Riverine forest as a significant habitat to harbor a wide range of bird species

Abstract Riverine forests are unique and highly significant ecosystems that are globally important for diverse and threatened avian species. Apart from being a cradle of life, it also serves as a gene pool that harbors a variety of flora and fauna species (repeated below). Despite the fact, this fragile ecosystem harbored avian assemblages; it is now disappearing daily as a result of human activity. Determining habitat productivity using bird species is critical for conservation and better management in the future. Multiple surveys were conducted over a 15-month period, from January to March 2019, using the distance sampling point count method. A total of 250 point count stations were fixed systematically at 300 m intervals. In total, 9929 bird individuals were recorded, representing 57 species and 34 families. Out of 57 bird species, two were vulnerable, one was data deficient, one was nearly threatened, and the remaining 53 species were of least concern. The Eurasian Collard Dove Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) and Common Babbler Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) were the three first plenteous species having higher densities. However, the densities of three species, i.e., Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca, Gray Heron Ardea cinerea and Pallas Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus, were not analyzed due to the small sample size. The findings of diversity indices revealed that riverine forest has harbored the diverse avian species that are uniformly dispersed across the forest. Moreover, recording the ten foraging guilds indicated that riverine forest is rich in food resources. In addition, the floristic structure importance value index results indicated that riverine forest is diverse and rich in flora, i.e. trees, shrubs, weeds and grass, making it an attractive and productive habitat for bird species.

Resumo As florestas ribeirinhas são ecossistemas únicos e altamente significativos que são globalmente importantes para diversas espécies de aves ameaçadas de extinção. Além de serem o berço da vida, também servem como um conjunto genético que abriga uma variedade de espécies da flora e da fauna. Apesar disso, esse frágil ecossistema abrigava um conjunto de aves, mas agora está desaparecendo diariamente como resultado da atividade humana. Determinar a produtividade do hábitat usando espécies de pássaros é fundamental para a conservação e melhor gestão no futuro. Vários levantamentos foram realizados ao longo de um período de 15 meses, de janeiro de 2018 a março de 2019, por meio do método de contagem de pontos de amostragem de distância. Foram fixadas sistematicamente 250 estações de contagem de pontos em intervalos de 300 m. No total, foram registrados 9.929 indivíduos de aves, representando 57 espécies e 34 famílias. Das 57 espécies de aves, duas eram vulneráveis, uma tinha dados insuficientes, uma estava quase ameaçada e as 53 espécies restantes eram as menos preocupantes. O: Pomba de colar euroasiática - Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), o Bulbul de orelha branca - Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) e Tagarela comum - Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) foram as três primeiras espécies abundantes com maiores densidades. No entanto, as densidades de três espécies, Papa-amoras-cinzento (Sylvia curruca), Garça-real-europeia (Ardea cinerea) e Águia-pescadora de Pallas (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), não foram analisadas por causa do pequeno tamanho da amostra. Os resultados dos índices de diversidade revelaram que a floresta ribeirinha abrigou diversas espécies de aves que estão uniformemente dispersas pela floresta. Além disso, o registro das dez guildas de forrageamento indicou que a floresta ribeirinha é rica em recursos alimentares. Além disso, os resultados do índice de valor de importância da estrutura florística indicaram que a floresta ribeirinha é variada e rica em flora, ou seja, árvores, arbustos, ervas daninhas e grama, tornando-a um hábitat atraente e produtivo para espécies de aves.

Riverine forest as a significant habitat to harbor a wide range of bird species / Floresta ribeirinha como hábitat significativo para abrigo de uma gama de espécies de aves

Riverine forests are unique and highly significant ecosystems that are globally important for diverse and threatened avian species. Apart from being a cradle of life, it also serves as a gene pool that harbors a variety of flora and fauna species (repeated below). Despite the fact, this fragile ecosystem harbored avian assemblages; it is now disappearing daily as a result of human activity. Determining habitat productivity using bird species is critical for conservation and better management in the future. Multiple surveys were conducted over a 15-month period, from January to March 2019, using the distance sampling point count method. A total of 250 point count stations were fixed systematically at 300 m intervals. In total, 9929 bird individuals were recorded, representing 57 species and 34 families. Out of 57 bird species, two were vulnerable, one was data deficient, one was nearly threatened, and the remaining 53 species were of least concern. The Eurasian Collard Dove - Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), White-eared Bulbul - Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) and Common Babbler - Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) were the three first plenteous species having higher densities. However, the densities of three species, i.e., Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca, Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea and Pallas Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus leucoryphus, were not analyzed due to the small sample size. The findings of diversity indices revealed that riverine forest has harbored the diverse avian species that are uniformly dispersed across the forest. Moreover, recording the ten foraging guilds indicated that riverine forest is rich in food resources. In addition, the floristic structure importance value index results indicated that riverine forest is diverse and rich in flora, i.e. trees, shrubs, weeds and grass, making it an attractive and productive habitat for bird species.

As florestas ribeirinhas são ecossistemas únicos e altamente significativos que são globalmente importantes para diversas espécies de aves ameaçadas de extinção. Além de serem o berço da vida, também servem como um conjunto genético que abriga uma variedade de espécies da flora e da fauna. Apesar disso, esse frágil ecossistema abrigava um conjunto de aves, mas agora está desaparecendo diariamente como resultado da atividade humana. Determinar a produtividade do hábitat usando espécies de pássaros é fundamental para a conservação e melhor gestão no futuro. Vários levantamentos foram realizados ao longo de um período de 15 meses, de janeiro de 2018 a março de 2019, por meio do método de contagem de pontos de amostragem de distância. Foram fixadas sistematicamente 250 estações de contagem de pontos em intervalos de 300 m. No total, foram registrados 9.929 indivíduos de aves, representando 57 espécies e 34 famílias. Das 57 espécies de aves, duas eram vulneráveis, uma tinha dados insuficientes, uma estava quase ameaçada e as 53 espécies restantes eram as menos preocupantes. O: Pomba de colar euroasiática - Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), o Bulbul de orelha branca - Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) e Tagarela comum - Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) foram as três primeiras espécies abundantes com maiores densidades. No entanto, as densidades de três espécies, Papa-amoras-cinzento (Sylvia curruca), Garça-real-europeia (Ardea cinerea) e Águia-pescadora de Pallas (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), não foram analisadas por causa do pequeno tamanho da amostra. Os resultados dos índices de diversidade revelaram que a floresta ribeirinha abrigou diversas espécies de aves que estão uniformemente dispersas pela floresta. Além disso, o registro das dez guildas de forrageamento indicou que a floresta ribeirinha é rica em recursos alimentares. Além disso, os resultados do índice de valor de importância da estrutura florística indicaram que a floresta ribeirinha é variada e rica em flora, ou seja, árvores, arbustos, ervas daninhas e grama, tornando-a um hábitat atraente e produtivo para espécies de aves.

Severe Oligospermia Treatment with Testicular Sperm Using 揑CSI�

Introduction: Assisted reproductive technology has been developed significantly throughout the past few years, particularly diagnosing and treating male infertility. Many studies have been performed showing that Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a successful method to attain clinical pregnancy and live birth through impaired spermatozoa characteristics or low sperm count, such as severe oligospermia. Severe oligospermia indicates low sperm count, which in some cases leads to azoospermia. Severe oligospermia can be caused by several factors such as genetics or medication. In search of efficient treatment for couples with Severe oligospermia, numerous retrospective and prospective researches have reported high pregnancy and live birth rates through testicular sperm for men with severe oligospermia and cryptozoospermia with or without high sperm DNA damage. The research showed that the use of testicular sperm in combination with ICSI yielded a high pregnancy rate and live births over another source of sperm, such as ejaculated sperms. Moreover, the use of ICSI in severe oligospermia has shown successful fertilization and pregnancy. Methods: In search for effective treatment for couples with severe male factor, a number of small retrospective and prospective studies have reported high pregnancy and live birth rates using testicular sperm for men with necrozoospermia, cryptozoospermia and oligozoospermia with or without elevated sperm DNA damage. Although the data suggest that there may be some benefit in performing testicular sperm retrieval (TSR)-ICSI in select groups of non-azoospermic infertile men, there are potential risks involved with TSR. Clinicians should balance these risks prior to the recommendation of TSR-ICSI on the result of a semen analysis or sperm DNA test alone. Careful evaluation and management of male factor infertility is important. The use of TSR-ICSI in the absence of specific sperm DNA defects is still experimental. Discussion: In 1992 and subsequently, several reports indicated that ICSI was a successful technique to achieve clinical pregnancy and live birth using spermatozoa with severely impaired characteristics. The initial optimism over the ability of ICSI to overcome significant sperm abnormalities was later tempered by the findings of more recent publications suggesting that some sperm deficits may not be as effectively treated with ICSI. Conclusion: Severe oligospermia indicates low sperm count, which can lead to male infertility; severe oligospermia which can be overcome through ICSI. Genetic factors like microdeletions of the Y chromosome (Yq) can cause severe oligospermia or chemotherapy molecules, affecting the sperm count directly.

Hereditary protein C deficiency in a Saudi neonate with bilateral adrenal gland haemorrhages: a rare case report

This case report describes a full-term 4-day-old Saudi new-born girl diagnosed with hereditary protein C defi-ciency, who presented with bilateral adrenal gland haemorrhages, intracranial haemorrhage and purpura fulminans. She was born to a consanguineous couple after an unremarkable pregnancy involving a primigravida mother. Her parents were asymptomatic for protein C deficiency. During treatment, her adrenal haemorrhage resolved, but she developed hydrocephalus complicated by cerebral palsy that was initially treated with regular fresh frozen plasma [FFP] and later by lowmolecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. Association of protein C deficiency and adrenal haemorrhage in neonates has not been reported previously, and this appears to be the first such case report of its type. Although protein C deficiency may be acquired, the case under consideration proved to be a homozygous hereditary defect. Further genetic studies are required to identify the aetiology of this rare association

Fanconi anemia associated with moyamoya disease in Saudi Arabia

We report a 10-year-old Saudi girl who has Fanconi anemia [FA] and was admitted due to acute hemiplegia, of the right side. She had a previous attack of left side hemiplegia that resolved spontaneously. The brain magnetic resonance angiography showed a cerebrovascular pattern of moyamoya disease. She underwent partially matched related donor stem cell transplantation [SCT], but unfortunately died 3 months later with post SCT complications. The association of moyamoya disease with FA is uncommon, and is rarely reported in the literature. Although this condition may be acquired, it is considered a truly congenital defect in FA, and to identify the etiology of this association furthermore genetic mutation analysis is needed

Ceftriaxone induced acute multi-organ failure syndrome in a Saudi boy with sickle cell disease

Multi-organ failure syndrome [MOFS] is a rare life threatening complication of sickle cell disease. It is precipitated by severe vaso-occlusive episodes. We report a Saudi boy with sickle cell anemia, who developed acute MOFS following anaphylaxis to ceftriaxone administration. He had a dramatic recovery after red blood cell exchange transfusion and peritoneal dialysis

Acute biliary pancreatitis: diagnosis and treatment

Gallstones are the commonest cause of acute pancreatitis [AP], a potentially life-threatening condition, worldwide. The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis has not been fully understood. Laboratory and radiological investigations are critical for diagnosis as well prognosis prediction. Scoring systems based on radiological findings and serologic inflammatory markers have been proposed as better predictors of disease severity. Early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] is beneficial in a group of patients with gallstone pancreatitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with preoperative endoscopic common bile duct clearance is recommended as a treatment of choice for acute biliary pancreatitis. The timing of cholecystectomy, following ERCP, for biliary pancreatitis can vary markedly depending on the severity of pancreatitis

Prevalence of celiac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in genetically susceptible individuals after ingestion of gluten. Early diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease could potentially prevent the development of serious complications like osteoporosis, small bowel lymphoma, and infertility. Nowadays, the availability of non-invasive serological tests for celiac disease altered the classical diagnostic pathway, and allows screening of populations at particular risk of developing celiac disease. Celiac disease is associated with many other autoimmune disorders, type 1 diabetic patients may have the risk of developing celiac disease or one of its complication. to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending the outpatient diabetic clinic of Alexandria University Main Hospital. 200 adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus screened for celiac disease by anti-endomysial [EMA] IgA antibodies, and anti-tissue transglutaminase [tTG] IgA antibodies, In addition, Anti-endomysial [EMA] IgG antibodies used to detect patients with IgA deficiency. Distal duodenal biopsy and histopathological examination was performed for any serologically positive patient. Eight [4%] patients showed positive results for all performed serological tests. They all confirmed to be celiac diseased by histopathological examination of distal duodenal biopsy. Anther three patients showed only weak positive liter for tTG-lgA and all of them revealed normal mucosal histopathological finding. Anti- endomysial [EMA] IgA assay showed optimal concordance with histopathological finding. In three patients of the celiac group; the disease was asymptomatic. Symptoms [anemia, fatigue, short stature, diarrhea abdominal distension, recurrent aphthus ulcer, and recurrent hypoglycaemic attacks] in a mild form were significantly higher in the diabetic-celiac group than that in diabetic non-celiac group. There were no significant differences between the diabetic-celiac group and diabetic non-celiac group as regard age, diabetic onset, duration, or glycemic control. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus have an increased prevalence of celiac disease. Because most cases are clinically unrecognized, consideration should be given to screening all patients with type 1 diabetes. EMA serological screening and confirmatory histopathological examination of distal duodenal biopsy remain the best screening strategy to detect celiac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes

Hair as bioindicator for the daily intake of lead by Egyptian people

The lead [Pp] is recognized as an important environmental pollutant as well as occupational health effects. Human hair as a biopsy material may well serve the purpose of estimating the degree of human exposure to lead. A follow - up study since 1994 was conducted to examine the significant changes in lead intake of Egyptians at the past decade. The study included four locations high-polluted areas [traffic or industrial area], semi polluted areas [residential area], nearly non polluted areas [newly residential area] and rural areas [background area]. Hair analyses were carried out in 1994 on 230 subjects from adult persons. The follow- up study has been initiated in 2004 on 160 samples persons. The intakes through respiration, drinking and ingestion were estimated and daily intakes were calculated. Then weekly intakes and its correlation with Pp levels in hair had calculated then, regression analysis was initiated. The data showed clearly the results of efforts for improving the environmental quality in Egypt. The level of lead in air declined 20% in high-polluted areas [industrial or traffic areas], from 3.4 to 2.75- micro g/m[3].The general mean level of lead/year in Cairo ambient air decreased from 1.3 micro g/m[3] to 1.065 micro g/m[3]. Average lead level in tap water increased from 6.938 to 7.633 micro g/L, but still under the Egyptian and EPA standard levels. The daily intake of Pp through foodstuff decreased from 1193.172 micro g/Capital day to 830.008 micro g/Capital day. The calculated daily intake throw injection or foodstuff intake showed that Egyptian foodstuff contained lead more over the global limits and the Egyptian Organization for Standardization limits. The hair samples analysis represents clearly the decline in weekly intakes of the Egyptians in the last decade. The mean lead level in hair decreased from 53.5 to 47.25 micro g/g. hair as the weekly intakes declined from 0.1226 to 0.0862 mg/Kg b.w. /week. The data showed clearly the correlation between lead in human hair and the exposure to it. A liner regression of this correlation can help to estimate the level of exposure and the results of efforts to have a clean environment from this dangerous pollutant

Portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy for beta-thalassemia major

Portal vein thrombosis is a recognized complication after splenectomy in beta-thalassemia major due to the chronic hypercoagulable state which has been recognized to exist in childhood thalassemia and contribute to thromboembolic events. We are reporting one patient with beta-thalassemia major developed portal vein thrombosis following splenectomy

Unusual location of eosinophilic granuloma

Eosinophilic granuloma EG is a well-recognized benign form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, most commonly involving the skull bones. In this paper, we report an 8-year-old girl with EG of posterior element of vertebra; she had complete resolution with surgical curettage and bone grafting

Unusual location of eosinophilic granuloma

Eosinophilic granuloma EG is a benign self-limiting disease, which belongs to the spectrum of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis LCH. The etiology of LCH remains unknown, although the evidence indicates that it is a clonal proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells, it has also been characterized as reactive disorder, neoplastic process and a berrant immune response. Eosinophilic granuloma is characterized by single or multiple skeletal lesions occurring predominately in children, adolescents and young adults, it accounts for 70% of LCH. It is more common in males, and the common sites are the skull, mandible, ribs, spines and long bones particularly the femur and the humerus. The estimated incidence of EG is 3-4 per million of the population. Vertebral bone involvement is rarely seen and usually affects the vertebral body. We are reporting an unusual case of EG in a female child presented with a solitary lesion at posterior element of lumbar vertebra

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy incidence and risk factors in north western Saudi Arabia

To find the incidence, early outcome and the associated risk factors of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy[HIE] in Madina Al-Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] and compare it with other centers. Also, to find out whether any of these risk factors are preventable. We conducted a case controlled study of HIE in Madina Maternity and Children's Hospital, Madina Al-Munawara, KSA over a one-year-period, from June 1995 to May 1996. All the inborn term babies without major congenital malformations that developed HIE were included in the study. A term baby born next to the index case was taken as a control for each case. Data was collected for possible risk factors. The incidence of risk factors in the 2 groups was analyzed and compared statistically. A total of 70 cases of HIE were recorded in the study period giving an incidence of 5.5 cases per 1000 term births. This incidence is lower compared to many developing countries and comparable to other centers. Among the maternal factors, being a primigravida, with no antenatal care, presence of pregnancy induced hypertension, and complications of pregnancy were significantly higher in the study population. Similarly, the frequency of prolonged 2nd stage of labor, antepartum hemorrhage, delivery by emergency cesarean section [CS] or the use of instruments was significantly higher in the study group. Babies suffering from intrauterine growth retardation and male sex were also at significantly higher risk. The average hospital stay of the cases was 12 days. Twelve cases of severe HIE died before discharge from the hospital giving an overall mortality rate of 17.1%. The incidence of HIE and birth asphyxia reported in different studies varies widely. The incidence in our hospital is much lower than reported in many studies from developing countries. The important associated risk factors includes being a primigravida mother, lack of antenatal care, pregnancy induced hypertension, prolonged 2nd stage of labor, delivery by use of instruments or emergency CS and intrauterine growth retardation. Improvement in antenatal care and intra-partum monitoring can decrease the incidence of HIE. The threshold for intervention in cases with fetal distress needs to be lower

Sickle cell hemoglobin C disease in Saudi Arabia

Sickle cell hemoglobin C [HbSC] is a disease confined to people of West African ancestry and it has not been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. We are reporting 2 patients with HbSC disease from the western province of KSA [Madinah]; one patient presented with severe form of the disease which include transient hypertension

Acute splenic sequestration crisis in children with sickle cell disease

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical experience with acute splenic sequestration crisis in children with sickle cell disease, followed in Madina Maternity and Children's Hospital, Madina Al-Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A retrospective review of hospital case notes of all children with acute splenic sequestration in sickle cell disease, was carried out in the Pediatric Hematology unit at Madina Maternity and Children's Hospital between 1993 through to 2000. One hundred and twenty children with sickle cell disease were registered and followed in Madina Maternity and Children's Hospital. Out of these, 8 had acute splenic sequestration crisis with a prevalence of 7%. Seven were Saudi and one was non-Saudi [Sudanese], 7 had sickle cell anemia and one had Sickle b-Thalassemia. The female to male ratio was 3:1, 2 patients presented with associated painful crisis. In 50% of the patients, the spleen was not palpable before the attack of acute splenic sequestration crisis. All patients had major splenic sequestration with circulatory collapse, 4 patients [50%] had recurrence and 3 [37.5%] had splenectomy carried out at the age of 2 years. The steady state hematological data did not show any risk factor for acute splenic sequestration crisis and none of our patients died. We conclude that acute splenic sequestration crisis is of relatively high prevalence in the western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is of severe type. Management measures recommended are, prevention of sickle cell disease through health education, reduction of consanguineous marriage, implementation of premarital and neonatal screening programs for hereditrary blood disease, regular follow-up and education of parents to palpate the spleen in an established sickle cell case

Sickle cell disease in childhood in Madina

Sickle cell disease [SCD] is a common disease in Saudi Arabia, with a high prevalence in the Eastern and Southern regions. This study reports on 53 cases of SCD encountered in the Madina area. In a retrospective study of 6000 pediatric patients, 53 children [0.88%] with sickle cell disease were admitted in the Maternity and Children's Hospital at Madina, between November 1990 and October 1991. Of these, 39 patients [73.58%] were Saudis and 14 [26.41%] were non-Saudis. Thirty-six patients were homozygous SS and 17 were sickle thalassemic. The main causes of admission were vaso-occlusive crisis [77.35%], infection [67.92%], acute chest syndrome [22.64%], anemia [12.6%], and cerebrovascular accident [9.43%]. The lowest and highest age groups recorded in this study were six months and 12 years, respectively. About 70% of the patients are still being followed up, and none of the patients has died. This disease is one of the major causes of morbidity in this region of Saudi Arabia. Measures required include neonatal screening programs for the early detection of the disease, as well as research into new drugs to counter the disease