Abdelrahman Elamin - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Volume 18 - Issue 2 by Abdelrahman Elamin

Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservat... more Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservation of ancient Egyptians bodies over time. They differ in type and amount from one mummy to another based on the period, embalmer and the social position of the deceased. With the aim of evaluating the role of resinous materials in the preservation of the wrapping textiles of mummies in the present study, three wrapping textile fragments (Anc. 1, Anc. 2 and Anc. 3) were collected from three mummies dating back to the ancient Egyptian Late Period (525-343 BC). These fragments differ in their amounts of adherent resin. The three fragments were soaked in a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol (DCM: MeOH, 1:1 v/v) in order to extract resinous materials from the fibers of the linen textiles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the extracts proved that the Anc. 2 and Anc. 3 samples included resinous materials; while, the Anc. 1 sample did not contain any adherent resinous materials. Linen fibers from the three tested fragments were investigated by stereomicroscope, microbiological investigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FTIR. The results showed that resinous materials have an important role in protecting the linen wrappings from microbial damage. They also preserved the fibers' morphological structure from deterioration caused by weathering. The FTIR results proved increasing oxidation of the Anc. 1 sample and the decreasing of its crystallinity index more than the other samples as a result of its direct contact with environmental deterioration factors.

Papers by Abdelrahman Elamin

Toxins, 2024

The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutriti... more The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutritional ingredients worldwide. The abundant proteins and polysaccharides in lotus seeds make them susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin (AF), a fungal toxic metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of lotus seeds at different stages of ripening to AF contamination, as well as the mechanism of the contamination. Seven groups of lotus receptacles with seeds at different ripening stages (A–G, from immature to mature) were used for the experiment. Spores of Aspergillus flavus, an AF producer, were inoculated on the water-gap area of the seeds in each receptacle. Then, each receptacle was covered with a sterilized bag, and its stalk part was soaked in water containing a life-prolonging agent, after which it was kept at room temperature for 14 days. The AF content of each whole inoculated seed from the A–G groups and that of each seed part (pericarp, cotyledon, and embryo) from the D and E groups were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Microtome sections were prepared from the samples and observed under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The seeds from the A and D groups had higher AF contents than the seeds from the B, C, E, F, and G groups, indicating that the condition of the water-gap area and the development of the embryo and cotyledon parts of the seeds are associated with AF contamination.

The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutriti... more The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutritional ingredients worldwide. The abundant proteins and polysaccharides in lotus seeds make them susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin (AF), a fungal toxic metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of lotus seeds at different stages of ripening to AF contamination, as well as the mechanism of the contamination. Seven groups of lotus receptacles with seeds at different ripening stages (A–G, from immature to mature) were used for the experiment. Spores of Aspergillus flavus, an AF producer, were inoculated on the water-gap area of the seeds in each receptacle. Then, each receptacle was covered with a sterilized bag, and its stalk part was soaked in water containing a life-prolonging agent, after which it was kept at room temperature for 14 days. The AF content of each whole inoculated seed from the A–G groups and that of each seed part (pericarp, cotyledon, and embryo) from the D and E groups were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Microtome sections were prepared from the samples and observed under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The seeds from the A and D groups had higher AF contents than the seeds from the B, C, E, F, and G groups, indicating that the condition of the water-gap area and the development of the embryo and cotyledon parts of the seeds are associated with AF contamination.

Toxins

Ochratoxin (OT) contamination of medicinal herbs is a serious threat to human health. This study ... more Ochratoxin (OT) contamination of medicinal herbs is a serious threat to human health. This study was performed to investigate the mechanism of OT contamination of licorice (Glycyrrhiza sp.) root. Licorice root samples were cut into eight parts, which were placed separately on sucrose-free Czapek Dox agar medium, inoculated with the spores of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus westerdijkiae. After incubation for 10 and 20 days, the OT contents of the samples were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and microtome sections prepared from the samples were analyzed by desorption electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, to visualize OT localization. The same sections were further examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, to investigate the path of fungal mycelial penetration of the inner roots. OT concentrations tended to increase from the upper- to the middle-root parts. OTs were located in cut areas and areas of cork layer damage; they were not pre...

Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservat... more Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservation of ancient Egyptians bodies over time. They differ in type and amount from one mummy to another based on the period, embalmer and the social position of the deceased. With the aim of evaluating the role of resinous materials in the preservation of the wrapping textiles of mummies in the present study, three wrapping textile fragments (Anc. 1, Anc. 2 and Anc. 3) were collected from three mummies dating back to the ancient Egyptian Late Period (525-343 BC). These fragments differ in their amounts of adherent resin. The three fragments were soaked in a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol (DCM: MeOH, 1:1 v/v) in order to extract resinous materials from the fibers of the linen textiles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the extracts proved that the Anc. 2 and Anc. 3 samples included resinous materials; while, the Anc. 1 sample did not contain any adherent resi...

Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects. Dermestes maculatus is ... more Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects. Dermestes maculatus is one of the serious pests that cause damage to Egyptian mummies. To assess the insecticidal activity of cedar wood oil against the larvae of the museum insect pest Dermestes maculatus (isolated from Egyptian mummies) we test-ed it under different concentration and treatment times by the bioassay methods. Our results showed that cedar wood oil diluted in ethanol had a toxic effect on 4th instars larvae of Dermestes maculatus larvae. Insec-ticidal activity depended on both concentration and exposure time. By increasing the concentration level and the exposure time we obtained a higher mortality rate.

Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected f... more Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected for this study. In scholarly publications, most authors have dealt with microorganisms, while few have concerned themselves in depth with the effect of insects on the mummies. The mummies showed different signs of deterioration and degradation caused by insects, such as missing and gaps in the linen wrappings, and accumulated dust. This study aims to discuss the significance of insects and the changes they affected to the mummies. To achieve these goals, the mummies were examined by visual assessment and stereo microscope. The following insects could be identified: Attagenus unicolor, Gibbium psylloides.

The majority of textiles in ancient Egypt are made from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Clo... more The majority of textiles in ancient Egypt are made from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Cloth made from flax is defined as linen. It was predominantly used for wrapping Egyptian mummies, an important stage in the mummification process. Fungal deterioration of ancient linen textiles is one of the most serious problems in the museum field. The relationship between ancient linen objects from different periods and their susceptibility to fungal deterioration is a critical issue in collections management in museums. In the present study, four groups of samples were prepared with different aging conditions. These samples were inoculated with the spores of four species of fungi that possess cellulolytic activity (Alternaria alternata, Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium oxalicum) and incubated for one month. The control and deteriorated samples of each group were evaluated by using visual assessment, light microscope (LM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray...

Biocontrol Science, 2019

Fumigation has been the most convenient method in the field of pest control in museums. In this s... more Fumigation has been the most convenient method in the field of pest control in museums. In this study, as fumigants, ethanol 70%, deltamethrin commercial pesticide CP , essential oil EO from Pinus regida, and low oxygen microenvironment 0.1%, LOM were tested individually and jointly against museum fungal strain Alternaria alternata. Three concentrations of each CP and EO were chosen for evaluating the individual effect. In the joint action fumigation process, three lower concentrations of CP and EO were tested in LOM. The rate of mycelial growth inhibition at each fumigation process was determined by two steps: 1 directly after the fumigation process and 2 after 7 d of the inoculation of the fumigated spores in new medium and incubating it in normal condition. The results demonstrated that applying of each chemical CP or EO in LOM enhanced its fungicidal activity and that effect of EO improved from fungistatic to fungicidal by jointing with LOM.

Biocontrol Science, 2018

In storage of modern museums, collections are packed and stored with acid-free paper-based materi... more In storage of modern museums, collections are packed and stored with acid-free paper-based materials for keeping safe and stable conditions. Direct contact of fungal contaminated packing and storing materials with the collections is concerned about expanding of infection in storage facilities. In this study, fungicidal effects of UV light irradiation on the materials such as archival board and Japanese tissue paper contaminated with Penicilliun commune and Chaetomium globosum were tested. The analyzed materials were divided into two groups; Group 1 was examined with 20 µl of spore suspensions of fungi 10 6 cfu/ml ; and Group 2 was tested on Czapek-Dox agar medium modified without sugar and inoculated with 100 µl of the spore suspensions of fungi 10 6 cfu/ml. Six doses of UV irradiation were examined on Group 1 and five doses on Group 2 in addition to control. The assessment was done by using 1 adenosine triphosphate ATP bioluminescence assay and double staining to determine the cell viability; 2 observation under light microscope to evaluate morphophysiological change of tested fungi spores and hyphae. Because of the thinness and high transparency of tissue paper, UV irradiations were highly efficient to fungicide its fungal contamination compared with archival board. In spite of the high resistance of C. globosum spores, the rate of growth was slow, and with a little amount of perithecia or fruiting bodies and a high amount of mycelium which damaged rapidly through UV irradiation. This may be due to a low relative humidity of the incubation environment. Minimum dosage of UV irradiation with fungicidal effectiveness against all fungal contamination was estimated as 118 J/cm 2 .

Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected f... more Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected for this study. In scholarly publications, most authors have dealt with microorganisms, while few have concerned themselves in depth with the effect of insects on the mummies. The mummies showed different signs of deterioration and degradation caused by insects, such as missing and gaps in the linen wrappings, and accumulated dust. This study aims to discuss the significance of insects and the changes they affected to the mummies. To achieve these goals, the mummies were examined by visual assessment and stereo microscope. The following insects could be identified: Attagenus unicolor, Gibbium psylloides.

International Journal of Conservation Science

Dermestes maculatus is considered the responsible of the most serious pests which caused damage t... more Dermestes maculatus is considered the responsible of the most serious pests which caused damage to Egyptian mummies. Hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and ethanol extracts from Cinnamomum cassia were tested for their insecticidal activities against Dermestes maculatus larvae isolated from Egyptian mummies. Responses varied according to type of solvent, concentrations and exposure time. The results showed that the chloroform extract from Cinnamomum cassia was the most effective one at the lethal concentration (LC) 25,50,75,90,95&99 levels against Dermestes maculatus larvae. The data also showed that the Chloroform extract at any concentration realized complete mortality after a period that did not exceed 5, 8, 10, 13, 16 days with petroleum ether, hexane, acetone and ethanol respectively.

International Journal of Conservation Science

Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects, such as missing parts, ... more Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects, such as missing parts, gaps and accumulated dust. Dermestes maculatus is one of the serious pests that cause damage to Egyptian mummies. To assess the insecticidal activity of tea tree oil against the larvae of the museum insect pest Dermestes maculatus (isolated from Egyptian mummies) we tested it under different concentration and treatment times by the bioassay methods. Our results showed that tea tree oil diluted in ethanol was highly toxic to Dermestes maculatus larvae. Insecticidal activity depended on both concentration and exposure time. By increasing the concentration level and the exposure time we obtained a higher mortality rate.

A Late Period gazelle mummy housed in the Agricultural Museum in Cairo, Egypt was selected for th... more A Late Period gazelle mummy housed in the Agricultural Museum in Cairo, Egypt was selected for this study. The mummy showed different signs of deterioration, such as white spots, missing tissue, gaps in the linen bandages, and accumulated dust. This study aims to describe the signs of deterioration; to explain the mechanisms of deterioration, and to apply appropriate conservation techniques to the mummy. To achieve these goals, the mummy was first examined by means of visual assessment, AutoCAD, light microscope, microbiological investigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), amino acid analysis and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The conservation techniques used were mechanical and chemical cleaning, consolidation of wrappings and bandages, completion processes and reconnecting loss part of the gazelle's leg. The results of investigation revealed that the mummy suffered from a loss of amides in the bone which increased their crystallinity, as well as oxidation and hydrolysis mechanisms. The wrappings were identified as Cyperus papyrus L. The mechanical and chemical cleaning used removed the surface dust and dirt without damage to the components of the mummy. The wrappings and bandages became strong after using Klucel G as a consolidant material. The paste used in the completion process gave significant results in filling cracks and missing parts of the mummy's back. In general, all the conservation processes of the mummy revealed its aesthetic value.

Mediterranean Archaeology …, 2011

Mummification is considered one of the most important in the history of ancient Egyptian civiliza... more Mummification is considered one of the most important in the history of ancient Egyptian civilization. The artificial mummification process started in the Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom reached its peak in the New Kingdom. This review focuses on the usage of mummification materials such as Natron salt, Coniferous resin, Mastic, Myrrh, Beeswax, Bitumen, Cassia, Onions, Lichen, Henna and Gum Arabic in ancient Egypt to determine their effectiveness in the preservation of the body. For each material, the chemical formula, the history, and the role in the preservation of the body are presented. It is shown that natron salt was the most important material to desiccate a corpse, and that the vegetable materials mentioned above have anti-bacterial properties that protected the body from microbial attack.

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2011

JSM Mycotoxins, 2021

Note www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/myco Evaluation of the susceptibility of Ziziphus jujuba var. sp... more Note www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/myco Evaluation of the susceptibility of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa fruit to aflatoxin contamination and infection of aflatoxigenic fungus based on ripening stages and fruit parts

Toxins, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Aflatoxin contamination in medicinal herbs raises a big concern. The susceptibility of Ziziphus j... more Aflatoxin contamination in medicinal herbs raises a big concern. The
susceptibility of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa fruit to aflatoxin contamination and infection of aflatoxigenic fungus was evaluated based on ripening stages and fruit parts. Fruits or their parts at different ripening stages, contaminated with aflatoxin by inoculating Aspergillus flavus, were used for investigating the relationship of aflatoxin contamination with ripening stages, fruit parts, and fungal mycelial growth by aflatoxin analysis and microscopic study. The results
showed 1) the intermediate ripening stages were highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination, 2) when each fruit part was inoculated with A. flavus, aflatoxin concentration in the seed part was highest among the fruit parts, and 3) the hilar region is the area of the fungal mycelial penetration within the seed. This study suggests that it is better to store the fruits in a ripe and intact state for preventing aflatoxin contamination during storage.

Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservat... more Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservation of ancient Egyptians bodies over time. They differ in type and amount from one mummy to another based on the period, embalmer and the social position of the deceased. With the aim of evaluating the role of resinous materials in the preservation of the wrapping textiles of mummies in the present study, three wrapping textile fragments (Anc. 1, Anc. 2 and Anc. 3) were collected from three mummies dating back to the ancient Egyptian Late Period (525-343 BC). These fragments differ in their amounts of adherent resin. The three fragments were soaked in a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol (DCM: MeOH, 1:1 v/v) in order to extract resinous materials from the fibers of the linen textiles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the extracts proved that the Anc. 2 and Anc. 3 samples included resinous materials; while, the Anc. 1 sample did not contain any adherent resinous materials. Linen fibers from the three tested fragments were investigated by stereomicroscope, microbiological investigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FTIR. The results showed that resinous materials have an important role in protecting the linen wrappings from microbial damage. They also preserved the fibers' morphological structure from deterioration caused by weathering. The FTIR results proved increasing oxidation of the Anc. 1 sample and the decreasing of its crystallinity index more than the other samples as a result of its direct contact with environmental deterioration factors.

Toxins, 2024

The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutriti... more The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutritional ingredients worldwide. The abundant proteins and polysaccharides in lotus seeds make them susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin (AF), a fungal toxic metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of lotus seeds at different stages of ripening to AF contamination, as well as the mechanism of the contamination. Seven groups of lotus receptacles with seeds at different ripening stages (A–G, from immature to mature) were used for the experiment. Spores of Aspergillus flavus, an AF producer, were inoculated on the water-gap area of the seeds in each receptacle. Then, each receptacle was covered with a sterilized bag, and its stalk part was soaked in water containing a life-prolonging agent, after which it was kept at room temperature for 14 days. The AF content of each whole inoculated seed from the A–G groups and that of each seed part (pericarp, cotyledon, and embryo) from the D and E groups were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Microtome sections were prepared from the samples and observed under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The seeds from the A and D groups had higher AF contents than the seeds from the B, C, E, F, and G groups, indicating that the condition of the water-gap area and the development of the embryo and cotyledon parts of the seeds are associated with AF contamination.

The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutriti... more The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutritional ingredients worldwide. The abundant proteins and polysaccharides in lotus seeds make them susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin (AF), a fungal toxic metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of lotus seeds at different stages of ripening to AF contamination, as well as the mechanism of the contamination. Seven groups of lotus receptacles with seeds at different ripening stages (A–G, from immature to mature) were used for the experiment. Spores of Aspergillus flavus, an AF producer, were inoculated on the water-gap area of the seeds in each receptacle. Then, each receptacle was covered with a sterilized bag, and its stalk part was soaked in water containing a life-prolonging agent, after which it was kept at room temperature for 14 days. The AF content of each whole inoculated seed from the A–G groups and that of each seed part (pericarp, cotyledon, and embryo) from the D and E groups were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Microtome sections were prepared from the samples and observed under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The seeds from the A and D groups had higher AF contents than the seeds from the B, C, E, F, and G groups, indicating that the condition of the water-gap area and the development of the embryo and cotyledon parts of the seeds are associated with AF contamination.

Toxins

Ochratoxin (OT) contamination of medicinal herbs is a serious threat to human health. This study ... more Ochratoxin (OT) contamination of medicinal herbs is a serious threat to human health. This study was performed to investigate the mechanism of OT contamination of licorice (Glycyrrhiza sp.) root. Licorice root samples were cut into eight parts, which were placed separately on sucrose-free Czapek Dox agar medium, inoculated with the spores of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus westerdijkiae. After incubation for 10 and 20 days, the OT contents of the samples were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and microtome sections prepared from the samples were analyzed by desorption electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, to visualize OT localization. The same sections were further examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, to investigate the path of fungal mycelial penetration of the inner roots. OT concentrations tended to increase from the upper- to the middle-root parts. OTs were located in cut areas and areas of cork layer damage; they were not pre...

Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservat... more Resinous materials are considered the most important embalming agent, which help in the preservation of ancient Egyptians bodies over time. They differ in type and amount from one mummy to another based on the period, embalmer and the social position of the deceased. With the aim of evaluating the role of resinous materials in the preservation of the wrapping textiles of mummies in the present study, three wrapping textile fragments (Anc. 1, Anc. 2 and Anc. 3) were collected from three mummies dating back to the ancient Egyptian Late Period (525-343 BC). These fragments differ in their amounts of adherent resin. The three fragments were soaked in a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol (DCM: MeOH, 1:1 v/v) in order to extract resinous materials from the fibers of the linen textiles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the extracts proved that the Anc. 2 and Anc. 3 samples included resinous materials; while, the Anc. 1 sample did not contain any adherent resi...

Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects. Dermestes maculatus is ... more Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects. Dermestes maculatus is one of the serious pests that cause damage to Egyptian mummies. To assess the insecticidal activity of cedar wood oil against the larvae of the museum insect pest Dermestes maculatus (isolated from Egyptian mummies) we test-ed it under different concentration and treatment times by the bioassay methods. Our results showed that cedar wood oil diluted in ethanol had a toxic effect on 4th instars larvae of Dermestes maculatus larvae. Insec-ticidal activity depended on both concentration and exposure time. By increasing the concentration level and the exposure time we obtained a higher mortality rate.

Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected f... more Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected for this study. In scholarly publications, most authors have dealt with microorganisms, while few have concerned themselves in depth with the effect of insects on the mummies. The mummies showed different signs of deterioration and degradation caused by insects, such as missing and gaps in the linen wrappings, and accumulated dust. This study aims to discuss the significance of insects and the changes they affected to the mummies. To achieve these goals, the mummies were examined by visual assessment and stereo microscope. The following insects could be identified: Attagenus unicolor, Gibbium psylloides.

The majority of textiles in ancient Egypt are made from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Clo... more The majority of textiles in ancient Egypt are made from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Cloth made from flax is defined as linen. It was predominantly used for wrapping Egyptian mummies, an important stage in the mummification process. Fungal deterioration of ancient linen textiles is one of the most serious problems in the museum field. The relationship between ancient linen objects from different periods and their susceptibility to fungal deterioration is a critical issue in collections management in museums. In the present study, four groups of samples were prepared with different aging conditions. These samples were inoculated with the spores of four species of fungi that possess cellulolytic activity (Alternaria alternata, Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium oxalicum) and incubated for one month. The control and deteriorated samples of each group were evaluated by using visual assessment, light microscope (LM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray...

Biocontrol Science, 2019

Fumigation has been the most convenient method in the field of pest control in museums. In this s... more Fumigation has been the most convenient method in the field of pest control in museums. In this study, as fumigants, ethanol 70%, deltamethrin commercial pesticide CP , essential oil EO from Pinus regida, and low oxygen microenvironment 0.1%, LOM were tested individually and jointly against museum fungal strain Alternaria alternata. Three concentrations of each CP and EO were chosen for evaluating the individual effect. In the joint action fumigation process, three lower concentrations of CP and EO were tested in LOM. The rate of mycelial growth inhibition at each fumigation process was determined by two steps: 1 directly after the fumigation process and 2 after 7 d of the inoculation of the fumigated spores in new medium and incubating it in normal condition. The results demonstrated that applying of each chemical CP or EO in LOM enhanced its fungicidal activity and that effect of EO improved from fungistatic to fungicidal by jointing with LOM.

Biocontrol Science, 2018

In storage of modern museums, collections are packed and stored with acid-free paper-based materi... more In storage of modern museums, collections are packed and stored with acid-free paper-based materials for keeping safe and stable conditions. Direct contact of fungal contaminated packing and storing materials with the collections is concerned about expanding of infection in storage facilities. In this study, fungicidal effects of UV light irradiation on the materials such as archival board and Japanese tissue paper contaminated with Penicilliun commune and Chaetomium globosum were tested. The analyzed materials were divided into two groups; Group 1 was examined with 20 µl of spore suspensions of fungi 10 6 cfu/ml ; and Group 2 was tested on Czapek-Dox agar medium modified without sugar and inoculated with 100 µl of the spore suspensions of fungi 10 6 cfu/ml. Six doses of UV irradiation were examined on Group 1 and five doses on Group 2 in addition to control. The assessment was done by using 1 adenosine triphosphate ATP bioluminescence assay and double staining to determine the cell viability; 2 observation under light microscope to evaluate morphophysiological change of tested fungi spores and hyphae. Because of the thinness and high transparency of tissue paper, UV irradiations were highly efficient to fungicide its fungal contamination compared with archival board. In spite of the high resistance of C. globosum spores, the rate of growth was slow, and with a little amount of perithecia or fruiting bodies and a high amount of mycelium which damaged rapidly through UV irradiation. This may be due to a low relative humidity of the incubation environment. Minimum dosage of UV irradiation with fungicidal effectiveness against all fungal contamination was estimated as 118 J/cm 2 .

Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected f... more Late Period ibis mummies housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, Egypt was selected for this study. In scholarly publications, most authors have dealt with microorganisms, while few have concerned themselves in depth with the effect of insects on the mummies. The mummies showed different signs of deterioration and degradation caused by insects, such as missing and gaps in the linen wrappings, and accumulated dust. This study aims to discuss the significance of insects and the changes they affected to the mummies. To achieve these goals, the mummies were examined by visual assessment and stereo microscope. The following insects could be identified: Attagenus unicolor, Gibbium psylloides.

International Journal of Conservation Science

Dermestes maculatus is considered the responsible of the most serious pests which caused damage t... more Dermestes maculatus is considered the responsible of the most serious pests which caused damage to Egyptian mummies. Hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and ethanol extracts from Cinnamomum cassia were tested for their insecticidal activities against Dermestes maculatus larvae isolated from Egyptian mummies. Responses varied according to type of solvent, concentrations and exposure time. The results showed that the chloroform extract from Cinnamomum cassia was the most effective one at the lethal concentration (LC) 25,50,75,90,95&99 levels against Dermestes maculatus larvae. The data also showed that the Chloroform extract at any concentration realized complete mortality after a period that did not exceed 5, 8, 10, 13, 16 days with petroleum ether, hexane, acetone and ethanol respectively.

International Journal of Conservation Science

Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects, such as missing parts, ... more Egyptian mummies show different signs of deterioration caused by insects, such as missing parts, gaps and accumulated dust. Dermestes maculatus is one of the serious pests that cause damage to Egyptian mummies. To assess the insecticidal activity of tea tree oil against the larvae of the museum insect pest Dermestes maculatus (isolated from Egyptian mummies) we tested it under different concentration and treatment times by the bioassay methods. Our results showed that tea tree oil diluted in ethanol was highly toxic to Dermestes maculatus larvae. Insecticidal activity depended on both concentration and exposure time. By increasing the concentration level and the exposure time we obtained a higher mortality rate.

A Late Period gazelle mummy housed in the Agricultural Museum in Cairo, Egypt was selected for th... more A Late Period gazelle mummy housed in the Agricultural Museum in Cairo, Egypt was selected for this study. The mummy showed different signs of deterioration, such as white spots, missing tissue, gaps in the linen bandages, and accumulated dust. This study aims to describe the signs of deterioration; to explain the mechanisms of deterioration, and to apply appropriate conservation techniques to the mummy. To achieve these goals, the mummy was first examined by means of visual assessment, AutoCAD, light microscope, microbiological investigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), amino acid analysis and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The conservation techniques used were mechanical and chemical cleaning, consolidation of wrappings and bandages, completion processes and reconnecting loss part of the gazelle's leg. The results of investigation revealed that the mummy suffered from a loss of amides in the bone which increased their crystallinity, as well as oxidation and hydrolysis mechanisms. The wrappings were identified as Cyperus papyrus L. The mechanical and chemical cleaning used removed the surface dust and dirt without damage to the components of the mummy. The wrappings and bandages became strong after using Klucel G as a consolidant material. The paste used in the completion process gave significant results in filling cracks and missing parts of the mummy's back. In general, all the conservation processes of the mummy revealed its aesthetic value.

Mediterranean Archaeology …, 2011

Mummification is considered one of the most important in the history of ancient Egyptian civiliza... more Mummification is considered one of the most important in the history of ancient Egyptian civilization. The artificial mummification process started in the Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom reached its peak in the New Kingdom. This review focuses on the usage of mummification materials such as Natron salt, Coniferous resin, Mastic, Myrrh, Beeswax, Bitumen, Cassia, Onions, Lichen, Henna and Gum Arabic in ancient Egypt to determine their effectiveness in the preservation of the body. For each material, the chemical formula, the history, and the role in the preservation of the body are presented. It is shown that natron salt was the most important material to desiccate a corpse, and that the vegetable materials mentioned above have anti-bacterial properties that protected the body from microbial attack.

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2011

JSM Mycotoxins, 2021

Note www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/myco Evaluation of the susceptibility of Ziziphus jujuba var. sp... more Note www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/myco Evaluation of the susceptibility of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa fruit to aflatoxin contamination and infection of aflatoxigenic fungus based on ripening stages and fruit parts

Toxins, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Aflatoxin contamination in medicinal herbs raises a big concern. The susceptibility of Ziziphus j... more Aflatoxin contamination in medicinal herbs raises a big concern. The
susceptibility of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa fruit to aflatoxin contamination and infection of aflatoxigenic fungus was evaluated based on ripening stages and fruit parts. Fruits or their parts at different ripening stages, contaminated with aflatoxin by inoculating Aspergillus flavus, were used for investigating the relationship of aflatoxin contamination with ripening stages, fruit parts, and fungal mycelial growth by aflatoxin analysis and microscopic study. The results
showed 1) the intermediate ripening stages were highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination, 2) when each fruit part was inoculated with A. flavus, aflatoxin concentration in the seed part was highest among the fruit parts, and 3) the hilar region is the area of the fungal mycelial penetration within the seed. This study suggests that it is better to store the fruits in a ripe and intact state for preventing aflatoxin contamination during storage.

Mummification is considered one of the most important in the history of ancient Egyptian civiliza... more Mummification is considered one of the most important in the history of ancient Egyptian civilization. The artificial mummification process started in the Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom reached its peak in the New Kingdom. This review focuses on the usage of mummification materials such as Natron salt, Coniferous resin, Mastic, Myrrh, Beeswax, Bitumen, Cassia, Onions, Lichen, Henna and Gum Arabic in ancient Egypt to determine their effectiveness in the preservation of the body. For each material, the chemical formula, the history, and the role in the preservation of the body are presented. It is shown that natron salt was the most important material to desiccate a corpse, and that the vegetable materials mentioned above have anti-bacterial properties that protected the body from microbial attack.