Evaluation of two scoring systems assessing the epiphyseal union at shoulder joint as predictors of chronological age among a sample of Egyptians.

Age estimation has extensive medicolegal implications in civil and criminal identification. Despite the surge in adopting radiological investigations to assess developmental bony changes, the shoulder joint is understudied. A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 283 shoulder radiographs of Egyptians, investigating the reliability of two previously established scores as predictors of chronological age using the epiphyseal maturation of proximal humerus and acromion process. Epiphyseal union of proximal humerus commenced at age of 16.1-17 and completed around 21, while complete acromial union was observed around the age of 20.8. Females significantly preceded males and showed lower mean total Scores A and B at different maturation stages. There was a significant strong positive correlation between the chronological age and the epiphyseal maturation of humerus, acromion and total shoulder scores with correlation coefficients between 0.84 and 0.9. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed significant discriminating power of the total shoulder Scores A and B as predictors of the ages of 14 and 16, with area under curves above 0.9, minimal accuracy of 96.5 % and p values of 0.001. Six proposed models were established where the model "age = 0.318 + (0.388) total shoulder Score A + (2.842) total shoulder Score B + 1.931 (sex)" showed the best significant prediction power of radiographic evaluation of epiphyseal maturation in the proximal humerus and acromion in estimating the ages between 8 and around 20 years (R2 of 0.812). Applying this model to assess the chronological age, especially if the results from the hand and teeth are inconclusive, is promising.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Enterococci Isolated from Nestlings of Wild Birds Feeding in Supplementary Feeding Stations: The Case of the Canarian Egyptian Vulture.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern worldwide, requiring a holistic "One Health" strategy to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This study focused on Enterococci isolated from Canary Island Egyptian vulture chicks, an endangered species that feeds at supplementary feeding stations in the Canary Islands. Sampling and identification revealed the presence of several Enterococcus species, with a predominance of E. faecalis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed resistance patterns, especially to important antibiotics such as quinolones, vancomycin, and linezolid. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant profiles was lower than that in other wild bird species. This study underscores the need for further research to understand the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in wildlife and its implications for public health and conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of a "One Health" approach to address this pressing problem.

Identification, Safety Assessment, and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Cocci Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Traditional Egyptian Dairy Products.

The main objective of this study is to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from various Egyptian dairy products, examine their antibacterial and hemolysis potential, and ensure their safety when used as starter cultures in different dairy industries. Egyptian dairy products are often made without the use of commercial starter cultures, using raw milk and artisanal methods. The most popular traditional dairy products are Laban Rayeb and Zabady, as well as the cheese varieties of Ras, Domiati, and Karish. The microbial communities used for fermentation and the diversity of lactic acid bacteria are the most important factors that can affect the quality of these products. In order to investigate the diversity of cocci lactic acid bacteria in Egyptian dairy products, 70 samples of raw or fermented milk and cheeses were collected from traditional cheese-making factories, local markets, and farmhouses located in the Delta area of Egypt. Following this, the LAB were isolated from the samples. One hundred fifty-seven isolates of Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and cocci bacterial species were identified via rep-PCR, and some isolates were confirmed using pheS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, as follows: Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (three isolates), Enterococcus hirae (three isolates), Enterococcus faecium (ninety-six isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (forty isolates), Enterococcus durans (six isolates), Lactococcus garvieae (one isolate), Pediococcus acidilactici (seven isolates), and Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis (one isolate). These findings validate that five strains have strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, and one hundred thirty-four strains were safe for hemolysis. The five strains were selected as protective cultures, including Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, E. faecalis, and E. faecium.

Cost-effectiveness of Procalcitonin (PCT) guidance for antibiotics management of adult sepsis patients in the Egyptian context.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis, which is described as a life-threatening organ malfunction brought on by an unbalanced host response to infection, continues to be a significant healthcare issue that affects millions of individuals each year. It is well-known that sepsis can affect anyone around the world, but the employed survey results showed that there are significant regional variations in sepsis incidence as well as mortality rates. Although there are no definite estimates for Egypt, the highest rates were in Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Procalcitonin (PCT) is a host response marker with high specificity for bacterial infections, unlike C-reactive protein (CRP) or white blood cell count (WBC), which represent the traditional methods of detecting inflammation and infection. Its dynamic profile and superior prognostic prediction make it invaluable for assessing response to antibiotic treatment and improving clinical care for sepsis patients. Our main purpose was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of PCT guidance compared to no PCT guidance in the antibiotic management of adult sepsis patients according to the Egyptian context. METHODS: We developed a decision tree model to compare the PCT-guided antibiotic management duration endpoint versus the conventional laboratory culture-based antibiotic management in adult sepsis patients. We employed the"Delphi technique" to reach a satisfactory consensus regarding the resources attributed to each compared alternative. The primary measure of the study was the additional cost associated with each Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained by sepsis survivors over a one-year time horizon. Base-case, deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted using TreeAge, Software. RESULTS: Base-case analysis showed no dominance for either alternative and resulted in an Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) value of 297,783.57 Egyptian Pounds per Quality Adjusted Life Year (L.E/QALY) in favor of the PCT guidance alternative, Deterministic sensitivity analysis revealed that the highest impact magnitudes on ICER reside with seven input parameters, the top two parameters that had the most significant influence were the costs of ICU stay with and without PCT guidance. The CEAC showed a slightly higher probability in terms of acceptability in favor of the no PCT guidance choice along the WTP scale till reaching equal probabilities at the willingness-to-pay (WTP) value point of 390,000 (state currency) after which the - probability supports the PCT guidance choice. CONCLUSIONS: In the Egyptian context, PCT guidance has no cost-effectiveness domination over no PCT guidance in Antibiotics management for adult sepsis patients. This may be attributed to the high cost of PCT investigation that shall be resolved by standardization of its cost when applying the approach of DRG cost packages.

Identification of the effects of hypoxia on the liver tissues of Nile tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia stress resulted in mortality during the fish aquaculture program, affecting the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. The Egyptian strain of O. niloticus showed a strong ability to hypoxia. In this study, a Nile tilapia strain that was kept and selected for 45 years by the author's team was used to elucidate the mechanism of the hypoxia response in the liver, including the identification of metabolic pathways and genes, involved in the hypoxia response of this strain. RESULTS: The effects of hypoxia stress were detected at 0-hour, 6-hour, and 72-hour time points (0 h, 6 h, 72 h) on tilapia liver at 1 mg/L dissolved oxygen conditions. The blood triglyceride, blood glucose and cholesterol values exhibited significantly different change trends, but the hemoglobin content showed no significant differences between 0 h, 6 h and 72 h (P > 0.05). The activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the liver tissue gradually increased at 0 h, 6 h and 72 h (P < 0.05). Histological analyses revealed structural changes in intracellular lipid droplets, nuclear migration and dissolution, and cell vacuolization in liver tissues. Six pathways were identified as the main enriched metabolic pathways according to the transcriptome profiling analysis, which were protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, steroid biosynthesis, peroxisome, PPAR signaling pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and Insulin signaling pathway. The expressions of the important differentially expressed genes were verified by qPCR analysis, including erola, LOC100692144, sqle, cratb, pipox, cpt1a2b, hik and acss2l, ehhadh, prkcz, fasn and plaa, which showed the same expressions trends as those of RNA-Seq. CONCLUSIONS: The Nile tilapia strain improves the abilities of hypoxia response through energy metabolism. Antioxidant enzyme measurements in the liver indicate that these five antioxidant enzymes play important roles in protecting the body from hypoxic damage. The histological changes in liver cells indicate that the damage caused by hypoxia stress. The immune-related metabolic pathways and energy metabolism-related pathways were obtained by transcriptome profiling, and these metabolic pathways and the differentially expressed genes selected from these metabolic pathways may be involved in the mechanism of hypoxia tolerance in this strain. These findings provide a better understanding of the hypoxia response mechanism of fish, and represent a useful resource for the genetic breeding of O. niloticus.

Effect of a Nurses' Training Program on Early Detection of Egyptian Children With Developmental Disabilities in Assiut Governorate.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a designed training program for nurses toward early detection of developmental disabilities among children aged 0-3 years. A group of 21 licensed nurses with professional experience ranging from 5-11 years participated in the study. The participants completed the measurements to evaluate their current knowledge, practice, and perception pre- and post-training program, as well as during a follow-up, in relation to early detection of disabilities. The results showed highly statistically significant difference between the studied nurses' total knowledge, perception, and practice in pre- and post-program application (p = 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the post-program and follow-up application (p = 0.180).

Early life movements and mortality of Egyptian vultures: Implications for transcontinental conservation.

Understanding the movements and mortality of individuals across different life stages is crucial for the effective conservation of wild populations. We used data from 32 Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) tagged with GPS transmitters as nestlings in three Iberian breeding areas to study their dependence period, migration routes, movements in Africa, and mortality at each stage. Our results show no significant differences in the timing of nest departure or the duration of the dependence period between individuals of different sexes or breeding nuclei. Most juveniles migrated to sub-Saharan Africa in their first year, but some (3 of 32, 9.4%) remained in the Iberian Peninsula. Individuals that migrated to Africa did so annually, while those remaining in Iberia never migrated to the Sahel, indicating distinct migratory and non-migratory strategies. Non-migratory individuals consistently moved northward during the breeding season to their natal territories. Siblings did not coordinate their migration strategy or timing. All juveniles showed extensive overlap in the vast areas used in Africa, where females arrived before males, and in the Iberian Peninsula. Our study also revealed that no juveniles died immediately after fledging, but that none of the tagged individuals lived more than 7 years or were recruited as breeders. Although most casualties occurred during the longer stay in the Sahel, the mortality rate was highest during the few days of the first migration. Our results show that despite small variations in movement patterns between breeding nuclei and sexes, Egyptian vultures face similar challenges during the years before recruitment as breeders, mostly determined by their migratory strategy. These findings are relevant for designing conservation strategies, both in breeding areas and, more importantly, in wintering areas and along migration pathways. Such strategies will significantly impact the entire Iberian population of this endangered species.

Evaluation of diets from various maize hybrids reveals potential tolerance traits against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) as measured by developmental and digestive performance.

Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly polyphagous insect that significantly reduces agricultural production of several food staples. We evaluated performance of S. littoralis on several meridic diets based on various maize hybrids, including Oteel, Simon, Valbum, SC703, and SC704. Growth, feeding behaviours, and activity of digestive enzymes of S. littoralis were examined under laboratory conditions. In addition, selected biochemical characteristics of maize hybrid seeds were evaluated, including starch, protein, anthocyanin, as well as phenolic and flavonoid contents, to examine relationships between plant properties and digestive performance of S. littoralis. Performance of S. littoralis on maize hybrids, as measured by nutritional indices, was related to both proteolytic and amylolytic activities quantified using gut extracts. Larval S. littoralis reared on SC703 exhibited the highest efficiency of conversion of digested food, while the lowest was recorded in those fed on the Oteel hybrid. S. littoralis reared on SC703 and Oteel also exhibited the highest and lowest relative growth rates, respectively. The highest levels of proteolytic activity in S. littoralis were measured from larvae reared on the SC703 hybrid, while the lowest levels occurred on the Oteel and Valbum hybrids. Amylolytic activity was lowest in larvae reared on SC703 and Valbum hybrids and highest in larvae reared on the Oteel hybrid. Our results suggest that the SC703 hybrid was the most suitable host for S. littoralis, while the Oteel hybrid demonstrated the greatest level of tolerance against S. littoralis of those evaluated. We discuss the potential utility of maize hybrids exhibiting tolerance traits against this cosmopolitan pest with reference to cultivation of tolerant varieties and identification of specific tolerance traits.

Predictors of climate change literacy in the era of global boiling: a cross-sectional survey of Egyptian nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Climate changes have led to health and environmental risks, so it has become essential to measure climate change literacy among the entire population, especially nursing students. The significant role of nursing students in raising public awareness and future healthcare roles emphasizes assessing the predictors of climate change literacy among nursing students. AIMS: This study seeks to identify the predictors of climate change literacy among nursing students in A Multi-Site Survey. DESIGN: A multi-site descriptive cross-sectional study adheres to the guidelines outlined in A Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting Survey Studies collected for five months, from the 1st of July 2023 to November 2023. The study participants comprise 10,084 nursing students from all 27 governments in Egypt. The researcher used the Predictors of Nursing Students' Climate Change Literacy scale in this study. Data was collected, with 25 min average time to complete. Backward multiple linear regression was used to identify these predictors. RESULTS: In the current study, nursing students demonstrated a moderate understanding of climate science (mean score 14.38), communication and advocacy skills (mean score 14.41), and knowledge of adaptation and mitigation strategies (mean score 13.33). Climate health impacts (mean score 17.72) emerged as the domain with the highest level of knowledge. No significant differences in climate literacy were observed across diverse student backgrounds (all p-values were > 0.05). Perceived faculty knowledge of climate change positively correlated with all four domains of climate literacy and emerged as a significant predictor in multiple linear regression analyses (all p-values were < 0.001). IMPLICATION: While our findings highlight significant predictors of climate literacy, it is essential to recognize that these results identify associations rather than causal relationships. Based on these associations, it is recommended that nursing professionals be equipped with comprehensive knowledge of climate adaptation strategies to better advocate for and implement effective public health measures.

Gross and scanning electron microscopic features of the oral cavity (palate, tongue, and sublingual floor) of the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auratus aegyptius).

The study was focused on the anatomical characteristics of the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog's oral cavity by using gross and scanning electron microscopic examinations. The upper lip had an elongated T-shaped snout-like structure. The hard palate had a triangular rostral part (which had a semicircular area and a caudal ridged area with the first 3 or 4 ridges) and a caudal part (which contained seven or eight slightly oblique ridges with raphae). The diamond-incisive papilla is flanked on both sides by a groove and a fissure. The hard palate surface had glandular openings and a microplicae system. The uneven, soft palate's surface had multiple grooves and folds with 12-16 Gemmal papillae. The Gemmal papillary surface had three to four taste pores with microplicae and glandular openings. The dorsal lingual surface had six filiform subtypes: pointed (on the tip, rostral border, and median apical region), triangular (on the lateral apical and circumvallate regions), bifurcated (on the median tip only), leaf-like (on the median body region), branched (on the lateral root region), and small pointed papillae (on the median root). There were two fungiform subtypes: ovals (on the rostral border and lateral region) and rounds (on the median apical region and body). The caudal root part had a triangular arrangement of three circumvallate papillae. In conclusion, the finding confirmed its oral cavity adaptation with its insectivorous feeding habits and Egyptian environment.

Taxonomic Revision of Genus Ephedra Tourn. ex L. in Egypt with Intra-Gender Diversity in Morphometric Traits and Fatty Acid Composition.

The genus Ephedra Tourn. ex L. (Ephedraceae) still exhibits taxonomic complexity that has not yet been resolved. This study aimed to determine the taxonomic identity of the Ephedra species in Egypt and identify the fatty acid profile and its diversity at the gender level as a taxonomic tool for specimens lacking reproductive cones. The current study provides a pioneering approach that distinguishes Ephedra species at the gender level. A total of 120 fresh individuals were collected from 20 locations representing different habitats where Ephedra plants grow in Egypt. In addition, herbarium specimens were deposited in Egyptian herbaria. The studied morphological traits included 30 vegetative characteristics and 72 traits of the reproductive organs of both genders. The fatty acid content was measured using gas-mass chromatography (GC-Mass). The taxonomic revision revealed that the Genus Ephedra was represented in the Egyptian flora by five species, Ephedra alata in section Alatae and E. aphylla, E. ciliata, E. foemina, and E. pachyclada in section Ephedra. South Sinai hosts these five species and represents the center of diversity for this genus in Egypt. The vegetative characteristics were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), which revealed a distinct separation of the five studied species. Similarly, the cone traits treated by hierarchical clustering revealed intra-gender variations. The taxonomic key was developed based on the morphological traits to distinguish the studied species at the gender level. In total, 51 fatty acids were identified from the studied species and grouped as 18 saturated, 16 monounsaturated, and 17 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the absence of reproductive cones, the lipid content and fatty acid composition of the vegetative parts displayed significant interspecific and intra-gender variations. Therefore, fatty acids can be used to efficiently identify the studied species when they lack reproductive cones. This study proved the efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach to identify Ephedra species at the gender level and recommends this trend for future studies of this genus.

Attempted Transmission of Marburg Virus by Bat-Associated Fleas Thaumapsylla breviceps breviceps (Ischnopsyllidae: Thaumapsyllinae) to the Egyptian Rousette Bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs) are implicated as reservoir hosts for Marburg virus (MARV), but natural mechanisms involved in maintenance of MARV in ERB populations remain undefined. A number of hematophagous ectoparasites, including fleas, parasitize bats. Subcutaneous (SC) inoculation of ERBs with MARV consistently results in viremia, suggesting that infectious MARV could be ingested by blood-sucking ectoparasites during feeding. In our study, MARV RNA was detected in fleas that took a blood meal during feeding on viremic bats on days 3, 7, and 11 after SC inoculation. Virus concentration in individual ectoparasites was consistent with detectable levels of viremia in the blood of infected host bats. There was neither seroconversion nor viremia in control bats kept in close contact with MARV-infected bats infested with fleas for up to 40 days post-exposure. In fleas inoculated intracoelomically, MARV was detected up to 14 days after intracoelomic (IC) inoculation, but the virus concentration was lower than that delivered in the inoculum. All bats that had been infested with inoculated, viremic fleas remained virologically and serologically negative up to 38 days after infestation. Of 493 fleas collected from a wild ERB colony in Matlapitsi Cave, South Africa, where the enzootic transmission of MARV occurs, all tested negative for MARV RNA. While our findings seem to demonstrate that bat fleas lack vectorial capacity to transmit MARV biologically, their role in mechanical transmission should not be discounted. Regular blood-feeds, intra- and interhost mobility, direct feeding on blood vessels resulting in venous damage, and roosting behaviour of ERBs provide a potential physical bridge for MARV dissemination in densely populated cave-dwelling bats by fleas. The virus transfer might take place through inoculation of skin, mucosal membranes, and wounds when contaminated fleas are squashed during auto- and allogrooming, eating, biting, or fighting.

Morphology of the Sella Turcica in Individuals With Different Skeletal Malocclusions in Upper Egypt Assessed Using Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morphology of sella turcica (ST) in individuals with different skeletal malocclusions in upper Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 300 lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult patients of both sexes, varying ages from 18 to 30 years, were selected and divided into three equal groups, group (1): skeletal class I (control group), group (2): skeletal class II, and group (3): skeletal class III. Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms were taken from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University. The tuberculum and dorsum sella, the floor of ST, and posterior and anterior clinoid processes (ACPs) were drawn. The direct measurements such as diameter (APD), depth (D), and length(L) of sella were measured using Silverman and Kisling methods. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in depth (D) between class I and class II, with class II having a greater depth. Also, the largest diameter (APD) was found in the class III group. A significant difference was found in diameter (APD) between the two age groups (from 18 to 24 years and from 25 to 30 years) Conclusion: The larger diameter values were seen in the skeletal class III subjects, while the larger depth values were observed in the class II subjects. The older age group (25-30 years) has a greater diameter than the younger one. Highly significant differences were found in length and depth between the sexes.

The Influence of Lactobacillus spp. Secondary Metabolites Isolated from Immature Egyptian Honey on Human Pathogens, Transcription of Virulence Genes and Lung Cancer.

This work aimed to isolate, and identify Lactic Acid Bacteria LAB from Egyptian immature citrus honey, and characterize their secondary metabolites, as well as determine the antibacterial activities and transcription of virulence genes (stx1, stx2, and eae) influenced by these bacterial secondary metabolites. From twenty hives, twenty immature citrus bee honey samples were taken. Traditional cultural and biochemical testing were used, followed by molecular confirmation. Further, LAB isolates' antibacterial and cytotoxic properties were investigated. 16S rRNA gene sequencing were assessed and, two lactic acid bacterial isolates were identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus Ch2 and Levilactobacillus brevis Ch1. Both isolates have good antagonistic action against clinical pathogens, with Levilactobacillus brevis Ch1 exhibiting the best antibacterial activity against all indicator pathogens examined. When compared to untreated cancer cells, the isolates demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity. Ch1 and Ch2 cell viability percentages were 39.5% and 18.76%, respectively. Furthermore, when exposed to Levilactobacillus brevis Ch1 metabolites, Shiga-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) virulence gene expression was suppressed. To identify bacterial secondary metabolites, a high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF) approach was developed. Twenty-seven metabolites from diverse chemical classes were discovered in the crude extracts with antibacterial and anticancer characteristics. This is the first thorough investigation on the metabolic profile of LAB isolated from immature Egyptian honey and the findings suggested that isolates or their secondary metabolites could be used in the food sector as medicinal alternatives or as a biocontrol agent.

Risk of invasive waterfowl interaction with poultry production: Understanding potential for avian pathogen transmission via species distribution models.

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have devastated poultry production across the United States, with more than 77 million birds culled in 2022-2024 alone. Wild waterfowl, including various invasive species, host numerous pathogens, including highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), and have been implicated as catalysts of disease outbreaks among native fauna and domestic birds. In major poultry-producing states like Arkansas, USA, where the poultry sector is responsible for significant economic activity (>$4 billion USD in 2022), understanding the risk of invasive waterfowl interactions with domestic poultry is critical. Here, we assessed the risk of invasive waterfowl-poultry interaction in Arkansas by comparing the density of poultry production sites (chicken houses) to areas of high habitat suitability for two invasive waterfowl species, (Egyptian Goose [Alopochen aegyptiaca] and Mute Swan [Cygnus olor]), known to host significant pathogens, including avian influenza viruses. The percentage of urban land cover was the most important habitat characteristic for both invasive waterfowl species. At the 95% confidence interval, chicken house densities in areas highly suitable for both species (Egyptian Goose = 0.91 ± 0.11 chicken houses/km2; Mute Swan = 0.61 ± 0.03 chicken houses/km2) were three to five times higher than chicken house densities across the state (0.17 ± 0.01 chicken houses/km2). We show that northwestern and western Arkansas, both areas of high importance for poultry production, are also at high risk of invasive waterfowl presence. Our results suggest that targeted monitoring efforts for waterfowl-poultry contact in these areas could help mitigate the risk of avian pathogen exposure in Arkansas and similar regions with high poultry production.

Investigating fear, depressive symptoms and coping mechanisms among Egyptian nursing students amidst the covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nursing students' contribution to combating this global health crisis is becoming more significant. However, we need a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological impact of this crisis on these students. Therefore, this study holds immense importance as it offers valuable insights into the connection between COVID-19 pandemic fear, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms among nursing students. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect and analyze data from 319 undergraduate nursing students. They participated in the study by responding to an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of the Fear of the Coronavirus Questionnaire, Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. RESULTS: The study revealed that 45.5% of the participants had a severe fear of COVID-19, 21.9% showed severe depressive symptoms, and 64.6% used moderate coping mechanisms. A positive correlation (r = 0.160, p = 0.01) was found between the fear of COVID-19 and depressive symptoms. Interestingly, this correlation turned negative (r = -0.074, p = 0.01) when adaptive coping strategies such as religion, acceptance, planning, positive reframing, instrumental support, emotional support, active coping, and humor were used. However, when participants resorted to maladaptive coping strategies like venting, self-distraction, self-blame, behavioral disengagement, denial, and substance abuse, the correlation between high fear levels and depressive symptoms became positive (r = 0.352, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that the fear of COVID-19 and depressive symptoms among nursing students are significantly correlated. However, the nature of this correlation is influenced by the type of coping strategies employed. Adaptive coping mechanisms can mitigate the impact of fear on depressive symptoms. In contrast, maladaptive coping can exacerbate the relationship between fear and depressive symptoms. Therefore, promoting adaptive coping strategies could be a crucial approach to managing the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Ethnopharmacological Survey on Medicinally Important Plants of Genus Salvia.

Lamiaceae (Labiatae) is a medicinally significant plant family featuring key species like Salvia aegyptiaca, S. cabulica, S. coccinea, S. glutinosa, S. officinalis, S. haematodes, S. hians, S. lanata, S. macrosiphon, S. moorcroftiana, S. spinosa, S. sclarea, and S. plebeia. These species exhibit diverse pharmacological activities attributed to essential oils and phytochemi-cals, including antioxidant, antiasthmatic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, etc. This re-view covers extensive phytomedicinal aspects of some important plants of the genus Salvia.

Mammary fat globules as a source of mRNA to model alterations in the expression of some milk component genes during lactation in bovines.

BACKGROUND: The milk's nutritional value is determined by its constituents, including fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The mammary gland's ability to produce milk is controlled by a complex network of genes. Thereby, the fat, protein, and lactose synthesis must be boost in milk to increase milk production efficiency. This can be accomplished by fusing genetic advancements with proper management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), kappa casein CSN3, and Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) genes expression levels and such milk components as fat, protein, and lactose in different dairy breeds during different stages of lactation. METHODS: To achieve such a purpose, 94 milk samples were collected (72 samples from 36 multiparous black-white and red-white Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 22 milk samples from 11 Egyptian buffaloes) during the early and peak lactation stages. The milk samples were utilized for milk analysis and genes expressions analyses using non- invasive approach in obtaining milk fat globules (MFGs) as a source of Ribonucleic acid (RNA). RESULTS: LPL and CSN3 genes expressions levels were found to be significantly higher in Egyptian buffalo than Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows as well as fat and protein percentages. On the other hand, GLUT1 gene expression level was shown to be significantly higher during peak lactation than early lactation. Moreover, lactose % showed a significant difference in peak lactation phase compared to early lactation phase. Also, fat and protein percentages were significantly higher in early lactation period than peak lactation period but lactose% showed the opposite pattern of Egyptian buffalo. CONCLUSION: Total RNA can be successfully obtained from MFGs. The results suggest that these genes play a role in glucose absorption and lactose synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells during lactation. Also, these results provide light on the differential expression of these genes among distinct Holstein-Friesian cow breeds and Egyptian buffalo subspecies throughout various lactation phases.

Optimizing forage harvest and the nutritive value of Italian ryegrass-based mixed forage cropping under northwestern Himalayan conditions.

The scarcity of high-quality forage has a significant influence on the productivity and profitability of livestock. Addressing this concern, an investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of distinct Italian ryegrass genotypes, namely, Punjab ryegrass-1, Kashmir collection, and Makhan grass, in conjunction with varying seeding ratios of Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover. The seeding ratios considered were 100:0 (Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover), 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75. All possible combinations of Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover with seeding ratios were set up in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Co-cultivating Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover at a 75:25 seeding ratio yields the best yield benefit, as determined by the land equivalent ratio. It is noteworthy that in this configuration, real yield loss is higher for Egyptian clover and for Italian ryegrass when the seeding ratio is 25:75. The higher competitiveness of Italian ryegrass in comparison to Egyptian clover is highlighted by the competitive ratio. Notably, the nutritive parameter, crude protein yield, was significantly higher in the Makhan grass-based 50:50 and 75:25 seeding ratio. Results of the study ascertained the compatibility of grass-legume co-cultivation with significantly higher quantity and quality forage harvested under mixed cropping systems whereas Makhan grass as the superior and dominant genotype in comparison to Kashmir collection. The outcomes of this study revealed that the 100:0 seeding ratio, coupled with the Makhan grass genotype, exhibited superior performance in terms of cumulative forage harvest, dry matter accumulation, net returns, and benefit-cost ratio.

Diversity of the Morphometric and Biochemical Traits of Allium cepa L. Varieties.

Several Allium cepa L. varieties, representing a versatile set of vegetables widely utilized by consumers, are appreciated for their bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant capacities. The aim of this study is to compare the morphometric characteristics and biochemical profiles of four cultivars of A. cepa, two of them represented by the perennial Sicilian landrace "Cipudda agghiarola" (Allium × proliferum (Moench) Schrader), widely known as the Egyptian walking onion (WO), and by the landrace "Cipudduzza" belonging to the variety known as aggregatum (ON), which were compared with two commercial cultivars of A. cepa var. cepa (onion), Stoccarda (OS) and Rossa Carmen (OR). The experimental trial was conducted in Catania (Sicily), following organic growing practices. The randomized complete block experimental design was adopted with one experimental factor, the genotype (GE) effect. The harvested plants were characterized for their main morphometric parameters, according to the International Plant Genetic Resources (IGPR) descriptors. The biochemical activity was assessed by analyzing the total phenolic content (TPC) and the total flavonoid content (TFC). The antioxidant capacity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The sugar profile (total sugars, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and fructooligosaccharides-FOS) and the volatile compounds by headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) were also determined. The OR bulb exhibited the highest TPC (16.3 mg GAE/g d.w., p < 0.01) and TFC (8.5 mg QE/g d.w., p < 0.01), with the highest antioxidant capacity measured by the FRAP (27.1 µmol TE/g d.w., p < 0.01) and DPPH assays (46.2 µmol TE/g d.w., p < 0.01). The ON bulb showed the highest ORAC value (209 µmol TE/g d.w., p < 0.01). Generally, the bulbs were richer in sugars (584 mg/g d.w., p < 0.01) than the leaf blade (239 mg/g d.w., p < 0.01), except for OR. Significant interaction between the genotype and plant organ was noted in the volatile compound profiles (p < 0.05) except for total ketones and carboxylic acids, where higher content was observed in the leaf blade compared to the bulb, regardless of the genotype. These findings highlight WO's potential for use in ready-to-eat products, enhancing its market value.