Ashraf Abu-Seida

An adaptive, heuristic, nonlinear mathematical model (AHNM) was proposed to optimize the loading path of successful tube hydroforming process through adaptive minimization of the internal pressure and axial load by using Multiple Ridge Regression (Machine learning technique). The AHNM model was implemented, solved, and optimized, and it was found that increasing the number of steps and starting with small increment enables the mathematical model to capture the non-linearity of the real model, which leads to minimizing the system requirements. In this paper Finite Element Modelling (FEM) was developed to verify and test the validity and reality of the implemented loading oaths from the AHNM model for hydroforming of T-shape tube having an elliptical protrusion. The objective function was measured, and the results of minimum thickness, and maximum protrusion height were verified. Besides, the tube was formed with a well wall thickness distribution. Consequently, it is confirmed that developing an adaptive heuristic nonlinear mathematical modelling is effective for obtaining a Loading Path for Hydroforming of a Tube Having an Elliptical Protrusion.

Understanding lake evaporation and the climate change role in evaporation is paramount for any water resources management system. The prediction of the climate's future changes is a very important step in planning lake future management decisions. This study analyzed Lake Nasser's evaporation in southern Egypt. Meteorological parameters were compiled from Aswan meteorological station near Lake Nasser. Also, CORDEX predicted climatological parameters from 2021 to 2050 were collected. Lake Nasser's evaporation prediction model using artificial neural networks technique was built. Statistics were calculated in the calibration and validation stages to find the most adequate model of the Lake evaporation calculation. The predictions of future evaporation were extracted from the model using predicted climatological data from CORDEX regional climate models. Trend analysis was done to assure the impacts of climate change on the lake. ANN model was developed and implemented successfully on Lake Nasser, which could be used to handle evaporation calculation over Lake Nasser. ANN model with training algorithm with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 neurons with 5 input variables were tested to find the best model evaporation estimation of the lake with the least number of neurons. ANN model with training algorithm with 20 neurons with 5 input variables performed the best for evaporation estimation of the lake. According to predicted climate data, about a 2% increase in lake Nasser evaporation could be predicted in the year 2050. It was noticed that the maximum predicted values of evaporation are in July to August months with a range from 7.04 mm/day to 9.64 mm/day. The peak value, the outlier of maximum evaporation, is about 11.16 mm/day. The minimum predicted values are in December to January months with a range from 3.50 mm/day to 6.81 mm/day. Trend analysis showed that the predicted climatological parameters are slightly higher than historical records.

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Old gold mines in the Barramiya district, Eastern Desert of Egypt, are associated with NE–SW-trending ophiolitic ultramafic belts and their alteration zones (listvenitization). This paper integrates geophysical aeromagnetic and geological studies, including remote sensing technologies, to explore the potential for planning future development of gold mining in Barramiya, Central Eastern Desert (CED), Egypt. Utilizing remote sensing techniques and processed Landsat-8 images is valuable and successful in delineating the distribution of ophiolitic ultramafic belts with their associated alteration zones. Moreover, aeromagnetic data analyses were carried out to reveal the subsurface geologic setting, the extent with depth and the possible association with gold mineralization. The total intensity map was examined numerically for remanent magnetization content using the normalized source strength transformation (NSS) for proper delineation of the mineralization with depth. The reduced-to-pole map was subjected to a variety of digital filters and tomographic inversions. The results reveal the association of three previously productive gold mines with clear low magnetic anomalies and consequently low magnetic susceptibility in the Barramiya mine area and Um Slim. However, numerous new similar anomalies were recognized and need to be explored for possible gold mineralization. The estimated depths to magnetic sources using the 3D Euler technique range between 143 and 1125 m, while 506.7 m was the estimated average depth to sources. Such results suggest other possible locations and deep gold mineralization in the areas corresponding to low magnetic susceptibilities. These results agree well with the constructed geologic map, and the spatial distributions of different rock units were classified according to distinctive mineral assemblies of serpentinites and their spectral characteristics to improve their identifications.

Ledipasvir is a novel antiviral agent used in the treatment of hepatitis C. We aim in our study to increase its delivery to hepatocytes and prolong its retention within liver. Several formulae of ledipasvir loaded liposomes were prepared and the best formula regarding particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency was selected. On the other hand, galactosylated chitosan was synthesized in a chemical reaction. Then the best liposomes formula was coated with the galactosylated chitosan. Having galactose residues on their surface, the coated liposomes can bind to the asialoglycoprotein receptors on the targeted hepatocytes enhancing ledipasvir uptake into them. The galactosylated chitosan coated liposomes had particle size of 218.2 nm ± 7.21, zeta potential of 27.15 mV ± 1.76, polydispersity index of 0.278 ± 0.055 and entrapment efficiency % of 54.63% ± 0.05 respectively. The pharmacokinetic study revealed a significant increase in the liver peak concentration (Cmax) and the area under liver concentration versus time curve AUC(0–72 h) and significant prolongation in the liver terminal half life (t½) and mean residence time (MRT) in comparison to the oral dispersion of ledipasvir with values of 11,400 ng/g, 88,855 ng∗h/g, 32.00 h and 18.11 h respectively.

Objectives:Gender differences in substance dependence across many domains including emotional dysregulation and deliberate self-harm (DSH) has not been studied widely. Tramadol dependence is the most one lacking empirical research and evidence regarding these differences; therefore, our aim is to detect gender differences in patients with tramadol dependence as regards emotional dysregulation and DSH.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 30 male and 30 female patients with tramadol dependence [diagnosis was made by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I)]. Assessment of emotional dysregulation and DSH was done by the Difficulties in Emotion Dysregulation Scale, the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory—Short Version.

Results:

Female patients are higher in emotional dysregulation and induce DSH more evidently than male patients with tramadol dependence. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between overall emotional dysregulation and overall DSH in both groups.

Conclusion:

The results will be useful in clinical practice for the management of patients with tramadol dependence.

Bovine and buffalo are important livestock species that have contributed to human lives for more than 1000 years. Improving fertility is very important to reduce the cost of production. In the current review, we classified reproductive traits into three categories: ovulation, breeding, and calving related traits. We systematically summarized the heritability estimates, molecular markers, and genomic selection (GS) for reproductive traits of bovine and buffalo. This review aimed to compile the heritability and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) related to reproductive traits in both bovine and buffalos and tried to highlight the possible disciplines which should benefit buffalo breeding. The estimates of heritability of reproductive traits ranged were from 0 to 0.57 and there were wide differences between the populations. For some specific traits, such as age of puberty (AOP) and calving difficulty (CD), the majority beef population presents relatively higher heritability than dairy cattle. Compared to bovine, genetic studies for buffalo reproductive traits are limited for age at first calving and calving interval traits. Several quantitative trait loci (QTLs), candidate genes, and SNPs associated with bovine reproductive traits were screened and identified by candidate gene methods and/or GWASs. The IGF1 and LEP pathways in addition to non-coding RNAs are highlighted due to their crucial relevance with reproductive traits. The distribution of QTLs related to various traits showed a great differences. Few GWAS have been performed so far on buffalo age at first calving, calving interval, and days open traits. In addition, we summarized the GS studies on bovine and buffalo reproductive traits and compared the accuracy between different reports. Taken together, GWAS and candidate gene approaches can help to understand the molecular genetic mechanisms of complex traits. Recently, GS has been used extensively and can be performed on multiple traits to improve the accuracy of prediction even for traits with low heritability, and can be combined with multi-omics for further analysis.

Breeding is a powerful science and remains a core component of most agriculture production. Although traditional selection has proven to be a successful approach for improving animal and plant production in the last decades, several studies have reported a worrying shortage between the current rates of production and expected global future demands for food. These challenges, coupled with a constant loss of suitable land for agricultural production, needs to implement new breeding strategies to significantly increase the genetic gain and meet the future requirements. Recent advances in genotyping capacity with affordable costs have allowed selection based on genomic information. These technologies would reshape the breeding programs, accelerate the genetic gain and maximize the productivity per unit. Although this concept was suggested many decades ago, the applications of marker-assisted selection were limited due to the low number of genotyped markers and low number of identified QTL. In contrast, genomic selection (GS) utilizes the dense genetic markers across the whole genome to predict the effect of all QTL that are assumed to be in linkage disequilibrium with at least one genetic marker. Nowadays, GS is widely implemented in several species for breeding purposes and attracted attention for human disease risk predictions. It has been proven for many traits to double the rate of the genetic gain and reduce the generation interval, which would efficiently contribute to more food security. Here, we introduce the general concept of GS, and briefly describe the GS models along with the recent progress in some farm animal species.

Medicinal plants (MPs) account for 70–80% of use in primary care around the world, and this percentage indicates that the number of MP users is high; thus, it is necessary to focus studies on medicinal herbs to ensure their proper use. In addition, MPs have strong genotoxic effects, as some types of MPs can cause DNA damage. Any substance that raises the risk of cancer or a tumor in an organism is called a carcinogen. There are many genotoxic and carcinogenic substances in the environment that can directly or indirectly affect genetic material. There are also nanoparticles (NPs) derived from MPs. Carbon-based NPs contain many nanoscale materials, such as fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, as well as metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), and aluminum (Al). Unfortunately, few studies are concerned with the carcinogenicity of NPs from MPs, whereas many researchers are interested in genotoxic assessment. For this reason, there is an urgent need for more studies into the safety of MPs and NPs. Therefore, this study reviewed the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of MPs and their derived NPs. We also emphasized the need for strict regulation and monitoring of MP usage.

ABSTRACTNontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) compose a group of mycobacteria that do not belong to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex group. They are frequently isolated from environmental samples such as water, soil, and, to a lesser extent, food samples. Isolates of NTM represent a major health threat to humans worldwide, especially those who have asthma or are immunocompromised. Human disease is acquired from environmental exposures and through consumption of NTM-contaminated food. The most common clinical manifestation of NTM disease in human is lung disease, but lymphatic, skin and soft tissue, and disseminated disease are also important. The main objective of the current study was to profile the farm-level contamination of cow milk with NTM by examining milk filters and bulk tank milk samples. Five different NTM species were isolated in one dairy herd in Wisconsin, with confirmed 16S rRNA genotypes including Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium avium ssp. hominissuis, Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium simiae, and Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Mycobacterium paratuberculosis). In tank milk samples, M. fortuitum was the predominant species in 48% of the samples, whereas M. chelonae/abscessus and M. fortuitum were the only 2 species obtained from 77 and 23% of the examined filters, respectively. Surprisingly, M. avium ssp. hominissuis, M. paratuberculosis, and M. simiae were isolated from 16.7, 10.4, and 4% of the examined milk samples, respectively, but not from milk filters. Interestingly, NTM isolates from human clinical cases in Wisconsin clustered very closely with those from milk samples. These findings suggest that the problem of NTM contamination is underestimated in dairy herds and could contribute to human infections with NTM. Overall, the study validates the use of bulk tank samples rather than milk filters to assess contamination of milk with NTM. Nontuberculous mycobacteria represent one type of pathogens that extensively contaminate raw milk at the farm level. The significance of our research is in evaluating the existence of NTM at the farm level and identifying a simple approach to examine the potential milk contamination with NTM members using tank milk or milk filters from dairy operations. In addition, we attempted to examine the potential link between NTM isolates found in the farm to those circulating in humans in Wisconsin.

The genotypic characterization of some bacterial pathogens that were incriminated in disease outbreaks among Haffara seabream “Rhabdosargus haffara” and marbled spine foot “Siganus rivulatus” was investigated in full through the current study. A total of 250 fish samples (125 of each species) were collected along the Red Sea coasts of Hurghada City, Egypt. Fish samples were inspected for clinical signs, post-mortem changes, and bacteriological examination. The investigated fishes displayed septicemic signs and external skin lesions characteristic of streptococcosis and tenacibaculosis. Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Flavobacterium spp. were isolated from moribund fishes using selective media. These isolates were phenotypically and genetically identified and characterized. The identities of bacterial isolates were confirmed as Enterococcus fecalis, Streptococcus iniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Tenacibaculum maritimum based on sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Enterococcus fecalis was the most common pathogen isolated from S. rivulatus and R. haffara and accounted for 46.8% and 47.8% of the total isolates, respectively. Accordingly, the present study proved that Enterocoocus spp., Streptococcus spp., and T. maritimum are important pathogenic bacteria incriminated in wild fish outbreaks in the Red Sea in Egypt. These findings proved the importance of regular and permanent bacteriological examination of wild fish to overcome fish mortalities, which lead to economic losses. Finally, sequencing and phylogenetic relationship techniques proved their usefulness as an ideal assay to develop a reliable, accurate, and rapid detection method for bacterial pathogens in the aquatic environment.

The genotypic characterization of some bacterial pathogens that were incriminated in disease outbreaks among Haffara seabream “Rhabdosargus haffara” and marbled spine foot “Siganus rivulatus” was investigated in full through the current study. A total of 250 fish samples (125 of each species) were collected along the Red Sea coasts of Hurghada City, Egypt. Fish samples were inspected for clinical signs, post-mortem changes, and bacteriological examination. The investigated fishes displayed septicemic signs and external skin lesions characteristic of streptococcosis and tenacibaculosis. Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Flavobacterium spp. were isolated from moribund fishes using selective media. These isolates were phenotypically and genetically identified and characterized. The identities of bacterial isolates were confirmed as Enterococcus fecalis, Streptococcus iniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Tenacibaculum maritimum based on sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Enterococcus fecalis was the most common pathogen isolated from S. rivulatus and R. haffara and accounted for 46.8% and 47.8% of the total isolates, respectively. Accordingly, the present study proved that Enterocoocus spp., Streptococcus spp., and T. maritimum are important pathogenic bacteria incriminated in wild fish outbreaks in the Red Sea in Egypt. These findings proved the importance of regular and permanent bacteriological examination of wild fish to overcome fish mortalities, which lead to economic losses. Finally, sequencing and phylogenetic relationship techniques proved their usefulness as an ideal assay to develop a reliable, accurate, and rapid detection method for bacterial pathogens in the aquatic environment.

Geophysical and geological studies play a fundamental role in the strategic and sustainable utilization of natural resources, especially that of fossil groundwater, in arid regions. The geophysical exploration of shallow groundwater aquifers is common in arid regions. In this work, a feasibility study of future development plans in the Siwa Oasis, Egypt, was carried out. A land electric resistivity survey was conducted, and approximately 14 vertical electric soundings were measured covering the Siwa Oasis, northwestern desert, Egypt. A detailed surface geology study was also conducted to study the underground water aquifer. Digital filters were applied to the reduced to pole-available magnetic data covering the area. The normalized source strength transformation and tilt depth were calculated and applied to delineate the possible structures that may control the shallow and deep aquifers in the area. The integrated interpretation showed the presence of four main geoelectric layers forming the shallow section of the Siwa Oasis down to 220 m. These layers varied in their resistivity and rock constituents from very low (0.2 Ω m) to very high (6200 Ω m) values. The calculated hydraulic parameters showed that the uppermost central area and the eastern area were the most promising areas for the required water development. Finally, based on the integrated interpretation and the estimated shallow aquifer potentiality, a land use map for the Siwa Oasis was produced to assist future strategic development of the region.

Microorganism-assisted phytoremediation is being developed as an efficient green approach for management of toxic metals contaminated soils and mitigating the potential human health risk. The capability of plant growth promoting Actinobacteria (Streptomyces pactum Act12 - ACT) and Firmicutes (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis - BC) in mono- and co-applications (consortium) to improve soil properties and enhance phytoextraction of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn by Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. was studied here for the first time in both incubation and pot experiments. The predominant microbial taxa were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which are important lineages for maintaining soil ecological activities. The consortium improved the levels of alkaline phosphatase, β-D glucosidase, dehydrogenase, sucrase and urease (up to 33%) as compared to the control. The bacterial inoculum also triggered increases in plant fresh weight, pigments and antioxidants. The consortium application enhanced significantly the metals bioavailability (DTPA extractable) and mobilization (acid soluble fraction), relative to those in the unamended soil; therefore, significantly improved the metals uptake by roots and shoots.The phytoextraction indices indicated that B. juncea is an efficient accumulator of Cd and Zn. Overall, co-application of ACT and BC can be an effective solution for enhancing phytoremediation potential and thus reducing the potential human health risk from smelter-contaminated soil. Field studies may further credit the understanding of consortium interactions with soil and different plant systems in remediating multi-metal contaminated environments.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the antibacterial efficacy of Gum Arabic-based silver nanoparticles against certain fish bacterial pathogens. Silver nanoparticles were green-synthesized using Gum Arabic (AgNPs-GA), which served as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The AgNPs-GA were analysed using a UV spectrophotometer set at a wavelength of 450 nm. Transmission electron micrograph analysis showed that nearly all AgNPs-GA were sphere-shaped and 10.0 nm in diameter. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed a narrow size distribution curve, whose highest peak was at 26.2 nm. The particles were negatively charged (?17.1 ± 4.9 mV). Silver concentration measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and found to be 104 µg/ml. The in vitro antibacterial activity of AgNPs-GA was tested against Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gum Arabic-silver nanoparticles exhibited clear inhibition zones of 22 and 20 mm against A. hydrophila and P. aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.625 µg/ml and 3.25 µg/ml for AgNPs-GA respectively. The antibiofilm activity indicated that AgNPs-GA significantly inhibit A. hydrophila and P. aeruginosa biofilm formation at AgNPs-GA concentrations of 1.625 µg/ml. There was no significant difference at a AgNPs-GA concentration of 0.8215 µg/ml between the control-positive groups and the AgNPs-GA treatment groups in both bacterial strains. In summary, green-synthesized sliver nanoparticles display efficient antibacterial properties, which suggests that they would be suitable for use in a commercialized antibacterial product for the aquaculture industry.

Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection reported in many cancer survivors, diabetic and immune-suppressed patients during organ transplants. A vast spark in the reported COVID-19 cases is noticed in India during the second wave in May 2021, when Mucormycosis is declared an epidemic. Despite being a rare disease, the mortality rate associated with Mucormycosis is more than 40%. Spore coat proteins (CotH) are essential proteins in many pathogenic bacteria and fungi. CotH3 was reported as the vital protein required for fungal virulence in Mucormycosis. We previously reported the involvement of the host cell-surface receptor GRP78 in SARS-CoV-2 spike recognition. Additionally, GRP78 is known to be the virulence factor during Mucormycosis. Using state-of-the-art structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling tools, we predicted the GRP78 binding site to the Rhizopus delemar CotH3 protein. Our findings pave the way toward rationally designing small molecule inhibitors targeting the GRP78 and its counter proteins in both pathogenic viral (SARS-CoV-2 spike) and fungal (R. delemar CotH3) diseases. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd

Endophytic bacteria are useful for their safe services in plant growth improvement and for ameliorating abiotic and biotic stresses. Salt-tolerant plant-growth-promoting Kocuria rhizophila 14asp (accession number KF 875448) was investigated for its role in pea plants under a saline environment. Salt stress (75 mM and 150 mM NaCl) was subjected to two pea varieties, peas2009 and 9800-10, in a greenhouse under a complete randomized design. Different parameters such as plant growth promotion, relative water content, chlorophyll, antioxidants, and mineral contents were analyzed to elucidate the extent of tolerance persuaded by PGPB (plant-growth-promoting bacteria). Exhibition of adverse effects was noticed in uninoculated varieties. However, inoculation of K. rhizophila improved the morphological parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and minimized the uptake of Na+ in plants under various saline regimes. Pea variety 9800-10 exhibited more tolerance than peas2009 in all traits, such as root and shoot length, fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant enzymes. Our results showed that halotolerant K. rhizophila inoculation plays a vital role in enhancing plant growth by interacting ingeniously with plants through antioxidant systems, enduring saline conditions.