Search

Abstract Soil alkalinity and salinity are major challenges to wheat production in arid regions. Eco-friendly amendments (organic matter and bio-stimulants) offer promising solutions, but their combined effects are underexplored. This study assessed the effects of organic amendments (vermicompost, compost, and chicken manure) combined with foliar bio-stimulants (licorice root, ginger rhizome, moringa leaf extract (MLE), and potassium humate) on wheat under salt and alkalinity stress. Organic amendments combined with bio-stimulants significantly improved wheat yields by enhancing chlorophyll content, proline levels, photosynthetic pigments, water uptake, and enzyme activities. Vermicompost outperformed compost and chicken manure in improving plant physico-biochemical properties. The combination of vermicompost and MLE was most effective in increasing plant height, leaf area, and photosynthetic rate by 97, 126, and 136%, respectively, while also enhancing catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase by 65, 97, and 185%, respectively. Consequently, this resulted in 64% increase in straw yield and 27% increase in grain yield compared to controls. Additionally, nutrient uptake (N, P, and K) significantly increased, while sodium uptake decreased. Integrating vermicompost with MLE can significantly enhance wheat productivity under abiotic stress, offering a sustainable solution to improve crop resilience in arid environments. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms and optimize bio-stimulant use in agriculture.

Abstract Background Gastric cancer stands as one of the most prevalent malignancies globally, conventional endoscopic specimens have been the primary means of diagnosing preoperative gastric histopathology, however, their limitations in capturing intra-tumor heterogeneity compromise their efficacy in evaluating angiogenesis. Perfusion Computed Tomography (P-CT) emerges as a pivotal functional imaging modality, facilitating objective assessment of tissue perfusion, serving as a marker of angiogenesis. So, our research objective was to evaluate the efficacy of CT perfusion imaging in the prediction of histological grades of gastric tumors using quantitative perfusion parameters such as permeability surface (PS), blood flow (BF), mean transient time (MTT), and blood volume (BV), in addition to the qualitative scoring system then comparing the findings with the histopathological results. Results PS and BF were statistically significant predictors of the grade of differentiation, their odds ratio (OR) was (1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.09, for each of them) (P = 0.004, P = 0.009, respectively). MTT also emerged as a significant predictor of the grade of differentiation with an OR of 0.76 (95% CI 0.57–0.93, P = 0.025). Using multivariate logistic regression model, PS was the most potent individual P-CT predictor of differentiation of the grade and the diagnosis of poorly differentiated tumors at ≥ 39 mL/100 g/min cut off point, followed by BF at ≥ 82.2 mL/100 g/min, and MTT at

The purpose of this paper is to examine the bidirectional relationship between two sets of variables, higher education and training (eight indicators) and innovation (seven indicators), using the canonical correlation analysis (CCA). The study utilises data published by the World Economic Forum Reports for seven years (2012-2018) for a sample of 12 countries in the MENA area. CCA is used to analyse the relationship between the two sets of variables. It helps in the evaluation of the interchangeable relationships between the two sets of multiple variates. More in-depth analysis of the nature of such a relationship between the two sets of variables is provided through redundancy analysis to identify the percentage of the variance in each set that is interpreted by the other set, and the commonality analysis to determine the variance of canonical function that is due to unique or standard variables. Canonical analysis shows the causality between the two endogenous sets of variables. Also, the findings suggest that technology alone is not an antidote, while other factors might have a significant impact on innovation. Commonality analysis shows that the role of quality of management school in explaining the variation in canonical function of innovation in common with "quality of education system", "quality of math and science", "internet access", "training availability" and "staff training produce".

Abstract Background Malignant tumors of the breast are the most diagnosed cancers in females globally. Recent evidence suggests that carbohydrate restriction (CR), especially ketogenic diets, has become a potential treatment approach for many malignancies, including breast cancer. Tamoxifen (TAX) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (ERM) that can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The current work was designed to assess the impact of CR on the proliferation of breast adenocarcinoma cells and to compare this impact with that of TAX. Study groups included: group 1: vehicle-treated mice; group 2: the Ehrlich group: injected Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells (2.5 × 106) in 0.25 ml isotonic saline; group 3: CR group: mice were supplied with a diet regimen of severe CR throughout the study and injected EAC at week 7; group 4: hormonal therapy (HT) group: mice in this group injected with EAC at week 7 and then received TAX at a dose of 20 mg/kg 3 times/week orally for 3 weeks; and lastly group 5: the group of combined intervention. The mice in the CR, HT, and the combined groups received Ehrlich cancer cells at the same dose and route as the Ehrlich group. Results CR and HT groups demonstrated a significant decrease in levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), carbohydrate antigen (CA 15–3), hexokinase 2 (HK2), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the Ehrlich group. Additionally, the mean area % of caspase-3 was significantly increased, and the mean area % of Ki67 and estrogen receptor (ER)α was significantly decreased. Conclusions The combined treatment demonstrated the most advantageous outcome, as evidenced by reduced CA 15–3 levels, tumor size, and the mean area % of Ki67. This suggests that the addition of severe CR to the conventional therapy of breast cancer has a beneficial effect.

Abstract Background Echinometra mathaei (family Echinometridae), is one of the sea urchins widely distributed on the Egyptian coasts in the Red Sea. This organism contains edible and non-edible parts. The present study was carried out to analyze and identify the metabolites present in the non-edible parts (Aristotle's lantern and viscera) using LC/MS. Also, the cytotoxic activity on Vero cell line and antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 were evaluated using MTT colorimetric assay. Results Chemical profiling of the crude extracts of Aristotle's lantern and viscera using LC/MS indicated the presence of 51 and 59 compounds, respectively. The main metabolites present in both non-edible parts were phospholipids, amino acids, peptides, fatty acids and glycerol derivatives. However, the characteristic difference was the presence of carotenoid pigments only in viscera. The crude extract of Aristotle's lantern and viscera showed no cytotoxic activity on Vero cell line and significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus with an IC50 value equal to 115.48 ± 1.20 and 122.4 ± 0.50 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusions In the present study, the crude extracts of the non-edible parts of E. mathaei were analyzed using LC.MS.MS.QTOF and indicated the existence of 110 chemical compounds, with significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 and no cytotoxic activity. The diversity of the identified compounds with two main categories of compounds, phospholipids and peptides, may contribute to the antiviral activity of Aristotle's lantern and viscera. Additionally, this research focused on clarification of nutritive, pharmaceutical and economic values of these parts. As future prospects, further studies are required to isolate the metabolites and assess the detailed mechanism of antiviral activity via in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies.

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a significant threat to date palms globally, heavily relying on symbiotic microbes for various physiological and behavioral functions. This comprehensive study delves into the intricate dynamics of RPW gut microbiota, revealing a diverse microbial community consisting of seven genera and eight species from Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. The stability of gut bacteria across different life stages was observed, with notable impacts on larval metabolism attributed to shifts in bacterial composition. Bacillus subtilis emerged as a key player, producing a spectrum of metabolic enzymes. Furthermore, the gut bacteria exhibited remarkable pesticide degradation capabilities, suggesting a potential role in the host’s resistance to pesticides. The Arthrobacter sp. was identified as a promising candidate for eco-friendly pest biocontrol and biodegradation strategies. Investigating the influence of thermal stress on two groups of RPW larvae (conventional-fed and antibiotic-fed) at varying temperatures (15, 27, and 35 °C) unveiled potential survival implications. This study highlights the pivotal role of bacterial symbionts in enabling larvae adaptation and thermal stress tolerance. In essence, this research contributes crucial insights into the diversity and functions of RPW gut bacteria, emphasizing their prospective applications in pest control strategies.

Background: Multiple family members have been reported to have Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to family and twin studies. Several ApoE genetic variations have been linked to AD because of their involvement in lipid dysregulation. It has been observed that the Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene influences the accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). Objectives: To assess the ACE2 G8790A (rs2285666) and Apo E (rs 121918398) SNPs among cohort of Egyptian AD patients and to explore their probable connection to the occurrence and severity of AD. Patients and methods: This is a case-control research included 50 Egyptian patients with AD and 50 healthy participants. AD patients were assessed using mini-mental state examination. Genetic analysis for ACE2 (rs2285666) SNPs and Apo E (rs 121918398) SNPs was done using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). Results: The age, and gender distributions of the study and control groups were matched. Patients with AD were more prevalent in rural areas. In terms of ACE2 genotyping, a higher frequency of AA genotype and A allele in the AD group, indicating their significant association with increased AD risk. They were linked to the severity of the illness as well. Regarding Apo E genotyping, there were statistically frequent (P

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the most abundantly used nanomaterials in cosmetics and topical products, and nowadays, they are explored in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Some recent data evidenced that they are responsible for cardiotoxic effects and systemic toxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effect of ZnO NPs (39 nm) on the heart of Wistar rats and to perform a dose–response relationship using three different dose levels (25, 50, 100 mg/kg bw) of ZnO NPs on the electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, the levels of biochemical function parameters of heart, and the oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers. Furthermore, zinc concentration level and histopathological examination of heart tissues were determined. ZnO NPs showed a dose-dependent effect, as the 100 mg/kg bw ZnO NPs treated group showed the most significant changes in ECGs parameters: R–R distance, P–R interval, R and T amplitudes, and increased levels of heart enzymes Creatine Kinase- MB (CK-MB) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). On the other hand, elevated zinc concentration levels, oxidative stress biomarkers MDA and NO, and decreased GSH levels were found also in a dose-dependent manner, the results were supported by impairment in the histopathological structure of heart tissues. While the dose of 100 mg/kg bw of ZnO bulk group showed no significant effects on heart function. The present study concluded that ZnO NPs could induce cardiac dysfunctions and pathological lesions mainly in the high dose.

Climate change has exacerbated the impact of abiotic stresses, mainly drought, on plant production. Plant selection, breeding, and genetic engineering to increase drought tolerance are costly and time-consuming. To mitigate drought stress, plants employ adaptive mechanisms and interact with beneficial microorganisms, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Inoculating plant roots with various PGPR species promotes drought tolerance through a network of cellular, physiological, and biochemical mechanisms, including enhanced root elongation, increased phytohormone production, and synthesis of volatile organic compounds. PGPR colonization represents an environmentally sustainable agricultural technique that enhances plant growth, development, and yield by facilitating improved tolerance to environmental challenges. The current review provides an overview of the impact of drought stress on plant growth and development, detailing how PGPR induce physiological, morphological, and molecular responses to mitigate drought stress.

IntroductionWe developed and produced a new series of 4,6-diaryl-pyrimidines 9–29 as antiproliferative agents targeting EGFR/VEGFR-2.MethodsThe antiproliferative efficacy of the novel targets was assessed against a panel of 60 NCI cancer cell lines and four cancer cell lines in vitro.Results and DiscussionCompounds 14, 17, 19, 22, 25, and 29 demonstrated the greatest potency among the derivatives, with GI50 values between 22 and 33 nM; compounds 22 and 29 exhibited the highest potency, with GI50 values of 22 and 24 nM, respectively. We subsequently examined the most efficient derivatives as dual EGFR/VEGFR-2 inhibitors, finding that compounds 22 and 29 functioned as dual inhibitors. Moreover, 22 and 29 can act as apoptotic inducers by increasing Bax levels and decreasing levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. At both 24- and 48-h intervals, the cell migration rates of compounds 22 and 29 were lower than those of untreated cells, according to the migration rate and wound closure percentage assessment. The wound closure rate reached 100% after 72 h of therapy with compound 22 but only 80% with compound 29. The docking study showed that compounds 22 and 29 had docking scores similar to those of Erlotinib and Sorafenib, co-crystallized ligands, for the EGFR and VEGFR-2 proteins. The experiments on lipophilicity showed that the new pyrimidines had a consistent result. This group of compounds has better biological activity in all the biological systems studied with low lipophilicity.

Abstract The main objective of this study was to use deep learning, and convolutional neural networks (CNN), integrated with field geology to identify distinct lithological units. The Samadia-Tunduba region of the South Eastern Desert of Egypt was mapped geologically for the first time thanks to the use of processed developed CNN algorithms using Landsat 9 OLI-2, which were further enhanced by geological fieldwork, spectral measurements of field samples, and petrographic examination. According to previously published papers, a significant difference was observed in the distribution of rocks and their boundaries, as well as the previously published geological maps that were not accurately compatible with the nature of the area. The many lithologic units in the region are refined using principal component analysis, color ratio composites, and false-color composites. These techniques demonstrated the ability to distinguish between various igneous and metamorphic rock types, especially metavolcanics, metasediments, granodiorite, and biotite monzogranite. The Key structural trends, lithological units, and wadis affecting the area under study are improved by the principal component analysis approach (PC 3, 2, 1), (PC 2, 3, 4), (PC 4, 3, 2), (PC 5, 4, 3), and (PC 6, 5, 4) in RGB, respectively. The best band ratios recorded in the area are recorded the good discrimination (6/5, 4/3, and 2/1), (4/2, 6/7, and 5/6), and (3/2, 5/6, and 4/6) for RGB. The classification map achieved an overall accuracy of 95.27%, and these results from Landsat-9 data were validated by field geology and petrographical studies. The results of this survey can make a significant difference to detailed geological studies. A detailed map of the new district has been prepared through a combination of deep learning and fieldwork.