Effect of Foliar Fertilization by Two Types of Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Omega Variety) under Protected Environment Conditions

     نفذت تجربة حقلية في الموسم الشتوي 2018 في بيت بلاستيكي في منطقة العزاوية بمحافظة بابل بتصميم (C.R.D) وبثلاث مكررات تضمنت سبع معاملات هي رش المغذي الورقي البيومين 221 بتركيز 1، 1.25،  1.5مل .لتر1- ماء والفولسيست بتركيز1، 1.5،  2مل . لتر1- ماء اضافة الى معاملة المقارنة (من دون رش) على نبات الخيار صنف Omega المزروع في البيت البلاستيكي وتم رش النباتات ثلاث مرات ،الاولى عند الازهار، والثانية بعد اسبوعين من الاولى، والثالثة بعد اسبوعين من الثانية. يهدف البحث لمعرفة تأثير الرش الورقي بالمغذيين البيومين 221 والفولسيست في نمو وحاصل الخيار المزروع في البيت البلاستيكي .أظهرت نتائج صفات النمو الخضري (طول النبات وعدد الاوراق والوزن الجاف للمجموع الخضري) وصفات النمو الثمري (طول الثمرة ووزن الثمرة  وعدد الثمار .نبات1- وحاصل النبات الواحد) عند رش الفولسيست بتركيز 1.5مل .لتر-1 (323.7 سم ،88.33 ورقة،  31.67غم ( لصفات النمو الخضري بالتتابع  و (  23.50سم ،113.85 غم ، 43.03 ثمرة . نبات 1- ، 4.900 كغم. نبات 1-) لصفات النمو الثمري بالتتابع وتليها معاملة البيومين 221 بتركيز1.25 مل .لتر1- في صفات النمو الخضري (309.3 سم، 70.33 ورقة، 25.92غم) بالتتابع ولصفات النمو الثمري كانت (21.03 سم، 111.01 غم ،  40.78ثمرة . نبات  1- ، 4.523 كغم . نبات 1-) بالتتابع.The experiment was conducted during the winter season in 2018 under a plastic house at Azawia- Babylon in (C.R.D) design with three replicates consisted of seven treatments such as a spray of foliar nutrition biomin 221with concentration 1‚1.25‚1.5  ml. liter-1 water and folic with concentration of 1‚1.5‚2  ml. litre-1 water, as well as a control treatment (without spraying) on cucumber plant (Omega variety), were grown in plastic house as follows three times ‚ The first spraying was conducted during flowering and the second spraying after two weeks of the first and the third after two weeks of the second. This study aims to determine the effect of foliar spray by nutritions biomin 221 and folic in growth and yield of cucumber planted in a plastic house. Results indicated that in vegetative growth characteristics (plant length, the number of leaves and dry weight of the shoot) and fruiting growth characteristics (fruit long, fruit weight ‚ the number of fruits.plant-1 and the one plant yield) in a spray of folicist with concentration 1.5 ml. litre-1  (323.7 cm ‚ 88.33 leaf ‚31.67 gm) of vegetative growth characteristics sequentially and (23.50 cm ‚113.85 gm‚43.03 fruit.plant-1 and 4.900 kg .plant-1) of fruiting growth characteristics sequentially and treatment of biomin 221 with concentration1.25 ml.litre-1 in vegetative growth characteristics (309.3cm‚70.33 leaf‚25.92gm) sequentially and fruiting growth characteristic (21.03cm‚111.01gm‚40.78 fruit.plant-1 and 4.523 kg.plant-1) sequentiall

Effect Times Number of Spray and Concentration of Foliar Fertilizer (PIO20) in Growth and Yield of Cucumber Variety Jamila Planted in Plastic Houses Conditions

نفذت التجربة خلال الموسم الزراعي 2016 في البيوت البلاستيكية في منطقة العزاوية بمحافظة بابل لدراسة تأثير عدد مرات الرش (رشتان، ثلاث رشات) مع اربعة مستويات للرش بالسماد الورقي PIO20 وهي 0 ،1.5 ،2 ،2.5   مل. لتر1- في نبات الخيار صنف جميلة، طّبقت تجربة عاملية وﻓﻘﴼ لتصميم (C.R.D) بثلاثة مكررات. أوضحت النتائج التفوق المعنوي لمعاملة الرش لثلاث مرات بالسماد الورقيPIO20  على معاملة الرش لمرتين في معدل طول النبات (291.4) سم وعدد الاوراق (36.63) ورقة والوزن الجاف للمجموع الخضري(25.76) غم وطول الثمرة (17.98) سم ووزن الثمرة ((109.27غم وعدد الثمار((11.80 ثمرة. نبات1- وحاصل النبات الواحد ((1.294 كغم . كما أظهرت معاملات الرش الورقي جميعها تفوﻗﴼ معنوﻴﴼ في معدل صفات النمو الخضري والثمري قياﺴﴼ لمعاملة المقارنة.  وبيّنت نتائج التداخل التفوق المعنوي لمعاملة الرش لثلاث مرات عند المستوى 2مل. لتر1- في معدل طول النبات (311.3) سم وعدد الاوراق (40.71) ورقة والوزن الجاف للمجموع الخضري(32.09) غم وطول الثمرة (19.34) سم ووزن الثمرة ((116.06 غم وعدد الثمار((12.97 ثمرة. نبات1- وحاصل النبات الواحد ((1.506 كغم.The experiment was conducted during a season of 2016 in plastic houses at Azawia- Babylon to study effect times number of spray (two times،  three times ) with four levels of spray by foliar nutrition  PIO20 (0 ،1.5 ، 2 ،2.5 ml. liter-1) in cucumber plant c.v. jamila. The experiment was conducted of factorial in design using (C.R.D) with three replicates. Results showed the treatment spray of three times significantly on the treatment spray two times when imported  plant length rate (291.4) cm ,the number of leaves (36.63) leaf and dry weight of the shoot (25.76) gm , fruit long (17.98) cm , fruit weight (109.27) gm and the number of fruits (11.80) fruit.plant-1 and the one plant yield (1.294)kg. the results also showed all the treatment of spray significantly in vegetative growth and fruiting characteristics as compared with control treatment. the results of the interaction the significant superiority of the treatment spray of three times on the level 2 ml. liter-1 plant length rate (311.3) cm ,the number of leaves (40.71) leaf and dry weight of the shoot (32.09) gm , fruit long (19.34) cm , fruit weight (116.06) gm and the number of fruits (12.97) fruit.plant-1 and the one plant yield (1.506)kg

Wheat Germ Oil Restores Testicular Function Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress in Male Adult Rats Exposed to Chromium VI

This research was outlined to assess the protective and therapeutic role of wheat germ oil against chromium VI -induced oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction in male adult rats through evaluation of semen picture, measuring the sex hormone levels, oxidative stress markers, DNA fragmentation percentage and histopathological changes in the testes. Twenty-eight adult Wister male rats were assigned into four equal groups: Group 1; Control, group 2; Cr VI, group 3; Cr VI + WGO, and group 4; WGO. WGO showed a significant increment in the RBC, Hb, Ht, WBC and Plts. WGO restored the levels of testicular antioxidant enzymes, NO, MDA as well as GSH. Also, WGO in-combination with Cr VI showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of testosterone, LH, GnRH hormones and 17β-HSD enzyme, while, FSH was decreased. Data showed that treatment of male rats with WGO and Cr VI caused an increase in sperm count, motility, and decrease in sperm abnormality. Combination of WGO with Cr VI revealed a decrease in the levels of TL, TC, TG and LDL–C, while, HDL–C was increased. Rats administrated with WGO in-combination with Cr VI exhibited a slight improvement in testicular DNA integration compared to Cr VI-treated group. Further, co-administration of WGO + Cr VI revealed a slight improvement in the pathological alterations; the cellular layers of the seminiferous tubules more or less near to the normal structure. It was concluded that wheat germ oil can be an effective antioxidant in modulating Cr VI-induced male infertility, and may lead to improve the male reproductive performance

Bilosomes as a promising nanoplatform for oral delivery of an alkaloid nutraceutical:improved pharmacokinetic profile and snowballed hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening metabolic disease. At the moment, there is no effective treatment available to combat it. In this study, we aimed to develop berberine-loaded bilosomes (BER-BLS) to boost the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of berberine, a natural antidiabetic medication. The BER-BLS was fabricated using a thin-film hydration strategy and optimized using a central composite design (face-centered). The average vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and surface charge of the optimized BER-BLS preparation were 196.5 nm, 89.7%, (−) 36.4 mV, respectively. In addition, it exhibited higher stability and better-sustained release of berberine than the berberine solution (BER-SOL). BER-BLS and BER-SOL were administered to streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. The optimized BER-BLS formulation had a significant hypoglycemic impact, with a maximum blood glucose decrease of 41%, whereas BER-SOL only reduced blood glucose by 19%. Furthermore, the pharmacological effect of oral BER-BLS and BER-SOL corresponded to 99.3% and 31.7%, respectively, when compared to subcutaneous insulin (1 IU). A pharmacokinetic analysis found a 6.4-fold rise in the relative bioavailability of berberine in BER-BLS when compared to BER-SOL at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological investigation revealed that BER-BLS is suitable for oral administration. Our data demonstrate that BLS is a potential nanocarrier for berberine administration, enhancing its oral bioavailability and antidiabetic activity

Signaling mechanisms of a water soluble curcumin derivative in experimental type 1 diabetes with cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Curcumin exhibits anti-diabetic activities, induces heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and is an inhibitor of transcriptional co-activator p300. A novel water soluble curcumin derivative (NCD) has been developed to overcome low invivo bioavailability of curcumin. We evaluated the effect of the NCD on signaling mechanisms involved in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and studied whether its action is mediated via inducible HO-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into controls, controls receiving NCD, diabetic, diabetic receiving NCD, diabetic receiving pure curcumin, diabetic receiving HO inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX) and diabetic receiving NCD and ZnPP IX. NCD and curcumin were given orally. After 45 days, cardiac physiologic parameters, plasma glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (GHb), HO-1 gene expression and HO activity in pancreas and cardiac tissues were assessed. Gene expression of p300, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2A and MEF2C) were studied. RESULTS: NCD and curcumin decreased plasma glucose, GHb and increased insulin levels significantly in diabetic rats. This action may be partially mediated by induction of HO-1 gene. HO-1 gene expression and HO activity were significantly increased in diabetic heart and pancreas. Diabetes upregulated the expression of ANP, MEF2A, MEF2C and p300. NCD and curcumin prevented diabetes-induced upregulation of these parameters and improved left ventricular function. The effect of the NCD was better than the same dose of curcumin

Knowledge, Attitude and Training Physiotherapist Palliative Care - Gaza Strip

Background: Palliative care encompasses holistic management of patients and families facing life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. There is currently little known about Gaza strip physiotherapists’ palliative care knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, experience and training needs. Objectives: Palliative care rehabilitation has been positively associated with a high and prolonged level of independent function, which also reduces the burden on care providers(1,2). This study aimed to investigate the existing knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, training and experience of palliative care by physiotherapists working in Gaza strip. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study using a face to face questionnaire included sociodemographic data, physiotherapist’s knowledge, attitude experience and training (modified PTiPC-KABE Scale)(3), the study includes eight major hospitals in the Gaza-Strip. The sample size was 120 participants, 110 were included. SPSS (version 22 for Windows) for descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, Student's t and compare mean -tests were used for the statistical analysis. Results: The total number of respondents was 110(93.3%); male 45%,and females 55%.Years of experience Palliative care intends to hasten death was significant in (p = 0.017), Palliative care does not enhance quality of life (p = 0.117), I feel a sense of personal failure when a patient dies(p=0.035), Palliative care considers dying as a complicated process (p =0.026), Caring for dying patients is traumatic for me(p = 0.004), The provision of palliative care requires emotional detachment(p = 0.009), The physical environment of my workplace is ideal for providing palliative care and rehabilitation(p = 0.026), I am often exposed to death in my workplace(p = 0.034), Conclusions: Many of Gaza's physiotherapists perform in palliative care despite inadequate training and limited knowledge in this area. Further learning and training opportunities for graduates and postgraduate students are required for physiotherapists in palliative care

Comparative Hepatotoxicity of Aflatoxin B1 among Workers Exposed to Different Organic Dust with Emphasis on Polymorphism Role of Glutathione S-Transferase Gene

AIM: The study aimed to investigate effects of organic dust exposure from different sources on aflatoxin B1-albumin adducts (AFB1/Alb), and role of glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphism in hepatotoxicity of (AFB1) among exposed workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Liver enzymes, AFB1/Alb, and GST polymorphism were estimated in 132 wheat flour dust and 87 woods sawmill workers, and 156 controls.RESULTS: Results revealed that AFB1/Alb and liver enzymes were significantly elevated in exposed workers compared to controls, and were significantly higher in sawmill workers compared to flour workers. AFB1/Alb in flour and sawmill workers with GSTT1 and GSTM1&GSTT1 null genotypes were significantly higher than controls, and in sawmill workers with GSTM1&GSTT1 null than flour workers. Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in sawmill workers were significantly higher than flour workers and controls in all GST polymorphism; except in GSTT1 polymorphism, where these enzymes were significantly higher in the two exposed groups than controls.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, organic dust exposure may cause elevation in AFB1/Alb and liver enzymes of exposed workers, and GST gene polymorphism plays an important role in susceptibility to hepatic parenchymal cell injury; except in workers with GSTT1&GSTM1 null genotype, gene susceptibility seemed to have little role and the main role was for environmental exposures

Trypsin-based diet for the growth indices of Spanish mackerel

To protect the sustainability of the aquaculture industry, fishmeal is being replaced with alternative feed ingredients such as plant-based protein components. However, most plant-based feedstuffs contain a wide array of anti-nutritional factors. These factors can potentially hinder nutrient consumption, which in turn can interfere with fish health and performance. Protease enzyme supplements can reverse the impacts of anti-nutritional factors and enhance fish growth. This study aimed to incorporate the trypsin enzyme into the food of Spanish mackerel and explore its effects on growth factors, body composition, and blood biochemical parameters. This study was a fully-randomized experiment with three treatments and three replications. This experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design with three treatments and three replications, and the trypsin enzyme was added to the fish diet at different levels: 0%, 0.015%, and 0.025%. For a timeframe of 60 days, the fish were given experimental diets. The growth indices considered were: specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), condition factor (CF), feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain percentage (WGP), and hepatic steatosis index (HSI). The results showed that FCR, PER, SGR, and WGP at enzyme levels of 0.015% and 0.025% were substantially different from the control group

A comparative randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus hydrocortisone as a topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in children

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) aetiology is not exactly identified, but it is characterized by pruritic skin reactions with elevation in the levels of inflammatory markers. Despite the fact that Corticosteroids are the mainstay therapy in the management of AD, they have many local and systemic adverse effects.Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus ointment in comparison to topical hydrocortisone cream in the management of the AD of children diagnosed with AD.Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 200 children with AD. They were simply randomized into two groups, the tacrolimus group treated with 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment and the hydrocortisone group treated with 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily during the 3 weeks study period.Results: At the end of the study, both the tacrolimus and hydrocortisone groups showed a significant decline in the mean serum level of IL-10, IL-17, and IL-23 (p < 0.05) when compared to their baseline levels. However, the tacrolimus group showed a more significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the mean serum level of IL-10, IL-17, and IL-23 as compared to the hydrocortisone group [Mean differences = 1.600, 95% CI: 0.9858–2.214; 1.300, 95% CI: 1.086–1.514 and 4.200, 95% CI: 3.321–5.079]. Moreover, the median mEASI decreased similarly from 32 to 21 in the tacrolimus group and from 30 to 22 in the hydrocortisone group (p > 0.05) [Median difference = −2.000, 95% CI: −2.651 to −1.349; Median difference = 1.000, 95% CI: 0.3489–1.651]. Mild to moderate transient stinging and erythema were the main adverse effects that showed higher incidence in the tacrolimus group than in the hydrocortisone group (p < 0.05). In most cases, they resolved within 3–4 days. Besides, tacrolimus ointment did not cause skin atrophy as compared to the hydrocortisone group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Tacrolimus ointment is more beneficial than hydrocortisone cream in managing AD in children in terms of lowering the inflammatory markers, however, there is no difference on the dermatitis severity scale. Moreover, tacrolimus is safer with a better side effect profile compared to hydrocortisone.Trial Registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (CT.gov identifier: NCT05324618

Analysis of Gene expression in soybean (Glycine max) roots in response to the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita using microarrays and KEGG pathways

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Root-knot nematodes are sedentary endoparasites that can infect more than 3000 plant species. Root-knot nematodes cause an estimated $100 billion annual loss worldwide. For successful establishment of the root-knot nematode in its host plant, it causes dramatic morphological and physiological changes in plant cells. The expression of some plant genes is altered by the nematode as it establishes its feeding site.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We examined the expression of soybean (<it>Glycine max</it>) genes in galls formed in roots by the root-knot nematode, <it>Meloidogyne incognita</it>, 12 days and 10 weeks after infection to understand the effects of infection of roots by <it>M. incognita</it>. Gene expression was monitored using the Affymetrix Soybean GeneChip containing 37,500 <it>G. max </it>probe sets. Gene expression patterns were integrated with biochemical pathways from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes using PAICE software. Genes encoding enzymes involved in carbohydrate and cell wall metabolism, cell cycle control and plant defense were altered.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A number of different soybean genes were identified that were differentially expressed which provided insights into the interaction between <it>M. incognita </it>and soybean and into the formation and maintenance of giant cells. Some of these genes may be candidates for broadening plants resistance to root-knot nematode through over-expression or silencing and require further examination.</p