Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt / Composição bioquímica de alguns Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho, Egito

In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.

No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poli insaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.

Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt

Abstract In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.

Resumo No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.

Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt / Composição bioquímica de alguns Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho, Egito

In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.

No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.

Influence of combined administration of turmeric and black seed on selected biochemical parameters of diabetic rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Turmeric [Curcuma Longa] and Black cumin seed [Nigella Sativa] mixture on selected biochemical parameters of streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic rats. Therefore, twenty one healthy adult albino rats divided into three groups [7 rats in each]. Rats of first and second groups were non diabetic and diabetic respectively. Rats of the third group were diabetic and received a mixture of Turmeric [0.5 g/kg b .wt.] and Black cumin seed [1 g/kg b.wt.] orally by intragastric intubations once a day for six weeks. The changes in blood glucose level, body weight and water and food intake were measured. In addition, selected biochemical parameters were also determined. The present study revealed that, dietary supplementation of plant mixture of Turmeric and Black cumin seed to diabetic rats significantly [P<0.05] reduced the blood glucose level as well as water and food intake accompanied by an increase in body weight gain when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Proteins were not affected whereas liver and kidney functions were disrupted in STZ-diabetic rats and restored whenever treated by medicinal plants mixture. Hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia observed in STZ-diabetic rats were attenuated by administration of examined medicinal plants combination. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of Turmeric and Black cumin seed mixture reduced blood glucose level and ameliorated the hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia in STZ induced diabetic rats

Characterization of some virulence factors associated with enterbacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infections in Mansoura Hospitals

Purpose: the aim of the present study was to determine the role of some virulence determinants and biofilm production in bacteraemia of urinary tract origin by phenotypic defection of these virulence factors. In addition, this research was done to characterize and compare, using genetic techniques, bacterial genes that encode virulence determinants

Methods: a total of 111 strains of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urine of patients with clinically diagnosed urinary tract infection in Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, were included in this study. The isolated strains were phenotypically screened for virulence factors, namely mannose-resistant, mannose-sensitive haemagglutination [MRHA, MSHA], hemolysin production, biofilm formation, serum resistance, and lipase, protease and lecithinase production. They were also genotypically examined by PCR for the presence of genes for the virulence factors MRHA [papC], MSHA [fimH], serum resistance [iss] and biofilm,formation [biofilm]

Results: among 111 urinary isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, 40 isolates of E. coli, 39 isolates of K. pneumonia and 32 isolates of Enterobacter were identified. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that amikacin and imipinem were the most active antibiotic against all isolates[90%-100%]. While most isolates were resistant to ampicillin [95%- 100]. The phenotypic detection results revealed that 29[72%] of E.coli, 32[82%] of K.pneumoniae and 22[69%] of Enterobacter isolates showed MRHA. MSHA was defected in 11[28%] isolates of E.coli. 7[18%] of K.pneumoniae and in 10[31%] of Enterobacter isolates. Serum resistance was seen in 15[37%] o f E.coli, 13[33%] of K.pneumoniae and 7[21%] of Enterobacter isolates. Biofilm formation was observed in 27[67%] of both E.coli and K. pneumoniae and in 30[94%] of Enterobacter isolates. All E.coli isolates were negative lipase and protease producers, while 16[33%] of K.pneumoniae isolates showed lipase production and one isolate showed protease production. For Enterobacter, none of isolates produce lipase, while 4[12%] of isolates were protease producers. All isolates showed no lecithinase production. For genotypic detection, it was observed that among E.coli isolates, 69% were positive for papC gene, 31% were positive for fimH gene, 30% were positive for iss gene and 77% were positive for biofilm gene. For K.pneumoniae, papC gene was detected in 80% of isolates, 20% were positive, for fimH gene, 8% were positive for iss gene and 87% contained the biofilm gene. Results of Enterobacter isolates were 89%, 11 %, 5% and 95% positive for genes of papC, fimH, iss and biofilm respectively

Conclusion: the present study shows the significance role of virulence factors in urinary tract infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and the genotypic characterization was more prominent compared to the phenotypic detection of these virulence factors

Comparative study of phenotypic and genotypic expression of some virulence factors in Escherichia coli and klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infections in Mansoura Hospitals

Aim: the aim of this study is to estimate the phenotypic characters of some virulence factors in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infections and their relative gene expression level

Methods: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates were collected, identified. Their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern was determined. The presence of different virulence factors were evaluated. Relative expression level of different genes responsible for the appearance of the tested virulence factors was evaluated using QRT-PCR and PCR

Results: in this study, when testing the expression level of some genes like BssS and its genes in E. coli, we found that quinolone sensitive isolates of E, coli had shown higher expression level of the tested genes than that o f quinolone resistant E. coli isolates. These results agreed with the phenotypic characters of the tested virulence factors for the same isolates. On the other hand, in K. pneumoniae tested isolates, the expression level of BssS and fimH genes was evaluated and they showed higher expression level in quinolone resistant isolates than sensitive ones. These results agreed with the phenotypic characters of the tested virulence factors for the same isolates. PCR detection of iss gene on both plasmid and chromosomal DNA in K. pneumonia isolates has demonstrated that isolates that exhibit iss gene on both chromosomal and plasmid DNA were those that had shown higher expression at the genetic and phenotypic levels

Cardiac enzymes activities and troponin-1 level in rabbit invested with intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis

This study was performed to elucidate the effect of both intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis on cardiac enzymes, GST, Catalase activities as well as troponine 1 level in rabbits. Furthermore, the study was extended to investigate the activities of the previous parameters after treatment of invested rabbits with coccidiosis. In this study, thirty six male rabbits were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 is a healthy control group. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were design as invested with intestinal type of coccidiosis, infected with hepatic type of coccidiosis, control treated with sulpha drug, infected with intestinal coccidiosis and treated with sulpha drug, infected with hepatic coccidiosis and treated with sulpha drug group, respectively. cardiac enzymes as AST, CPK, CPK-MB and LDH increased than the normal level during coccidial infection, either hepatic or intestinal type but it more pronounced in hepatic one after 7 and 14 days of infection. Also, troponine 1 level was increased significantly in the groups infected with intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis than the control group at 7 and 14 days from infection, whereas GST, Catalase activities decreased significantly in groups infected with either intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis than control one. Pretreatment with sulpha drugs improve the biochemical parameters changed by coccidial infections

Current prevalence and predictors of protein-energy malnutrition among schoolchildren in rural Peninsular Malaysia.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the current prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among Orang Asli schoolchildren and to investigate the potential predictors of malnutrition. A total of 241 (120 males and 121 females) Orang Asli schoolchildren age 7-12 years living in remote areas of Pos Betau, Pahang participated voluntarily in this study. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected and the children were screened for intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalences of mild and significant underweight conditions were 52.3% and 37.3%, respectively, and the prevalences of mild stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 43.1%, respectively, while the prevalences of significant stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 5.6%, respectively. There was a significant association between gender (male) and malnutrition (p = 0.029). The results also showed a higher prevalence of stunting among children age < or = 10 years than in older children (p = 0.001). Other independent variables, including socioeconomic status and intestinal parasitic infections, had no significant associations with malnutrition indices. PEM is prevalent among schoolchildren in rural Malaysia and therefore of public health concern since PEM diminishes immune function and impairs cognitive function and educational performance. School-based programs of prevention through health education and interventions should be considered as an essential part of measures to improve the quality of life of schoolchildren in rural Malaysia.

An unceasing problem: soil-transmitted helminthiases in rural Malaysian communities.

Despite great development in socioeconomic status throughout 50 years of independence, Malaysia is still plagued with soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH). STH continue to have a significant impact on public health particularly in rural communities. In order to determine the prevalence of STH among rural Orang Asli children and to investigate the possible risk factors affecting the pattern of this prevalence, fecal samples were collected from 292 Orang Asli primary schoolchildren (145 males and 147 females) age 7-12 years, from Pos Betau, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. The samples were examined by Kato-Katz and Harada Mori techniques. Socioeconomic data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. The overall prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm infections were 67.8, 95.5 and 13.4%, respectively. Twenty-nine point eight percent of the children had heavy trichuriasis, while 22.3% had heavy ascariasis. Sixty-seven point seven percent of the children had mixed infections. Age > 10 years (p = 0.016), no toilet in the house (p = 0.012), working mother (p = 0.040), low household income (p = 0.033), and large family size (p = 0.028) were identified as risk factors for ascariasis. Logistic regression confirmed low income, no toilet in the house and working mother as significant risk factors for ascariasis. The prevalence of STH is still very high in rural Malaysian communities. STH may also contribute to other health problems such as micronutrient deficiencies, protein-energy malnutrition and poor educational achievement. Public health personnel need to reassess current control measures and identify innovative and integrated ways in order to reduce STH significantly in rural communities.

protective effect of turmeric on iron overload in albino rats

A total of 40 male albino rats were divided into four groups [10 rats each] to study the antioxidant activity and protective effect of Turmeric on iron overload. The first group fed basal diet only and served as a control. Rats of the second group were injected intrapritoneally [I/P] with iron dextran at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. once weekly. Rats of the third group fed diet containing 1% turmeric powder while rats of fourth group were received both iron and turmeric with same mentioned dose and route of administration. After the end of experiment [4.5 months], serum was used for photometric determination of iron profile. In addition liver and kidney functions were also estimated. The liver, spleen, testes, heart and kidney were used for determination of iron concentration, lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity [GPx], glutathione-s-transferase activity [GST] and reduced glutathione level [G-SH]. The present findings indicated that iron overload caused many adverse effects reflected the significant increase of all serum iron profile, tissue iron deposition and tissue lipid peroxidation than the control groups. Moreover its administration caused marked liver and kidney damage. Iron overload also caused a significant decrease of GPx activity while GST activity and G-SH level were significantly increased in all tissues when compared with the control group. In the contrary administration of turmeric alone induced a significant decrease of serum and tissue iron profile. The powerful antioxidant plants effect of turmeric was reflected on the marked increase of GPx activity, GST activity and reduced glutathione level in all examined tissues except in liver where the activity of GPx and reduced glutathione level were significantly decreased. Although administration of turmeric for very long time induced mild liver damage, its administration during iron overload decreased the highly mentioned toxic effect induced by iron overload in rats

Epinephrine ameliorating response of serum proteins and protein fractions to whole body gamma irradiation in albino rats

The present study was carried out to investigate the role of epinephrine in modifying the radiation induced effects on serum protein as presented by total protein, protein fractions and albumin/globulin [A/G] ratio in adult albino rats. Epinephrine was intraperitoneally injected at a concentration of 200 microg/kg body weight, 15 min, pre-[or just after] whole body gamma-irradiation of rats at a dose of 6 Gy [single dose]. Studies have been undertaken at periods of 1 hr, 4 hrs, 1, 3 and 7 days after irradiation. Data of the present study revealed that whole body gamma-irradiation induced significant decreased in the total content of serum protein and albumin at 1, 3 and 7 days post radiation exposure alpha[1] -globulin significantly increased only on the 1[st] hr post-irradiation, however alpha[2]-globulin significantly increased along all the experimental periods. Beta-globulin insignificantly changed after irradiation but gamma-globulin significantly decreased during the experimental periods. These changes were associated with significant decreases in A/G ratio at 3 and 7 days post-irradiation. Administration of epinephrine pre-or after radiation exposure produced some amelioration in the radiation induced changes in the studied parameters. So, it could be concluded that epinephrine plays a beneficial radioprotective role through its pharmacologic properties

Epinephrine as a metabolic regulatory hormone in irradiated rats

The role of epinephrine as a regulatory hormone was examined in normal and irradiated rats. Epinephrine was intraperitoneally injected into rats at a concentration of 200 microg/kg body weight. Epinephrine was injected either 15 minutes before or just after whole body gamma irradiation 6 Gy [single dose]. The variations in serum epinephrine, norepinephrine, triglycerides, lipase activity, glucose and lactic acid were selected as biochemical markers in this study. Biochemical estimations were undertaken at 1 hr, 4 hrs, 1, 3 and 7 days after treatment [after irradiation]. The data obtained revealed that the treatment of normal rats with epinephrine induced a significant increase in serum epinephrine level 1 hr after injection, while the level of norepinephrine significantly increased at 4 hrs. Lipase activity significantly increased on the 1[st] hr post treatment. A significant decrease in the level of triglycerides was recorded 1 and 4 hrs post treatment. Serum glucose significantly increased at 1 and 4 hrs post treatment, while no significant changes were recorded for lactic acid. In gamma irradiated rats, the level of serum epinephrine significantly decreased at 1 hr followed by significant increases recorded at 1, 3, and 7 days after irradiation. Norepinephrine levels significantly decreased after irradiation during all the experimental time periods. The levels of triglycerides show significant increases accompanied by a decrease in lipase activity. A temporary decrease of glucose level was recorded at 1 hr followed by significant increase recorded at 1, 3, and 7 days post irradiation. Lactic acid levels show significant increase during all the experimental time periods. The data revealed that treatment of rats, with epinephrine, either pre or post irradiation, has diminished the radiation induced changes in most of the studied parameters. Accordingly, it could be concluded that epinephrine could exert a beneficial protective role against certain radiation induced disorders through acting as a regulatory hormone of the metabolic pathways

Heavy metal pollution in drinking water and methods of removals

Water samples were collected from El-Abbasa Station of Drinking Water, Sharqia Governorate, before and after water treatments. The samples were examined for the presence of heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of slaked lime and activated carbon on the removal of the present heavy metals was studied. The results obtained revealed the presence of cadmium, lead, mercury, copper and zinc in raw surface water [Ismailia Canal] before treatment with an average concentration of 20, 670, 850, 150, and 530 mug/L, respectively. The concentrations of cadmium, lead and mercury in raw surface water were above the permissible limit recommended by USEPA [1979]. After water treatment in El-Abbasa Station the concentrations of cadmium, lead, mercury, copper and zinc in purified drinking water was 10, 480, 540, 130, and 350 mug/L, respectively. Lead, mercury and copper were found in purified drinking water above the levels recommended by WHO [1971]. The reduction% of cadmium, lead, mercury, copper and zinc in raw surface water using slaked lime [300 ppm] was 100.00, 49.25, 48.23, 40.00, and 58.49, respectively, while using activated carbon filter in purified drinking water has a removal% of 100.00, 47.92, 90.74, 84.62, and 7.29, respectively. It can be concluded that slaked lime with alum treatment to raw surface water as well as activated carbon filtration of purified drinking water are effective processes in elimination of heavy metals from water