agropastoral system as a practice to enhance organic matter in Lebanese inland mountainous soils

Organic matter [OM] is an essential soil component that results from the decomposition and decay of plant and animal materials. Decomposition processes are influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors. The Lebanese inland regions are characterized by low rain and elevated temperature. Soil formation and evolution occur under dry conditions and rare vegetation cover. Due to the absence or insufficiency of plant residues and frequent cultivation, the soils of the eastern mountain chain are characterized by low OM content. Given the importance granted to carbon sequestration in view of climate change and the importance of OM in soil fertility and resilience to erosion, the aim of this work is to assess the soil organic matter [SOM] levels by following an agropastoral system consisting of growing feed crops between the fruit trees as winter cover crops

A two-year study between 2009 and 2010 was conducted in Jurd Aarsal, Anti-Lebanon, to assess the biomass production from cover crop in orchards and to estimate the potential increase of SOM content in plots planted with legume species [Vicia sp., Lathyrus sp.] and barley [Hordeum vulgare]. Soil and plant samples were taken from 7 orchards ranging in altitude between 2016m and 2 236m. SOM was analyzed in composite samples before and after the experiment. Plant samples were collected throughout the season to assess the dry matter production. Result showed that the sites were supplemented with OM varying between 140 and 250 kg ha[-1]season[-1] resulting from the decomposition of plant root residues. The above-ground plants provided the orchards with 95-665.7 kg ha[-1]season[-1] of OM. It is suggested to follow the practice of winter cover leguminous fodder crop between fruit trees, in dry Lebanese regions, in order to provide additional biomass for small ruminants, enrich the soils with OM and fixed nitrogen and better use of surface soil moisture

Impact of biofertilizer and elemental sulphur on growth and yield of wheat [triticum aestivum var.] grown in saline sodic soil

Two field experiments were carried out at Sahl El-Hossainya Research Station, El-Sharkia Governorate during winter seasons [2007-2008] and [2008-2009] to study the effect of salt tolerant N[2] fixers, Azospirillum Azospferum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus polymyxa and Klebsiella penumoniae as well as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria [Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis], on soil biological and chemical properties as well as growth and yield of wheat cv. Sakha 93, grown in saline sodic soil amended with elemental sulphur [0.5 ton/fed] and two levels of inorganic N-fertilizer [75 and 100% of the recommended dose]. Results indicated that inoculation with a mixture of N[2] fixers+PGPRs in presence of 0.5 ton/fed elemental sulphur and 75% of the recommended dose of N-fertilizer, resulted in superior improvement of enzymes activities [nitrogenase and dehydrogenase], CO[2] evolution, growth parameters [plant height, plant dry weight and No. of tillers] and chlorophyll content in leaves at 80[th] day of wheat sowing. At harvesting, the same treatment recorded the optimum NPK, total amino acid and crude protein contents in grains, and the highest grain yield, straw yield and weight of 1000 grains comparing to uninoculated and control treatments. Also, the same treatment recorded improvement in some soil chemical properties [pH, EC and available NPK]. So, our study supports the use of biofertilizers and chemical amendment [sulphur] as beneficial source for sustainable agriculture specially in saline sodic soil under reclamation

Influence of ionizing radiation on Echis pyramidium snake venom: Biochemical and immunological aspects

The effect of a single LD[50] dose of native Echis pyramidum venom [27.69 micro g/mouse] on the activities of certain serum enzymes levels: aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], creatine phosphokinase [CPK], creatine kinase isoenzyme [CK-MB] were studied. Samples from the serum were collected 4hr following LD50 venom dose intraperitonealy injected in male Swiss albino mice. The activities of these enzymes showed significant elevation compared to the non-envenomated group. In contrast, an equivalent dose of 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venom [27.69 micro g/mouse] did not cause any significant increase compared to non-envenomated group. The effect of a dose that is equivalent to ½ LD[50][13.8 micro g/50 micro l] of native Echis pyramidum venom on plasma creatine phosphokinase [CPK] induced a significant increase of creatine phosphokinase [CPK] level compared to normal control [P<0.01]. In contrast, an equivalent dose of 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venom showed non significant difference in creatine phosphokinase activity when compared to the normal control. Light microscopic examinations of gastrocenemius muscles of mice injected with native Echis pyramidum venom [½ LD[50]; 13.8 micro g/50 micro l] showed fragmentation, disorganization, loss of myofibrils in some of the muscle fibers, hemorrhage in-between the muscle fibers and mononuclear cellular infiltration. While light microscopic examinations of gastrocenemius muscles of mice injected with 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venom [13.8 micro g/50 micro l; a dose identical to that used from native venom] showed that most muscle fibers were of normal appearance except for small area of fragmentation and disorganized myofibrils and oedema of the intercellular connective tissue. Double immunodiffusion test revealed a similar reactivity for native, 1 kGy, 1.5 kGy and 3 kGy gamma irradiated Echis pyramidum venoms against a commercial polyvalent Egyptian antivenin. The visible lines obtained in the immunodiffusion reactions were identical and joined smoothly at the corners, indicating that there was no change in their antigenic reactivity. These results demonstrate that the ability of the venom antigens to react with its corresponding antibodies was maintained in spite of being exposed to radiation doses of 1 kGy, 1.5 kGy and 3 kGy. Both antivenins raised against native or 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated venoms recognized Echis pyramidum venom when submitted to protein blotting, but the anti 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated venom show a higher intensity bands than the antivenin raised against native Echis pyramidum venom, in spite of having less neutralizing activity [native neutralize 50 LD[50], 1.5 kGy gamma irradiated neutralize 40 LD[50]], this indicates that antibodies were formed not only for toxic fraction but also for non toxic fraction. Irradiation of the whole Echis Pyramidium Venom with 1.5KGy reduced its lethality 12.5 times though keeping its immunogenicity. The 1.5KGy dose was shown to be the best radiation dose to promote detoxification without significantly affecting its immunogenicity. Thus results of this study confirm the conclusion that gamma radiation is a suitable way to detoxify Echis Pyramidium Venom without affecting its immunogenicity provided that proper dose is used

Low dose gamma irradiation modifies the effect of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder and green tea extract on doxorubicin-induced nephropathy in rats

The possible protective potential of exposure to low dose of gamma radiation in presence or absence of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract was examined in the present study on doxorubicin [DOX]-induced experimental nephropathy in rats. Preliminary study was carried out to select the suitable dose of DOX to induce nephrotoxicity. In the current experiment 5 mg/kg, i.p. was selected as a single dose to induce nephrotoxicity during 15 days. The possible modulating effect of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract on kidney function was examined. Animals were subdivided into three sets. Three groups of the 1[st] set were exposed to [gamma] radiation at a single dose level of 0.3 Gy then received DOX, 1, 3 or 7 days postirradiation respectively. The groups of 2[nd] set daily received L-carnitine [40 mg/kg, i.p.], curcumin [50 mg/kg, i.p.], garlic powder [100 mg/kg, p.o.] and green tea extract [300 mg/kg, p.o.] daily for two weeks before induction of nephropathy. Groups of the 3[rd] set received the same doses of drugs then were injected with DOX, 1, 3 or 7 days following gamma irradiation respectively. Two groups of animals, one of them received saline and served as normal and the other received DOX and served as nephropathic group were included in 1[st], 2[nd] as well as 3[rd] set. Fifteen days following DOX administration, serum was collected and the animals were then sacrificed. Serum creatinine, urea and uric acid were evaluated. Data revealed that, a single DOX dose [5 mg/kg] induced marked acute nephrotoxicity manifested as significant increase in the activities of serum creatinine, urea as well as uric acid. Interestingly, pre-exposure to gamma radiation at a dose level of 0.3 Gy, 1 or 3 days before DOX injection exhibited significant improvement in the above altered mentioned parameters. However, exposure to low dose radiation 7 days prior to DOX administration did not show a protective effect. Moreover, pretreatment with L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract in rats unexposed or exposed to gamma radiation before DOX administration ameliorated, to a great extent, the effects induced by DOX. The present findings suggest that exposure to a single low dose of gamma radiation [0.3 Gy] one day before DOX administration is a promising approach for maximizing the nephroprotective effects of L-carnitine, curcumin, garlic powder or green tea extract with minimal adverse effects of DOX

radioprotective efficiency of combined administration of natural antioxidants [rutin and vitamin e] and a sulfhydryl compound in irradiated rats

In the present study, the radioprotective effects of natural antioxidants, rutin alone, vitamin E alone or both of them combined with a synthetic radioprotector, cysteine, have been investigated in irradiated rats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress biomarkers and certain liver function tests of the whole body irradiated rats were examined. The effect of irradiation was evaluated by exposing the whole body of rats to gamma radiation at acute single dose of 6.5 Gy. Rutin [1.064 mmol/kg] was daily administered orally for two weeks before irradiation, vitamin E [50 mg/100g] was injected intraperitoneally daily for seven days before irradiation, while, cysteine [30 mg/kg] was intra-peritoneally administered 30 mm. only before irradiation. Blood and liver malondialdehyde [MDA], glutathione [GSH] and plasma superoxide dismutase [SOD] levels were evaluated. Serum aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activities were also measured in various groups. The data revealed deleterious damage of radiation exposure which was manifested as a significant increase in lipid peroxidation measured as MDA. On the other hand, the activity of SOD and the level of GSH were reduced after irradiation. In addition, the activities of serum ALP, AST and ALT were markedly elevated after radiation exposure. Administration of rutin or vitamin E alone or combined with cysteine before radiation provided a protective effect as measured by the tested parameters. It could be concluded that treatment with the natural antioxidants can control radiation-induced oxidative damage in the biological system. This study indicates that the use of combination of agents is a promising approach for maximizing radioprotection with minimal adverse effects. Administration of cysteine iucreases the radioprotective effects of rutin and vitamin E against the damaging effects of ionizing radiation

Study of the radioprotective efficiency of combined administration of cysteine and natural antioxidants [rutin and vitamin E] in feverish irradiated rats

In the present experiments, a study of the radioprotective effects of natural antioxidants, rutin alone, vitamin E alone or each of them combined with synthetic radioprotector, cysteine, have been investigated in feverish irradiated rats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress biomarkers of the feverish whole body irradiated rats were examined. The data revealed deleterious damage of radiation exposure which was manifested as significant increase in lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde [MDA]. On the other hand, the activity of plasma superoxide dismutase [SOD] and the blood level of glutathione [GSH] were reduced after irradiation. Effect of hyperthermia on oxidative stress biomarkers in rats were studied in this work and data showed that the increase in body temperature intensified lipid peroxidation processes where MDA in plasma and liver homogenate was increased, GSH level in blood and liver homogenate was also increased while plasma SOD activity was reduced. Effect of rutin alone, vitamin E alone or each of them combined with cysteine on oxidative stress biomarkers in hyperthermic irradiated rats was investigated. Results indicated that, pretreatment with vitamin E and rutin alone or combined with cysteine before the onset of hyperthermia significantly attenuated fever-induced increase in free radical formation and lipid peroxidation. Radiation exposure at acute single dose of 6.5 Gy did not change the body temperature when measured on the 3[rd] day following exposure. In order to determine any antipyretic effect of the drugs used, the body temperature of each animal was measured before induction of hyperthermia as well as 18 hours following yeast injection. Rats were treated with the tested drugs before induction of fever then exposed to whole body gamma radiation at acute single dose of 6.5 Gy and body temperature of each animal was measured 3 days after irradiation. Only rutin had an antipyretic effect in yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats

Effect of some herbicides on the yield of two wheat cultivars and the associated weeds

Two field experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station of the National Research Centre at Shalakan. Kalubia Governorate, during the two seasons 1994/1995 and 1995/1996 for studying the effect of some herbicides on two wheat [Treticum aestivum L.] cultivars and associated weeds. The herbicides, Bromoxynil/Clodinafop-propargyl at a concentration 135, 225 and 315 g a.i./fed., as well as, Metosulam at 8 g a.i./fed., Diflufenjcan/Bromoxynil at 220 g a.i./fed. Hand pulling gave the best control of total annual weeds. The higher values of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and total pigment were obtained from hand pulling treatment, Bromoxynil/ Clodinafop-propargyl at 135 g a.i/fed., Metosulam at 6, 8 g a.i./fed. and Diflufenican/ Bromoxynil at 165 g a.i./fed. The lower values of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and total pigment, were obtained from the unweeded treatment and the highest rate [315 g a.i./fed.] of Bromoxynil/cloclinafop-propargy1 as well as, Metosulam at the lowest dose [4 g ai/fed.]. Giza 164 gave higher grain yield than Sakha 69. Also, results showed that the highest values of these characters was obtained with hand pulling, Bromoxynil/Clodinafop-propargyl at 135 g a.i./fed., Metosulam at 8 g a.i./fed. and Diflufenican/Bromoxynil at 165 g a.i/fed. The higher grain yield of the two cultivars were observed, when combined with hand pulling, Bromoxynil/wclodinafop-propargyl at lower dose [135g a.i/fed.], Metosulam at highest dose [8 g a.i./fed.] and Diflufenican/ Bromoxynil at medium dose [225 g a.i/fed.] in the two seasons. Giza 164 was the best when the manual weed control method [hand pulling] was used, whereas, when chemical weed control was used it prefers Sakha 69

Gamma irradiation of Egyptian cobra [Naja haje] venom

The aim of the present study was to prepare an effective and safe toxoid for the Egyptian Cobra [Naja haje] Venom by gamma irradiation. The effects of gamma irradiation [0.1-10 M rad] on the toxicity, as well as the antigen antibody complex formation reactivity was described. It appears from the results that the lethality of Naja haje venom irradiated in the dry form was not affected up to a dose of 10 M rad [100 KGy]. On the other hand the venom irradiated in the aqueous solution form showed a decrease in its lethality, and this was proportionately related to the dose of irradiation, while the ability of the venom antigens to react with its corresponding antibodies was retained up to irradiation dose of 5 M rad. The results of double immunodiffusion of non irradiated and the different dose levels of gamma irradiated venom [0.1-5 M rad] against a commercial Egyptian poly valent antivenin, all showed similar patterns the four visible lines obtained in the immunodiffusion reactions were identical and joined smoothly at the corners, indicating that there was no change in antigenic reactivity with antibodies determinants

Clostridium difficile and toxins in the feces of patients with antimicrobial agents-associated diarrhea

Fecal specimens from a total of 51 persons, 36 patients with antimicrobial agent-associated a diarrhea and 15 healthy individuals [controls], were investiagted for the presence of Clostridium difficile and its toxins. C. difficile and its cytotoxins were detected in 11 [91.7%] and 10 [83.3%] of 12 patients diagnosed as having antimicrobial agent-associated pseudomembranous colitis [PMC], in 4 [44.4%] and 3 [33.3%] of 9 patients diagnosed as having antimicrobial agent-associated non-specific colitis, and lastly in 4 [26.7%] and 3 [20%] of 15 patients diagnosed as having antimicrobial agent associated diarrhoea. On the other neither C. difficile nor its toxins were detected in any of the controls. Regarding the antimicrobials mostly implicated in the causation of C. difficle-associated disease [CDAD], ampicillin was the most frequently encountered antimicrobial agent followed by cephalosporins, sulfamethoxazole- trimethoprime, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol

13C-NMR spectra and hardness of some carbohydrate containing polyamides

Several carbohydrates containing polyamides were prepared through polycondensation at low temperature of a solution of 2,3,4,5 - tetra- O-acetylgalactaroyl dichloride with various aromatic and aliphatic diamines. The structures of the acetylated and de-O-acetylated carbohydrate polyamides were confirmed by IR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability and hardness of the polymers were also investigated. The acetylated polyamides showed higher hardness than the de-O-acetylated ones, which is probably due to stiffness of the polymer chains produced by the acetyl group

Assessment of supra-valvular abnormal signal with color doppler flow mapping in patients with aortic regurgitation

Three parameters, viz., a supra-aortic abnormal flow signal [proximal acceleration], the short axis area of the regurgitant jet relative to the short axis area of the left ventricular outflow tract at the level of the high left ventricular outflow tract and the thickness of the regurgitant jet at its origin relative to size of the left ventricular outflow tract, were studied in 30 patients with aortic regurgitation with the use of color Doppler flow mapping. The color Doppler echocardiographic studies and aortic angiograms of all patients were performed within 24-48 hours of each other. The sensitivity for the diagnosis of severe regurgitation from the existence of a proximal acceleration signal was 100% and the sensitivity for the diagnosis of severe regurgitation from all area of proximal acceleration of more than 45 mm2 was 88.8% These results suggest that evaluation of the area of the supra-aortic abnormal signal may be a useful auxiliary aid in estimating the severity of aortic regurgitation. The thickness of the regurgitant stream at its origin in the high left ventricular outflow tract relative to the size of the left ventricular outflow tract, measured in either one dimension [jet height from the parasternal long axis view] or two dimensions [jet short axis area in the high left ventricular outflow tract], can predict the severity of aortic regurgitation as determined by angiographic grading r= 0.90 [P 0.001] and r = 0.49 [P] respectively

Novel 4- [pyrazol-1-yl] -, 1,2,4-triazolo [4,3-c] -, triazolo [1,5-c] and tetrazolo [1,5-c] quinazolines: synthesis for potential biological activities

Several 4-pyrazolylquinazolines, 1,2,4-triazolo [4,3-c] quinazolines, and 1,2,4-triazolo [1,5-c] quinazolines of potential biological activities were prepared by cyclization of 4-hydrazino-2-methylquinazoline and 4-hydrazino-2-phenylquinazoline with mono- and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. The 5-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo [4,3-c] quinazolines were also obtained by an alternative route involving cyclization of 4-chloro-2-phenylquinazoline with aroylhydrazines. The tetrazolo [1,5-c] quinazolines were synthesized by cyclization of the amidrazones with nitrous acid or by cyclization of 4-chloro-2-phenylquinazoline with sodium azide

Purification and partial characterization of phospholipase A2 from ascaris.

A fraction with phospholipase A2 activity [EC 3,1,1,4] has been purified from Ascaris worms by a combination of gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 [fine] and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. The enzyme showed a single band by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and had a molecular weight of about 19,000. The final preparation was purified 46 fold. It has 18% carbohydrate content. Optimum temperature for enzyme activity was 50°C and the optimum pH was 6.0. It has a Km value about 79 mg/L. It could be activated by calcium, manganese and cobalt and it was inhibited by EDTA and iodoacetate. Studying kinetics of phospholipase may be of value in developing a chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits parasite lipid metabolism with consequent inhibition of its vital activities resulting in parasite control

Novel pyrazolone derivatives: synthesis and evaluation for analgesic activating

The synthesis of 3-amino-4-arylazo-2H-pyrazolin-5-one [III] was achieved by direct diazo-coupling of 3-aminopyrazolones or by hydrazinolysis of ethyl cyanoglyoxalate hydrazones. Acetylation of III gave the acetyl derivative IV or the pyrazol [3, 4-e] triazine V, depending on the reaction time. Benzoylation of III gave only the monobenzoyl derivative VI, whereas chloroaetylation gave the imidazol [1, 2-b] pyrazole VII. Representative examples of the products were tested for analgesic activity

Echo-Doppler study in children with rheumatic mitral stenosis [prediction of severity]

The diagnosis of mitral stenosis is well settled with the advantage of echocardiogram. However, assessment of the severity of the disease is still unimproved. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the specific role of echo-Doppler. ECG, and X-ray findings in predicting the severity of rheumatic mitral stenosis. Ten children with isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis, proved clinically and by investigations were studied with echo-Doppler. ECG, and X-ray. The mitral valve areas determined by planimetery correlated closely with Doppler derived areas. [r = 0.981]. Severe mitral stenosis was defined by a valve area <1 cm2. Two-dimensional echocardiographic analysis of the pliability, thickening and doming of anterior mitral leaflet was valuable in assessing the severity of mitral stenois. Absence of pericardial effusion and calcification of mitral valve was recorded in all our patients. Also, correlation between mitral valve areas and m-mode findings [left atrium/aortic ratio, end-diastolic dimensions, and shortening fraction] was good as the X-ray findings [heart volume]. In contrast ECG findings [width of P wave and R/S in V1] correlated poorly with the severity of mitral stenosis. Therefore, the most useful predictor of severity of mitral stenosis is echo-Doppler study and X-ray with ECG are considered as complementary methods

Synthesis of pyrazolo [3,4-b] pyridine derivatives

The reaction of 3-amino-5-pyrazolones with 1, 3-dicarbonyl compounds has been shown to give either pyrazolo[l,5-a] pyrimidine or pyrazolo [3,4-b] pyridines depending on the conditions employed. The pyrazolo [3,4-b] pyridines were reported to be valuable from both the pharmacological and antimicrobial view points. Consequently, the present work comprised the investigation of the reaction of l-phenyl-3-amino-5-pyrazolone [I] with ethyl acetylpyruvate [II] aiming to synthesise pyrazolo [3,4-b] pyridine derivatives of biological interest