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Accurate identification of fungal causes for onychomycosis is essential for proper treatment. Presently available laboratory methods show unreliable sensitivity; so there is a requirement for innovative detection techniques. The aim for this work was to assess the efficiencies of fluorescent staining and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing in comparison to conventional techniques for diagnosis of onychomycosis. Nail specimens obtained from 100 patients with clinically- diagnosed onychomycosis were analyzed. Nail scrapings or clippings were subjected to direct microscopic examination by KOH mount, culture by using Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and histopathological examination with periodic-acid Schiff (PAS). Collected specimens were subsequently examined by fluorescent staining and PCR-based sequencing (30 specimens only) to compare the feasibility, sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for these two methods. The most frequently isolated fungi were yeasts (39/76: 51.3%), dermatophytes (24/76; 31.6%) and non-dermatophyte molds (NDMs) (13/76; 17.1%). Mixed mycotic infections were recovered from 6% of the collected nail specimens. The positive detection rates were significantly different between KOH examinations (52%), nail plate histology (55%), fungal culture (70%) and fluorescent staining (80%). Considering fungal culture as the gold standard, the most sensitive technique was PCR (100%) followed by fluorescent staining (89%), PAS staining (69%) while the least sensitive technique was KOH mount (53%). Fluorescence staining can be used as a rapid and high-yield technique for identification of fungi in the specimens. PCR-based sequencing was highly sensitive and faster compared to culture. Whenever possible, it enables species identification with higher adequacy.

The fundamental issue limiting long-distance and high-speed optical fiber transmission is dispersion. Dispersion impairs system performance, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the bit error rate (BER). To address this, numerous dispersion modification techniques have been developed. The use of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is one of the efficient strategies for dispersion compensation. The FBG is frequently used as a filter. The proposed model uses uniform fiber Bragg grating UFBG. Two cascaded FBGs with varying lengths, a constant grating period, and a constant spacing between FBGs are employed in the proposed thesis. The input signal for the stage that follows is the output signal from the previous stage. The best performance and many applications are considered while modeling, analyzing, and comparing this system. Transmission and reflection in two cascaded stages of fiber Bragg grating using first and second order are studied. The mathematical equations for the proposed model are simulated in MATLAB.

Dispersion is the main problem that limits long-distance and high-speed optical fiber transmission. Bit error rate, the signal-to-noise ratio, and system performance all suffer from dispersion. Many dispersion adjustment strategies have been created to combat this. One of the effective methods for compensating for dispersion is the usage of fiber Bragg grating (FBG). In the suggested thesis, cascaded uniform fiber Bragg grating (UFBGs) with various lengths, a constant grating period, and a constant gap between FBGs are used. This system is modeled, analyzed, and compared for the best performance and different applications. The control parameters affecting the system are the coupling coefficient, number of FBGs, grating period, and the number of grating periods. The control parameters for this system are studied to compensate for the effect of dispersion. A trade-off between increasing bandwidth and roll-off factor. Another trade-off between flatness and roll-off factor. These trade-offs can be considered according to applications. MATLAB is used to simulate the mathematical equations for the suggested model.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of Citrulluscolocynthis seeds on the performance of broiler chickens, using dietscontaining four levels of C. colocynthis seed powder (0%, 2%, 4% and6%). Three hundred sixty males one day of age chicks (Ross strain) wererandomly allotted to four treatments with three replicates. All groups werefed ad libitum from one day to 49 days of age. Data were analyzedaccording to the completely randomized design, and Duncan’s multiplerange test was used for means comparison. Live body weight, carcassweight and dressing percentages significantly (P≤0.05) increased as thedietary level of C. colocynthis seeds increased. Feed intake, feedconversion ratio and abdominal fat pad weight significantly (P≤0.05)decreased as the dietary level of seed supplementation increased. Thegroup fed on 6% had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the heaviest gastrointestinalweights (empty intestine, empty gizzard) and heart and liver weights.Therefore, C. colocynthis seeds can be added to broiler feeds up to 6%without adverse effects.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feedwithdrawal at different ages during the hottest summer days on thegrowth performance and some carcass traits of broiler chicken. Onehundred thirty five male chicks at 14 days of age (DOA) with averagebody weight (375 g/bird) were randomly allotted to three treatments withthree replicates each. The treatments consisted of the control (no feedwithdrawal), early feed withdrawal (EFW) at the fourth week of age andlate feed withdrawal (LFW) at the fifth week of age. The treatments wereassigned to a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted forfive weeks having one week as a transitional period, and it was terminatedat 49 DOA. The feed withdrawal duration was two weeks for each group.Feed withdrawal was undertaken from 10:00 am till 7:00 pm. Feed intakeand live body weight were recorded weekly. Feed conversion ratio (FCR)and the cumulative mortality rate were calculated. Some physical andchemical analyses were carried out for some carcass parts (drumstick andthigh). The abdominal fat pad (AFP) was removed and weighed. TheLFW group significantly (P ≤ 0.05) consumed the highest amount of feed,whereas the EFW group consumed the least amount. The cumulativemortality rate was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower for LFW and EFW, andthe control group recorded the highest rate. At 49 DOA, live body weightwas significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest for the LFW group, whereas theother groups recorded similar body weights. The overall FCR wassignificantly (P ≤ 0.05) the best for LFW group, whereas the control had

Microplastic is an emerging pollutant causing trouble worldwide due to its extensive distribution and potential hazards to the ecological system. Some fundamental questions about micro-plastics, such as their presence, source, and possible hazards, remain unanswered. These issues develop because of a lack of systematic and comprehensive microplastic analysis. As a result, we thoroughly evaluated current knowledge on microplastics, including detection, characterization, occurrence, source, and potential harm. Microplastics are found in seawater, soil, wetlands, and air matrices worldwide based on findings. Visual classification, which can be enhanced by com-bining it with additional tools, is one of the most used methods for identifying microplastics. As soon as is practicable, microplastics analytical methods ought to be standardized. New techniques for analyzing nano-plastics are urgently needed in the meantime. Numerous studies have shown that microplastics’ impacts on people and soil are significantly influenced by their size, shape, and surface physicochemical characteristics. Finally, this study suggests areas for future research based on the knowledge gaps in the area of microplastics. © 2022 Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

Thermal remediation technologies are fast and effective tools for the remediation of contaminated soils and sediments. Nevertheless, the high energy consumption and the effect of high temperature on the soil properties may hinder the wide applications of thermal remediation methods. This review highlights the recent studies focused on thermal remediation. Eight types of thermal remediation processes are discussed, including incineration, thermal desorption, stream enhanced extraction, electrical resistance heating, microwave heating, smoldering, vitrification, and pyrol-ysis. In addition, the combination of thermal remediation with other remediation technologies is presented. Finally, thermal remediation sustainability is evaluated in terms of energy efficiency and their impact on soil properties. The developments of the past decade show that thermal-based technologies are quite effective in terms of contaminant removal but that these technologies are associated with high energy use and costs and can has an adverse impact on soil properties. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that continued research on thermally based technologies can increase their sustainability and expand their applications. Low temperature thermal desorption is a prom-ising remediation technology in terms of land use and energy cost as it has no adverse effect on soil function after treatment and low temperature is required. Overall, selecting the sustainable remediation technology depends on the contaminant properties, soil properties and predicted risk level. © 2022 Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

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Effects of exposing quail eggs to high temperature on the heat tolerance ability and productivity of birds were investigated. Four groups of 600 fertile eggs were randomly selected; the first group was incubated under 37.5 °C and the hatched chicks were reared under a gradual decrease in temperature from 35 to 24 °C (Control). The second group was exposed to 39.1 °C for 2 h/day during 4–14 days of embryogenesis and the hatched chicks were reared under a gradual decrease in temperature from 35 to 24 °C. The third group was incubated under 37.5 °C and the hatched chicks were exposed to 39 ± 1 °C for 2 h/day during 4–14 days of age. The fourth group was exposed to 39 ± 1 °C for 2 h during 4–14 days of embryogenesis and the hatched chicks were exposed to 39 ± 1 °C for 2 h/day during 4–14 days of age. The temperature applied changed (P

DROUGHT is a worldwide problem which controls the crop productivity. Six Egyptian bread wheat varieties were crossed in a 6x6 half diallel in 2018/19 season. Parents and their fifteen F1 crosses were evaluated under normal irrigation (N), mid water stress (MS) and severe water stress (SS) during 2019/20 in three field experiments. Results showed that the analysis of variance were significant for all the studied traits. The highest mean values were recorded under all irrigation treatments as well as the combined analysis with the crosses P1x P2, P1 x P3, P1 x P5, P2 x P3, P3 x P5 and P5 x P6 for grain yield per plant. Mean squares for both general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability estimates were highly significant for all studied traits. GCA/SCA ratio was greater than unity for most traits. The parental P1 exhibited positive and significant GCA effects for number of kernels per spike, grain yield per spike and grain yield per plant. The highest desirable SCA effects were obtained with the crosses P3 x P5 and P4 x P5 for grain yield per plant under stresses conditions. Positive significant heterosis were detected by the crosses P1 x P3, P2 x P3, P3 x P5, P4 x P5 and P5 x P6 for number of spikes per plant, number of kernels per spike, grain yield per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant at N, MS, SS conditions and the combined data.

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt during 2019 and 2020 seasons to study the effect of plant distribution patterns i.e. D1 (sowing cotton in furrows 70 cm width in one ridge with 25 cm between hills and two plants/hill), D2 (sowing cotton in furrows 70 cm width in one ridge with 12.5 cm between hills and one plant/hill), D3 (sowing cotton in beds 140 cm width in two ridges with 25 cm between hills and two plants/hill), D4 (sowing cotton in beds 140 cm width in two ridges with 12.5 cm between hills and one plant/hill) and foliar application with plant growth regulators i.e. control, kinetin (15 ppm), naphthalene acetic acid (15 ppm), mepiquat chloride (100 ppm), mepiquat chloride + kinetin and mepiquat chloride + naphthalene acetic acid at 80 and 95 DAS and on light intensity, morphological traits, flowering and abscission, yield and its components and seed and fiber quality of Egyptian cotton (Giza 86 cv.). The results indicated that sowing cotton plants with D3 pattern surpassed the other plant distribution patterns in most studied characters, while D1 increased plant height but decreased fiber fineness. On the other hand, number of squares/plant, boll weight, 100-seed weight, fiber strength and uniformity index were not significantly affected by plant distribution patterns. Application of growth regulators either single or dual caused a positive effect. NAA or MC+NAA were the superior treatments in most characters studied. However, unsprayed cotton plants increased total abscission. It could be concluded that sowing plants in beds with plant distribution pattern (D3) and foliar application with 100 ppm MC at 80 DAS followed by 15 ppm NAA at 95 DAS was the best interaction treatment in comparison to other interaction treatments to obtain the highest values of light intensity, total dry weight/plant, number of open bolls / plant, seed cotton yield per plant and fed, oil yield /fed and protein yield /fed).

Interstellar dust grains are illuminated in the reflection nebulae. Under conditions of the PAH size and the intensity of the interstellar radiation field, we follow their impact on the PAH aromatic infrared bands using the numerical DustEM code. For a dust model consisting of PAH, amorphous C and amorphous silicate, the PAH size varies in a range from 0.31 to 4.9 nm while the radiation intensity varies by a scale factor from 0.1 to 104. Various trends of the results show the effect of varying both the PAH size and the radiation intensity on the strength of the aromatic mid-IR bands. Through small PAH sizes less than 0.7 nm, the grain temperature distribution of PAHs shows a small variation within 2–3 K at low radiation intensity while it increases to 15 and 8 K for PAH0 and PAH+, respectively, at higher radiation intensity. In final the variability in these results reveals the evolution of the dust grains under the physical space conditions of the reflection nebulae. In the mid-IR region, the contributions of PAH0 and PAH+ in the total SED intensity agree with the proportions of these PAHs observed in some reflection nebulae having higher radiation intensities.

Background\ud \ud Prevalence trends from Arabic speaking countries on psychiatric symptoms before and after COVID-19 pandemic is lacking. We estimated the point prevalence and change in depression and anxiety symptoms scores in relation to sociodemographic variables following the resolution of the first wave in Qatar compared with before the pandemic.\ud \ud \ud \ud Methods\ud \ud We conducted a trend analysis using repeated nationally representative cross-sectional surveys spanning 2017, 2018, 2020/2021 and using the Physician Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. Negative binomial regression modelled changes in these symptoms in relation sociodemographics and survey year.\ud \ud \ud \ud Results\ud \ud The two-week prevalence of depressive symptoms (≥10 on the PHQ-9) was 6.6% in 2017 and 6.5% in 2020/2021 (p = 0.986). The two-week prevalence of anxiety symptoms (≥10 or higher on the GAD-7) was 3.6% in 2018 and 5.1% in 2020/2021 (p = 0.062). The data for 2020/21 showed a 35.1% and 29.2% decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms scores compared to pre-pandemic years (2017/2018) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors.\ud \ud \ud \ud Limitations\ud \ud Screening tools rather than structured interviews were to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms.\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud \ud Prevalence for depression and anxiety post the first COVID wave did not differ significantly to pre-pandemic estimates. The end of the first wave of the pandemic had a ‘levelling’ effect on these symptoms and their associations with traditional sociodemographic risk factors. The 2020/21 depression and anxiety symptoms scores remained high for Qataris and Arabs, suggesting that these cultural groups may benefit most from public mental health interventions.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critical enzymes involved in a variety of cellular processes. MMPs are well known for their ability to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and their extracellular role in cell migration. Recently, more research has been conducted on investigating novel subcellular localizations of MMPs and their intracellular roles at their respective locations. In this review article, we focus on the subcellular localization and novel intracellular roles of two closely related MMPs: membrane-type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Although MT1-MMP is commonly known to localize on the cell surface, the protease also localizes to the cytoplasm, caveolae, Golgi, cytoskeleton, centrosome, and nucleus. At these subcellular locations, MT1-MMP functions in cell migration, macrophage metabolism, invadopodia development, spindle formation and gene expression, respectively. Similar to MT1-MMP, MMP-2 localizes to the caveolae, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, nucleus and nucleolus and functions in calcium regulation, contractile dysfunction, gene expression and ribosomal RNA transcription. Our particular interest lies in the roles MMP-2 and MT1-MMP serve within the nucleus, as they may provide critical insights into cancer epigenetics and tumor migration and invasion. We suggest that targeting nuclear MT1-MMP or MMP-2 to reduce or halt cell proliferation and migration may lead to the development of new therapies for cancer and other diseases.

This paper discusses a model that can optimize plant operation by considering transportation cost and metallurgical assays. All boundary conditions were set using ore samples taken from different l...

This study was conducted to study the neuroendocrine control of spermatogenesis of Gimmizah Cocks. A total of 300 Gimmizah cockerels aged 5 weeks were selected according to their configuration. Birds were individually weighted and then randomly distributed into 4 experimental groups with 75 males of each. The first group of cockerels (T1) was injected with saline solution for the whole period (6 – 14 wk.) and was considered as a control group. The other 3 groups were injected with a synthetic (Receptal) gonadotropic releasing hormone (GnRH) during the periods from 6 -10 (T2), 8-12 (T3) and 10-14 (T4) weeks of age for the second, third, and fourth groups, respectively.The cockerels of the treated groups were divided into two subgroups the first one (R1) injected with 0.1 ml Receptal / kg of body weight, while the second (R2) injected with 0.2 ml Receptal / kg of body weight. Data obtained illustrated that at 12 weeks of age, the plasma level of LH, FSH and testosterone were insignificant. LH and FSH values of T2 group at 14 weeks of age were lower than that recorded for the other treated or control groups. At 16 weeks of age, the plasma concentrations of all hormones were comparable to those obtained at 14 weeks of age. Semen quality traits were significantly improved by injecting GnRH regardless the injected dose. These results suggested that the precocious puberty in Gimmizah males could be achieved by GnRH injection starting from 8 or 10 weeks of age as a result of increasing the spermatogenic activity.

The physiological effect of black pepper and turmeric are of great interest due to their antioxidant, nutritional and therapeutic properties. Therefore, the target of this study was to investigate the physiological and immunological effects of black pepper to enhance bioavailability of turmeric on productive performance of growing Japanese quail. A total of two hundred unsexed seven day-old from Japanese quail were divided into four groups, each group was distributed into five replicates, 10 birds in each replicate. All groups were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0.0%,2% turmeric powder/ Kg diet,0.5 % black pepper powder/ Kg diet for the 1st , 2nd and 3rd groups, while the fourth group was given basal diet supplemented with a mixture of 2% turmeric powder + 0.5 % black pepper powder/ Kg diet. All quails were fed the experimental diets from 7 to 42 days of age. The results revealed that dietary supplements turmeric, black pepper either singly or in combination had significantly improved live body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to control group. Additionally, results illustrated that combined black pepper + turmeric group had positive effect on protein fraction, globulin fractions(α, β, and γ-globulin), lipids profile, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) compared to other groups. Additionally, combined black pepper with turmeric group recorded highly significant values of thyroid hormones concentration, T3/T4 ratio and improvement SOD, MDA and GSH-Px concentration compared to other groups. Meanwhile, treated groups had no significant effect on feed consumption, liver functions markers (ALT, AST and ALP) and immunoglobulin A and M (IgA, IgM) compared to control group of growing quail. However, there were no significant differences between turmeric or black pepper groups on physiological and immunological responses of growing quails. Conclusion: These results concluded that combining of 0.5% black pepper to 2% turmeric together may enhance productive performance and had significantly improved serum lipids concentration, thyroid hormones, antioxidant enzymes activity, immunoglobulin G of growing quail.

Croton tiglium is commonly used to treat constipation in African countries including Sudan. This study aim to evaluate histopathologic changes in Liver tissue after treated with Croton tiglium mixed with animals diet in male albino rats. The rats were divided into three groups containing of 6 rats per group for each , and they treated as follow : Group I serve as control, Group II & III: Were given a mixture of animals diet with Croton tiglium diet at concentrations of 10% and 20% respectively. Treatment of rats with 10% of Croton tiglium showed no remarkable damages or signs of lesions on specimens taken from animals for histopathological examinations ,but rats under 20% treatment showed some abnormal (alterations) .Therefore, the fruits of Croton tiglium at 20% are toxic to rats .Further studies are necessary to isolate and characterize the bioactive constituents in the fruits and to elucidate modes of compound actions and interactions.

Purpose. In recent years in Egypt there has been a significant increase in the demand for building materials, particularly gravel which is employed in buildings, the base layer for road construction, and other industries. The quality of gravel that is deemed suitable for different purposes depends on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the gravel; these aspects are determined according to the Egyptian Code, depending on the required application. Methods. Representative samples were collected from two working sides of the quarries, then they were processed in a laboratory to characterize the samples depending on the location and evaluate their properties with respect to the corresponding concrete and road codes. Findings. The findings indicate that the gravel tests were simple to conduct and that the gravel from these locations were suitable for constructed roads and to be used in mixture of asphalt and cement. Originality. The samples were collected from five quarries around the Qena Governorate, Egypt; each of these locations occupied areas ranging from approximately 100×100 or 200×100 m2. Practical implications. The loss of gravel at the studied quarries was found to be 32.88-44.06%. Abo-Teshet 1 exhibited the highest loss of gravel deposits with thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 1.50 m, which was attributed to the fill layers.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation from different sources to heat-stressed New Zealand White rabbit buck diets on some reproductive traits including semen quality, conception rate and litter size. Twenty four mature bucks were randomly assigned into four groups, with six males each. The first group reared under mild condition and received the basal diet with no supplementation. The other three groups were raised under heat stress condition and received the basal diet only or the basal diet supplied with 75 mg zinc either as zinc sulphate (inorganic zinc) or as zinc picolinate (organic zinc), for the second, third and fourth groups, respectively. It was found that dietary zinc supplementation reduced the heat stress-related increases in reaction time, and seminal plasma levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Decreased values of serum and seminal plasma testosterone, sperm count, sperm motility and conception rate induced by heat stress conditions were restored by zinc supplementation. Seminal plasma zinc and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly increased in zinc-treated groups when compared to both control groups in different conditions. Organic source of zinc was more potent than inorganic one in restoring levels of serum testosterone, seminal plasma MDA and testosterone, and sperm motility. From these results, it could be concluded that dietary zinc addition from different sources, especially zinc picolinate (organic form), is helpful in alleviating the negative effect of heat stress on reproductive traits of New Zealand White rabbit bucks.

A field experiment was carried out at El-Sirw Agriculture Research Farm at Damietta governorate, Egypt in 2018 and 2019 seasons. This investigation aimed to be study the effect of foliar application of three silicon sources at three rates for each, i.e. nano silica at 50, 100 and 150 ppm and potassium silicate as well as magnesium silicate at 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm for both of them on the productivity of rice plants grown in saline soil. Foliar application of Si at different tested sources and rates significantly increased each of physiological characters (chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance), morphological characters (plant height, number of tillers/ m2, leaf area index and dry matter production/ m2), chemical composition in the leaf (K %, K / Na ratio and Si %), yield components (number of panicles/ m2, panicle weight and length, number of filled grains/ panicle and 1000 - grain weight), yields/ ha (grain and straw), grain quality characters (hulling % , milling % , head rice %, protein and amylose %), while significantly decreased Na % in the leaf, number of unfilled grains/ panicle and chalkiness grains % as compared with untreated plants (control treatment) in both seasons. Spraying of nano silica at 150 ppm and potassium silicate at 1500 ppm were found to be more efficiency in increasing most abovementioned traits of rice plants grown in saline soil than the other tested silicon sources and rates.