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This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-silver nanocomposites in the treatment of experimentally infested pigeons with Pseudolynchia canariensis (P. canariensis) with evaluation of different immunological parameters before and after treatment. Therefore, fourteen birds were divided into 2 groups; group1(infested group including 12 birds) which subdivided into 6 sub-groups experimentally infested pigeons 2 pigeons each, and five group of them were treated with chitosan-silver nanocomposites and sub-group number 6 was treated with deltamethrin while, group 2 including two pigeons were kept as control negative ones. P. canariensis flies distributed under the wing and /or under the tail in infested group and these pigeons showed significantly lower RBCs and higher WBCs than that in non-infested pigeons. The cell mediated immune response against experimentally infested pigeons with P. canariensis was studied. P. canariensis infestation in pigeons have a negative impact on pigeon’s blood parameters, increase TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines levels. This study cleared out the role of P. canariensis in the induction of a case of oxidative stress indicated by high level of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) with low antioxidant capacity in shape of reduced zinc concentration in the sera of experimentally infested pigeon. Chitosan-silver nanocomposite has a promising effect in the elimination of P. canariensis infestation in pigeons.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of external parasites in domestic pigeons in Giza, Egypt, from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 300 domestic pigeons (25 pigeons per month) were examined. The birds were divided into groups based on their age. The oxidative stress parameters; serum zinc concentration, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum Nitric oxide were evaluated in single and mixed external parasitic infestations. The prevalence of external parasites in examined pigeons was 80.3%. The detected parasites were Pseudolynchia canariensis (P. canariensis), Hippobosca equina (H. equina), Columbicola columbae (C. columbae), Menopon gallinae (M. gallinae), Knemidocoptes species (spp.) and Dermanyssus gallinae (D. gallinae); their incidences were 41.6, 26, 7, 5,0.33 and 0.33%, respectively. The highest infestation was recorded in both spring and summer. . The incidence of disease was higher in squabs and young birds than in adults. The mixed external parasitic infestation was recorded in this study. The infected birds showed decreased serum zinc concentration and elevated MDA and serum Nitric oxide levels. In conclusion, regular monthly treatment with deltamethrin is recommended as an effective drug in the treatment of the infested birds and succeeded in reducing the incidence of externalparasites in the treated birds; in addition, pigeon management measures must be implemented to reduce the risk of external parasites.

Diabetes is a worldwide public health disease. Currently, the most effective way to treat diabetes is to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolysis enzymes in the digestive system. Plant extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, which can be used in diabetes treatment. This study aims to evaluate the polyphenols content in ethanolic extracts of avocado fruit and leaves (Persea americana Mill.). Additionally, their antioxidant activity using DPPH, while the inhibition ability of α-amylase was examined by reacting different amounts of the extracts with amylase compared to acarbose as standard inhibitor. The active compounds were detected in the extracts by LC/MS. The obtained results showed that the leaf extract recorded a significant content of total phenolic compounds compared to the fruit extract (178.95 and 145.7 mg GAE /g dry weight, respectively). The total flavonoid values ​​ranged from 32.5 to 70.08 mg QE/g dry weight of fruit and leaves extracts, respectively. Twenty-six phytogenic compounds were detected in leaf and fruit extract by LC/MS. These compounds belong to fatty acids, sterols, triterpenes, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of extracts is due to the exist of phytogenic compounds, i.e., polyphenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity increased in a concentration dependant manner. Avocado fruit extract (1000µg/mL) scavenged 95% of DPPḢ while leaf extract rummaged 91.03% of free radicals compared with Vit C and BHT. Additionally, higher α-amylase inhibitory activity was observed in fruit extract than the leaf extract, where the fruit and leaf extract (1000 μg/ml) inhibited the enzyme by 92.13% and 88.95%, respectively. The obtained results showed that the ethanolic extracts of avocado had a significant impact on human health due to their high content of polyphenols.

In this study, three concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 ppm) of abamectin 2% suspension concentration (SC) were used as cucumber seeds treatment. The seeds were treated with abamectin to reduce nematodes reproduction and their ability to penetrate the roots, then seed germination and plant growth were observed. All the concentrations didn’t negatively affect seeds germination wherever the germination percent reached 80% at the concentration (1000 ppm) after 20 days of sowing. The effect of abamectin on root-knot nematode was studied by recording numbers of nematodes in 100 g/soil, numbers of the galls, egg mass on the root, and the nematode reproduction factor. All concentrations significantly affected the nematode reproduction parameters compared to control. Abamectin at (500 ppm) was the most effective concentration on reducing nematodes parameters, i.e., 26.57, 38.83, 47.40 %, and 3.15 for the above-mentioned parameters, respectively at the end of experimint. No significant difference between 500 ppm and 1000 ppm. We recommended using the abamectin in (500 ppm) concentration as a seed application to control Meloidogyne incognita in cucumber plants under greenhouse conditions to reduce its environmental toxic effect.

The development of liquid crystal materials via nanotechnology has become an interesting subject of research in optical material chemistry. One of the significant nanomaterials is cellulose-based nanoparticles. In this review article, we highlighted the classification of liquid crystal materials (LCs), and types of cellulose-NPs and their characterization as LCs materials. Finally, we present our promising data on the synergistic effect of cellulose-NPs on liquid crystal behavior of ethyl cellulose- and hydroxypropyl cellulose- nanocomposites.

Utilization of wastes from some biomass-based industries in production of nanomaterials is vital in the green chemistry field. This work deals with valorization of lignin from paper making by-product for synthesizing lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) and evaluating its role on performance of film made from liquid crystal hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), in comparison withdifferent carbon nanoallotropes. In this respect LNPs, graphene oxide and bagasse-based carbon quantum dots and carbon oxide were synthesized and incorporated with HPC during film formation. The effective behavior of LNPs, especially that produced from using highly polar solvent, on performance of HPC film was evidenced, from examiningpolarized light microscope together with TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA as well as mechanical tests. The results showed that LNPs provided the HPC-nanocomposite film with acceptable thermal stability and mechanical properties, together with distinct complex mixed colorful texture, lines nearly like Grandjean-Cano lines aligned (PO images) and the planar layered morphology.

Given the extension of the shelf lives of various vegetables, individuals store their food for a long period by freezing it with a fast-pact lifstyle. A total of 17 Escherichia coli serovars were recovered from 200 meat samples in Egypt’s Qena governorate. The characterization of the isolates was performed by biochemical and serological tests, antibiotic susceptibility, and detection of virulence genes by PCR. The antibacterial properties of fresh and/or frozen garlic and lemon extract were tested against all E. coli isolates over 6 months, along with their antibiofilm activities. hly, stx1, stx2, and eaeA genes were detected in 12, 4, 3, and 2 serovars, respectively. Although 100% of E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant, they were susceptible to fresh and frozen garlic and lemon extract. Owing to botanical storage for 6 months, a dual decrese was reported in some antibacterial activities of botanical extract and their phytochemical contents. Furthermore, the high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis confirmed that both allicin and citric acid content (in garlic and lemon, respectively) are the most elevated compounds that were diminished following storage time. Fresh and frozen garlic extracts have reduced bacterial biofilm substantially throughout the 6 months of storage, ranging from 19.3 to 45% and 22.3–30.5%, respectively. While fresh and frozen lemon juice significantly decreased the biofilm of E. coli O1:H7 by 52.9 and 26.8% at zero time of storage only. Finally, prolonged storage affects both garlic and lemon extracts’ antimicrobial behavior and encourages fresh intake rather than frozen veggies.

Oils extracted from Cymbopogon citratus, Lantana camara, Artemisia camphorata, and Imperata cylindrica plants were used as potential insecticides against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The phytochemical composition of the isolated oils was identified by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Oil contact toxicities were evaluated against the adults of S. oryzae. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and transaminases enzymes (AST) were measured. L. camara oil (LC50 = 9.81 mg/cm2) demonstrated the highest effect, followed by C. citratus oil (LC50 = 10.89 mg/cm2), A. camphorata EO (LC50 = 16.12 mg/cm2), and I. cylindrica oil (LC50= 36.85 mg/cm2) against the adults of S. oryzae. The inhibition percentages of AChE were 38.8, 41.7, 35.0, and 27.2%; ALP were 42.4, 49.3, 28.1, and 18.7%; AST were 33.9, 38.7, 20.8, and 11.8%; and ALT were 22.7, 30.5, 14.6, and 9.6% after treated S. oryzae with oils from C. citratus, L. camara, A. camphorata and I. cylindrica, respectively. The highest abundant compounds in C. citratus were geranial (25.95%), nerylacetal (8.85%), and neral (8.45%), in L. camara were caryophyllene (12.2%), and 3-elemene (8.89%), in A. camphorata were germacrene D-4-ol (20.83%), and borneol (19.47%), and in I. cylindrica were 5-phenylundecane (10.68%), and 6-phenyldodecane (8.70%).

Purpose This study aims to motivate the application of some low-cost minerals in synthesizing nanoparticles as effective additives on the performance of liquid crystal (LC) hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) nanocomposite film, in comparison with carbon nanoallotrope. Design/methodology/approach Metallic nanoparticles of vanadium oxide, montmorillonite (MMT) and bentonite were synthesized and characterized by different techniques (Transmission electron microscopy [TEM], X-ray diffraction [XRD] and Fourier transform infrared [FTIR]). While the XRD, FTIR, non-isothermal analysis thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscope and polarizing microscope were techniques used to evaluate the key role of metallic nanoparticles on the performance of HPC-nanocomposite film. Findings The formation of nanoparticles was evidenced from TEM. The XRD and FTIR measurements of nanocomposite films revealed that incorporating the mineral nanoparticles led to enhance the HPCs crystallinity from 14% to 45%, without chemical change of HPC structure. It is interesting to note that these minerals provide higher improvement in crystallinity than carbon nanomaterials (28%). Moreover, the MMT provided film with superior thermal stability and mechanical properties than pure HPC and HPC containing carbon nanoparticles, where it increased the Ea from 583.6 kJ/mol to 669.3 kJ/mol, tensile strength from 2.25 MPa to 2.8 MPa, Young’s modulus from 119 MPa to 124 MPa. As well as it had a synergistic effect on the LC formation and the birefringence texture of the nanocomposites (chiral nematic). Research limitations/implications Hydroxylpropyl cellulose-nanocomposite films were prepared by dissolving the HPC powder in water to prepare 50% concentration, (free or with incorporating 5% synthesized nanoparticles). To obtain films with uniform thickness, the prepared solutions were evenly spread on a glass plate via an applicator, by adjusting the thickness to 0.2 mm, then air dried. Practical implications These minerals provide higher improvement in crystallinity than carbon nanomaterials (28%), moreover, the MMT and bentonite provided films with superior thermal stability than pure HPC and HPC containing carbon nanoparticles. The mineral nanoparticles (especially MMT nanoclays) had a synergistic effect on LC formation and the birefringence texture of the nanocomposites (chiral nematic). Social implications This study presents the route to enhance the utilization of claystone available in El-Fayoum Province as the precursor for nanoparticles and production high performance LC nanocomposites. Originality/value This study presents the route for the valorization of low-cost mineral-based nanoparticles in enhancing the properties of HPC-film (crystallinity, thermal stability, mechanical strength), in comparison with carbon-based nanoparticles. Moreover, these nanoparticles provided more ordered mesophases and, consequently, good synergetic effect on LCs formation and the birefringence texture of the HPC-films.

The present study was performed during two successive seasons 2019 and 2020 to investigate the effect of the soil application of fulvic acid (FA), seaweed extract (SE), and their different combinations on vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality of six-years-old guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. ‘Maamoura’. The trees were planted 4 × 4 m2 apart in clay soil under a flood irrigation system. They were treated three times starting from mid-March with one-month intervals with the following treatments: Control (water only), 3 and 4 g/L FA, 3 and 4 g/L SE, and their different combinations; 3 g/L FA + 3 g/L SE, 3 g/L FA + 4 g/L SE, 4 g/L FA + 3 g/L SE, and 4 g/L FA + 4 g/L SE. The results clearly showed that the application of FA or SE solely or in combinations increased shoot length and diameter, as well as leaf chlorophyll compared with the control. The treatments also increased fruit set percentage, fruit yield, and fruit physical and chemical characteristics such as fruit weight, size, TSS%, total reduced and non-reduced sugars, as well as leaf mineral content, while they decreased the fruit acidity compared with the control in the two seasons.

Background: Glycosylation is one of the most common post-translation modifications (PTMs) in organism cells. It plays important roles in several biological processes including cell-cell interaction, protein folding, antigen’s recognition, and immune response. In addition, glycosylation is associated with many human diseases such as cancer, diabetes and coronaviruses. The experimental techniques for identifying glycosylation sites are time-consuming, extensive laboratory work, and expensive. Therefore, computational intelligence techniques are becoming very important for glycosylation site prediction. Objective: This paper is a theoretical discussion of the technical aspects of the biotechnological (e.g., using artificial intelligence and machine learning) to digital bioinformatics research and intelligent biocomputing. The computational intelligent techniques have shown efficient results for predicting Nlinked, O-linked and C-linked glycosylation sites. In the last two decades, many studies have been conducted for glycosylation site prediction using these techniques. In this paper, we analyze and compare a wide range of intelligent techniques of these studies from multiple aspects. The current challenges and difficulties facing the software developers and knowledge engineers for predicting glycosylation sites are also included. Method: The comparison between these different studies is introduced including many criteria such as databases, feature extraction and selection, machine learning classification methods, evaluation measures and the performance results. Results and Conclusions: Many challenges and problems are presented. Consequently, more efforts are needed to get more accurate prediction models for the three basic types of glycosylation sites.

In the present study, and for the waste valorization, Moringa oleifera seeds-removed ripened pods (SRRP) were used for papersheet production and for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Fibers were characterized by SEM–EDX patterns, while the phytoconstituents in ethanol extract was analyzed by HPLC. The inhibition percentage of fungal mycelial growth (IFMG) of the treated Melia azedarach wood with M. oleifera SRRP extract at the concentrations of 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 µg/mL against the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium culmorum was calculated and compared with fluconazole (25 µg). The produced papersheet was treated with the ethanol extract (4000, 2000, and 1000 µg/mL) and assayed for its antibacterial activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Erwinia amylovora, and Pectobacterium atrosepticum by measuring the inhibition zones and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). According to chemical analysis of M. oleifera SRRP, benzene:alcohol extractives, holocellulose, lignin, and ash contents were 7.56, 64.94, 25.66 and 1.53%, respectively, while for the produced unbleached pulp, the screen pulp yield and the Kappa number were 39% and 25, respectively. The produced papersheet showed tensile index, tear index, burst index, and double fold number values of 58.8 N m/g, 3.38 mN m2/g, 3.86 kPa m2/g, and 10.66, respectively. SEM examination showed that the average fiber diameter was 16.39 µm, and the mass average of for elemental composition of C and O by EDX were, 44.21%, and 55.79%, respectively. The main phytoconstituents in the extract (mg/100 g extract) by HPLC were vanillic acid (5053.49), benzoic acid (262.98), naringenin (133.02), chlorogenic acid (66.16), and myricetin (56.27). After 14 days of incubation, M. oleifera SRRP extract-wood treated showed good IFMG against R. solani (36.88%) and F. culmorum (51.66%) compared to fluconazole, where it observed 42.96% and 53.70%, respectively. Moderate to significant antibacterial activity was found, where the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 500, 650, and 250 µg/mL against the growth of A. tumefaciens, E. amylovora, and P. atrosepticum respectively, which were lower than the positive control used (Tobramycin 10 µg/disc). In conclusion, M. oleifera SRRP showed promising properties as a raw material for pulp and paper production as well as for the extraction of bioactive compounds.

The recovery of thorium from acidic chloride medium with amine grafted cellulose resins was studied. Mesoporous polymers were modified with ethylenediamine (R1) and diethylenetriamine (R2) after grafting with glycidyl methacrylate. The sorbents obtained were characterized by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and surface area measurements. Modified cellulose resins showed high capacity with relative fast kinetics in batch sorption of Th(IV) ions from chloride aqueous solutions. The maximum uptake capacity for Th(IV) ions on R1 and R2 was found to be 80 and 94.6 mg g–1 at pH 3.0 at 25°C within 45 min. The adsorption reaction followed the pseudo-second-order model. The data were fitted well by Langmuir isotherm. The mean adsorption energy calculated using DR isotherm showed that the adsorption followed the chemisorption mechanism. The process was exothermic. The performance of the sorbents in the recovery of Th(IV) ions from a standard rock sample and a granite sample from Gattar area, Egypt, was studied. Desorption was performed using different acids. The maximum Th(IV) desorption, 95 ± 2.8%, was reached with 1 M HNO3.

This study aimed to detect the incidence, seasonal variation, age susceptibility of domestic pigeon to P. canariensis as well as ultra-morphological and molecular identification of circulating species (spp.) in Egypt. To achieve this aim; different pigeon premises in El- Gharbia governorate were investigated to correlate the findings with environmental factors responsible for parasitism. A total of two hundred pigeons (100 squabs and 100 adult) were examined for the presence of P. canariensis. during the period from March 2020 to March 2021. The incidence of P. canariensis was 64% among the examined birds. Higher incidence was recorded in young squabs than adults. P. canariensis infestation was predominant in both summer and spring seasons. The pigeon fly is a medium to large sized, flat with a flattened head, thorax and abdomen with short sheathed palpi (twice longer than broad). The wings are characterized by weak posterior veins, which have five veins behind the costal vein. The molecular characterization of this fly using the COX I (GenBank accession No. MW853922) was revealed that 704 bp, which displayed as 99.78% identity with the COI gene of Pseudolynchia sp. In a conclusion, to manage the external parasitism; sanitation and cleanliness are essential. Deltamethrin (Butox, 12.5 %) is effective insecticides periodically used as spray to overcome ectoparasites infestations for both bird and surrounding environment.

Background: Albuminuria is considered the gold standard of onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Higher levels of serum insulin may decrease uric acid clearance by the kidneys leading to hyperuricemia, which has injurious effect on kidneys. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and relationship of uric acid to different levels of albuminuria in type II diabetes mellitus. Patients and Method: This cohort study included 56 T2DM patients classified according to stages of DN into: Group I that including 12 patients with normoalbuminuria, group II included 26 patients with microalbuminuria, and group III including 18 patients with macroalbuminuria. All of them were evaluated for serum creatinine and albumin, CBC, ACR, UAE, HbA1c, ESR, Serum TSH and serum uric acid (SUA). Results: Hyperurecemia frequency was (62.5%) and it had highly statistical significant difference with albuminuria in the three studied groups. There was strong significant positive correlation of SUA with UAE (p < 0.014), Cr (p < 0.037), ACR (p < 0.006), HbA1c (p < 0.017) in macroalbuminuria and UAE (p < 0.042) and ACR (p < 0.043) in microalbuminuria group, and TLC (p < 0.024) in normoalbuminuria group. While there was a significant negative correlation between UA with albumin (p < 0.029) in macroalbuminuria group. Conclusions: Hyperinsulinemia and chronic inflammation associated with type IIDM leads to hyperuricemia, which had high frequency in our study (62.5%) and carry a hazardous effect on kidney function contributing to progressive increase of albuminuria. So we must search for management of elevated UA in these patients to delay onset & progression of its morbidity.

Because it is the precursor for various essential cellular components, the amino acid serine is indispensable for every living organism. In plants, serine is synthesized by two major pathways: photorespiration and the phosphorylated pathway of serine biosynthesis (PPSB). However, the importance of these pathways in providing serine for plant development is not fully understood. In this study, we examine the relative contributions of photorespiration and PPSB to providing serine for growth and metabolism in the C3 model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Our analyses of cell proliferation and elongation reveal that PPSB-derived serine is indispensable for plant growth and its loss cannot be compensated by photorespiratory serine biosynthesis. Using isotope labeling, we show that PPSB-deficiency impairs the synthesis of proteins and purine nucleotides in plants. Furthermore, deficiency in PPSB-mediated serine biosynthesis leads to a strong accumulation of metabolites related to nitrogen metabolism. This result corroborates 15N-isotope labeling in which we observed an increased enrichment in labeled amino acids in PPSB-deficient plants. Expression studies indicate that elevated ammonium uptake and higher glutamine synthetase/glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GS/GOGAT) activity causes this phenotype. Metabolic analyses further show that elevated nitrogen assimilation and reduced amino acid turnover into proteins and nucleotides are the most likely driving forces for changes in respiratory metabolism and amino acid catabolism in PPSB-deficient plants. Accordingly, we conclude that even though photorespiration generates high amounts of serine in plants, PPSB-derived serine is more important for plant growth and its deficiency triggers the induction of nitrogen assimilation, most likely as an amino acid starvation response.

Two different experiments were carried out to evaluate the toxicity and insecticidal activity of the fertilizer, potassium sulfate against two species of green bug Nezara virdula, and leafhopper Empoasca discipiens (Paoli) infesting tomato plant. The first experiment was done in the laboratory to determine the toxicity of the tested material by spraying different concentration on tomato seedling in pots artificially infested with leafhopper and green bug while the second one was done in field to determine the insecticidal activity against leafhopper and green bug besides the phytotoxicity of potassium sulfate when sprayed at concentrations 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% on tomato crop. Results obtained indicated that potassium sulfate showed high toxic effect against the two species of leaf hopper and green bug since LC5owere 8.9 and 8.6 ppm on green bug and leafhopper respectively, while the second experiment indicated that concentration 0.5% was suitable for controlling the two species of insect leaf hopper and green bug without any phytotoxic effect on tomato plant.

The current study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of nanostructured oligochitosan (NOC) against the synergistic toxic effects of -irradiation exposure and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication in male rats. Adult male rats were allocated into eight groups; control, NOC-administered, -irradiated, CCl4-intoxicated, NOC-pretreated -irradiated, NOC-pretreated CCl4-intoxicated, -irradiated and CCl4-intoxicated, NOC-pretreated CCl4-intoxicated and -irradiated. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results demonstrated that the oligochitosan prepared by exposure to gamma irradiation was in the range of nanoparticles. A synergistic hepatotoxic effect was demonstrated following the exposure of rats to -irradiation and CCl4 intoxication, along with the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. NOC was able to protect the hepatocytes from the combined toxic insults through suppressing lipid and protein oxidations, maintaining hepatic functions, downregulating the expression of some inflammatory genes, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-B) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), as well as enhancing the expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl2 gene and suppressing the proapoptotic Bax gene expression. Histological findings of liver tissues verified the biochemical and molecular data. The study clarified some of the molecular mechanisms by which NOC protects the liver against the synergistic toxic effect of -irradiation and CCl4.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect oforganic acids (citric, lactic and propionic) and their mixtures on carcass traits and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens. A total number of 480 broiler chicks (Ross) one-day old, nearly similar in live body weight were used in this study. Chicks were randomly divided into eight experiment groups each of 60 chicks in3 replicates of birds. Chicks of the first group fed starter and grower basal diets without any supplementation and considered as a control group, the second, third and fourth groups were fed starter and grower basal diets with 5g/kg of either citric, propionic or lactic acids, respectively. While, the fifth group fed starter and grower basal diets with 5g/kg citric acid and 5g/kg propionic acid. The 6th and 7th groups fed starter and grower basal diets supplemented with 5g/kg citric and 5g/kg lactic acids, 5g/kg propionic and 5g/kg lactic .The 8th group fed starter and grower basal diets supplemented with 5g/kg of each of Citric+ Propionic+ Lactic. Results obtained showed that chicks fed diet supplemented with citric and lactic acid, respectively had significantly increased the absolute and relative weights of carcass and total edible parts, the highest averages of plasma total protein , globulin and decreased plasma AST and ALT. Chicks fed on diet supplemented with the mixtures of Citric + Lactic + Propionic acid showed the highest averages of absolute and relative weights of carcass and total edible parts, plasma total protein, globulin and lowest plasma creatinine compared with the other treatments and control group. While chicks received diet supplemented with citric acid showed the highest value of plasma albumin and relative economical efficiency (REE). Generally, it is clearly observed from this study that using organics and their mixtures had improved the carcass yield, blood biochemistry and economical efficiency of broiler chickens compared with control. Citric acid at a level of 5g/kg diet seemed to be adequate to achieve the favorable results and is being recommended from the economic point of view.

In this study, 130 uniform ‘Flame Seedless’ grape trees were selected for and subjected to the same cultural practices. The trees were sprayed three times, before flowering, during full bloom, and three weeks later with the following treatments: control (water only), 250, 500, and 750 ppm glycine; 50, 100, and 150 ppm folic acid (FA); 2%, 4%, and 6% leaf moringa aqueous extract (MLAE); and their combinations. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of moringa leaf aqueous extract (MLAE) showed the presence of the phenolic compounds ellagic acid, vanillic acid, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, catechol, and gallic acid with values of 54.18, 18.79, 14, 12.32, and 12.12 mg/100 g, respectively. The obtained results showed that the foliar spraying of 250, 500, and 750 ppm glycine, 4% and 6% MLAE, and their combinations of glycine 500 ppm + FA 100 ppm + MLAE 4% and glycine 750 ppm + FA 150 ppm + MLAE 6% significantly increased the shoot length, shoot thickness, leaf chlorophyll content, yield, and fruit quality over the control. Glycine at 750 ppm was the best treatment followed by glycine at 500 ppm compared with the other applied treatments and the control in both experimental seasons.

The physiological changes in G. mellonella larvae treated with unirradiated and 2 Gy gamma irradiated S. carpocapsae had been investigated. The results indicated that S. carpocapsae exhibited a significant decrease in the total body concentrations of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and urea of 5th larval of G. mellonella with increasing the infection incubation period. Moreover, the decrease in the concentration of these total body metabolic products was greatly remarkable in larvae infected with gamma irradiated S. carpocapsae. In contrast, the results revealed that S. carpocapsae caused a significant increase in the acid phospatase and chitinase activity of the total body of 5th larval instar of G. mellonella with increasing the treatment time. Which was greatly remarkable in larvae treated with gamma irradiated S. carpocapsae. Protein bands at different time intervals for all tested treatments revealed the absence of some bands, appearance of new bands and changes in the intensity of the bands. Therefore, it could be concluded that gamma irradiation of S. carpocapsae increased it’s efficacy and can be used in pest control.

Unfortunately, papyrus has not been sufficiently studied regarding improvement of the mechanical or optical properties, which degrade under the impact of aging factors over time. The aims of this research were studying the effects of hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) loaded with 0.25% of ZnO nanoparticles (NP) at different concentrations (1% and 2%) on papyrus sheet properties before and after aging. Various analyses were used, such as visual assessment by a universal serial bus (USB) digital microscope, mechanical properties, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, color change, and pH measurement. A dramatic increase in mechanical properties was observed after treatment. Besides, FTIR illustrated increasing of CH2 and OH stretching, which contribute to increasing the cellulose crystallinity index. There was no significant change in pH values after treatment or ageing. Slight changes of optical characteristics were observed for treated samples, after the artificial aging of the treated samples, the mechanical measurements showed that the values of tensile strength and elongation were close to the values of the standard sample, which may contribute to preventive protection of ZnO NP for treated samples from the artificial ageing.

This article presents a high temperature model for gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on silicon carbide (SiC). The proposed model for the channel resistance $\text {R}_{\text {ds}}$ is based on an empirical nonlinear model. The model is applied to design a resistive mixer of a high temperature transceiver for downhole communications through a systematic approach and estimate the performance of the mixer. The proposed model matches well with measurement results of the mixer and accurately estimates its performance at temperatures up to 250 °C. The model is also applied to obtain the optimal gate bias voltage of the mixer for a given temperature. The optimal bias voltage scheme reduces the conversion loss of the mixer by a factor of 8.4 dB at 250 °C under the local oscillator power of −10 dBm.

The aim of this study was to examine the cytotoxicity of the herbicide atrazine on the reproductive system. 48 male and 48 female albino rats were treated with atrazine daily for two different durations (15 and 30 days). Reproductive system toxicity was monitored by quantitative analysis of the serum Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Prolactin (PRL), Estrogen (E2), Progesterone (Prog) and Testosterone (Testo). On the other hand, the reproductive organs were collected for histopathology study. The study showed a significant elevation of estrogen, progesterone hormones with a significant decrease in testosterone hormone in male groups while in female groups there was a significant decrease in estrogen, progesterone & hormones with a significant increase in testosterone hormone. But there was no effect on PRL and LH hormones in both male and female groups toxified by ATZ, in comparison to the control groups. In addition to that, the Light microscopic examination of the seminiferous tubule cells (st) showed vacuolations within seminiferous tubules (V), degeneration of spermatozoa formation and hemorrhage (hg) in the interstitial tissue. These effects were increased by increasing the dose or the time of exposure. By using ascorbic acid in the treatment of those effects, we find a significant improvement and detoxification of the atrazine effects on both hormonal tests and histological sections. From our study results, we concluded that there is a potential contribution of herbicide mixtures in the etiology of somebody's diseases, while ascorbic acid has beneficial effects as it tends to dampen atrazine toxicity, in albino rats.

Our research aims to address and determine the effect of Camellia sinensis extract in the management of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats. Forty adult female albino rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 (G1) served as the control group, while the other three groups received high-fat diet for 32 weeks to induce NASH and then were later assigned to the following groups: (G2) NASH-afflicted group which was left untreated, (G3) NASH-afflicted group treated with Camellia sinensis extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg, and (G4) NASH-afflicted group treated with Camellia sinensis extract in a dose of 200 mg/kg. Significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, albumin, bilirubin (total and direct), cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, leptin, Cox-2, and CD40 values was recorded. Moreover, overexpression of hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha and hepatocyte growth factor genes were recorded, whereas blood platelet count and serum high density lipoprotein concentration revealed significant depletion, which was paralleled by significant downregulation of hepatic adiponectin gene expression level in NASH group versus the control group. On the opposite side, treatment of NASH groups with two different doses of Camellia sinensis extract reversed the values of the measured biochemical parameters and the targeted gene expression levels when compared with the NASH group. Optical micrograph of liver tissue sections of rats treated with Camellia sinensis extract showed the observed improvement in the studied biochemical and genetic markers. This study provides a clear evidence for the promising therapeutic potential of Camellia sinensis extract against NASH. This could be ascribed to its hepatoprotective activity, hypolipidemic effect, and anti-inflammatory potency.

HCV genotype 4 dominates the HCV epidemic in Egypt. Drug resistance was the most serious side effect that reflects bad clinical outcome. Several studies had demonstrated that baseline serum interferon-γ-inducible-protein 10 (IP-10) levels and interleukin 28B polymorphisms were associated with the resistance to the standard of care pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PEG-IFNα/RBV) therapy and development of post-treatment relapse. Our purpose was to assess the predictive value of combining IP-10 levels and IL28B genotypes to PEG-IFNα/RBV therapy response in Egyptian chronic HCV infection patients with genotype 4. Ninety Egyptian patients chronically infected by HCV genotype-4 treated with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PEG-IFNα/RBV) therapy were enrolled. Serum IP-10 levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay pre- and post- treatment. IL-28B (rs12979860 and rs8099917) polymorphisms were performed by PCR-RFLP in all patients. Overall, 38 patients (42.2%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and 52 (57.8%) patients have non-viral response (NVR). Pretreatment serum IP-10 mean levels were significantly lower in patients who achieved SVR than in NVR (P

The acute toxicity from volatile toxin from the Limonia acidissima (La-VO) was evaluated on the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Screening of La-VO showed five major bioactive compounds with a major peak estragole. The mortality rate was significantly greater at 150 ppm La-VO. The lethal concentration (LC50) was observed at 65.24 ppm. Sub-lethal dosage of La-VO resulted in significant changes in developmental times. Enzymatic profile of larvae post treatment showed upregulation of CYP450 and GST levels. A maximum repellent activity was observed at 75 ppm La-VO at 98% up to 210 minutes. The La-VO provided evidence of insecticidal and toxicity to the mosquito.

Growth of fungi on many types of foods under certain environmental conditions results in extensive spoilage of these foods due to production of off flavors, discolouration and bad tastes. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel is a nutrient-rich byproduct whose juice and related products are directly added to foods due to their pleasant taste, palatability, and preservative effects. This review aims to using of pomegranate peels powder at concentrations of 2g, 3g, and 5 g on physicochemical and chemical quality of sausage during a storage period at (1-4˚C) for 12 days. Also, microbiological criteria of sausage samples were recorded. Values of Total volatile nitrogen and Thiobarbituric acid were reduced by adding of different concentration of powders of pomegranate during refrigerated storage compared to control sausage samples. Phenolic compounds in pomegranate peels could have antimicrobial properties. So we can concluded that addition of pomegranate peel powder has an effect on lowering pH, TVN, TBA, APC, total coliforms, mould, and yeast counts in sausage.

Three natural extracted oils from Citrus reticulata peels, C. aurantifolia leaves, and Linum usitatissimum (linseeds) were used as antifungal agents against the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum. The following main compounds (determined via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) were found. The essential oil (EO) from C. aurantiifolia leaves contained limonene (22.96%), geranyl acetal (13.53%), and geraniol acetate (13.33%); the n-hexane oil from C. reticulata peels contained methyl-13-cyclopentyltridecanoate (16.74%), and D-limonene (16.06%); and linseed oil contained linoleic acid (27.36%), and oleic acid (19.01%). The inhibition of fungal growth significantly was reached 100% against A. flavus at all tested C. aurantifolia leaf EO concentrations and at a concentration of 2000 µL/mL for linseeds oil. The growth inhibition reached 100% against P. chrysogenum with C. aurantifolia leaf EO concentrations of 125-2000 µL/mL. Citrus reticulata peel EO had 100% growth inhibition of P. chrysogenum at concentrations of 2000 µL/mL and 1000 µL/mL, while linseeds oil had 100% growth inhibition at 2000 µL/mL. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that C. aurantifolia EO yielded the greatest thermal stability and color change protection to cotton pulp, while linseed oil was found to protect wood pulp-based and historical papers.

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly-virulent emerging virus species, causing disease outbreaks and significant crop losses worldwide. No effective measure has been identified to control ToBRFV infection. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of three seed disinfection treatments on the elimination of ToBRFV in tomato seeds and their effect on seed quality. Seeds extracted from ToBRFV-infected fruits were treated with 2% hydrochloric acid (HCl) for 30 min, 10% trisodium phosphate (TSP) for 3 h, dry heat at 72 °C for 72 h, or their combinations; then, the seeds were tested for the presence of the virus using serological, molecular, and biological assays. Parallel treatments of seeds in distilled water (hydropriming) or untreated seeds were included for comparison. The quality of the treated seeds was also evaluated in terms of seed standard germination, mean time to germination (MTG), and seedling growth. Seeds extracted from ToBRFV-infected fruits had a 100% contamination rate. Treatment of ToBRFV-contaminated seeds with 2% HCl for 30 min or 10% TSP for 3 h resulted in a 100% disinfection rate, while heat treatment at 72 °C for 72 h or hydropriming treatments resulted in a 0% disinfection rate. Furthermore, seed treatment with HCl or hydropriming for 3 h significantly improved seed germination percentage, reduced MTG (faster speed of germination), and increased seedling length. In conclusion, seed treatment with 2% HCl for 30 min not only resulted in a 100% disinfection rate of seeds from the ToBRFV but also improved seed quality of tomato compared to untreated seeds.

Photoacids are molecules that become more acidic upon the absorption of light. This short review highlights recent advances in the use of photoacids as catalysts for organic synthesis. Photoacid-catalyzed­ transformations discussed herein include: Protonation, glycosylation, acetalization, and arylation reactions.1 Introduction2 Protonation: Excited-State Proton Transfer (ESPT)3 Glycosylation4 Acetalization5 Friedel–Crafts Arylation6 Additional C–C and C–S Bond-Forming Reactions7 Conclusion

The uses of whey permeate for lactic acid production is a dual-purpose process by producing lactic acid and decreasing the environmental pollution problem caused by dumping the lactose- rich dairy byproduct. This study aimed to investigate lactic acid production from whey permeates using lactic acid bacterial isolates. Five isolates from cheese samples were identified as lactobacillus casei MT682513, Enterococcus camelliae MT682510, Enterococcus faecalis MT682509, Enterococcus lactis MT682511, and Wissella paramesenteroides MT682512 using 16S rRNA. Small scale batch fermentations of permeate were conducted under uncontrolled pH conditions. pH, temperature, carbon, and nitrogen sources as well as fermentation time on the conversion rate of lactose to lactic acid were monitored. It was found that Lactobacillus casei exhibited the highest percentage of lactic acid production without any supplementations. The increasing percentage was 107% using glucose (100 gl–1 ) and 44.2 % using yeast extract (10 gl–1 ) as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The optimum lactic acid production was between 30°C and 37°C within a pH value of 6. The highest production of lactic acid under the optimized conditions resulted after 14h of fermentation. This work facilitates further studies of Lactobacillus casei over the optimized conditions of whey parameters on the other industrially important for lactic acid production and applications.

Photo-catalytic semiconducting composites were designed and tested in water splitting process for hydrogen generation/storage under visible light irradiation. Iron oxide NPs (5 wt%) were loaded onto Al (25 wt%)-modified SBA-15 supports via microwave-assisted (M) and ultrasonic-assisted (U) routes. Various Al-modification methods of SBA-15 were applied, namely, impregnation post synthesis (Al/S(Imp)), ultrasonic post synthesis (Al/S(Us)) and in situ direct synthesis (Al/S(Inst)). Several techniques were adopted to characterize the as-synthesized composites, viz., XRD, XRF, N2 adsorption-desorption, FTIR, TPR, NH3-TPD, H2 chemisorption, TEM-EDS, DSC-TGA and UV abosorbance. The obtained results showed that all the studied catalysts are rather suitable candidates for H2 storage with maximum capacity, referred probably to the fitting modifications in the pore system and the whole structure of the catalyst samples. The applied loading routes have led to different characteristics of the finished catalytic systems, where the ultrasonic-assisted loading route showed more prevailing behavior in the photo-catalytic splitting process.

By aging, male fertility and kidney function decline. Therefore, the investigation of health span-extending agents becomes more urgent to overcome aging-induced infertility and kidney dysfunction. The current research was undertaken to investigate the antiaging efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus telomerase activator-65 (Ta-65) and pomegranate supplements. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into young rats, aged rats, aged rats treated with Ta-65 (500mg/kg/day), and aged rats treated with pomegranate (250mg/kg/day). Testosterone, FSH, LH, and kidney functions were measured in serum. Sperm analysis as well as testicular histological examination was performed. Aging caused an imbalance in male sex hormones resulting in sperm abnormality and reductions in the sperm count and motility. Elevations in serum creatinine, uric acid, sodium, and potassium were reported in aged rats. Treatment with Ta-65 or pomegranate effectively ameliorated all the deteriorations induced by normal aging in male fertility and renal function. Ta-65 and pomegranate possessed strong antiaging activity by alleviating aging-induced male infertility through reestablishing the hormonal balance and testis architecture. They also alleviated the kidney dysfunction. On comparing Ta-65 with pomegranate, the improvement in FSH, LH, and sperm abnormalities caused by Ta-65 was much better than that caused by pomegranate.

Green, rapid and modified surface-active ionic liquid assisted cloud point extraction method (SAIL-CPE) was developed to preconcentrate trace levels of nickel Ni(II) ions in environmental samples perior to its detection by FAAS. The proposed method based on utilizing a mixture of a nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114) and a surface-active ionic liquid, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MeImCl), as an extracting phase for Ni(II) ions after the complexation with sunset yellow FCF at pH 6.5. The impact of different analytical parameters on improving the extraction efficiency was invistigated. In the range of 2.0-600 µg L−1, the calibration graph was linear with correlation coefficient of 0.9998. Limit of detection and preconcentration factor were 0.6 and 100. The reliability and precision of the proposed SAIL-CPE system as the relative standard deviation (RSD %) in the presence and absence of SAIL were examined by applying ten replicate determinations of 300 µg L-1 of Ni(II), and RSD % of the recoveries were found to be 1.40 and 2.9%, respectively. The validation of the proposed procedure was verified by test of certified reference materials (TMDA-51.3 fortified water, TMDA-53.3 fortified water and SRM spinach leaves 1570A) applying the standard addition method. Finally, the proposed SAIL-CPE method was developed and applied to preconcentrate and determine of trace levels of Ni(II) ions in real water, food and tobacco samples with satisfactory results.

Borax-agar gel has been used recently in the deacidification and other conservation processes for paper manuscripts. However, the residues of borax-agar can be damaging to the cellulose fibers. Conservators are trying to solve this problem, especially with the great success achieved by the borax / agar based gel in the acidity neutralization and improve the mechanical properties of the paper manuscripts. The current study considers whether the use of paper barriers such as Japanese gampi, linen, and rayon can reduce harmful borax-agar residues. Historical paper specimens were treated with 3% and 6% of agar poultice with different barriers such as rayon, pure linen, and Japanese gampi paper. After drying, the treated paper samples were exposed to hot-moist ageing at 80 °C and 65% relative humidity for 72 h. The role of different barriers used in the reduction of residues from agar poultice and the effect of these residues on cellulose fibers were studied via some analytical techniques, such as digital optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pH, color change, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were used. The results showed that 3% of the agar poultice-borax with a linen barrier gave the best results with no residue left after treatment.

The study was designed to synthesize iron oxide-kaolinite composite to apply as a sorbent for a pre-treatment of seawater used as feed water in reverse osmosis units. Herein, we present kaolinite/Nano-sized iron oxide composite through the impregnation process. The morphologies of synthesized iron oxide and kaolinite-iron oxide nanocomposites were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurement (ZPM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction as well as FTIR. The results indicated iron oxide was well dispersed on the surface of kaolinite. Kaolinite/iron oxide composite has been found particularly useful for adsorption of scale-forming ions from seawater. The parameters controlling the uptake of the scales ions from seawater are contact time, initial ions concentration, adsorption dose, temperature, and pH. The removal efficiency reached 84% for barium under certain conditions. The adsorption follows Pseudo 2nd order with a maximum adsorbent capacity of 2.2 mg g−1. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was found to be the best model describing the process.

The chemical composition, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Gum Arabic (GA) were studied, as were physical, chemical, cooking and sensory properties of low-fat beef burger manufactured by replacing its fat content with different levels (0.0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of GA. The results of chemical composition of GA indicated that the total dietary fiber was the major compound (89.89%) and the other components were minor such as protein (2.02%), ash (3.99%), and ether extract (4.10%). The present study showed that antioxidant activity of GA extracted by water (73.30%) was higher than extracted by ethanol (70.87%). All chemical compositions (moisture, fiber, protein, ash and total carbohydrate contents) of uncooked and cooked low-fat beef burger manufactured by replacing its fat content with different levels of GA were increased, except ether extract content was decreased. However, replacing process increased (P ≤ 0.05) significantly of both water holding capacity and feder value, it was decreased (P ≤ 0.05) significantly of plasticity, protein water coefficient and protein-water-fat coefficient of low-fat beef burger. Cooking properties were affected by replacing fat with GA whereas, cooking yield was increased (P ≤ 0.05), and on the other side cooking loss, shrinkage and diameter reduction were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased. Sensory evaluation of low-fat beef burger showed the level replacement 5 and 10% of GA produced beef burger similar with control with little changes also 15 and 20% replacement gave a fair low-fat beef burger.

Parasitism is a divesting problem that is frequently overlooked and may result in severe prominent clinical manifestation. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal and sexual prevalence of the gastrointestinal nematode Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) infection among domestic pigeons in Giza governorate, Egypt, during the period from 2020 to 2021. One hundred and sixty suspected pigeons were clinically investigated. Blood & tissue samples were collected from infected birds to estimate serum zinc concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide levels. As well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL1β) activity, and histopathological examination were estimated; also, worms were collected for morphological identification using electron microscope (SEM) and molecularly identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), further sequenced, and submitted in GenBank with accession number MZ343369. The average ascarid (length × breadth) were 72.4 ± 3.3 µm (70.5 – 79.9 µm) × 39.9 ± 2.5 µm (37.6 – 42.3 µm). The distinguishing morphological characteristics that have been noticed in ascarid worms were creamy white, cylindrical worm with triradiate lips with wide cephalic alae extending on both the lateral sides and filariform esophagus. In males, spicules were almost equal with the presence of precloacal chitinous-rimmed sucker. The prevalence of A. columbae infection was (63.1%) with a higher incidence in females (79.2%) than males (46.1%). The highest seasonal prevalence was observed in winter (92.5%), followed by summer and spring (87.5% and 55%), respectively while, the lowest prevalence was observed in autumn (17.5%). The intensity of worms in the infected intestine varied from 5 to 120 adult worms. The histopathological examination revealed the presence of chronic diffuse moderate catarrhal enteritis with roundworms in the lumen. Infected birds showed a significant increase in nitric oxide and MDA levels while serum zinc levels were lowered in infected pigeons. Infected pigeons revealed a marked increase in IL1-β and TNFα than apparently healthy ones.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is regarded distinctive cellulose derivative due to its unique properties and could display a lyotropic cholesteric liquid-crystalline phase in a variety solvents. This work deals with studying the role of cellulose- and carbon-based nanoparticles on liquid crystal performance of modified hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) in lyotropic suspension and nanocomposite films in a comparison study. The lyotropic suspension of HPC and HPC-nanocomposites were characterized by rheological study and optical properties. The Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Diffractometry (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical properties were the techniques used to characterize the nanocomposite films. The results showed that, introducing the cellulose and carbon nanoparticles lowered the critical concentration of lyotropic suspension of HPC from 30 wt.% to 26–28 wt.% and earlier appearance of anisotropic phases was occurred which evidenced by the rheological curves and optical properties. The FTIR, XRD and TGA of nanocomposite films showed no change in backbone chemical structure of HPC but the incorporation of nanoparticles, especially cellulose-based NPs, enhanced the crystallinity, thermal stability behaviour and mechanical properties. The behaviour of carbon-NPs in HPC film was unaccepted, where it deteriorated the mechanical properties. The nanocomposite films displayed good fingerprint texture (especially with cellulose nanocrystals) with moderated defined morphologies that promote the liquid crystal nanocomposite development.

Nitrogen (N) is an essential plant nutrient, therefore, N-deficient soils affect plant growth and development. The excessive and unwise application of N fertilizers result in nutrient losses and lower nutrient use efficiency that leads to the low crop productivity. Ammonia volatilization causes a major loss after N fertilization that causes environmental pollution. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of coating and uncoating N fertilizer in enhancing yield and nutrient-use efficiency with reduced ammonia emissions. The recommended rate of nitrogen and phosphorus, urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizers were coated manually with 1% polymer solution. DAP (coated/uncoated) and potassium were applied at the time of sowing as subsurface application. While urea (coated/uncoated) was applied as surface and subsurface application. Results showed that nutrient use efficiencies of wheat were found to be maximum with the subsurface application of coated N fertilizer which increased nutrient-use efficiency by 44.57 (N), 44.56 (P) and 44.53% (K) higher than the surface application of uncoated N fertilizer. Ammonia emissions were found the lowest with subsurface-applied coated N fertilizer. Thus, coated fertilizer applied via subsurface was found the best technique to overcome the ammonia volatilization with an improvement in the yield and nutrient-use efficiency of wheat.

Background: Natural plant extracts and microbial antagonists have the potential for use in increasing the fungal resistance and productivity of horticulture plants. Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of both natural plant extracts and microbial antagonists as a biotical control of some fungal pathogens, i.e., Fusarium ssp., Exserohilum ssp. and Nigrospora ssp., along with improving the growth and productivity performance of zucchini under greenhouse conditions. Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf extract (LE), Citrus sinensis LE, Ficus benghalensis fruit extract (FE), and two microbial antagonists Pseudomonas fluorescens (accession no. MW647093) and Trichoderma viride (accession no. MW647090) were tested under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Through morphological characteristics and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, Fusarium solani (accession no. MW947256), F. oxysporum (accession no. MW947254), Exserohilum rostratum (accession no. MW947255), and Nigrospora&nbsp, lacticolonia (accession no. MW947253) were identified. HPLC analysis was used for the identification of phenolic compounds (PCs) and flavonoid compounds (FCs) in the extracts. Results: The highest inhibition percentage of fungal growth (IPFG) against F. oxysporum was obtained with P. fluorescens, T. viride, and E. camaldulensis LE (4000 mg/L), F. solani with P. fluorescens, T. viride, and C. sinensis LE (4000 mg/L), Exserohilum rostratum with P. fluorescens, Ficus benghalensis FE (4000 mg/L) and E. camaldulensis LE (4000 mg/L), and N. lacticolonia with P. fluorescens. Using HPLC analysis, the abundant PCs in E. camaldulensis LE were pyrogallol, and caffeic acid, those in C. sinensis LE were syringic acid and ferulic acid, and those in F. benghalensis FE were gallic acid and syringic acid. In addition, the abundant FCs in E. camaldulensis LE were kaempferol, and naringin, those in C. sinensis LE were hesperidin and quercetin, and those in F. benghalensis FE were kaempferol and quercetin. Under greenhouse experiments, T. viride and E. camaldulensis LE (4000 mg/L) followed by P. fluorescens + T. viride treatments gave the best results of zucchini plants in terms of leaf area, fruits number per plant, yield per plant, and total yield (marketable and non-marketable). Conclusions: Plant extracts and bioagents can be used to control some zucchini fungal pathogens and increase the productivity performance of zucchini plants.

The accelerated ageing of wood in terms of heating or iron rusting has a potential effect on the physio-mechanical, chemical and biological properties of wood. The effects of accelerated ageing on the mechanical, physical and fungal activity properties of some wood materials (Schinus terebinthifolius, Erythrina humeana, Tectona grandis, Pinus rigida and Juglans nigra) were studied after several cycles of heating and iron rusting. The fungal activity was assayed against the growth of Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium culmorum and Stemphylium solani. In addition, the mechanical and optical properties of paper sheets produced from those wood pulps by means of Kraft cooking were evaluated. The mechanical and chemical properties of the studied wood species were affected significantly (p < 0.05) by the accelerated ageing, compared to control woods. With Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we detected an increase in the intensity of the spectra of the functional groups of cellulose in the heated samples, which indicates an increase in cellulose content and decrease in lignin content, compared to other chemical compounds. For pulp properties, woods treated by heating showed a decrease in the pulp yield. The highest significant values of tensile strength were observed in pulp paper produced from untreated, heated and iron-rusted P. rigida wood and they were 69.66, 65.66 and 68.33 N·m/g, respectively; we calculated the tear resistance from pulp paper of untreated P. rigida (8.68 mN·m2/g) and T. grandis (7.83 mN·m2/g) and rusted P. rigida (7.56 mN·m2/g) wood; we obtained the values of the burst strength of the pulp paper of untreated woods of P. rigida (8.19 kPa·m2/g) and T. grandis (7.49 kPa·m2/g), as well as the fold number of the pulp paper of untreated, heated and rusted woods from P. rigida, with values of 195.66, 186.33 and 185.66, respectively. After 14 days from the incubation, no fungal inhibition zones were observed. Accelerated ageing (heated or iron-rusted) produced significant effects on the mechanical and chemical properties of the studied wood species and affected the properties of the produced pulp paper.

Acetaminophen (APAP) induced liver injury can occur through acute or repeated administration of high doses. Hepatocyte nuclear factors HNF4α and HNF1α are key transcription factors involved in regulating the expression of drug metabolism enzymes and are affected by proinflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin implicated in the regulation of macrophage activation and secretion of inflammatory mediators. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of galectin-3 inhibition on HNF4α and HNF1α gene expression after long-term administration of APAP, and to investigate the resulted effect on APAP induced hepatotoxicity. The study was performed on thirty two Wistar rats divided equally into four groups; control group, modified citrus pectin (MCP) (Gal-3 inhibitor) receiving group, APAP receiving group, and APAP plus MCP receiving group. APAP induced inhibition of liver HNF4α and HNF1α gene expression, and elevation of liver Gal-3 and tumor necrosis factor- α levels (TNF-α), depletion of reduced glutathione and its maintaining enzymes, besides elevation in levels of serum liver function parameters and appearance of necrotic areas in the liver. Gal-3 inhibition preserved HNF4α and HNF1α gene expression, TNF-α, and each of reduced glutathione and its maintaining enzymes near normal levels. It also significantly reduced APAP induced hepatotoxicity.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of various doses of betaine supplemented dietary on Japanese quail performance, carcass characteristics, and blood chemistry. Therefore, 400 seven days old Japanese quails were classified randomly into four equal groups. Each group was subdivided into five replicates of 20 birds each. Four rations were formulated using four different betaine levels (0, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 g/kg, respectively) for five successive weeks. All groups received feed and clean water ad-libitum. The results of this trial indicated that the feed intake was lowered in groups fed with betaine (p ≤ 0.05) when compared with the control one. The highest weight gain (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed in groups fed diets BS4 (betaine supplementation at the rate of 2.25 g/kg). No difference among groups was observed in body length, shank length, shank diameter, and keel bone length or breast width. Also, the carcass weight and breast yield were highest (p ≤ 0.05) in the group reared on the BS4 diet. In addition, intestinal length and weight were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in groups fed betaine with a concentration of 2.25 g/kg. Fat weight was lower in the group fed BS4 than in the untreated group. Significantly higher values of high-density lipoprotein (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the group fed BS4. All groups fed a ration containing betaine showed lower levels of liver enzymes such as alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate amino transferase (p ≤ 0.05) and lowered low-density lipoprotein level. The quails fed BS4 had the greatest growth hormones and insulin (p ≤ 0.05) and the lowest thyroxin level. We concluded that dietary betaine supplementation positively impacts Japanese quail growth performance, carcass traits, and blood chemistry.

Two series of novel amino acid Schiff base ligands containing heterocyclic moieties, such as quinazolinone 3–11 and indole 12–20 were successfully synthesized and confirmed by spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. Furthermore, all compounds were investigated in silico for their ability to inhibit mitochondrial NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) by targeting the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibiting hexokinase, a key glycolytic enzyme to prevent the Warburg effect in cancer cells. This inhibitory pathway may be an effective strategy to cause cancer cell death due to an insufficient amount of ATP. Our results revealed that, out of 18 compounds, two (11 and 20) were top-ranked as they exhibited the highest binding energies of −8.8, −13.0, −7.9, and −10.0 kcal/mol in the docking analysis, so they were then selected for in vitro assessment. Compound 11 promoted the best cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 with IC50 = 64.05 ± 0.14 μg/mL (0.135 mM) while compound 20 exhibited the best cytotoxic effect on MDA-231 with IC50 = 46.29 ± 0.09 μg/mL (0.166 mM) Compounds 11 and 20 showed significant activation of AMPK protein and oxidative stress, which led to elevated expression of p53 and Bax, reduced Bcl-2 expression, and caused cell cycle arrest at the sub-G0/G1 phase. Moreover, compounds 11 and 20 showed significant inhibition of the mTOR protein, which led to the activation of aerobic glycolysis for survival. This alternative pathway was also blocked as compounds 11 and 20 showed significant inhibitory effects on the hexokinase enzyme. These findings demonstrate that compounds 11 and 20 obeyed Lipinski’s rule of five and could be used as privileged scaffolds for cancer therapy via their potential inhibition of mitochondrial complex I-associated hexokinase.

Imipenem is the most efficient antibiotic against Acinetobacter baumannii infection, but new research has shown that the organism has also developed resistance to this agent. A. baumannii isolates from a total of 110 clinical samples were identified by multiplex PCR. The antibacterial activity of Syzygium aromaticum multiple extracts was assessed following the GC-Mass spectra analysis. The molecular docking study was performed to investigate the binding mode of interactions of guanosine (Ethanolic extract compound) against Penicillin- binding proteins 1 and 3 of A. baumannii. Ten isolates of A. baumannii were confirmed to carry recA and iutA genes. Isolates were multidrug-resistant containing blaTEM and BlaSHV. The concentrations (0.04 to 0.125 mg mL−1) of S. aromaticum ethanolic extract were very promising against A. baumannii isolates. Even though imipenem (0.02 mg mL−1) individually showed a great bactericidal efficacy against all isolates, the in-silico study of guanosine, apioline, eugenol, and elemicin showed acceptable fitting to the binding site of the A. baumannii PBP1 and/or PBP3 with highest binding energy for guanosine between −7.1 and −8.1 kcal/mol respectively. Moreover, it formed π-stacked interactions with the residue ARG76 at 4.14 and 5.6, Å respectively. These findings might support the in vitro study and show a substantial increase in binding affinity and enhanced physicochemical characteristics compared to imipenem.

Fig (Ficus carica L.) considers the original cultivated fruit trees and currently has become extinct. Such genetic resources should be identified, documented, and conserved. Morphology, pomology, and molecular markers are successful tools in assessing genetic diversity and classifying fig accessions. Twenty-one cultivated fig (F. carica L.) accessions were collected from Egypt and Libya. In Egypt, fig accessions are dispersed from Sinai in the east to El-Saloom in the west and from Alexandria in the north to Aswan in the south, whereas Libyan accessions were collected from Tubryq, Bengazi, and AlKufrah. Seventeen morphological, pomological, and fruit traits were used to characterize the fig accessions. Moreover, frozen young leaves were used to extract genomic DNA; 13 expressed sequence tag (EST) common fig primer pairs with 12 intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR)-anchored primers were used to detect the genetic diversity. Analysis of variance for fig accessions showed highly significant differences concerning morphological traits, i.e., the leaf length (centimeters) and width (centimeters) ranged from 5.4 and 6 cm to 23 and 23.5 cm, for Komesrey-El-Hammam, Abodey-Giza, and Black_Mission accessions, respectively. Also, fig accessions showed different shapes of leaf edge and fruits; they were categorized into four groups: straight, waved, zigzag, and serrated. The number of leaf lobes data ranged from one lobe for the ‘Green-yellow’, ‘Sultani Red Siwa’, and ‘Sultany Red Amria’ accessions to 10 lobes in the Aswany accession. The two-way hierarchical morphological cluster analysis distributed fig accessions into two main groups. The results detected high genetic diversity for the fig accessions that could be useful in the future breeding programs. Concerning molecular data, the EST markers showed highly polymorphism and informative (r = 0.61; 90.0%), with a total number of identified alleles of 78. We proved that a relatively greater number of alleles per locus characterizes the targeted loci among fig accessions, for which only one and two alleles per locus have been revealed, respectively, although ISSR showed a clear pattern and bands of the primers UBC807, UBC811, UBC812, UBC814, UBC815, UBC817, UBC818, and UBC823. In conclusion, a great range of variability was detected within the fig accessions. This diversification could enrich the genetic base of this genus, and more experiments are needed to reach its full potential.

Objective: In the present study, we explored the therapeutic potential of citicoline in preventing malathion induced neurotoxicity and genotoxicity. Citicoline has been shown to act as a neuroprotective in experimental animal models of ischemia and other types of brain injuries. Methods: Acute malathion intoxication was induced by intraperitoneal injection of malathion (150 mg/Kg, once per day) for two successive days. Citicoline was co-administered in three doses (100, 200, 300 mg/kg, p.o.). Serum Butyrylcholine esterase (BChE) and Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) were assessed as exposure biomarkers. Oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in the different brain regions (cortex, striatum, and subcortex) in addition to TNF-α. Genotoxicity was tested by chromosomal aberrations, mitotic index, DNA fragmentation, and micronucleus tests. Results: Malathion administration resulted in marked suppression of serum BChE and PON-1 activities. Also, the exposure to the pesticide led to elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in investigated brain regions in addition to elevated striatal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. Malathion also caused profound structural chromosomal aberrations, increased liver DNA fragmentation, and mitotic index. These effects were alleviated with the administration of citicoline dose-dependently. Conclusion: Our data indicate that citicoline can protect against malathion neurotoxic and genotoxic potential, possibly through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and restoring energy stores