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Abstract Concrete is the world’s most extensively manufactured material, with the integration of recycled materials becoming crucial for sustainable construction. This study investigates the mechanical properties of concrete mixes containing Recycled Aggregates (RA) and Portland Slag Cement (PSC) to understand their suitability for sustainable construction applications. Utilizing normal-strength concrete with a compressive strength of 35 MPa and a 0.45 water-to-cement ratio, fifteen mix designs were tested, varying RA and PSC replacement levels from 0 to 100% and 0% to 50%, respectively. Comprehensive mechanical testing, including compressive and tensile strength assessments at 7 and 28 days, alongside modulus of elasticity and stress–strain curve evaluations, was conducted. The results reveal that full replacement of Natural Aggregate (NA) with RA decreased compressive strength by 10% and modulus of elasticity by 20%. However, a partial replacement of 25% of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with PSC, in the presence of RA, moderated the reduction of compressive strength to 0.92% and increased the modulus of elasticity by 3.7%. The optimum mix, consisting of 75% OPC, 25% PSC, and 50% RA, significantly enhances concrete’s mechanical properties, recommending it for reinforced concrete applications due to its potential environmental and structural benefits.

Abstract Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators of biological processes such as transcription interference and activation, chromatin remodeling, and mRNA translation. Uncontrolled gene expression could result from various epigenetic modifiers, like lncRNAs. So, this study aimed to evaluate the expression profiles of lncRNA GIAT4RA, lncRNA AATBC, lncRNA Sirt1-AS, and SMARCB1 in lung cancer. The current study included lung cancer patients (n = 50), patients with chronic inflammatory diseases (n = 30), and healthy volunteers (n = 20). The expression of blood genes and the concentration of serum neuron-specific enolase were determined by real-time PCR and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic and Kaplan-Meier analyses assess the sensitivity of genes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, respectively. LncRNA GIAT4RA and lncRNA AATBC were upregulated, while lncRNA Sirt1-AS was significantly downregulated in all patients compared to the control group. SMARCB1 expression was significantly downregulated in chronic inflammatory patients, while in those with lung cancer, it showed an insignificant difference. The expression of lncRNA GIAT4RA and lncRNA AATBC was significantly related to the stage of lung cancer. The survival analyses showed that lower lncRNA Sirt1-AS was linked to lung cancer patients’ poorer disease-free survival and overall survival. Differences in lncRNA GIAT4RA, lncRNA AATBC, and lncRNA Sirt1-AS expression were detected in all patients. The consequent abnormal expression of lncRNAs could be crucial in lung cancer development. LncRNA GIAT4RA, lncRNA AATBC, and lncRNA Sirt1-AS may be utilized as promising diagnostic biomarkers. LncRNA AATBC, lncRNA Sirt1-AS, and SMARCB1 may be valuable prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer.

Abstract Background Egypt faces a significant public health burden due to chronic liver diseases (CLD) and peptic ulcer disease. CLD, primarily caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, affects over 2.9% of the population nationwide, with regional variations. Steatotic liver disease is rapidly emerging as a significant contributor to CLD, especially in urban areas. Acid-related disorders are another widespread condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. These factors and others significantly influence the indications and findings of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed in Egypt. Aim We aimed to evaluate the clinico-demographic data, indications, and endoscopic findings in Egyptian patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in various regions of Egypt. Methods This study employed a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional design. Data was collected from patients referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy across 15 tertiary gastrointestinal endoscopy units in various governorates throughout Egypt. Results 5910 patients aged 38–63 were enrolled in the study; 75% underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), while 25% underwent a colonoscopy. In all studied patients, the most frequent indications for EGD were dyspepsia (19.5%), followed by hematemesis (19.06%), and melena (17.07%). The final EGD diagnoses for the recruited patients were portal hypertension-related sequelae (60.3%), followed by acid-related diseases (55%), while 10.44% of patients had a normally apparent endoscopy. Male gender, old age, and the presence of chronic liver diseases were more common in patients from upper than lower Egypt governorates. Hematochezia (38.11%) was the most reported indication for colonoscopy, followed by anemia of unknown origin (25.11%). IBD and hemorrhoids (22.34% and 21.86%, respectively) were the most prevalent diagnoses among studied patients, while normal colonoscopy findings were encountered in 18.21% of them. Conclusion This is the largest study describing the situation of endoscopic procedures in Egypt. our study highlights the significant impact of regional variations in disease burden on the utilization and outcomes of GI endoscopy in Egypt. The high prevalence of chronic liver disease is reflected in the EGD findings, while the colonoscopy results suggest a potential need for increased awareness of colorectal diseases.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) pose a major threat to aquatic life and their presence in the aquatic environment requires attention. This study intends to examine the impacts of ZnO NPs on Brachidontes pharaonis. Brachidontes pharaonis were divided into four groups, the control group and experimental groups exposed to ZnO NPs at concentrations of 1 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 8 mg/L. The results revealed a decrease in protein and glucose, along with an increase in cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. The SDS-PAGE showed changes in the concentration of protein. In histological observations, there was necrosis in the epithelial cells, infiltration in the connective tissue between ovarian follicles, hemorrhage of blood vessels in gill filaments, and fibrosis in muscle myofibrils. Histochemical studies showed a rise in mucous cells in gill filaments and an increase in collagen fibers in the muscle. As concluded, ZnO NPs lead to alteration in biochemical parameters, protein profile, and histopathological changes in B. pharaonis.

Abstract Background Since the ecosystem is the first link in the food chain for all living things, including humans, animals, and plants, restoring it has become a global priority in recent years, particularly in agricultural soils by expanding the trend of fertilization and biological control instead of relying more on the use of chemical pesticides. Therefore, this study aims to maximize and enhance the advantages of mushroom residues (MR) to make vermicompost that can resist Fusarium Oxysporium (FO) in maize. This study was conducted in three stages: compost preparation, composting, and planting. Results The mixing process of vermicompost with the soil was improved by the lowest CV. The highest productivity was achieved by using a plastic rotary drum composter which had a patching size of 60 kg at a speed of 15 rpm for 8 min. In addition, the production of vermicompost from (MR) was improved by adding the aqueous extraction of licorice residue (LR), where helped to increase the vermicompost's pH and the amount of dissolved Cu and Zn. The wilt illness disease caused by FO in maize crop was decreased by adding the mixture of vermicompost (MR and LR) to the soil infested with Fusarium, as compared to the control. Conclusions The combination of 25% vermicompost (MR + LR) and 75% agri-soil proved to be the most effective treatment for wilt disease control, with a disease severity score of 1.90. It was discovered that treated maize roots produced more peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity compared to the control.

Food safety and forensic applications rely seriously on identifying meat samples of unknown species. Mutton meat is delicious and high-priced meat. Its tallow is a flavoring precursor to being authenticated by using different meat species. Mutton authenticity by beef meat that is genetically related to each other makes it difficult to detect fraud of products, mainly if the substitution is applied with fat, not only meat. So, accurate methods for detection must be applied to evaluate meat fraud based not only on protein but also on fat substitution. This work aimed to evaluate the mutton meat substitution by meat and fat of beef using multiplex PCR and Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). Multiplex PCR detects cytochrome b in mutton meat adulterated with different concentrations of beef meat, even with 0.5%. PCR products amplified at 274 bp for mutton and 271 bp for beef. Fatty acid profile of pure mutton meat (tallow) samples and mutton authenticated with beef meat by GC/MS/MS. It was found that it contained 39.48 mg/100 g of total saturated fatty acids (TSFA), 60.48 mg/100 g of total unsaturated fatty acids (TUSFA), and 3.4 mg/100 g of trans-fatty acids (TFA). While after being authenticated with beef, these results changed to 49.58, 49.57, and 6.37 mg/100gm for TSFA, TUSFA, and TFA, respectively. In conclusion, Multiplex PCR and GC/MS/MS evidenced to be accurate and applicable for the recognition of mutton meat authentication.

Mangrove ecosystems support diverse macroalgal assemblages, which are primary producers. Community composition, percentage cover of macroalgae, and physicochemical parameters of seawater were studied at two mangrove areas in the Red Sea, Egypt, from November 2020 to October 2021. In addition, we sought to study changes in the relative densities of macroalgal species of the Red Sea in the two studied areas by using a comparison of our studying data (2020–2021) with previous studies carried out in the same locations in 1997–1998. In order to characterize the spatial variations in algal composition, three 20 m permanent line transects and three 1-m2 quadrates were established at each site. Throughout the duration of the study, the physicochemical parameters varied significantly (p 0.05). Mangrove trees support a high macroalgae cover, resistant to most environmental circumstances. The macroalgal assemblages' stability in the two studied areas over the two decades shows the health and quality of the Red Sea waters.

Natural feed additives and their potential benefits in production of safe and highly nutritious food have gained the attention of many researchers the last decades. Cordia myxa is a nutrient-dense food with various health benefits. Despite this fact, very limited studied investigated the physicochemical and sensory impacts of incorporation of fermented camel milk with Cordia myxa and its biological effects. The current study aimed to assess the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of fermented camel milk (FCM) fortified with 5, 10, and 15% Cordia myxa pulp. The study demonstrated that fortification of camel milk efficiently enhanced protein, total solids, ash, fiber, phenolic substance, and antioxidant activity. When compared to other treatments, FCM supplemented with 10% Cordia myxa pulp had the best sensory features. In addition, FCM fortified with 10% Cordia myxa pulp was investigated as a potential inhibitor of hypercholesterolemia agents in obese rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were split into two main groups including normal pellet group (n = 8) served as negative control group (G1) and a group of hyperlipidemic animals (n = 24) were feed on a high-fat diet (HFD). Hyperlipidemic rats group (n = 24) were then divided into three subgroups (8 per each); second group or positive control (G2) which include hyperlipidemic rats received distilled water (1 mL/day), the third group (G3) involved hyperlipidemic rats feed on FCM (10 g/day) and the fourth group (G4) included hyperlipidemic animals feed on 10 g/day FCM fortified with 10% of Cordia myxa pulp by oral treatment via an intestinal tube for another 4 weeks. In contrast to the positive control group, G4 treated with Cordia myxa showed a substantial decrease in malondialdehyde, LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea levels, while a significant increase in HDL, albumin, and total protein concentrations. The number of large adipocytes decreased while the number of small adipocytes increased after consumption of fortified FCM. The results indicated that fermented milk fortified with Cordia myxa pulp improved the functions of the liver and kidney in hyperlipidemic rats. These results demonstrated the protective effects of camel milk and Cordia myxa pulp against hyperlipidemia in rats.

Skin ulceration disease is widespread among aquacultured holothuroids. Herein, we report on the skin ulceration disease of juvenile Holothuria atra reared in the Aquaculture Laboratory of the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt. The disease caused the death of the animals within 3 days, and the signs included depigmentation of the epidermis, visceral ejection, and autolysis of the body. The dominant bacterial isolate obtained from the individuals with lesions on the skin was labelled as HAT3, and was selected for characterization and disease induction assay. Based on the morphological and biochemical characteristics, and 16s rDNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate HAT3 was identified as a strain of Vibrio alginolyticus and designated as V. alginolyticus strain HAT3. The 16s rDNA gene sequence was deposited in the GenBank under the accession number MW546612. The experimental infection of healthy H. atra with V. alginolyticus strain HAT3 induced the disease with the same signs as the naturally infected H. atra. Our results revealed that V. alginolyticus strain HAT3 was the causative pathogen of skin ulceration disease in reared H. atra.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) on the mechanical properties of concrete as well as the flexural performance of reinforced concrete (GnP-RC) beams. In the experimental campaign, several dosages of GnP (0.00%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.30%, and 0.50% wt of cement) were included in the concrete mixtures. First, the mechanical properties of concrete (compressive, tensile, flexural, and modulus of elasticity) were studied. A further experimental investigation was conducted on the flexural behavior of GnP-RC beams. The failure mode of beams, crack patterns, moment-curvature relationship, and ductility properties are reported. According to the observed results, GnP addition is capable of significantly improving mechanical properties. By adding 0.02% of GnP, both the compressive and tensile strengths were improved by 20.82% and 30.05%, respectively. Additionally, 0.02% of GnP also enhanced the cracking, yielding, and ultimate loads of beams by 36%, 23%, and 15%, respectively. Further, for the same concentration of GnP, the energy absorption and post-cracking ductility were improved by 25% and 20%, respectively. This report also presents analytical and statistical models for predicting the ultimate moment capacity of RC beams containing nano-reinforcement materials. The models have been demonstrated to be accurate at predicting the present and independent data.

The spatial distribution and total concentration of eight heavy metals in seven sediment samples were determined seasonally during autumn 2014 to summer 2015 along Alexandria Coast, Mediterranean Sea. The abundance of these metals were found in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd, giving the average concentrations of 14.85 ± 2.02 mg/g, 143.90 ± 22.44, 46.47 ± 12.67, 33.18 ± 5.59, 32.55 ± 6.49, 27.00 ± 12.67, 23.81 ± 3.66 and 0.29 ± 0.07 μg/g respectively. Assessment of sediment contaminations were determined by the Enrichment (EF) and Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Potential Ecological Risk (PER) indices for each metal and their integrated risk indices. Mn, Cr and Fe showed no contamination in the studied sites, while Zn, Cu, Cd and Ni were fluctuated between minor to moderately contamination, whereas lead alternated from moderately to high contamination. Pollution Load Index and integrated potential ecological risk indicated that Abu-Qir area is the most contaminated station in the current study, as compared to other locations.

The distribution of eight heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb and Cd) in three species namely Pinctada radiata, Brachidontes pharaonis and Holothuria polii was determined seasonally from seven stations along Alexandria Coast, Mediterranean Sea, Egypt. Relatively the highest annual averages for each of the eight investigated metals during the period of the current study were found in Pinctada radiata. On the other hand, the lowest averages were found in Holothuria polii for Fe, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Cd, and in Brachidontes pharaonis for Mn (3.405 μg/g wet weight). In addition, the metal pollution assessment in mussels revealed that the total target hazard quotients were decreased in the order of Brachidontes pharaonis (0.198) > Holothuria polii (0.080) > Pinctada radiata (0.051). The target hazard quotients (THQs) values for each of the individual metal (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb and Cd) in the investigated species were found much smaller than one, indicating that there is no human risk from their consumption.

In this study, pumice is used as a novel natural heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-ones/thiones via the one-pot multi-component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, urea/thiourea, and ethyl acetoacetate or acetylacetone in excellent yields (up to 98%). The physical and chemical properties of the catalyst were studied. Their geochemical analysis revealed a basaltic composition. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction showed that it is composed of amorphous materials with clinoptilolite and heulandites zeolite minerals in its pores. Moreover, pumice has a porosity range from 78.2–83.9% (by volume) and is characterized by a mesoporous structure (pore size range from 21.1 to 64.5 nm). Additionally, it has a pore volume between 0.00531 and 0.00781 m2/g and a surface area between 0.053 and 1.47 m2/g. The latter facilitated the reaction to proceed in a short time frame as well as in excellent yields. It is worth noting that our strategy tolerates the use of readily available, cheap, non-toxic, and thermally stable pumice catalyst. The reactions proceeded smoothly under solvent-free conditions, and products were isolated without tedious workup procedures in good yields and high purity. Indeed, pumice can be reused for at least five reuse cycles without affecting its activity.

Oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation, nephrotoxicity, and renal damage. The consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives has increased rapidly worldwide due to their health effects. Bioactive components from natural sources, such as plants, are effective in protecting against oxidative stress. The present study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory properties of fermented camel milk made from camel milk mixed with pumpkin seed milk. Fermented camel milk consists of camel milk mixed with 25% and 50% pumpkin seed milk. This blend (fermented camel milk containing 50% pumpkin seed milk) was evaluated as an antioxidant agent in oxidative stress induced rats. A total of thirty-two male adult albino rats of Sprague Dawley® Rat strain weighing 150–180 g were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). The first group was solely administered the standard diet and served as the negative control. The other rats (n = 24), received a basal diet, including being intraperitoneally injected with carbon tetrachloride, with a single dose at a rate of 2 mL/kg body weight) as a model for oxidative stress. The oxidative stress rats were divided into three groups; the first group did not receive any treatment and served as the positive control. The second and third groups were administered 10 g/day fermented camel milk and fermented camel milk containing 50% pumpkin seed milk. The results revealed that mixing the camel milk with pumpkin seed milk was more effective in increasing the total solids, protein, ash, fiber, acidity, viscosity, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. These enhancements were proportional to the mixing ratio. Fermented camel milk containing 50% pumpkin seed milk exhibited the highest scores for sensory properties compared with the other fermented camel milk treatments. The group of rats with oxidative stress treated with fermented camel milk containing 50% pumpkin seed milk showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol (CL), triglycerides (TGs), AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea, and increased (p ≤ 0.05) high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total protein and albumin compared with rats with oxidative stress. Consumption of fermented camel milk containing 50% pumpkin seed milk by the oxidative stress rat groups caused significant improvement in all of these factors compared with the positive control group. This study revealed that the administration of fermented camel milk containing 50% pumpkin seed milk to rats with oxidative stress prevented disorders related to oxidative stress compared with the untreated oxidative stress group. Thus, incorporating fermented camel milk might play a beneficial role in patients with oxidative stress.

Root rot is one of the most significant soil and seed-borne fungal diseases, limiting the cultivation of fenugreek plants. Endophytic bacteria and their natural bioproducts have emerged as growth promoters and disease suppressors in the current era. Despite limited research, seeds are a good funder of endophytic microbiomes, which are transmitted from them to other seedling parts, thereby providing a shield against biotic and abiotic anxiety and promoting the growth at early germination and later stages. The current study evaluated the hypothesis that seed endophytic bacteria and their lytic enzymes, growth promotors, and antifungal molecules can induce growth, and inhibit root rot disease development at the same time. The isolation trial from fenugreek seeds revealed a lytic Achromobacter sp., which produces indole acetic acid, has antifungal compounds (e.g., 2-Butanol, 3,3’-oxybis-), and reduces the growth of Rhizoctonia solani by 43.75%. Under the greenhouse and natural field conditions, bacterial cells and/or supernatant improved the growth, physiology, and yield performance of fenugreek plants, and effectively suppressed the progress of root rot disease; this is the first extensive study that uses a new seed-borne endophytic bacterium as a plant-growth-promoting, and biocontrol tool against the sclerotia-forming; R. solani; the causative of fenugreek root rot.

Fermented dairy products have long been associated with positive health benefits. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory properties, viable probiotic counts, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of probiotic yoghurt made by reconstituting of whole milk powder in aqueous fennel seed extract. Different concentrations of fennel aqueous seeds extract (2%, 4% and 6% w/v) were used as a substitute for water to reconstitute whole milk powder in formulations of yoghurt as functional additives. Interestingly, the use of aqueous extract of fennel seeds in the reconstituted yoghurt milk did not affect yoghurt composition (moisture, protein, fat and ash contents) compared to plain yoghurt. The titratable acidity significantly decreased after using aqueous fennel seed extract in the yogurt manufacture. In this regard, the titratable acidity value was 0.85 in the control yogurt at the fresh period and 1.14 after 21 days of storage, while this value significantly decreased in the yogurt treatments with 2%, 4% and 6% aqueous fennel seed extract to 80, 0.77 and 0.72, respectively, at fresh period and reached 1.03, 0.96 and 0.94, respectively, after 21 days of storage (p < 0.05). Conversely, the pH values significantly increased (p < 0.05) following the addition of aqueous fennel seed extract in the yogurt manufacture. Moreover, the total phenolic content significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 38.60 (mg GAE/L), in fresh plain yogurt, to 44.80, 53.20 and 64.30 (mg GAE/L), in 2% fennel extract yoghurt (FEY2), 4% fennel extract yoghurt (FEY4) and 6% fennel extract yoghurt (FEY6), respectively. Likewise, the antioxidant activity significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 0.11 (mM TE) in fresh plain yogurt to 0.18, 0.26 and 0.32 (mM TE) in (FEY2), (FEY4) and (FEY6), respectively. The survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum decreased during storage time in all yoghurt treatments, although it stood at recommended levels for health effects (at least 106 cfu/mL in traditional yoghurt). For sensory evaluation, FEY4 was more acceptable, followed by FEY6, FEY2 and PY, respectively. Collectively, the present study provides useful information about the bioactivity, physicochemical and sensory properties of probiotic yoghurt made from whole milk powder reconstituted in aqueous fennel extract.

Background. Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is a challenging surgical procedure; however, it has been largely abandoned in favor of the more intuitive robotic-assisted cystectomy. Due to the prohibitive cost of robotic surgery, the adoption of laparoscopic cystectomy is of relevance in low-resource institutes. Methodology. This is a randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) to open radical cystectomy (ORC) at a single institute. Each group included thirty patients. The trial was designed to compare both approaches regarding operative time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, length of hospital stay, time to oral intake, requirement of opioid analgesia, and complications. Results. LRC was associated with less hospital stay (9.8 vs. 13.8 days, P=0.001), less time to oral solid intake (6 vs. 8.6 days, P=0.031), and lower opioid requirements (23.3% vs. 53.3%, P=0.033). There was a trend towards lower blood loss and transfusion requirements, but this did not reach statistical significance. Overall complication rates were comparable. Conclusion. Laparoscopic radical cystectomy was associated with comparable postoperative outcomes when compared to ORC in the first laparoscopic cystectomy experience in our center. Benefitting from the assistance of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon is recommended to shorten the learning curve.