Selection and characterization of novel zinc-tolerant Trichoderma strains obtained by protoplast fusion

Aim: To develop new Trichoderma strains, capable of removing toxic heavy metal ions from polluted environments, via protoplast fusion.Methodology: Trichoderma parental strains (T. viride and T. koningii) along with their ten fusants (Tk+Tv 1, Tk+Tv 2, Tk+Tv 3, Tk+Tv 4, Tk+Tv 5, Tk+Tv 6, Tk+Tv 7, Tk+Tv 8, Tk+Tv 9 and Tk+Tv 10) were obtained from the Department of Plant Pathology, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. The strains obtained by protoplast fusion were examined for their ability to remove toxic heavy metal ions, especially zinc ion. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted to detect the zinc uptake mechanism of Trichoderma parental and their fusant strains. Results: FTIR results demonstrated the Zn ion uptake capacity of fusant strains was found to be higher than that of the parental strains (12.8 to 10.7 mg g-1 on a dry weight basis at 1300 ppm). The highest Zn ion mobility observed was 62.1 mg. kg-1 and the highest Zn ion mobility observed per strain was 12.4% in Tk+Tv 3, followed by 11.86 % in Tk + Tv 7, 11.84% in Tk + Tv 9 and 11.28% in Tk + Tv 10. Parental and fusant strains Tk + Tv 3, Tk + Tv 8 and Tk + Tv 10 confirmed the involvement of different functional groups for different concentrations of zinc during adsorption by the fungus. Interpretation: FTIR results identified greater metal removal capacity in the fusant strains, particularly for soil Zn ion. Zinc tolerance was higher in the fusant strains than in the parental strains. Thus, protoplast fusion is an effective and feasible method for constructing new strains that can be used for bioremediation of contaminated environments.

Wastewater reuse in liquid sodium silicate manufacturing in Alexandria, Egypt

Soluble sodium silicates [watergiass] are liquids containing dissolved glass which have some water like properties. They are widely used in industry as sealants, binders, deflocculants, emulsifiers and buffers. Their most common applications in Egypt are in the pulp and paper industry [where they improve the brightness and efficiency of peroxide bleaching] and the detergent industry, in which they improve the action of the detergent and lower the viscosity of liquid soaps. The survey results showed that the production was carried out batch-wise, in an autoclave [dissolver]. Sodium silicate in the state of crushed glass was charged in an autoclave [dissolver] with sodium hydroxide and water. The product is filtered through a press. The left over sludge [mud and silicates impurities] is emptied into the local sewer system. Also, sludge [silica gel] was discharged from the neutralization process of the generated alkaline wastewater and consequently clogging the sewerage system. So this study was carried out to modify the current wastewater management system which eliminates sludge formation, the discharge of higher pH wastewater to the sewer system, and to assess its environmental and economic benefits. To assess the characteristics of wastewater to be reused, physico-chemical parameters of 12 samples were tested using standard methods. The survey results showed that a total capacity of the selected enterprise was 540 tons of liquid sodium silicates monthly. The total amount of wastewater being discharged was 335 m[3]/month. Reusing of wastewater as feed autoclave water reduced water consumption of 32.1% and reduced wastewater discharge/month that constitutes 89.6% as well as saving in final product of 6 ton/month. It was concluded that reusing. of wastewater generated from liquid sodium silicate manufacturing process resulted in cheaper and environmental-friendly product

Evaluation of municipal solid waste management in Egyptian rural areas

A two years study was conducted to evaluate the solid waste management system in 143 villages representing the Egyptian rural areas. The study covers the legal responsibilities, service availability, environmental impacts, service providers, financial resources, private sector participation and the quality of collection services. According to UN reports more than 55% of Egyptian population lives in rural areas. A drastic change in the consumption pattern altered the quantity and quality of the generated solid wastes from these areas. Poor solid waste management systems are stigmata in most of the Egyptian rural areas. This causes several environmental and health problems It has been found that solid waste collection services cover only 27% of the surveyed villages, while, the statistics show that 75% of the surveyed villages are formally covered. The service providers are local villager units, private contractors and civil community associations with a percentage share 71%, 24% and 5% respectively. The operated services among these sectors were 25%, 71% and 100% respectively. The share of private sector in solid waste management in rural areas is still very limited as a result of the poverty of these communities and the lack of recyclable materials in their solid waste. It has been found that direct throwing of solid waste on the banks of drains and canals as well as open dumping and uncontrolled burning of solid waste are the common practice in most of the Egyptian rural areas. The available land for landfill is not enough, pitiable designed, defectively constructed and unreliably operated. Although solid waste generated in rural areas has high organic contents, no composting plant was installed. Shortage in financial resources allocated for valorization of solid waste management in the Egyptian rural areas and lower collection fees are the main points of weakness which resulted in poor solid waste management systems. On the other hand, the farmer's participation in solid waste management through the composting of organic matter and using of food waste as an animal feed are considered strength points. However, throwing of solid waste on the banks of water streams, open dumping and uncontrolled burning of solid waste are environmental damaging behaviors that need to be changed. Integrated solid waste management in the Egyptian rural areas is not yet among the priorities of the Egyptian government

Serological detection of rotavirus among children with diarrhea in relation to different environmental conditions

Rotaviruses are the single most important etiologic agents of severe diarrhea of infants and young children worldwide. In the present study, serological detection of rotavirus was done using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], on 247 stool specimens. These were collected from children with acute diarrhea attending the outpatient clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital at El-Shatby, from October 2005 to April 2007. Rotavirus was detected in 33.6% of the collected samples; no specific age group or sex predilection was observed. It was presented with a marked seasonal peak during autumn and winter [58.3% and 40.5%, respectively]. Rotavirus was found to be infecting most commonly under-weight children [46.9%] resulting into fluid loss and severe dehydration [80%]. Rotavirus acute gastroenteritis was found to be associated with fever [38.8%], vomiting [39.9%], watery stools, and long duration of diarrheal episodes lasting from one up to six days. The appearance of convulsions among rotavirus-positive cases even in the absence of fever [84.6%] was an important finding. Exclusive formula-fed infants appeared to exhibit the highest disease incidence [50%] while exclusive breast-fed infants had a lower incidence level [35.2%] of the disease. The virus was found to be significantly affecting children living in rural areas of Egypt [43.8%] rather than urban ones [26.1%]. Environmental factors that were shown to affect the disease incidence include: the presence of impurities in water [41.6%], broken pipes [58.1%] and water tanks [58.7%] at the residence place. On the other hand, neither the kind of water source nor the presence of a sewage-disposal network was significantly related to the disease. Therefore the study recommended to screen for rotavirus in children with diarrhea in order to avoid the use of unnecessary medications. In addition, encouragement of breast feeding practices and improvement of environmental conditions are important means of prevention of rotavirus infection

Study of pelvicaliceal anatomy by helical computerized tomography. Is it feasible?

To evaluate the role of 3-dimensional images produced by computerized tomography [CT], using intravenous contrast to study pelvicaliceal anatomy. This might be of help in endourological procedures. The study was conducted in King Fahd Hospital of the University, King Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study took place from July 2002 through to October 2002. Helical CT was carried out for patients who were investigated using excretory urography for any reason, after obtaining a written consent. A CT was carried out to the kidneys only within 10 minutes [between the 5 and 15 minute films of excretory urography]. Images were reprocessed by 3-dimension construction after subtracting all structures except for the pelvicaliceal system. Thirty-six normal kidneys were studied. The upper pole was drained by a single caliceal infundibulum in all 36 [100%] kidneys. The middle segment of the kidney was drained by 2 infundibula in 32 [89%] kidneys. Four [11%] kidneys had no middle caliceal infundibula. The lower pole was drained by 2 caliceal infundibula in 23 [64%] and a single infundibulum in 13 [36%] kidneys. The minor calices draining each renal segment were seen clearly. Three-dimensional images derived by helical CT are feasible for evaluating the anatomy of pelvicaliceal system, and, can be of help in endourological procedures

Prostate specific antigen reference ranges in Saudi men

The aim of this study is to find out the age-specific and population-specific values of prostate specific antigen [PSA] among Saudi men. Normal values for different age groups between 40 and 89 years will be obtained. The study was conducted in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The total free and% free PSA were measured for Saudi men who were free of prostate cancer by digital rectal examination [DRE] and with PSA value of <4ng/ml. Transrectal ultrasonography and needle biopsy were performed in those with suspicious DRE or PSA >4ng/ml. A total of 567 cancer free Saudi men were included in this study. All men were divided into 5 groups; each 10 years interval starting from the age of 40 years. The mean values of total PSA were 0.87 for men 40-49 years, 1.36 for men 50-59 years, 1.81 for men 60-69 years, 2.32 for men 70-79 years and 2.36 for men 80-89 years. The percent free PSA was >30% in all age groups. When those with PSA <4ng/ml were considered, the percent free PSA was the same and only 16.6% of them had a ratio of < / =18%. The upper limit of normal PSA was near to that of Chinese and Korean. Normal mean PSA values for Saudi men are lower than the reported values. The percent free PSA for men having PSA <4ng/ml is applicable. Racial variations of PSA values were observed

rare form of granulomatous gastritis presenting at an unusual age

Isolated granulomatous gastritis is a rare disease of the middle-aged and it is a diagnosis of exclusion. It has not been reported earlier from Arab population. We are reporting a case of isolated granulomatous gastritis in an adolescent Arab boy who was treated successfully with steroids and is doing well after one year of follow-up

Evaluation of hepatic focal space occupying lesions using liver scintiphotography, ultrasonography and alpha fetoprotein

Forty six patients with focal hepatic lesions proved by pathologic diagnosis were evaluated using radionuclide liver studies [Tc-99m colloid, Tc-99m HIDA and AFP assay], as well as ultrasound techniques. The overall sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound and scintigraphy techniques for the detection of malignant lesions were nearly equal [88.9%] and [88.3%0 respectively], but it was only [47.1%] using AFP. The nuclear medicine studies were more specific in [82.1%] versus [60.7%] in ultrasound technique. The present study revealed that nuclear medicine techniques were more sensitive than ultrasound in the evaluation of regenerating nodule of cirrhosis [76.9%, 60% and 26.7%], while the specificity has amounted to 86%, 90.3% and 96.7% in AFP, scintigraphy, and ultrasound respectively. On the other hand, ultrasound was superior in diagnosis of benign lesions sensitivity [71.4%] as compared with [14.3%] respectively. The findings also revealed that AFP was not sensitive in the evaluation of benign lesions [sensitivity was 0%, while the specificity was 63.3%]

value of perfusion ventilation lung scanning in the detection of pulmonary embolism following major surgical procedures

Twenty patients were studied by combined perfusion-ventilation lung scanning before and after major surgical procedures. All cases showed a normal preoperative scans, except for a single case which showed chronic obstructive lung disease. Fifteen patients were still having normal scans in the postoperative period, whereas the other five cases showed significant change. There was mismatching between perfusion and ventilation scans in 4 cases, while the 5th case showed matched defects with collapsed segment in x-ray and was not considered as thromboembolic disease. So the incidence of post operative pulmonary embolism was 4/20 patients [20%]. Clinical symptoms were evident in two patients, one of them died in the recovery room and other improved on heparin therapy