Exploring agro-morphological and fiber traits diversity in cotton (G. barbadense L.).

Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) is a leading fiber and oilseed crop globally, but genetic diversity among breeding materials is often limited. This study analyzed genetic variability in 14 cotton genotypes from Egypt and other countries, including both cultivated varieties and wild types, using agro-morphological traits and genomic SSR markers. Field experiments were conducted over two seasons to evaluate 12 key traits related to plant growth, yield components, and fiber quality. Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. The Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. Data showed wide variation for the morphological traits, with Egyptian genotypes generally exhibiting higher means for vegetative growth and yield parameters. The top-performing genotypes for yield were Giza 96, Giza 94, and Big Black Boll genotypes, while Giza 96, Giza 92, and Giza 70 ranked highest for fiber length, strength, and fineness. In contrast, molecular profiles were highly polymorphic across all genotypes, including 82.5% polymorphic bands out of 212. Polymorphism information content was high for the SSR markers, ranging from 0.76 to 0.86. Genetic similarity coefficients based on the SSR data varied extensively from 0.58 to 0.91, and cluster analysis separated genotypes into two major groups according to geographical origin. The cotton genotypes displayed high diversity in morphology and genetics, indicating sufficient variability in the germplasm. The combined use of physical traits and molecular markers gave a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity and relationships between Egyptian and global cotton varieties. The SSR markers effectively profiled the genotypes and can help select ideal parents for enhancing cotton through hybridization and marker-assisted breeding.

Molecular Genetic Diversity of Local and Exotic Durum Wheat Genotypes and Their Combining Ability for Agronomic Traits under Water Deficit and Well-Watered Conditions.

Water deficit poses significant environmental stress that adversely affects the growth and productivity of durum wheat. Moreover, projections of climate change suggest an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, particularly in arid regions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop drought-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes to ensure sustained production and global food security in response to population growth. This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity among local and exotic durum wheat genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and, additionally, to explore the combining ability and agronomic performance of assessed durum wheat genotypes and their 28 F1 crosses under normal and drought stress conditions. The investigated SSRs highlighted and confirmed the high genetic variation among the evaluated parental durum wheat genotypes. These diverse eight parental genotypes were consequently used to develop 28 F1s through a diallel mating design. The parental durum genotypes and their developed 28 F1s were assessed under normal and drought stress conditions. The evaluated genotypes were analyzed for their general and specific combining abilities as well as heterosis for agronomic traits under both conditions. The local cultivar Bani-Suef-7 (P8) is maintained as an effective combiner for developing shortened genotypes and improving earliness. Moreover, the local cultivars Bani-Suef-5 (P7) and Bani-Suef-7 (P8) along with the exotic line W1520 (P6) demonstrated excellent general combining ability for improving grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, valuable specific hybrid combinations, W988 × W994 (P1 × P2), W996 × W1518 (P3 × P5), W1011 × W1520 (P4 × P6), and Bani-Suef-5 × Bani-Suef-7 (P7 × P8), were identified for grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. The assessed 36 genotypes were grouped according to tolerance indices into five clusters varying from highly drought-sensitive genotypes (group E) to highly drought-tolerant (group A). The genotypes in cluster A (two crosses) followed by thirteen crosses in cluster B displayed higher drought tolerance compared to the other crosses and their parental genotypes. Subsequently, these hybrids could be considered valuable candidates in future durum wheat breeding programs to develop desired segregants under water-deficit conditions. Strong positive relationships were observed between grain yield and number of grains per spike, plant height, and 1000-grain weight under water-deficit conditions. These results highlight the significance of these traits for indirect selection under drought stress conditions, particularly in the early stages of breeding, owing to their convenient measurability.

Chemico-physical and mechanical evaluation of three calcium silicate-based pulp capping materials.

AIM: This study compared biointeractivity (pH of soaking water and calcium ions), porosity, water sorption, solubility, compressive strength, lap shear strength, as well as the apatite forming ability of three calcium silicate-based capping materials: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine (BD) and Tech Biosealer capping (BS). METHODS: One hundred and five discs of the tested materials were prepared in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions. The materials' pastes were placed in Teflon molds and allowed to set before testing. The pH and Ca+2 ions were measured by a potentiometric method. Porosity, water sorption, and solubility were calculated through the measurement of initial mass, mass, saturated mass and dry mass. Apatite forming ability was measured by an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope that was connected to a secondary electron detector for energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Meanwhile compressive strength was measured by a computer controlled universal testing machine. Lap shear strength was measured by computer software on the testing machine. All data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The tested materials showed Ca ions release and alkalization, which decreased with soaking time. The BD exhibited a very high Ca release at both short (3 h) and long times (28 days). Significant high values of open and apparent porosities, water sorption, and solubility were measured for BS, which was followed by the MTA then BD (P < .05). The BD had significant higher compressive and lap shear bond strength than the MTA and BS (P < .05). CONCLUSION: MTA, BD and BS are biointeractive bioactive materials that possess the ability to release ions and form calcium phosphate deposits. Unlike BD, BS is incapable of alternating MTA in pulp capping due to its high porosities, water sorption and solubility, as well as poor compressive and lap shear bond strength.

Molecular Diagnosis of Mycoplasma Species Infection in Camels Using Semi-nested PCR.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bacteriological isolation and identification of Mycoplasma species is difficult and time-consuming, therefore, molecular identification of Mycoplasma using PCR targeting specific genes is considered a specific and sensitive method for identification. The aim of current study was to isolate, characterize Mycoplasma infection in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nasal swabs were randomly collected from 93 camels and tested for Mycoplasma by sequencing of their 16S rRNA genes using universal primers. RESULTS: The 93 samples, 24 were positive for Mycoplasma. However, no positive results were obtained using species-specific primers for Mycoplasma arginine, M. bovis or M. mycoides subsp. mycoides, thus, 16S rDNA sequencing methods and semi-nested PCR were employed. Sequences were matched to those in GenBank and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Mycoplasma edwardii (77-84% similarity with Mycoplasma edwardii ATCC 23462) and one isolate of Mycoplasma yeastsii (100% similarity with M. yeastsii GM274B) were identified. Further, some Mycoplasma species were identified as previously uncultured. The incidence of Mycoplasma infection in camels in Taif city, Saudi Arabia, was approximately 26%. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the accuracy and efficiency of PCR and universal primers for the detection and identification of Mycoplasma, thereby circumventing conventional culturing methods that require several days to complete and exhibit low accuracy.

Evaluation of the regenerative potential of dentin conditioning and naturally derived scaffold for necrotic immature permanent teeth in a dog model.

This study evaluated the outcome of partial exposure of dentin matrix to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and application of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) scaffold on regeneration of necrotic immature permanent teeth in a dog model. The present study was carried out on 216 permanent immature roots in nine mongrel dogs aged 6-9 months. Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced in 180 roots. These roots were divided into five equal groups (36 roots each) according to the treatment protocol: group I: blood clot; group II: 17% EDTA solution and blood clot; group III: PRF; group IV: 17% EDTA solution and PRF; and group V: without treatment (positive control). The negative control group (group VI) represented 36 untouched normal roots for normal maturation. The groups were followed up for 1, 2 and 3 months (subgroups). Maturation of the roots was monitored by radiography and histopathology. All data were statistically analysed. Group IV exhibited the highest increase in root length and thickness, decrease in apical diameter, the highest score of vital tissue infiltration and least inflammatory scores. There was a significant difference regarding the increase in root length and thickness and decrease in apical diameter in all subgroups of the experimental and negative control groups (P ≤ .05). PRF has a better regenerative potential than the blood clot during treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp. Inclusion of 17% EDTA solution as a final irrigation enhances the regenerative potential of both PRF and blood clot.

Assessment of Anti-carcinogenic Effect of Pomegranate in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Pre-clinical Study).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The survival portion of patients treated from oral cancer isn't in progress. This is why researchers are continuously looking for new anti-cancer drugs either natural product or natural product derivatives. Studies have shown that pomegranate and its constituents might have an anti-tumorigenic effect. So the aim of this study was to assess the anticarcinogenic roles of pomegranate on oral squamous cell carcinoma as an adjuvant of chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Hep-2 cells were propagated and maintained under basic culture media. Cells were grouped according to culture media and each group was tested for cell proliferation as well as VEGF expression and caspase-3 expressions using ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Regarding cell proliferation and VEGF expression, a higher mean value was recorded in group 1 in comparison to group 3 with a significant difference (p = 0.001) and in group 2 in comparison to group 4, with a significant difference (p = 0.049). While concerning caspase-3 expression, a higher mean value was recorded in group 3 in comparison to group 1 with a significant difference (p = 0.045) and in group 4 in comparison to group 2, with a significant difference (p = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Pomegranate can be an adjuvant, natural product for oral cancer treatment in combination with 5-fluorouracil to reduce its dose and nullify its toxic side effects on normal body organs.

Kaiy (traditional cautery) in Benghazi, Libya: complications versus effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: The practice of Kaiy (Cautery) as a traditional therapy is not science based though it is widely practiced worldwide. In Libya, in particular, it is commonly used with no any report or publication to emphasis on its positive or negative impact. This work was undertaken to highlight the complications and disadvantages of kaiy in the Libyan societies as it seems to cause more harm than benefit for the patient. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in the period from the first of March to the end of April (two months) of the year 2013, on fifty patients who were collected from different hospitals in Benghazi city, and who had experienced Kaiy therapy for different diseases. RESULTS: We found that kaiy application is more common among non educated patients (30 patients, 60%). Most of patients (45 cases, 90%) followed their relatives' advice and that 32 cases (63.5%) did not improve and show undesirable manifestations and complications. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that Kaiy therapy is associated with considerable health risks; therefore, we recommend discouraging and restricting its application.

Prevalence of celiac disease among type 1 diabetic Egyptian patients and the association with autoimmune thyroid disease.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a common genetically transmitted immune mediated disease. METHOD: Seventy three type 1 DM patients attending the Diabetes, Metabolic and Endocrinology outpatient clinic were recruited in the study. Thorough history taking and medical examination were done. They were screened for the prevalence of celiac disease by ELISA for coeliac disease antibodies against tTG. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, antithyroidperoxidase antibodies were analysed to estimate the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease. RESULTS: Four out of seventy three (5.48%) type 1 diabetic children were seropositive for anti-tTG antibodies. They had symptoms of celiac disease such as chronic diarrhea (5.48%), recurrent abdominal pain (2.7%) and short stature (5.48%). Six patients were diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid diseases as they were seropositive for antithyroglobulin antibodies and/or antithyroidperoxidase antibodies. None of them proved to be positive for anti-tTG antibodies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CD among Type 1 DM patients by using tissue transglutaminase antibodies ELISA was (5.48%) which supports the current practice of screening for celiac disease. Patients with autoimmune thyroid disease were negative for anti-tTG antibodies. HbA1c levels were adversely affected by malabsorption related to celiac disease in seropositive patients (Tab. 5, Ref. 27). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Maternal and neonatal screening for Group B streptococci by SCP B gene based PCR: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the magnitude of group B streptococcal (GBS) colonization and disease among a sample of pregnant women and their infants in Egypt. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 95 pregnant females, 35-37 weeks of gestational age, attending the antenatal outpatient clinic at AlFayom University Hospital between September 2006 and June 2007. All participants were screened with vaginorectal swabs by a conventional GBS PCR assay. Participants were grouped into group A (GBS present, 17 patients) and group B (GBS absent, 78 patients). Details with regard to labor and delivery were recorded and placental pathology was examined to detect histological chorioamnionitis. Ninety-five infant data were also recorded. All neonates of group A (17 out of 95 with known positive maternal GBS) underwent collection of simultaneous specimens from surface sites for PCR before their first bath and within four hours of birth. RESULTS: GBS carriage rate in the study sample was 17.89%. Chorioamnionitis confirmed in three patients by placental pathology (one was in group A and two in group B) was statistically not significant. Twenty-two women had rupture of membranes (< 12 hours) before delivery (four from group A and 18 from group B) that was not statistically significant. There were three infants out of 17 in group A who had GBS colonized at one or more sites by PCR which was statistically significant. However, only one infant was admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Maternal GBS carriage is associated with a significant increase in neonatal infection rate but is not associated with an increase in neonatal intensive care admission. An accurate evaluation of colonization rate (using a larger sample) is desired to evaluate neonatal invasive disease and determine the cost effectiveness of PCR to select an appropriate preventive strategy in Egypt.