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Essential oils have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, so it is considered one of the most suitable methods to maintain overall fruit quality, reduce decay and extend the shelf life of fruit during storage. Therefore, two experiments using fruits harvested from 14-year-old guava trees in a private farm located in Al-Busayli village, Rashied, Bohaira governorate, Egypt, during the 2021and 2022 seasons. The primary objective was to evaluate the influence of essential oils on the overall quality and extension of the shelf-life of winter guava fruit. The fruits were subjected to various treatments, including dipping in the following solutions (at 1000 ppm) for 5 minutes: control (distilled water), clove oil, eucalyptus oil, mustard oil, and jojoba oil. Subsequently, the coated fruits with essential oils were preserved in cold room with a temperature of 7±1°C and a relative humidity of 90 – 95 % for a duration of 24 days. The obtained data revealed that immersing in essential oils of winter guava fruits at concentration of 1000 ppm significantly reduced loss in weight of fruit, rot and respiration rate in addition its also improved fruit firmness. SSC%, acidity, SSC/acid ratio and ascorbic acid content compared to control treatment during cold storage. Moreover, the results show a significant reduction in loss of weight, decay, and respiration rate of guava fruits when Eucalyptus and clove oils were utilized. Furthermore, the applications of Eucalyptus and clove oils demonstrated effectiveness in keeping firmness, acidity, vitamin C content, SSC%, and SSC/acid ratio in guava fruits during the storage. In conclusion, Eucalyptus oil and cloves oil proved to be highly effective in reduce weight loss, decay, and respiration rates while concurrently maintaining the overall quality of winter guava fruits under cold storage conditions for a duration of 24 days, in comparison to the other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was processed at the experimental orchards, Agriculture of Faculty, Assiut University, Egypt, to survey impact of nitrogen fertilizers at different sources on Manfalouty pomegranate trees growth, yield and fruit quality in 2020 and 2021seasons. The research design was randomized complete block of eight treatments with three replications. The results findings as follow Amending the advised of nitrogen dosage as twice (mineral-N plus organic or bio-form) or three sources of nitrogen fertilization were used: mineral-N, organic-N and bio-N form (mineral plus organic and bio-form) materially raised the shoot length, leaf surface, chlorophyll, leaf content of N, P and K comparing to mineral-N source only (control). All amending treatments materially raised the yield/tree, commercial fruit % and materially reduced the percentage of fruit cracking and sunburn comparable to use control. Amending with any triple form (organic + bio + mineral) materically amended the fruit traits due to raising the fruit weight, arils percentage, soluble solid contents, sugar and contents of anthocyanin and vitamin C and reducing the acidity and tannins contents comparing to use control treatment. It is obvious from the obtained data that the interest of organic and bio manures for pomegranates forms, where this is desired to amend the trees growth and nutritional status and production quality and then the package yield. Moreover, these amending reduce the production cost and ecological contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wijam (Phytoplasma) disease of date palms is an economic threat to date palm output in Egypt. Disease symptoms were identified in various date palm-grown orchards. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze a total of ten samples from five different date palm cultivars. These samples came from both healthy and diseased trees. The findings of the nested PCR (nPCR) experiment revealed the presence of 16S rDNA phytoplasma in the trees that were infected. Furthermore, one date palm cultivar (Magdoul) showed no infection, while the other four (Khalas, Sukary, Barhi, and Zaghloul) exhibited varying degrees of infectivity. Chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content were dramatically reduced due to biochemical alterations. Meanwhile, proline and carotenoid levels in infected plants increased while ascorbic acid and soluble sugar levels decreased. The activities of antioxidative enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, catalase, and oxidase were increased in phytoplasma-infected trees. A technique for in vitro organogenesis to propagate date palm cultivars was demonstrated. Isolated meristematic tip cultures were grown on MS media supplemented with 2,4-D 100 mg/L and 1.5 g/L charcoal for four to nine weeks, depending on the cultivar. For cvs. "Magdoul" and "Barhee," callus regeneration, shoot elongation, and multiplication were performed on MS media containing 1 mg/L NAA and 1.5 g/L activated charcoal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The globe artichoke cv. 'Balady' is considered one of the most important cultivars in Egypt due to the earliness of its flowering compared with other cultivars, but the size of its head is small. Two field experiments were conducted during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021growing seasons to assess the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin (KN) alone or in various combinations on the growth, earliness, productivity, and head quality of globe artichokes. The results showed that plants treated with combination of GA3 (20 ppm) and KN (50 ppm) had superior effects on growth, number of early heads feddan-1, total number of heads feddan-1, fresh weight of head, and head size as measured by length, and diameter of the head. Comparison with the control, the foliar spraying of 20 ppm GA3 + 50 ppm KN raised the percentages of number of early head feddan-1 by 180 %, total number of head feddan-1 by24%, head fresh weight by 8%, head length by 21% and head diameter by 21%, in both seasons. Also, the same treatment recorded the highest values for the leaf minerals and chlorophyll contents as well as head quality traits (minerals, protein, inulin and ascorbic acid content). However, only the content of total phenolic compounds in heads was reduced with all exogenous hormone applications. Therefore, the combined treatment with 20 ppm GA3 and50ppm KN might be considered as an optimal treatment to produce the highest yield with good quality of globe artichoke cv. 'Balady'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field eхpеrimеnts were соnduсtеd аt the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University at "Dar El-Ramad" Fayoum Governorate, Egypt during the summer growing seasons of 2019 and 2020. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of sowing dates, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), zinc and their interaction on growth and yield of maize ( Zea mays L.). The experimental layout was a split- split plot arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications where sowing dates were considered as the main plot, ascorbic acid arranged in the sub plot and the sub-sub plot occupied by zinc foliar application treatments. Results indicated that sowing dates, ascorbic acid and zinc treatments hаd а signifiсаnt impасts оn yield and its attributes in the two seasons, except ear number per plant in two seasons and number of grains per row in the second season as well as 100 grain weight in the first season. Foliar spray of ascorbic acid treatments lеd tо signifiсаnt diffеrеnсеs in yield and its attributes i.e. number of ears/plant, ear length, ear dimeter, ear weight, number of row/ear, number of grains/row, ear grain weight, 100-grain weight and grain and biological yield/fed, as well as harvest index. The obtained data reveale also that the effect of zinc treatments on yield and its attributes was significant in the two seasons, except ear number per plant in two seasons and ear length in second season as well as number of grains/row in the first season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were carried out at a private farm at Manchat Nabhan, Fakose, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt during 2017/18 and 2018/19 winter seasons. The study aimed to find out the effect of five exogenous application levels of AsA and H2O2 (S0: without, S1:100 ppm AsA, S2: 200ppm AsA, S3: 30mM H2O2 and S4: 60mM H2O2) on wheat (Triticum asetivum, L. cv. Misr 1) under three treatments of irrigation water (4, 5 and 6 irrigations) using surface irrigation system. A randomized complete block split plot design with three replicates was used in each season. The irrigation treatments and the levels of AsA and H2O2 were randomly allocated in the main and sub-plots, respectively. The most important findings could be summarized as follows: At 105 days from planting, wheat plants under water stress (irrigation four times) without AsA and H2O2 application showed a significant decrease in leaf area index (LAI), relative water content (RWC %) and total chlorophyll in comparison to wheat plants under well watered in both seasons. In general, the highest values of these traits were significantly gained from the highest concentration of ascorbic acid (200 ppm) and H2O2 (60mM) in both seasons. At maturity, in both seasons, irrigations 4 times significantly resulted in lower spikes number m-2, 1000-grain weight and grain yields than those in the plots irrigated 6 times. Generally, the maximum values of these traits were significantly obtained from the highest levels of ascorbic acid and H2O2 in both seasons. Under stressed and unstressed plants, increasing AsA and H2O2 levels significantly improved all these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of organic vermicompost fertilizers is considered one of the promising fertilizer. Therefore, the experiment aimed to study the effect of using liquid vermicompost fertilizer as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in the production of lettuce, Crisp head variety. In this study, a field experiment was conducted during the two winter seasons of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at the Agricultural Research Station in the Abies region, affiliated to the Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University Egypt. This experiment aimed to evaluate the response of lettuce plants to the application of liquid vermicompost (LVC) fertilizer through four different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20%), and the chemical fertilization treatment (100% NPK) in the recommended rate as a control treatment for lettuce production, on some vegetative growth characters; Fresh weight plant-1 (kg), head net weight plant-1 (kg), total yield fed-1 (ton), and unmarketable yield fed-1 (ton), in addition to some biochemical characteristics; vitamin C, dry matter, total soluble solids, and carbohydrates as well as estimate the element content and quality elements, such as nitrogen (N+ ), potassium (K+ ), phosphorus (P+ ), calcium (Ca2+ ), magnesium (Mg2+ ), and iron (Fe2+ ). The results showed a gradual significant increasing in the values of most of the studied traits by increasing the concentrations of vermicompost fertilizer from 2.5 % to 20%. The application of vermicompost treatment with a concentration of 20% LVC gave the highest significant values for most of the studied traits without a clear significant difference compared to the chemical fertilizer 100% NPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder caused by many factors and related to serious complications. Diabetes mellitus includes oxidative stress and inflammation, in addition to hyperglycemia and resistance to insulin. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with vitamin C on blood glucose control and body mass index in type 2 diabetic patients of the family medicine outpatient clinic in Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. Material and methods. This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Sixty patients (n = 60) were distributed randomly into two groups: the intervention group (on 1 g of vitamin C orally for 12 weeks), and the control group (on a placebo for the same period). Only 55 patients completed the study (28 in the intervention group and 27 in the control group). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C%) and body mass index (BMI) were assessed at the beginning and after 12 weeks. Results. The HbA1C percentage significantly decreased in the intervention group, supplemented with vitamin C, after 12 weeks as compared to the placebo group. The body mass index did not change significantly after the intervention. The intervention group had 75% glycemic improvement, while only 33.3% of the subjects improved in the control group. Absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 42%, the number of patients in need of treatment (NNT) was 2.38, the relative risk (RR) was 0.37, and the relative risk reduction (RRR) was 62%. Conclusions. Patients with type 2 diabetes may benefit from adding vitamin C to their routine management to control blood glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was aimed to study the effect of dietary L-arginine level, vitamin C, and their interaction between them on some reproductive performance and economical efficiency of Matrouh laying hens during the summer season. A 4X3 factorial treatment arrangement was carried out including four levels of dietary L-Arg (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 g/kg diet) and three VC concentrations (0, 150, and 300 mg/kg diet). A total number of 108 Matrouh hens and 36 cocks (Egyptian local strain) aged 64 weeks were randomly distributed into twelve treatment groups (three replicate each). The results obtained showed non-significant (p<0.05) effect in fertility percentages due to dietary L-Arg or VC supplementation through all the experimental periods. The interaction effects between dietary L-Arg and VC levels had a major influence (p<0.05) on fertility percentage. Dietary L-Arg levels had significant (P<0.05) effects on the hatchability percentages of total eggs set and fertile egg during all periods of estimation. The VC supplementation didn't have any significant effects on fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs percentage. The interaction effects between dietary L-Arg and VC levels had a major influence (p<0.05) on the hatchability percentages of total eggs set during all the interval periods. In conclusion, it could be concluded that Matrouh laying hens supplemented diet with L-Arg at a level of 0.4 g and VC at a level of 150 mg/kg diet, seemed to be adequate to achieve the favorite results and is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollination is a critical process in date palms production series that affect yield and fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different pollination methods (spray pollen grain with zinc, boric or ascorbic acid solution) on yield and fruit quality of Barhy date palm. This study was conducted at Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate, Egypt during 2019 and 2020 seasons. Results showed that most beneficial treatment in this concern is spraying female spathes with 0.5 to 1 g pollen grains plus 1 g zinc or ascorbic acid/L water which gave economical yield with good fruit quality. Moreover, it distinguished to save time, effort, labor, cost and more practical to it is a promising technique in the future [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For evaluating the response of growth and yield of lavender to ascorbic acid (0.0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm), nano-chitosan (0.0, 250, 500 and 750 ppm) and their interactions, an experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, during the two consecutive summer seasons of 2018 and 2019. This experiment was arranged as split-plot experiment in the basis of completely randomized design with three replications. The main plots were occupied by four ascorbic acid concentrations, also, the sub plots were entitled to four nano-chitosan concentrations. Plant growth parameters as well as fresh and dry herb yield were recorded. Foliar spray with 150 ppm of ascorbic acid gave significantly higher values of growth and yield components compared to control and the other ones under study. Nano-chitosan at high concentrations (500 and 750 ppm) significantly increased all the investigated parameters compared to control. The best results were achieved by the interaction treatment between spraying with ascorbic acid at 100 ppm and nanochitosan at 750 ppm. This treatment could be used by the farmers under the same conditions because it has the most profitable rate and concentration with the greatest yield advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted at the Nursery of Ornamental Plants, Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt during the two winter consecutive seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 to study the effect of different soil salinity levels (0.0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm), foliar spray with 150 ppm of salicylic acid (SA), 250 ppm of ascorbic acid (AA), and 150 ppm SA+250 ppm AA as well as control (spraying with water) and their combination treatments on growth, herb yield per plant, salt tolerance trait percentage and total chlorophyll content (SPAD unit) of lavender plants. The investigations were performed in a split-plot in complete randomized block design with 3 replications. The obtained results cleared that using soil salinity at high levels (2000 and 3000 ppm) decreased growth parameters (plant height, number of branches /plant, root length, root number per plant, fresh and dry weights of roots/ plant), yield components (fresh and dry weights of herb yield/ plant) and total chlorophyll content compared to control. But, the low level one (1000 ppm) showed significant increase in lavender growth and yield as well as it enhanced salt tolerance index compared to un-salinized plants and the other levels under study. Moreover, the highest values in abovementioned parameters were registered by the combination treatment between 150 ppm SA and 250 ppm AA acids in both seasons. Generally, it could conclude that 150 ppm SA + 250 ppm AA, showed a uniform impact in alleviating of lavender growth inhibition and its productivity under low salinity stress condition with increasing in salt resistance (%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was carried out during two successive winter seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 at a Private Farm of El-Salhia El-Gadeeda, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt and Post- Harvest Lab. Hort. Dept., Fac. Agric., Zagazig University, to study the effect of foliar spray preharvest with calcium (as Fertoll calcium 12%) at 1, 2 and 3%, Zn EDATA as Micronate Zn 15% at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/l, Chitosan at 1, 2 and 3% as well as spraying with water on yield, fruit quality and storability of strawberry under sandy soil conditions. Spraying with Zn EDTA as Micronate at 1.5 g/l four times at 75, 90, 105 and 120 days after transplanting increased yield/ plant, average fruit weight and total yield/ fad., and the increases in the total yield (%) as average three concentrations of Ca as Fertoll, Zn EDTA as Micronate and Chitosan were about 16.25 and 15.51, 17.36 and 17.19 and 16.59 and 16.47% than unsprayed in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Spraying strawberry plants with chitosan at 3% increased total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/acid ratio and fruit firmness and decreased total acidity and pH in fruits compared to water (control) in both seasons. While spraying with Zn EDTA at 1 g/l increased vitamin C content in fruits. Spraying with Ca as Fertoll at 3 ml/l decreased weight loss and decay (%) in strawberry fruits, followed by spraying with chitosan at 3% at 16 days of storage plus shelf life in both seasons. Conclusively: Spraying plants with Zn EDTA as Micronate at 1.5 g/l increased yield, average fruit weight, total yield /fad., vitamin C; spraying chitosan at 3% increased TSS, TSS/acid ratio and fruit firmness and decreased total acidity, and pH in fruits, as well as, spraying Ca at 3 ml/l as Fertoll calcium 12% decreased weight loss and decay (%) in strawberry fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during the winter season of each of 2015/2016 and 2016/ 2017 at the Experimental field, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt in order to evaluate the response of caraway growth and yield under three rates of N:P:K:Mg at 13:5:26:3 ratios/ (0.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/l) as foliar spray and three types of antioxidants (Control, salicylic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B1 as well as their combinations). The experiment was applied by a split-plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD) arrangement with three replications. Results proved the superiority of chemical fertilization as foliar spray via enhancing yield components of caraway plants in comparing with no application. Salicylic acid (SA), vitamin B1 (Vitam.B) and vitamin C (Vitam.C) at 100 ppm of each applied three times/season showed the best results in most of the studied growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, total dry weight, root dry weight and root length) and yield components (number of umbels per plant and fruit yield per plant and per faddan) as compared with control. Accordingly, this study recommends the possibility of using antioxidants treatment (SA+ Vitam.B + Vitam.C) as an improving growth performance and yield components of caraway plants under chemical fertilization rate at 2 g/l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the influence of ascorbic acid (ASA) on the essential oil (EO) isolated from leaves and peels of two Citrus species {Citrus deliciosa (Ten.) and Citrus tangerine (Hort. ex Tanaka)}. Experiments were carried out in sandy soil at the Experimental Farm, National Research Centre (NRC), Egypt. Citrus trees were treated with different levels of ASA (0, 0.2, and 0.4 g/L). Essential oils of both Citrus species were isolated by hydrodistillation (HD) and then, analyzed by Gas chromatography and Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. The EO compositions were influenced by ASA treatments. For both species, EO (%) and the main constituents of leaves (linalool and thymol) or peels (limonene and γ-terpinene) EO increased. Various chemical groups (MCH, MCHO, SCH, SCHO, or DCHO) changed. ASA at 0.2 g/L resulted in the highest yield of EO percentages and major constituents for both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was carried out during 2016 and 2017 seasons in post-harvest Lab. Pomology Dept. Cairo University, Egypt. The quality and internal (physical and chemical) changes in apricot fruits (Prunus armeniaca L.) coated with different treatments of Nano chitosan and Nano silicon were studied after different storage periods of cold storage at 1°C and 90-95% (RH). Nano chitosan was prepared with 0.5% concentration and Nano silicon was prepared with 2% concentration, each of them was tested individually or in combination with Thiabendazole (TBZ). The changes in fruit firmness, weight loss, discarded fruit percentage, fruit panel, total acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and ascorbic content (Vitamin C) at intervals were estimated during 7 weeks. The results of the two successive seasons indicated that the application of Nano chitosan and silicon coatings maintained fruit firmness compared with the control (dipped in TBZ) without significant differences. The application with 0.5% Nano chitosan + TBZ treatment maintained higher firmness values. On the other hand, Nano-chitosan coating + TBZ treatment maintained fruit acidity, fruit panel test and Vitamin C content more than the uncoated control and other treatments without significant differences. While, all coating treatments increased TSS values and discarded fruit percentage compared with the control without significant differences. The lowest value for each of TSS and fresh weight loss percentage was achieved by Nano chitosan 0.5% + TBZ treatment. Similarly, that treatment significantly decreased fresh weight loss percentage compared with the other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High levels of PAHs were detected in heat-treated meats in Egypt. • B[ a ]P induced mutagenicity and oxidative stress in colon cells at food-relevant doses. • B[ a ]P induced alterations in mRNA expressions of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. • Rosmarinic and ascorbic acids protected colon cells from B[ a ]P-adverse effects. • Consumption of such molecules is advisable at high levels of exposure to B[ a ]P. This study was undertaken to estimate the concentrations of the formed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in heat-treated (boiled, pan-fried and grilled) meats collected from Egypt. Dietary intakes and cancer risks of PAHs among Egyptian adults were calculated. Benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P)-induced mutagenicity and oxidative stress in human colon (CaCo-2) cell line and mechanisms behind such effects were also investigated. Finally, protection trials using rosmarinic (RMA) and ascorbic acids (ASA) were carried out. The results indicated formation of PAHs at high levels in the heat-treated meats. Calculated incremental life time cancer risk among Egyptian adults were 7.05179E−07, 7.00604 E−06 and 1.86069 E−05 due to ingestion of boiled, pan-fried and grilled meats, respectively. B[ a ]P-exposed CaCo-2 cells had high abilities for mutagenicity (490.05 ± 21.37 His + revertants) and production of reactive oxygen species. RMA and ASA protected CaCo-2 cells via reduction of B[ a ]P-induced mutagenicity and oxidative stress and upregulation of phase II detoxification enzymes and xenobiotic transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 to evaluate some pomegranate cultivars grown at Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Three local Egyptian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars, namely Assiuty, Assiuty-1 and Nab-Elgamal compared to Manfalouty cv. which is one of the commercial cultivars in Egypt. Vegetative growth’ traits, yield components and fruit quality as well as numerical evaluation were investigated. Growth traits were determined (shoot and leaf traits) and yield components (fruit set percentage, yield/tree (kg) and fruit cracking percentage) as well as physical fruit traits (weight, dimension, grains percentage and juice percentage). The chemical traits such as total soluble solids, titratable acidity, reducing sugars as well as vitamin C and anthocyanin contents were assessed. The obtained results indicated that there is a wide variation in each of these traits among the studied cultivars. Assiuty-1 cultivar had the highest values of most studied traits compared to the other studied cultivars, respectively. On other hand, the least values of these traits were recorded of Nab-Elgamal cultivar. As the numerical evaluation of these studied cultivars, it could be arranged in a descendingly order as follows: Manfalouty, Assiuty, Assiuty-1 and Nab-El-gamal cultivar. The inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) marker was used to assess the genetic relationship among the pomegranate cultivars. UPGMA-cluster analysis discriminated the four tested cultivars based on data of ISSR at 0.76 similarity. Assiuty and Assiuty-1 cultivars showed the highest value of similarity (0.87) on the dendrogram, both cultivars showed a good relationship with Nab Elgamal cultivar by showing an average value of similarity (0.82). While, Manfalouty cultivar showed low similarity (0.76) with the rest of cultivars and was separated in a single branch on the dendrogram. This grouping showed a clear genetic relationship among the tested cultivars, which could be used in breeding and improvement programs of pomegranate. These results revealed that Assiuty and Assiuty-1 are considered promising cultivars to obtain a high yield with good fruit quality compared to Nab-El- Gamal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and in Egypt the most common form of primary liver cancer. HCC represents the second most prevalent cancer among men in Egypt. The important risk factors for HCC include hepatitis C and B, alcoholic, schistosomiasis, aflatoxins (AFB), hypothirodism and cirrhosis. Diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) is a well-known strong hepatocarcinogenic agent. It is known that DEN induces damage in enzymes involved in DNA repair and is normally used to induce liver cancer in experimental animal models as rats. Curcumin is a strong antiinflammatory agent and anti-cancer effects with strong therapeutic potential against a variety of cancers. Vitamin C is an important free radical scavenger in extracellular fluids, trapping radicals and protecting bio membranes from peroxide damage and tissue damage of the liver and in HCC cases. Objective: To evaluate the hematological parameters and some liver function tests in the early stage of HCC and the hepatoprotective role of curcumin and vitamin C.Materials and methods: This study was conducted on a patch of 90 adult mature healthy male albino rats (Rattus rattus) averaged weight (190 ± 10 g) were allowed to acclimatize in the laboratory and distributed into 9 groups 10 rats for each. Hematological parameters and some hepatic tests were measured and histopathology of the liver, for all groups at the end of the experiment. Results: The results showed that significant alterations in all hematological parameters and hepatic function tests when compared with its corresponding level in the control group, and when treated with curcumin and vitamin c the results showed improvement for some parameters when compared with DEN group. Conclusion: Antioxidants like curcumin and vitamin C administration improved the hematological parameters and liver function tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 conducted during two successive seasons (2016/2017 first ratoon and 2017/2018 second ratoon) of Williams banana plants. The plants grown in a private banana orchard, where clay loam soil under flood irrigation system, at 3.5x3.5m apart located at Nakada district, Quena Governorate, Egypt. Forty eight stools each containing three plants were chosen to evaluate the effect of yeast applied as soil drench and spraying ascorbic acid (V.C) on growth, yield and fruit quality. These treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement with three replicates. The obtained results could be summarized as follows. Ascorbic acid spraying significantly increased the length and circumference of pseudostem, leaf area and total leaf area/plant as well as percentage of N, P and K of leaves compared to unsprayed ones. Also, these treatments significantly increased the yield components and improved the fruit quality compared to unsprayed ones. Yeast application was very effective in enhancing all growth aspects, yield and fruit characteristics compared to untreated ones. All combinations of ascorbic acid spraying on the yeast treated plants resulted in a significant increament in all growth aspects, yield components and fruit quality as compared to check treatments. The best results regarding the growth and fruiting were obtained with ascorbic acid spraying (at 200 ppm) accompanied with yeast application (at 40 g/plant) compared to other tested treatments. It is evident from the foregoing results that the application yeast at 40 g/plant and ascorbic acid at 200 ppm application four times during growth season (April, June, August & October), singly or in combination improved the growth and yield of Williams banana plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana, L.) is considered to be a very promising horticultural crop known in Egypt as Harankash as well as gaining popularity in the specialty markets. Currently it is usually used for local consumption in Egypt as a snack food. Therefore this current research aimed to utilize such crop by preparing and evaluating some food products such as canned compote, dehydrated fruits, nectar, syrup, paste, jam and appetizers. General characteristics, physical, chemical and technological properties, and some bioactive compounds of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana, L.) were investigated. The cape gooseberry pulp has a light sweet taste (TSS 13. 75) with acidic nature (pH 3.7 and titratable acidity was 1.20 % as citric acid), Non reducing sugars represented about (52.95 %) of the total sugars which were (56.24% ). The results also indicated that cape gooseberry can be considered as good source B-carotene, vitamin C, total phenolic content, flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity in addition to some minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana, L.) was used to formulate some important functional foods. The organoleptic properties of all processed products in this study were well palatable among different panelists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of the dietary supplementation with different levels of ascorbic acid on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, and carcass traits of growing rabbits under summer and winter conditions in Egypt. Factorial design experiment (2×4) was carried out including two seasons (winter and summer) and four levels of ascorbic acid 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g /kg diet. Results indicated that growth performance, daily feed intake, nutrients digestibility, nutritive values, hemoglobin, hematocrit, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Red blood cell counts, dressing (%) and organs (liver, kidney and heart) weight were significantly decreased at summer season compared with winter season. In contrast, ascorbic acid supplementation caused a significant increase in growth performance indices, organic matter (OM) digestibility, some blood parameters i.e., aspirate amino transferase (ALT, AST, urea, total protein and albumin) of growing rabbits. However, ascorbic acid supplementation showed insignificant effects in dressing percentage and relative weights of liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen. On the other hand, the economical evaluation in this study showed that using of 0.5 or 1g ascorbic acid/kg diet in winter season and 0.5 g ascorbic acid/kg in summer season in the growing rabbit diets was more economical than the other treatment groups. Conclusively, the results revealed that fortification of rabbit diets with ascorbic acid especially level of 0.5 g/kg diet, economically, could enhance the growth performance of growing rabbit during mild and hot climate in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is one of the most serious pests of nursery as well as young plantations of citrus. The present work aimed to study host preference, spatial distribution within the tree's canopy and chemical control of CLM in citrus orchard located at Inshas District, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The obtained results indicated that CLM significantly preferred to attack navel orange and eureka lemon more than valencia orange, mandarin, baladi orange and bitter orange. This preference of CLM to navel orange may be attributed to the highly contents of carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, protein and ascorbic acid in navel orange leaves in comparison with the other tested hosts. On the contrary, bitter orange was the lowest preferred host to CLM because of its lowest content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein and humidity. On the other hand, the present results showed that CLM highly distributed in west direction more than the other directions and center of host trees during spring season. With respect to control of CLM, the obtained results showed that KZ oil was the most effective compound in controlling CLM infesting navel orange trees; while, lambda, super misrona, diver, albolium and abamectin exhibited moderate ranks in controlling CLM. Acetamipride was the least effective insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus cereus is one of the foodborne pathogens that is incriminated in several outbreaks worldwide. The objectives of the current study were first to determine the prevalence of B. cereus -contaminated milk and dairy products retailed in Egypt. Secondly, the antimicrobial resistance profiling and virulence-associated genes of the recovered B. cereus isolates were assessed. Finally, natural and eco-friendly natural additives such as d -tryptophan and l -ascorbic acid were used for controlling the viability of Bacillus cereus spores. A total of 200 samples including market raw milk, Ultra-Heat Treated (UHT) milk, Kariesh cheese, soft white cheese (Damietta), and rice pudding, 50 of each were examined. The results of our study indicated that 31% of the examined dairy samples were contaminated with B. cereus. Surprisingly, 90% of the isolates showed multidrug-resistance against ampicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, and streptomycin. The molecular characterization revealed that 15 isolates harbored both hemolytic and non-hemolytic enterotoxin genes. Co-treatment of B. cereus spores-contaminated rice pudding with d -tryptophan at a concentration of 40 mM and l -ascorbic acid at a concentration of 3% revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the spore growth. Therefore, d -tryptophan and l -ascorbic acid are considered promising eco-friendly food preservatives with anti- B. cereus effects in the dairy industry. • Bacillus cereus could be isolated from Egyptian dairy products. • B. cereus isolates had multidrug resistance profiling. • B. cereus isolates had the ability to produce enterotoxins. • Ascorbic acid, and d -tryptophan had anti- Bacillus cereus effect. • The tested additives might act as promising tools against B. cereus growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The beneficial effects of the polyphenol (PP) rich fruits and Lactic acid bacteria fermented foods had been reported as cost-effective strategies for health promotion. Randomized controlled trial was designed to test the hypothesis that daily intake of polyphenol rich pomegranate juice (PGJ) or/ and lactic acid bacteria fermented sobya (FS) improved selected biomarkers of relevance to heath status.Methods: The design of the human trial consisted of 35 healthy adults, who were distributed to 5 equal groups; The first group served as control and received no supplements; the second group received fresh apricot fruits (200 g); the third (PGJ) (250 g), the fourth a mixture of PGJ (150 g) and FS (140 g) and the fifth group received (FS) (170 g). The supplements were served daily between 5 - 6 pm for 21 days. Blood and urine samples were collected at days zero and 22 of the dietary intervention. The supplements were analyzed chemically for (PP) contents and total antioxidative activities and microbiologically for selected bacteria and yeast counts. The blood samples were assayed for plasma antioxidative activities and for erythrocytic glutathione transferase activity (E-GST). Urine samples were analyzed for the excretions of total PP, antioxidative activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS).Statistical Analysis: Two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted and included the main effects of treatment, time and treatment x time interaction.Results: Daily intake of (PGJ) for 3 weeks significantly increased the plasma and urinary anti-oxidative activities and reduced the urinary excretion of (TBARS). Daily intake of (FS) for 3 weeks increased only (E-GST) activity. Daily intake of a mixture of PGJ and (FS) was also effective.Conclusions: The daily intakes of PGJ and/ or (FS) affected positively selected biomarkers of relevance to health status. These functional foods have potential implication for use as bio-therapeutic foods.Trial Registration: The study was approved by the research ethical committee of the Ministry of Health & population, Egypt. The trial registration - the unique identifying number. (REC) decision No 12-2013-9, which complied with the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines (2004). The protocol was fully explained to all subjects and written informed consent was obtained before their participation in the trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at investigation of the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. in the retailed dairies in Egypt. Besides, the inhibitory effects of some natural additives, including, ascorbic acid, pomegranate peel extract, and D-tryptophan against the isolated Salmonella were evaluated using soft cheese as a food matrix. To reach to this end, different Egyptian retail dairy products were investigated; 30 samples of each product were analyzed. Kariesh cheese samples had the highest Salmonella prevalence rate at 16.67%, followed by market raw milk, and bulk tank milk at 6.66% each, and white soft cheese at 3.33%. Serological examination exhibited 5 different Salmonella serotypes, namely S. Enteritidis , S. Typhimurium , S. Virchow, S. Larochelle, and S. Apeyeme. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that 100% of the isolates possessed resistance to erythromycin, oxacillin, and nalidixic acid. Some isolates of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis were resistant to all 14 examined antibiotics. Isolates of S. Enteritidis obtained in this study were used to contaminate the freshly prepared soft cheese. Treatment of the artificially Salmonella -contaminated soft cheese with pomegranate peel extract, ascorbic acid, and D-tryptophan revealed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in Salmonella growth in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the examined natural additives can be viewed as a promising new line of preservatives for dairy industry. • Various serovars of Salmonella spp. were present in retail Egyptian dairies. • All isolates of Salmonella spp. were resistant to erythromycin, oxacillin and nalidixic acid. • Some isolates of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis were resistant to all 14 examined antibiotics. • Ascorbic acid, pomegranate peel extract and D-tryptophan had a dose-dependent anti- Salmonella effect in a soft cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard (family Sapotaceae) is an edible fruit-producing tree widely distributed in western and central Indian states and cultivated in Egypt. M. hexandra is well known for its various nutritional and medicinal merits. Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds using 1D and 2D NMR along with MS revealed the identification of two new flavonoids, myricetin 3- O (3″- O -methyl) α -L-rhamnopyranoside (1), and 3- O -ethyl-dihydroquercetin (3- O -ethyltaxifolin) (8) from M. hexandra leaves and fruits, respectively. Additionally, 4 known flavonoids were identified from the leaves as β -4′-methoxy-myricetin-3- O-α -L-rhamnoside (2), 4′-methoxy-quercetin-3- O-α -L-rhamnoside (3), quercetin-3- O-α -L-rhamnoside (5) , and myricetin-3- O-α- L-rhamnoside (6) , together with 4 known compounds from fruit identified as gallic acid (7), myricetin (9), taxifolin (10) and quercetin (11) in addition to methyl gallate (4). The isolated new compounds were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against 4 fungal and 8 bacterial strains. Compounds 1 and 8 showed antifungal activity against 3 fungal strains, and potent antibacterial activity was observed against tested gram positive and gram negative bacteria with the highest inhibition effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC 3.9 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of M. hexandra leaves and fruits aqueous methanol extract and methanol soluble portion was evaluated using DPPH method revealing DPPH radical scavenging activity and the fruit methanol soluble portion (FMSP) was the most active with SC 50 = 12.8 (μg/mL) nearly equal to that of ascorbic acid. [Display omitted] • Two novel flavonoids were identified from Manilkara hexandra Dubard leaves and fruits. • Nine known phenolic compounds were found for the first time in M. hexandra. • In vitro antimicrobial activity of the new compounds. • In vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity of M. hexandra extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is paucity on the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C on cytokines production in lambs with respiratory diseases. Therefore, the current study examined the influence of vitamin C on the production of different pro-inflammatory cytokines in lambs naturally infected by pneumonic pasteurellosis. In lambs naturally infected with pneumonic pasteurellosis, the association between measured proinflammatory cytokines and clinical sum score demonstrated a positive correlation with interleukin-6 and interferon gamma. The findings show that vitamin C has a selective effect on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in sera of lambs with pneumonic pasteurellosis when used in combination with tulathromycin, and confirming the therapeutic effectiveness of tulathromycin in clinical recovery of lambs with pneumonic pasteurellosis. In this study, we have investigated the impact of vitamin C on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 β (IL-1 β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12p40 (IL-12p40), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) in lambs naturally infected by pneumonic pasteurellosis. Of 37 lambs, 18 lambs were identified to have pneumonic pasteurellosis and randomly allocated into two equal groups. Single subcutaneous dose of tulathromycine alone (2.5 mg kg−1) or tulathromycine combined with vitamin C (3 gm kg−1) were administrated to the diseased lambs. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were returned to the normal levels in pneumonic lambs treated with the combination therapy. The obtained results indicate the selective influences of vitamin C on pro-inflammatory cytokines production in sera of lambs with pneumonic pasteurellosis and highlights the value of vitamin C as a potential anti-inflammatory drug and ideal immunomodulatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Oxidative stress and hepatocellular pathological changes are common associations with chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC) disease. The aim of this study was to assess serum antioxidant-oxidant (Redox) balance in patients with CHC infection before and after intake of the traditional antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon α2b and oral ribavirin). Patients and Methods: Blood samples from 50 biopsy-proven CHC patients, with no prior antiviral treatment and persistently elevated serum transaminase levels for 6 months, as well as 15 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were used for determination of the antioxidants: reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), α tocopherol and ascorbic acid as well as lipid peroxidation (LPO) index (malondialdehyde [MDA]). The measurements were repeated in the diseased group 25 weeks after pegylated interferon α-2b and ribavirin combination therapy. Results: Serum levels of bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly higher in CHC patients than in the control group (P < 0.05). Pretreatment serum MDA values were significantly higher in patients with CHC infection than the control group (P < 0.001), while serum antioxidant levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001). Responders (10 patients) had lower pretreatment serum levels of MDA than nonresponders (35 patients) (P < 0.001). Both groups were comparable for the antioxidant serum levels. There was significant negative correlation between serum MDA and serum SOD, GSH, α tocopherol, and ascorbic acid concentrations in CHC patients. On the other hand, there was no correlation between the studied parameters and serum bilirubin, albumin, ALT, and AST. Conclusions: Redox imbalance was detected in patients with CHC. Responders had significantly lower levels of MDA than nonresponders. Serum MDA may be used as a pretreatment predictor of response to antiviral treatment in patients with CHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyphasic approach was employed to describe a unicellular coccoid cyanobacterium isolated from Terraat El Khashab, Helwan, Egypt. The cells were characterised by their small diameter (1.9–2.2 μm) and lack of buoyancy. The cultures grew best at a temperature range of 20–40°C and moderate light intensity (20–50 μmol photon m−2 s−1). To verify its cyanobacterial nature, sequencing of 16S rRNA gene using cyanobacterial specific primers was performed followed by a phylogenetic analysis. The sequence best-matched Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 with 90% similarity. The phylogenetic analysis placed the isolate within a major clade containing different Synechocystis isolates. The fatty acid composition was rich in saturated fatty acids while polyunsaturated fatty acids were scarce. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavenoids, alkaloids and saponins and absence of tannins. Vitamin C was also present in a considerable quantity. Some of the lipophilic fractions showed antimicrobial bioactivity against several pathogens. The pure bioactive compound from highest bioactive fraction was identified as oleic acid amide (M.wt.281) using chemical analyses including FT/IR, UV, proton H-NMR and GC-mass. The study highlights the importance of investigating the biotechnological potential of microorganisms inhabiting unusual niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]