of evaluation studies, and the study used the social survey approach with a sample of people visiting Al-Ghanaim Hospital. Central Bank of Assiut Governorate, numbering (350) individuals, as well as a sample social survey of experts in the field of social planning, numbering (15) individuals, and using the comprehensive social survey approach for officials, numbering (22) individuals. In collecting data from the field, the researcher relied on a questionnaire for beneficiaries, and a measurement form. For officials and experts in the field of planning and health in Assiut Governorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of caffeine residues in the Nile River according to drainage of treated wastewater at Assiut, Egypt, and the effects of physicochemical parameters and zinc on its concentration. Four different sites were selected to perform the study: S, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) canal (source site); J, a junction site between WWTP canal and the Nile; R, a reference site in the Nile before J site; and A, a site located after J site in the Nile. Water and sediment samples were collected in Summer 2022 and Winter 2023. Caffeine and Zn concentrations and physicochemical parameters were measured in the collected samples. The caffeine concentrations in water samples ranged from 5.73 to 53.85 μg L−1 at S in winter and summer, respectively, while those in sediment ranged from 0.14 mg kg−1 at R in winter to 1.54 mg kg−1 at S in summer. Caffeine and Zn concentrations were higher in summer samples. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of the collected samples recorded the lowest values in winter season at S and J sites. The study found that caffeine and zinc concentrations are positively correlated with water temperature and conductivity, while negatively correlated with pH. The association between caffeine and Zn highlights the environmental impact of heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues, and stresses the need for future research on these interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & aims: Eosinophilic ascites is non-common and challenging disease. This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation and treatment of eosinophilic ascites. Methods: This was a prospective single-center study that included cases with eosinophilic ascites who were admitted to Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, during the period between May 2020 to May 2023. The clinical presentation, investigations, treatment, and follow-up data of the included patients were collected and analyzed. Results: Seventeen cases of eosinophilic ascites were included in the study. The main presenting manifestations were abdominal pain (47.1%), and abdominal pain with distension (29.4%). Two patients presented with a picture of intestinal obstruction. Moderate ascites was found in 10 patients (58.8%) by ultrasound. Eosinophilia in the peripheral hemogram was detected in 76.5% of the study population. Endoscopic examination showed gastro-duodenitis in 9 patients (52.9%) and duodenitis in 4 patients (23.5%). All patients showed complete improvement and disappearance of ascites after starting steroids within two weeks. Eleven patients (64.7%) relapsed after discontinuation of steroids. Conclusion: Eosinophilic ascites is an uncommon cause of ascites that is often underdiagnosed. The relapse rate after stopping treatment is high but with excellent response to retreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranates are grown in upper Egypt, especially in Assiut Governorate, for fresh consumption and juice. Due to increased awareness of pomegranate's health advantages, there is an exponential increase in demand for pomegranate fruit and its by-products. In order to determine the impact of four levels of potassium citrate (100, 200, 300, and 400 ppm) on yield and fruit quality, this study was conducted during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons on 45 years-old Manfalouty and Hajazy pomegranate trees in the Pomology Orchard at the Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University. A factorial experiment with three replicates was conducted randomized complete blocked design (RCBD). The results showed that potassium citrate treatment led to significant differences at four concentrations used and the concentration of 200 ppm was the best in increasing leaf area, fruit weight, arils and rind weight, juice volume, total soluble solids (TSS), TSS / total acidity, reducing sugars, while there was a significant decrease in total acidity percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response of 20 genotypes of sorghum to both full irrigation (100% ET) and deficit irrigation (60% ET) which were evaluated to identify water stress effects on yield and its attributes. The field experiments were conducted in Assiut Research Station, Assiut Governorate, Egypt, during 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. Two experiments were practiced separately under normal irrigation and water stress conditions. The combined analysis of variance for 20 genotypes across two years under two locations (normal (100% ET) and stress (60% ET) revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all studied traits. Moreover, the genotypes × irrigation interaction variance was also highly significant or significant for all the studied traits except for panicle length. The highest means value for 1000-kernel weight across two years under two treatments (27.33 g) was given by EXO-27 genotype and for grain yield (24.20 ard. /fed.) by EXO-27. Ten and twelve of genotypes in 2021 and 2022 respectively, gave drought susceptibility indexes less than one, indicating less susceptibility. Under stress a positive and highly significant correlation was found between number of green leaves plant-1 and each of panicle width and panicle length (0.612, 0.427, respectively). On the other hand, there are negative and significant correlations (-0.375) between 50% flowering and grain yield under normal irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to: 1) list the organizations or agents working within the decent life initiative in Assiut governorate, and 2) assess the linkages between such organizations using Graph-Theoretic Technique. Data were collected (from villages of Mesara and Sao belonging to Dayrout district, Assiut Governorate) using key informants’ meetings with three key persons from each village to determine the list of organizations working within the Decent Life Initiative. Then 16 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to collect data from the nominated organization during the period from November to December 2023. Graph-Theoretic Technique and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis and presentation. Results show the existence of 173 linkages out of the supposed 240 linkages and the absence of 67 linkages. The density of linkages among the studied organizations reaches 0.72. It was also found that the components Orphan Sponsorship Association (P), AbnaMasara Association (B), Legitimacy Assembly (G), ALRahma Association (U), and Al- Taqwa Association (T) are the dominant components, their effect on other components is much greater than others' influence on it. It could be concluded that it has considerable control over the system. On the contrary, the components of Decent life Initiative (D), The rural local unit (L), Community development association (C), Schools (S), and Heath Unit (H) are subordinate; they found to be the sink of influence since they are influenced by others more than they influences them. This finding is not surprising, because these components as service receivers are the final target of all components within the system. Interestingly, Orman Association (O) and Misr El- Kheir Foundation (M) are highly interactive with the rest of the components and is followed by Resala charity Organization (R). The work nature for the components as large-scale NGOs requires this high interaction with all system’s components to be conducting in the field activities as well as providing their charity services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adult diabetic patients during 3 years. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out on the adult diabetic population who attended a large private referral ophthalmology center in Assiut City, Upper Egypt for 3 years. All cases were subjected to full history taking, ophthalmological examination, and dilated fundus examination for evidence of DR, and besides, the associated systemic complications were assessed. Results The study included a total of 2178 cases and the prevalence of DR was 18.2%. DR was more prevalent in females than males (67.9% vs. 32.1%). Also, DR was significantly associated with insulin use, moderate and poor control of diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, and nephropathy (P<0.01 for all). The risk factors for DR were; older age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.69; 95% CI =0.91–1.97; P≤0.01), female sex (AOR 1.65; 95% CI =1.21–1.86; P =0.02), smoking (AOR 1.73; 95% CI =1.41–2.11; P =0.02), longer duration of DM (> 15 years) (AOR 2.87; 95% CI =2.48–3.29; P ≤0.01), insulin use (AOR 1.42; 95% CI =0.94–1.65; P=0.03), poor control of DM (AOR 3.98; 95% CI =3.69–5.41; P≤0.01), presence of HTN (AOR 2.62; 95% CI =2.37–2.89; P≤0.01) and dyslipidemia (AOR 1.65; 95% CI =1.42–2.02; P=0.03). Conclusion The prevalence of DR in adult diabetic patients was 18.2% and the significant risk factors for DR (arranged descendingly in power) were; poor control of DM, longer duration of DM (> 15 years), presence of HTN, smoking, high age, dyslipidemia, female sex, and insulin use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study intended to ascertain whether probiotics added to various food products exhibited antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against common microbial pathogens. Materials and methods: Two hundred samples were collected (130 from Assiut and 70 from New Valley) from different sources including yogurt (90), rayeb (80), and milk powder (30). Lactobacilli strains were isolated and biochemically identified. Then genotypic characterization of the samples was done. The lactobacilli CFS's (CFS) antimicrobial activity was measured by agar well diffusion. The ability of these pathogens to form biofilms was tested. Furthermore, the microplate titer method was employed to analyze the antibiofilm characteristics of CFS. Result: Lactobacillus strains were isolated from different milk products and genotypically investigated and nineteen L. acidophilus have been isolated. Most concentration CFS show antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms with an inhibition zone of diameter greater than 25 mm. Moreover, The CFS of lactobacilli inhibited the biofilm formation by these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nigella sativa L. (NS) is a broadly used herb-drug for various diseases and has been used as preservative and food additive. Syner-Tox (ST) also has an effect as a binder to myctoxins. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of mycotxin binder (SynerTox) and NS to ameliorate the effect of aflatoxin on broiler chicks. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty, apparently healthy one day old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were obtained from Assiut for Investment and Development Company Assiut, Egypt. The chicks were evenly distributed into five groups (30 chicks for each). G1 administered ration free from aflatoxins without any treatment, G2 administered ration contaminated by aflatoxins (AF is 300 ppb), G3 administered ration contaminated aflatoxins (300 ppb) plus commercial ST in drinking water, G4 administered ration contains aflatoxins (300 ppb) plus NS (10 gm/kg feed) and G5 administered ration contaminated by aflatoxins (300 ppb) plus ST and NS. Results: (a) For performance, weight of the whole body, liver, heart and bursa showed a decrease in G2 (which fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet) in comparison with G1 (which fed diet free from aflatoxin) but the weight of these previously mentioned organs and whole body in G3, G4 and G5 return normal nearly as in G1. (b) For serum biochemical parameters, ALT, AST, urea, uric acid and creatinine showed some fluctuation either increase or decrease when compared with G1 and G2 or with each other’s. Conclusion: In order to reduce any possible aflatoxin toxicity from contaminated diets, NS and ST can be added as a feed additive to chicken diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Bagrus bayad, Lates niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Mormyrus kannume) "25 of each" were collected from Assiut fish markets between January and December 2021 to determine the proximate composition (moisture, dry matter, fat, and ash), as well as some minerals: macro (calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K); and micro minerals (iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Results of proximate composition revealed moisture mean values were (79.40, 81.22, 80, 76.20, and 78.75%, respectively) in samples of Oreochromis niloticus, Bagrus bayad, Lates niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Mormyrus kannume, dry matter mean values were (20.60, 18.81, 19.29, 23.80, and 21.25%, respectively); fat mean values were (1.54, 1.48, 1.29, 2.28, and 3.28%, respectively), and ash mean values were (1.02, 0.91, 0.97, 1.32, and 0.93%, respectively). A noteworthy distinction (P<0.05) was discovered between the mean value (g/100g) of proximate items for some studied fish species. Results of minerals content declared that calcium mean values were (494.34, 156.34, 159.99, 249.85, and 187.11, respectively) in the investigated samples of Oreochromis niloticus, Bagrus bayad, Lates niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Mormyrus kannume; phosphorus mean values (mg/100g) were (151.41, 159.20, 133.98, 232.13, and 265.30, respectively); magnesium mean values were (22.04, 15.12, 19.37, 19.29, and 13.81, respectively); sodium mean values were 1462.47, 1465.27, 1395.11, 1993.46, and 1673.54, respectively); and potassium mean values were 217.21, 394.28, 151.88, 347.72, and 239.79, respectively), iron mean values were (2.70, 3.48, 4.58, 6.88, and 2.63, respectively), and zinc mean values were 4.57, 2.48, 3.67, 3.41, and 3.79%, respectively). A significant difference between some studied fish species was found regarding their macro and microelement content. In conclusion, fishes under investigation are an excellent source of vital minerals, and it was observed that Claris gariepinus displayed superior mineral content and proximal quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper presents the epidemiological data and clinical manifestations of blood parasitic infections in cattle. A total of 130 blood samples were collected from animals exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of blood parasitic infection. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed an overall infection rate of 46.2% among the examined cattle. Theileria sp. infections were found to be the most prevalent, with an overall prevalence of 40%. Babesia sp. infections had a lower overall prevalence of 6.2%, Microscopic examination also highlighted the intracellular localization of Theileria and Babesia parasites within red blood cells. The infected red blood cells exhibited morphological changes, appearing enlarged and distorted compared to unaffected cells. The study analyzed the risk factors for Theileria sp. and Babesia sp. infections in cattle, specifically focusing on age and gender. The prevalence of Theileria sp. infection was highest in cattle less than one year, with no significant difference observed among different age groups or genders. Similarly, there was no significant difference in Babesia sp. infection rates based on age or gender. These results provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of blood parasitic infections in cattle. The findings can contribute to the development of effective control and prevention strategies, highlighting the importance of regular surveillance and management practices in mitigating the impact of these infections on cattle health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nile tilapia aquaculture is a fast-growing industrial sector in Egypt. However, the progress of this industry is hindered by many challenges as poor water quality and associated bacterial infections. Aeromonas hydrophila is an important zoonotic waterborne aquatic pathogen responsible for severe outbreaks in tilapia culture so the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Aeromonas hydrophila in tilapia fish and their aquaculture water, the fish and water samples were collected from three farms located in Assiut and Minia Governorates, Egypt. Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from tilapia five organs including liver, kidney, intestine, spleen and gills with a percentage of 7.1, 6.5, 9.1, 5.1, and 11.7%, receptively, and from water samples with 59.7%. The isolates were molecularly confirmed as Aeromonas hydrophila in 70.9 % and 82.4 % of the tested isolates using 16s RNA and gyr-ß genes, respectively. Aeromonas hydrophila isolates revealed a marked resistance for the tested antibiotics; amoxicillin and novobiocin (100%), streptomycin (71.4%), chloramphenicol (57%), doxycycline and trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole (50%), colistin (43%), ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin (14%). The isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance indexes ranging from 0.3 to 1. The present study highlights the Aeromonas hydrophila resistance and virulence, tilapia aquaculture health hazard to the human population, so adequate control measures should be applied. Furthermore, there is an essential need to promote an alternative non-antibiotic control in farmed fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Saidi sheep are the most abundant ruminant livestock species in Upper Egypt, especially in the Assiut governorate. Sheep are one of the most abundant animals raised for food in Egypt. They can convert low-quality roughages into meat and milk in addition to producing fiber and hides therefore; great opportunity exists to enhance their reproduction. Saidi breed is poorly known in terms of reproduction. So this work was done to give more information on some hormonal, oxidative, and blood metabolites parameters in addition to histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle. The present study was conducted on 25 healthy Saidi ewes for serum analysis and 10 healthy ewes for histological assessment aged 2 to 5 years and weighted (38.5 ± 2.03 kg). Results: The follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep was characterized by the presence of ovarian follicles in different stages of development and atresia in addition to regressed corpus luteum. Interestingly, apoptosis and tissue oxidative markers play a crucial role in follicular and corpus luteum regression. The most prominent features of the follicular phase were the presence of mature antral (Graafian) and preovulatory follicles as well as increased level of some blood metabolites and oxidative markers. Here we give a new schematic sequence of ovarian follicles in Saidi sheep and describing the features of different types. We also clarified that these histological pictures of the ovary was influenced by hormonal, oxidative and blood metabolites factors that characterizes the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep. Conclusion: This work helps to understanding the reproduction in Saidi sheep which assist in improving the reproductive outcome of this breed of sheep. These findings are increasingly important for implementation of a genetic improvement program and utilizing the advanced reproductive techniques as estrous synchronization, artificial insemination and embryo transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a wastewater treatment plant in the Arab El-Madabegh region, which discharges excessive amounts of raw effluent toward the nearby farming fields, is the area's main issue. Examining the harmful implications of raw effluent releases on groundwater quality, determining if treated wastewater effluent complies with regulations for discharge into the aquatic environment, and assessing irrigation appropriateness by the effluent are the main goals of this work. In order to accomplish these targets, twelve treated effluent samples from the Arab El-Madabegh wastewater treatment plant were gathered every two weeks starting in January 2012 and finishing in June 2012. They were tested to determine pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Temperature (Temp), Conductivity (EC), Turbidity (Turb.), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), NO3-, SO42-, Cl-, Ca2+, PO43-, HCO3-, Na+, Mg2+, and heavy metals such as (Fe, Mn, K+, Cr, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Cd). The outcomes revealed that all Egyptian and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) standards for unrestricted irrigation were met by the treated effluents, except for COD, which exceeded than the Egyptian allowed limit. The evaluation indices of the effluent's EC, SAR, PI, MR, and MH were in the low-risk category according to indicators of water quality for irrigation, nevertheless, The SSP and RSC both showed slightly higher values (67.9% and 2.76, respectively). As well, The average values of heavy metals in treated wastewater effluent were found to be below permitted limits, with the exception of lead and phosphate, which exceeded permissible limits in Egypt. The environmental sustainability (ecological friendliness) of reusing and recycling tertiary treated wastewater can be achieved in agriculture to reduce the adverse impacts on the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The architectural design process is complex, involving diverse objectives that may be contradictory, and on which orientation exerts significant influence. The artificial intelligence application, Generative Design facilitates solving multi-objective design dilemmas through the creation and evaluation of numerous design alternatives. However, its exploration in educational buildings in hot arid climates remains limited. Given the impact of spaces' function distribution, this study aims to optimize it in the typical plans of educational buildings. Employing a multi-objective design approach to enhance environmental performance. The study is conducted and evaluated in national universities in Egypt as a case study, specifically in Assiut City. The results revealed that the optimum design for a certain objective has not equated to optimal performance for other goals, highlighting an inherent contradiction between them. Among 26,334 possible alternatives for spaces' function distribution, the difference between the optimal scenario and the least favourable one is significant for the parameters related to study spaces: natural daylighting, and visual comfort, ranging from 10% to 24%, besides around 1% difference for parameters related to the whole building, including energy consumption, thermal comfort, and carbon emission. This research offers a framework applicable to various building types. Additionally, it encourages decision-makers to adopt a no-cost sustainable design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) mortality rates are increasing globally. Protection is especially important for those who are at risk for serious and fatal disease. Furthermore, factors increasing these risks are of interest in the search of potential treatments. The study's goal is to improve our understanding of how risk factors affect COVID-19 fatality rates. Methods: Data was collected for all 100 COVID-19 adult patients who admitted to Chest Hospital, Assiut University Hospitals and other quarantine hospitals in Assiut, Egypt with confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR from January 2022 to August2022. The patient cohort was classified into severe group (n=32) cases developed as severe symptoms and needed critical care support (ICU). A total of 68 patients did not require intensive care (ICU) and were thus classified as non-severe. Follow-up was completed on October, 2022, at which time all patients either were discharged from the hospital as "cured" or had a fatal outcome of the disease. Results: 56.0% of patients were =60 years, 65 patients (65%) were of the male gender. The most prevalent symptoms among patients were dyspnea (98%), cough (93%) followed by fever (74%). The most prevalent comorbidities hypertension (37%), diabetes mellitus (34%), and followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19%).32.0% of patients with COVID-19 infection admitted ICU, and 18.0% of patients were died. Conclusion: In this study, the most common risk factors associated with COVID-19 among the studied population were age =60 years, male gender (65%) and comorbidities (hypertension (37.0%), diabetes mellitus (34.0%) and COPD (19.0%)). Also, age and comorbidities were significantly higher in died patients when compared with cured patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the 6-month visual outcomes and complications following cataract surgery in patients with persumed trematode induced granulomatous anterior uveitis. Setting: Assiut university hospital, Assiut, Egypt. Design: This is a retrospective non comparative case series study. Methods: Patients presenting with significant cataract secondary to uveitis caused by trematode induced anterior chamber granuloma were included in this study. Cases with active anterior uveitis, within the last 3 months preceding surgery, and those with a history of trauma, were excluded from this study. Data collected included demographic characteristics, history of the condition including when uveitis started, treatment received and history of other health conditions that may be relevant to uveitis.Complete opthalmologic examination including assessment of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT macula, if possible, were done. These was repeated 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Specular microscopy was performed preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Patients underwent cataract surgery with posterior chamber intra ocular lens and statistical analysis was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative BCVA and corneal endothelial cell counts. Postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Five eyes of 5 patients were included in the study. All study eyes showed improvement in the post-operative visual acuity. A statistically significant improvement was observed in VA in the sixth postoperative month compared to the baseline measurements (p = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell counts (p = 0.696). Cystoid macular edema did not occur as a postoperative complication. Conclusion: Visual outcomes of cataract surgery in eyes with persumed trematode induced granulametous anterior uveitis are favorable. No sight threatening complication was observed in our series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over-prescription of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a global health threat. Egypt has alarmingly high rates of antibiotic over-prescription for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in children. To effectively address this issue, it is important to understand the various factors that influence prescription behaviors. The Teixeira antibiotic prescription behavioral model (TAPBM) offers a comprehensive framework through which these factors can be explored. This qualitative study sought to investigate the perspectives of key stakeholders involved in pediatric healthcare in Egypt, with the primary goal of identifying the underlying determinants that contributed to this problem. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Assiut City, Egypt, between January and March 2023. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, including consultant pediatricians, supervisors of pediatric training programs, and specialists in infection prevention and control. Thirteen semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA 2020 software. Results: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: intrinsic factors related to physicians, extrinsic factors related to patients, and nonphysician factors. Intrinsic factors encompass personal characteristics and attitudes. Prescribing decisions were influenced by factors such as fear of complications, limited follow-up visits, and competition. Knowledge and education also played a significant role. Moreover, diagnostic uncertainty in distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections posed a challenge. Extrinsic factors included patient and caregiver factors, such as parental expectations and demands for antibiotics, driven by the belief that they produced rapid results. Moreover, patients' demographic factors, including socioeconomic status and living conditions, affected their prescribing behavior. Health system-related factors, such as the type of healthcare institution and the absence of formal national guidelines, were identified as influential factors. Additionally, this study highlighted the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic prescriptions was addressed. Conclusions: The study highlights the intricate interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors that shape antibiotic prescription decisions, underscoring the significance of addressing these factors in mitigating overprescribing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out at Assiut government on a farm naturally infested with Orobanche crenata during 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons. The objectives of this recent study were to investigate the effect of intercropping some trap crops i.e; (Fenugreek, Lupine and Egyptian clover), spraying glyphosate and hand pulling on the control of controlling broomrape yield faba bean and its components. The results obtained revealed that intercropping treatments, spraying with glyphosate and hand pulling would help in reducing the infestation of Orobanche in faba bean. Consequently, the number of branches, number of pods and pod weight/plant of faba bean were significantly increased with intercropping with each of fenugreek, lupin and Egyptian clover. Seed yield /plot of faba bean cultivars increased with all broomrape control treatments. Misr1 cultivar was associated with a decreased the number and dry weight of broomrape spikes/m² as 13.9 and 32.0% and by 24.5 and 37 % in first and the second season compared with Giza 716 cultivar, respectively. The interaction between intercropping systems, glyphosate, hand pulling treatments and cultivars gave the highest reduction in the number and dry weight of broomrape in both seasons and increased the faba bean seed yield. Consequently, the economic return also increased. Both stepwise and simple regression analyses exerted that that the seed yield/plant was effective for seed yield/plot with contribution of R² = 0.231. Other traits were ranking after seed yield/plant..The remarkable obtained negative and highly significant correlation recorded between seed yield/plot and each of number of broomrape/m²(-0.828** and -0.737**). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bovine cysticercosis is considered one of the major parasitic zoonoses that carry an important food safety concern. The disease can lead to a range of symptoms and health problems based on the location and number of cysts. Moreover, bovine cysticercosis can cause considerable economic losses in livestock production. Clearly, there is an urgent need for a practical and sensitive method for the detection of infected carcasses. Little information is known about the prevalence of cardiac cysticercosis in bovines from Upper Egypt and the potential use of histopathological and immunohistochemical methods in the localization of the pathogen. The present study used a set of morphological, morphometric, histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the distribution of the cardiac cysticercosis in cattle from Upper Egypt. Furthermore, the measurement of various biochemical markers was performed to identify their possible association with the infection. Bovine cysticercosis is categorized as a serious parasitic zoonotic infestation. The infection is mainly caused by the tapeworm Taenia saginata, which infects cattle and humans. The larval stage, Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis), is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of infected cattle. Despite its potential public health concern, few studies have been conducted on cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt. This study investigates the prevalence, epidemiology, and impact of cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt, emphasizing how histopathological changes in cardiac muscle and physiological parameters might be associated with the infection. From December 2022 to October 2023, a total of 941 animals from Assiut province, Upper Egypt, were slaughtered and their cardiac muscles were examined for the presence of C. bovis. Cysts were classified as viable or degenerated through macroscopic inspection. The overall prevalence of C. bovis infected hearts made up 10.8% of the total examined. The highest prevalence rate was in the summer season followed by spring; winter had the lowest infections. The histopathological examination of infected tissues revealed immune cell infiltration around Cysticercus-infected areas. Additionally, Bax immunostaining demonstrated the apoptotic effect of cysticercosis. Regarding the measured physiological parameters, there were non-significant changes in plasma levels of total protein and albumin in cattle infected with cysticercosis compared with control animals. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) combined with a significant increase in lipid peroxide (Malondialdehyde) (MDA), troponin T, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in infected animals. The present work documented a set of epidemiological and pathological findings, revealing that C. bovis is a potentially harmful parasite and can cause significant health problems in both cattle and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It appears to be relatively simple to control postoperative hypothyroidism after total thyroidectomy (TT) with L-T4 replacement therapy, but from the patient's perspective, a daily reliance on L-T4 administration and regular follow-up visits to the hospital may become somewhat of a burden and may interfere with reaching euthyroid status utilizing replacement therapy because of patient noncompliance. Aim and objectives To evaluate implantation of thyroid tissue in the thigh muscle after TT for benign simple nodular goiter to avoid lifelong use of thyroid hormones as replacement therapy and preservation of autoregulatory mechanism of thyroid hormone production. Patients and methods From April 2021 to September 2022, with approval from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, 40 individuals with simple nodular goiter who required TT participated in a prospective case series study. Results There was significant relation between 12 months follow up thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and preoperative TSH levels. There was significant relation between 12 months follow up free T4 levels and preoperative TSH levels. Conclusion When performed on individuals who have benign thyroid disorders, TT is followed by autotransplantation of the patient's own thyroid tissue. This technique is safe, straightforward, and applicable, and it results in a postoperative euthyroid state in the vast majority of carefully selected individuals without the need for additional replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to compare between frozen and chilled beef burgers. A total of 60 random samples of frozen and chilled beef burgers (30 of each) were collected during the period from May to August 2022 from different supermarkets for frozen beef burgers and refrigerators of markets for chilled beef burgers from Assiut City, Egypt. The samples were investigated for their sensory assessment, microbiological evaluation, physicochemical and keeping quality. To determine whether the results were acceptable, they were compared to Egyptian standards. The results showed that the frozen samples had lower scores of sensory evaluations, but higher in other tests than the chilled samples. Regarding chemical composition, no significant differences between mean values of moisture, fat and ash% of both frozen and chilled samples. The mean values of protein% of chilled samples were higher (15.72±0.66) than frozen samples (12.96±0.52), while the mean values of carbohydrate% were lower. Higher pH and phosphate values (6.39 ±0.028 and 0.373±39.28) in frozen samples in comparison with chilled samples (5.89±0.03 and 0.192±20.64). The obtained mean values of TBA (mg/kg) were 0.46±0.07 and 0.53±0.08 mg/kg, while TVBN were 12.16±0.64 and 11.93± 1.25 % in frozen and chilled samples, respectively. This study indicated defective manufacturing and storage in some chilled and frozen beef burger samples that aren’t of adequate hygienic quality and don’t meet Egyptian requirements. It is important to consider the potential public health risks associated with increased phosphorus (food additive) intake through additions. Regular monitoring and evaluations by researchers should be done for these chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were conducted at Agricultural Engineering Department Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture Al-Azhar University, Assiut Governorate during 29th of July to 15th of November 2022, in order to develop and manufacture a small unit for producing high quality black honey depends on heating and vacuum system. Also, to determine the optimum treatment forsafe method taken into consideration the environmental impact and evaluate changes in black honeyquality during cooking. This unit consisting of pan vessel, heater, compressor, condenser, rectifier, vessel receiver oil and smart control system. The experimental treatments for black honey cooking unit were tested on three heating temperatures different at 200, 350 and 500 ℃ and four vacuum levels at 150, 300, 450 and 600 mbar and atmospheric pressure. The results shows a decreasing of cooking time at vacuum pressure less than from atmospheric pressure. At vacuum pressure samples, cooking time ranged from 30 to 172 minutes. The highest cooking time was (177, 77and 40 minutes) recorded with atmospheric pressure at different heating temperatures (200, 350 and 500℃), respectively. The lowest cooking time was (155, 64and 30 minutes) recorded with vacuum pressure (-600 mbar) with different heating temperature (200, 350 and 500℃), respectively. The data shows an increasing of evaporation rate of water from sugar cane juice at vacuum pressure more than from atmospheric pressure. At vacuum pressure samples, evaporation rate ranged from 4.53to 26 gH2O/min. The lowest evaporation rate was (4.41, 10.13 and 19.50 gH2O/min) recorded with atmospheric pressure at different heating temperatures (200, 350 and 500℃), respectively. The highest evaporation rate was (5.03, 12.19 and 26 gH2O/min) recorded with vacuum pressure (-600 mbar) with different heating temperature (200, 350 and 500℃), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic function of any society is to satisfy the needs of its members through the social organizations that exist in it. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the need for resources which has led to the failure of social organizations to fully perform their functions and the emergence of some societal problems. Excluding many citizens from existing social organizations that they could benefit from their services deprives many citizens of benefiting from these services. This requires defending the rights of citizens who benefit from the services of existing organizations in their community. Therefore, it is necessary to have human rights representatives or coordinators in the various governmental sectors. Accordingly, this study aims at identifying the community organizing mechanisms in activating the role of human rights coordinators in different governmental sectors. It also aims at determining the role of human rights coordinators in these sectors, obstacles to performing their role, and suggestions for overcoming those obstacles. It is a descriptive study that uses the General Social Survey (GSS) for (70) members of human rights coordinators in governmental sectors in Assiut Governorate. Based on the results of the study, the most important community organizing mechanisms are the coordination mechanisms and the empowerment mechanisms. This study concludes that the most important tasks of human rights coordinators are to receive and follow up on complaints and spread the culture of human rights among workers in governmental sectors. It also addresses the most important obstacles to performing their role in these sectors and suggestions for overcoming them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermotolerant Campylobacter genus is one of the most prevalent causes of gastroenteritis in humans, especially C. coli and C. jejuni. Despite the importance of Campylobacter diagnosis to public health, many laboratories continue to adopt the slow, inaccurate conventional culturing approach, which leads to false-negative/positive results. The origin, transmission, pathogenicity, and pathophysiology of Campylobacter spp. diseases are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, the samples were collected over a period from August 2021 to September 2022; about 100 poultry samples and 43 stool specimens from children were collected. According to conventional culturing techniques, the overall prevalence of the Campylobacter genus in both poultry and humans was determined to be 31.5%, whereas PCR analysis of poultry (30) and human specimens (43) for Campylobacter genus revealed a 35.6% isolation rate. While C. coli was the only species detected in poultry-positive Campylobacter genus samples demonstrated by 27.3%, the human-positive Campylobacter's isolates were C. coli with 33.3%, C. jejuni and mixed infection with 6.7%. Shannon and Simpson biodiversity indexes quantify genetic diversity; assuming that Campylobacter species express virulence genes differently, we found that C. coli had a higher Shannon diversity index (0.8487) and Simpson index (0.4938), while C. jejuni had (0.6931) for Shannon and (0.5) for Simpson index. Regarding host-virulence genes diversity, human-derived strains had a higher Shannon diversity index (1.474) and Simpson index (0.75) than poultry. This study provided evidence that the genetic profiles of circulating species of Campylobacter differ depending on the origin, highlighting the need for genetic diversity knowledge for effective management and prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease in tilapia and other fresh that creates economic losses, caused mainly by Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae. The hazard of the disease is that it may present apparently healthy as well as its presence in culture water. So, this work aimed to detect streptococci in Nile tilapia farms located in Assiut and Minia Governorates, Egypt. Streptococcus agalactiae (42 isolates) and Streptococcus iniae (59 isolates) were identified. Two Streptococcus agalactiae isolates were molecularly confirmed and exhibited resistance to most antibiotics and a multiple antibiotic resistant index of 0.9-1. The identified isolates could not form biofilm. Identification of these hemolytic, resistant Streptococcus poses a potential hazard for human health; hence, alternative antimicrobials should be searched against infections caused by these bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many domestic and wild animals are susceptible to malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), which is a lymphoproliferative, multisystemic, and fatal disease. The present study was conducted on 47 cattle. The clinical examination findings revealed a persistent high fever, enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, corneal opacity, respiratory symptoms, oral lesions, and ulcerative skin lesions. Buffy coat samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay has been used. Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected in the buffy coat of 21 cattle. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of OvHV-2 were performed in our study. The phylogenetic analysis of the PCR product of the Egyptian strain of OvHV-2 (Assiut) showed close similarity with OvHV-2 strains of different governorates (Beni-suef, Giza and Fayoum) of Egypt, India, Turkey, Iraq, Italy, Brazil and United Kingdom. There was no significant variation (P<0.05) between the percentages of MCF infection and the sex, age, and breed (native and mixed breed) of molecularly tested cattle. According to the climatologic conditions of Assiut governorate, there is no discernible difference (P<0.05) between the MCF infection rate and the cold and hot months. To date, this is the first report of OvHV-2 in Assiut Governorate, so it is advisable to separate susceptible cattle from sheep, especially during lambing, and to euthanize any animals that are clinically infected with MCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-borne zoonoses are of serious public health concern, with a high risk on human health in both developed and developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic Anisakis larvae in smoked imported herring fish (Clupea harengus) and frozen mackerel (Scomber scomberus) from Assiut and Menoufia governorates, respectively in Egypt. All herring specimens were heavily infected with Anisakis larvae, while 9 out of 15 mackerel fish were infected. A total of 434 Anisakis larvae were collected from stomach, abdominal cavity, liver, between skin, muscles and gonads of 45 herring fish. In frozen mackerel, number of detected larvae was 78. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS-rDNA) ribosomal DNA confirmed that the Anisakis larvae belonged to Anisakis simplex species. Furthermore, by employing light and scanning electron microscope, the morphological characters of Anisakis larvae were also determined. These findings highlight the importance of detecting health hazards in seafood products for helping in the management and prevention of anisakiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is one of the most predominant pathogenic bacterial agents causing respiratory diseases in different types of animals with considerable economic losses and unfavorable prognosis in Egypt. Recently, P. multocida has exhibited resistance to the most used antibiotics in the veterinary field. So, this study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of both virulence and antibiotic resistance genes among P. multocida isolated from apparently healthy and diseased bovine lungs. Only 10 out of 60 lung samples were collected from the different slaughterhouses and just 9 were confirmed finally positive for P. multocida by PCR using Kmt1. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the recovered isolates revealed that they were all multidrug/resistant (MDR) with a predominance of resistance to erythromycin (100%) and most of them by (90 and 80 %) for amoxicillin and doxycycline, respectively; followed by 60 and 50 for ceftriaxone, gentamicin. All of the obtained isolates were promoting consistency through PCR screening for a few relevant common antibiotic resistance genes. All MDR P. multocida isolates had at least one gene for antibiotic resistance, mostly AphA1 and BlaROB1 (100%), and only 60% of them had the ermX gene. Antibiotic resistance genotyping showed that the majority of the isolates, (60%) of isolates, having three genes producing identical resistance phenotypes had multiple antibiotic resistance genes. Our results demonstrated that pathogenic P. multocida strains carrying virulence and antibiotic resistance genes may originate from cattle. Therefore, it is evident that there is an urgent need for the judicious use of antibiotics in bovine treatment systems to successfully mitigate the propagation of drug resistance across P. multocida species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hundred and fifty samples (Marketable milk, Ras cheese, Domiati cheese and ice cream), were randomly obtained from various dairy shops, supermarkets and ice cream shops in Assiut City, Egypt, during the period of November 2022 to March 2023. These samples were examined for the detection and counting of Bacillus cereus. The positive B. cereus isolates were analyzed by PCR to detect 16s rRNA gene for B. cereus, cytotoxin K (cytK) and emetic gene (ces). Out of the 250 examined samples, 14 (5.6%) were contaminated by B. cereus. The analyzed ice cream had the highest prevalence (11.53%), followed by Ras cheese samples. The prevalence of ces gene recorded in the examined isolates was 57.14%, while cytK gene was found in all isolates. Moreover, proteolytic and lipolytic activity investigations revealed that nearly all strains released protease enzyme (92.85%), most of which (64.28%) could produce lipase enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal and pesticide pollution of freshwater ecosystems, i.e., rivers, raises significant concerns worldwide, where practical solutions to reduce the threats become urgent need. Heavy metals and pesticides are top of the list of environmental toxicants endangering nature; therefore, pesticides and heavy metals were measured at 10 stations along the Al-Zennar agricultural drain and the Nile River at Assiut city in Upper Egypt, to assess potential negative impact on the water/sediment's quality. The sediment of the streambed is a sink for pesticides and heavy metals, where both water and sediments have higher contamination factor (CF) for Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn. In addition, the Nile water is highly contaminated by PCBs. The distance to the point source and hydrodynamics (flow rate and stream gradient) has major influences in pollutant concentrations as indicated by regression models. Dilution effect and rapid sedimentation may comment on the lower concentrations of the pollutants in the Nile comparatively to the drain and on the water comparatively to the sediments. The physiochemistry of the stations has minor effect on the metal/pesticide concentration, where the variable importance of projection (VIP) of the partial least square model indicated that total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), SO42−, and BOD/TOC/COD are the main contributors to the metal/pesticide concentration. Concentrations were not correlated between water and sediment suggesting a historical accumulation in sediments and temporal variation in the pollution load in the Al-Zennar drain. Bray–Curtis clustering confirmed that heavy metals have the same anthropogenic source in contrast to natural source of both Mn and Fe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis is a serious pest against cereal plants. In Egypt, it causes serious damage to many cereal plants. The principal idea of this study was achieved based on the observation of various seasonal invasion rates of this pest on different host plants suggesting climatic adaptation by R. maidis polymorphs. The invasion rates on winter plants were higher than those of summer. Morphologically, all collections were belonging to R. maidis. The authors assumed that different biotypes of R. maidis are present in the studied area. To address this hypothesis, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified in aphids collected from wheat, barley, sorghum and maize in Assiut, Egypt. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) identified 687 bps products corresponding to a partial sequence of (COI). Multiple sequence alignment of the sequenced products revealed that at least five haplotypes are present on the tested plants. Phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method identified five clades that represent different biotypes. The identified clades contained mixtures between summer and winter R. maidis collections suggesting that different biotypes are present in mixtures on the same plant. Our findings showed that R. maidis develops different polymorphs on various host plants at different climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leveillula taurica is an obligate pathogen that causes powdery mildew on chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) which is considered one of the most serious diseases for the crop. Results: Leveillula taurica was isolated from infected pepper plants in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Pathogenicity test was performed, and it was found that the pathogen can cause the symptoms of powdery mildew on the pepper plant. Under greenhouse conditions, treatment with Bacillus thuringiensis MW740161.1, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis cultures resulted in a significant reduction in conidial germination of the pathogen (69.07, 29.55, and 19.58%, respectively). Spraying chili pepper plants with the microorganisms effectively reduced the powdery mildew's disease severity. Also, treatment with the bacterial strains resulted in a significant (P 0.05%) increase in the yield of chili pepper. Based on the findings, it appears that the use of B. thuringiensis, as foliar spraying, significantly induced resistance of chili pepper plants against L. taurica and stimulated many biochemical functions in the plant. Also, it increased the crop yield compared to all other treatments. Conclusions: This study recommends B. thuringiensis as a viable alternative to harmful pesticides, and it is feasible to formulate an appropriate fungicide for the sustainable green production of chili peppers. The B. thuringiensis can increase the resistance of chili pepper plant to L. taurica the causal pathogen of powdery mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of epidemiological data on fascioliasis in Egypt regarding disease characteristics and treatment outcomes across different governorates. We aimed to identify the demographic, epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with fascioliasis in Egypt. Data on human fascioliasis were collected retrospectively from patients' medical records in the period between January 2018 and January 2020. The study included 261 patients. More than 40% of enrolled patients were in the age group of 21–40 years old. Geographically, 247 (94.6%) were from Assiut Governorate with 69.3% were from rural areas. The most frequent symptoms were right upper quadrant pain (96.9%), and fever (80.1%). Eosinophilia was found in 250 cases (95.8%). Hepatic focal lesions were detected in 131 (50.2%); out of them 64/131 (48.9%) had a single lesion. All patients received a single dose of 10 mg/kg of triclabendazole, 79.7% responded well to a single dose, while in 20.3% a second ± a third dose of treatment was requested. After therapy, there was a reduction in leucocytes, Fasciola antibodies titer, eosinophilic count, bilirubin, and liver enzymes with an increase in hemoglobin level. According to our findings, a high index of suspicion should be raised in cases with fever, right upper abdominal pain, and peripheral eosinophilia, and further imaging workup is mandated to detect hepatic focal lesions. Prompt treatment by triclabendazole can serve as a standard-of-care regimen even for suspected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fruiting body of a basidiomycete fungus was discovered growing on chopped Ficus nitida tree trunks in the student housing on the Assiut University campus during the course of this inquiry and a normal collecting operation in the Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Following the growth of the basidioma's inner tissue on PDA, fungal mycelial growth was achieved. Internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequencing has allowed for the identification of the fungus as Tomophagus colossus. On the dry weight basis, chemical analysis of T. colossus AUMC 14536 basidioma revealed that it contains 28.81% carbohydrates, 25.34% crude fats, 23.44% crude fibers, 20.64% crude proteins, and 3.02% ash, in addition to potassium, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, iron, and zinc (133.59, 114.46, 6.27, 3.08, 1.28, and 0.73 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively). The total phenolic compounds (39.26 mg/g) and total flavonoids (5.62 mg/g) were also evaluated. The basidioma extract's antioxidant activity was assessed as %DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 4.15 µg/mL compared with a 1.89 µg/mL IC50 of ascorbic acid. In solid-state fermentation (SSF), the fungus could ferment broad bean straw, palm leaf hay, rice husk, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat bran to produce endoglucanase, exoglucanase, laccase, pectinase, and xylanase in substantial amounts. Specific activity exhibited the highest values for endoglucanase (81.48 U/mg), exoglucanase (114.35 U/mg), pectinase (81.94 U/mg), and xylanase (70.18 U/mg) on the rice husk, while the peak of laccase activity (94.27 U/mg) was gained on bean straw. This is the first assessment of the organism's nutritional value, amino acid content, antioxidant activity, and enzymatic capabilities in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to evaluate water pollution with three heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) in Mansoura, El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Tanta, Assiut, Wasta Beni Suef and Shibin Al Qanatir localities, using two freshwater snails: Biomphalaria alexandrina (the intermediate host and vector of schistosomiasis) and Lanistes carinatus as bioindicators. Results showed that the highest concentrations of the three heavy metals were 2.084ppb for Cu found in Tanta, 58.200ppb for Zn in Wasta Beni-Suef, and 20.000ppb for Pb discovered in Assiut. The accumulation of three heavy metals in Lanistes carinatus snail was higher than that in Biomphalaria alexandrina snail. The highest accumulated content inside Lanistes snails was for Cumetal (36838 ppb) from Wasta Beni-Suef area. It could be concluded that B. alexandrina and L. carinatus are suitable bioindicators for the accumulation of heavy metals pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to provide data on the effect of the High Dam on the morphological and meristic characteristics of Lates niloticus from two different Egyptian freshwater environments; Lake Nasser in Aswan City and the River Nile in Assiut City, Egypt. Therefore, twenty-six specimens of L. niloticus were collected from each site. The morphological characteristics and related index ratio to the standard length were determined. The results showed that the fish specimens from Lake Nasser were longer (mean 30.5± 8.8cm TL) than those from the Nile River (27.6± 4.2cm TL), and a strong correlation was detected between the different morphometric parameters to the standard length with different morphometric indices. The t-test showed significant differences between the total length, predorsal fin distance, postdorsal fin distance and prepectoral fin distance (P< 0.01). The means of indices related to the standard length, total length, predorsal fin distance, postdorsal fin distance, and prepectoral fin distance of L. niloticus collected from Lake Nasser are about 118.2, 44.2, 81.6, and 32.9 % SL, respectively, and are larger than the same indices of L. niloticus collected from the Nile River in Assiut City (109.3, 40.5, 77.0 and 26.7% SL, respectively). On the other hand, the other morphometric and all meristic parameters for the two locations showed insignificant differences. These findings suggest that differences in some morphometric characters may be due to the biometry of the species being influenced by the differences in the environments of Lake Nasser and the River Nile. Therefore, the continuous study of morphological features, that are related to the dams' constructions, environmental changes, as well as genetic confirmation, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good management of soil and water use is one of the most important factors in agricultural sustainability, and intercropping systems are an important component of good agricultural practices. Thus, a field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Arab Al-Awamer Research Station, Assiut Governorate, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt, during the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 to investigate the effect of maize (M) + peanut (P) intercropping system on productivity, water use efficiency, and profitability at varying irrigation regimes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design using a splitplot arrangement with three replicates. Irrigation regimes (120, 100 and 80% ETc) were assigned to the main plots, while the intercropping systems (100% P + 25% M, 100% P + 33% M and 100% P + 50% M) were allocated to the sub-plots. The results showed that most traits of peanut and maize decreased substantially under the 80% ETc irrigation regime. While the largest values of traits were associated with the 120 % ETc. Averaged across the two seasons, the highest values of net return (1,441 US$/ha) were obtained when 100% peanut plants were intercropped with 25% maize at 120% ETc irrigation regime. Therefore, we recommend intercrop maize (25%) with peanut (100%) irrigated with 120% ETc to achieve higher yields and net return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify the behavioral pattern nature of the younger and older generations in the Rural Assiut Governorate, by identifying the differences between two generations in light of the elements of this pattern, and identifying the factors affecting the behavioral gap between the two generations of research. To achieve the goal of the study, the numbers of rural families in the governorate centers were counted from 2017 census data. The province were divided into three categories, gradually ascending to the top. A random province was chosen from the largest category in the number of families, which was Assiut province. Three villages were chosen from the research province (a village at a close distance from the city, a village at a moderate distance from it, and a village at a long distance from the city), and they are, in order, the villages of El-Mutiah, Awlad Ibrahim, and Shotb. The data was collected in a personal interview using a questionnaire form during the period (December 15, 2022-January 20, 2023 AD), where it was extracted and analyzed using frequencies and percentages to prepare description and presentation tables, as well as using simple and multiple correlation coefficients Chi-square and coefficient for hypothesis validity tests. The results showed a variation in the behavioral pattern with its elements between two generations of study in the sample villages, especially the closer the village location is to the city, and that the behavioral pattern gap in general widens between the two generations with the number of years of education, monthly income, less family size, the proximity of the village location to the city, and that the behavioral pattern of the adult generation is more closely related to rural values, habits and behavioral standards than the younger generation, and the level of ambition, behavior towards the educational institution, and integration into the local community. Culture, social participation, and the level of positivity within the family are decreases among the younger generation compared to the generation of parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the level of application of strategic management in civil society organizations, determine the level of institutional excellence in civil society organizations, determine the relationship between the application of strategic management and achieving institutional excellence in civil society organizations, identify the difficulties facing the application of strategic management in achieving institutional excellence in civil society organizations, and identify proposals. Activating the application of strategic management in achieving institutional excellence in civil society organizations. This study is one of the descriptive studies that relied on the social survey approach with a sample of officials in the most active civil society organizations in the city of Assiut, Assiut Governorate, numbering (79) individuals. The study found that there is a statistically significant, direct relationship between applying strategic management and achieving institutional excellence in civil society organizations. There is a statistically significant, direct, and effective relationship between strategy formulation and achieving institutional excellence in civil society organizations. There is a statistically significant, direct, and effective relationship between strategy planning and achieving institutional excellence in organizations. Civil society: There is a direct, statistically significant relationship between implementing the strategy and achieving institutional excellence in civil society organizations. There is a direct, statistically significant, direct relationship between evaluating the strategy and achieving institutional excellence in civil society organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 1911, representatives of the Coptic Christian community convened in Asyut in Upper Egypt to discuss perceived grievances hindering Coptic equality with the Muslim majority. Given the apparent peculiarity of the event, it has become customary to situate the 1911 Coptic congress within the context of a rapidly escalating sectarian strife in colonial Egypt following the appointment and assassination of the first Coptic prime minister, Butrus Ghali (1908–1910). Departing from this view, this article proposes to examine the Asyut congress against the backdrop of the development of the Coptic Communal Council (al-majlis al-milli) and the ensuing conflict between the lay reformists and the high clergy crystallizing at the end of the century. This study argues that the 1911 congress constitutes a link in the chain of the development of the Communal Council movement that aimed at expanding the purview and jurisdiction of the Council beyond the boundaries of the Coptic Orthodox community (taʾifa) to encompass all Egyptian Christians across geographical and denominational lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing K. pneumoniae poses a high risk, especially among Egyptian pediatric patients who consume carbapenems antibiotics very widely and without adequate diagnostic sources. In addition, presence of efflux pump genes such as OqxAB increases resistance against many groups of antimicrobials which exacerbates the problem faced for human health. This study aimed to determine NDM variants among K. pneumoniae strains isolated from pediatric patients in Egypt, analyze the presence of OqxAB genes, and molecular characterization of blaNDM-5-positive K. pneumoniae.Methods: Fifty-six K. pneumoniae isolates were recovered from pediatric patients, and tested for carbapenemase by modified carbapenem inactivation methods (mCIM) test. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of meropenem and colistin were determined by meropenem E-test strips and broth microdilution, respectively. PCR was used for the detection of the resistant genes (ESBL gene (blaCTX-M), carbapenemase genes (blaNDM, blaKPC) colistin resistant (mcr1, mcr2)) and genes for efflux pump (oqxA and oqxB). BlaNDM was sequenced. The effect of efflux pump in NDM-5-producing isolates was assessed by measuring MIC of ciprofloxacin and meropenem before and after exposure to the carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). The horizontal gene transfer ability of blaNDM-5 was determined using liquid mating assay and PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) was done to determine the major plasmid incompatibility group.Results: Twenty-nine isolates were positive for blaNDM-1, nine isolates were positive for blaNDM-5, and 15 isolates were positive for blaKPC. There is a significant increase of meropenem MIC of NDM-5-positive isolates compared with NDM-1-positive isolates. In addition, 38 isolates were positive for CTX-M, and 15 isolates were positive for mcr1. Both OqxA and OqxB were detected in 26 isolates and 13 isolates were positive for OqxA while 11 isolates were positive for OqxB only. All NDM-5-producing isolates except one isolate could transfer their plasmids by conjugation to their corresponding transconjugants (E. coli J53). Plasmid replicon typing showed that FII was predominant in NDM-5-producing K. pneumoniae. Similar strains were found between the three isolates and similarity was also detected between the two isolates.Conclusion: The highly resistant K. pneumoniae producing blaNDM-5 type was firstly isolated from pediatric patients. The association of efflux pump genes such as OqxAB is involved in resistance to ciprofloxacin. This highlighted the severity risk of blaNDM-5-positive K. pneumonia as it could transfer blaNDM-5 to other bacteria and has more resistance against carbapenems. This underlines the importance of continuous monitoring of infection control guidelines, and the urgent need for a national antimicrobial stewardship plan in Egyptian hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]