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PURPOSE: Down Syndrome (DS) is characterized by intellectual disability, hypotonia, and joint laxity. Physical disability can be an additional problem and manifests as reduced lower limb muscle strength and impaired balance. The objectives of this study were to characterize DS dynamic foot-ground contact area and to study its relationship with balance impairment among adolescents with DS. METHODS: Twenty-eight children and adolescents with DS and 28 non-DS adolescents/children were matched for age and sex. The Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire (parents’ version) was used to measure disability related to ankle/foot problems in all subjects. A pressure-sensitive mat was used to assess the contact area and arch index. Also, a Biodex balance system was used for measuring postural stability. RESULTS: There were significant differences between both groups in all domains of the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire, overall contact area, and arch index (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adolescents with DS exhibited larger mid-foot and forefoot contact areas with respect to non-DS matched children. Impairment of balance in adolescents with DS is a multifactorial problem not related to changes in the foot contact area.

The present study was performed to evaluate the toxic effects of feed-born zearalenone (ZEN) on antioxidative status, immunity, transcriptomic responses of European seabass, and the modulating roles of dietary garlic and/or chitosan powders. Fish (30.7 ± 0.6 g) were randomly arranged in five experimental groups (in triplicates), whereas the first group was fed on the control diet only without any supplements (control), and the second group was fed on the basal diet contaminated with ZEN (0.725 mg/kg diet). Three other groups were fed on ZEN-contaminated diets and simultaneously supplemented with garlic powder (GP) (30 g/kg diet) (ZEN + GP), chitosan powder (CH) (10 g/kg diet) (ZEN + CH), and a mixture of GP and CH (ZEN + GP + CH). Fish were fed on the experimental diets thrice a day for 4 weeks. Two-way ANOVA revealed a gradual decline in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the ZEN group reaching their lowest levels at the 4th week. Contrariwise, malondialdehyde levels were markedly higher in the ZEN group reaching their highest values at the end of the experiment. A significant decline of total immunoglobulins (P 0.05) was observed in the serum of the ZEN group, especially after the 4th week. Moreover, significant down-regulation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) genes (P 0.05) alongside significant up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes (P 0.05) in the liver and anterior kidney of ZEN-intoxicated group. Interestingly, dietary supplementation with GP and CH significantly attenuated ZEN-induced oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and modulated transcriptomic responses of ZEN-exposed fish. Moreover, combined dietary supplementation of both feed additives resulted in better effects than each one alone.

Streptococcus agalactiae has been described as one of the most serious bacterial diseases in tilapia culture. This study investigated the isolation and characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae from a condition of mass mortality in farmed Oreochromis niloticus at Baltim region, Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt during the summer of 2019, and the effectiveness of locally prepared bacterin for prevention of streptococcal disease. Infected fish showed corneal opacity, congestion of spleen, liver, and kidney, the abdominal space filled with watery and bloody ascites, and light-colored nodules on the kidneys, spleen, or liver. Water qualities were measured parallel to the fish sample. S. agalactiae isolates were identified by phenotypic and biochemical VITEK II methods. Ampicillin, Colistin sulfate, would appear as the best antibacterial agents to use in the treatment. The relative level of protection value was 70% in Oreochromis niloticus challenged with a virulent strain of S. agalactiae (107 CFU /1 ml) and vaccinated with locally prepared killed bacterin. Histopathological investigations revealed congested blood vessels in all organ's specimens examined, inflammatory cells infiltration, degenerative changes, different stages of necrosis of the liver, and generalized meningoencephalitis of the brain. The current study recommended that S. agalactia induced many problems in tilapia culture in presence of bad water quality during the summer season, and the vaccination program gives good results and high protection which may be a useful method for the prevention and control of streptococcal infection.

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) has been successfully demonstrated as a promising fish meal (FM) replacer in diets of several fish species including European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). However, its impacts on antioxidant capacity, and immune responses of treated fish are still poorly understood. A 60-day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of partial substitution of FM with different levels of dry BSFLM on the antioxidative status, non-specific immunity, transcriptomic responses, and resistance of European seabass to the challenge with Vibrio alginolyticus. Four isoproteic (45%) and isolipidic diets were formulated by replacing 0.0%, 25%, 35%, and 50% of the dietary FM. Each diet was randomly assigned to four fish groups (in triplicates) (initial mean body weight, 12.1 ± 0.21 g) (20 fish per aquarium) (n = 240). Fish were fed three times daily to the apparent satiation. At the end of the feeding trial, serum antioxidant biomarkers such as malondialdehyde levels, and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were significantly increased in all BSFLM groups in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group (P 0.05). The non-specific immune indices, including phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, serum lysozyme and respiratory burst activities were significantly elevated in BSFLM groups compared to those in the control group (P 0.05). Significant upregulation of the mRNA expression levels of hepatic heat shock protein 70, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-10 genes were observed in all BSFLM groups compared to the control group (P 0.05). Additionally, after the challenge with V. alginolyticus, the relative percent of survival was significantly elevated in fish groups fed on diets containing graded levels of BSFLM over the control group (P 0.05). Conclusively, the present study suggests the potential efficacy of partial replacement of dietary FM protein for up to 50% by BSFLM without negative effects on fish health with possible potentiation of the antioxidative status, and the immune responses of the European seabass.

Objectives. Impairment of static and dynamic posture control is common after stroke. It is found to be a predictor and an essential component for balance, walking ability, and activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes. Studies investigating effect of physical therapy techniques with an aim to improve trunk function after stroke are limited. This study aimed at studying the effect of task-specific training on trunk control and balance in patients with subacute stroke. Methods. In this randomized controlled trail, thirty-four patients were alienated into two equal groups. The study group (n = 17) received task-specific training, and the control group (n = 17) received conventional physical therapy based on the neurodevelopmental technique. Task-specific training was applied through two phases with criteria of progression based on Chedoke–McMaster Stroke Assessment postural control stages. The interventions were applied in a dosage of 60 min per session, three times a week for ten weeks. Static and dynamic balance were measured by the trunk impairment scale (TIS), postural assessment scale (PAS), and functional reach test (FRT). Laser-guided digital goniometer was used to measure the trunk ranges of motions (ROM) as a secondary outcome. Results. Significant differences between the baseline and the follow-up measures including TIS, PAS, FRT, and trunk (ROM) were found in both groups ( P ≤ 0.05 ). In-between group comparison also showed significant differences between the results of both groups indicating more improvements among patients representing the study group. Conclusion. Task-specific training may be effective in improving the static and dynamic postural control and trunk ranges of motion among subacute stroke patients.

Sandstone surface samples were collected from Quseir Fm., a member of Nubian Sandstone at Gebel el-Silsila and subjected to petrographical investigation using polarizing microscope. X-Ray diffraction was carried out to determine mineralogy. Scanning electron microscope also was utilized for the morphological characterization of the rock components. This sandstone petrofacies is mainly quartz arenite. The depositional environment of the studied sandstones is fluvial to fluvial-marine, and they suffered post-depositional alterations. Alterations include diagenesis (clay infiltration and original detrital grains disintegration), weathering, deterioration phenomena as erosion, voids existence due to dissolution and absence of bound materials. Mineralogical characterization indicated that quartz is the main constituent of sandstone in addition to kaolinite clay mineral as a cementing material. Petrophysically, the studied samples subjected to porosity and permeability measurements. The measurements showed that the samples are highly porous and permeable. Permeability–porosity relation displayed two groups (A and B). Although porosity values are close to great extent, permeability is quite different for the two groups due to the different distributions of pore throats, perhaps as a result of uneven clay distribution within the two groups of samples. Many capillary pressure-derived parameters were calculated using experimental correlations. The results confirmed the presence of two flow groups, macroport group (group A) and megaport group (group B) that is the best in terms of reservoir quality. The two groups reflect the excellent properties for the studied potential reservoir.

Trichodinids are commensal ectoparasitic protozoa, having direct life cycle and may become pathogenic hindering with respiration and feeding of fishes. The study aimed to determine the seasonal dynamics of Trichodina spp. infecting Oreochromis niloticus and their Histopathological effects. Microscopic examination of gills of 747 Tilapia at different localities of Behera province, Egypt was carried out all over one year extended from January to December 2019. The Histopathological examination of infected gills was performed. The results showed that, the prevalence of Trichodina spp. was 4.36%. The locality and weights of examined fish had no significance on the occurrence of Trichodina spp. The infection rate was affected significantly by the season. The highest infection was recorded in autumn whereas the lowest infection was in summer. Moreover, the measurements and morphological description of recovered Trichodina spp. were reported. Trichodina spp. appeared as multiple ring-shaped structures attached to the supporting gill structure and surrounded by few inflammatory cells and there was congestion, fusion, thickening and distortion of gills secondary lamellae.

The current investigation was carried out to assess the efficacy of dietary garlic (GP) and/or chitosan (CH) powders to protect European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, against the adverse effects of zearalenone (ZEN) toxicity. Hence, ZEN (0.725 g/kg diet) was incorporated in a fish diet alone or with 30 g GP and/or 10 g CH/kg diet and the treatments were assigned as a control diet (T1), a control diet + ZEN (T2), a control diet + ZEN + GP (T3), a control diet + ZEN + CH (T4), and a control diet + ZEN + GP + CH (T5). Fish (30.7 ± 0.6 g) fed one of the tested diets up to apparent satiation thrice a day for 4 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish were intraperitoneally injected with pathogenic bacteria Vibrio alginolyticus for 14 days during which fish mortality was observed. The dietary ZEN inhibited fish growth and feed utilization; meanwhile, co-supplementation of GP and/or CH restored the reduced fish performance as a result of reducing the ZEN toxicity. The ZEN toxicity induced macrocytic hypochromic anemia in European sea bass; however, significant reductions were observed in values of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) together with significant elevations in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values in comparison with the control fish. Likewise, lymphopenia, monocytosis, leucopenia, eosinophilia, neutrophilia, and thrombocytopenia were the characteristic features of ZEN-toxicated fish with drastic reduction in white blood cells (WBCs) counts. Significant reductions in total protein, albumin, globulin, and lysozyme were also observed in fish serum due to ZEN toxicity. The co-supplementation of GP and/or CH to ZEN-fed fish elevated significantly values of RBCs, Hb, MCHC, and WBCs count with decreasing and increasing of its constituents. Significant rises in total protein, albumin, globulin, and lysozyme were observed with co-supplementation of GP and/or CH to ZEN-toxicated fish to be near these fed on the control diet. The ZEN toxicity also suppressed the fish immunity and subsequently elevated fish susceptibility to V. alginolyticus infection causing highest fish mortality as compared with other treatments. The co-supplementation of GP or CH to fish significantly enhanced their immunity causing a high relative percent of survival (RSP) of fish after bacterial infection (18.8 or 43.8%, respectively); meanwhile, fish fed both of GP and CH showed better RSP (68.8%). On the other hand, the co-supplementation of GP or CH reduced the ZEN residue (1.18 and 0.87 μg/kg dry weight) in fish muscles. These results show that CH was more effective than GP in enhancing fish immunity and protection against ZEN toxicity, whereas the co-supplementation of both GP and CH was most effective in protecting fish against ZEN toxicity resulting in lowest ZEN residue (0.53 μg/kg dry weight) in fish muscles.

Simple Summary Waterborne exposure of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles to sub-lethal concentrations of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) induced hepato-renal damage through elevation of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities as well as creatinine and blood urea levels. SiO2NPs induced irreversible dose-dependent histopathological changes in the hepatopancreas, gills, and posterior kidneys, alongside modulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related genes, and oxidative stress genes in gills and liver of exposed fish. Abstract The current investigation assessed the impacts of sub-lethal concentrations of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) on hepato-renal functions, histopathological characteristics, and gene transcription in gills and liver of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish were exposed to 20, 40, and 100 mg/L of SiO2NPs for 3 weeks. Pairwise comparisons with the control group showed a significant dose-dependent elevation in serum ALP, ALT, and AST enzyme activities as well as blood urea and creatinine levels in SiO2NP-intoxicated groups. Exposure to 100 mg/L SiO2NPs significantly upregulated expression of HSP70, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 genes in the gills as compared to the control group. Moreover, exposure to 100 mg/L SiO2NPs significantly upregulated the expression SOD, HSP70, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α genes in the hepatic tissues as compared to the control group. Exposure of fish to 20 mg SiO2NPs/L significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of IL-12 in both the gills and liver tissues. Notably, all tested SiO2NP concentrations significantly upregulated the transcription of CASP3 gene in gills and liver of Nile tilapia as compared to the control group. Interestingly, varying histopathological alterations in renal, hepatopancreatic, and branchial tissues were observed to be correlated to the tested SiO2NP concentrations. In conclusion, our results provide additional information on the toxic impacts of SiO2NPs in Nile tilapia at the hematological, tissue, and molecular levels.

In the present study, fish were exposed to sub-lethal doses of CuONPs (68.92 ± 3.49 nm) (10, 20, and 50 mg/L) for a long exposure period (25 days). Compared to the control group (0.0 mg/L CuONPs), a significant dose-dependent elevation in blood urea and creatinine values, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities were evident in CuONPs-exposed groups (P < 0.05). Fish exposure to 50 mg/L CuONPs significantly upregulated the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin 12, and interleukin 8), heat shock protein 70, apoptosis-related gene (caspase 3), and oxidative stress-related (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) genes in liver and gills of the exposed fish in comparison with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, varying histopathological injuries were noticed in the hepatopancreatic tissues, posterior kidneys, and gills of fish groups correlated to the examined exposure dose of CuONPs. In summary, our results provide new insights and helpful information for better understanding the mechanisms of CuONPs toxicity in Nile tilapia at hematological, molecular levels, and tissue levels.

The COVID-19 death toll has involved to date more than 1 million confirmed deaths. The death rate is even higher in the obese COVID-19 patients, as a result of hypoxia, due to the interplay between adipose tissue hypoxia and obstructive sleep apnea. The discrepancy of manifestations seen in COVID-19 seems to be mediated by a differential immune response rather than a differential viral load. One of the key players of the immune response is HIF. HIF-1β is a stable constitutively expressed protein in the nucleus; and under hypoxic changes, its activity is unaffected, whereas the HIF-α subunit has a short half-life and because of its degradation by an enzyme known as propyl hydroxylase; under hypoxic conditions, propyl hydroxylase gets deactivated thus leading to the stabilization of HIF-1α. As mentioned before, HIF-1α expression is triggered by hypoxic states, this crippling condition will aggravate the pro-inflammatory characteristics of HIF-1α. The vast majority of decompensated COVID19 cases manifest with drastic lung injury and severe viral pneumonia, the infection-induced hypoxia will the existing hypoxia in obesity. This will additionally augment HIF-1α levels that will provoke the already existing cytokines' storm to fulminant. Consequently, this will directly correlate the effect of a hypoxic environment with the increase of HIF-1α level. HIFɑ exists in two main isoforms HIF-1α and HIF-2α. HIF-1α and HIF-2α act in distinct ways in how they work on different target genes. For example, HIF-2α may act on hemopoietin genes (heme-regulating genes); while HIF-1α acts on EPO. HIF-1α release seems to be markedly augmented in obesity due to adipose tissue hypoxia and obstructive sleep apnea resulting in cyclic hypoxia. HIF-1α can also be secreted by direct viral proteolytic effects. Whereas, HIF-2α is stimulated by chronic hypoxia. HIF-1α exerts detrimental effects on the immune system, characterized by unopposed pro-inflammation at the macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and complement levels resulting in cytokines’ storm, which is linked to the poor outcomes of COVID-19. On the other hand, HIF-2α role is regulatory and largely opposes the actions mediated by HIF-1α. In view of this, inhibiting HIF-1α release or switching its production to HIF-2α by natural products such as resveratrol or by synthetic drugs, offer a good therapeutic strategy that can prevent COVID-19 worst outcome in infected patients. The approach of breaking the vicious circle between lung damage-induced hypoxia and HIF-1α pro-inflammatory stimulant through drugs is considered to be extremely promising as a therapeutic manner to combat further deterioration of COVID19 cases., Highlights • HIFɑ exists in two isoforms HIF-1α (pro-inflammatory) and HIF-2α (regulatory); HIF-1α is increased in obesity, due to the presence of ATH and OSA. • Despite being a transcription factor, HIFɑ circulates to nearby cells through the so called extracellular vesicles. • COVID-19 associated lung damage induces an acute hypoxic state, which activates HIF-1α. • HIF-1α, in turn, exacerbates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus increasing the likelihood of cytokine storm in COVID-19. • In view of the above, HIF-1α inhibitors or alternatively switchers to HIF-2α can prevent COVID-19-induced cytokine storm.

Background: Hand flexor tendon lacerations are very common and their surgical repair and postoperative rehabili-tation, particularly in zone II, present a formidable challenge to hand surgeons and therapists.Purpose: The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of an early intervention of ultrasound and active mobilization on Interphalangeal (IP) joints active Range of Motion (ROM) affected by peritendinous adhesions post surgical repair of hand flexor tendon laceration.Subjects and Methods: 30 male patients who underwent zone II flexor tendon primary direct four-strand repair tech-nique participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 20 to 35 years. They were selected from Cairo University Hospitals and divided randomly into three groups: Group (A) composed of 10 patients (15 operated digits) who received early Ultra-sound (US) therapy, and at the 4th and 6th post-operative weeks, the 2nd and 3rd phases of Early Active Mobilization (EAM) program were added respectively to the US therapy, Group (B) composed of 10 patients (16 operated digits) who received EAM, and Group (C) composed of 10 patients (16 operated digits) who received early intervention of US therapy and active mobilization. Patients in each group received the treatment (3 sessions/week) from the 3rd day post-operative till the end of the 6th week post-operative. Post surgical medical care (medications including analgesics and antibiotics, and wound dressings) was provided for all patients in each group. Finger goniometer was used to measure the IP joints active ROM of the operated digits at end of 3rd and 6th post-operative weeks.Results: Group A, B, and C showed significant improve-ment in the active ROM at end of 6th week post-operative compared with that at end of 3rd week post-operative. There was a significant improvement in the active ROM at end of 3rd and 6th week post-operative of Group B compared with Group A. Group C showed significant improvement in the active ROM at end of 3rd and 6th week post-operative when compared to Group A but no significant improvement when compared to Group B.Conclusion: Early intervention of US and active mobili-zation can improve the IP joints active ROM post flexor tendon repair significantly more than early US therapy alone but not significantly more than EAM alone.

The Complex of King Djoser (2667-2648 BC) at Saqqara was the earliest stone building of its size in the world. Some of the walls of the substructure of the Step Pyramid and the so-called "Southern Tomb" were covered with panels of blue-green faience tiles. The present work aims to study causes of decay the faience tiles which coated Southern Tomb of Step Pyramid. Investigations and analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray florescence (XRF) and polarizing microscopy were used. Results show that body of faience tiles contains high ratio of silicon oxide SiO2 and low amounts of alkaline oxides (Na2O, MgO), copper was used to obtain the blue colour in an oxidizing atmosphere and fixing mortar of faience tiles consists mainly of calcite, quartz, gypsum, in addition to halite. High content of moisture and crystallization of salts mainly halite salt were the main factors of faience tiles degradation.Keywords: Alteration processes; Faience tiles; Step Pyramid; Mortars.eISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

BACKGROUND Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation affects a large number of patients annually and are the most common cause of sciatica. OBJECTIVES This study was aimed at measuring the spino-pelvic alignment and its relation to the functional limitations in subjects with acutely herniated lumbar disc. METHODS Sixteen patients with acute Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH group) and 16 healthy matched volunteers (healthy group) represented the sample of the study. The patients were recently diagnosed as lumbar disc herniation (L4-5 or L5-S1) with acute sciatica and antalgic posture using magnetic resonance imaging. Spino-pelvic alignment was measured via Rasterstereography. Functional disability among patients was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index Arabic version. RESULTS Trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvic obliquity, pelvic torsion, lordotic and scoliotic angles were significantly different between groups (P ≤ 0.05). A non-significant difference in kyphotic angle was found between the patients and healthy controls. There was no association between the measured postural changes and functional disabilities in patients with lumbar disc herniation (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION There are significant postural changes in patients with acutely herniated lumbar disc which has no relation to functional disability. These results support the concept of staying active during acute stage.

This study investigated a practical, inexpensive, and effective vibriosis control a serious cause of severe mortalities of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) using FKC bacterins of Listonella anguillarum or Vibrio alginolyticus, their cross-protection against L. anguillarum or V. alginolyticus, and their most suitable administration route in D. labrax. The results of L. anguillarum or V. alginolyticus that naturally infected D. labrax during the summer season revealed mass mortalities, hemorrhagic ulceration on different body areas, eye opacity, and many internal pathological lesions. The two pathogens were identified by traditional methods and MALDI-TOF-MS. The gills were recorded with the highest incidence of the two bacteria. Experimental results indicated the superiority of V. alginolyticus FKC bacterin in protection against V. alginolyticus and cross-protection against L. anguillarum. Intraperitoneal injection recorded better immunization results than prolonged immersion for 2 h and dipped immersion for 1 min. In conclusion, intraperitoneal injection of V. alginolyticus FKC bacterin could induce protection against V. alginolyticus and cross-protection against L. anguillarum in D. labrax that could be a valuable means for vibriosis control.

Fishmeal (FM) is one of the major protein sources used in fish diets, which was obtained from wild fish catches. Due to the steady decline in fish catches accompanied with the increased demands for aquafeeds, a rapid decrease in the FM availability is much more expected. Alternative protein sources of animal origins, such as dried black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal (DBSFLM), may be used as an alternative protein source instead of FM in aquafeeds. Therefore, a feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of FM with DBSFLM on growth performance and body composition of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. A basal diet (45% crude protein) was formulated, where DBSFLM protein replaced 25, 35, or 50% of FM protein. Fish (12.1 ± 0.21 g) were fed one of the tested diets up to apparent satiation thrice a day for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in fish growth, feed utilization, and survival (P > .05). The DBSFLM inclusion in diets of European sea bass did not affect its body constituents. Additionally, values of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were not significantly influenced by DBSFLM inclusion in fish diets as compared to the FM-control fish. Likewise, no significant changes were observed in counts of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in DBSFLM-fed fish as compared to the FM-control fish. The DBSFLM inclusion in diets for European sea bass did not affect levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, serum alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. The simple economic analysis evoked that feed cost decreased with increasing DBSFLM levels in fish diets. The findings of the present study elucidated that the growth performance was not significantly changed by partial replacement of FM protein up to 50% by DBSFLM protein, which reduced the feeding cost by 15.6% as compared with the FM-control diet.

The Temple of Kom Ombo is a huge ancient Egyptian temple in Upper Egypt. It was built by Ptolemy VI Philometor (180-145 BC) and added to by subsequent Ptolemys. The structure of the temple is built of local sandstone attributed to the Quseir Formation of “Nubian Sandstone” group at Gebel el-Silsila. Sandstone samples from Kom Ombo temple were taken to verify the source rock of the quarried material. Optical Polarizing Microscope (OPM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used to determine the microstructure and physical properties of the sandstone. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out for the Sandstone samples to identify its mineralogical composition. The sandstone samples were treated with six polymeric products to determine changes in their physical and mechanical properties after penetration, consolidation of polymers within them. This sandstone is composed mainly of three quartz arenite microfacies (feldspathic, sublithic and calcareous) that are interpreted to have been deposited in fluvial to fluvial-marine environment. Silane polymers is showing a good penetration and filling pores between grains and recommended for treatment and conservation of the sandstone. Acrylic polymer shows random penetration of polymer and formation of a film of polymer on the surface of sandstone. Silo11 gave the best result in consolidation of sandstone samples then primal AC33. Wacker BS29 gave the best result in isolating process of sandstone samples, then wacker BS 290.

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of adding various levels of leek as a natural source of nitrite in the manufacturing of camel sausage and investigated its impact on the quality characteristics of the prepared product compared to camel sausage formulated with nitrite. The nitrite content increased as the level of leek increased. The level of leek had no effect on the cooking loss of sausage samples. T.B.A values of formulated samples were significantly deceased after 45 days and such increase was continued as the time of frozen storage increased. Formula (1) recorded the lower shrinkage followed by formula (2). No significant differences in (a*) value during frozen storage for all sausage samples. The overall acceptability of formula (1) and (3) had the higher score compared to control sausage samples.

The inhabitation of microorganisms and their subsequent interaction with mineral matrix of the stone substrate under varied environmental conditions encourages deterioration of stones leading to the loss of strength, durability and aesthetic. This study highlighted the synthesis of nanosilver particles (AgNPs) using the biogenic volatiles of the bacterial strain Nesterenkonia halobia. The antimicrobial activities of AgNPs were evaluated against the gram positive bacterial strain Streptomyces parvullus and fungal strain Apergillus niger. Furthermore, the silver particles were mixed with two types of consolidation polymers and were used to coat the external surfaces of sandstone and limestone blocks. The stones treated with silicon polymer loaded with AgNPs showed an elevated antimicrobial potentiality against A. niger and S. parvullus. Scan electron microscope (SEM) and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis of treated stones demonstrated the existence of nano-composite structures containing the elemental silver. Polymers functionalized with AgNPs can be used not only as potent biocides but also for the consolidation of the historic monuments and artifacts.

Background and Purpose. Equinovarus foot is a common sign after stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on correcting equinovarus gait among individuals with stroke.Subjects and Methods. Sixteen subjects with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to two equal groups (G1and G2). All the patients were at stage 4 of motor recovery of foot according to Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment without any cognitive dysfunction. E-med pedography was used to measure contact time, as well as force underneath hind and forefoot during walking. Outcome measures were collected before randomization, one week after the last session, and four weeks later. Participants in G1received task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback and a traditional physical therapy program was applied for participants in G2for 8 weeks.Results. Significant improvement was observed among G1patients (P≤0.05) which lasts one month after therapy termination. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between measurements of the participants in G2. Between groups comparison also revealed a significant improvement in G1with long lasting effect.Conclusion. The results of this study showed a positive long lasting effect of the task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on equinovarus gait pattern among individuals with stroke.

Background: Diabetes mellitus type II is the most common endocrine disorder all over the world, which is characterized by metabolic abnormal conditions and many long term illness. These complications can lead to social threatening problems due to loss of jobs. Objectives: This study aimed at measuring the effects of Type II diabetes mellitus on hand grip and Pinch power of adult females in the city of Hail-KSA Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient clinics of the King Khalid Hospital. Forty Female patient represented the sample of the study. A JAMAR dynamometer and a pinch gauge were used to measure the participants' hand holding action and Pinch power. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease (P≤ 0,05) of the hand grip and pinch power strength among patient with long standing diabetes as compared to healthy matched group. Conclusion :The results of the current study concluded that the hand muscles strength represented in grip and pinch power which are important parameters of hand function is significantly affected by long standing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background Biodeterioration of historic monuments and stone works by microorganisms takes place as a result of biofilm production and secretion of organic compounds that negatively affect on the stone matrix. Methods Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were prepared biologically using the headspace gases generated by the bacterial culture Escherichia coli Z1. The antimicrobial activity of CuNPs was evaluated against the bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Streptomyces parvulus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as some fungal strains Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium solani and Alternaria solani. Results Biological CuNPs demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activities higher than those of the untreated copper sulfate. At the same time, limestone and sandstone blocks treated with consolidation polymers functionalized with CuNPs recorded apparent antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. parvulus and B. subtilis in addition to an improvement in the physical and mechanical characters of the treated stones. Furthermore, the elemental composition of CuNPs was elucidated using electron dispersive x-ray system connected with the scanning electron microscope. Conclusion Consolidation polymers impregnated with CuNPs could be used to restrain microbial deterioration in addition to the refinement of physico-mechanical behavior of the historic stones.

We report a male newborn with a rarely described congenital limb deficiency, fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia, and oligosyndactyly (FATCO) syndrome. This syndrome consists of shortening and anterior bowing of the lower limbs at the distal third of the tibia associated with overlying soft tissue di

IntroductionParkinson's disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition with both motor and nonmotor symptoms affecting the physical, psychological, social, and functional status of individuals. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between moderate aerobic exercise and activities of

This study carried out to investigate the presence of some virulence and fluoroquinolone resistant genes by PCR and comparing with antibiotic diffusion disc for isolated P. aeruginosa. A total number of 100 alive cultured Sea bream, showing clinical signs were collected from a private fish farm at Damietta, Egypt then subjected to clinical, postmortem (PM), bacteriological examination, biochemical and serological identification of the isolated bacteria, P. aeruginosa were more prevalent and subjected to VITEK2 and PCR for detection of outer membrane lipoprotein gene (oprL) at "504 bp" and exotoxin A gene (toxA) at "270 bp" which indicated the virulent isolates of P. aeruginosa and DNA gyrAse (gyrA) at "287 bp" and topoisomerase IV (parC) at "267 bp" for determining fluoroquinolone resistance genes compared with antibiotic sensitivity test by disc diffusion using 3 of fluoroquinolone members. The more prevalent isolates were P. aeruginosa (43.02%), of them 12 isolated showed by PCR the presence of oprL, toxA, gyrA and parC genes and confirmed with antibiogram resistance to tested 3 fluoroquinolone members. The present study explored that pathogenic and fluoroquinolone resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa were more prevalent that necessitate more rapid hygienic programs and narrow uses of antibiotics for Sea bream aquaculture fisheries in Egypt.

Background and Objectives. Postural changes are frequent and disabling complications of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Many contributing factors have been evident either related to disease pathology or to adaptive changes. This study aimed at studying the postural changes in subjects with Parkinson’s disease and its relation to duration of illness and disease severity.Methods. Eighteen patients with PD and 18 healthy matched volunteers represented the sample of the study. The patients were at stage 1 or 1.5 according to the Modified Hoehn and Yahr Staging with duration of illness between 18 and 36 months. Three-dimensional analysis of the back surface was conducted to explore the postural changes in the sagittal and frontal planes in both the patients and the healthy subjects.Results. Kyphotic angle, lordotic angle, fleche cervicale, fleche lombaire, scoliotic angle, and associated vertebral rotation and pelvic obliquity were significantly increased in patients with PD compared to the healthy subjects (P≤0.05). There was no association between the measured postural changes and duration of illness as well as the severity of the IPD (P≤0.05).Conclusion. Postural changes start in the early stages of idiopathic PD and they have no relationship to the duration of illness and disease severity.

Islamic Cairo is a part of central Cairo noted for its historically important mosques and other Islamic monuments. It is overlooked by the Cairo Citadel.Islamic Cairo was founded in 969 AD as the royal enclosure for the Fatimid caliphs, while the actual economic and administrative capital was in nearby Fustat. Fustat was established by Arab military commander 'Amr ibn al-'As following the conquest of Egypt in 641 AD, and took over as the capital which previously was located in Alexandria. Al-Askar, located in what is now Old Cairo, was the capital of Egypt from 750 AD to 868 AD. [1] Ahmad Ibn Tulun established Al-Qatta'i as the new capital of Egypt, and remained the capital until 905 AD, when the Fustat once again became the capital. After Fustat was destroyed in 1168 AD /1169 AD to prevent its capture by the Crusaders, the administrative capital of Egypt moved to Cairo, where it has remained ever since. [2]It took four years for the General Jawhar Al Sikilli (the Sicilian) to build Cairo and for the Fatimid Calif Al Muizz to leave his old Mahdia in Tunisia and settle in the new Capital of Fatimids in Egypt. Fustat became a regional center of Islam during the Umayyad period. Later, during the Fatimid era, Al-Qahira (Cairo) was officially founded in 969 AD as an imperial capital just to the north of Fustat. [3] Over the centuries, Cairo grew to absorb other local cities such as Fustat, but the year 969 AD is considered the "founding year" of the modern city. In 1250 AD, the slave soldiers or Mamluks seized Egypt and ruled from their capital at Cairo until 1517 AD, when they were defeated by the Ottomans. [4] By the 16th century, Cairo had high-rise apartment buildings where the two lower floors were for commercial and storage purposes and the multiple stories above them were rented out to tenants. Napoleon's French army briefly occupied Egypt from 1798 AD to 1801 AD, after which an Albanian officer in the Ottoman army named Muhammad Ali Pasha made Cairo the capital of an independent empire that lasted from 1805 AD to 1882 AD. [5] The city then came under British control until Egypt was granted its independence in 1922 AD. Cairo is a world heritage city. It contains possibly the finest collection of monuments in the Islamic world. It contains some of the best surviving monuments of the medieval period in the Islamic world. [6]. The wealth, prosperity, and power of Cairo are reflected in the grand architecture of the monuments that are crowded together into the Fatimid city and just beyond, Fig. (1). [7] Cairo's Islamic monuments are part of an uninterrupted tradition that spans over a thousand years of building activity. No other Islamic city can equal Cairo's spectacular heritage, nor trace its historical and architectural development with such clarity. [8] Cairo contains the greatest concentration of Islamic monuments in the world, and its mosques, mausoleums, religious schools, baths, and caravanserais, built by prominent patrons between the seventh and nineteenth centuries, are

Background: Obesity and poor respiratory function are associated with morbidity and mortality. Obesity affects lung function, however the impact of all degrees of obesity on lung function need to be explored in different populations and genders. Aims and Objectives: The authors investigated the relation of BMI, waist circumference, physical activity with lung function in Hail City, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This analysis included 359 females aged 18–44 years with no known preexisting serious illness and who had complete anthropometric (height, weight and waist circumference) and forced vital capacity (FVC) using simple spirometry and chest measurements. Physical activity was measured using “International Physical Activity Questionnaire” (IPAQ). Results: Both FVC and predicted FVC along with chest expansion measurements were linearly and inversely related across the entire range of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and positively associated with physical activity in study subjects even after adjusting for age confirming our hypothesis. However, BMI and physical activity explained the greatest proportion of variance for both FVC and chest expansion in regression analysis as compared to WC. Conclusion: In the general adult female population, obesity may play a role in the impairment of lung function even from BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 while even moderate physical activity can positively affect lung function

The tomb of King Djoser (2667-2648 B.C) at Saqqara known as the Step Pyramid was the first Egyptian pyramid tomb and the earliest stone building of its size in the world. Some of the walls of the substructure of the Step Pyramid and the so-called “Southern Tomb” were covered with panels of blue-green faience tiles. The present work aims to study causes of decay the faience tiles which coated Southern Tomb of Step Pyramid. Investigations and analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray florescence (XRF) and polarizing microscopy were used to study the chemical and mineralogical composition of different samples from bodies of faience tiles, stone supported walls and binding mortars.