Search

Background: Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates with vancomycin MICs of 2 µg/ml have been associated with vancomycin therapeutic failure and the heterogenous vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (hVISA) phenotype. While carriage of van genes has usually been associated with higher level of MIC and frank vancomycin resistance, the unrecognized risk of hetero-resistance is frequently underestimated. Methods used for assessing vancomycin susceptibility have also shown different concordance and variable performance and accessibility in routine clinical diagnostics posing a challenge to inform treatment selection in hospital settings. Methods: A total of 195 clinical samples were obtained among which 100 S. aureus isolates were identified. Ninety-six MRSA isolates have been identified using cefoxitin disc and mecA gene detection. The vanA and vanB genes have been screened for in the studied isolates using conventional PCR amplification. Examination of reduced vancomycin susceptibility has been performed using vancomycin screen agar, Broth Micro Dilution method (BMD), and VITEK2. Blood isolates were screened for hVISA using PAP-AUC method. Results: Vancomycin screening agar applied to 96 MRSA isolates revealed 16 isolates with reduced vancomycin susceptibility. Further MIC testing revealed that 7 isolates were VISA and only 1 isolate was identified as VRSA using both BMD MIC method and VITEK2. Among 24 tested blood isolates, 4 isolates (16.7%) revealed the hVISA phenotype as identified using PAP-AUC method. Using PCR, vanA gene was identified in 5 S. aureus isolates (5%). Three of them were VSSA while the other two isolates were VISA. Conclusion: In this study, we report the very low prevalence of VRSA among the tested S. aureus clinical isolates (1%) and the existence of hVISA phenotype among studied S. aureus blood isolates at the rate of 16.7% in our setting. Fifty percent (8/16) of isolates that demonstrated reduced vancomycin susceptibility using vancomycin agar screen tested susceptible using both broth dilution method and VITEK2. These finding together with the concerning silent carriage of vanA gene among VSSA and VISA (5%) may underly hidden and uninvestigated factors contributing to vancomycin treatment failure that warrant cautious vancomycin prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was designed to examine the nurse managers' boundary-spacing leadership's impact on the relationship between nurses' work embeddedness and innovative work behaviors. Background: In today's evolving healthcare environment, innovation is essential for enhancing patient care, optimizing resources, and supporting healthcare professionals. Nurses are pivotal in driving bedside innovation, but cultivating a culture of innovation within nursing teams involves more than just promoting creative ideas. Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study that was conducted at one governmental hospital in Tanta, Egypt. Using Nurse Managers Boundary-Spacing Scale for assessing boundary-spacing leadership, The Global Job Embeddedness Scale for measuring work embeddedness, and Innovative Work Behavior Scale for assessing innovative work behavior, 250 nurses were surveyed. Data analysis was run using descriptive and inferential analysis. Correlation and regression analysis were used to examine the study hypotheses. Results: There is a statistically significant positive relationship between boundary-spacing leadership and work embeddedness (r = 0.615, p < 0.001). Boundary-spacing leadership accounted for 56% of the variance in work embeddedness and 36% of the variance in nurses' innovative work performance. These results highlight the pivotal role of boundary-spacing leadership in both enhancing nurses' work embeddedness and boosting their innovative behaviors. The substantial variance explained by boundary-spacing leadership underscores its critical influence on fostering a supportive and innovative work environment within the nursing field. Conclusion: Boundary spacing leadership style involves connecting internal and external resources, fostering information exchange, and advocating for the nursing team. While work embeddedness positively correlated with innovative work performance, its impact was less significant than boundary-spacing leadership. This suggests that feeling attached to the organization fosters innovation, but leadership style has a stronger influence. Furthermore, the study found a positive and significant correlation between innovative work performance and both work embeddedness and nurse managers' boundary spacing leadership. Practical Implications: The findings emphasize that boundary-spacing leadership is crucial for enhancing both nurses' work embeddedness and innovative behaviors. Healthcare organizations should focus on developing these leadership skills to create a supportive work environment, foster innovation, and improve staff retention [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is pivotal in decreasing the incidence of contagious infections in hospital settings. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HCWs' recommended vaccines among medical students and interns in Egypt. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, pilot-tested, and self-administered questionnaire among Egyptian medical students and interns. We invited 1332 participants to our survey using a systematic random sampling that included participants across nine medical schools in Egypt during the 2021–2022 academic year. Results: Out of 1332 participants, 1141 completed our questionnaire with a response rate of 85.7%. Overall, 43% of the participants had intermediate knowledge (knew 2–3 HCWs' recommended vaccines). Furthermore, 36.7% had received a booster dose of at least one of the HCWs' recommended vaccines over the last 10 years, with only 6.1% having received all recommended vaccines. Hepatitis B vaccine was the most widely known (71%) and received (66.7%). Interns were more likely to know, receive, and recommend HCWs' recommended vaccines. The majority (> 90%) agreed that vaccination is beneficial and safe, with a median score of eight (interquartile range [IQR: Q25-Q75]: 7–9) out of ten for vaccine efficacy and eight (IQR: 7–8) for safety. However, the median score for hesitancy was five (IQR: 2–7). The most common influential and limiting factors for vaccination were scientific facts (60.1%) and fear of vaccine side effects (44.9%). Conclusion: Although medical students in Egypt have good knowledge of and attitudes towards vaccination, there is a gap in their practices. Interventions are needed to improve vaccination uptake among medical students in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the principal components of ethical leadership • To be aware of what constitutes deviant workplace behaviours • To enhance your understanding of the relationship between deviant workplace behaviours and ethical leadership in managers. Background: There is increasing research interest in the relationship between ethical leadership and deviant workplace behaviour. Ethical leadership encompasses altruism, courage, ethical orientation, integrity and fairness. Examples of deviant workplace behaviours include theft, fraud, sabotage, assault, abuse, manipulation and bullying. It appears that when leaders are fair and emphasise ethical conduct, followers are less inclined to engage in deviant workplace behaviour. Aim: To investigate the relationship between nurses’ self-rated levels of deviant workplace behaviour and perceived levels of ethical leadership in managers. Method: For this descriptive correlational study, 355 nurses from one university hospital in Egypt responded to an online questionnaire comprising the Ethical Leadership Scale and the Workplace Deviance Behavior Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to explore results and examine the relationships between study variables. Results: There was a statistically significant negative relationship between respondents’ self-rated levels of deviant workplace behaviour and their perceptions of levels of ethical leadership in managers. The results appeared to confirm previous research. Nurses who feel that they are treated fairly by their managers tend to have positive attitudes towards work, colleagues and management. Conclusion: Ethical leadership on the part of managers is a significant determinant of nurses’ behaviour in the workplace and should therefore be fostered by healthcare organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an organ specific autoimmune disease, which can manifest at any age of life. there is a high prevalence of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases in patients with AIH. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) are the most frequent extrahepatic autoimmune disorders among patients with AIH. Aim of work is to detect the frequency of ATDs among Egyptian children with AIH. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study conducted on 58 children with AIH aged ≤ 18 years. All patients were tested for free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin (anti-TG). Thyroid ultrasound (US) and thyroid scan were performed for patients with abnormal thyroid profile, borderline values, positive anti-TPO or anti-TG. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the age of the patients was 11.3 ± 4.5 years. Out of 58 patients of AIH, 28 patients (48.3%) had associated other autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune thyroiditis was the most common associated autoimmune disease being present in 10 patients (17.2%). The thyroid status of AIT patients showed that 6 patients (60%) were euthyroid, 3 patients (30%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and only one patient (10%) was hyperthyroid. Conclusion: Autoimmune hepatitis in Egyptian children is commonly associated with other autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common to be associated with AIH in pediatric patients. As it is not usually clinically manifesting, regular screening for AIT in children with AIH is mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five years crossbreeding experiment was preformed involving two synthetic rabbit lines of APRI (A) and Moshtohor (M) where bucks of APRI line and does of Moshtohor line were used to produce F1 crossbreds (½A½M), followed by inter-se mating to obtain F2 crossbreds (½A½M)² . A total number of 263 sires, 445 dams and 1998 kits were used to estimate heritabilities and predicted breeding values (PBV) for post-weaning body weights (BW) and daily weight gains (DG). The variance components estimated by Gibbs Sampling were used to solve the mixed model equations using the PEST software, getting the solutions for genetic groups' effects along with the solutions for other fixed effects. The crossbreeding effects in terms of direct additive genetic effects (G I ), maternal effects (GM ), direct heterosis (HI ) and maternal heterosis (HM ) were obtained according to Dickerson model using the procedure of Generalized Least Squares (GLS). Heritability estimates were low to moderate, ranging from 0.17 to 0.36 for BW and 0.09 to 0.23 for DG. The ratios of common litter effects were low to moderate and ranging from 0.04 to 0.16 for BW and 0.03 to 0.26 for DG. The interse cross (½A½M)² had the lowest ranges in PBVs for BW and DG relative to the other three genetic groups. The percentages of GI were in favor of M line by 0.2 to 2.3 % for BW and by 0.5 to 3.2 % for DG. Also, the percentages of GM were in favor of M line by 2.1 to 4.6 % for BW and by 1.6 to 9.4 % for DG. The estimates of HI were mostly significantly positive and ranging from 15.1 to 20.9 % for BW and 5.0 to 32.3 % for DG. Also, the estimates of HM were significantly positive by 6.8 to 11.0 % for BW and 0.7 to 18.1 % for DG. In practice, new synthetic rabbit lines could be established in Egypt using the APRI line as a sire-group and the Moshtohor line as a dam-group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cleft lip and palate are the most common developmental anomalies that affect the mouth and related structures. They can both affect children physiologically, socially, and functionally and lead to psychological distress in their parents. The present study aims to understand the challenges parents of cleft lip and palate patients face in Egypt, elucidate how they cope with these challenges, and assess their concerns for the future. Methods: For the present phenomenological qualitative exploration, the parents of cleft lip and palate patients attending the cleft care clinic were invited to participate in the study through face-to-face recruitment at the clinic. An interview guide about the research question was developed to include standardized open-ended questions providing a framework for structured discussions. The interviews were audio-recorded after obtaining written informed consent from participants then collected data were transcribed for data analysis. Results: Of the 12 participants, there were nine mothers and three fathers. Their children's ages ranged from 1.5 years to 19 years and had different presentations of cleft lip and palate from unilateral cleft lip to complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. Feeding difficulty was one of the main challenges encountered by the parents. At the same time, fear of being subjected to bullying was the main concern for the future of their children. Six themes were noted that were continually reported: Health & Wellbeing; Parental emotions; Parental attitudes & behaviors; Financial aspects; Relationship aspects; and Career/Education. Conclusions: There were 4 factors that directly impacted the themes, namely: the type of cleft, gender of the child, gender role of the parent, and the age of the child impacted the parental concerns and the challenges faced under the influence of sociocultural beliefs and existing support systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nurses' job crafting, organizational identification, and work attachment. BACKGROUND: Job crafting is a proactive activity in which nurses adapt the physical, cognitive, or social aspects of their jobs to make them more meaningful. Nurses are considered fundamental healthcare stakeholders who are able to transform initiatives implemented by the healthcare organization into valuable work outcomes. Nurses' perceptions of their jobs shape the community's opinion toward an organization. METHODS: This is a descriptive correlational study. Two hundred seventy nurses were recruited from 1 governmental hospital in Egypt. Respondents completed the self-administered, printed questionnaires. Measures included job crafting, organizational identification, and work attachment questionnaires. Findings were investigated via descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Over half of the nurses reported a moderate level of job crafting, whereas none of the nurses reported a high level of organizational identification. More than half of the nurses reported low levels of work attachment. CONCLUSION: Job crafting is significantly related to nurses' organizational identification and work attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The October Oil Field is structurally complex due to its presence in the structurally complex system of the Gulf of Suez Rift Basin area, with the last updated structural model developed in 2012. Although the 2012 model defined the general structural framework and reservoir architecture, many challenges arose during the field development. The current study is focusing on the structural elements affecting this giant field to update the field structural model using the newly processed 3D seismic survey, the acquired data from newly drilled wells, and the associated different logging techniques. Several geological structure contour maps and cross‐sections were generated to help in delineating and understanding the reservoir's extension. Based on the detailed correlation study, we were able to detect the faults that affected the structure of the October Field in detail, define their throw amounts and directions, and identify the missed sections across the studied area. This study introduces a comparison between the old and updated model scenarios to show the differences and their effect on the field development plan and recommendations. The updated model shows differences between the 2012 model and the current study's modified model in the number, extension, and location of faults: the old model has 17 faults, while the modified model has 13 faults. The main clysmic fault "F1" has a significant impact on the entire field because it affects all studied wells. Furthermore, the F3 and F4 faults have a significant impact due to their ability to create and add compartmentalization within the area of study. This study revealed that the updated detailed 3D structural model can support the development plans for the Nubia reservoir and motivate drilling, workover, and dynamic operations to assign the development opportunities in the proper location. Based on the developed model, there are at least three opportunities in the attic areas of the study that could increase oil production and oil reserves for the field while avoiding any more failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Differentiating unipolar depression from bipolar depression is clinically important. The identification of biomarkers that characterize the pathophysiology of each disorder may provide biological targets for treatment. The objective of the study was to demonstrate a relationship between CRP level and the severity of depressive symptoms and see if C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can be used as a biomarker to distinguish between unipolar and bipolar depression. A convenience sample of 90 individuals was consecutively recruited from the psychiatry outpatient clinic at Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. They were divided into three equal groups: patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (group 1), bipolar depression (group 2), and a healthy volunteer group (group 3). Patient groups were assessed using semi-structured interviews, and CRP levels were measured. Results: Patients with bipolar depression and MDD showed a significantly higher score on the Beck Depression Inventory scale than the control group (32.97 ± 2.4 vs. 31.93 ± 2.3 vs. 8.00 ± 2.3 in all groups respectively) (P-value < 0.001). Patients with bipolar depression and MDD showed a significantly higher serum CRP level than the control group (134.96 ± 16.45 vs. 133.86 ± 17.59 vs.56.04 ± 26.71 vs. in all groups respectively) (P-value < 0.001). In all studied groups, elevated plasma CRP levels have a significant linear correlation with the severity of depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (r = 0.887, P-value < 0.001). Conclusions: Serum CRP levels are significantly higher in MDD and BD patients when compared to controls. Individuals with higher CRP levels had more severe depression, and this finding was significantly higher in women than in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered as a global health and development threat. During COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Health care providers (HCPs) play the main role in facing antibiotic resistance because they have the authority to prescribe antibiotics during clinical practice as well as in promoting patients' compliance with therapies and avoid self-medication. So, this study will serve as an important source of information in context with Covid19 pandemic in Egypt. The data was collected using a validated standardized self-administered online questionnaire compromised of four sections: socio-demographic data of the HCPs, the general knowledge on antibiotics and AMR, the HCP attitude towards antibiotic prescription and AMR and the practice in applying the appropriate antibiotic prescription. Most of HCPs (93.7%) recorded good knowledge level about antibiotic prescription and antimicrobial resistance with mean score of knowledge13.21 ± 1.83. About 79% of HCPs recorded a positive attitude towards proper antibiotic prescription with mean score of attitudes 63.02 ± 7.68. Fifty four percent of HCPs demonstrated a good level of practice with mean score of practice 9.75 ± 2.17. In conclusion, HCPs in our study have a good level of knowledge and attitude about antibiotics. However lower level of proper practice towards the problem of AMR in COVID19 era was noticed. Implementation of effective policies and guidelines is crucial to evaluate the antimicrobial use especially in the COVID-19 era to reduce the unintended consequences of the misuse of antibiotics and its impact on AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a serious public health threat. For that reason, the development of new and effective antibiotics to control pathogens has become necessary. The current study aims to search for new microorganisms expressing antibiotic production capacity. Fifteen sites covering a wide range of harsh environmental conditions in Egypt were investigated. Two hundred and eighty bacterial isolates were obtained and then tested against pathogenic bacteria using the agar disk diffusion technique. Fifty-two (18.6% of the total) of the isolates exhibited antagonistic properties, which affected one or more of the tested pathogens. The isolate 113 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis and isolate 10 was identified as Brevibacillus borstelensis using the 16S rRNA technique. The B. licheniformis strain was stronger in antibiotic production against S. typhi, M. luteus, and P. ariginosa, whereas the strain Br. borstelensis was more efficient against B. cereus, E. coli, and Klebs. sp. The sensitivity of the strains to commercial antibiotics showed that B. licheniformis was highly sensitive to seven commercial antibiotics, whereas Br. borstelensis was sensitive to nine antibiotics. The two strains were subjected to ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain mutants with a higher antibiotic production. The total bacterial count was measured after treatment with EMS mutagen and showed a significant gradual increase in the antimicrobial activity, which was achieved via shaking in the presence of EMS for 60 min. High antimicrobial activities were noted with 17 and 14 mutants from the B. licheniformis and Br. borstelensis strains, respectively. The mutant B. licheniformis (M15/Amo) was more active than the parent strain against S. aureus (212.5%), while the mutant Br. borstelensis (B7/Neo) was more effective against S. typhi (83.3%). The present study demonstrates the possibility of obtaining potent antibiotic-producing bacteria in hot spring waters and further improving the indigenous bacterial capacity to produce antibiotics by using EMS mutagenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study area is located between longitude 33° 18' 00" − 33° 21' 00" E and latitude 28° 59' − 29° 01' N and covers approximately 700 km2. Uranium and thorium isotopes were determined by alpha spectrometry. The activity concentrations of 238U, 234U and 235U were ranged between 245.5 ± 8.3–465.2 ± 15.2 Bq.kg−1 with an average 345.5 ± 10.4–452.5 ± 9.3 Bq.kg−1 and 890.5 ± 21.3 Bq.kg−1 with an average 632.3 ± 14.9–11.40 ± 0.5 Bq.kg−1 and 21.50 ± 1.4 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The activity concentration of 232Th, 230Th and 228Th were ranged between 153.1 ± 0.3–318.1 ± 2.9 Bq.kg−1, 149.5 ± 0.7–280.8 ± 2.2 Bq.kg−1 and 36.9 ± 0.1–60.5 ± 0.9 Bq.kg−1. The 230Th/232Th activity ratios in all samples were lower than 20, indicating that these samples have been contaminated by detrital 230Th. Th/U ratio varied between 1.3 and 2.1 with an average 1.8; all values were lower than 3.5, indicated enrichment of uranium. 234U/238U activity ratios that higher than unity indicates that an isotope of uranium has migrated within the rock. From the isotopes of uranium and thorium and their activity ratios, the isochron age for the collected samples was about 58.96 ka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an application of a radiochemical procedure for the determination of 238U, 235U and 234U as well as uranium isotopic ratios in El Sela ore grade samples that located at the Southeastern Desert of Egypt. This procedure is consisting of several steps include sample preparation, chemical separation and source preparation followed by counting using alpha-particle spectrometry technique. Radiochemical determination of various uranium isotopes contents indicated that El Sela uranium deposits are considered as a recent deposit where there was a large difference between radiochemically and radiometrically determined uranium. The measured 234U/238U activity ratios for most samples were approximately unity, indicating that secular radioactive equilibrium was established between 238U and 234U in the El Sela mineralised rocks. On the other hand, 238U and 234U might be equally leached due to the effect of rock-water interactions during the pluvial time by the action of surficial or underground water. The 238U/235U activity ratios of the studied mineralised granites were significantly shifted from the natural ratio 21.7, indicating that the redox conditions and alteration processes played an important role in the fractionation of 238U from 235U. The values of 234U/235U ratios in the studied granites varied between 23.08 and 34.70 in different samples, suggesting 235U migration out due to the prevailing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary describes a multi-national project which addresses gaps in the design and delivery of health and education services in Arabic-speaking countries in relation to early language development, with a focus on Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories. This includes: (1) co-production with early years professionals and NGOs of approaches to support early language development; (2) development and standardisation of tools to identify monolingual and multilingual Arabic-speaking children at risk of poor language development; and (3) examination of language development in refugee communities. The importance of inter-professional partnership and the inclusion of families in planning support for oral language development is highlighted. Arabic versions of the Communicative Development Inventory (CDI) Toddler were developed, and data collected from 1074 Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian monolingual infants aged 8–30 months. Data from 201 age-matched Palestinian infants in Lebanese refugee camps highlight inequalities resulting from limited maternal educational opportunities. Data from 230 multilingual Lebanese 2-year-olds enable the interpretation of CDI scores as a function of language exposure. This work contributes to the promotion of robust language development for all Arabic-speaking children. This commentary focusses on sustainable development goal (SDG) 3, SDG 4, SDG 10 and SDG 17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and forms of workplace violence (WPV) at the emergency departments (EDs) of Ain Shams University Hospitals (ASUH), Cairo and identify risk factors for WPV.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the EDs of ASUH comprising attending physicians and nurses using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with patients and relatives attending these departments to explore attitudes toward WPV against healthcare workers.Results: The present study comprised 108 healthcare professionals working in EDs. Verbal violence was the most common type of WPV (86.1%), followed by sexual (48.1%) and physical violence (34.3%). Patient relatives were the most common perpetrator of all types of violence. A lack of facilities was the most common risk factor for violence (82.4%), followed by overcrowding (50.9%) and patient culture (47.2%). On the other hand, approximately 78% of interviewed patients and relatives agreed that the occurrence of violence at EDs was due to several triggering factors, including improper manner of communication by healthcare workers (63.2%), lack of facilities (32.4%), waiting time (22.1%), and unmet expectations (22.1%).Conclusion: WPV represents a significant issue in EDs with violent behavior against healthcare workers widely accepted by attending patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt is mainly covered by ophiolitic rocks, muscovite, and two mica granites, in addition to different types of acidic and basic dikes. Our field observations indicated that El Sela granites were subjected to alteration types such as silicification, kaolinization, and hematitization, which is associated with uranium mineralization. Petrographic investigations clarified that these rocks were affected by saussiritization, muscovitization, and silicifications as the main alteration types associated with uranium mineralization (uranophane and autunite). We carried out chemical analyses of our samples for major oxides and trace and rare earth elements using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The studied altered granites had high silica, titanium, and phosphorous as major components, with enhanced amounts of trace elements such as Nb, Ta, Zn, Mo, Pb, and Re, in addition to REE, especially light ones. The average REE content was higher than that of worldwide granites with LREE enrichment. One sample had a strong M-type tetrad effect in the fourth type; other samples had weak W-type in the third type, indicating the effect of hydrothermal alteration processes in the altered granites. This was confirmed by calculating the ratios of most isovalents that deviated from the chondritic ratio in many values. Variation diagrams of U and some trace elements illustrated that U had a weak positive correlation with Y and a strong positive correlation with gold, while it had weak to moderate negative correlation with Hf and Zr/U. In addition, uranium had a weakly defined correlation with the other trace elements, indicating a weak to moderate effect of magmatic processes, while the post-magmatic processes surficial or underground water greatly influenced the redistribution of uranium and other elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a serious neonatal disease. The aim of this study was to detect the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation in preterm neonates with late-onset sepsis (LOS). Study Design  A prospective randomized clinical trial study which was done at Tanta University Hospital from August 2016 to March 2018 on 180 preterm neonates with LOS. The studied neonates were divided into two groups: group 1 (90 neonates), which received Zn and antibiotics, and group 2 (90 neonates), which received antibiotics and placebo. In group 1, the neonates received 1.4 mg elemental Zn/kg/d orally for 10 days. Sepsis score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were done for both groups. Results  As regards sepsis score, it showed that before beginning the treatment, there were 85 and 84 neonates who had high probable sepsis (HPS) in intervention and control groups, respectively, and this revealed nonstatistically significant difference (non-SSD) between both groups (p -value is 0.756) and after 10 days of treatment, there were 1 and 4 neonates who had HPS in intervention and control group, respectively, and this revealed SSD between both groups (p -value is 0.045*). As regards CRP and PCT, the results showed that before beginning the treatment, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of CRP and PCT were 39.4 ± 10.1 mg/L and 5.2 + 1.8 ng/mL, respectively, in intervention group, while it was 39.6 + 9.9 mg/L and 5.1 + 1.9 ng/mL, respectively, in control group and this revealed non-SSD between both groups (p -value is 0.893 and 0.717, respectively) and after 10 days of treatment, the mean ± SD of CRP and PCT were 5.3 ± 1.8 mg/L and 0.39 ± 0.13 ng/mL, respectively, in intervention group and 6.1 + 2 mg/L and 0.61 + 0.22 ng/mL, respectively, in control group and this revealed SSD between both groups (p -value is 0.008* and 0.044*, respectively). Conclusion  Zn supplementation in preterm neonates with LOS is beneficial in improving the clinical and laboratory finding. Recommendation  Zn supplementation for preterm neonates with LOS. Key Points NS is a serious neonatal disease. Preterm neonates are more liable to infections. Zn supplementation in preterm neonates with LOS is beneficial in improving the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Studies: Interdisciplinary Political & Cultural Journal is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Lodzkiego 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.)

Lantana camara L. and Lantana montevidensis Briq. (F. Verbenaceae) are invasive ornamental weeds native to the tropical regions of Africa and America. The leaves of both species have been traditionally used as infusions for treating fever, rheumatism, and cancer. LC–MS–MS-guided profiling of the methanolic extracts of the leaves of L. camara and L. montevidensis growing in Egypt led to the putative identification of 59 compounds belonging to terpenoids, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. The in-vitro antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of the two extracts were investigated. L. camara and L. montevidensis inhibited DPPH• (IC50 = 34.01 ± 1.32 and 47.43 ± 1.74 µg/mL), ABTS+ (IC50 = 30.73 ± 1.42 and 40.37 ± 1.51 µg/mL), and superoxide anion (IC50 = 1.57 ± 0.19 and 1.31 ± 0.14 μg/mL) free radicals. A potent anti-inflammatory effect was observed for both species through the inhibition of elastase release in fMLF/CB-induced human neutrophils (IC50 = 2.40 ± 0.16 and 1.90 ± 0.07 μg/mL). The extracts showed significant cytotoxic activity against a panel of cancer cell lines with the most potent activity against Caco cells (IC50 = 45.65 ± 1.64 and 40.67 ± 1.52 µg/mL for L. camara and L. montevidensis, respectively). Western blotting supported by FACS analysis revealed that the extracts inhibited cancer cell proliferation, reduced metastasis, and induced apoptosis resulting in cell cycle arrest. This was achieved via increasing mRNA and protein expressions of p53 and GSK-3β as well as decreasing the expression of PI3K, Akt, and cyclin D1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental fluorosis is an oral condition caused by the ingestion of fluoride ions present mainly in drinking water. High fluoride level in drinking water may cause dental signs and symptoms that may affect the individual’s quality of life. Aim: Assess dental fluorosis prevalence among Nubian children and estimate its effect on the quality of life through an oral health related quality of life questionnaire. Methods: The current study was performed on participants with age range 7-14 years in a rural region in Nubia with number of population 202. Subjects were examined clinically for Dental fluorosis using modified Dean’s Index. Quality of life of children was evaluated using Oral Health related Quality of Life questionnaire (OHQoL). Results: it was found that mean fluoride level of water in Nubia was 8 mg/L, mean Fluorosis status in children was 2.31. There was no correlation between DF and OHQoL domains except for; ‘self concious’ and ‘difficult to relax’ items which recorded moderate positive significant correlation. Conclusion: OHQoL revealed that DF had low impact on quality of life of Nubian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the Mediterranean area, suffer from the lack of a sufficient quantity of high-quality feed, as well as a low amount of rainfall that is unevenly distributed, resulting in the region being highly vulnerable to drought. A field experiment was carried out at the experimental station of the Faculty of Desert and Environmental Agriculture, Fuka, Matrouh University, Egypt during the winter seasons of 2018/19 and 2019/20 to study the performance of triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack), grown under water deficit conditions, in terms of productivity and quality. The study investigated the influence of five levels of potassium fertilization (PF; 0, 43.2, 86.4, 129.6, and 172.8 kg ha−1) and ascorbic acid (AA; 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L−1) that was applied to the triticale grains before sowing and humic acid (HA; 0, 2.4, 4.8, 7.2, and 9.6 kg ha−1) that was applied as powder to the soil 21 days after sowing followed by sprinkler irrigation on triticale forage and grain production when forage was removed at variable ages at cutting (AC), determined as days after sowing (AC; 40, 65, 90, 115, and 140 DAS) on forage yield and nutritive value, in addition to the final grain yield of triticale. The experimental design was a central composite design with one replicate. Results indicated that the PF*AC interaction was significant, and it gave values of 84.78 and 238.00 g kg−1 for crude protein (CP) and degraded neutral detergent fiber (DNDF). In addition, the interaction between AA and AC was significant for CP, acid detergent fiber (ADF), 100-grain weight (100 GW), number of spikes m−2 (NSM−2), and plant height (PH). Moreover, the AC*HA interaction was significant with values of 175.17 and 247.00 g kg−1 for CP and DNDF, respectively, and 0.55 t ha−1 for grain yield (GY). Age at cutting exerted the strongest effect on the studied characteristics. It was observed that the contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ADF, acid detergent lignin (ADL), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) in the triticale forage significantly increased when the crop was cut at an advanced age, unlike CP, DNDF, GY, NSM−2, 100 GW, and PH that decreased with advanced AC. The highest values of 271.00, 256.00, and 268.00 g kg−1 for DNDF were obtained with higher levels of either PF, AA, or HA, respectively. However, the highest value of GY (0.97 t ha−1) was obtained with higher levels of PF*HA averaged over the two seasons. The interaction between AA*HA resulted in 393.39, 311.00, 27.13 g kg−1, and 0.94 t ha−1, for NDF, DNDF, ADL, and GY, respectively. The highest significant NDF (413.11 g kg−1) and DNDF (307.50 g ka−1) values were obtained with the application of high levels of either AA or HA. In the dual-purpose production system, it is recommended to cut the triticale crop at 65 DAS to achieve the optimum balance between forage yield and quality on the one hand, and final grain yield on the other hand. In the arid regions, application of PF, AA, and HA could help in reducing the damage caused by water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/objectives: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major and serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is associated with morbidity and mortality. The difference in drug cost between mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) inducing regimens becomes a relevant and realistic issue, especially in developing countries. Thus, this study aims to estimate and compare the costs and outcomes of CYC and MMF for better allocation of resources to reduce the burden on the Egyptian healthcare system. Methods: A prospective, parallel observational study was conducted at Kasr Al-Aini Hospital between 2018 and 2020. One hundred and twenty-two LN patients were followed up monthly during the study period. Remission and maintenance of renal remission were assessed at 6 and 12 months from the start of therapy. Total direct medical costs associated with both regimens were examined. We applied the cost-minimization analysis method from governmental perspective. Besides, a prospective evaluation of reported changes in health-related quality of life using SF-36 was included in our study. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in treatment response at 6 and 12 months (RR 0.6 [0.26;1.43] and 0.8 [0.27;2.33]), respectively, as well as the incidence of infection episodes between MMF and CYC group (71.4% versus 70.45%, p > 0.05). The average direct medical expenditures per patient in the MMF group were approximately one and half times more than the CYC group (2339.69 $ versus 1329.03 $, p <0.001). Conclusion: The CYC arm was associated with lower costs than the MMF arm, with equally effective outcomes indicating that CYC is an attractive treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet is considered the most important source of sugar production in Egypt. However, the crop is infested by a wide range of insect pests, which damage the leaves and taproot, leading to substantial yield loss. The mole cricket Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa is one of the insect species causing huge damage to sugar beet and decreasing sugar production. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of G. gryllotalpa on the yield, vegetative characteristics, and sugar quality of sugar beet. To achieve this, the reflectance characteristics of sugar beet plants infested by G. gryllotalpa and not infested were analyzed using hyperspectral remote sensing data. These experiments were performed in Al-Qalyubia and El-Fayoum governorates regions, representing Upper and Lower Egypt, during the 2018/2019 season. Sugar beet seedlings of 80 days old were artificially infested by G. gryllotalpa at three intensity levels viz: 5, 10 and 15 adults per replicate. The infestation rate, weight loss, vegetative and sugar quality characteristics were assessed at all levels of G. gryllotalpa infestation. In addition, the damage due to different levels of G. gryllotalpa infestation during three different stages of sugar beet plant growth (the leaf development stage, rosette stage and harvestable stage) was compared using a hyperspectral remote sensing technique. The obtained results demonstrated that percentages of both infestation and weight loss in sugar beet root increased gradually with the increase of G. gryllotalpa infestation level. At the highest infestation level (15 adults/ replicate), the infestation rate reached 45.13% and 56.02% at the Upper and Lower Egypt sites, respectively. At the same locations, the % weight loss was 19.76% and 31.79%, respectively. In both regions, all vegetative characteristics of sugar beet plants such as plant height, number of leaves, and crown diameter were significantly decreased in the plants with different infestation levels comparing with those in the healthy plants. The sucrose and total soluble solids percentages gradually decreased with increasing infestation level. The percentages of sucrose were 17.56%—18.84% at high level of infestation, compared with 20.72% for healthy plants. The results indicated that hyperspectral remote sensing could be effective to distinguish between different infestation levels of G. gryllotalpa. Regarding the spectral bands, their effectiveness was in the following order: blue > green > red > near-infrared. Therefore, the remote sensing techniques could help for detection and prediction of G. gryllotalpa in sugar beet plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus bacteria are advantageous antagonistic organisms that can be used as bio-control agents. This study is aimed at screening the antagonistic activity of different strains of isolated Bacillus bacteria and molecular identification of the superior chitinase producer strain against dermatophytes fungi. Soil samples were collected from different places of Kotoor city, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt and Al Madina Al Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A collection of Bacillus isolated from soil was tested in vitro against the dermatophytes: Microsporum sp. and Trichophyton sp. The bacterial strains KhB1 and Kh-B2 showed the highest antagonistic activity against dermatophytes pathogenic fungi. The highest amount of chitinase productivity (13.6 units/ml) was obtained from the original Bacillus strain (Kh-B1) at 3 days of incubation. BLAST analysis of the amplified 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence identified the Bacillus strain (Kh-B1) as Paenibacillus macerans. Upon the mutation induction by UV light, the highest chitinase-producing mutant was Kh-UVB-4 as it showed 305.88 percent production higher than the wild-type strain. While, upon the mutation induction by EMS, the highest amount of chitinase produced was 54.8 units/ml by mutant Kh-ESB-20, and it has produced 402.94% more than the original untreated strain. The application of RAPD-PCR protocol using three 15-mer random primers was used to determine the genetic effects of mutagenic treatments on the wild type strain (Kh-B1) as well as to demonstrate the genetic variability between the five most chitinase producing mutants and the wild type (Paenibacillus macerans). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 14696 semen records were collected from Friesian bulls, kept at International Livestock Management Training Center belonging to Animal Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Cairo. Traits studied were volume, motility, livability and sperm concentrates in other to construct selection indexes by using all combination between different traits of semen to improve semen traits in a herd of Friesian bull cattle. Data were analysed by using four traits repeatability model and includes effects of the following fixed factors: the age of animal at semen collection, the combined effect of the month and year of semen collection, and the number of times semen were collected per month. Semen motility, volume and livability were highly influenced (p < 0.001) by all the fixed factors. Heritability estimates for semen traits were moderate and ranged from 0.29 to 0.33. All phenotypic and genetic correlations between different traits are positive and ranged from 0.09 to 0.67 for phenotypic correlations and from 0.02 to 0.68 for genetic correlations, while permanent environmental correlations ranged from −0.69 to 0.12. Estimated Breeding Values ranged from −0.68 to 0.78 ml for semen volume, from −13.17 to 7.34% for motility, from −259.42 × 10−6 to 239.64 × 10−6 for concentrates and from −6.83 to 6.09% for livability. Eleven selection indexes were calculated, selection Indexes not including livability showed a reduced accuracy. This study demonstrated that selection index (I 3) which includes sperm volume, motility and livability or selection index (I 8) which includes sperm volume and livability are the best and both are recommended for Friesian bulls' selection. • Volume, motility and livability of semen were significantly affected by bulls' age, year-month and number of semen collection. • Low heritability estimates were obtained for semen volume, motility, concentrate and livability in Friesian bulls. • Moderate to high phenotypic and genetic correlations between semen traits were obtained for Friesian bulls. • Selection index (I3) which includes sperm volume, motility and livability or index I8 which includes sperm volume and livability are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some diseases are so tightly correlated to allergic reactions to specific fungi. Several fungi are the causative agents of otomycosis. The knowledge of fungal otitis in Egypt is still quite poor. The main aims of this study are to isolate and identify fungal species involved in ear infection, examine their abilities to produce proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes as well as their sensitivity to some antifungal therapeutic agents. A total of 80 clinical otitis samples were recruited from the Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Minia University Hospital, Minia University, Minia during the period from January 2017- December 2018. The obtained results showed isolation of 152 fungal isolates related to 15 species representing 10 genera from the collected samples and were tested for their capabilities to synthesize protease and lipase enzymes. Aspergillus and Candida were the most prevalent identified species from different isolates. All the tested fungal isolates were very sensitive to Nystatine and Itraconazole and resistant to Muconazole. Moderate resistance to Turbinafine and Fluconazole was obtained by most of these fungi. However, Griseofulvin did not show any antifungal activity against the tested fungal strains. Aspergillus, Alternaria and Fusarium species showed the highest producer fungi for both enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering 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.)

Abu Garadi area is mainly represented by metasediments, alkali feldspar granites and stream sediments. The granitic mass described different degrees of hydrothermal alterations like albitization, greisenisation, hematitisation, silicification and koalinitisation which are mostly restricted to the faults. Uranium mineralisation in these granitic rocks is mainly controlled by the sheared granite parts. Various radionuclides from uranium decay series such as (238U, 234U, 235U, 230Th, 226Ra) and 40K in the altered granite of Abu Garadi area that located in central Eastern Desert, Egypt are used to localise uranium accumulation sites in this pluton. Uranium and Thorium contents indicate that these altered granites have high thorium and high uranium granites. Th/U ratios vary between 0.81 and 5.79 with an average of 2.64, which suggests the presence of these samples in the transitional oxidation-reduction zone as evidenced by Th/U ratios>2 and reduction zone as suggested by Th/U ratios<2, respectively. 238U/235U, 234U/235U, 234U/238U, 230Th/238U, and 226Ra/230Th activity ratios confirm that most samples of Abu Garadi altered granite lie in the U-accumulations zone. All investigated samples clarify that uranium-series disequilibrium is a technique to trace the recent migration of uranium in these altered granites by the characterisation of the oxidation-reduction boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation and unscientific interpretations flooded the internet. Seeking credible information in Egypt was paramount at the time. An answer to this quest was 'Ask Nameesa', an award-winning Egyptian-focused chatbot that utilizes Facebook Messenger to communicate with social media users in an individualized response engagement. It relies on information validated by WHO and the Egyptian Ministry of Health. This article examines the structure of Ask Nameesa as an example of infobots and studies the interactive engagement it offers users to provide health information. The study analyses data gathered by interviewing the founder and CEO of DXwand, the company that developed Ask Nameesa as well as content analysis of conversations with Ask Nameesa to assess its user engagement. The study aims at understanding the potential Ask Nameesa has in providing information literacy and tackling public demand for information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate, analyze and conserve the general arrangement plan of the Egyptian royal yacht “Safra El-Bahr” from the National Archives of Egypt’s tracing paper collection. The yacht was specifically designed for Abbas II, the khedive of Egypt in 1894 A.D. The following analytical techniques were used for this study: pH value measurement, fungal testing, XRD, ATR-FTIR and SEM-EDX. Results revealed that the pH value of the plan paper is 6.5. Fungal testing proved the presence of Aspergillus Niger and Penicillium sp. The crystallinity index of cellulose in the historical paper increased compared to modern tracing paper indicating the occurrence of deterioration. The ATR-FTIR spectrum of the studied tracing paper revealed the presence of gelatin as a sizing material. The SEM investigation showed the effect of the natural ageing and surrounding environmental conditions on the surface morphology of the fibers. The EDX analysis revealed the use of kaolinite Al2Si2O3(OH)4, Cl, NaOH and CaCo3 in paper manufacture. Copper carbonate (CuCO3) was used for the blue color. Conservation treatments conducted on the object included cleaning, removal of pressure sensitive tape, removal of adhesive residues, tear mending and lining. These processes revealed the aesthetic value of the general arrangement plan - screw yacht “SAFA-EL-BAHRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise radiological analysis of environmental, ores, nuclear materials and minerals samples is of great value for monitoring and surveillance objectives. The information deduced from the analysis can be used to identify the origin and nature of the accompanied activities. This work focuses on analysis of some black sand ore samples to identify and quantify their radioisotopes and potential risk. The analysis can provide useful information about the environmental transport mechanism and about the sources of radionuclides in the studied area; Rashid city coast, Egypt. To achieve this target, a Non‐destructive gamma spectrometer (NDGS) was used to trace and amount the radioisotopes types and activities. The efficiency was calculated with uncertainty treatment. The specific activity with uncertainty assessment of 238U, 232Th decay series and 40K of these samples were varied from 72.2 to 252.4 with average value 111 ± 25 Bq·kg–1, 94.2 to 579.8 with average value 140 ± 22 Bq·kg–1 and 427.9 to 527.5 with average value 475 ± 36 Bq·kg–1 respectively. The mineralogical signature of the analyzed samples (XRD) indicates that the samples are mainly composed of ilmenite, zircon, rutile, sphene and monazite. The potential risk assay shows that the hazard parameters of these samples; the Absorbed Gamma Dose Rate (AGDR), Gamma Activity Index (Iγ), Annual Effective Dose Rate Equivalent (AEDRE), Radium equivalent, External and Internal Hazard Index (Hex and Hin) are of specific characteristics. The total absorbed gamma dose rate and the annual effective dose due these samples were found to be with average values 158 ± 24 (nGy/h) and 195 ± 29 (μSv/y) which are higher than the world average value of 59 nGy/h and 70 μSv/y respectively. The results obtained are important to establish baseline levels to detect any upcoming changes due to any activities. It can be observed that the studied area has elevated thorium and uranium content. The relatively high dose rate will be considered as a spa for the physical therapy such as treatment of some skin diseases and rheumatoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cover a shortage of animal food in arid regions in Egypt, this investigation has been carried out to compare the consequences of using ammoniated rice straw (ARS) with different proportions of tree foliage leaves (Cassava, CA; Acacia saligna, AS; and Acacia neloitca, AN) on ruminal fermentation and sheep performance. The superior six formulations of pastoral lime mixtures from CA and Acacia with ARS were selected according to chemical compositions and IVDMD values from among 72 formulations, which were tested in vitro. Thirty five growing Barki male lambs four months old and weighed 20.16±0.11 kg were divided into seven groups(5 each); T0: 40% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 60% ARS and served as control, T1: 40% CFM + 30% ARS + 30% CA, T2: 40% CFM + 30% ARS + 30% AS, T3: 40% CFM + 30% ARS + 30% AN; T4: 40% CFM + 30% ARS + 15% CA + 15% AS, T5: 40% CFM + 30% ARS + 15% CA + 15% AN, and T6: 40% CFM + 30% ARS + 15% AS + 15% AN. Protein content was higher in CA (22.22%) compared to AS (16.67%) and AN (15.99%). ADF and NDF content in CA was the lowest. T1 and T2 showed the lowest potential ruminal gas and methane production than T4 and T5. T4, T5, and T6 improved (P < 0.05) the degradability of DM, OM, and NDF, while reduced condensed tannins (CT) levels and increased ammonia-N, short-chain fatty acids, microbial protein, and bacterial count. No influence of various treatments on pH, protozoa count, butyric, and propionic acid. T3 group showed an increase in lambs'performance compared with the other groups.It could be concluded that the use of feed mixtures of tanninrich foliage and ammoniated rice foddercan used as a partial substitute for ARS andmay help in cover the scarcity of forage resources and resolve the negative effects of CT and reduce the methane released. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the direct coagulation casting method was used to shape porous alumina-felsite ceramic composites. The felsite rocks used in this work were extracted from Wadi Atalla area, central-eastern desert, Egypt. Felsite is studied geologically, microscopically, and applied as a source for silica. The effect of felsite raw material additions up to 30 wt% and the effect of firing temperatures on the alumina were also investigated. The zeta potential of the suspended ceramic slurries was studied at different Ammonium Citrate Tribasic (ACT) concentraion and at different wt.% of felsite. Also, the viscosity was measured at different wt.% of felsite. The bulk density, apparent porosity and linear shrinkage were measured as well as the mechanical properties of the fired samples. The phase composition and the microstructural evolution of the fired samples were determined by XRD and SEM, respectively. Felsite additions enhance the physical and mechanical properties of the fired samples. The DCC process yields high-strength porous ceramic bodies and highly reliable ceramic parts. The results showed that the porous ceramic composites can be fired at 1600 °C to achieve apparent porosity of 40% and compressive strength of 35 MPa at 30 wt% of felsite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study estimated the dissipation rates of abamectin, chlorfenapyr and pyridaben acaricides in pods of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under field conditions in Egypt. Pesticides were extracted and cleaned-up by QuEChERS method and were analyzed by HPLC. The dissipation of these acaricides followed the first order kinetics model with half-life (t1/2) values 1.00, 3.50 and 1.50 days for abamectin, chlorfenapyr and pyridaben, respectively. The lowest residues, at different time intervals of field application rate of each pesticide, were observed with abamectin followed by pyridaben and then chlorfenapyr. Pre-harvest intervals (PHIs) were 10.00, 13.50 and 6.00 days for abamectin, chlorfenapyr and pyridaben, respectively and were below the established European maximum residue limits (EU MRLs) 10–14, 14–21 and 7–10 days after application, respectively. If the fresh pods will be consumed after harvest, it is expected that the presence of these pesticides in the food will have a negative impact on human health. Therefore, the elimination of the residues of these harmful pesticides must be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures and the reading, spelling, writing, rapid naming, memory, and motor abilities in Arabic dyslexic children. This could verify the influence of possible white matter alterations on the abilities of those children. Methods: Twenty native Arabic-speaking children with dyslexia (15 males and 5 females; 8.2 years ± 1) underwent DTI of the brain on 1.5 T scanner. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired in 32 noncollinear direction. Tractography of the arcuate fasciculus (AF) was performed. Region of interest (ROI)-based approach was also used. Regions encompass superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), anterior and superior corona radiata (CR), and posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) were analyzed. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured. The aptitudes of those children were evaluated by the dyslexia assessment test. These abilities were statistically correlated with the FA and ADC of the AF and other ROIs. Results: The reduction of FA of right AF was related to worse overall reading and related abilities performance. The ADC of right SLF was negatively correlated with memory abilities. The ADC of right PLIC was positively correlated with writing performance. Other relations were also found. Conclusion: White matter microstructural DTI measurements in the right AF, right PLIC, SLF, and left anterior and superior CR are correlated to reading, spelling, writing, memory, and rapid naming abilities of the participants. The DTI measures could be promising regarding their use as a biomarker for follow-up in developmental dyslexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal & Poultry Production 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.)

Background: Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an important microsporidian parasite with zoonotic potential. The present study highlights the impact of encephalitozoonosis on rabbit health in Egypt. Three rabbit farms in Giza, with a total of 16,400 rabbits were investigated due to occurrence of rabbits displaying clinical signs consistent with encephalitozoonosis. Results: Clinical signs observed during a 4 months observation period in 2018 included vestibular disease, paresis, limb paralysis, cataracts, phacoclastic uveitis, frequent urination, marked decrease in body weight and in some pregnant females, also repeated abortions. The total morbidity rates in adult and young rabbits were 76.7% and 81.5%, respectively. The highest mortality rate was recorded in offspring (12.3%), followed by dams (5.6%), and the lowest recorded mortality rate was in males (0.04%). Post-mortem findings included enteritis, pale enlarged kidneys, congested leptomeninges, focal brain necrosis, and endometrial congestion. Histopathological examination revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and glial nodules with central necrosis in the brain, vacuolation and necrosis of renal tubular epithelium, and corneal ulceration and ruptured lens capsule with fragmentation of lenticular fibres. E. cuniculi were observed in the brain, retinal ganglion cells, kidneys, and liver. Transmission electron microscopy examination revealed the presence of different developmental stages of E. cuniculi in the brain and kidney. Presence of E. cuniculi was confirmed by conventional polymerase chain reaction using a universal 16S gene for Encephalitozoon spp. followed by sequencing and sequence analysis. Conclusions: The presence of E. cuniculi in rabbits was confirmed at three farms in Egypt. Nervous signs and ocular lesions were the most predominant findings in these farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentary rocks of Magharet El Miah were radiometrically analyzed for determination of radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K activity concentrations. The U-content and Th/U ratio in these rocks illustrated poor weathering and rapid deposition of rock detritus. Preferential dissolution of 234U due to α-decay related processes and its re-adsorption and precipitation are responsible for the observed radioactive disequilibrium in 234U/238U of Magharet El Miah sandstone. 234U mobilization could be related to the effect of surficial or underground water. 226Ra/238U disequilibrium could be revised to the difference in the geochemical characteristics of the two isotopes. 230Th/238U activity ratios were lower than unity in all samples (10 samples) except sample number 1, suggesting selective uranium accumulation in most samples or 230Th leaching by acidified water where the rocks contain high sulpher contents. Many of the 238U/235U activity ratios were shifted from the natural ratio due to the changes in redox conditions that leads to fractionation of higher isotope from lighter one. The plotted value of 234U/238U and 230Th/238U illustrated that the U-accumulation occurred in the period from <6 × 104–105 years. The studied sandstone had higher values for uranium (95.4 ± 7.1 to 130.3 ± 12.3 Bq.kg−1), thorium (65.8 ± 4.2 and 78.4 ± 6.7 Bq.kg−1) and radium (68.2 ± 4.4 and 80.3 ± 9.1 Bq.kg−1) but lower for potassium (38.4 ± 1.2 and 54.2 ± 2.3 Bq.kg−1) in comparison with international permissible levels. All the estimated environmental hazard indices illustrated that most samples lied in the permissible level ranges. Cluster analyses indicated that the main environmental health hazard parameters exist due to the activity concentrations of 238U and 226Ra. • Margaret El Miah sandstone rocks are of lower Carboniferous age. • U, Th, Ra and K concentrations was measured. • U and Th/U ratio illustrated poor weathering. • 234U mobilization related to the effect of surficial or underground water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at the summer season of 2017, and then repeated at the summer season of 2018 in Agricultural Research Station. Faculty of Agric., Zigzag Univ., Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The study investigated the impact of eleven nitrogen and five phosphorus fertilization regimes on some leaf traits 70 days after sowing (DAS) of maize cultivar single hybrid 168. Results showed that, 120kg N/fad., from different sources i.e., chemical fertilizer, compost and biofertilizers were effectless on number of leaves/plant at 70 days after sowing (DAS) of both seasons and their combined analysis. Number of leaves either under or above the ear of mono eared maize plant were not affected due to applying different nitrogen fertilization regimes studied. Leaf area/maize plant was significantly affected in the first season only. The largest leaf erea/plant (4254.22 cm2/plant) was obtained in the first season, with the appliance of the integrated N fertilization regime (90 kg N from chemical fertilizer +30 kg N from compost). Area of leaves under ear resulted from the integrated fertilization regime (cerealine + 60 kg chemical N+ 60 kg N from compost) was larger than that in the control treatment by 30.94% based on combined results. Regarding to the area of leaves above the ear, results of the 1st season displayed that area of leaves above the ear were at par in treatments N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6. Application of either 120kg chemical fertilizer (N2) or 90 kg chemical N +30 kg N from compost (N3) was conjucated with larger values of leaf area index comparably with other regimes. According to combined analysis, ear leaf area ranged from 481.87 cm2 in control treatment to 625.89 cm2 in the integrated nitrogen fertilization regimes comprised of cerealine + 60 kg chemical N/fad. + 60 kgN from compost. From the results of combined analysis, it could be noted that tassel leaf area ranged between 150.99 to 217.87 cm2 under biofertilization (N11) and the integrated fertilization regimes (N8) in the same order. Insignificant phosphorus fertilization effect under study on maize leaf traits studied at 70DAS, was recorded in both seasons and the combined analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groin defect reconstruction is a problem which can present with devastating consequences. Such wounds are encountered after inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND), soft tissue sarcoma (STS) resection or radiation necrosis to the inguinal region. Gracilis myocutaneous (GMC) flap is an ideal option due to its easy accessibility and minimal donor site morbidity. Application of extended dissection technique makes the flap more reliable and improves its vascularity. Method: This is a descriptive study with the purpose of determining the visibility of GMC flap in groin defects reconstruction at National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt. Results: 15 patients underwent groin reconstruction using GMC flap. 10 patients had metastatic inguinal lymph nodes and 5 patients had groin STS. Skin island size ranged from 8 to 20 cm in length and from 6 to 10 cm in width. 10 cases were totally viable, 3 cases had partial skin loss and 2 cases had total skin loss. Only 1 case of donor site morbidity was reported. Conclusion: GMC flap is a versatile flap that is harvested easily and with a minimal morbidity at the donorsite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Botany 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.)

Two field experiments of jojoba plants were carried out in Almaghara Research and Production Station followed to Desert Research Center, Agriculture Ministry, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt, at 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, Respectively. Therefor to study the influence yield of five clones (S-L, S-610, S- 700, S-B and S-G) under foliar spray of salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and proline [(50:50:50(conc. 1); 100:100:100 (conc. 2) and 200:200:200 ppm (conic. 3)] on jojoba plants at four and fourteen years old from planting. The experiment was conducted as split plot design, were varieties order in the main plots and treatments in sub plots, uisg three replicates. Results showed that the foliar application of salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and proline led to increase of all growth characters, yield characters and some chemical contents in leaves and seeds on all of clones. Clones S-700 recoded the highest values for all traits studied followed by clones S-B, while, studied traits, clones S-L recorded the lowest values. Foliar spray application with salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and proline had the highest data with all clones with aged fourteen years compear aged four years. All characters increased with increase in salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and proline on varieties, especially clone S-700. Jojoba plants appearance response to plant nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to evaluate five clones of jojoba plant under the influence of salinity stress which was spraied by gibberellin and benzyl adenine on growth yield and oil. Two field experiments were carried out at Magharah Research and dmting Production which follow Desert Research Center, Agriculture Ministry, in North Sinai governorate, Egypt, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 respectively, the experimemts wene consist of five clones (S-L, S-610, S- 700, SB and S-G), (were sprayed by, GA3 200ppm, BA 200ppm and GA3+BA and control) under effect of salinity stress. The experiment was conducted as split plot design having varieties in main plot and IAA, GA3 sub plots three replicates. The jojoba plant was affected by increased GA3, BA or/and GA3+BA, and it was clear in all clones. The effect of GA3, BA or/and GA3+BA varied from one clone to another and the lowest was s-700. All studied variables were confirmed that clones of jojoba had a significant effect with GA3, BA or/and GA3+BA [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean is the most important pulse crop in the world and especially Egypt. It's import a lot of soybean. Water is one of the major limiting factors of soybean production in semiarid regions as Egypt. Therefore, choosing the appropriate irrigation system and quantity are very important for obtaining high crop production and overcoming the lack of water and not affect yield. Experiments ware conducted carried out during summer season at years 2017 and 2018, in privet Farm in north Delta, in Qalbsho area, Belqas Center, Dakahlia Government, Egypt, to investigate production of five varieties of soybean (Giza 22, Giza 21, Crawford, Giza 111 and Giza 35), affected by three irrigation intervals (4 and 6 days) and treatment (potassium k 2%, proline 3%, and K + proline) were arranged in split split plot design with three replications in sandy soil under drip irrigation system. Results showed that the drip irrigation lead to increase of all growth yield characters all varieties. Variety of Crawford had a significant effect on plant height; number of pods/plant, hundred seed weight, and seed yield compare other treatments. The variety Giza 21 had low readings compare with other varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Botany 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.)

In Egypt, aphids, Aphis spp.; leafhoppers, Empoasca spp. and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) are the most important piercing-sucking insect pests infesting soybean plants and a good understanding of their population dynamics is essential to develop an integrated pest management strategy. Therefore, the population densities of these insects and its relation to the common associated predators and the prevailing weather factors were investigated in soybean fields at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate for 2016 and 2017 seasons. Weekly counts of the considered insects per 15 leaves indicated that whitefly was the most abundant species followed by leafhoppers, while aphids were the least one. Whitefly and leafhoppers appeared on soybean plants all over the growing season. The maximum density of whitefly took place from mid-June to late July in the first season and from the second half of July to the first half of August in the second season. The high number of leafhoppers occurred in the period from mid-July to mid-August for the first season and during August in the second season. Aphid population appeared only in two periods with very low numbers for every season. In the first season, the first period occurred in the second half of June, while the second period took place in the first half of September. In the second season, the In Egypt, aphids, Aphis spp.; leafhoppers, Empoasca spp. and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) are the most important piercing-sucking insect pests infesting soybean plants and a good understanding of their population dynamics is essential to develop an integrated pest management strategy. Therefore, the population densities of these insects and its relation to the common associated predators and the prevailing weather factors were investigated in soybean fields at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate for 2016 and 2017 seasons. Weekly counts of the considered insects per 15 leaves indicated that whitefly was the most abundant species followed by leafhoppers, while aphids were the least one. Whitefly and leafhoppers appeared on soybean plants all over the growing season. The maximum density of whitefly took place from mid-June to late July in the first season and from the second half of July to the first half of August in the second season. The high number of leafhoppers occurred in the period from mid-July to mid-August for the first season and during August in the second season. Aphid population appeared only in two periods with very low numbers for every season. In the first season, the first period occurred in the second half of June, while the second period took place in the first half of September. In the second season, the population appeared from late June to mid-July and from late August to mid-September. Also, three predaceous insect species: Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.); Coccinella undecimpunctata L. and Orius spp. were observed on soybean plants. Ch. carnea was the most abundant predator, while C. undecimpunctata was the least one. The total of the predaceous insects attained the highest numbers during July in the first season and during July and August in the second one. The weather factors (temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) had insignificant effect on the cotton whitefly population in the two study seasons. As for leafhoppers, wind speed only had significant effect on the population activity in the second season. Temperature and wind speed in the first season and wind speed in the second season had highly significant effect on aphids activity in the first season. The effect of the predators on the insects was insignificant during the two seasons except effect of the predaceous insects on the leafhoppers which it was significant. The combined effect of both predators and the prevailing weather factors was more pronounced only on aphids in the first season and on leafhoppers in the second season. However, the gained results may provide valuable information for comprehensive integrated insect management of soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We report the first person with SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt. Methods We interviewed the index case and contacts. Results The 36-year old man was healthy when he traveled on business to Wuhan, China in January 2020. Upon his return to Cairo, he became ill, went to work, and subsequent autochthonous viral spread occurred. Conclusion We linked SARS-CoV-2 importation to global business travel. The extent to which physical distancing, hand/face/surface hygiene, mask use, viral testing/contact tracing, restricted travel, small gatherings, and/or stay-in-residence mandates will be implemented and limit further spread in the Middle East and North Africa remains to be seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was carried out during two successive seasons (2016 and 2017) on cucumber fruits from a plastic greenhouse and from open field cultivation in El Gharbeia and El Giza Governorates, Egypt. Isolation trials from spoilage fruit samples of plastic greenhouse cultivation recorded high frequency of Alternaria tenusinium, Fusarium spp. and Pleospora alli. The most common fungi of rotten cucumber fruits from an open field were Galactomyces spp. and Fusarium spp. Pathogenicity tests proved that, Fusarium solani from El-Gharbeia followed by A. tenusinium from El-Giza were the most frequent isolates responsible for rot of cucumber fruits from plastic greenhouse cultivation. Moreover, the most frequent isolates causing postharvest disease of cucumber fruits of the open field were Galactomyces candidium from El-Giza followed by Geotrichum sp. and F. fujikuroi from El-Gharbeia Governorates, respectively. This is the first report of several fungi causing postharvest fruit rot disease of cucumber i.e., G. candidium, Geotrichum sp., A. tenusinium, P. alli and Fusarium spp. (F. fujikuroi, F. verticiolides, F. solani, F. geraminearium and Fusarium incarnatum). Fungal isolates were identified according to cultural, morphological and molecular characterization based on sequencing of internal transcribed spacer1 (ITS1). All the ITS nucleotide sequences of fungi were applied and conserved in GenBank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of falciparum malaria in ancient Egyptian remains had been performed by many authors using several methodologies including the use of rapid diagnostic tests. Through the immunochromatographic analysis of bony specimens from Giza skeletal collection dated to Old Kingdom, we provide first evidence of non-falciparum malaria in Ancient Egypt. The histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2) specific to Plasmodium falciparum was absent in 100% of examined samples, while aldolase, common to the four types of plasmodial pathogens causing human malaria, was detected in 56% of individuals with no significant difference between the two tested social groups: high officials (HO) and workers (W). It is suggested that the main risk factor was the presence of residences near natural and artificial waterways, which allowed prolonged contact between the vector and human host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]