Habitat characteristics for different freshwater snail species as determined biologically through macroin- vertebrate information

Macro-invertebrates including freshwater snails collected from 643 sites over 8 successive seasons among the River Nile, branches, main canals and certain drains in eight Egyptian Governorates. Thirteen snail species and one bivalve species were identified. The most distributed were Lanistus carinatus and Physa acuta while the most abundant were Cleopatra bulimoides and Physa acuta during the whole study. The sites that harbored each snail species in all the examined watercourses were grouped seasonally and their biological assessment was determined by their minimum and maximum total point similarity percentage to that of the corresponded reference site and mean of the total points. Habitats for most snail species attained minimum total point's similarity percentage less than 21% [very poor habitat] during autumn and winter then spring while during summer very poor habitat was harbored by only few snail species. P. acuta was the only survived snails in habitat which attained 0 as a minimum total point's similarity percentage during two seasons and L. carinatus and Succinea cleopatra during one season. With respect to medically important snails very poor sites constituted 23% of Biomphalaria alexandrina sites, 14% of Lymnaea natalensis and 9.4% of Bulinus truncatus sites. The studied macroinvertebrate matrices, total number of organisms, taxa richness, the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera [EPT] index, ratio of EPT index to chironomidae, ratio of scraper to filtering collector, contribution of dominant macroinvertebrate major group, comparison revealed descending tolerances from B. alexanrina followed by L. natalensis then B. truncates, but Hilsenhoff Biotic Index [HBI] showed the same tolerance to organic pollution

Chemical and biological assessment for Egyptian surface freshwater environment with reference to human activities

The Egyptian freshwater was assessed in the River Nile, branches, main canals and certain drainages in eight Governorates, over eight successive seasons starting from spring 2008. Chemical assessment was made through ten parameters and the biological one was made through macro-invertebrates information. Results showed that means of Cd, Pb, Cu, Hg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Na, K and Ca varied in watercourses seasonally within somewhat narrow ranges, which may exceed the level of concern but with some elevations in branches, Rayahs and canals during certain seasons. Sites showed chemical levels over the permissible one or those gain total points

Effect of obesity on lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats

Obesity has become a major problem in the modern world; it is affected genetically and by lifestyle. Since obesity is associated with multi co-morbidities like dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, this work studied the effect of induced obesity on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic state and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats. Twenty male rats of a body weight ranging from 178 to 200 g were divided equally into two groups, one fed commercial rat chow as a control group [Cgp] and the other fed 10% saturated fat to induce obesity as experimental group [SFgp]. After 3 months the body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin level, and lipid profile of both groups were measured and the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue was assessed by the amount of free glycerol released. Rats fed saturated fat for 3 months showed significant increase in birth weight, systolic blood pressure, TG, Cholesterol, LDL, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels by 55.3%, 15.86% 24%, 7.92%, 19.58% 20.5% and 26.25% respectively with a significant decline in HDL by 12.9%. Lipolytic activity of SC tissue in the presence of adrenaline decreased significantly by 15%, while in the presence of insulin it increased significantly by 33.33%. It showed a significant increase by 18% and 25.84% in the presence of adrenaline and insulin respectively in visceral adipose tissue. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. obesity induced in male rats by high saturated fat diet showed a significant rise in BW and is associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The adipose tissue of obese male rats showed a significant decrease in lipolytic activity of SC with a significant rise in the corresponding value in visceral adipose tissue

Effect of [urografin] on left ventriular diastolic and renal functions after cardiac catheterization

is to evaluate the effects of iodinated contrast media "urografin" on kidney functions and left ventricular diastolic function indices in patients underwent coronary angiography. It included 100 patients with normal kidney function 57 male [57%] and 43 female [43%]. The patients are classified into four groups:- group A: diabetic hypertensive patients, group B: only diabetic patients, group C: only hypertensive patients and group D: non diabetic, non-hypertensive patients. For all patients history taking and clinical examination, standard 12 lead ECG, abdominal ultrasonography to exclude renal medical diseases, Echo-Doppler study before, immediately and 7 days after cardiac catheterization for assessment of left ventricular diastolic functions, and kidney function tests before cardiac catheterization, immediately, 3 days and 7 days after cardiac catheterization. We found an increase in blood urea, serum creatinine and decrease in creatinine clearance [not reaching the significant level] at the first day after contrast administration [P> 0.05]; However, the maximal significant effect of these contrast agent on kidney functions was reached at the third day [P< 0.05] and return to normal at the seventh day [P< 0.05]. Also we found that the level of serum creatinine is maximally changed after three days of contrast administration, where the mean values were 1.11 +/- 0.19 before coronary angiography changed to 1.24 +/- 0.17 immediately after coronary angiography and 1.79+0.13 three days after coronary angiography and 1.27+0.12 after seven days of coronary angiography. It was noted that the level of serum creatinine is increased by 25% or > 0.5 mg/dl from the base line value and decline to nearly normal level after seven days of coronary angiography. The effects of contrast agents on kidney functions were significantly higher in groups [A] and [B] than that of groups [C] and [D] and there was a significant positive correlation between the dose of contrast media and the effect on kidney functions [P< 0.05]. Also, there was a non-significant effect of the radio contrast media on the left ventricular diastolic function indices in the four studied groups [P> 0.05] immediately after and seven days after radio contrast administration. However, there was a non-significant correlation between the dose of contrast media and diastolic function parameters immediately after and seven days after coronary angiography [P> 0.05]. So the effect of radiocontrast agents after coronary angiograpghy on kidney functions is benign and transient starting within 1-2 days reaching the peak at 3-5 days and then returning to base line within 7-10 days. This effect is significantly higher in diabetic hypertensive patients than that in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive patients with positive correlation between the dose of contrast media and kidney functions. However, the ionic contrast media exerts negligible alterations on left ventricular diastolic functions indices

Molluscicidal and physiological activities of some plants against biomphalaria Alexandria snails

The molluscicidal activity of three plants: Nerium oleander, Dizygotheca elegantissima and A gave decipiens on Biomphalaria Alexandrina snails at different exposure intervals and size or age of snails was studied throughout the present investigation. Also, the effects of these selected plants on Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and miracidia were assessed. Moreover, the role of sublethal concentrations of these plants on physiological processes and functions on the hemolymph of these snails was also clarified. Results showed that N. oleander proved the most effective plant as its LC[90] was 100ppm after 24hrs from exposure compared with the values of 120 and 180 ppm with the plants D. elegantissima and A. decipiens, respectively. The elongation of remarkable exposure periods from 24 to 48 hrs increased the molluscicidal activities of the tested plants. Different sizes or ages of Biomphalaria Alexandrina snails showed different susceptibility levels towards the action of the tested plants. Newly hatched snails were the most sensitive group. When the LC[50] and LC[90] of the experimental plants were tested against the cercariae, almost 100% of cercarial mortality was obtained after only two hrs when used 100, 120 and180 ppm for Nerium oleander, Dizygotheca elegantissima and Agave decipiens, respectively. Meanwhile, 100% miracidia mortality was obtained after 1 hr when exposed to the same concentrations. Thus miracidia proved more susceptible than cercariae. While used the sublethal concentrations of these plants, the LC[0] of the three tested plants showed moderate significant increase in transaminases activities. The total protein, albumin and globulin were slightly changed; while the A/G ratio did not record any changes between treated and control snails. The application of plant molluseicides resulted in marked increase of total lipid content; the maximal observation was recorded with the use of both N. oleander, and D. elegantissima

Harmful effect of some insecticides on vital parameters of albino rats

The present study aims at comparing the in vivo effect among B. thuringiensis [bioinsecticide], chlorpyrifos [organophosphorus insecticide] and flufenoxuron [insect growth regulator] on the biochemical parameters, toxicity some reproductive parameters and histopathological changes in tissue specimens of different organs of albino rats. In flufenoxuron and chlorpyrifos administrated rats body weight and kidney weight significantly decreased as compared with the corresponding weights of the control groups. Also, significant reduction occurred in total protein and serum cholinesterase activity after oral administration of chlorpyrifos and flufenoxuron. Values of total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol significantly increased throughout the experiment and hyperlipidemia, hypercholesolemia and hyperuremia were noticed in chlorpyrifos and flufenoxuron administrated rats. Also, the mean values of serum transaminases [ALT and AST] and alkaline phosphate [ALP] activities were increased. Prolonged administration of chlorpyrifos caused no effect on hemoglobin concentration, however, it significantly decreased leukocyte count, erythrocyte count, hematocrite values, platelet count and blood indices. On the other hand, flufenoxuron exerted significant decreases in all hematological parameters as compared with the control group. Likewise, chlorpyrifos and flufenoxuron administration significantly decreased testis weight, concentration of sperm cells, percentage of live sperms but on the other hand, caused increase in percentage of abnormal sperms. The orally administration of flufenoxuron and chlorpyrifos led to histopathological changes in liver, kidneys and testis of the treated rats. On the other hand, bio-insecticides [Bacillus thuringiensis] did not show such hazardous effects on the orally administrated rats and consequently it would be safe to people and can be used on all food crops

Impact of certain plants and synthetic molluscicides on some fresh water snails and fish

The LC50 [78, 85 ppm] and LC90 [88, 135 ppm] of Anagalis arvensis and calendula micrantha respectively against Biomphalaria alexandrina were higher than those of the non-target snails, Physa acuta, Planorbis planorbis, Helisorna duryi and Melanoides tuberculata. In contrast, the LC50 of Niclosamide [0.11 ppm] and Copper sulphate [CuSo4] [0.42 ppm] against B. alexandrma were lower than those of the non-target snails. The mortalities percentage among non-target snails ranged between 0.0 and 20% when sublethal concentrations of CuSo4 against B. alexandrina mixed with those of C. micrantha and between 0.0 and 40% when mixed with A. arvensis. Mortalities ranged between 0.0 and 50% when Niclosamide was mixed with each of A. arvensis and C. micrantha. A. arvensis induced 100% mortality on Oreochromis niloticus after 48 hrs exposure and after 24 hrs for Gambusia affinis. C. micrantha was non-toxic to the fish. The survival rate of O. niloticus and G. affinis after 48 hrs exposure to 0.11 ppm of Niclosamide were 83.3% and 100% respectively. These rates were 91.7% and 93.3% respectively when each of the two fish species was exposed to 0.42 ppm of CuSo4. Mixture of sub-lethal concentrations of A. arvensis against B. alexandrina and those of Niclosamide or CuSo4 at ratios 10:40 and 25:25 induced 66.6% mortalities on O. niloticus and 83.3% at 40: 10. These mixtures caused 100% mortalities on G. affinis at all ratios. A. arvensis CuSo4 mixtures at 10:40 induced 83.3% and 40% mortalities on O. niloticus and G. affinis respectively and 100% mortalities on both fish species at ratios 25:25 and 40:10. A mixture of sub-lethal concentrations of C. micrantha against B. alexandrina and of Niclosamide or CuSo4 caused mortalities of O. niloticus between 0.0 and 33.3% and between 5% and 35% of G. affinis. The residue of Cu in O. niloticus were 4.69, 19.06 and 25.37 mg/ l kgm fish after 24, 48 and 72 hrs exposure to LC0 of CuSO4 against B. alexandrina respectively

Correlation between intraocular lens design, material and posterior capsular opacification rate

To evaluate and to compare the rate of occurrence and degree of posterior capsular opacification [PCO] after small-incision cataract surgery and implantation of two different Intraocular lens [IOL] materials and designs over 6 months follow-up. Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital, Jedda, KSA, New Dar Al-Shifa Hospital [NDASH], State of Kuwait, International Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. 80 eyes were included in our study. All eyes underwent st and ardized phacoemulsification technique and were divided into 2 groups; Group [A]: 40 eyes implanted with silicone IOL [PhacoFlex, round edged design, Allergan] and Group [B]: 40 eyes implanted with acrylic IOL [Acrysof, sharp edged design, Alcon]. A st and ardized morphological mapping for evaluation of PCO was done 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate was also reported. Acrysof group had lower PCO incidence than silicone group, [20% and 30% respectively]. The Nd: YAG capsulotomy rate was 12.5% in Acrysof group and 22.5% in silicone group. Eyes implanted with acrylic lOLs had lesser PCO incidence and subsequently lesser Nd: YAG capsulotomy incidence than those with silicone IOL

prophylactic effect of some natural antioxidant sources against hyperlipidemia in albino rats

The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of different natural antioxidants on hyperlipaemia in albino rats. To achieve this goal, 112 rats were used in order to study the prophylactic effect of wheat germ oil [W. G.O], rosemary [RM] and evening primrose oil [E.P.R] against hyperlipaemia. Rats were randomly divided into equal 7 groups [16 rats per each]. The first group was fed on standard normal diet, the second on hyperlipaemic diet [10% hydrogenated fat and 1% cholesterol] and the other groups [from the third to the seventh] received hyperlipaemic diet plus the following antioxidants W.G.O, RM, E.P.R, [W.G.O + E.P.R] and [RM + E.P.R], respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks through which blood were collected at 0 time, 4 and 8 weeks. Every two samples were pooled together and served as one sample. W.G.O was administered to rats in a dose equivalent to 90 mg/kg b.w and added to the diet. RM and EPR were added in doses equivalent to 550 mg/kg b.w, and 360 mg/kg b.w., respectively. In general, the serum level of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, malondialdehyde and the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase were significantly [P <0.01] increased in rats fed on hyperlipaemic diet. On the contrary, total proteins, globulin and reduced glutathione [GSH] were significantly [P < 0.01] decreased compared with the rat control group. From the data obtained, it could be deduced that all of the three antioxidants and their mixture had a remarkable ameliorative effect against hyperlipaemia. The effect of E.P.R was more pronounced than W.G.O and RM

Feeding ecology and Food compostition of the black carp mylopharyngodon piceus and the grass carp ctenoph -aryngodon idella inhabiting the fish pond of Al - Abbassa fish hatchery with emphasis given to vector snails

In this study, the stomach contents of M. piceus and C. idella collected from earthen fish ponds at Al-Abbassa Fish Hatchery during different seasons were examined. Food items were analyzed by three methods, including the numerical percentage [N%] of point assessment [P%] and frequency of occurrence [F%]. A comparison of the different methods emphasized the importance of snails as the major food resources in the diet of M. piceus during all seasons. During winter, the stomachs of the most fish samples collected from fish ponds were empty or had traces of food. The index of relative importance [IRI] indicated that the snails were the major food category in the diet of M. piceus during summer, autumn and spring represented by 7331, 9696 and 11670, respectively. Plants were the main food item in the diet of C. idella during summer [4604], meanwhile they ranked the 3rd in the relative importance in the diet during autumn and spring. Artificial fish food came as the 2nd food item in the diet of M. piceus during summer [1398.9] and autumn [5896.3], but it was completely absent in spring. It is considered the main food item in the diet of C. idella during autumn [10384.3] and spring [6293.5] and ranked the 3rd in summer [1395.5]

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the management of acute calcular cholecystitis

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is well accepted as the golden standard for the management of symptomatic choleslithiasis yet acute cholecystitis is still challenging the technique. To study the role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the management of early acute cholecystitis [within seven days of onset]. Patients: Two groups [twenty patients each]. Group I included patients with acute calcular cholecystitis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within seven days of onset. Group II included patients with chronic calcular cholecystitis for whom laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done. Plan: All patients of both groups had proper clinical assessment, routine laboratory investigations, liver chemistry profile and abdominal ultrasound. The classical four-trocar method of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was employed in all patients and modifications required for group I of patients were noted. The operative data, the postoperative course and recovery as well as the postoperative morbidity were analyzed in both groups. All patients were followed for at least six months postoperatively. The diagnosis of acute calcular cholecystitis based on clinical, laboratory and ultrasound findings together with operative assessment. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, leucocytosis and ultrasound findings [ultrasound guided Murphy's sign, thickened gall bladder wall, gall bladder distension and increased size, presence of gall stones and presence of pericholecystic fluid] were the commonest and most importtant features of acute cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy could be performed successfully in all patients of group II and in [18] patients of group I [90%]. Modifications required to accomplish the procedure in group I of patients included mainly partial decompression of the gall bladder [85%], the use of toothed graspers [85%] and enlargement of the port of exit of the specimen [80%]. Two patients of group I [10%] required conversion to open surgery [because of the presence of tough difficult adhesions obscuring the anatomy]. The operative time for group I was longer than that for group II, [98 +/- 30.4] and [66.4 +/- 17.7] min respectively. Postoperative course and recovery was similar in successful laparoscopic procedures of both groups except for a longer hospital stay for group I of patients [55.3 +/- 8.4 hours and 30 +/- 6.2 hours respectively]. There was no major postoperative morbidity or mortality in both groups. Patients of group I operated upon within three days of onset of symptoms had less operative difficulties, less intraoperative complications and less operative time compared to those operated upon after three days of onset [4-7]. Follow up revealed no complications related to surgery in both groups. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is technically feasible for the management of majority of cases of early acute calcular cholecystitis with no added risks. It is better performed within the first three days of onset of symptoms. The operation is technically demanding time and effort consuming so should only be offered by experienced surgeons and conversion to open surgery should be interpreted as a wise alternative to potential serious complications

Effect of streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus on the morphology of rat submandibular salivary gland

This study was done to examine the response of the rat submandibular salivary glands to streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus. 30 adult male albino rats were used, 15 of them as control and the rest were given a single I.V dose of streptozotocin [65mg/kg body weight] to induce diabetes. The submandibular salivary glands of both control and experimental animals were examined by light and electron microscopy at 3,6,12 weeks post treatment. There was a reduction in secretory granules content of the granular ducts and accumulation of lipid in the acinar cells. With increasing duration of diabetes, the number of secondary lysosomal structures in both acini and granular ducts was apparently increased

Effects of ultrasound waves on the skin of albino rats: Light and scanning electron microscopy study

Recently, the skin is considered as one of the most respectable routes of drug introduction into the body. It forms a safe way in by passing organs suffering from chronic serious illness that interferes with drug metabolism. Overcoming of the skin barrier to facilitate easy and safe drug penetration is the target of many researchers working in this field. Application of ultrasound waves to the skin has made a revolution in penetration of many drugs across its barrier. The present study investigated the structural changes in the rat skin after ultrasound exposure by using light and scanning electron microscopes. Fifteen young albino rats were used in this study. Five of them were managed as control, while the other ten were classified as two experimental groups, five rats each. Animals of the first experimental group were exposed to ultrasound waves at a frequency of 48 KHz and intensity 0.5w/cm[2] for 5 minutes, While those of the other experimental group were exposed to the same dose for 10 minuets. The skin surface was examined by light and scanning electron microscopes comparing the findings with the skin samples of control rats. Variable degrees of skin damage included fractures of hair shafts, shedding of stratum corneum, destruction of stratum lucidum and partial separation of stratum granulosum, spinosum and basale. Also, the damage reached the papillary layer of the dermis that was removed leaving the reticular layer bared and produced wide clefts in particular areas and large carter like openings in other sites of the skin surface. The removal of the straum corneum together with the other epidermal changes and the formation of the wide clefts and crater openings could spot lights on the hidden structural changes of the skin and might explain the mechanism of transdermal drug penetration with ultrasound exposure

Corneal topographic changes following corneal trabeculectomy

Is to evaluate the effect of corneal trabeculectomy on corneal curvature and to find out the degree of astigmatism induced by this technique. Fifteen eyes of 9 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma and which were determined to have corneal trabeculectomy were included. Preoperatively, corneal topography was performed and the topographic maps were analyzed regarding the overall and the central 3mm corneal cuvature [power], the steepest and flattest meridia and delta k. Corneal trabeculectomy was done and corneal topography was repeated 2 weeks postoperatively. Topographic maps were compared to the preoperative findings. Corneal trabeculectomy results in marked steepening of the cornea at the site of the corneal flap. However this effect is much less marked centrally. Although corneal trabeculectorny entails the preparation of a partial thickness corneal flap which is resutured to its bed by 4 sutures at the 4 corners, its effect on the corneal curvature within the central 3 mm zone is only minimal

Folic acid and vitamin B12 in newborns and their mothers

Maternal and infant serum levels of folic acid and B12 were estimated in 44 cases. Cases belonging to low social class and cases belonging to older mothers as well as anemic cases [whether with lower maternal or infant Hb concentration] showed significant lower levels. Their fatality rate was greater. Malabsorption of B12 and folate might occur in unsupplemented mothers suffering from parasitic infestation leading to drop in the maternal Hb and deterioration in folate and B12 status of both mothers and their infants. Maternal supplementation during pregnancy with folic acid and B12 improved pregnancy outcome all around. Prophylactic folic acid can be recommended for preterm infants especially those at risk and to artificially fed ones

suggested new formula for the treatment of microbial biodeterioration occurring in Tutankhamen Tomb and similar antiquities objects

Since the discovery of Tutankhamen tomb [TAT] in 1922, no serious trial has been ever made in order to find out a solution for the recorded browny spots distributed on almost all wall-paintings and decorations inside TAT. Any ex-data concerning the treatment of biodeterioration inside TAT was very limited, incomplete and unpublished. In this investigation, a real trial was made in order to create a new chemotherapeutic compound formula to stop completely any biodeterioration inside TAT for 5 years. All the microflora of the tomb were isolated from 20 different samples on various 7 agar media under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. A total of 129 microbial strains [43 aerobes and 86 anaerobes] were selected as representatives of all microflora of TAT obtained from the 20 samples collected. The 129 strains were categorized into 3 main groups i.e. 93 bacteria [72.1%], 31 fungi [24%] and 5 actinomycetes [3.9%]. Yeast cells were not recorded. The standard inoculum of TAT micro-flora-to be used against the antiseptic agents used-contained a mixture of bacteria [15], fungi [7] and actinomycetes [1] in a tou 1 of 23 to be suspended into a saline sterile solution used as the stocK inoculum. Standard solutions of 8 antiseptic agents in 3 organic solvents were used. The test solutions were introduced into the cup plates containing nutrient agar seeded with the standard inoculum. Incubation was carried out in the open air under no sterile conditions for one week at the end of which mean diameters [mm] of inhibition zones were calculated. Two substances exerted the best and highest antiseptic effects viz. Dichloroxylenol [D] in acetone and Povidone-iodine [PI] in ethanol. A study on the combinations of D and PI in the presence and absence of other antiseptic agents in a total of 44 combinations revealed the fact that the best one is that composed of D [1.22%] and PI [7%]. For the purpose of preparing the new D-PI-formula in the form of a spray, two mixtures were prepared, first composed of D [24.49%] in acetone [750 ml] and PI [140 g] in ethanol [250 ml] and second composed of propane [15%] and butane [85%]. A known weight [g] of the first mixture was introduced first into an aerosol can [e.g. 300 ml cap.] and an equivalent weight [g] was pushed automatically into the same can to be mixed to form the new formula of D-P1 spray. Because the use of D PI spray is so easy under no sterile conditions, its preparation is simple, its validity and availability, its strong inhibitory effects well as it has no effects on wall paintings and colours, it is to lieved that D-P1 spray could be applied fairly in the treatment of microbial biodeterioration inside TAT in partical and that of other antiquities objects in general