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The Wadi Muweilha muscovite pegmatite in the Central Eastern Desert (CED) of Egypt is strongly influenced by a strike-slip shearing and fault system related to the final stage of the East African Orogen (EAO) in the Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS). It intrudes the volcano-sedimentary succession, occurs in large pegmatitic plugs, and is comprised of K-feldspar, quartz, plagioclase, and muscovite as rock-forming minerals, while abundant garnet, monazite-(Ce), Nb-depleted rutile, ilmenite, zircon, xenotime-(Y), and Y–thorite represent the rare metal minerals. Most minerals show several signatures of ductile/brittle deformations. Garnets form almandine–spessartine solid solutions and exhibit Mn bell-shaped type zoning, due to temperature decrease and fractionation of Fe–Mn during crystallization. The monazite occurs in three phases: pristine (Mnz1), recrystallized (Mnz2), and hydrothermal (Mnz3). The Y–Th-enriched Mn1 was altered into Y–Th-depleted Mnz3 associated with xenotime–thorite solid solutions (Y–thorite) via dissolution–reprecipitation mechanism. The mineral reaction happened along the preexisting microfractures (resulting from the former brittle deformation) that were used as pathways for interfacial fluids. The chemical and textural characteristics of monazite, garnet, and other minerals enhance the igneous origin of pegmatite and the relation to syn-tectonic I-type granitic magma source. The 641 ± 5 Ma (2σ) age of Mnz1 indicates that the post-collisional stage began after ~ 640 Ma in the north of the ANS. The date range (584–590 Ma) of Mnz2 is simultaneous with the rare metal-bearing post-collisional A-type granite in the CED, while the 538 to 563 Ma date range of Mnz3 may suggest a prolonged period (100 Ma) of the tectonic rejuvenation in the Mubarak–Barramiya Shear Belt at ca. 640–540 Ma.

The widely distributed granitic intrusions in the Nubian Shield can provide comprehensive data for understanding its crustal evolution. We present new bulk-rock geochemistry and isotopic (zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf) data from the Haweit granodiorites in the Gabgaba Terrane (NE Sudan). The dated zircons presented a 206Pb/238U Concordia age of 718.5 ± 2.2 Ma, indicating that they crystallized during the Cryogenian. The granodiorites contain both biotite and amphibole as the main mafic constituents. The samples exhibit metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.84–0.94) and calc-alkaline signatures. Their mineralogical composition and remarkable low P2O5, Zr, Ce, and Nb concentrations confirm that they belong to I-type granites. They exhibit subduction-related magma geochemical characters such as enrichment in LILEs and LREEs and depletion in HFSEs and HREEs, with a low (La/Yb)N ratio (3.0–5.9) and apparent negative Nb anomaly. The positive Hf(t) values (+7.34 to +11.21) and young crustal model age (TDMC = 734–985 Ma) indicates a juvenile composition of the granodiorites. The data suggest that the Haweit granodiorites may have formed from partially melting a juvenile low-K mafic source. During subduction, the ascending asthenosphere melts might heat and partially melt the pre-existing lower crust mafic materials to generate the Haweit granodiorites in the middle segment of the Nubian Shield.

The present study aims to elucidate the possible sources of uranium and thorium content in the Campanian–Maastrichtian phosphorites from the Duwi Formation in the Nile Valley and Red Sea by conducting facies analysis and sequential leaching method. Nile Valley samples were collected from the El-Sibaiya East area, while those of the Red Sea were collected from two locations: Hamadat and Zug El Bahar. The petrographic investigation revealed that the Sibaiya East phosphorites exhibit peloidal bioclastic phospharenite–phospharudite microfacies, while Hamadat and Zug El Bahar phosphorites display peloidal bioclastic phosphalutite and silicified peloidal bioclastic phospharenite microfacies, respectively. Besides, U–Th bearing accessory minerals, such as zircon and monazite occur in Sibaiya East phosphorites. Thorium is present in Zug El Bahar phosphorites as minute accumulations associating apatite and quartz. Moreover, uranium is found with vanadium and iron as fine patches in the Sibaiya East phosphorite, and as small disseminations associated with Ca and Si in the Hamadat phosphorite. The X-ray diffraction shows that the investigated phosphorites are essentially built up of hydroxyl apatite Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 (OH) and quartz SiO 2. To accurately evaluate the bioavailability and mobility of uranium and thorium in the investigated phosphorites, it was necessary to identify the overall concentration and the various chemical forms of these elements by a five-step sequential leaching technique. The results indicate that Th and U are more abundant in the Red Sea phosphorites than in the Nile Valley phosphorites. Furthermore, Th is not bio-available and it is mostly found in the residue as Th-bearing minerals. Uranium, unlike Th is bio-available and fractionates among all fractions, indicating that U accumulation is the result of various diagenetic processes.

Gabal El-Ineigi fluorite-bearing rare-metal granite with A-type affinity, located in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, is distinguished by its abundance of large fluorite-quartz veins and mafic enclaves. Plagioclase (labradorite to oligoclase), Mg-rich biotite, and Mg-rich hornblende are the main components of mafic enclaves, with significant amounts of fluorite as essential phases, and titanite and Fe-Ti oxides (Nb-free rutile and ilmenite-rutile solid solution) as the main accessories. These enclaves are monzodioritic in composition, Si-poor, and highly enriched in Ca, Fe, Mg, and F compared to the host alkali feldspar F-poor Si-rich granites. Given the conflicting evidence for a restitic, xenolithic, magma mixing/mingling, cumulate, or bimodal origin for these enclaves, we propose that the mafic enclaves and felsic host granites are two conjugate liquids, with contrasting compositions, of a single parental melt. This is inferred by the normalized REE patterns that are similar. As a result, liquid immiscibility is proposed as a probable explanation for this mafic–felsic rock association. These enclaves can be interpreted as transient melt phases between pure silicate and calcium-fluoride melts that are preserved from the early stages of separation before evolving into a pure fluoride (Ca-F) melt during magma evolution. Due to element partitioning related to melt unmixing, the enclaves are preferentially enriched in Ca, F, Li, Y, and REE and depleted in HFSE (such as Zr, U, Th, Ta, Nb, Hf, and Ga) in comparison to the host granites. Furthermore, mafic enclaves exhibit W-type tetrad effects, while host granites exhibit M-type tetrad effects, implying that the REE partitioning, caused by liquid immiscibility, is complementary.

Background: Fungi are rich source of biologically active metabolites aimed for the improvement of human health through the prevention of various diseases, including infections and inflammatory disorders. Aim: We aimed to in vitro examine the anti-SARS CoV-2 activity of the aqueous extract of each Pleurotus (P.) ostreatus, Lentinula (L.) edodes and Agaricus (A.) bisporus edible mushroom followed by docking analysis of certain metabolites against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-main protease (protease [M.sup.pro]). Methods: Antiviral and cytotoxic effects were tested on hCoV-19/Egypt/NRC-3/2020/Vero-E6 cells and analyzed via (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide Assay (MTT) assay. Ligand-protein and protein-protein docking studies were performed to explore the interaction of different mushroom extracts at the binding site of protease [M.sup.pro]. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on the most promising ligand-target complexes to investigate their dynamic properties and confirm docking results. Results: Substantial antiviral activities with an I[C.sub.50] of 39.19, 26.17, and 10.3.3 [micro]g/mL and a selectivity index (SI) of 4.34, 3.44, and 1.5 for P. ostreatus, L. edodes and A. bisporus, were observed, respectively. Docking analysis revealed that, catechin from three mushroom isolates, chlorogenic acid from A. bisporus, kamperferol of P. ostreatus and quercetin from L. edodes, with a C-DOCKER interaction energy in the range of 22.8-37.61 (Kcal/mol) with protease compared to boceprevir ligand of 41.6 (Kcal/mol). Docking of superoxide dismutase, catalase from the three mushrooms, tyrosinase from A. bisporus showed ligand contact surface area with the protein as 252.74 [[Angstrom].sup.2] while receptor contact surface area was 267.23 [[Angstrom].sup.2]. Conclusion: P. ostreatus, L. edodes and A. bisporus have potential and remarkable in vitro antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2. Quercetin from L. edodes, Kaempferol from P. ostreatus, chlorogenic acid and ascorbic acid, catechin, superoxide dismutase and catalase of the three mushrooms extracts were effectively bounded to [M.sup.pro] of SARS-CoV-2 as conferred by docking analysis. Keywords: edible mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes, Agaricus bisporus, SARS-CoV-2, cytotoxicity

A novel human coronavirus prompted considerable worry at the end of the year 2019. Now, it represents a significant global health and economic burden. The newly emerged coronavirus disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the primary reason for the COVID-19 global pandemic. According to recent global figures, COVID-19 has caused approximately 243.3 million illnesses and 4.9 million deaths. Several human cell receptors are involved in the virus identification of the host cells and entering them. Hence, understanding how the virus binds to host-cell receptors is crucial for developing antiviral treatments and vaccines. The current work aimed to determine the multiple host-cell receptors that bind with SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses for the purpose of cell entry. Extensive research is needed using neutralizing antibodies, natural chemicals, and therapeutic peptides to target those host-cell receptors in extremely susceptible individuals. More research is needed to map SARS-CoV-2 cell entry pathways in order to identify potential viral inhibitors.

Cyperus has been commonly used as a multi-use medicinal plant in folk medicine worldwide. The objectives of our study were to determine the different metabolites in the Cyperus conglomeratus Rottb. methanol extract, and to assess its in vivo gastroprotective effect in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Serum levels of galactin-3 and TNF-α were employed as biochemical markers. To pinpoint for active agents, comprehensive metabolites profiling of extract via UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS was employed. A total of 77 chromatographic peaks were detected, of which 70 were annotated. The detected metabolites were categorized into phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, stilbenes, aurones, quinones, terpenes, and steroids. Rats were divided into six groups; healthy control, ulcer control, standard drug group, and 25, 50, 100 mg/kg of C. conglomeratus treated rats. Pre-treatment with C. conglomeratus alcohol extract significantly reduced galactin-3, and TNF-α in ethanol-induced ulcer model at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. Further histopathological and histochemical studies revealed moderate erosion of superficial epithelium, few infiltrated inflammatory cells, and depletion of gastric tissue glycoprotein in the ulcer group. Treatment with the extract protected the gastric epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that C. conglomeratus extract provides significant gastroprotective activity in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and ought to be included in nutraceuticals in the future for ulcer treatment.

Pea is a commercially significant legume that is widely utilized worldwide and has a elevated amount of nutrition and bioactive components. Its consumption is attributed to a number of health benefits and its potential as a functional food. Fulvic acid can be used as a bio-stimulant to promote plant growth and increase nutrient availability and uptake. A field experiment was designed during two subsequent cropping seasons (i.e., 2022–23 and 2023–24) to evaluate the impact of two methods of fulvic acid application of seed priming and foliar spray on the growth, yield, antioxidant content, and nutritional value of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants. The seeds were primed with fulvic acid at 1.5, 3 g L−1, and water, while a foliar spray of fulvic acid with the same doses was performed on the seedlings of non-primed seeds. The results obtained exhibited that the seed priming technique with fulvic acid outperformed the fulvic acid foliar applications. The increase in the fulvic acid dose to 3 g L−1 in both application techniques exhibited the highest plant growth, heaviest fresh and dry weights, and highest green seed yield. The maximum growth parameters were recorded after the foliar spray treatment at a dose of 3 g L−1, as it led to improvement in the growth parameters, leaf pigments, and total carbohydrates. The highest number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, and seed yield were obtained by the seed priming technique. From the results obtained, it may be concluded that the application of fulvic acid at 3 g L−1 via the seed priming technique is beneficial for enhancing the productivity of peas.

Tomato fruit’s quality, firmness, and resistance to hard postharvest handling and storage conditions can be raised via different preharvest applications, including fertilization. This study aimed to study the impact of preharvest field humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and salicylic acid (SA) treatments on the postharvest quality of tomato fruits. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design in five treatments as follows: 20 mL L−1 HA plus 2 g L−1 FA (T1), 20 mL L−1 HA plus 0.5 g L−1 SA (T2), 40 mL L−1 HA plus 2 g L−1 FA (T3), 40 mL L−1 HA plus 0.5 g L−1 SA (T4), and untreated plants (T5). HA was added as a soil supplementation, while FA and SA were applied as a foliar application. Tomato fruits were collected at the beaker stage and maintained at 12 °C and 95% relative humidity for the postharvest storage period. The results obtained revealed that all physicochemical traits were significantly influenced by all treatments applied when comparing with the control fruit. The firmness of tomato fruits was better retained with the HA plus FA treatments than HA plus SA. T3 treatment improved the carotenoids and total soluble solids by 10.0% and 92.0%, respectively, relative to the control fruits. By the end of the storage period, the highest reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, and pectin content was exhibited by tomatoes subjected to T3 treatment followed by T1 and T4. Preharvest treatment enhanced antioxidant content enzymes of α-amylase, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) enzymes in tomato fruit during the storage period. Moreover, the T3 treatment recorded the lowest weight loss percentage (5.9%) by the end of storage period. The results revealed that combining preharvest HA and FA treatments effectively maintains the quality and shelf life of tomato fruits.

Abstract In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value. Resumo No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.