Objectives: To evaluate administration of bee stings at sites of acupuncture on the hormonal profile of patients with idiopathic premature ovarian failure (POF).Study design: A pilot study carried at Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Tanta University Hospital, and at the Entomology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University from June 2015 to December 2015.Patients and Methods: 20 patients aged 18 to 40 years with idiopathic POF were included in a case series study. Measurement of serum concentrations of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), 17β-estradiol (E2) and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with calculation of Antral Follicles Count (AFC) and volume of ovaries was done before and after bee stings that were administered for 3 months, 2 sessions per week. Every session was 15 minutes with a range of 3-8 stings per session at the site of acupuncture. The outcome measures were changes in estimated variables within one month after bee stings.Results: FHS and LH significantly decreased from 54.5 ± 3.2 to 27.1 ± 5 mIU/ mL and from 53.8 ± 2.7 to 25.2 ± 4.1 mIU/mL respectively (P value< 0.001). E2 significantly increased from 38.7 ± 3.3 to 92.5 ± 2.9 Pg/mL (P value< 0.05). Ovarian volume, AFC and AMH were not specifically different after bee stings. Conclusion:Bee stings at the sites of acupunctures significantly reduced the serum levels of both FSH and LH and increased serum concentrations of E2 with improvement in hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Bee stings had no effect on AFC, AMH or ovarian volume. The use of bee venom (stings) therapy at the sites of acupunctures for patients with idiopathic POF is recommended.

Gamma radiation can be utilized as a mutagenic agent for inducing genetic variability in plant species. The present study was carried out to increase genetic variability and evaluate the effectiveness of different gamma rays doses (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 Gy) on germination & survival percentage, plant height, number of branches/plant, tuber weight, total yield/plant, inulin, and dry matter percentage of two Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) genotypes (Balady and Fuseau) during 2019 and 2020 seasons at the Experimental Farm of Kaha Research Farm, Kaluobia Governorate, Egypt. Results showed that a 10 Gy dose of gamma irradiation significantly increased plant height, tuber weight, yield per plant, dry matter, and inulin concentration. Increasing gamma-ray doses significantly reduced values for all of the studied traits, but the number of branches/plant increased with increased gamma-ray doses. According to the results of this study, gamma rays may cause mutations in Jerusalem artichoke through their three mutagenic treatments, and they can also improve several quantitative features. The high heritability and genetic advanced values suggest that future generations may see additional advancements.

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