Background: Many drugs have been restricted in the treatment of gastric ulcers (GU). So, herbal medicines are now in great demand for their better cultural acceptability, compatibility, and minimal side effects. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the protective efficacy of Aloe vera gel and Geranium robertianum extracts against Aspirin®-induced GU in Wistar rats. Methods: Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of both herbs were analysed. Then, we divided forty female Wistar rats into five groups: a negative control group, a positive control group of Aspirin®-induced GU, and pretreated groups with Aloe Vera, geranium, and Famotidine (reference drug). The locomotor disability, anxiety-like behaviour, and ultrasonography were assessed. Ultimately, scarification of animals to determine gastric juice pH and ulcer index. Then the collection of stomach and liver for histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, besides tracing the oxidative stress biomarkers and related genes. Results: High content of polyphenols was revealed in both extracts. The pretreatment with Aloe vera gel and geranium showed significant antioxidant activities with free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power (FRAP). Moreover, they improved the stomach architecture and alleviated anxiety-like behaviour and motor deficits. They significantly reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α), inflammatory, and oxidative stress genes (NF-KB, HO-1, Nrf-2) while increasing the Keap-1 in gastric mucosa. Conclusion: Data presented a significant protective effect of Aloe vera gel and geranium against Aspirin®-induced GU; they reduced gastric mucosal injury with potential anxiolytic effects through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, they may be considered promising agents for preventing or treating gastric ulceration.

Background and Aim: Salmonella causes most foodborne bacterial illnesses worldwide. It is found in various hosts, including pets, farm animals, and wild animals, as well as the environment. This study aimed to examine the epidemiological relationship between Salmonella isolates from aquatic environments and those from other avian hosts. Materials and Methods: The study examined 12 water samples, 210 aquatic animals, and 45 migratory aquatic bird samples collected from the protected area of Lake Qarun in El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during migration seasons from different waterfowl migration areas (from October 2018 to January 2019). In addition, 45 fecal samples from domestic chickens were collected from the same geographic location from poultry farms. Bacteriological examination and polymerase chain reaction assay of two virulence genes (i.e., invA and stn) were performed to isolate and identify Salmonella. Results: Salmonella was isolated from 58.3% (7/12) of Lake Qarun water samples, 13.3% (6/45) of migratory waterfowl, 6.6% of (3/45) of chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), and 4.3% (3/70) of fish and pooled brine shrimp. In migratory aquatic bird species that were sampled, Salmonella were isolated from 23.1% (3/13) of Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), 12.5%, (1/8) of green-winged teal (Anas cardolinesis), 10% (2/20) of northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and 0% (0/4) of mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). In 35 Tilapia, Salmonella was isolated by (8.6%) 5.7% of external surfaces, 2.85% from the intestine, and 0% from the muscle. No Salmonella was isolated from the 175 brine shrimp samples. Phylogenetic analysis using the stn genes of Salmonella isolated from the aquatic environment, migratory aquatic birds, and chicken showed a strong association between these isolates. In addition, a higher nucleotide identity percentage was observed between the sequences recovered from migratory aquatic birds and Lake Qarun water samples. Conclusion: Salmonella distribution was confirmed through migratory aquatic birds, based on our phylogeny tree analysis, Salmonella considered a likely carrier of zoonotic bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, the close relationship between chicken and fish sequences highlights the scenarios of using chicken manure in fish farms and its public health implications. The presence of Salmonella in different environmental sources spotlights the urgent need to control and break down its epidemiological cycle.

Cholera is a negative public health event caused by Vibrio cholerae. Although V. cholerae is abundant in natural environments, its pattern and transmission between different niches remain puzzling and interrelated. Our study aimed to investigate the occurrence of nonpathogenic V. cholerae in the natural environment during endemicity periods. It also aimed to highlight the role of molecular ecoepidemiology in mapping the routes of spread, transmission, and prevention of possible future cholera outbreaks. V. cholerae was detected in different aquatic environments, waterfowl, and poultry farms located along the length of the Nile River in Giza, Cairo, and Delta provinces, Egypt. After polymerase chain reaction amplification of the specific target outer membrane gene (Omp W) of suspected isolates, we performed sequence analysis, eventually using phylogenetic tree analysis to illustrate the possible epidemiological relationships between different sequences. Data revealed a significant variation in the physicochemical conditions of the examined Nile districts related to temporal, spatial, and anthropogenic activities. Moreover, data showed an evident association between V. cholerae and the clinically diseased Synodontis schall fish. We found that the environmental distress triggered by the salinity shift and elevated temperature in the Middle Delta of the Nile River affects the pathogenesis of V. cholerae, in addition to the characteristics of fish host inhabiting the Rosetta Branch at Kafr El-Zayat, El-Gharbia province, Egypt. In addition, we noted a significant relationship between V. cholerae and poultry sources that feed on the Nile dikes close to the examined districts. Sequence analysis revealed clustering of the waterfowl and broiler chicken isolates with human and aquatic isolated sequences retrieved from the GenBank databases. From the obtained data, we hypothesized that waterfowl act as a potential vector for the intermediate transmission of cholera. Therefore, continuous monitoring of Nile water quality and mitigation of Nile River pollution, in addition to following good managemental practices (GMPs), general hygienic guidelines, and biosecurity in the field of animal production and industry, might be the way to break this cyclic transmission between human, aquatic, and animal sectors.

Buffalo milk production in Egypt has steadily declined since 2014, mainly due to climate-driven heat stress (HS) and rising temperature–humidity index (THI). This quasi-field study randomly evaluated twelve lactating buffalo during peak summer, introducing a biometeorological approach to define and predict HS impacts precisely. Heat stress in buffalo was classified according to THI ranges as follows: non-HS zone (NHSZ, 56.7–73.2), moderate HS zone (MHSZ, 73.2–75.4), severe HS zone (SHSZ, 75.4–80.3), and critical HS zone (CHSZ, ≥ 80.3). Two models were compared: Model I (natural, group A) and Model II (adaptive, group B), which received targeted environmental and management interventions. Continuous monitoring of THI alongside daily milk yield (DMY), physiological responses, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the expression of key energy homeostasis genes was assessed in both groups. Adaptive interventions effectively reduced THI exposure, shifted animals from critical HS to non-HS zones, improved physiological parameters, increased milk yield by 53%, lowered oxidative stress, and enhanced milk quality ( p < 0.05). The study presents the first transcriptional analysis of stress-responsive energy-regulating genes in buffalo, revealing higher AMPK , HRH1 , and mTOR expression in HS-Model I buffalo, which reflects the metabolic strain associated with unmanaged thermal stress. Regression analysis showed that for every one-unit increase in THI above 69, milk yield decreased by 0.17–0.23 kg/day. These findings underscore the value of integrated biostatistical modeling and targeted adaptation strategies for sustaining buffalo productivity under the pressures of subtropical climates. Adaptive housing, nutritional support, and management interventions effectively mitigate the impacts of HS. At the molecular level, evidence of oxidative stress and altered energy regulation highlights the physiological toll of thermal load, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to protect productivity and herd resilience in heat-stressed regions.

Background: Buffalo is an essential component of Egypt’s dairy industry. However, their environmental pollution threatens the production and sustainability of the sector. Heavy metal (HM) contamination in dairy systems is a growing environmental and public health concern, particularly in developing regions experiencing increased industrial and livestock intensification. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate HM contamination in buffalo milk across three environmentally distinct dairy farms in Egypt, identify potential environmental exposure pathways, and assess associated public health risks. Methods: ICP-MS/MS was employed to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), and cobalt (Co) in composite milk samples (48) obtained twice weekly from three selected Buffalo dairies located in Al Qalyubia and Giza provinces, over two months, alongside tracing the possible contamination pathways of the collected environmental samples. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) were calculated for each metal based on the corresponding oral reference dose (RfDo) to evaluate public health implications. In addition, the water quality and the bedding nitrogen profile were assessed. Results: Significant differences (P30 times the 0.01 mg/kg), indicating significant environmental exposure. The environmental matrices (water, feed, and bedding) showed notable metal enrichment with localized exceedances of turbidity, nitrite, and bromide, enhancing the water–feed–animal transfer pathway as a major contamination route. The calculated EDI and THQ values were below 1; however, the relatively high Pb and As concentrations underscore the need for continuous monitoring and mitigation strategies to ensure public safety. Conclusion: Spatial variations in HM contamination, milk production, and associated health risk assessments reflected local environmental contamination from industrial, agricultural, and municipal sources. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring, source tracing, and planned farm management practices to protect the health of consumers and the sustainability of Egypt’s buffalo dairy sector.

Background Growing global warming significantly challenges buffalo dairy production, particularly in subtropical climates where summer heat exceeds their thermal comfort zone. Since 2014, Egypt's buffalo milk production has declined. However, few studies have addressed interventions to alleviate the underlying causes. This study proposed a short-term adaptation strategy based on enhancing environment and management practices to alleviate the impact of heat stress (HS) on the physiological and production performance of 12 lactating Egyptian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) over 47 summer days in Mit Helfa, Egypt. Meteorological data were monitored daily, and temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated. The daily milk yield (DMY) was recorded alongside the rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR). Milk samples were also collected for molecular, biochemical, and quality assessments. Results Two HS models were defined based on THI data. HS Model I (Group A) represented the critical, severe, and moderate HS zones (CHSZ, SHSZ, and MHSZ). Meanwhile, the HS Model II (modified, Group B) reflects the modulatory effects of adaptive interventions in reducing the THI and remodelling the CHSZ and SHSZ to non-HS zones (NHSZ). Additionally, this study provides the first transcriptional analysis of energy homeostasis genes in water buffaloes. It revealed significantly higher expression levels of AMPK, HRH1, and mTOR genes in the HS-Gp A compared to non-HS Gp B (p>0.05). Production data revealed a significant 53% increase in DMY (13 kg/day) in Gp B with lower oxidative stress and superior milk quality. Correlation and regression statistics indicated that higher THI increased RT and RR and significantly decreased DMY in HS Gp A. Conversely, lower THI in Gp B reduced physiological stress and significantly increased DMY (p>0.001). For each unit increase in THI above 69, the DMY decreases by 0.17 and 0.23 kg/day/buffalo, with total predicted decreases of 1.9 and 2.5 kg when the THI increases from 70 to 83 and 65 to 76 (maximum and minimum THI) in HS and Non-HS groups, respectively. Conclusion These findings highlight the negative impact of HS on buffalo health and productivity, emphasising the need for adaptive strategies and genetic research to maintain energy balance, support milk production, and develop heat-tolerant breeds.