Clinical Characteristics, Functional Outcome, and Socioeconomic Impact of Ischemic Stroke among Young Egyptian Adults.

BACKGROUND: Stroke in young patients results in disproportionately high societal cost given the productive life-years lost. Little is known about stroke in young Egyptian patients. We aimed to analyze clinicodemographic characteristics, functional outcome, and socioeconomic impact of ischemic stroke among young Egyptian adults. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational cohort study of consecutively recruited patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 18-50 years, between September 2022 and September 2023 at a tertiary stroke center in the south of Egypt. We recorded baseline demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, stroke severity, stroke subtype according to the TOAST classification, intravenous thrombolysis, employment, and ambulation status pre- and post-stroke, post-stroke complications, and 90-day functional outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: Our cohort comprised 210 patients, 38.0 (±7.8) years, 89 (42%) females. Mean NIHSS score was 11.2 (±4.8); in-hospital case fatality was 9% (19 patients). Dyslipidemia (n = 105, 50%), smoking (n = 105, 50%), and hypertension (n = 67, 32%) were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. At 90 days, 58 (29%) patients had a 90-day mRS 0-1 and 53 (26%) met criteria for depression diagnosis. Sixty-nine of the 116 employed individuals (59%) remained out of work after 90 days of stroke, 61 of whom were single earners in their household. 36/60 (60%) thrombolysis-eligible patients received it; an additional 98 otherwise thrombolysis-eligible patients presented >4.5 h from symptom onset. Patients receiving IV thrombolysis were significantly more likely to have resumed full-time work at 90 days (32% vs. 11%, p = 0.006) but with no significant difference in 90-day mRS. CONCLUSIONS: Young adult AIS patients in Egypt experience high rates of post-stroke depression and face challenges in their ability to work and provide for their families. Since most patients have treatable cardiovascular risk factors and only about two-thirds of eligible patients receive thrombolysis, reinforcing primary prevention, education about early stroke signs, and benefits of acute can improve outcomes and have significant potential societal benefit.

Genetic Association of Interleukin 16 Gene Polymorphisms (rs11556218 & rs4778889) with Type 1 Diabetes in Egyptian Children: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a serious chronic autoimmune condition. Even though the underlying reason for the onset of T1D is unknown, due to their effector and regulatory roles in immune responses, cytokines are essential in developing autoimmune disorders. Interleukin (IL)16 is an immunomodulatory cytokine implicated in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the association of IL16 gene polymorphisms, rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C, with the risk of T1D in Egyptian children. METHODS: Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay, we analyzed rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C polymorphisms of the IL16 gene in 100 T1D subjects and 93 controls. RESULTS: Rs11556218 T > G polymorphism of the IL16 gene was not associated with the risk of developing T1D. Analysis of IL16 gene rs4778889 T > C showed that the TT genotype had a considerably higher risk of T1D than the TC genotype [OR = 2.195 (1.205-3.999)]. In comparison to patients with the C allele [OR = 0.6914 (0.38-1.2569)], patients with the T allele [OR = 1.45 (0.7956-2.6296)] were notably more likely to have T1D. A significant decrease was found in the frequency of GT (OR = 0.43, p = .03) and TC (OR = 0.32, p = .011) haplotypes of IL16 gene rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C polymorphisms in T1D patients compared with controls. CONCLUSION: IL16 gene rs4778889 T > C polymorphism might be associated with susceptibility to T1D. Egyptians with TT genotypes are more likely to develop T1D. However, GT and TC haplotypes of IL16 gene rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C polymorphisms highlight their protective role againstT1D disease.

Blood lead levels in an endangered vulture decline following changes in hunting activity.

Lead ammunition stands out as one of the most pervasive pollutants affecting wildlife. Its impact on bird populations have spurred efforts for the phase-out of leaded gunshot in several countries, although with varying scopes and applications. Ongoing and future policy changes require data to assess the effectiveness of adopted measures, particularly in the current context of biodiversity loss. Here, we assessed the long-term changes in blood lead (Pb) levels of Egyptian vultures from the Canary Islands, Spain, which have been severely affected by Pb poisoning over the past two decades. During this period, the reduction in hunting pressure and changes in legislation regarding firearms usage for small game hunting likely contributed to a decrease in environmental Pb availability. As anticipated, our results show a reduction in Pb levels, especially after the ban on wild rabbit hunting with shotgun since 2010. This effect was stronger in the preadult fraction of the vulture population. However, we still observed elevated blood Pb levels above the background and clinical thresholds in 5.6% and 1.5% of individuals, respectively. Our results highlight the positive impact of reducing the availability of Pb from ammunition sources on individual health. Nonetheless, the continued use of Pb gunshot remains an important source of poisoning, even lethal, mainly affecting adult individuals. This poses a particular concern for long-lived birds, compounding by potential chronic effects associated with Pb bioaccumulation. Our findings align with recent studies indicating insufficient reductions in Pb levels among European birds of prey, attributed to limited policy changes and their uneven implementation. We anticipated further reductions in Pb levels among Egyptian vultures with expanded restrictions on hunting practices, including a blanket ban on Pb shot usage across all small game species.

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.

Suicide and depressive symptoms possible correlates among a sample of Egyptian physicians: observational cross-sectional study (online survey).

BACKGROUND: Compared to other occupations, physicians are more susceptible to depression and suicide. Suicide among physicians in some countries reached up to 1.5- to threefold higher than the general population. However, this rate was not homogenous in all countries. Most of the Egyptian studies were related to the stressful pandemic event, but the actual prevalence of depression among physicians is still under research. To the best of the researcher's knowledge, no other study has been conducted to evaluate the risk of suicide among Egyptian physicians. AIM: The study aimed to screen for depressive symptoms and suicide among Egyptian physicians and to investigate the correlates associated with suicide ideations. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey included Egyptian physicians recruited online by Google Forms. Depressive symptoms were screened using the Beck Depression Scale (BDI-II), while suicidal ideas were assessed using the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS). RESULTS: Six hundred sixty Egyptian physicians completed the survey following a two-week pilot study between January 10 and July 16, 2023. The average age was 39.1 years, and 71.4% were married. 49.1% were medical specialists. The median daily working hours were eight, and 27.7% of the physicians attended night shifts. 22.3% had a psychiatric illness, and 34.3% had a chronic disease. Younger and single physicians of both sexes were more prone to suicide risk (p-value = 0.019 and 0.021, respectively). Those with psychiatric or chronic medical disorders had a higher suicidal risk (p-values < 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Physicians with fewer academic degrees and those who work longer hours or night shifts had more depressive symptoms (p-values < 0.001 and 0.009, respectively). The risk of depression and suicide is almost the same in all medical specialties. The SIDAS suicide score and the Beck depression score revealed a statistically significant association (r = 0.288, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Suicide risk is higher among younger, single physicians of both sexes, as well as those with psychiatric or chronic medical disorders. More depressive symptoms are seen in physicians who have more extended hours or night shifts and who have fewer academic degrees. Almost all medical specialties carry the same risk of depression and suicide. Longitudinal research is recommended for regular follow-up of suicidal thoughts and depressive symptoms.

Mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour among Egyptian undergraduates: a cross-sectional national study.

BACKGROUND: Mental health literacy (MHL) and help-seeking behaviors are pivotal in managing mental well-being, especially among Egyptian undergraduates. Despite the importance and prevalent psychological distress in this group, limited research has addressed MHL and associated behaviors in Egypt. This study aimed to assess the levels of MHL and help-seeking behavior among Egyptian university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted across ten Egyptian universities during the academic year 2022-2023. A convenience sample of 1740 students was obtained through online questionnaires distributed via social media platforms. The survey comprised demographic characteristics, the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and the General Help Seeking Behavior Questionnaire (GHSPQ). RESULTS: Among 1740 Egyptian undergraduates, medical students scored higher in recognizing disorders (p < 0.05), while non-medical students excelled in attitudes (p < 0.05). A strong correlation was observed between attitudes toward mental illness and total mental health literacy (coefficients of 0.664 and 0.657). Univariate analysis indicated a significant association with professional help-seeking (OR = 1.023). Females, individuals aged 21 or above, and non-medical students were more likely to seek mental health information (OR = 1.42, 1.82, 1.55 respectively). Help-seeking behavior for emotional problems was more inclined towards intimate partners, whereas suicidal thoughts prompted seeking professional help. CONCLUSION: The findings advocate for comprehensive mental health education, particularly in rural areas, and emphasis on the role of personal relationships in mental well-being. Implementing these insights could foster improved mental health outcomes and reduce related stigma in Egypt.

IKZF1 rs4132601 and rs11978267 gene polymorphisms and paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus; relation to lupus nephritis.

The demographic factors, the socioeconomic status and the ethnicity of populations are important players that determine the incidence, the prevalence and the spectrum of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) clinical presentations in different populations. Therefore, the purpose of the present research was to investigate the possible association between the Ikaros family zinc finger 1 gene (IKZF1) rs4132601 and rs11978267 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SLE susceptibility and clinical presentations including lupus nephritis (LN) among Egyptian paediatric patients. After DNA extraction from Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood samples for 104 paediatric SLE (pSLE) patients and 286 healthy controls, the investigated SNPs (IKZF1 rs4132601 and rs11978267) were genotyped using TaqMan-Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The G allele, GG and GT genotypes of IKZF1 rs4132601 were associated with pSLE (pc<.001, OR 2.97, 3.2 and 2.25, respectively). The GG and GA haplotype were more frequent in pSLE patients than other haplotypes (pc<.001, OR 3.47 and pc = .004, OR = 2.8, respectively). The studied SNPs have no impact on the distinctive features of pSLE. The rs4132601 TG genotype was significantly associated with proliferative LN (pc = .03) The IKZF1 rs4132601 can be considered a risk factor for SLE in the cohort of Egyptian children. The TG genotype of the IKZF1 rs4132601 may predispose to proliferative LN.

Zonulin and copeptin relation to some metabolic markers in school-aged obese children.

BACKGROUND: Using Zonulin and Copeptin as potential obesity markers in children, hasn't yet been focused. AIM: To evaluate the association between serum levels of both Zonulin and Copeptin with the obesity markers, and to assess their role as metabolic disturbance predictors in obese children. METHODS: A case-control study comprised 111 Egyptian children (45 males and 66 females); aged 6-10 years to avoid the effect of puberty (prepubertal). They were classified according to their body mass index (BMI) percentiles into: 72 obese (BMI ≥ 95th ), and 39 control ones (BMI > 15th - <85th ), based on the Egyptian Growth Charts for children and adolescents. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured, and body composition analysis, lipid profile, Zonulin, and Copeptin levels were assessed. RESULTS: The obese group showed a significantly higher value of Copeptin and a lower value of Zonulin than the control one Also, the obese group showed significant negative correlations between Zonulin and both anthropometric obesity markers and body composition, whereas Copeptin showed significant positive ones. Moreover, significant positive correlations were found between Copeptin and both body weight and fat distribution. Insignificant correlations were observed between both serum Zonulin and Copeptin levels and blood pressure and lipid profile. CONCLUSION: Zonulin and Copeptin cannot be used as metabolic disturbance predictors, among Egyptian children, as they were insignificantly correlated with lipid profile or blood pressure.

A chromosome-level genome of a Kordofan melon illuminates the origin of domesticated watermelons.

Wild relatives or progenitors of crops are important resources for breeding and for understanding domestication. Identifying them, however, is difficult because of extinction, hybridization, and the challenge of distinguishing them from feral forms. Here, we use collection-based systematics, iconography, and resequenced accessions of Citrullus lanatus and other species of Citrullus to search for the potential progenitor of the domesticated watermelon. A Sudanese form with nonbitter whitish pulp, known as the Kordofan melon (C. lanatus subsp. cordophanus), appears to be the closest relative of domesticated watermelons and a possible progenitor, consistent with newly interpreted Egyptian tomb paintings that suggest that the watermelon may have been consumed in the Nile Valley as a dessert by 4360 BP. To gain insights into the genetic changes that occurred from the progenitor to the domesticated watermelon, we assembled and annotated the genome of a Kordofan melon at the chromosome level, using a combination of Pacific Biosciences and Illumina sequencing as well as Hi-C mapping technologies. The genetic signature of bitterness loss is present in the Kordofan melon genome, but the red fruit flesh color only became fixed in the domesticated watermelon. We detected 15,824 genome structural variants (SVs) between the Kordofan melon and a typical modern cultivar, "97103," and mapping the SVs in over 400 Citrullus accessions revealed shifts in allelic frequencies, suggesting that fruit sweetness has gradually increased over the course of watermelon domestication. That a likely progenitor of the watermelon still exists in Sudan has implications for targeted modern breeding efforts.

Ethnicity, consanguinity, and genetic architecture of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity that is partly explained by the diversity of genetic variants contributing to disease. Accurate interpretation of these variants constitutes a major challenge for diagnosis and implementing precision medicine, especially in understudied populations. The aim is to define the genetic architecture of HCM in North African cohorts with high consanguinity using ancestry-matched cases and controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective Egyptian patients (n = 514) and controls (n = 400) underwent clinical phenotyping and genetic testing. Rare variants in 13 validated HCM genes were classified according to standard clinical guidelines and compared with a prospective HCM cohort of majority European ancestry (n = 684). A higher prevalence of homozygous variants was observed in Egyptian patients (4.1% vs. 0.1%, P = 2 × 10-7), with variants in the minor HCM genes MYL2, MYL3, and CSRP3 more likely to present in homozygosity than the major genes, suggesting these variants are less penetrant in heterozygosity. Biallelic variants in the recessive HCM gene TRIM63 were detected in 2.1% of patients (five-fold greater than European patients), highlighting the importance of recessive inheritance in consanguineous populations. Finally, rare variants in Egyptian HCM patients were less likely to be classified as (likely) pathogenic compared with Europeans (40.8% vs. 61.6%, P = 1.6 × 10-5) due to the underrepresentation of Middle Eastern populations in current reference resources. This proportion increased to 53.3% after incorporating methods that leverage new ancestry-matched controls presented here. CONCLUSION: Studying consanguineous populations reveals novel insights with relevance to genetic testing and our understanding of the genetic architecture of HCM.

Isolated dentinogenesis imperfecta: Novel DSPP variants and insights on genetic counselling.

OBJECTIVE: Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is an inherited dentin defect and may be isolated or associated with disorders such as osteogenesis imperfecta, odontochondrodysplasia Ehler-Danlos and others. Isolated DI is caused mainly by pathogenic variants in DSPP gene and around 50 different variants have been described in this gene. Herein, we report on 19 patients from two unrelated Egyptian families with isolated DI. Additionally, we focused on genetic counselling of the two families. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were examined clinically and dentally. Panoramic X-rays were done to some patients. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were used. RESULTS: WES revealed two new nonsense variants in DSPP gene, c.288T > A (p.Tyr96Ter) and c.255G > A (p.Trp85Ter). Segregation analysis by Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the first variant in all affected members of Family 1 while the second variant was confirmed to be de novo in the patient of Family 2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study extends the number of DSPP pathogenic variants and strengthens the fact that DSPP is the most common DI causative gene irrespective of patients' ethnicity. In addition, we provide insights on genetic counseling issues in patients with inherited DSPP variants taking into consideration the variable religion, culture and laws in our society.

Prevalence of multiple roots and complex canal morphology in mandibular premolars among a selected Southern Egyptian sub-population: a CBCT-analysis.

The mandibular premolars can pose a significant challenge in root canal treatment due to their complex canal system. This study investigated the prevalence of multiple roots and complex canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a selected Egyptian sub-population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). 283 CBCT scans (131 males, 152 females, age 18-70) included 1132 mandibular premolars (566 first, and 566 second premolars) were viewed for incidences ofvariation in root numbers and canal configuration according to Vertucci's classification. CBCT images were assessed by two endodontists, data were statistically analyzed using Fisher exact and Chi-square tests. The majority of first premolars (85.7%) exhibited a single root, whereas 14.7% had 2 roots with a significantly higher frequency in males (19.8%) than in females (9.5%) (P < .05). The most prevalent type was type I (57.8%), followed by type V (21.7%), while types II and VII made up only 1%. Types V and III were more prevalent among females, while males had a higher prevalence of types I and IV. In 2.5% of cases, mandibular second premolars were found to have 2 roots, with a higher incidence in males (P < .05). Type I canals were significantly more prevalent (90.8%) than other types, followed by type V (5.3%) (P < .05). A statistically significant gender correlation was found regarding root number and canal configuration. It is not uncommon to find mandibular first premolars with two roots in the southern Egyptian population, particularly in males. These observations may be valuable for dentists who treat Southern Egyptians, in Egypt and other countries.

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.

Sustainability consciousness among nursing students in Egypt: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Recognizing nurses as pivotal change agents and urgent preparation for the next generation is crucial for addressing sustainability issues and cultivating a sustainable healthcare system. Reports highlight gaps in the integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) into nursing curricula, prompting the International Council of Nurses to stress the importance of sustainable development in nursing education. The extent to which nursing students are aware of sustainability issues remains to be determined. This study addresses a global and Egyptian research gap by evaluating and comparing Sustainability Consciousness (SC) levels among nursing students at three universities, providing insights into awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to sustainability. METHODS: This descriptive comparative study was conducted across three nursing faculties within three Egyptian public universities. The target population for this study was undergraduate nursing students enrolled in these universities during the academic year 2022-2023. This study used the extended version of the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ-L) to measure individuals' knowingness, attitudes, and behaviors related to the three dimensions of sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic. RESULTS: More than half of the nursing students across the three universities expressed unfamiliarity with the SDGs. Social media was the most common source of information across the three universities. Sohag University recorded the highest median (IQR) scores in sustainability knowingness (72.0, IQR: 70.0-81.0), attitudes (56.0, IQR: 53.0-61.5), and behavior (65.0, IQR: 60.0-69.0) across their respective dimensions, as well as in overall SC (195, IQR: 184.5-208.5). This was followed by Damanhour University, with a median score of 179.0 (IQR: 124.5-194), and then Alexandria University, with a median score of 116.0 (IQR: 85.5-153), all of which were significantly different (all with p values=0.000). Older students from rural areas exhibited higher SC median scores, while students with insufficient family income and no familiarity with the SDGs had lower SC scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the prevalent reliance on social media for information among nursing students across these universities, emphasizing the pivotal role of academic institutions in integrating sustainability development concepts in nursing education. Sohag University's notable commitment to sustainability practices has contributed to the higher SC of its students compared to Alexandria and Damanhour Universities. The study also identified age, place of residence, family income, and familiarity with the SDGs as consistent predictors of sustainability consciousness.

Principal component analysis of phenotypic and breeding value data for semen traits in Egyptian buffalo bulls.

Buffalo bull semen traits are economically important traits that influence farm fertility and profitability. Genetic improvement of semen characteristics is an important detail of the genetic improvement. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between the breeding values as well as the phenotypic values for semen traits (VOL, MM, LS, AS and CONC) of the Egyptian buffalo bulls. A total of 7761 normal semen ejaculates were collected and characterized at ILMTC laboratory from 26 bulls from 2009 to 2019. For VOL, MM, LS, AS, and CONC, the actual means were 3.89 mL, 62.37%, 60.64%, 3.94%, and 0.67 × 109 sperm/mL, respectively. The prediction of breeding values for semen traits was estimated using a Bayesian procedure. The estimated standardized EBVs and phenotypic values were used in the principal component analysis (PCA). Of five PCs, one PC (PC1) had > 1 eigenvalues that was responsible for 87.19% of the total variation of SEBV, and two PCs had > 1 eigenvalues that were responsible for 59.61% and 21.35% of the total variation of the phenotypic values. Together, PC1 and PC2 accounted for 97.97% of the total variance of SEBV and 80.96% of the total variance of phenotypic values. A graphs of the first two components showed the traits separated into two different directions by group. This indicates each group was under similar genetic influence. Therefore, selection can be done separately for each group without influencing the other. Principal component analysis reduced variables to describe the key information in buffalo semen data.

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.

Micro‒Global Positioning Systems for Identifying Nightly Opportunities for Marburg Virus Spillover to Humans by Egyptian Rousette Bats.

Marburg virus disease, caused by Marburg and Ravn orthomarburgviruses, emerges sporadically in sub-Saharan Africa and is often fatal in humans. The natural reservoir is the Egyptian rousette bat (ERB), which sheds virus in saliva, urine, and feces. Frugivorous ERBs discard test-bitten and partially eaten fruit, potentially leaving infectious virus behind that could be consumed by other susceptible animals or humans. Historically, 8 of 17 known Marburg virus disease outbreaks have been linked to human encroachment on ERB habitats, but no linkage exists for the other 9 outbreaks, raising the question of how bats and humans might intersect, leading to virus spillover. We used micro‒global positioning systems to identify nightly ERB foraging locations. ERBs from a known Marburg virus‒infected population traveled long distances to feed in cultivated fruit trees near homes. Our results show that ERB foraging behavior represents a Marburg virus spillover risk to humans and plausibly explains the origins of some past outbreaks.

Congenital leptin and leptin receptor deficiencies in nine new families: identification of six novel variants and review of literature.

Early childhood obesity is a real public health problem worldwide. Identifying the etiologies, especially treatable and preventable causes, can direct health professionals toward proper management. Measurement of serum leptin levels is helpful in the diagnosis of congenital leptin and leptin receptor deficiencies which are considered important rare causes of early childhood obesity. The main aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of LEP, LEPR, and MC4R gene variants among a cohort of Egyptian patients with severe early onset obesity. The current cross-sectional study included 30 children who developed obesity during the first year of life with BMI > 2SD (for age and sex). The studied patients were subjected to full medical history taking, anthropometric measurements, serum leptin and insulin assays, and genetic testing of LEP, LEPR and MC4R. Disease causing variants in LEP and LEPR were identified in 10/30 patients with a detection rate of 30%. Eight different homozygous variants (two pathogenic, three likely pathogenic, and three variants of uncertain significant) were identified in the two genes, including six previously unreported LEPR variants. Of them, a new frameshift variant in LEPR gene (c.1045delT, p.S349Lfs*22) was recurrent in two unrelated families and seems to have a founder effect in our population. In conclusion, we reported ten new patients with leptin and leptin receptor deficiencies and identified six novel LEPR variants expanding the mutational spectrum of this rare disorder. Furthermore, the diagnosis of these patients helped us in genetic counseling and patients' managements specially with the availability of drugs for LEP and LEPR deficiencies.

Time constraints may pace the ontogeny of movement behaviour.

During early development, juvenile animals need to acquire a diverse behavioural repertoire to interact with their environment. The ontogeny of animal behaviour, is paced by the motivation to improve, e.g. internal clocks, and limited by external constraints, e.g. weather conditions. We here evaluate how naive Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) improve in locomotor performance, measured as daily maximum displacement, prior to their first migration under three different time constraint regimes: we compared wild hatched vultures, migrating one month after fledging, with captive-hatched vultures, released in spring four months or in winter nine months before migration. We found that the time until migration paced the development of movement behaviour: wild birds rapidly increased displacement distances within the first two weeks after fledging, while spring and winter released vultures delayed movement increases by two and four months, respectively. Under relaxed time constraints captive-hatched vultures displayed diverse functional forms of performance enhancements and therefore great variability in individual ontogeny of movement behaviour. While weather conditions in winter could limit flight movements, some birds indeed moved immediately after their release, indicating that weather may not be limiting. Our findings promote the idea that relaxed ecological constraints could uncover hidden phenotypic flexibility in ontogeny, which could present a greater potential for adaptability under environmental change than currently expected.

Probiotic and technological characterization of selected Lactobacillus strains isolated from different egyptian cheeses.

BACKGROUND: Fresh milk and natural environmental conditions are used to produce traditional cheeses. Such cheeses are produced by dozens of different types of microbes. Non-starter lactobacilli are the most responsible genus of lactic acid bacteria exhibiting key technological and health promoting traits. The purpose of this study is to isolate Lactobacillus bacteria from conventional Egyptian cheeses and analyse their probiotic potential and technological properties. RESULTS: Lactobacillus isolates (33 isolates) were isolated from different Egyptian cheeses. Our results revealed that 18.18% of the isolates were fast-acidifying, 30.3% were medium-acidifying and 51.5% were slow-acidifying isolates. The results of autolytic activity showed that 24.3% of the isolates were good autolysis, 33.3% were fair autolysis, while 42.4% were poor autolysis. Fifteen isolates produced exopolysaccharides, while 9 isolates exhibited antimicrobial activities against Lactobacillus bulgaricus 340. All the isolates were resistant to pH 3 for 3 h except isolate No. 15 (MR4). The growth rate of the isolates ranged from 42.25 to 85.25% at 0.3% bile salts after 3 h of incubation. The surviving percentage of the Lactobacillus isolates decreased with increasing incubation time or the percentage of bile salts greater than 0.3%. All the isolates grew after incubation in artificial gastric and intestinal fluids. The auto-aggregation of 15 isolates ranged from 43.13 to 72.77%. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BD3, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BR4 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum MR2 were sensitive to the majority of the tested antibiotics and showed good bile salt hydrolase activity. CONCLUSION: L. paracasei BD3, L. plantarum BR4 and L. fermentum MR2 were isolated from Egyptian cheeses and showed probiotic and technological characterization, which are valuable for their practical application as starters, adjunct and protective cultures in cheese making.