Search

Aquaculture is the practice of developing aquatic animals and plants under artificial environmental conditions, either in a controlled or semi-controlled environment. Due to high animal protein demand, it is one of the world’s growing food production industries. It plays a vital role in contributing to food security and lowering the unemployment rate of the world’s growing population. This review article aims to scope sight on the environmental factors that affect the growth and economic production process of Nile tilapia. Many of these factors are listed and analyzed in this review, such as stocking densities; various feed frequencies and feeding rates; water quality; water temperature; dissolved oxygen concentration; water pH degree; ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3) concentration; feeding regimes; feed cost; and tank culturing system of Nile tilapia. These factors can significantly alter body weight, composition, survival, behavior, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feeding efficiency, and the health and reproduction of Oreochromis niloticus. Furthermore, feeding, growth, disease risks, and survival rates are all affected by water quality parameters. In general, higher growth performance of O. niloticus in aquaculture can be obtained by keeping the optimum quantity of feed with proper feeding rate and frequency, maintaining a good proportion of stocking density, and regularly evaluating water quality. This review article highlights—in details—the impact of various environmental factors on growth performance criteria of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

It is very important to determine the amount of mechanical damage to biomass pellets during handling, transportation, and storage. However, it is difficult to determine the amount of damage to biomass pellets caused by existing external forces. However, a useful method is the finite element methods, which can be used in different engineering fields to simulate the posture of the material under defined boundary conditions. In this research, a drop test simulation of biomass pellet samples was performed by using the finite element method. An experimental study (compressive test) was carried out to measure some mechanical properties of the sample and use the obtained data in the finite element method simulation. The stress-strain curve of different biomass pellets was determined. Yield strength, Poisson's ratio, ultimate strength and modulus of elasticity, and stress were identified. In the end, the maximum equivalent stress, highest contact force (generated normal force from target surface at impact), and shape of deformation of samples at impact were obtained from simulation results. The drop scenario was created with 25 steps after the impact site, and the FEM simulation was solved. The maximum stress value was 9.486 MPa, and the maximum generated force was 485.31 N. at step 8 of the FEM simulation. When the stress magnitudes were assessed, simulation outputs indicated that simulation stress values are inconsistent with experimental data.

There has been a rapid increase in the world's output of main poultry products (meat and eggs). This reflects customer desire for these high-quality and safe products and the comparatively low price. Recently, natural feed additives, plants and products have been increasingly popular in the poultry and livestock industries to maintain and improve their health and production. Polyphenols are a type of micronutrient that is plentiful in our diet. They are phytochemicals that have health benefits, notably cardiovascular, cognitive function, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antistress, anti-tumour, anti-pathogen, detoxification, growth-promoting and immunomodulating activities. On the other hand, excessive polyphenol levels have an unclear and sometimes negative impact on gastrointestinal tract health, nutrient digestion, digestive enzyme activity, vitamin, mineral absorption, laying hens performance and egg quality. As a result, this review illuminated polyphenols' various sources, classifications, biological activities, potential usage restrictions and effects on poultry, layer productivity and egg external and internal quality.

N-Vinyl imidazole was grafted onto sodium alginate (PNVI-g-NaAlg) through a free radical polymerization technique in aqueous solution using potassium persulfate (K2S2O8, KPS) initiator material. The conditions of the grafting process onto sodium alginate were adjusted to obtain a grafted copolymer with a high percentage of poly(N-vinyl imidazole). The prepared grafted copolymer sodium alginate (NaAlg-g-PNVI), with high percentage yield, was investigated and characterized under certain conditions in order to detect its antibacterial effect. The prepared grafted copolymer was considered by means of several systems such as Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The change in the morphology of the alginate distinguished after the grafting process was confirmed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The biological activity of the grafted material was considered using Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gram-negative), Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Candida albicans antifungal activities through the agar diffusion method. The obtained results show excellent improvement in antimicrobial activity of the alginate by grafting against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Candida albicans.

Application of bio-pesticides in agriculture has been developed as alternative agents to conventional pesticides due to residues accumulating which causing detrimental effects to human and environment. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate biosafety of a bio-insecticide

Salmonellosis is a severe problem that threatens the poultry sector worldwide right now. Salmonella gallinarium and Salmonella pullorum (Fowl typhoid) are the most pathogenic serovars in avian species leading to systemic infection resulting in severe economic losses in the poultry industry. Nontyphoidal serotypes of Salmonella (Paratyphoid disease) constitute a public health hazard for their involvement in food poisoning problems in addition to their zoonotic importance. Also, Salmonella species distribution is particularly extensive. They resisted environmental conditions that made it difficult to control their spread for a long time. Therefore, the current review aimed to through light on Salmonellosis in poultry with particular references to its pathogenesis, economic importance, immune response to Salmonella, Salmonella antibiotics resistance, possible methods for prevention and control of such problems using promising antibiotics alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, essential oils, cinnamaldehyde, chitosan, nanoparticles, and vaccines.

The poultry industry contributes significantly to bridging the nutritional gap in many countries because of its meat and eggs products rich in protein and valuable nutrients at a cost less than other animal meat sources. The natural antibiotics alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, essential oils, enzymes, immunostimulants, and phytogenic (phytobiotic) including herbs, botanicals, essential oils, and oleoresins are the most common feed additives that acquire popularity in poultry industry following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). They are commonly used worldwide because of their unique properties and positive impact on poultry production. They can be easily mixed with other feed ingredients, have no tissue residues, improve feed intake, feed gain, feed conversion rate, improve bird immunity, improve digestion, increase nutrients availability as well as absorbability, have antimicrobial effects, do not affect carcass characters, decrease the usage of antibiotics, acts as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, compete for stress factors and provide healthy organic products for human consumption. Therefore, the current review focuses on a comprehensive description of different natural antibiotic growth promoters’ alternatives, the mode of their action, and their impacts on poultry production.

Global climate change is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, and the consequences of global warming are expected to worsen. Many heat waves have recently hit various parts of the world, causing major losses in livestock, particularly in the poultry sector, resulting in massive mortalities and catastrophic economic losses. Therefore, the current review sheds light on the effects of heat stress on the poultry industry, and discusses the factors relevant to these harmful effects on behavior, bone development, blood chemistry and physiological changes, pathogenesis, and immune responses. Potential methods to ameliorate the heat stress response in birds, with particular reference to the role of probiotics in controlling such problems, is further discussed.

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoan species of the genus

This study aimed to evaluate the immune response using the immune-regulating cytokines as (IL-1β; MHC-I and MHC-II) associated with co-infected sheep Oestrusovis and Coenurus cerebralis as well as oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde "MDA" and nitric oxide "NO"). So; sheep samples from different regions in Egypt showed different neurological signs, were examined for detection of the cause of the nervous manifestations. Moreover, the O. ovis and C. cerebralis cysts were collected and identified using scanning electron microscopy. The brain tissues were evaluated for different immunological genes such as MHC-I, MHC-II, and Interleukin-1β activity using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) techniques, where the infected sheep showed higher MHC-I gene expression (10-fold), higher MHC-II gene expression (peaked at 25-fold), and higher IL-1β gene expression (14-fold) than the control group. The MDA level was significantly increased. Also, stress marker (nitric oxide) levels were significantly higher in infectedsheep than in negative control one. During gross pathology, migrating larvae of O. ovis and C. cerebralis were noticed In such areas, hemorrhages and patches of clotted blood were noticed. cysts with prominent protoscolices were also observed and were attached to the caudal region near the cerebellum.

This study aimed to assess the effects of

Magnetic aerogels were prepared via physical cross-linking of Iota-carrageenan and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer using different amounts of magnetic nanoparticles (1, 3 and 5%). A blank sample of chemically cross-linked Iota-carrageenan was prepared for comparison. The prepared magnetic nanoparticles and aerogels were fully characterized using particle size analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), FT-IR, SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The surface area and porosity were calculated using Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET), Barrett, Joyner and Halenda (BJH) equations. The nitrogen contents of the aerogels were determined using the Kjeldal method. These aerogels are environmentally safe, eco-friendly and cheap. The adsorption behavior of the aerogels was evaluated for Cr (VI), Co2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Mn7+, and Alphanol fast blue dye. The synergetic effect for the presence of the chelating groups with different natures (i.e. sulfate and amine) was revealed via the high ability of the aerogels to remove the cations and oxyanions in a similar manner. The prepared aerogels had high removal efficiency with selectivity order Co2+ > Cu2+ > Mn7+ > Cd2+ > Cr (VI). The maximum adsorption efficiency of Co2+ was 99% achieved by using CAR M3.

Background: Using hand-made (endoloop and knot pusher) technique has the same reliability of the other methods in appendiceal base ligation in addition to the significant lower cost in comparison with standard endoloop.Aim of Study: Is to compare between appendiceal base ligation with hand-made Endoloop knot pusher versus standard endoloop in laparoscopic appendectomy.Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized comparative study was carried out in Gastrointestinal, Liver & Laparoscopic Surgery unit of Tanta University Hospitals from May 2017 till May 2018 on 40 patients with acute appendicitis divided into two equal groups; Group I: Were subjected to ligation of the base of the appendix with standard endoloop (commercial) in laparoscopic appendectomy (20 cases). Group II: Were subjected to ligation of the base of the appendix with hand-made endoloop knot pusher in laparoscopic appendectomy (20 cases).Results: The mean age of group I was 29±5.10 years, compared to 29.33±5.39 in-group II, there were 12 males and 8 females in group I, while there were 10 males and 10 females in group II. Statistically significant difference was present in operative time between both groups; group I had operative time mean of 46.07±11.70 minutes compared to 54.73±11.33 minutes in-group II. A highly statistically significant difference in appendiceal base ligation cost between both groups; group I with Mean 69.10±10.41 USD compared to 7.75±1.77 USD in group II. Superficial wound infection developed in one patient in group I and two patients in group II, also each group had only one patient with postoperative ileus, only one patient in group II developed postoperative abscess in the RIF.Conclusion: Using hand-made endoloop knot pusher technique and standard endoloop were proved safe, as both were not associated with major morbidity. Complications rate, hospital stay were average with other studies, Using hand-made endoloop knot pusher technique has significant lower cost in comparison with standard endoloop as it is reusable. However, hand-made endoloop knot pusher technique consuming a longer operative time.

N-vinyl imidazole (NVI) was grafted onto gelatin using potassium persulphate (KPS) as thermal initiator in aqueous medium. The effects of various parameters such as different KPS and NVI concentrations, the time and reaction temperature on the grafting process have been investigated. The optimum conditions were found to get the highest grafting efficiency as follow [KPS] = 6 × 10−3 mol L−1, [NVI] = 1.5 mol L−1 at reaction temperature 60 °C for 90 min. The grafted gelatin copolymers were characterized using different techniques namely Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis. The antibacterial activity of gelatin and its grafted copolymers was evaluated. The highest percent of grafting (G% = 215%) showed strong improvement in activity of gelatin against gram-negative bacteria used Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia. In case of Klebsiella pneumonia, grafted gelatin copolymer showed the same inhibition zone of gentamicin (standard antibiotic).

This study aimed to evaluate the immune responses and oxidative stress provoked by Toxocara vitulorum infection in buffaloes with special reference to milk parameters as an emerging tool. The use of the milk tool was reported for the first time in tracing T. vitulorum infection in Egyptian buffaloes. Intestine, milk, serum, and liver samples were gathered from flocks in Cairo and Giza districts to evaluate buffalo immune responses provoked by T. vitulorum. The compositional items and somatic cells of milk were monitored. The intestine and milk were evaluated for interleukin IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction protocol and the analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress marker. The mean percentages for the total solids, fats, proteins, lactose, salts, pH, and somatic cell count/ml in positive samples were 11.23 ± 0.37, 5.1 ± 0.17, 4.44 ± 0.14, 3.9 ± 0.14, 0.81 ± 0.02, 6.8 ± 0.22, and 4.23 × 10

This study aimed to highlight the low host specificity of

Organophosphate insecticides (OPI) poisoning remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the third world countries. The continuous use of these pesticides tends to leave residues of these pesticides in agricultural crops, which in turn may harm people. The present study aimed to investigate the pathogenic effects of the "ethion" residues and the expected protective role of the ethanolic extract of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) (EER), in adult male rats. Feeding animals with Maize containing ethion residues (4 mg/Kg) caused elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities (P

Encapsulation, specifically microencapsulation is an old technology with increasing applications in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, environmental, food, and cosmetic spaces. In the past two decades, the advancements in the field of nanotechnology opened the door for applying the encapsulation technology at the nanoscale level. Nanoencapsulation is highly utilized in designing effective drug delivery systems (DDSs) due to the fact that delivery of the encapsulated therapeutic/diagnostic agents to various sites in the human body depends on the size of the nanoparticles. Compared to microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation has superior performance which can improve bioavailability, increase drug solubility, delay or control drug release and enhance active/passive targeting of bioactive agents to the sites of action. Encapsulation, either micro- or nanoencapsulation is employed for the conventional pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, biologics, or bioactive drugs from natural sources as well as for diagnostics such as biomarkers. The outcome of any encapsulation process depends on the technique employed and the encapsulating material. This chapter discusses in details (1) various physical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and physicochemical encapsulation techniques, (2) types and classifications of natural polymers (polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids) as safer, biocompatible and biodegradable encapsulating materials, and (3) the recent advances in using lipids for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Polysaccharides and proteins are covered in the second part of this chapter.

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Nuclear Research Centre, Atomic Energy Authority, Inshas- Egypt to investigate the effects of radiating canola seeds with γ-ray at three doses i.e. 100, 200 and 300Gy vs the non-irradiated-control on plant growth-performance and yield-productivity. Nitrogen-fertilization and source of irrigation water were also a matter of concern in this study. All experimental plots received the recommended dose of N-fertilizers in either of the following forms: 100% mineral-N, 100%organic-N or 50%mineral-N+50% organic-N. Also, a drip irrigation-system was constructed to irrigate canola plants with either fresh-water or treated-wastewater. Irradiation, in general, resulted in higher values of canola-dry-weights which were enhanced by increasing gamma-ray dose up to 300Gy. Similarly, NPK-contents within different plant parts of the irradiated-canola increased in an order coincide with the magnitudes of the used irradiation dose i.e. 300> 200>100>0Gy. Moreover, oil-yield was significantly increased with increasing gamma-dose. On the other hand, the enhancement of NPK-uptake was more vigorous in case of combined-fertilization-treatment (50% mineral-N+50% organic-N) than either application of 100%mineral-N or 100%organic-N. This consequently raised significantly root and shoot-dry-weights as well as seed-yield and canola oil-productivity. It seems that irrigation with treated wastewater resulted in higher increases in NPK-uptake as well as canola oil-yield than irrigation with fresh-water. Thus, it can be deduced that the combined-fertilization-treatment and high irradiation dose of gamma-ray had achieved the highest increases in plant-DW and productivity, at the same time these values were higher under irrigation with treated wastewater than those irrigated with fresh-water.

Epoxy/nanoclay composites based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A was cured by isophoronediamine and different weight percents of organically modified montmorillonite (O-MMT) clay (3, 5 and 7 wt%). Epoxy/nanoclay composites were characterized by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The compressive strength of the epoxy/nanoclay composite with a 3 wt% of O-MMT was higher than that of pure epoxy and other composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed no change in the thermal behaviour of the cured epoxy after incorporation of O-MMT.

Gelatin-g-PAN nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through multisteps preparation. First, polyacrylonitrile with chloride end function was prepared using single electron transfer-living radical polymerization technique. The prepared PAN-Cl was characterized using FT-IR, 1H-NMR and viscosity measurements. Second, the prepared PAN-Cl was grafted onto gelatin. The grafted copolymers were characterized using FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy and its solubility was examined in different solvents. The grafted copolymer Gel-g-PAN prepared showed high thermal stability as compared with native gelatin. Third, nanoparticles formation was done using nanoprecipitation technique and the prepared nanoparticles were confirmed using transmission electron microscope. Some applications were made onto the fabricated nanoparticles as encapsulation of hydrophobic model, metal ions adsorptions and dyes uptake. Nanoparticles showed high encapsulation efficiency of hydrophobic model. Nanoparticles based on Gel-g-PAN had high ability to absorb transition metal ions than unmodified gelatin and showed high adsorption of basic dyes than acidic dyes.

Different samples of sodium alginate grafted by polyacrylonitrile copolymer were synthesized via the grafting process through a free radical polymerization mechanism. Graft structures were characterized and confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the graft copolymers acquired higher thermal stability compared to native alginate. Moreover, its solubility in several solvents was examined as compared to that of native alginate. The main outcome of this paper was that a grafted copolymer with hydrophobic enrichment (Wt% = 150 %) of polyacrylonitrile as a core was sufficient to form stabilize colloidal system within nanoparticles have Z-average diameter equal 55 nm and sodium alginate as a shell. The SA-g-PAN graft copolymer showed a higher degree of swellability in the basic medium than in acidic medium. The consequence of that was the SA-g-PAN graft copolymer exhibited pH-responsive properties. Moreover, the formed nanoparticles were loaded by a hydrophobic model and proofed by a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Background: Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure has been increasingly practiced worldwide since the laparoscopic era. However, so far only a few studies have been published regarding the results of this procedure. Aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s (LHR) versus open reversal of Hartmann’s (OHR) procedure regarding to operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, postoperative complications and cost.Methods: This study was conducted on 40 patients with Hartmann’s colostomy admitted to the general surgery department, Tanta university hospitals, during the period from February 2017 to August 2019.Results: Regarding operative time, it was with a mean value 274.75±80.65 min in the LHR group and 156.75±32.81 min in the OHR group. The difference in time to pass flatus was with a mean value 1.78±0.68 days in the LHR group and 2.49±0.78 days in the OHR group. The difference in the hospital stay was with mean value 6.1±2.47 days in the LHR group and 9.3±2.20 days in the OHR group. Regarding post-operative complications; 6 patients (30%) developed post-operative complications while in the OHR group 10 (50%).Conclusions: In this era of minimal-access surgery and with increasing attention to fast-track protocols, we believe the laparoscopic approach should be the standard technique for patients undergoing reversal of Hartmann’s procedure. However, laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure needs a surgical learning curve.

Proper and economical treatments of wastewater are among the important and potential solutions to increase the water budget. Although mineral ores are barriers of potentially toxic metal contaminants; however to what extent, can these ores stand successfully for decontaminating waters polluted with Cs or Sr is the question of the current study. Therefore a trial was carried out on some of these ores i.e. kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite, to investigate their effects as decontaminants for waters polluted with either 50 μg Cs L−1 or 50 μg Sr L−1. Results showed that sorption of Cs and Sr increased with decreasing the ratio of the applied sorbents to the quantities of contaminated waters. Such a finding was more obvious when the rate of the sorbent: water was only 1 g L−1. The highest sorption was attained by montmorillonite followed by kaolinite, then Illite. Thus, montmorillonite was selected to complete the sorption studies at a rate of 1 g L−1. Sorption of both Cs and Sr and consequently their removal efficiencies increased with increasing the pH of the sorbents-contaminated waters suspensions up to 7 beyond which significant reductions occurred. Also, increasing the temperature of the suspension resulted in significant increases in the removal efficiencies of the investigated sorbents. Only 120 min were enough to attain the highest removal efficiency. Moreover, Ca-salts could successfully substitute sorbed Cs and Sr on surfaces of the montmorillonite used previously for decontamination of these elements from waters. Accordingly, this mineral ore can be reused successively for further decontamination processes.

Highlights • Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is one of the most common bariatric procedures done. • The most reported complications of this technique are related to the band around the stomach. • This case report describes a case of acute abdomen caused by the connecting tube of the gastric band. • The tube looped around the root of mesentry and caused incarceration of the small intestine. • This complication, although rare, should be kept in mind due to its serious effects., Introduction Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is one of the most frequently done procedures for morbid obesity. In most reported cases, the band itself is the cause of complications. There are only a few reports of morbidities caused by the connecting tube. This presentation describes a case of acute abdomen due to small bowel herniation between the connecting tube and the abdominal wall. This case report aims to remind clinicians of possible complications caused by the connecting tube of a gastric band. Case presentation We report about a 24-year-old male patient, who presented with acute abdomen. He had undergone gastric banding three years ago. According to his clinical presentation, the patient was diagnosed as having acute appendicitis. Abdominal exploration revealed, total small bowel herniation between the connecting tube and the abdominal wall. Discussion Although a simple procedure, laparoscopic gastric banding could have serious complications. Some of these complications could present years after the application of the gastric band. There are a few reports about complications caused by the connecting tube of the gastric band. Conclusion Complications caused by connecting tube should always be in mind, when assessing acute abdomen in patients with laparoscopic gastric band.

Hypothesis For some years, smart nano-objects are one of the main focuses of current research. In the framework of polymeric nanomedicine, o -nitrobenzyl alcohol derivatives lead to light-responsive polymeric materials. At this day, nanomedicine based on polysaccharide/poly( o -nitrobenzyl acrylate) (PNBA) copolymers have never been reported. Experiments For the first time, PNBA core/dextran shell nanoparticles (NPs) were formulated by evaluating two different processes: (i) nanoprecipitation of preformed Dextran-g-PNBA glycopolymers, (ii) emulsion/evaporation using azido-functionalized PNBA and alkynated dextran, carrying out (or not) an interfacial click chemistry reaction. NPs’ characterization, colloidal stability in the presence of salts and of an anionic competitive surfactant (SDS) and light-induced disruption were assessed. Finally, the potential use of these NPs as photo-responsive drug delivery systems was investigated by a preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity study using Caco-2 cells. Findings Whatever the process, the photosensitive property and the colloidal stability of NPs in the presence of salts were proved. However, triazole rings between the dextran shell and the PNBA core avoid the dextran shell desorption in the presence of SDS. NPs' biocompatibility towards Caco-2 was proved and 100% cell viability was still observed after exposure to NPs following by 60 s UV-irradiation.

Radioactive cesium (Cs) is more likely to be trans-located via rainfall into surrounding environments. Upon Cs-contaminated water reaching soil, Cs is retained on soil components, mainly organic matter and clay fraction. This study aims are i) comparing the relative ability of five arid soils, differing in their textural and chemical properties, to accumulate Cs when subjected to Cs-artificially contaminated rain droplets and ii) testing whether K fertilizer can decrease the uptake of Cs and its translocation within plants or not. A lab experiment was then conducted to simulate artificial rain droplets contaminated with 1000 becquerel (Bq) of 134Cs L−1 precipitated on soil columns each of 10.5 cm inner diameter at a rate of 1.15 mL cm−2 over a period of 2-months. At least 89% of 134Cs accumulated within the uppermost 5-cm layer of these soils. Another greenhouse experiment was set to test the hypothesis which indicates that Cs uptake increases unexpectedly by supplying plants with K-fertilizers. In this experiment, canola (Brassica napus L.) seeds were cultivated into three K-deficient soils (Typic Haplotorrent, Typic Haplocalcid, and Typic Torripsamment) which were contaminated with 100 mg Cs kg−1 soil (stable-Cs was used instead of radioactive-Cs to designate its behavior on the long run). Canola plants were fertilized with 0, 80 and 120 mg K2SO4 kg−1 soil. Results carried on Typic Haplotorrent soil confirmed the aforementioned assumption as K-addition increased Cd-uptake up to 40.1%. Contradictory results were achieved in the other two soils where Cs-uptake decreased by 21.5 and 15.3% in Typic Haplocalcid and Typic Torripsamment soils, respectively due to the application of the aforementioned dose of K. In the K non-amended soils, Cs shoot-root translocation factor was >1; yet, it was

In this work, photo-sensitive core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) based on biocompatible dextran-g-poly(o-nitrobenzyl acrylate) copolymers (Dex-g-PNBA), containing dextran as hydrophilic backbone and PNBA as photosensitive grafts, were formulated using two processes. In the first process (nanoprecipitation), NPs were prepared using preformed Dex-g-PNBA copolymers. Using the second process (emulsion/organic solvent evaporation), “clicked” or “unclicked” NPs were obtained carrying out (or not) an interfacial in situ click chemistry, respectively. Two model molecules, Nile Red (NR) and Doxorubicin (DOX), were encapsulated and their controlled release from NPs was investigated under UV irradiations to demonstrate the high potential of such photosensitive NPs in biomedicine applications as drug delivery nanocarriers. According to such irradiations, improved release was easily observed. Release kinetics depended on the formulation process and the NPs core chemistry, but not on the occurrence of the interfacial in situ click chemistry. More interesting, a stepped release of such model molecules may easily be obtained.

Field and laboratory studies were carried out to evaluate five soybean varieties, Giza21- Giza 22- Giza 35 Gizalll and Crawford, for their relative susceptibility to the two-spotted spider mite Tetranchus urticae as one of the main pests causing a great damage to soybeans. Obtained data cleared that the peak populations of spider mites occurred during mid of July or during the flowering and pod-formation according to each variety. Crawford& Giza 111 were highly susceptible, respectively. They aggregated 9985 & 8542 mites during the season 2006, while Giza 35 &Giza 21 were highly tolerant at the same trend, which harboring 3418 &4140 mites, but Giza 22 was intermediate. Biological aspects of spider mites affected strongly by soybean varieties, as well as leaves phytochemical components, where as the average period from egg hatching to adult rrnergence which ranged from 5.9 to 9.6 days. Histological studies on leases of soybean variety demonstrated that the more thickness of the cuticle epidermis especially that the lower surface could be considered as a physical tolerance factor against mechanism of spider mites, therefore, it could be recommended that adding potassium fertilizer necessary for different crops.