PD-L1 Immunohistochemical Expression in Endometrial Carcinoma: Egyptian Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common cancer of the female genital tract. According to the recently evolved strategies of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoints inhibitors are one of the most crucial strategies. Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an important immune checkpoint regulator. PD-L1 antibodies have shown efficacy in clinical trials of some malignancies. Some of these antibodies have been approved for clinical usage by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 100 ECs, collected from archived, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of hysterectomy specimens of Egyptian females. The samples were immunohistochemically analyzed for PD-L1 expression (in both tumor cells; TCs and tumor infiltrating leucocytes; TILs) by a semiquantitative score (0 to 4), with cutoff points of (0: <1% of the cells, 1: 1% to 4%, 2: 5% to 9%, 3: 10% to 49%, and 4: ≥ 50%). Membranous staining only was considered positive. RESULTS: PD-L1 was highly expressed in ECs (67% TCs+ and 61% TILs+), with statistically significant relationships with age, lympho-vascular space invasion (LVSI) and TILs score (P = 0.006, 0.016 and <0.005 respectively).  However, no statistically significant relationships were detected between PD-L1 expression and the following parameters: histological type, histological grade, pathological stage (pT) or FIGO stage, myometrial, cervical, adnexal/serosal, parametrial involvements and nodal metastasis, as well as ESMO risk stratification system. Moreover, statistically significant relationships were achieved when correlating TILs score with tumor grade and LVSI (P = 0.034 and 0.012 respectively). Also, comparing endometrial hyperplasia (EH) PD-L1 and TCs PDL1 median scores achieved statistically significant relationship (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results concluded that PD-L1 expression was greater in both TCs and TILs in a subgroup of patients that have advanced age, LVSI and are TILs-rich, identifying them as potential candidates for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.

Evaluation of chlorophyll-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy on cancer cell lines.

Chlorophyll (Chl) is a promising natural photosensitizer (PS) in photodynamic treatment (PDT). Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were chosen to increase the effectiveness of PDT. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic efficacy of chlorophyll-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Chl-MSNs) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and to investigate their potential toxicity in HepG2, MDA-MB-231, and HSF cell lines. Chl-MSNs were prepared via the physical adsorption method. TEM, DLS, and zeta potential examined morphology, size, and surface characteristics. MSNs and Chl-MSNs were characterized using the same techniques. HPLC was used to assess the encapsulation efficiency. At pH 7.4, an in vitro release experiment of Chl-MSNs was performed. Chl, MSNs, and Chl-MSNs were applied to the three cell lines at different concentrations and subjected to red (650 nm) and blue (450-500 nm) lasers. MSNs and Chl-MSNs' sizes were 90.338 ± 38.49 nm and 123.84 ± 15.67 nm, respectively, as obtained by TEM; the hydrodynamic diameter for MSNs (93.69 ± 20.53 nm) and Chl-MSNs (212.95 ± 19.76 nm); and their zeta potential values are - 16.7 ± 2.19 mV and - 18.84 ± 1.40 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of Chl-MSNs was 70%. Chl-MSNs displayed no toxicity in dark conditions but showed excellent photostability under blue and red light exposure. Furthermore, using Chl over Chl-MSNs has a higher PDT efficiency than the tested cell lines. Chl-MSNs have the potential to be an effective delivery system. PDT proved to be an essential technique for cancer treatment. Blue laser is recommended over red laser with Chl and MSNs for destroying cancer cells.

Ameliorative avian gut environment and bird productivity through the application of safe antibiotics alternatives: a comprehensive review.

The avian digestive tract is an important system for converting ingested food into the nutrients their bodies need for maintenance, growth, and reproduction (meat, table eggs, and fertile eggs). Therefore, preserving digestive system integrity is crucial to bird health and productivity. As an alternative to antibiotics, the world has recently turned to the use of natural products to enhance avian development, intestinal health, and production. Therefore, the primary goal of this review is to explain the various characteristics of the avian digestive tract and how to enhance its performance with natural, safe feed additives such as exogenous enzymes, organic acids, photogenic products, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and herbal extracts. In conclusion, the composition of the gut microbiome can be influenced by a number of circumstances, and this has important consequences for the health and productivity of birds. To better understand the connection between pathogens, the variety of therapies available, and the microbiome of the gut, additional research needs to be carried out.

The Impact of Bacteriospermia on Semen Parameters Among Infertile Egyptian Men: A Case-Control Study.

This study aimed to detect the impact of bacteriospermia on semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation. This prospective case-control study was conducted over a period of 9 months. Samples were collected from andrology outpatient clinic attendants of Cairo University Hospitals. We enrolled 68 semen samples divided into two groups: a study group (34 semen samples with bacteriospermia) and a control group (34 semen samples without bacteriospermia). The characteristics of the semen, including morphology, motility, count, liquefaction, viscosity, pH, volume, and appearance, were evaluated according to the standard protocols. Patients with and without bacteriospermia had a comparable liquefaction time (p = .343), semen appearance and color (p = 1.00), semen pH (p = 1.00), velocity (p = .163), and total sperm count (p = .451). Patients with bacteriospermia were associated with lower progressive motility (p = .001), nonprogressive motility (p = .032), total motility (p = .001), and normal forms (p = .001). The prevalence of abnormal semen analysis was 64.71% in the study group compared with 35.29% in the control group. Staphylococcus aureus (67.6%) and Escherichia coli (14.7%) were the most commonly detected organisms. Samples from which Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated showed significant abnormalities in both progressive motility and normal morphology of sperm. Bacteriospermia has deteriorative effects on sperm quality parameters, such as semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm normal morphology.

Mental health, risk perception, and coping strategies among healthcare workers in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-19 emerged in December 2019. Healthcare workers were exposed to this highly infectious virus during the pandemic and suffered several social and psychological consequences, such as anxiety, psychological distress, and burnout. OBJECTIVES: To assess the psychological distress, anxiety, depression, coping strategies, risk perception, and attitude toward interprofessional teamwork among Egyptian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey which consisted of five sections. The primary outcomes were anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), risk perception towards COVID-19, interprofessional teamwork attitude, and coping strategies during the Coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. The web-based questionnaire was distributed to Egyptian healthcare workers from the 20th of April 2020 to the 20th of May 2020. A snowball sampling method was used. Regression analysis was conducted to test the relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics and the previously mentioned outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 403 participants responded to the online questionnaire. The majority were females (70.5%) and within the age group of 26-40 years (77.7%), with 2-5 years of work experience (43.2%). Most participants were pharmacists (33%) and physicians (22.1%). Eighty-two participants (21%) reported moderate to severe anxiety, and 79 participants reported (19.4%) moderate to severe depressive symptoms. In the univariate model, the marital status was associated with depression (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28-0.78), anxiety (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.85), and an attitude toward interprofessional teamwork (ß = -1.96 95% CI -2.72 to -1.2). Providing direct care to the patients was associated with lower anxiety symptoms (AOR 0.256, 95% CI 0.094-0.697). More severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with difficulties in everyday life and the professional work environment (AOR 4.246 and 3.3, P = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively). Availability of mental health facilities at the workplace was associated with a lower risk perception towards COVID-19 (ß = -0.79, 95% CI -1.24 to -0.34) and a more positive attitude towards teamwork (ß = 2.77 95% CI 1.38-4.15). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with mild anxiety and depression among healthcare workers in Egypt, especially pharmacists and physicians. We recommend more research targeting the mental health of healthcare workers in Egypt. If proven cost-effective and needed, wide-scale mental health screening and public health campaigns can facilitate effective prevention and treatment strategies. In addition, the availability of mental health facilities at the workplace could alleviate some of the risk perception associated with health emergencies and improve interprofessional teamwork.

Impacts of polyphenols on laying hens' productivity and egg quality: A review.

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

Role of Nanoparticles in Enhancing Crop Tolerance to Abiotic Stress: A Comprehensive Review.

Plants are subjected to a wide range of abiotic stresses, such as heat, cold, drought, salinity, flooding, and heavy metals. Generally, abiotic stresses have adverse impacts on plant growth and development which affects agricultural productivity, causing food security problems, and resulting in economic losses. To reduce the negative effects of environmental stress on crop plants, novel technologies, such as nanotechnology, have emerged. Implementing nanotechnology in modern agriculture can also help improve the efficiency of water usage, prevent plant diseases, ensure food security, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance sustainability. In this regard, nanoparticles (NPs) can help combat nutrient deficiencies, promote stress tolerance, and improve the yield and quality of crops. This can be achieved by stimulating the activity of certain enzymes, increasing the contents (e.g., chlorophyll) and efficiency of photosynthesis, and controlling plant pathogens. The use of nanoscale agrochemicals, including nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, and nanofertilizers, has recently acquired increasing interest as potential plant-enhancing technologies. This review acknowledges the positive impacts of NPs in sustainable agriculture, and highlights their adverse effects on the environment, health, and food chain. Here, the role and scope of NPs as a practical tool to enhance yield and mitigate the detrimental effects of abiotic stresses in crops are described. The future perspective of nanoparticles in agriculture has also been discussed.

Plant growth-promoting microorganisms as biocontrol agents of plant diseases: Mechanisms, challenges and future perspectives.

Plant diseases and pests are risk factors that threaten global food security. Excessive chemical pesticide applications are commonly used to reduce the effects of plant diseases caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens. A major concern, as we strive toward more sustainable agriculture, is to increase crop yields for the increasing population. Microbial biological control agents (MBCAs) have proved their efficacy to be a green strategy to manage plant diseases, stimulate plant growth and performance, and increase yield. Besides their role in growth enhancement, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria/fungi (PGPR/PGPF) could suppress plant diseases by producing inhibitory chemicals and inducing immune responses in plants against phytopathogens. As biofertilizers and biopesticides, PGPR and PGPF are considered as feasible, attractive economic approach for sustainable agriculture; thus, resulting in a "win-win" situation. Several PGPR and PGPF strains have been identified as effective BCAs under environmentally controlled conditions. In general, any MBCA must overcome certain challenges before it can be registered or widely utilized to control diseases/pests. Successful MBCAs offer a practical solution to improve greenhouse crop performance with reduced fertilizer inputs and chemical pesticide applications. This current review aims to fill the gap in the current knowledge of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), provide attention about the scientific basis for policy development, and recommend further research related to the applications of PGPM used for commercial purposes.

Immune Cell Reaction Associated with Coenurus cerebralis Infection in Sheep with Particular Reference to ELISA as a Diagnostic Tool.

Sturdy is a disease caused by Coenurus cerebralis (C. cerebralis) that typically affects the brain and spinal cord of sheep. So, this study aimed to detect the pathological, hematological and immunological changes caused by C. cerebralis in sheep. On examination, a total of 17 sheep out of 30 sheep (56.7%) from various regions in Egypt were found infected with C. cerebralis from May to August 2019. Each cyst was extracted from the sheep brain; in addition, tissue specimens were taken from the brain tissues for histopathological examination. The hematological profile was analyzed. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay's (ELISA) specificity and sensitivity were evaluated using cystic fluid and protoscolices antigens (Ag). The cell-mediated immunity against the C. cerebralis cyst was also assessed via quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) to show alterations in mRNA expression of the Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and gamma Interferon (IFN-γ) cytokines qRT-PCR. In histopathological sections, cerebral tissue showed an areolar cyst wall with many protoscolices attached to the tissue. The affected part showed prominent necrosis together with inflammatory cells' aggregation. Hyperplastic proliferation of the ependymal cells was a common finding. The infected sheep exhibited significantly lower total erythrocyte numbers (ER), hemoglobin levels (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), platelet numbers (PN) and segmented cell numbers compared to apparently healthy sheep. Despite the sensitivity for the indirect ELISA being 100% for both of the Ags (fluid and scolex), the evaluation of ELISA specificity using the two antigen (Ag) preparations showed specificities of 46.2% and 38.5% for fluid and scolex Ag, respectively. Meanwhile accuracy ranged from 76.7% and 73.3% for the fluid and scolex Ags, respectively, that showed the priority was directed to the fluid to be used as an ideal sample type for ELISA. Levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly elevated in infected sheep compared to non-infected control ones. In conclusion, C. cerebralis is a serious disease infecting sheep in Egypt revealing economic losses. Although this investigation supports preliminary information about the prevalence, pathological and serological characterization of C. cerebralis, further sequencing and phylogenetic analysis is needed to understand better the T. multiceps epidemiology in ruminants and canines in Egypt.

Promising prospective effects of Withania somnifera on broiler performance and carcass characteristics: A comprehensive review.

Poultry production contributes markedly to bridging the global food gap. Many nations have limited the use of antibiotics as growth promoters due to increasing bacterial antibiotic tolerance/resistance, as well as the presence of antibiotic residues in edible tissues of the birds. Consequently, the world is turning to use natural alternatives to improve birds' productivity and immunity. Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is abundant in many countries of the world and is considered a potent medicinal herb because of its distinct chemical, medicinal, biological, and physiological properties. This plant exhibits antioxidant, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antistress, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and growth-promoting activities. In poultry, dietary inclusion of W. somnifera revealed promising results in improving feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio, as well as reducing mortality, increasing livability, increasing disease resistance, reducing stress impacts, and maintaining health of the birds. This review sheds light on the distribution, chemical structure, and biological effects of W. somnifera and its impacts on poultry productivity, livability, carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood parameters, immune response, and economic efficiency.

Heat stress in poultry with particular reference to the role of probiotics in its amelioration: An updated review.

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

Effect of environmental factors on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

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

Evaluation of the cytokines response in buffaloes focused on its milk as a newly emerging indicator tracing for toxocariasis.

This study aimed to evaluate the immune responses and oxidative stress provoked by Toxocara vitulorum infection in buffaloes with special reference to milk parameters as an emerging tool. The use of the milk tool was reported for the first time in tracing T. vitulorum infection in Egyptian buffaloes. Intestine, milk, serum, and liver samples were gathered from flocks in Cairo and Giza districts to evaluate buffalo immune responses provoked by T. vitulorum. The compositional items and somatic cells of milk were monitored. The intestine and milk were evaluated for interleukin IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction protocol and the analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress marker. The mean percentages for the total solids, fats, proteins, lactose, salts, pH, and somatic cell count/ml in positive samples were 11.23 ± 0.37, 5.1 ± 0.17, 4.44 ± 0.14, 3.9 ± 0.14, 0.81 ± 0.02, 6.8 ± 0.22, and 4.23 × 106± 1.41 × 105 cells/ml, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the mean values of compositional items except for the total protein %, salts %, and pH. For T. vitulorum-contaminated samples, the milk IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA (nmol/ml) were 7 ± 0.23, 18 ± 0.6, 17 ± 0.56, and 3.7 ± 0.12, respectively (which were less than the values for intestinal cytokines). There is a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between positive and negative samples in the intestinal, milk cytokines, and MDA. This study is an initial investigation of the utilization of intestine and milk cytokines in the evaluation of buffalo toxocariasis.

Development of hydrogel based on Carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(4-vinylpyridine) for controlled releasing of fertilizers.

A novel Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and poly (4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) hydrogel system is synthesized with different ratios, in the presence of cross-linker N, N,- methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA). The hydrogel is characterized via FTIR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The FTIR results showed a strong interaction between both CMC, P4VP and the loaded fertilizer. The water uptake of the hydrogel was evaluated by swelling tests under variations in pH, biodegradability was investigated in soil to simulate real-world conditions. To determine the best release behavior of urea and calcium nitrate from the hydrogel, fertilizers were loaded with different ratios onto the hydrogel during its formation. Fertilizers release was followed by Atomic absorption spectroscopy to study the release of calcium nitrate and urea. Release kinetic parameters were obtained based on different mathematical models as Zero order, First order, Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models. The suitable proportionality between the mathematical models used and the fertilizers release was determined based on the correlation coefficients (R2). According to Zero order model urea release showed independent concentration. Based on Korsmeyer-Pappas and Higuchi models with high n value and R2 equals to 0.97. Compared to urea, Ca2+, Zero order and Higuchi have been ignored due to their poor correlation coefficients values as proportion with Ca2+ fertilizer release.

Oxidative stress markers, immune-regulating cytokines, and the pathological evaluation of sheep co-infected with Oestrus ovis and Coenuruscerebralis.

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

ٍSome biologically active microorganisms have the potential to suppress mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens, Diptera: Culicidae).

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoan species of the genus Plasmodium. It is widespread and becoming a challenge in several African countries in the tropical and subtropical regions. In 2010, a report was published showing that over 1.2 million death cases were occurred globally due to malaria in just one year. The transmission of the disease from one person to another occurs via the bite of the Anopheles female. It is known that Plasmodium ovale, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. falciparum, and P. knowlesi are the highly infective malaria species. The problem of this disease is the absence of any effective medical treatment or vaccine, making the mosquito control is the only feasible way for disease prevention. Pesticides are currently the most widely used method for mosquito control, despite its well-known negative effects, including health hazards on human, the increasing insecticidal resistance, and the negative impact on the environment and beneficial organisms. Biological control (also called: biocontrol) of insects has been a promising method to overcome the negative effects of using chemical insecticides, as it depends on just using the natural enemies of pests to either minimize their populations or eradicate them. This article provides an overview of the recent and effective biological means to control malaria, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, larvivorous fish, toxorhynchites larva and nematodes. In addition, the importance, advantages, and disadvantages of the biocontrol methods will be discussed in comparison with the traditionally used chemical methods of malaria control with special reference to nanotechnology as a novel method for insects' control.

Evaluation of immune responses and oxidative stress in donkeys: Immunological studies provoked by Parascaris equorum infection.

This study aimed to assess the effects of Parascaris equorum (P. equorum) in infected donkeys through evaluation the oxidative stress and different gene parameters in infected tissues. Fifty donkeys were examined in Giza Zoo abattoir from the period of January to March 2021. Blood and sera samples were collected from each examined donkey. P. equorum were subjected for identification through scanning electron microscope study and the infected tissues were subjected into gene expression analysis using two genes; interleukin 1ß (IL1- ß); and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) with assessment of the antioxidant and free radicals released from the animals during the infection. Eighteen donkeys were positive for P. equorum adult or larvae by postmortem examination of the intestine and abdomen with prevalence rate of 36 %. The examined infected donkeys with P. equorum showed significantly higher of Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) 2.45 ± 0.53 than that in non-infected control donkeys. The levels of AST enzyme were 278.54 ± 0.45 while ALT enzyme was 14.97 ± 0.87 which was significantly higher than that of control negative donkeys. The infected donkeys with P. equorum showed significantly upregulation of the TNF-α and IL-1ß which classify according to number of collected worms. The P. equorum infected donkeys exerted at least 100 eggs of parasite in feces. The fecal egg count was marked decreased after treatment with moxidectin. Moxidectin is considered a novel active ingredient that has a marvelous result with high persistency and protection for long time, in addition to, broad spectrum activity and low or no resistance. We recommend the periodical deworming with different molecules as more economic and lifesaving over a single treatment every 12 months parallel with parasitic testing.

Low host specificity of Hippobosca equina infestation in different domestic animals and pigeon.

This study aimed to highlight the low host specificity of Hippobosca equina (H. equina) that poses a danger in diseases transmission between different animal species as well as, identification of the collected flies using light microscope and molecular characterization of H. equina in Egypt. Two hundred and forty flies were collected weekly from different animal species from El-Faiyum, Al Qalyubia and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorates, Egypt at the period from May to September of 2020. Insects were phenotypically and genetically identified then classified into 170 (70.8%) males and 70 (29.2%) females. The highest prevalence of H. equina was noticed from mid-June to the end of August. The sequencing of COI gene of five H. equina fly collected from different hosts as (horse, pigeon, cattle, buffalo, and donkey) were submitted to the GenBank under the accession numbers of MZ452239, MZ452240, MZ461943, MZ461944, and MZ461945, respectively. For insect infestation control, fipronil and deltamethrin is monthly sprayed for animals, birds and their circumference give a best result in our control study in the field. Deltamethrin showed a success in the elimination process and control measures of external parasites of pigeon.

Biosafety evaluation of two Beauveria bassiana products on female albino rats using acute oral test.

Application of bio-pesticides in agriculture has been developed as alternative agents to conventional pesticides due to residues accumulating which causing detrimental effects to human and environment. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate biosafety of a bio-insecticide Beauveria bassiana using two products in female rats by single oral dose through hepato- and renal toxicity, hematotoxicity and lipid profile. The two products from B. bassiana (AUMC 9896) were metabolic crude (MC), and wettable powder formulation (WP) of the local isolate. Results showed a significant increase in values of erythrocytes (RBCs), leucocytes (WBCs), platelet count (Plt) and the absolute differential WBC counts. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and globulin (Glb) content were reduced in the exposed female rats with both types of B. bassiana in comparison to controls. While ratio of AST/ALT and A/G, total protein level (TP) and albumin (Alb) were raised in Beauveria bassiana -treated rats (Bb - treated rats). Urea and creatinine concentrations decreased or increased significantly in treated rats. Moreover, there was a decline in the serum of lipid profiles in WP - treated rats, but LDL levels increased in all treated animal. Additionally, no mortality or toxicity in all treated. All animals treated showed non-significant modifications in body weight gain and a slight change in relative liver weights when compared to controls. These results suggest that both treatments effect markedly on function and somatic index of the liver and slight effects on CBC and lipid profile aspects of treated female rats.

Finite element modeling of the breakage behavior of agricultural biomass pellets under different heights during handling and storage.

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