Co-existence of pests and their associated predators inhabiting cantaloupe plants, cucumis melo L. in Assiut, Egypt

The present study was carried out during 2014 and 2015 growing seasons of cantaloupe. Faunistic composition of pests and their associated predators inhabiting cantaloupe plants Cucumis melo L. revealed the presence of 22 insect species belonging to 17 families and 10 orders. The serious pest species were represented by 14 species with 7 predaceous species. The most abundant sucking insect pest was whitefly; Bemisia tabaci Genn. It was the most abundant and seemed to be the major pest infesting cantaloupe, followed by the two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch:, and some piercing sucking insects such as cotton aphids, Aphis gossypii Glov.; onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lind. and jassids, Empoasca spp. Orius sp, Chrysoperla carnea Steph. and Coccinella undecimpunctata L. were the most numerous predators. In all cases the dominance degrees of the pests were higher than those of the predators

Population age structure of the green beach aphid, Myzus Persicae [Sulzer] [Homoptera: Aphididae] in Cumin fields in Assiut Upper Egypt

The present studies were carried out during 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 on cumin growing seasons. The main objective was to study population age structure of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae [Sulzer] infesting cumin plants in Assiut, Upper Egypt. When using beginning of cumin planting as a starting date, data show that the migration of the green peach aphid from overwintering site into cumin fields occurred after about 50 days [nearly during the end of December]. The population then increased to become 10% of the maximum number after 66 days [nearly during the first half of January]. Maximum population density of the green peach aphid occurred after about 95 days. Therefore, the peak of abundance could be expected around the first half of February. After the population reached it's the highest level, it generally declined and reached 10% of the maximum after 121 days. The population then vanished from the cumin field in about 132 days [toward the middle of March]. The present results indicate that the number of green peach aphid was significantly higher in the second season 2013 [421.3 aphids / 10 plants], than that of the first season 2012 [249.30 aphids / 10 plants]. The differences in levels of infestation between the two seasons might be attributed to the differences in weather factors [temperature, relative humidity] and /or the effect of the common natural enemies in each season

Surveillance on bacteria associated with avian influenza virus outbreaks in commercial broiler flocks in Egypt

Avian influenza [AI] [H5N1] outbreaks with very high mortality in twenty four [24] broiler flocks in Egypt provinces [El-Behira, El-Garbia, Kafer El-Sheikh, and Alexandria] were subjected to laboratory investigations in order to detect Enterobacteria associated with Avian influenza virus [AI] outbreaks in broiler flocks. Samples were collected from heart blood and liver for bacteriological examination. The samples for viral isolation were inoculated into specific pathogen free [SPF] embryonated chicken eggs [9-11 days old]. The allantoic fluids [AF] were harvested 36 hours post incubation and were tested by using Haemagglutination [HA] test, Haemagglutination-inhibition [HI] test, Agar gel precipitation test [AGPT] and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction [RTPCR]. Escherichia coli and Salmonella were determined by using a specific media for isolation and identification of both enterobacteria isolates. Twenty isolates out of twenty four [20 / 24] flocks which represent 83.33% of examined outbreaks having haemagglutination-inhibition titer by using avian influenza [AI] common type A antibodies ranging from 24 to28. The same isolates were also confirmed by Agar gel precipitation test [AGPT] and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction [RT-PCR]. A total of 16 samples out of 20 [16 / 20] [represented 80%] examined samples from broiler flocks associated with Avian influenza virus outbreaks proved to be E.coli while a total of 4 samples[4 / 20] [represented 20%] proved to be Salmonella enteritidis. The results of bacterial isolates were confirmed by biochemical test and serological identification

Plasma levels of endothelin-1, angiotensin II, nitric oxide and prostaglandine E-[2] in the venous and cavernous blood of patients with erectile dysfunction

To investigate the balance between the release of the smooth muscle vasoconstrictors [endothelin-l [ET-1] and angiotensin II [Ang II]] and relaxants [nitric oxide [NO] and prostaglandin E-[2] [PGE-[2]]] by determining the alterations in plasma levels of ET-l, Ang II, NO and PGE2 in the venous and cavernosal blood of patients with organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction [ED]. Patients: The study included 32 patients complaining of ED for more than one year [mean age +/- SEM 43.7 +/- 2.07]. The patients were subdivided into two groups: 16 organic ED patients [mean age +/- SEM 48.13 +/- 2.77 years] and 16 psychogenic ED patients [mean age +/- SEM 43.0 +/- 3.03 years]. Fifteen healthy potent age matched [mean +/- SEM 44.86 +/- 2.9 years] male volunteers were enrolled as a control group. For each patient venous and cavernous blood were obtained, while only venous blood were obtained from controls. Design: A randomized, group comparative, single-center study. Setting: Assiut University Hospital. Intervention: Plasma levels of ET- 1, Ang II, NO and PGE-[2] in the venous and cavernous blood of ED patients and in the venous blood of controls were estimated. Main outcome measures: ET-1, Ang II, NO and PGE-[2]. The present study showed significant increase in the plasma levels of ET-1 and Ang II, in addition to significant decrease in the plasma levels of NO and PGE[2] in the venous blood of ED patients in comparison to the controls. Patients with organic ED showed significant higher levels of ET- 1 and significant lower levels of NO in both venous and cavernous blood in comparison to those with psychogenic ED. Significant higher levels of cavernous Ang H were found in the two groups of ED patients in relation to venous blood. However, there were also no significant differences in PGE[2] levels in venous and cavernous blood of both groups of patients. There were significant positive correlations in both venous and cavernous blood between ET-l and Ang II and between NO and PGE[2] in total ED patients and the two subgroups. In addition significant negative correlations were found between venous and cavernous ET- 1 and NO; ET-1 and PGE[2] Ang II and NO and between Ang II and PGE[2] The imbalance between vasoconstrictors and vasodilators may play an important role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. ET- 1 may be a clinical marker of diffuse endothelial disease manifested by ED. Since ACE activity controls Ang II there might be a rationale for the use of ACE inhibitors to prevent or treat ED. NO and PGE2 may provide new strategies for pharmacologic treatment of ED

Reassessment of some environmental conditions of Maawa El- Sayadeen squatter area

Reassessment of some environmental conditions of Maawa El-Sayadeen squatter area was carried out during 2000. Due to unplanned urbanization, environmental sanitation has been ignored for several decades resulting in many health, social and economic problems. Maawa El-Sayadeen was chosen by West District officials for environmental and health upgrading in 1995, which depended mainly upon health education in addition to some engineering constructions The environmental conditions and health status were reported before 1995 and after 2000. The reassessment proved that, there was an increase in number of families use tap water inside the house by 29% compared with 1995 assessment. Moreover, number of families using water closets increased by 15%, also wastewater disposal throught public sewers increased by 34%. However, a decrease by 17% in dry areas surrounding the houses was recorded. Solid waste storage improved by 11% although solid waste collection sites decreased by 23%. It is concluded that, after Maawa El-Sayadeen area was exposed to a certain level of environmental upgrading, the environmental conditions of the area were some how better categorized, however, further training programs should be taken into account or stressed including increase of people awareness and strong partnership should be developed with their non governmental organizations

Effect of melatonin on analgesic and anti - inflammatory action of indomethacin in rats with induced adjuvant arthritis

This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of melatonin in rheumatoid arthritis and its interaction with indomethacin. The study was carried out on rats in which rheumatoid-like arthritis were induced experimentally by an intradermal injection of a total volume of 0.1 ml of cold emulsion consisting of native type II collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant. A booster dose was given after three weeks. It could be concluded that melatonin had an immune stimulant effect enhancing the immune system and its use in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis exaggerated arthritic manifestations. Also, a combined administration of melatonin and indomethacin had no therapeutic effect on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis

Possibility of reproductive adverse effect of ametryne and/or niclosamide towards male wistar albino rats

To study the risk effect of ametryne and niclosamide towards male reproductive system, 10 weeks old male Wistar albino rats have received daily 1/50 LD50 of ametryne [30 mg/kg bw] and niclosamide [84 mg/kg bw], either individually or in combination for 13 weeks. The results showed neither mortality nor gross adverse effects in the treated males throughout the study period. However, body weight and body weight gain were significantly decreased during the last few weeks of ametryne or combined treatment. Moreover, serum testosterone was significantly decreased after ametryne or combined treatment, while it showed an apparent increase after niclosamide treatment. Percentage of motile sperms showed nonsignificant decrease, while percentage of sperms with morphological abnormalities showed significant increase after niclosamide or combined treatment

Reproductive risk assessment in wistar albino rats exposed to ametryne and niclosamids

This investigation was designed to assess the reproductive risk of using ametryne and/or niclosamide in the environment. Female and male Wistar albino rats received 1/50 KD50 of ametryne and niclosamide either individually or in combination. Females were treated for 2 weeks prior to mating, throughout mating and pregnancy, to day 21 of lactation, while males were treated for 13 weeks prior to mating. Mating was performed between treated/un-treated females and treated/un-treated males. The results showed neither mortality, clinical nor gross adverse effects in the treated animals. In females treated groups, either ametryne or niclosamide treatment significantly reduced mating and fertility indices. Percentage of post-implantation loss increased under the influence of the combined treatment. In male treated groups, mating, fertility and gestation indices were significantly reduced in the niclosamide-treated group while% treated groups. Number of pups at birth and% of pups/litter that post- implantation loss was survived until weaning were significantly decreased after niclosamide treatment while it was increased after combined treatment. Nevertheless, in female and male treated groups, mating, fertility and gestation indices were significantly decreased after niclosamide or combination treatment

Atrial natriuretic peptide in children with nephrotic syndrome

Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP] were measured using a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay in 40 children with nephrotic syndrome [NS]. Nine patients were steroid resistant and the remaining had primary steroid responsive NS. Renal biopsy was performed to four steroid resistant nephrotic patients and revealed membranoproliferative glomerulo nephritis [MPGN] in three patients and lupus nephritis in one patient. Plasma levels of ANP were also measured in 18 healthy children as a control group. High plasma concentrations of ANP were detected in nephrotic patients during active stage of the disease [edema and heavy proteinuria] irrespective to the underlying renal pathology or to the response to steroid therapy. Plasma ANP values in nephrotic patients correlated negatively with serum albumin and with serum creatinine clearance

Monthly distribution and infection of the snails vectors of schistosomiasis with trematodes larvae in different agricultural water courses located in Beheira governorate

This study was monthly done for one year in small agricultural area in Behaira Governorate. Thirty permanent stations were chosen along primary, secondary and tertiary canals and drains, 5 stations for each. In the area of study, Biomphalaria alexandrina [B. alexandrina] snails were more prevalent than Bulinus truncatus [B. truncatus] snails, although the percentage of infected B. truncatus with different trematodes was 12 times the percentage of infected B. alexandrina snails. These two snail species of schistosomiasis were more dense from March until August during the year of study. B. alexandrina and B. truncatus seemed to be ideal intermediate hosts for holostome cercariae [about 55% of the total infected snails with different trematodes]. Schistosome was the second prevalent cercariae as well as amphistome, xiphidiocercariae, echinostome and monostome. Nevertheless, echinostome was the second prevalent cercariae in B. truncatus, in addition to amphistome, monostome and xiphidiocercariae but not schistosome cercariae. Old size snails of both kinds of schistosomiasis had a higher rate of infection with different trematodes cercariae, then medium followed by young size snails. Schistosoma mansoni [S. mansoni] cercariae were found only in old and medium size B. alexandrina snails. The highest infection with different trematodes larvae among the collected B. alexandrina snails was recorded in secondary and tertiary canals and drains, while for B. truncatus snails it was in primary and secondary canals. Also, the infected B. alexandrina snails with S. mansoni was found only in secondary and tertiary canals and drains. Conclusively, infection of both snails of schistosomiasis with different trematodes, suppress in one way or another the infection with S. mansoni and S. hematobium larvae. Suggestions of using these kinds of trematodes infection for biological control if the snails intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis were discussed

Influence of different means of washing and processing on removing of actellic residue from spinach and eggplant and its in-vivo action on mice hepatic biochemical targets

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different washing solutions on the removal of Actellic residue from fresh and processed vegetables, namely; spinach and eggplant. Also to identify the effect of Actellic residue on the health status of mice when fed these contaminated vegetables. The amount of insecticide residue detected using GLC indicated that tap water, sodium hydroxide solution and - potassium permanganate solution gave high percent removal. However, processing did not remove more than 45% except for grilling of eggplant which removed 88.17%. Meanwhile, changes in some hepatic biological parameters were well recognized in the groups of mice fed contaminated- unwashed either processed or unprocessed vegetables

Effect of cigarette smoking on working capacity

Physiological responses to exercise were measured in 39 males [19-45 years old] working as cleaners in the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University. There was a graded reduction in maximum oxygen intake [VO2 max] of smokers. This reduction was greatest in those who smoked 20 or more cigarettes per day. A statistically significant decrease [p <0.05] was recorded in forced expiratory volume [FEV1] and forced vital capacity [FVC] between smokers and nonsmokers. The results of this study provide quantitative evidence of the adverse effect of smoking on physical working capacity and show the impairment of ventilatory capacity caused by smoking

Diuretic therapy in hypertension, and its effects on lipoprotein pattern

In this work, 19 hypertensive patients were thoroughly examined, and divided into 3 groups according to the diuretics used. The first group comprised 5 diabetic patients given spironolactone, the second contained 6 diabetics given ethacrynic acid, but the third group consisted of 8 non diabetic patients given frusemide. Investigations were done for every case e.g. urine and stool analyses, X-ray chest, E.C.G., blood sugarlevel and serum creatinine, in addition after treatment. In group I, we found insignificant increase in cholesterol triglycerides and total lipids but in group II, inspite of insignificant increase in triglycerides and total lipids, the cholesterol was decreased insignificantly. In the third group there were significant increase in triglycerides and ongly insignificant increase in both cholesterol and total lipids

Some platelet functions in patients with diabetes mellitus and hepatosplenic bilharziasis

Our aim was to study platelet count, adhesiveness and aggregation in patients with hepatosplenic bilharziasis and diabetes mellitus. Our material comprised 10 non-ascitic patients with hepatosplenic bilharziasis, 7 uncomplicated diabetes mellitus and 8 patients with hepatosplenic bilharziasis and diabetes mellitus. 5 apparently normal subjects were taken as a control group. All groups were subjected to through history taking, clinical examination, urine and stool analysis blood picture, bleeding and coagulation times, serum creatinine, serum bilirubin, serum glutamic pyruvic tranaminase, fasting blood sugar; platelet count, adhesiveness and aggregation. Platelet count, adhesiveness and aggregation were decreased in patients with hepatosplenic bilharziasis, increased in patients with diabetes mellitus while they were non significantly, changed in patients with hepatosplenic bilharziasis plus diabetes mellitus. So, while diabetic patients should receive antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and dipyridamole; such drugs are contraindicated in patients with hapatosplenic bilharziasis for fear of bleeding and they are not recommended in cases with combined diabetes mellitus and hepatosplenic bilharziasis

Neutrophil phagocytic power in diabetes mellitus

It was found that the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils in diabetic patients was significantly impaired when compared to the control group. But on comparing the 2 uncontrolled groups with each other, we found no significant difference which can explain the presence or abscence of infection. A significant defect in the serum of the uncontrolled diabetics was observed when compared with the serum of controlled diabetics. Also, there was inverse correlation between the phagocytic activity and blood glucose level. Although insulin treatment does not restore the phagocytic power to normal level, but this lowering of blood surgar offers some support to their defensive mechanisms

Leucocytic margination in typhoid and hepatosplenic bilharziasis

Adrenaline injection induced a significant blood cellular changes, which were more at phase I than at phase II except a reverse pattern occurs to platelets, phase II of adrenaline response is not to stimulation of pituitary adrenal axis, the total leucocytic counts were positively correlated with neutrophils and lymphocytes. In bilharzial cases, the maximum adrenaline induced increase of the formed blood elements was larger than in normal persons, negative correlation between grades of splenomegaly and base line level of all formed blood cells, positive correlation between grades of splenomegaly and the maximum adrenalin test can be used a diagnostic of cellular sequenstration in grades II and III bilharzial splenomegaly. Marginal bool of noutrophils is increased and positively correlated with the grades splenomegly and the maximum increase of lymphocytes after adrenaline test was larger than that of neutrophils. A suggestion for lymphocytes margination and was positively correlated with the grade of splenomegaly. In enterica, neutrpenia is due to increase of their marginal pool, relative lymphocytosis may b due to decrease of their margination. The maximum increase of lymphocytes after adrenaline injection was lower than of neutrophils

phagocytic activity of neutrophils and the oral hormonal contraceptives

The phagocytic activity of neutrophils from OCs users was assayed by the method of Leight et al. [1977] using the yeast "Candida albicans". Significant diminution of the phagocytic activity was observed when the assay was performed with the neutrophils in its own serum. However, when the assay was performed with the neutrophils suspended in pooled serum, no significant difference was observed in comparison to the controls. It is concluded that sera from OCs suers may contain factor[s] that depress the phagocytic activity of neutrophils. The possible responsible factor[s] and the significarce of such diminished phagocytic activity were discussed

Effect of oral hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices on peripheral lymphocytes subpopulation

Subpopulations of peripheral lymphocytes were studied in 40 women taking oral hormonal contraceptives [OC's], in 50 women using intrauterine contraceptive devices [IUD's] and in 20 age matched control group of women who had never taken oral hormonal contraceptive pills not used intrauterine devices. The group taking oral hormonal contraceptive demonstrated significant depression of their T lymphocyte count when compared to the control group. While, the group using IUS's showed significant rise of their T lymphocytes count. On the other hand no significant quantitative difference in subpopulation of the peripheral lymphocytes "B cells" with IgG, IgA and IgM markers was observed between the three studied groups. These findings suggest that the use of oral hormonal contraceptives induces a state of immunological abnormality, affecting mainly the cellular limb of the immune system. While in IUD's users the increase in the T lymphocytes suggest that the ID's mode of action might partly be immunologically mediated

Anaemia in diabetes mellitus

Eighty five patients with diabetes mellitus and 25 normal controls were studied clinically together with evaluation of their red cell values, bone marrow picture, serum iron and liver function tests. Normochromic normocytic anaemia was found to be a characterstic feature of diabetics having chronic complications or infections. Macrocytic normochromic anaemia was present in diabetics having ketoacidosis. Possible underlying mechanisms for the present anaemia was discussed. In non complicated diabetics anaemia was not present and serum iron was within normal limits. Conclusion was reached that the presence of anaemia in a diabetic patient is a sign of diabetic complications

Blood viscosity in diabetes mellitus

Eight five diabetics and 25 normal controls of matched age and sex were studied. Estimation of the whole blood viscosity by using the U-shaped viscometer tube was made. Significantly higher blood viscosity was a constant feature for diabetics. Correlation of viscosity to diabetic complications and type of diabetes was carried out. Hyperlipidemia, hyperfibrinogenaemia, increased alpha[2] and beta globulins showed a linear relation to the blood viscosity. Conclusions were reached that the estimation of blood viscosity in diabetics is a rapid, simple and reliable prognostic test for diabetics especially in complicated cases