Life-stages, exploitation status and habitat use of Lutjanus goreensis (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in coastal marine environments of Lagos, SW Nigeria / Ciclo de vida, estado de explotación y hábitat de Lutjanus goreensis (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) en ambientes marinos costeros de Lagos, suroeste de Nigeria

The Gorean snapper, Lutjanus goreensis is an important component of artisanal fisheries and trawl landings in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite its economic importance, there is a dearth of information on size structure and life history strategies of the species. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to provide baseline data on the life stages, exploitation status and habitat use for the species in Nigeria. Monthly samples were obtained from artisanal and trawl catches in Five Cowrie Creek and Lagos coastal waters between December 2008 and December 2010, respectively. Length-frequency distributions of the fishes caught were analysed to provide preliminary information on mean and modal lengths at capture and life - history strategies based on habitat use and estuarine-dependency for L. goreensis. A total of 822 specimens of L. goreensis were collected from Five Cowrie Creek while 377 specimens were collected from Lagos coastal waters. Total length varied between 7.90-34.90cm for creek samples and from 21.90-56.10cm for marine samples. Length-frequency histograms showed polymodal size distributions in creek and marine samples. Length-frequency distributions of L. goreensis showed a high abundance of juveniles (<20cm) and sub-adults (20-35cm) which accounted for 84.1% and 68.4% of creek and marine samples examined, respectively. For the creek samples, fish in modal length class of 13.00-13.99cm were the most exploited while in the marine samples, length classes of 29.00-30.99cm and 31.00-32.99cm constituted the most frequently exploited fishes. Increase in total lengths from the creek (mean±SD; 16.19±3.73cm) to the marine habitat samples (32.89±6.14cm) indicated ontogenetic shift in habitat use. Occurrence of a predominant juvenile population in Five Cowrie Creek by L. goreensis suggests estuarine-dependency and is indicative of a temporary juvenile habitat or a migratory corridor. In conclusion, data from the presently reported study and previous studies demonstrated that juvenile L. goreensis displays estuarine dependency and habitat flexibility. Hence, this underscores the importance of preserving estuarine environments as essential fish habitats to prevent overfishing. The study also concludes that the species is vulnerable to recruitment overfishing in the marine environment especially as a consequence of shrimping. Consequently, it advocates for ban on all fishing activities during peak spawning periods in breeding grounds and shrimp ground assemblage.

El pargo Lutjanus goreensis es un componente importante de la pesca artesanal y de arrastre en el Golfo de Guinea. A pesar de su importancia económica, hay una escasez de información sobre la estructura de tamaño y las estrategias de historia de vida de las especies. Por lo tanto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron proporcionar datos de referencia sobre las etapas del ciclo de vida, el estado de la explotación y el hábitat de la especie en Nigeria. Se realizaron recolectas mensuales de capturas artesanales y de arrastre en Five Cowrie Creek y aguas costeras de Lagos en diciembre 2008 y diciembre 2010, respectivamente. Se analizaron las distribuciones de frecuencia de tallas de los peces capturados para proporcionar información preliminar sobre la media y longitudes modales en la captura y las estrategias de historia de vida basado en el uso del hábitat y la dependencia a los estuarios para L. goreensis. Un total de 822 ejemplares de L. goreensis se obtuvieron de Five Cowrie Creek, mientras que 377 muestras de las aguas costeras de Lagos. La longitud total varió entre 7.90-34.90cm para muestras del estuario y 21.90-56.10cm para marinas. Histogramas de frecuencia de talla mostraron distribuciones de tamaño polimodales en muestras estuarinas y marinas. Distribuciones de frecuencia de talla de L. goreensis mostraron una alta abundancia de juveniles (<20cm) y subadultos (20-35cm) que representaron el 84.1% y el 68.4% de los estuarios y las muestras marinas examinadas respectivamente. Para las muestras del estuario, peces de talla 13.00-13.99cm fueron los más explotados, mientras que en muestras marinas, las tallas de 29.00-30.99cm y 31.00-32.99cm constituyeron los peces más frecuentemente explotados. Un aumento de la longitud total de la quebrada (media±SD; 16.19±3.73cm) para el hábitat marino (32.89±6.14cm) indicó un cambio ontogenético en el uso del hábitat. La aparición de una población juvenil predominante en Five Cowrie Creek por L. goreensis sugiere una estuario-dependencia y es indicativa de un hábitat juvenil temporal o un corredor migratorio. En conclusión, los datos del estudio actual y estudios previos demostraron que juveniles de L. goreensis presentan una dependencia a los estuarios y una flexibilidad en el uso de hábitat. Por lo tanto, esto subraya la importancia de preservar los ambientes estuarinos como hábitats esenciales de peces para evitar la sobrepesca. El estudio también concluye que la especie es vulnerable a la sobrepesca de reclutamiento en el medio marino, especialmente como consecuencia de la pesca de camarón. En consecuencia, se aboga por la prohibición de todas las actividades pesqueras durante los períodos de mayor puesta de huevos.

Molecular detection of human papillomavirus type-16 DNA in cervical cancer tissue biopsies

The aim of the study is to detect the frequency of human papillomavirus type-16 among patients with cervical carcinoma. Khartoum Hospital, Army Medical Hospital and Soba University Hospital, Sudan. Descriptive-cross sectional study. Fifty specimens of treated cervical biopsy sections [Paraffin embedded] were included in the study from April to October 2012. DNA was extracted followed by the detection of E6 gene of human papillomavirus type-16 using non-probed SYBER green real-time PCR. Thirty [60%] showed positive results as compared with the sigmoid curve of the positive control for HPV type-16; while 20 [40%] were negative. Most of the positive results were among the age group 31-50 years. Human papillomavirus type-16 was detected in 60% of women with cervical cancer, which seems to have a strong association with cancer development.

Effect of bisphenol A on the myocardium of adult male albino rats and the possible role of lycopene: a histological and biochemical study

Despite the wide use of bisphenol A [BPA] in plastic and epoxy resin industries, its side effects have been a subject of controversy. Lycopene [a natural carotenoid] has a protective role in many cardiovascular diseases. This work aimed to study the biochemical and structural changes induced by BPA in the myocardium of adult rats and evaluate whether coadministration of lycopene could alter these effects. Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups. Group I was the control. Group II received lycopene [4mg/kg body weight/day orally] for 8 weeks. Group III was given BPA [50mg/kg body weight/day orally] for 8 weeks. Group IV was given both BPA and lycopene in the same previous dose and for the same duration. At the end of the experiment, rats were anesthetized, and their hearts were taken and prepared for histological and biochemical studies. Area percentages of the collagen content and positive immune reaction for vimentin were morphometrically and statistically analyzed. Examination of group III revealed that some myocytes had a deeply acidophilic cytoplasm and were devoid of nuclei. Some myocytes appeared with pale vacuolated cytoplasm, and some had focal loss of myofibrils. Their sarcoplasm contained many distorted mitochondria and dilated T-tubules. Their nuclei were variable in shape. They were peripherally located, or deeply indented, or heterochromatic. Many interstitial cells, inflammatory cells, congested blood capillaries, and areas of edema were seen. A significant increase in collagen fibers and in the area percentage of positive immune reaction for vimentin compared with the control group was observed. Examination of group IV showed that the cardiac muscle cells had a normal architecture except for a few distorted muscle fibers and many congested blood capillaries. There was a significant decrease in the area percentage of positive immune reaction for vimentin in group IV compared with group III. The current study revealed significant increase in serum malondialdehyde, whereas tissue reduced glutathione and catalase showed significant decrease in group III compared with the control group. In contrast, in group IV, malondialdehyde showed significant decrease, and tissue reduced glutathione and catalase showed significant increase, compared with group III. Long-term exposure to BPA could induce structural and biochemical changes in rat cardiac muscle. This could be partially minimized by concomitant administration of lycopene

Comparison between the role of n-acetylcysteine alone and with silymarin in paracetamol induced acute hepatotoxicity [clinical and experimental study]

Paracetamol [APAP], a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, is known to cause hepatic injury in high doses. N-acetylcysteine [NAC] and silymarin have been used in treatment of liver diseases of varying origins. This work was conducted to compare between the role of NAC alone and with silymarin in paracetamol induced acute hepatotoxicity. This work included both clinical and experimental studies. The clinical study included 27 patients with acute paracetamol poisoning admitted to Poisoning Treatment Unit - Zagazig University Hospitals between January and July, 2011. Sixteen patients [group I] were treated with NAC alone. Another eleven patients [group II] were treated with both NAC and silymarin. Plasma paracetamol level was measured on admission and liver function tests were assessed on admission and daily for three days. The experimental study included forty two adult male albino rats were divided into 7 groups. Group [1]: negative control rats, group [2]: positive control rats received distilled water, group [3]: received 140mg/kg NAC, group [4]: received 40mg/kg silymarin, group [5]: received l000mg/kg APAP, group [6]: received APAP followed by NAC in the same previous doses/ Group [7]: received combined NAC and silymarin following APAP administration in the same previous doses. All drugs were given once by oral gavage. 24 hours after commencing the experiment liver function tests and hepatic glutathione [GSH] content were assessed. Liver specimens were submitted to histopathological examination and immunolocalization of BCL-2 and BrdU. It was found that combined treatment with NAC and silymarin induced a significant reduction of the elevated hepatic transaminases compared to treatment with NAC alone in both patients and rats especially patients presented late after 15 hours of APAP ingestion. Histopathological examination of hepatic specimens from combined treated rats revealed reappearance of the regular morphology of the hepatic lobules with strong immunoreactivity to BCL-2 and BrdU. Rats treated with NAC alone showed partial improvement where there were some areas of hepatocytes vacuolization, cellular infiltration, and sinusoidal dilatation, with moderate reaction for both BCL-2 and BrdU. This was accompanied with a significant elevation of the mean values of hepatic GSH in combined treated rats compared to those treated with NAC alone. It was concluded that both silymarin and NAC have a synergistic effect, and combined treatment with both of them could be used as a beneficial treatment for paracetamol acute hepatotoxicity especially for late presented cases

Evaluation of the possible protective effect of aloe vera against reproductive toxicity induced by diazinon in adult albino rats

Diazinon, an organophosphate insecticide has been used in agriculture and domestic for several years. This work was undertaken to investigate the toxic effects of diazinon on reproductive systems in adult albino rats of both sexes and to assess the protective effects of aloe vera against these toxic effects. A total of 60 adult albino rats of both sexes were equally divided into five groups. Twelve rats served as the negative control [group 1], another twelve rats were used as positive control group [group 2] received deionized water [the vehicle]. The remaining thirty-six rats were equally divided into three groups. Rats in group 3 were treated with aloe vera in a dose of 300 mg/kg, while those of group 4 received 12.8 mg/kg of diazinon. Rats in the 5[th] group were treated with aloe vera followed by diazinon. For each group, it was further subdivided into two subgroups; a-subgroup for male rats and bsub group for female rats. Chemicals and vehicle were administered by gavage on a daily base for eight weeks. By the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed for collection of blood samples for evaluation of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone. Testicular and ovarian specimens were collected for assessment of oxidative stress markers and histopathological examination. Diazinon significantly reduced the serum levels of testosterone in male rats and estradiol and progesterone in female rats. Diazinon induced disorganized degenerated germinal epithelium with edema between the seminiferous tubules and degeneration of the corpora lutea and ovarian follicles. These changes were accompanied with increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity and significant decreases in testicular and ovarian glutathione [GSH] levels, activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD] enzyme and a significant increase in malonaldehyde levels. Also it was observed that aloe vera treatment diminished diazinon induced detrimental effects in both testis and ovary. Diazinon induced testicular and ovarian damage might be due to oxidative stress and free oxygen radicals production upon diazinon exposure, inducing histopathological alterations and promoting local apoptosis via activation of caspase-3 pathway; however, aloe vera seems to be an effective antioxidant against diazinon induced testicular and ovarian toxicity

Determination of possible interactions of citalopram hydrobromide with different excipients

Differential scanning calorimetry [DSC] and Infrared spectroscopy were used as a screening techniques for assessing the possible interactions of citalopram hydrobromide [CTH] with some currently used pharmaceutical excipients in formulation of rapidly dispersible tablets and capsules. On the basis of the DSC,NMR, UV and IR results CTH was found to be compatible with maize starch,talc, fill starch 1500,anhydrous lactose,magnesium sulphate, starch sodium glycolate,polyvinylpyrrolidoneK29/32, magnesium strearate, polyethylene glycol 4000, Avicel PH101, pharmaburst and Avicel PH101. DSC results showed some minor interactions with propylene glycol, sorbitol, Avicel PH102, soluble starch.lactose monohydrate and mannitol

Perioperative serum beta-2-micro globulin concentration in obstructive jaundice

Obstructive jaundice [OJ] can lead to hepatic and renal impairment. The aim of this study was to measure levels of serum Beta 2 Micro globulin [SB2M] in patients with OJ undergoing explorative surgery for relief of the obstruction and to determine the usefulness of such a measurement as a monitor for renal impairment relative to other measures of renal function. SB2M levels [mg/L] were not above the normal reference range preoperatively [2.39 [1.7-4.8]], intraoperatively [2.2[0.27-3.4], p = 0.08], six hours postoperatively [1.9 [1.03-4.8], p = 0.2] and after 24 hours [1.92 [0.95-4.9], p = 0.4] when compared to preoperative values. None of the patients involved in the study developed acute renal failure or suffered from severe renal or hepatic impairment preoperatively. Urea, creatinine and creatinine clearance [CrCl] perioperative changes were insignificant. Correlation between SB2M and CrCl was significant preoperatively [r = -0.41, p =0.02] but marginally failed to reach statistical significance postoperatively [r = -0.35, p = 0.053]. No significant correlation existed between SB2M and the following creatinine, urea, bilirubin and prothrombin time [PT]. Postoperative 24 hours PT was 12.87 [12-19.67] seconds, this was significantly lower than the preoperative PT 13.46 [12-26] seconds [p = 0.001]. No blood products were used during surgery. OJ was not associated with an increase in serum B2M blood levels. Severe renal failure was not encountered due to stability of the haemodynamic parameters and the guided fluid therapy. Few patients showed some degree of renal dysfunction but this did not develop to failure. This study cannot recommend the routine measurement of SB2M, as it did not add to the existing routine renal function tests. Improvement in PT after relief of OJ indicates the need for an early surgical intervention

Incidence of pseudomonas aeruginosa nosocomial catheter-associated urinary tract infection in Assiut University Hospital

To perform an incidence and typing study of P. aeruginosa catheter associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI] in two departments of Assuit University Hospital; the department of Urology and the Intensive Care Unit [ICU]. This study was done along the period of about 4 months. It involved 150 hospitalized patients in Assiut University Hospital; half of them from the department of Urology, and the other half were from the intensive care unit [ICU]. They were divided into two groups; cases and control. The case group included 100 patients having urinary catheters for more than 3 days, with age between 10 and 63 years old. Of the case group 65 were male patients and 35 were female patients. The control group included 50 age and sex matched hospitalized non-catheterized patients; half of them were from the department of Urology, and the other half from the ICU. Urine sample were collected from both the case and control groups and examined for bacteriuria and pyuria. Then examined bacteriologically [cultural characteristics and biochemical reactions] for isolation of P. aeruginosa. The isolates were typed by pyocine typing. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI] represents a great proportion of nosocomial UTI. The incidence in the department of urology was significantly higher than that in the ICU. Old age, female sex, diabetes, catheterization for more than 6 days, all favors the occurrence of CAUTI. The pre-use of second, third generation cephalosporins or quinolones decreased the incidence of CAUTI while the pre-use of ampicillin and gentamicin elevated that incidence. Most of the diagnosed CAUTI cases were caused by gram negative bacilli, which were mostly single infection. Incidence of P. aeruginosa UTI was significantly higher in cases than in controls. That incidence was equal in the two studied departments. There is a high incidence of CAUTI in Assiut University Hospital. And a high level of P. aeruginosa infection. So we recommend the use of the different preventive measures