Ain Shams Scholar Collection:

Observation-constrained long-term simulations of water dynamics and groundwater recharge under intensive agriculture in the North China Plain

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Observation-constrained long-term simulations of water dynamics and groundwater recharge under intensive agriculture in the North China Plain Authors: Lin Wu , Leilei Min, Meiying Liu , Wolfgang Kinzelbach , Shiqing Wang, Ahmed Mady , Yanjun Shen; Mady, Ahmed Abstract: Groundwater recharge in intensively farmed regions is increasingly influenced by climate change and human activities. In the North China Plain (NCP), decades of intensive agriculture have driven persistent overextraction, with the groundwater table declining by ~85 cm/yr to depths of 20–50 m. Quantifying vertical recharge through the thick vadose zone is essential for sustainable groundwater management. Using in-situ observations of volumetric water content and matric potential from a 48-m caisson observatory, we calibrated and validated Hydrus-1D model, and then produced observation-constrained long-term simulations (1990–2023) for a 30-m thick vadose zone. The model reproduces depth-progressive responses to surface water inputs: flux variability is largest in the root zone, whereas deeper layers respond more steadily, especially following extreme rainfall sequences. A persistent zero-flux plane occurs near 4 m depth. Over the 34-year reconstruction, the mean annual potential recharge is 202 mm/yr, equivalent to an average deep infiltration rate of 0.51 mm/d. Groundwater recharge in the NCP predominantly occurs during summer rainfall, with extreme precipitation events enhancing vertical water fluxes by approximately 4.6–7.6 % relative to scenarios with evenly distributed rainfall. These results clarify vertical water movement in thick vadose zones under intensive agriculture and provide practical guidance for regional recharge estimation and sustainable groundwater management.

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analyses of the solute carrier 2 (SLC2) gene family in fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analyses of the solute carrier 2 (SLC2) gene family in fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Authors: Zoghly, Hala M.; Ghallab, Ahmed M.K.; Emam, Mayada M.; Abdelbaky, Mayar A.; Rashed, Mohamed A.; El-Sayed, Walaa; abdelmaksoud, eman Abstract: The solute carrier 2 (SLC2) gene family, responsible for hexose and polyol transport, has not been fully characterized in Spodoptera frugiperda, a globally invasive pest. Among this family, the trehalose transporter (TRET) genes, the largest and most functionally important subfamily, contribute to energy homeostasis and stress adaptation in insects. Despite their importance, TRET genes’ role in insect responses to bioinsecticide exposure remains largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize SLC2 genes, from which TRET genes were validated under bioinsecticidal stress in S. frugiperda. A genome-wide identification of the SLC2 gene family in S. frugiperda was performed using bioinformatics approaches. Third-instar larvae were treated under controlled temperature and light conditions with the technical grade of Emamectin benzoate (EMB) and Spinosad (SPD), along with their solvent acetone (Ac) and negative control (NC). In parallel, field bioassays were conducted using the commercial formulations of both insecticides on second- and fourth-instar larvae. Gene expression levels of selected TRET genes were evaluated using qRT-PCR. A total of 86 putative SfruSLC2 members were identified and analyzed for their structural, functional, and physicochemical properties, confirming their stability as membrane-associated transporters. Laboratory treatments induced dose-dependent toxic symptoms, whereas field applications resulted in 100% mortality within 24 h. qRT-PCR results revealed significant upregulation of TRET genes, with EMB eliciting the highest expression, followed by SPD and Ac. EMB and Ac showed non-linear responses, while SPD induced a more linear pattern. This study provides the first genome-wide characterization of the SLC2 gene family in S. frugiperda and highlights TRET genes as key mediators of energy regulation under bioinsecticide and Ac stress. These findings contribute novel insights into the molecular response mechanisms of S. frugiperda and may support future strategies for sustainable pest control and resistance management.

Deleterious Effects of Banned Chemical Pesticides on Human Health in Developing Countries, In: M.L. Larramendy and S. Soloneski (eds.), Pesticides

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Deleterious Effects of Banned Chemical Pesticides on Human Health in Developing Countries, In: M.L. Larramendy and S. Soloneski (eds.), Pesticides Authors: Bayoumi, A. E. Abstract: Nowadays, large quantities of banned chemical pesticides are still in use illegally in various developing countries. The effect of these pesticides on humans, that is, children, adults, including pregnant women, either through chronic residential or occupational exposure, leads to various negative effects. This chapter focuses on the evidence of using the banned pesticides in developing countries and the occurrence of different diseases that affect the quality of life of the affected individuals either at the health, social, and/or labor level. The recorded diseases included obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, asthma, chronic bronchitis, autism, erectile dysfunction, and psychological disorders as a result of chronic exposure to the banned pesticides. It was highlighted the identification of each disease, some epidemiological studies carried out in developing countries, and the mechanisms of action by which the pesticides are linked to each mentioned disease. In conclusion, it was discussed the major causes behind the incidence of such diseases and suggested suitable solutions that must be presented by the US Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Agriculture Organization among other bodies to the developing countries to avoid and overcome the occurrence of such diseases in the future.

Dietary effect of nano-encapsulated probiotics and alpha-lipoic acid in improving blood parameters, immunity, gut health, gene expression, and growth performance in heat-stressed broilers

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Dietary effect of nano-encapsulated probiotics and alpha-lipoic acid in improving blood parameters, immunity, gut health, gene expression, and growth performance in heat-stressed broilers Authors: Alqhtani, Haifa Ali; Almamoory, Hadeel A.; Elbaz, Ahmed M.; Ateya, Ahmed; El-Aziz, Ayman Abd; Elkanawaty, Ahmed M.; Arafa, Ahmed Sabry; Zarah, Rowa K.; Alzahrani, Elham Mohammed; Safhi, Fatmah Ahmed; Babaker, Manal A.; Abdelhady, AbdelRahman Y.; Thabet, Hany Abstract: Heat stress in broilers disrupts vital functions, leading to decreased performance and overall health, as well as significant economic losses. To alleviate the negative influences of heat stress on broilers, several strategies have been employed, most notably dietary supplementation. The present study investigates the impact of supplementing nano-encapsulated probiotics and alpha-lipoic acid on growth performance, gut microbiota, immune response, and gene expression in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four groups (6 replicate per group): a control group fed a basal corn–soybean diet (CON) and three treatment groups receiving the basal diet supplemented with nano-encapsulated probiotics (NCP, 1 × 106 CFU/g of diet), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, 300 mg/kg), or their combination (CNPA). Supplementing the CNPA mixture significantly improved growth performance, as evidenced by enhanced feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, carcass traits, and up-regulated IGF-1 gene expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, the mixture decreases cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and uric acid levels (P < 0.05). CNPA mixture improves the ability to adjust heat stress by enhancing antioxidant status, via increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA, P < 0.05). Furthermore, CNPA mixture reduces pathogenic bacteria and upregulates the expression of cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1, P < 0.05) and mucin 2 (MUC-2) genes, enhancing intestinal health. Overall, the combination of nano-encapsulated probiotics with α-lipoic acid effectively mitigates heat stress impacts in broilers.