Social dilemma and vitamin D deficiency: a cross-sectional study of nutritional rickets in children ages 6 months to 24 months

Background: In developing countries, malnutrition's is one of the challenges that still need to be addressed. Undernutrition is usually a result of the unavailability of food and/or repeated infections in children. Countries with comparatively lower per-capita incomes as well as those with middle per-capita income have its increased prevalence in younger age. Social dilemma of mothers, like exclusively breastfeeding, heavy clothing's and practice of keeping babies inside the doors, lead vitamin D deficiency and ultimately into nutritional rickets. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of factors leading to nutritional rickets in children ages 6 months to 24 months.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Pediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan from March to December 2017. After inclusion/exclusion criteria, total 160 patients of rickets were observed. Detailed history followed by vitamin D level (<15 ng/ml) was measure. Data was analyzed by SPSS-22 and all documents were locked with principal author.Results: Present study showed that 62% children were in age ranged 6-12 months and 38% children were in age range 13-24 months. Mean age was 12 months with SD'2.16. Seventy nine percent children were male, and 21% children were females. More over 52% children had exclusive breast feeding, and 48% children did not have exclusive breast feeding. Similarly, 15% children had limited sun-light exposure and 85% children did not have limited sun-light exposure.Conclusions: Present study concluded that a lack of health education and sunlight exposure and exclusive breastfeeding were the significant risk factors contributed to nutritional rickets among children of Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Cyclic fatigue, bending resistance, and surface roughness of ProTaper Gold and EdgeEvolve files in canals with single- and double-curvature

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cyclic fatigue, bending resistance, and surface roughness of EdgeEvolve (EdgeEndo) and ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties) nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The instruments (n = 15/each) were tested for cyclic fatigue in single- (60° curvature, 5-mm radius) and double-curved (coronal curvature 60°, 5-mm radius, and apical curvature of 30° and 2-mm radius) artificial canals. The number of cycles to fracture was calculated. The bending resistance of both files were tested using a universal testing machine where the files were bent until reach 45°. Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray energy-dispersive spectrometric analysis were used for imaging the fractured segments, while the atomic force microscope was used to quantify the surface roughness average (Ra). RESULTS: EdgeEvolve files exhibited higher cyclic fatigue resistance than ProTaper Gold files in single- and double-curved canals (p 0.05). EdgeEvolve files showed significantly lower Ra values than ProTaper Gold files (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, EdgeEvolve files exhibited significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than ProTaper Gold files in both single- and double-curved canals.

Comparative studies of the potency of foot and mouth disease virus trivalent vaccine with different concentration of the antigenic content [146S]

Estimation of antigenic content [146S] of FMDV serotypes [A, O, SAT2] by sucrose density gradient [SDG] ultracentrifugation by determining the absorbance at 254 nm using ISCO520C density gradient system to produce a highly potent trivalent virus vaccine. The antigenic mass 146S [microg/ml] of serotype [O Pan Asia2, A Iran O5 and SAT2/EGY/2012] were 6.5, 6.2 and 5.9, respectively. The vaccine was injected into three groups of calves [2individuals/each group] subcutaneously in lateral part of the neck for a dose 3 ml [6.2 microg/serotype/ml], a dose 1.5 ml [4.1 microg/serotype/ml] and a dose 1 ml [2 micro/ml], the sera samples were collected at 7[th] day post vaccination [dpv], 14[th] dpv, 21[th] dpv, 28[th] dpv and every 2 wks till 40 weeks to evaluate the immune response along that period. The antibody titers/40wpv for a 3 ml dose [6.2 microg/ml] of serotypes [O Pan Asia-2, A Iran O5 and SAT-2/EGY/2012] were 2.08, 2 and 1.94, respectively [over the protective titer, PT=1.5 in SNT for cattle], a dose [4.1 microg/ml] of the three serotypes were 1.56, 1.62 and 1.63 [over PT], respectively, but for [2 microg/ml] dose of the three serotypes, the antibodies titer were 1.25, 1.19 and 1.2 [below PT], that show the antibodies titer depend on the concentration of the antigenic mass [146S] and with increase of the 146S concentration increase of the potency of the vaccine. The potency testing of the study depend upon the correlation between 146S and the neutralizing antibody titers were measured by SNT which are the perfect alternative of other potency tests which employ the challenge of the cattle with virulent virus. The immune response of the highly potent vaccine [4.1 microg/serotype/ml and 6.2 microg/serotype/ml] started early after 1[st] wpv and the protective titer remain for more than 38 wpv [especially in 6.2 microg/ml injected calves] and that confer the potency of the vaccine of that dose

Assessment of multiple drug resistance and sensitivity to helicobacter pylori in patients with peptic ulcer disease

Helicobacter pylori [H.pylori] is implicated in acute superficial gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric carcinoma and MALT [Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue] associated lymphoma. Prevalence of H. pylori antibiotic resistance is increasing and affect the efficacy of treatment. Our aim was to improve infected patients with new generations of antibiotics. 88 peptic ulcer patients recruited from gastroenerology and endoscopy unit at Suez Canal University, 5 gastric biopsies were taken from each and were examined for H. pylori by histopathology, rapid urease test and culture. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed to: metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin calvulanic acid, levofloxacin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefoperazone and ceftazidime. Night-two% were positive for H. pylori, while 20% of the studied population were positively cultured .The results of antibiotic sensitivity were:100% of patients were sensitive to clindamycin, 87.5% sensitive to erythromycin, 68.8% sensitive to amoxicillin and levofloxacin, 50% sensitive to azithromycin and tetracycline, 25% sensitive to clarithromycin and 18.8% sensitive to amoxicillin and cavulanic acid. H. pylori resistance towards different antibiotics has increased. new promising results regarding clindamycin and erythromycin

Laboratory differentiation between streptococcus species isolated from different sources

This study was planned to throw light on the most important Streptococcus bacteria that isolated from the milk and pus and the most important laboratory tests that used in differentiation between the streptococcal bacterial species. This study was carried-out on a total number of 100 random samples of milk which were collected from different areas at Behera Governorate. Also. 100 pus samples from closed abscesses from different parts of cattle body where collected and examined bacteriologically for streptococcus introduction. Our results concluded that, the streptococcus agalactiae and streptococcus pyogenes are the most important bacterial isolates that causes severe losses to milk industry, also the streptococcus pyogenes of zoonotic importance as it transmitted to human. The catalase test, oxidatse test and heinolytic test are the main tests used for diagnosis and differentiation between streptococcus agaiactiae and streptococcus pyogenes. The bacitracin sensitivity test is main test for differentiation between streptococcus agalactiae and streptococcus pyogenes The results also indicated that the level of streptococcus agalactiae in milk higher than that of streptococcus pyogenes and reached to 7% and 3% for streptococcus agalctiae and pyogenes, while, in pus its levels reached to 0 and 40% for streptococcus agalactiae and pyogenes in pus. Also the results cleared that the PCR method for detection of mastitis considered as the best method

Results and factors affecting outcome of open shoulder stabilization

Objective: To determine the results and factors affecting the outcome of open shoulder stabilisation.

Study design: Retrospective review.

Place and Duration of study: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Mid-Western Regional Hospital Ireland, from 1999 to 2006.

Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed shoulder instability patients with either anterior, antero-inferior or multidirectional shoulder instability treated with open Bankart repair with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. A thorough chart review was performed and patients were evaluated according to the Oxford Instability Score [OIS], the level of sport returned to, the influence of preoperative physiotherapy and the frequency of re-dislocation.

Results: Of the 136 identified patients, 108 [79%] responded to the questionnaire. Of the responders, there were 95 males and 13 females. The average age was 24 year [range 14-72 year]. Ninety-one patients had confirmed dislocation whereas 17 suffered from subluxation. The average time to surgery from the index instability incident ranged from 3 months to 10 years. The average OIS was 23, which correspond to a good result. There was no significance found in the OIS in relation to the age of the patient or pre-operative physiotherapy. Significant association with a better outcome included delay to surgery greater than 12 months and the absence of multidirectional instability. Of those who actively participated in sport, the return to the same was better in non-contact sport.

Conclusions: Open Bankart repair with and without capsulorrhaphy remained the gold standard for treatment of patients with shoulder instability. Rate of success, in terms of re-dislocation, was equivalent to international norms. It was found that a delay to surgery may be associated with a better outcome

Molecular epidemiology of FMDV in northern Egypt [2012-2014]

From 2012 to 2014, foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks have struck cattle and buffaloes in different localities of Egypt exerting sever economic losses to livestock industries. Thirty-five representative specimens [thirty-one tongue epithelium and four vesicular fluid samples] were collected from different governorates [Behera, Kafrel-sheikh and Alexandria]. By using Antigen detection ELISA on these specimens revealed that twinty-six of them were positive and serotyped as [two samples were detected as serotype A, eleven samples were serotype SAT2 and thirteen samples were serotype O that was responsible for outbreaks during end of 2013 and beginning of 2014 in the three governorates] then the viral suspension cultivated on BHK-21 cell lines and obtaining on five isolates and these isolates identified as FMDV by using Real time RT-PCR using universal probe of FMDV and then serotyped by RT-PCR using Serotype-specific primers into [one isolate of serotype A, one of serotype SAT2 and three of serotype O] followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealing that the isolate of serotype A was closely related to [type A - EGY 1/2012-KC440882 with identity 93%, type A - A/IRQ/24/2009-KF112909 with identity 93% and type A isolate A/SIN/PAK/L758/2009] that of Asia topotype with Iran05 lineage that differ phylogenetically from vaccinal strain [A/EGY/2006] of Africa topotype with G-VII[KEN-05] lineage, the isolate of serotype O was closely related to [type O isolate SUD/8/2008 with identity 93%, type O isolate SUD/12/2004 with identity 92% and type O isolate O/Denizli/TUR/441/11/03 with identity 89%] that of East Africa-3 [EA-3] topotype that not detected in Egypt before and differ phylogenetically from vaccinal [O/EGY/93] of ME-SA topotype with Sharqia-72 lineage confirming that it is introduced through uncontrolled transboundary movements of animals and isolate of serotype SAT2 was closely related to [type SAT 2 isolate EGY/9/2012 and type SAT 2 isolate EGY 3/2012] of topotype VII with Ghb-12 lineage which distinct from contemporary SAT2 lineage of the same topotype of libya indicating that the disease source not through un controlled boundaries. The present study conclude and recommend that these new isolates especially O/SUD origin should be included in the locally produced vaccines to induce complete protection against circulating viruses

Impact of Interleukin-28B gene polymorphism [rs12979860] on Egyptian patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype-4

Single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] in the Interleukin [IL]-28B gene, namely rs12979860, could predict response to pegylated interferon-alpha-ribavirin [PR] therapy in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 [HCV-1]-infected patients. A similar role was investigated in a case-control study conducted on 93 Egyptian patients chronically infected with HCV-4 in comparison to 22 individuals with spontaneous HCV clearance and 70 healthy volunteers. The homozygous C allele genotype [CC] was associated with sustained viral response [SVR] to therapy compared with the homozygous T allele genotype [TT] and the heterozygous genotype [CT]. In the SVR group, the response rate was statistically significantly higher in CC genotypes [58.6%] compared with CT/TT [20.3%]. There was no correlation between SVR patients' genotypes and early response to therapy or HCV baseline viral load. Our findings describe how IL-28B SNP genotyping may guide appropriate selection of HCV-4-infected patients for PR therapy. We underscore IL28B genotyping as a tool that might increase PR cost-benefit in Egypt

Environmental and hormonal control of induced spawning in thin-lipped grey mullet, Liza ramada [Risso]

The reproductive cycle can be controlled by either placing the fish in an appropriate environment or by changing the internal regulating factors of the fish with injected hormones or other substances. The present work was designed to determine the suitable environmental and hormonal requirements for induced spawning of thin-lipped grey mullet, reared in freshwater fish farms. The application of a high-potency synthetic analogue of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists [LHRH-a] and human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG] for inducing the final stages of maturation, ovulation, and spawning in mullets was investigated in ripe spawners, reared in freshwater fish farms, with average egg diameters of 0.600 mm or more, in suitable water temperature and salinity. Two hormonal injection strategies were used. The first involved the use of HCG as a priming injection, followed, 24 h later, by a resolving injection of HCG. The second strategy followed the same time frame but the priming injection was HCG and the resolving injection was luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists alone or in combination with HCG. The use of pregnyl [HCG] as a priming injection at a dose of 20 000 IU/kg body weight, followed by a second injection of 40 000 IU HCG/kg body weight 24 h later proved to be effective in inducing final oocyte maturation, ovulation, and spawning in Liza ramada at 44-50 h after hormonal injection. The optimum water temperature and salinity was 19° and 35%, respectively. Translucent ovulated eggs had coalesced lipid and yolk masses. The fertilized eggs had one or more oil globules gathered in the upper space of the egg. The blastodisc was situated on the bottom side of the floating egg. HCG is very useful for inducing and synchronizing spawning in L. ramada ripe spawners, reared in freshwater fish farms, in combination with suitable environmental factors

effect of mature broodstock origin on the spawning efficiency of grey mullet, Mugil cephalus

Understanding the biochemical composition of good batches of mullet eggs is a beginning of an investigative process that may one day make it easier to distinguish good eggs from undesirable ones. The present study was conducted to investigate the variations, if any, in the reproductive biology and biochemical composition of wild-caught and pond-reared broodstock of Mugil cephalus. Important biochemical constituents [protein, lipids, amino acids and fatty acids] in gonads and freshly spawned eggs of both wild and cultured female broodstock of M. cephalus were analysed. The results showed that the ovarian activity of cultured prespawning females was lower than that of wild females. The activation and fertilization rates of spawned eggs varied between wild and cultivated mullet females. In addition, there was malformation during the embryonic development of fertilized eggs obtained from cultivated females. There was a significant difference in biochemical contents - namely, amino acids and fatty acids - in gonads and spawned eggs between the two stocks, which seems to be due to differences in habitat conditions, mainly salinity and ion concentrations. With such information, we may be able to enhance the survival of mullet eggs through proper control of husbandry practices including environmental parameters, nutrition and methods for spawning

Response of mucous-secreting cells of the gills and intestine to stress during induced spawning of gray mullet, Mugil cephalus

Introduction: An excess of mucus has been observed in the water during induction of mullet spawning. Few data are available on the physiology of mullets during the induced spawning, especially data on the response of mucous-secreting cells in the gills and intestine

Aim of the work: The aims of the present studies were to evaluate the effects of stress on the mucous-secreting cells in the gills and intestine during induced spawning of Mugil cephalus [Teleostei]

Materials and methods: Quantification of possible cell hyperplasia [or depletion] and the chemical composition of the mucous cells during induction of M. cephalus spawning was carried out using histochemical techniques

Results: The majority of mucous cells were concentrated at the edge of the gill filaments. The mucous cell density in the gills was significantly increased during spawning, but it was significantly decreased during preoviposition mortality. However, the mucous cell density in the mucosal layer of the intestine was significantly decreased during spawning and at preoviposition mortality. The size of mucous cells in both the gills and the intestine was significantly decreased during spawning and at preoviposition mortality, whereas its size was significantly increased in the gills after spawning. Two types of glycoproteins [GPs] [acid and neutral] were identified in the mucous cells of the gill and intestine epithelium of M. cephalus. During induction of spawning, the amount of GPs in the mucous cells altered. The amount of each variety of the carbohydrate [intensity of reaction] differed at the different stages during spawning. In general, the secretion of acidic mucous was increased during spawning

Conclusion: The decrease in the GP contents in mucous cells of M. cephalus, as a result of their hypersecretion in response to stress early during handling and acclimation, decreased the production of mucus and reduced its protective role against desiccation of gill and intestine tissue when the ion concentration changed in water during acclimation and induced spawning. This may be considered one of the possible reasons for mortality. Therefore, caution must be exercised not only in acclimation of fish but also in minimization of exposure of fish to stress during induction of spawning

Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma complicated by intestinal volvulus: a case report

Intestinal volvulus is an abdominal pathology which can affect the pediatric age group and may lead to catastrophic intestinal loss. The most common cause is malrotation but other etiologies are also reported. We report a case of intestinal volvulus in which the initial cause was mesenteric cystic lymphangioma

Inhibited thyroid function, impaired lipid metabolism and increased tissue oxidative stress in rats native to high altitude

To evaluate the effect of high altitude on markers of thyroid function, serum lipid profile and tissues oxidative stress in male Wistar rats native to high altitude [HA] with male rats native to low altitude [LA]. Randomized experimental animal study. Physiology laboratory, Medical School of King Khalid University. Male rats aged six months, weighing 250 gm were bred and maintained at low altitude [LA, 600 m above sea level, n=6] or high altitude [HA, 2800 m, n=6], under the same laboratory conditions and fed the same diet. Blood samples were obtained for thyroid hormones and lipid profile analysis. Livers, kidneys, lungs and testes were collected and used for determination levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], reduced glutathione [GSH], Superoxide Dismutase [SOD] and Catalase Activity [CAT]. HA rats had significantly [P<0.05] lower serum T3 [17.14%], T4 [13.75%], TSH [39.29%] and total cholesterol [15.84%] and LDL [60.90%].There were no significant differences in TAG or HDL. All tissues from HA rats showed significant decreases in SOD and CAT activities compared to LA rats. These rats showed significantly higher oxidative stress in the lungs and the liver, but lower oxidative stress in the kidney and no difference in the testes. Living at high altitude environment results in impaired thyroid function and lipid metabolism and causes increased tissue oxidative stress

Prevalence and characteristics of verotoxigenic E.coli in bovine and human intestine

In this study, the prevalence and characterizes of verotoxigenic E. coli was investigated in 140 cattle faecal samples from military farms. Also, 100 human stool samples from governmental hospital in Alex, through the period from January to August 2010, the sample were examined in laboratory of Department of Microbiology, Fac. Of Vet. Med., Alex. Bacteriological examination were done to detect the E. coli verocytotoxin production identified by duplex-PCR. This analysis revealed that the prevalence of VTEC was 62.5% in cattle and 57.14% in human samples. The organism could be isolated at a higher prevalence [66.66%] from healthy calves than from diarrheic ones [50%] indicating the reservoir status of cattle. In human, the prevalence in diarrhoeic children was higher [66.66%] than non diarrhoeic ones [50%]. In conclusion, the prevalence of VTEC in cattle and human was high, indicating the public health importance of organism

Biotypmg of Pasieurella multocida isolates isolated from chickens in Egypt by RAPD PCR

The incidence of P. multocida isolates isolated from 50 random samples collected from chicken suffering from respiratory manifestation was 48%, the random serological classification showed 4 isolates [A:5, A:8, A:9and D:2]. RAPD-PCR using 4 random primers separately was demonstrated to characterize, identify and determine the differences in the DNA sequence among the isolates. Pasteurella multocida is one of the most important Gram-negative bacteria. It is upper respiratory tract [or pharyngeal region] commensal of many animal species. However, under predisposing factors the organism becomes the etiological agent of a wide range of economically important diseases, such as fowl cholera in poultry, hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle and buffalo, atrophic rhinitis in swine and snuffles in rabbits

Chronic exposure of rats to native high altitude increases in blood pressure via activation of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system

To study the effect of chronic exposure to native high altitude [HA] on blood pressure, and to investigate the underlying mechanism of action. This study was carried out between February and April 2011. A total of 20 male rats were divided into 2 groups [n=10 rats]. The low altitude [LA] group were rats born and lived in an LA environment at King Saud University, College of Pharmacy, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA], and the HA group were rats born in the same LA area, then acclimatized to HA area in Physiology Department, King Khalid University, College of Medicine, Abha, KSA for 90 days. At the end of day 90, hematocrit, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, norepinephrine and vasopressin levels were determined in both groups. Invasive arterial blood pressure was also measured, and fractional excretion of sodium [FENa], and potassium [FE[K]] were calculated. The quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction of renin was carried out in the kidneys of both rat groups. When compared to LA native rats, HA rats exhibited a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with a significant increase in renin plasma activity as well as an increase in the levels of aldosterone, norepinephrine, and vasopressin. Furthermore, HA rats showed a significant increase in renin expression in their kidneys, as well as decreased FENa. Data shows that prolonged exposure to HA results in elevated blood pressure precipitated by the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and kidney function: a communication between two organs that needs further exploration

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is now regarded as hepatic component of the metabolic syn-drome. In addition, NAFLD has emerged as a growing public health problem worldwide and an important challenge for health authorities. NAFLD is associated with insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia and this appears as the potential pathogenic role of NAFLD in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease [CKD]. Interestingly, NAFLD and CKD may share common pathogenic mechanisms like obesity, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and inflammation. Importantly, the association between NAFLD and CKD is also being shown to be independent of obesity, hypertension, and other potentially confounding features of the metabolic syndrome, and it occurs both in patients without diabetes and in those with diabetes. How the liver communicates with kidney in individuals with NAFLD is not well known and indeed an urgent research is needed to further elucidate the complex and intertwined mechanisms that link NAFLD and CKD. One potential pathway for future exploration may be inflammatory mediators in NAFLD that may lead to deterioration in renal function. In addition, large clinical studies are needed to study the impact of NAFLD on the progression of CKD and in particular during dialysis and transplant and importantly how treatment of NAFLD and weight loss will have reversible potential benefit in improving renal function

Use of the target group index survey to evaluate the cigarette smoking profile in Saudi Arabia

To draw a profile, and study the media habits for cigarette smokers in Saudi Arabia using the Target Group Index survey [TGI]. A household survey using the TGI sample was conducted in March 2008 in 21 cities in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 7003 individuals aged 15 years or more, male and females, living in town and cities, were randomly selected using the multistage sampling technique. One individual per household was interviewed using a structured questionnaire covering socio-economic profile, media exposure, and cigarette consumer information. The study was conducted in Arabian Center for Tobacco Control, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cigarette smoking was 35.9% in males, and 2.3% in females. This was significantly higher in the age group 30-49 years compared with younger ages [p=0.001]. Among smokers, 22.3% were heavy smokers, 69.3% were using regular flavor cigarettes, and 22.4% tried to quit smoking but failed. The most common methods of quitting smoking were; nicotine gum [18.5%], hypnosis [14%], nicotine patch [8%], and acupuncture [3%]. Ninety-eight percent of the smokers watched TV daily, noticed mainly big outdoor ads, and 46% used the Internet daily. Favorite TV and radio channels, newspaper, magazine, and interesting topics for the smokers were recorded, and the main smoker profile was drawn. The TGI can be used to draw a smoker profile and identify different segments with the greatest opportunities to send anti-smoking messages

Microbial content of Yarmuk River and King Abdulla Canal waterways in Jordan

The aim of this study was to monitor the microbiological contamination of the water of Yarmuk River [YR] and King Abdulla Canal [KAC] in Jordan for 6 months [June-November 2000] for their aerobic plate count, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal Streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Water samples were collected monthly for 6 months [June-November 2000] from three generally representable locations of each of YR and KAC. The procedures of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water were, in general, used, The average counts in log colony forming units/ml water were 5.4, 4.9 aerobic plate counts; 3.4, 3.5 total coliforms; 2.0, 1.9 fecal coliforms; 1.7, 1.6 S.aureus', and 1.7,1.7 fungi [molds and yeasts], respectively. The presumptive tests for Salmonellae were positive in all samples of the two waterways. Average algae and protozoa counts during 4 months [July-October] in 5-I water samples as log/liter were 6.7, 6.9 in Yarmuk River and 3.2, 3.4 in King Abdulla Canal, respectively. The microbial contents of the sediments of the two waterways and temperature, pH, electric conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen were also recorded. From the public point of view, the microbial water quality of the two waterways is not suitable for drinking before treatment; it is, however, suitable for agricultural restricted irrigation

Effect of stress during handling, seawater acclimation, confinement, and induced spawning on plasma ion levels and somatolactin immunoreactivity in mature female thin -lipped gray mullet, Liza ramada

Understanding the physiological picture of fish during the reproductive cycle, seawater acclimation, and induced spawning is of essential value to know the possible reasons of preoviposition mortality and to develop successful hatchery technology. Determination of the effect of different stress factors on hydro-mineral balance as well as changes in somatolactin [SL] immunoreactive cells in mature Liza ramada females. Water chemistry and the different plasma ion levels were measured. Immunocytochemical staining for the sections of the pituitary gland was performed to describe the activity of SL immunoreactive cells. The plasma levels of PO[3-4], Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], and Mg[2+] showed a slight increase during transportation without anesthesia. The concentrations of these minerals returned to the initial levels by using clove oil [5 mg/I] as anesthetic. However, their levels decreased during seawater acclimation and gradually increased with confinement to reach the initial values. Furthermore, the levels of PO[3-4], Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], and Mg[2+] were significantly [P