Ahmed Mohamed

The purpose of this study was to isolate and assess endophytic fungi from wheat plants as potential biocontrol agents against major wheat pests. A total of 38 fungal isolates, obtained from the Delta, Middle, and Upper regions of Egypt, were examined for their ability to produce bioactive metabolites exhibiting insecticidal and acaricidal activities. Among them, isolate MORSY-27 exhibited remarkable biosynthetic potential, yielding notably high levels of cuticle-degrading enzymes. It also synthesized substantial amounts of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids. According to morphological, biochemical, and molecular analyses, the isolate was identified as Geomyces sp. MORSY-27. Different agro-industrial residues were evaluated as cost-effective substrates for solid-state fermentation to reduce production expenses; among these, sunflower cake supported the highest metabolite production. Extracts derived from Geomyces sp. MORSY-27 exhibited strong insecticidal activity against Agrotis ipsilon, significantly impairing larval and pupal development. Additionally, the extracts exhibited potent, concentration- and time-dependent acaricidal effects, achieving nearly 100% adult mortality of Tetranychus urticae and complete inhibition of egg hatching. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 39 bioactive compounds. These findings indicate that Geomyces sp. MORSY-27 demonstrates significant potential as a sustainable and cost-effective source of natural biopesticides, offering valuable potential for integrated pest management.

Mamluk historiography is predominantly centred on the political actions of the ruling elite, particularly sultans and senior officials, whose careers and decisions are extensively documented in chronicles, biographical dictionaries, and autobiographical writings. In contrast, lower-ranking members of the ruling hierarchy appear only sporadically and occupy a structurally marginal position within historical narratives. Legendary and folkloric traditions are similarly marginalised, typically remaining outside the scope of official historiography and surviving primarily through oral transmission or in sources linked to socially and politically peripheral groups. Although a small number of reports attributed to lower-ranking mamluks are preserved in certain texts, they were largely ignored by Mamluk historians. This article examines Mamluk accounts of the legend of the “Green City” located in Tīh Banī Isrāʾīl (the Wilderness of the Children of Israel) in Sinai. The story is attributed to the Mamluks, who allegedly encountered the city while fleeing to Bilād al-Shām after the assassination of al-Amīr Fāris al-Dīn Aqṭāy by Sultan al-Muʿizz Aybak in 652/1254. Despite its proximity to this major political event, the narrative survives only in brief references by six historians across the entire Mamluk period (648–923/1250–1517). By analysing the transmission and marginalisation of this account, the article argues that the legendary narrative of the Green City offers a revealing case study of how extraordinary desert traditions were selectively incorporated into Mamluk historiography. A microhistorical and critical reading of the story further illuminates the interplay between oral testimony, desert knowledge, and the historiographical practices that shaped the preservation, adaptation, or omission of such narratives.

This research aimed to examine the effects of different dietary levels of nano-selenium (NSE) on the reproductive performance, gonad hormones, histopathology, growth performance, feed utilization, and body indices in adult Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, broodstock for 90 days. The initial weights of the fish were 278.6 ± 5.5 (males) and 178.4 ± 1.6 (females). They were distributed randomly to 15 tanks with 20 fish in each tank (15 females and 5 males, sex ratio 3:1), with each treatment conducted with three replicates. The contents of NSE in five isocaloric and isonitrogenous practical feeds were 0 mg/kg (control), 1 mg/kg (T1), 2 mg/kg (T2), 3 mg/kg (T3), and 4 mg/kg (T4). Results show that the final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly better in T2 and T1, followed by the control, in comparison with others. On the other hand, growth efficiency was decreased in T3 and T4 of both males and females. Referring to body indices and reproductive performance, females were higher than males in the hepatosomatic index (HSI), where the lowest treatment was the control and T4 for both males and females. Female Nile tilapia brood fish given NSE improved reproductive performance indicators (egg number, total egg, and fry number) when compared with the control. With increasing levels of NSE in the feed, the levels of testosterone and progesterone hormones were increased. The highest values for testosterone were in T4, followed by T3, then T2, T1, and the control. The same trend was observed across the progesterone treatments. Additionally, the results of histopathological examination indicate differences in tissues between different treatments as a result of the addition of NSE. These results indicate that NSE supplementation at low levels could lead to improved growth and reproductive efficiency of Nile tilapia.

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AP) — Two female opposition lawmakers in Mauritania have been charged with insulting the president after accusing him of

This study investigates the influence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration (0 M, 0.2 M, 0.5 M, and 1.0 M) on the hydration kinetics, mechanical properties, and microstructural evolution of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3). Experimental analyses, including isothermal calorimetry, compressive strength testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), were conducted on LC3-35 paste samples. Results indicate that elevated NaOH concentrations accelerate early hydration, with the 1.0 M sample exhibiting a C3S reaction peak at 1.5 h, compared to 2 h for the control (0 M). However, compressive strength at 28 days peaked in the control (~ 50 MPa) and 0.5 M samples (~ 47 MPa), while the 1.0 M formulation showed reduced performance (~ 36 MPa), suggesting an optimal NaOH range of 0.2 M–0.5 M. Microstructural analysis revealed enhanced formation of calcium (alumino) silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels at moderate NaOH levels, transitioning to sodium-incorporated C-(N)-A-S-H phases at higher concentrations, accompanied by interactions with ferrite phases (C4AF). Notably, density variations showed no direct correlation with strength, underscoring the dominance of chemical and microstructural factors. These findings demonstrate that controlled alkali activation (≤ 0.5 M NaOH) enhances early pozzolanic reactivity and strength development in LC3 without compromising long-term performance, supporting its viability as a sustainable, low-clinker cement alternative. Future research should prioritize quantitative analysis of C-A-S-H gel and calcium sulfate (CaSO4) content to refine LC3 formulations for industrial applications.

Abstract Objective To investigate the role of posterior colpotomy first technique in preserving vaginal length and support with total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH).

The live-attenuated oral vaccine intrOv is an IFNγ-susceptible mutant of C. muridarum that is rapidly cleared from the large intestine by IFNγ-producing group 3 innate lymphoid cells (IFNγ+ILC3s), while the wild-type C. muridarum maintains long-lasting colonization. Although we have previously shown that IL-23 receptor signaling is essential for IFNγ+ILC3s to clear intrOv, the cellular source of IL-23 remains unknown. In the current study, we found that intrOv induces IL-23 in the large intestine, which correlates with intrOv inhibition. Mice deficient in IL-23p19 fail to inhibit intrOv, demonstrating the necessity for IL-23 to promote the inhibition of intrOv. To identify the responsible IL-23 producers, transgenic mice expressing CD11c promoter-driven diphtherial toxin receptor are used to deplete dendritic cells. We found that depletion of CD11c-expressing cells significantly reduces IL-23 and IFNγ, allowing intrOv to grow, while wild-type CD11c-expressing cells are sufficient to rescue IL-23p19-deficient mice to inhibit intrOv in the large intestine. Thus, we have demonstrated that CD11c-expressing cells inhibit the live-attenuated chlamydia oral vaccine intrOv via an IL-23-dependent mechanism, providing novel information to improve the safety and efficacy of intrOv and to reveal the intricate interactions of an obligate intracellular bacterium with host mucosal tissues.

This study examines the role of digital talent in driving marketing innovation within tourism and hospitality organizations in the context of ongoing tourism digitalization. Specifically, it investigates how digital culture and digital strategy mediate the relationship between digital talent and marketing innovation. Data were collected from employees working in Class A travel agencies and five-star hotels in Greater Cairo, Egypt. Using a purposive sampling approach, a bilingual e-survey was distributed, yielding 432 valid responses for analysis. The findings indicate that digital talent plays a crucial role in enabling marketing innovation in tourism and hospitality organizations. Its influence occurs both directly and indirectly through digital culture and digital strategy, highlighting the importance of aligning digital competencies with an organization-wide digital mindset and a clearly defined digital strategy. The results demonstrate how digital capabilities support the transformation of tourism and hospitality marketing practices in the era of digital transformation. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the mechanisms through which digital talent enhances marketing innovation in tourism organizations. The findings offer important theoretical and practical implications for researchers, managers, and tourism and hospitality practitioners seeking to strengthen innovation-driven marketing strategies in an increasingly digital tourism environment.

Background While current surgical approaches for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) primarily target rectocele and rectal intussusception, excessive perineal descent (PD) may contribute to persistent symptoms and suboptimal surgical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate early outcomes of transverse perineal support (TPS), a procedure designed to reinforce the perineum, in patients with ODS and pathological PD. Patients and method All consecutive patients with ODS and pathological PD were assessed for eligibility. After at least one year of conservative management (dietary fiber, biofeedback, laxatives) that failed to relieve symptoms, twenty-nine patients were evaluated preoperatively using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), perineometry, anorectal manometry, and MRI defecography. All patients underwent TPS procedure and were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in CCCS at 6 months. Results Significant postoperative improvements were observed. The CCCS decreased significantly, with a mean difference (Post - Pre) of -5.31 (95% CI: -6.13 to -4.48 ; p < 0.001). Postoperative PISQ-12 scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores, with median (IQR) values of 35 (34–36) and 25 (24–27), respectively (p = 0.003). Intrarectal pressure during push increased from 34.34 ± 6.03 mmHg preoperatively to 41.17 ± 5.85 mmHg postoperatively with a mean difference (Post - Pre) of 6.83 (95% CI: 5.41 to 8.24; p < 0.001). Perineal descent measured by perineometry decreased from 2.29 ± 0.55 cm preoperatively to 1.74 ± 0.51 cm postoperatively with a mean difference of -0.64 cm (95% CI: -0.75 to -0.52; p < 0.001). No mesh-related complications (erosion, chronic pain) were observed. Nine patients (31.03%) reported persistent symptoms. All had rectal intussusception. Compared with patients who improved, these patients were older, had smaller perineal bodies, and greater preoperative perineal descent. Conclusions Transverse perineal support procedure may be an effective option for selected patients with ODS and pathological PD. Outcomes were less favorable in patients with rectal intussusception, older age (observed as an association only, not causation) or smaller perineal body dimensions, underscoring the importance of careful patient selection and individualized surgical planning. Given the small sample size and the absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted with caution as associational rather than causal.