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Drought stress destructively affects the growth and productivity of sorghum crop, especially under saline soils. Therefore, Field trials were performed to determine the influence of water stress on water productivity (water productivity for grain, (G-WP) and water productivity for forage, (F-WP), yield of sorghum and soil properties in salt-affected soil (8.20 dS m−1) under different sowing dates and irrigation regimes. The summer sowing (SS) was performed on 1 April while fall sowing (FS) was established on 2 August. The irrigation regimes were; 100, 90, 80, and 70% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The findings displayed that the fodder and grain yields were increased by 23% and 26% under SS compared to FS over the two seasons 2017 and 2018, respectively. Among irrigation levels, the maximum values of grain and fodder yield were given by 100% of ETc, while a non-significant difference was observed between 100% and 90% of ETc. Moreover, the maximum values of G-WP (1.31%) and F-WP (9.00%) were recorded for 90% of ETc. Interestingly, the soil salinity was decreased in 0–0.6 m depth, and more decline was noted in 0–0.2 m depth using 90% of ETc. The highest salt accumulation withinside the soil profile was recorded under 70% of ETc in comparison to 100% of ETc. Thereupon, under water scarcity, application of 90% of ETc is recommended with SS to save 10% of the applied irrigation water without a significant decrease in grain yield (GY). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apilarnil, a bee-derived product originating from drone larvae, offers a range of advantageous properties for both humans and animals. It functions as an antioxidant, provides neuroprotection, boosts fertility, and has antiviral capabilities. Additionally, it is a provider of androgenic hormones. These beneficial functions are supported by its chemical composition, which comprises mineral salts, vitamins, carbs, lipids, hormones, and amino acids. The current study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of apilarnil against Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced testicular toxicity in male adult rats. Forty-eight Wistar albino rats were randomly classified into six groups. The first, second, and third received olive oil, BPA at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (bwt), and apilarnil at a dose of 0.6 g/kg bwt, respectively. The fourth, fifth, and sixth groups received apilarnil with, before, or after BPA administration, respectively. Phytochemical analysis using included linear ion trap-ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LTQ-UPLC-MS/MS) and global natural products social molecular networking (GNPS) revealed the presence of lysine, 10-hydroxy-(E)-2-dodecenoic acid, apigenin7-glucoside, testosterone, progesterone, and campesterol. BPA administration decreased serum level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, glutathione (GSH) concentration, total sperm count, motility, and vitality. Additionally, BPA increased sperm abnormalities, malondialdehyde concentration (MDA), and decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. The treatment with apilarnil ameliorated BPA reproductive toxicity in rats which was indicated by increased serum testosterone levels, normalized serum levels of FSH and LH, and concentration of MDA and GSH activity. Moreover, apilarnil improved sperm count, motility, morphology, and PCNA expression. Apilarnil was found to enhance reproductive hormones, MDA levels, antioxidant activity, and PCNA expression [Display omitted] • Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced reproductive toxicity due to induction of oxidative stress. • Exposure to BPA decreased sperm quality and increased testicular abnormalities. • Apilarnil alleviated BPA-induced sexual toxicity via its antioxidant activity. • Apilarnil increased plasma testosterone levels that were reduced in BPA-treated groups. • Apilarnil-treated groups showed significant nuclear expression of PCNA antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Study Objective Female circumcision (FC) is a deeply rooted practice in Egypt with deblitating physical and psychological consequences. During the past 2 decades there have been sincere efforts to reduce this practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of circumcision. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Beni-Suef City, Egypt. Participants Young women (12-25 years of age). Interventions A survey was given to 3353 young women residing in Beni-Suef City. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included information about the sociodemographic characteristics of participants, their gynecological data, exposure to FC, and complaints associated with menses during the previous year. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of FC in rural areas in Beni Suef. Results Of the 3353 interviewed women, 1846 (55%) were circumcised. Women residing in rural areas, married women, and those who had illiterate parents were more likely to have experienced circumcision. Students were less likely to be circumcised (P <.05). The circumcised girls reported shorter menstrual cycles and dysuria with menses (P <.05). Dysmenorrhea, generalized aching, and nervousness were the most common complaints associated with menses in both groups, with no statistically significant differences (P >.05). Conclusion FC is highly prevalent in rural areas in Beni-Suef, however, compared with previous reports it seems that the rates of circumcision have decreased markedly. Despite this decrease, the practice of female genital mutilation is still highly prevalent, suggesting that future research and intervention will be needed to eliminate this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding deformational processes and related structures at various scales, necessitates an estimate of microstructural and finite strain characterization of deformed rocks. In the current research, 23 collected samples of metaconglomerates, metsediments, and metavolcanics from the Wadi El-Qash region, placed in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, were used to quantify the finite strain of quartz, feldspar porphyroclasts, and mafic grains. Finite strain techniques were utilized to produce and analyze 46 thin sections. The metaconglomerate rocks have undergone high to moderate grades of deformation, according to the strain results. Using the Rf/φ and the Fry techniques, the axial ratios in the XZ section vary from 2.20 to 5.40 and from 2.00 to 5.30, respectively. The strain results point out high to moderate rates of deformation of the metaconglomerates, metsediments, and metavolcanic rocks. The direction of finite strain in X axis exhibits shallow WNW dipping and grouping following an N-to-WNW trend in most of the measured samples. The subvertical and subhorizontal foliation related to the short axes in Z axis. The results show that contacts developed in semi-brittle to ductile deformation and the magnitude of strain is the same for all lithologic units that are exposed in the studied area. Also, these results contradict the generally accepted belief that simple-shear deformation is responsible for nappe development in orogens. • The evolution in the Wadi El Qash area was deciphered using finite strain analysis. • The rocks have flattening shape and no major variation in deformation behaviour. • The suture evolution formed from simple-shear deformation and heterogeneous strain magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dakhla Formation at Um El Hueitat area, south of Safaga City, Eastern Desert, Egypt is composed mainly of shale with some marl, limestone and phosphate intercalations. Suitability of the technological sample representing smectitic-rich clay deposits of the Dakhla Formation for lightweight product was studied. The mineralogical and chemical compositions of the technological sample indicate that it is suitable for manufacturing lightweight bloated clay aggregate. This was done by processing its plastic pellets through firing to 1000–1300 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation aimed at assessing the effect of two mulching materials (Rice straw mulch (RSM) and Farmyard manure mulch (FYM)), three irrigation treatments (I 100% = 100%, I 85% = 85% and I 70% = 70%) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and four mulch layer thicknesses (MLT 0 , 3 , 6 and 9 cm) on common bean yield, its components, water use efficiency and soil salinity under drip irrigation. Results obtained showed that the maximum values of bean yield were obtained under FYM compared to RSM. The greatest values dry seed yield of bean were obtained with the no-deficit treatment (I 100% ) while the lowest ones were observed in I 70% treatment. The average bean yield value of MLT 9 was increased by 9.67, 25.28 and 45.80% than those of MLT 6,3 and 0 , respectively. The lowest value of soil salinity was obtained under (I 100% ), while the greatest one was obtained from (I 70% ). The highest soil salinity value was observed under MLT 0 (no mulch) compared to another treatments. The average EC value for treatment MLT 0 was increased by12.80, 18.86 and 28.75% than those of MLT 3 , 6 and 9 , respectively. Under environmental conditions of the study area, the treatment (I 100% × FYM × MLT 9 ) proved to be the most suitable for producing high bean crop. Under limited irrigation water, application of (I 85% × FYM × MLT 9 ) treatment was found to be favorable to save 15% of the applied irrigation water with no reduction in bean crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]