Metabolic Clusters of Early-Lactating Dairy Cows Based on Blood ß-hydroxybutyrate Trajectories and Predicted from Milk Compounds.

High-yielding dairy cows encounter metabolic challenges in early lactation. Typically, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), measured at a specific time point is employed to diagnose the metabolic status of cows based on a predetermined threshold. However, in early lactation, BHB is highly dynamic, and there is high interindividual variability in its time profile. This could limit the effectiveness of the single measurement and threshold-based diagnosis probably contributing to the disparities in reports linking metabolic status with productive and reproductive outcomes. This research delves into the examination of the trajectories of BHB to unveil inter-cow variations and identify latent metabolic groups. We compiled a data set from 2 observational studies involving a total of 195 lactations from multiparous Holstein Friesian cows. The data set encompasses measurements of BHB, NEFA, and insulin from blood samples collected at 3, 6, 9, and 21 d in milk (DIM), along with weekly determinations of milk composition and fatty acids (FA) proportions in milk fat. In both experiments, milk yield (MY) and feed intake were recorded daily during the first month of lactation. We explored interindividual and intraindividual variations in metabolic responses using the trajectories of blood BHB and evaluated the presence of distinct metabolic groups based on such variations. For this purpose, we employed the growth mixture model (GMM), a trajectory clustering technique. Our findings unveil novel insights into the diverse metabolic responses among cows, encompassing both trajectory patterns and the magnitude of blood BHB concentrations. Specifically, we identified 3 latent metabolic groups: the "QuiBHB" cluster (≈10%) exhibited a higher initial BHB concentration than other clusters, peaking on d 9 (average maximum BHB of 2.4 mM) and then declining by d 21; the "SloBHB" cluster (≈23%) started with a lower BHB concentration, gradually increasing until d 9, and at the highest BHB concentration at d 21 (1.6 mM serum BHB at the end of the experimental period); and the "LoBHB" cluster (≈67%) began with the lowest serum BHB concentration (serum BHB <0.75 mM), remaining relatively stable throughout the sampling period. Notably, the 3 metabolic groups exhibited significant physiological disparities, evident in blood NEFA and insulin concentrations. The QuiBHB and SloBHB cows exhibited higher NEFA and lower insulin concentrations as compared with the LoBHB cows. Interestingly, these metabolic differences extended to MY and DMI during the first month of lactation. The elevated BHB concentrations observed in QuiBHB cows were linked with lower DMI and MY as compared with SloBHB and LoBHB cows. Accordingly, these animals were considered metabolically impaired. Conversely, SloBHB cows displayed higher MY along with increased DMI, and thus the elevated BHB might be indicative of an adaptive response for these cows. The QuiBHB cows also displayed higher proportions of unsaturated FA (UFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and total C18:1 FA in milk during the first week of lactation. Prediction of the QuiBHB cows using these FA and test day variables resulted in moderate predictive accuracy (ROCAUC > 0.7). Given the limited sample size for the development of prediction models, and the variation in DIM among samples in the same week, the result is indicative of the predictive potential of the model and room for model optimization. In summary, distinct metabolic groups of cows could be identified based on the trajectories of blood BHB in early lactation.

Molecular Identification, Pathogenesis, and Life Cycle of Sarcocystis cruzi from Cattle (Bos taurus) in New Valley Governorate, Egypt.

Sarcocystis cruzi was identified by molecular methods from an intermediate host, cattle (Bos taurus), in El-Kharga, New Valley Governorate, Egypt, and its life cycle and pathogenicity were studied in the final host, dogs (Canis familiaris). 600 slaughtered cattle aged 6-8 years (480/120 males/females) were included. In addition, three laboratory-bred, coccidian-free puppies aged 2-3 months were fed infected bovine muscles to locate the definitive host and analyze sporogony. 18S rRNA-specific gene primers were used for DNA amplification from esophageal muscles. These polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and molecular sequence analysis. Infection was detected in 78.8% (473/600; 95% CI, 75.56-82.11%). Histopathological examination of esophageal muscles showed oval- to spherical-shaped cysts, 96.7 µm wide by 326.9 µm long; cysts in cardiac muscles were ovoid and smaller. Infected puppies began shedding sporocysts in feces 7 days post-inoculation and showed distorted organ architecture, severe cellular damage, and inflammatory lesions in liver, kidney, esophagus, and stomach. Three oocysts with different shapes and sizes were identified. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of isolated New Valley sarcocysts were identical to S. cruzi isolated from different areas, verifying their genetic relatedness. Our analysis suggests that S. cruzi is the most prevalent in slaughtered cattle in New Valley Governorate, Egypt.

A comparative study of effects of curcumin and its nanoparticles on the growth, immunity and heat stress resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with free- or nano-curcumin on the growth performance, immune status and heat stress resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Seven isonitrogenous (28% protein) and isocaloric (445 kcal/100 g DM) diets were prepared. Six diets were supplemented with three levels of nano-curcumin (50 (CN50), 100 (CN100), 200 (CN200) mg kg-1 diet) or free-curcumin (50 (C50), 100 (C100), 200 (C200) mg kg-1 diet), and the control diet was left without an additive (CON). Fish (13.54 ± 0.32 g) (mean ± SD) fed the experimental diets for 65 days. Following the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to the acute heat stress by gradually raising the water temperature from 25 to 40 °C within 3 h. The fish were then exposed to 40 °C for 4 h. Results revealed the superiority of nano-curcumin over its free-form in enhancing the growth performance, with the highest results obtained at CN100, followed by CN200. Only heat stress, not the experimental diets, increased the platelets, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), leukocytes and neutrophils count, while lymphocytes decreased. The CN50 and CN100 groups showed lower activity of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)) than the other treatments, while C200 gave the highest activity of these enzymes. The highest immunoglobulin (IgM) levels were detected in CN100, CN200, C100 and C200, followed by CN50. The C200 group showed higher levels of complement 3 and complement 4 (C3 and C4, respectively) than the other treatments. The C50 and CON groups gave the lowest values of IgM, C3 and C4. Cortisol levels were significantly lower in the CN50 and CN100 groups compared to the other groups. After the heat stress, ALT, AST, IgM, C3, C4, cortisol and glucose increased. Thus, nano-curcumin is more effective than its free-form in enhancing the resistance to heat stress, inducing innate immunity, lowering the stress indicators and promoting growth performance of Nile tilapia with the best concentration at 100 mg kg-1 diet.

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Two Dental Materials Commonly Used in Primary Teeth.

Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on flexural strength, microhardness, and surface roughness of bulk fill composite (X-tra fil) and glass ionomer (EQUIA Forte HT). Materials and methods: A total of 40 specimens were prepared for each test and were divided into two groups according to the material used (composite or glass ionomer cement), and each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to radiation condition, irradiated subgroup, subjected to 50 Gy by multienergy linear accelerator delivered in one shot and control subgroup. Results: Control samples of flexural strength and microhardness had a significantly higher value than irradiated samples in both materials. Regarding the surface roughness, irradiated samples had a significantly higher value than the control samples in both materials. Conclusion: Irradiation with a linear accelerator had a negative impact on the flexural strength and microhardness of both materials. Moreover, it increased the surface roughness for both materials. Bulk fill composite is the dental restorative material of choice in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy due to its high mechanical properties before and after radiation. How to cite this article: Nagi BM, El-Korashy DI, Amin A El-S, et al. Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Two Dental Materials Commonly Used in Primary Teeth. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):758-762.

Effects of different levels of dietary lipids on growth performance, liver histology and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study evaluated the effects of different levels of dietary lipids on the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (7.33 ± 0.12 g fish-1). Four isonitrogenous (275 g kg-1 crude protein), isocaloric (18.5 MJ kg-1) diets containing a mixture of fish oil and corn oil (1:1 ratio) at different levels (70, 85, 110 and 130 g kg-1) were prepared and fed to Nile tilapia reared at a fixed water temperature 25 ± 1 °C for two months. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to a cold challenge. The best growth rates and feed utilization were achieved at 70 and 85 g kg-1 dietary lipid, whereas the lowest results were recorded at higher lipid levels (110 and 130 g kg-1). The ability of Nile tilapia to survive the acute cold stress was significantly improved as the lipid level increased from 70 to 110 g kg-1 and decreased with further increase in lipid levels. During the cold stress, saturated fatty acids (SFA) significantly decreased, while unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) tended to increase. Thus, this study demonstrates, to a certain level, that high dietary lipid levels have a positive effect on the cold tolerance of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Sclerocollum saudii Al-Jahdali, 2010 (Acanthocephala: Cavisomidae) as a sentinel for heavy-metal pollution in the Red Sea.

Currently, fish helminth parasites, especially cestodes and acanthocephalans, are regarded as sentinel organisms to elucidate metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Here, 34 specimens of the fish Siganus rivulatus were collected in the Red Sea, from a seriously polluted, small lagoon named Sharm-Elmaya Bay, at Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt; 22 (64.7%) were infected by Sclerocollum saudii (Acanthocephala: Cavisomidae). Thus, 22 natural infrapopulations (26-245 individuals) of this parasite were collected from infected fish. Samples of water and sediments from the bay, samples of muscle, intestine and liver from each fish, and samples from the parasite were taken for analysis of heavy metals (cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)). Both Cd and Pb concentrations in sediments were higher than those in water. The concentration of these metals were significantly higher in tissues (intestine, liver and muscle) of non-infected fish than those in infected fish, with Pb concentrations consistently higher than those of Cd, and both were drastically decreased in the order: liver > intestine > muscle. Metal concentrations in this acanthocephalan were much higher than those in its fish host. There were strong negative relationships between metal concentrations in tissues (intestine, liver and muscle) of infected fish and infrapopulation size, and between metal concentrations in the acanthocephalan and its infrapopulation size. These relationships strongly suggest competition for these metals between the fish host and its acanthocephalan parasite, and intraspecific competition among acanthocephalan individuals for available metals in the fish intestine. Bioconcentration factors were relatively high, since the mean Cd concentration in S. saudii was 239, 68 and 329 times higher than those in intestine, liver and muscle tissues, respectively, of its fish host. Also, mean Pb concentration was 55, 13 and 289 times higher than those in these tissues, respectively. The host-parasite system described here seems to be promising for biomonitoring of metal pollution in the Red Sea.

Subcutaneous emphysema after shoulder arthroscopy. A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) and pneumomediastinum are rare complications after shoulder arthroscopy. CASE REPORT: A case is presented in which SE was seen after arthroscopic cuff repair. DISCUSSION: A review of current literature shows that SE after shoulder arthroscopy can be due to loco-regional anaesthesiology, endotracheal intubation, gas-forming infection, postoperative mobilisation or the arthroscopic procedure itself. During the procedure air can be sucked into the subacromial space due to suction and subsequently transferred into subcutaneous tissue by the positive pressure of the infusion pump. When the condition is recognised early and addressed properly spontaneous resolving is possible with good clinical outcome.

The life cycle of Hexangium sigani Goto & Ozaki, 1929 (Digenea: Microscaphidiidae) from the Red Sea.

The microscaphidiid Hexangium sigani Goto & Ozaki, 1929 was found in the intestine of Siganus rivulatus, a siganid fish permanently resident in a lagoon within the mangrove swamps on the Egyptian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Intra-molluscan stages of this trematode (mother sporocysts, rediae and cercariae) were found in the gonads and digestive gland of Nassarius pullus (Gastropoda: Nassariidae), a common snail in the same lagoon. Consequently, the life cycle of H. sigani was elucidated under natural conditions: eggs are directly ingested by the snail; mother sporocysts and rediae reach maturity 5-7 and 16-17 weeks post-infection; rediae contain 18-26 developing cercariae; fully developed cercariae are monostome, without penetration glands, emerge from the snail during the night 18-19 weeks post-infection and rapidly encyst on aquatic vegetation (there is no second intermediate host); encysted metacercariae are not progenetic; 2-day-old metacercariae encysted on filamentous algae fed to S. rivulatus developed into fully mature worms 5-6 weeks post-infection. The cycle was completed in about 24 weeks. The intra-molluscan stages are very similar to those of Dictyangium chelydrae Stunkard, 1943, the only described intra-molluscan stages of any microscaphidiid. However, they are also similar to those of the family Mesometridae. The present study of H. sigani describes the first complete microscaphidiid life cycle, and implicitly supports the phylogenetic relationship of this family with the Mesometridae inferred from molecular phylogenetic studies.

The effect of personal medical history and family history of cancer on the uptake of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.

Women with an increased lifetime risk of ovarian cancer are advised to undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) to reduce risk of adnexal cancer. We investigated the uptake of RRSO and evaluated the influence of personal medical history of (breast) cancer, risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) and family history of ovarian and/or breast cancer on the RRSO decision. This single center retrospective observational cohort study was performed in a tertiary multidisciplinary clinic for hereditary cancer of the University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands. Women ≥35 years old with an estimated lifetime risk of ovarian cancer ≥10%, who had completed childbearing, were eligible for RRSO. Uptake and timing of RRSO were analyzed. Influence of personal medical history and family history on RRSO decision making, were evaluated with logistic regression. The study population consisted of 218 women (45.0% BRCA1 mutation carrier, 28.0% BRCA2 mutation carrier, 27.0% with familial susceptibility) with 87.2% RRSO uptake. The median age at RRSO was 44.5 (range 28-73) years. Of the women undergoing RRSO, 78.3% needed ≤3 consultations to reach this decision. Multivariable analysis showed a significant difference in RRSO uptake for women with a history of RRM [OR 3.66 95% CI (1.12-11.98)], but no significant difference in women with a history of breast cancer [OR 1.38 95% CI (0.50-3.79)], nor with a family history of ovarian and/or breast cancer [OR 1.10 95% CI (0.44-2.76)]. We conclude that RRSO counseling, without the alternative of screening, is effective. The uptake is increased in women with a history of RRM.

The life cycle of Sclerocollum saudii Al-Jahdali, 2010 (Acanthocephala: Palaeacanthocephala: Rhadinorhynchidae) in amphipod and fish hosts from the Red Sea.

The rhadinorhynchid Sclerocollum saudii Al-Jahdali, 2010 was found in the intestine of its type host, Siganus rivulatus Forsskål & Niebuhr, 1775, a siganid fish permanently resident in a lagoon within the mangrove swamps found on the Egyptian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba (between 28°7'N and 28°18'N). Larval forms of this acanthocephalan (acanthors, acanthellae and cystacanths) were only found in Megaluropus agilis Hoek, 1889 (Crustacea: Gammaridae), a benthic amphipod abundant on algae and seagrasses in the lagoon. So, this life cycle of S. saudii was elucidated under semi-natural conditions: embryonated eggs of S. saudii were directly ingested by the amphipod and hatched in its intestine; the released acanthor penetrated the intestinal epithelium in 12-18 h to reach the connective tissue serosa, where it remained for about 3 days, then penetrated the intestinal wall and remained attached to its outer surface for 4 days. It then detached and dropped free in the amphipod haemocoel and transformed into an oval acanthella, growing for 16 days to reach the cystacanth stage. The cystacanth at 46 days post-infection was infective to fish (excysted in its intestine as an active juvenile). Male and female juveniles reached maturity 17 and 23 days post-infection. Recently copulated females first appeared 26 days post-infection and all females seemed to be copulated at 28 days post-infection; partially and fully gravid females first appeared 31 and 35 days post-infection. Mature males and fully gravid females started to die off naturally 31 and 43 days post-infection and were totally expelled from the fish intestine by 42 and 52 days post-infection. The cycle was completed in 89 days and is similar to other known palaeacanthocephalan life cycles, but has its own characteristics.

Enhancing follicular growth as a prerequisite for GnRH treatment of true anestrum in buffalo.

A total of 140 true anestrous buffalo were divided on the basis of receiving short-term (20 days) nutritional supplementation (N, n=80) or not (WN, n=60). The animals in N group were subdivided into NQ (n=40) where the quantity of the offered diet was increased by 20% and NF (n=40) where the offered diet was supplemented by 3% of dry protected fat. Buffaloes in either NQ or NF were equally allotted on the following treatment regimens: Insulin/GnRH (NQi or NFi, n=10 for each); rbST/GnRH (NQr or NFr, n=10 for each); GnRH alone treated (NQG or NFG, n=10 for each) and saline-treated control (NQc or NFc, n=10 for each). Insulin-treated subgroups (NQi or NFi) received s/c injection of insulin at a dose of 0.25 I.U./kg on Days 21, 22 and 23 while rbST-treated subgroups (NQr or NFr) received single IM injection of rbST (500 mg Sometribove) on Day 21. GnRH was injected at a dose of 0.020 mg buserelin (5 ml Receptal(®)) on Day 24 in all subgroups except NQCand NFC where Day 1 was the first day of the short-term nutritional improvement. Buffalo in the WN (n=60) were equally allotted on the same treatment regimens applied in the first group insulin/GnRH (WNi, n=15), rbST/GnRH (WNr, n=15); GnRH alone treated (WNG, n=15) and saline-treated control (WNC, n=15). Ultrasonic scanning of ovaries was conducted on Day 24 to measure largest follicle diameter (LFD). The results showed increases (P<0.05) in the LFD following nutritional supplementation with insulin or rbST. The recorded EIRs for GnRH pre-treated with nutritional improvement - metabolic hormones combinations (9/10 and 8/10 for NQi and NFi or 8/10 for NQr) were greater (P<0.05) than those pre-treated with either metabolic hormone alone (7/15 for WNi and/or WNr) or nutritional improvement alone (6/10 for NQG and/or NFG) and control as well. The greatest CR was recorded in the NQi group. It could be concluded that pre-GnRH nutritional improvement plus administration of insulin or rbST increases LFD in true anestrous buffalo having LFD<8.5 mm thereby increasing their fertility response to GnRH in terms of EIRs and CRs.

Study on the precision of the multiaperture scintillation sensor turbulence profiler (MASS) employed in the site testing campaign for the Thirty Meter Telescope.

The multiaperture scintillation sensor (MASS) has become a device widely employed to measure the altitude distribution of atmospheric turbulence. An empirical study is reported that investigates the dependence of the MASS results on the knowledge of the instrumental parameters. Also, the results of a side-by-side comparison of two MASS instruments are presented, indicating that MASS instruments permit measurements of the integrated seeing to a precision better than 0.05 arc sec and of the individual turbulence layer strength C(n)(2)(h)dh to better than 10(-14) m(1/3).

Risk perception and precautions taken by health care workers for HIV infection in haemodialysis units in Egypt.

A cross-sectional study was made in 32 haemodialysis units in the the Nile delta, Egypt to evaluate knowledge and practices towards risk of HIV infection by 317 health care workers. Exposure to needle-stick injury was reported by 48.6% in the previous year. Significantly more workers in government units than in private units had good knowledge of bloodborne infections, universal blood precautions and safe disposal of contaminated items, and recognized asymptomatic HIV patients as a risk. Previous training, but not years of experience, influenced knowledge. Despite good knowledge, the performance of health workers was poor for universal blood precautions, and was worse in private haemodialysis units.

Effect of enhancement of uterine involution and earlier initiation of post-partum cyclicity on the reproductive performance of buffalo.

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of either gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-prostaglandin PGF2+/--GnRH (G-P-G) or equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG)-PGF2+/--GnRH (eCG-P-G) regimes with or without intramuscular injection of ergometrine maleate (Methergin) within 24 h post partum on the uterine involution, initiation of post partum cyclicity and subsequent reproductive performance of buffalo. A total of 60 parturient Egyptian buffalos (2-4 lactations) were used to conduct this study. The involved animals were allotted into two main groups (A and B), each with 30 animals, on the basis of whether buffalo cows received an i.m. injection of 3 mg of Methergin within the first 24 h post partum (A, Meth. T) or not (B, Meth. NT). Each main group was subdivided into three subgroups: A1, A2 and A3 in case of A and B1, B2 and B3 in case of B. The G-P-G regime was applied on both A1 (Meth. T) and B1 (Meth. NT) buffalos, where each individual received two i.m. injections of 0.020 mg GnRH analogue (buserelin) at Days 18 and 33 post partum with i.m. injection of 25 mg PGF2+/- (Dinoprost) in between at Day 25. The eCG-P-G regime was applied on both A2 (Meth. T) and B2 (Meth. NT) buffalos, where each individual received i.m. injection of 1000 IU eCG, 25 mg of PGF2+/- (Dinoprost) and 0.020 mg of GnRH analogue (buserelin) at Days 8, 18 and 25 post partum, respectively. The A3 subgroup (Meth. T, alone) was control for A1 and A2 subgroups and the B3 subgroup was the non-treated control for all subgroups. There was a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the days required for complete uterine involution in subgroups A1, B1 and A3, indicating the enhancement of uterine involution. The post partum cyclicity was initiated earlier in all of the treatment regimes applied in the present study, as was indicated by significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the days to first ovulation in these subgroups compared with the non-treated control subgroup. The reproductive performance of treated buffalos improved as was shown by the significant (P < 0.01) decrease in days to first service, days open and calving interval. It is concluded that enhancement of uterine involution and/or earlier initiation of post-partum cyclicity improve the reproductive performance of buffalos.

Trematodes from Red Sea fishes: Neohypocreadium aegyptense n. sp. (Lepocreadiidae), Fairfaxia cribbi n. sp. and Macvicaria chrysophrys (Nagaty & Abdel-Aal, 1969) (Opecoelidae).

Specimens of the marine fishes Chaetodon lineolatus (Chaetodontidae), Lethrinus nebulosus (Lethrinidae) and Acanthopagrus bifasciatus (Sparidae) were caught in the Red Sea off the coast of Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. Fifteen (75%), four (16%) and fourteen (35%) fish, respectively, were found to harbour intestinal trematodes. C. lineolatus was parasitised by Neohypocreadium aegyptense n. sp. (Lepocreadiidae), L. nebulosus by Fairfaxia cribbi n. sp. (Opecoelidae) and A. bifasciatus by Macvicaria chrysophrys (Nagaty & Abdel-Aal, 1969) Bray, 1985 (Opecoelidae). N. aegyptense n. sp. is most similar to N. chaetodoni (Mahavi, 1972), but is smaller and differs in having acinous rather than digitate ovarian lobes, vitelline follicles extending anteriorly to midway between the ventral sucker and the intestinal bifurcation and an external seminal vesicle extending posteriorly to reach the anterior margin of the ovary. The generic diagnosis of Neohypocreadium is amended. F. cribbi n. sp. resembles F. lethini Cribb, 1990, but differs in having relatively smaller gonads, cirrus-sac and eggs, and larger suckers and pharynx. M. chrysophrys, collected from its type-host and locality, is redescribed. Plagioporus saoudi Ramadan, 1985 is considered its synonym.

Trematodes of Red Sea fishes: Hexangium brayi n. sp. (Angiodictyidae Looss, 1902) and Siphodera aegyptensis n. sp. (Cryptogonimidae Ward, 1917), with a review of their genera.

Specimens of the marine fishes Siganus luridus (Siganidae) and Caesio suevica (Lutjanidae) were caught in the Red Sea off the coast of Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. Twelve (30%) and eight (17%) fish, respectively, were found to harbour intestinal trematodes. S. luridus was parasitised by Hexangium brayi n. sp. (Angiodictyidae) and C. suevica by Siphodera aegyptensis n. sp. (Cryptogonimidae). H. brayi n. sp. is differentiated from the other two species of the genus by the vitelline follicles which are confined to the inter-caecal field, its body shape which is distinctly pyriform, the terminations of the intestinal caeca which are distinctly saccular, the eggs which are few in number, and by the excretory vesicle which gives off a lateral arm on each side that divides into two long collecting ducts. S. aegyptensis n. sp. is most similar to S. cirrhiti Yamaguti, 1970, but differs in having a definite number of testes (nine), seven arranged in a ring and the other two situated symmetrically or diagonally within this ring, and vitelline follicles extending posteriorly to the level of the anterior lobes of the ovary. Both genera Hexangium Goto & Ozaki, 1929 and Siphodera Linton, 1910 are reviewed in detail and redefined.

Epidemiology of malaria in New Halfa, an irrigated area in eastern Sudan.

A prospective study investigated the epidemiology of malaria in an agricultural area in eastern Sudan from November 1999 to June 2000 (1 irrigation and 1 dry season). In monthly parasite surveys, 99/ 1539 blood films from 190 individuals were positive for malaria: 95% for Plasmodium falciparum, 3% P. vivax and 2% P. ovale. The slide positive rate (SPR) of malaria episodes ranged from 3.7% to 12.8% in different months of the survey, with a peak in January. There was no significant difference in SPR between irrigation and dry seasons (7.2% versus 5.1%). SPR differed significantly by age group and was highest in under 5-year-olds. However, there was no significant difference in SPR between males and females. Transmission and intensity of malaria in this area is perennial and moderate rather than low.

Anopheles arabiensis: abundance and insecticide resistance in an irrigated area of eastern Sudan.

The abundance of Anopheles arabiensis and its susceptibility to insecticides was studied in New Halfa, eastern Sudan, from March 1999 to June 2000. Of 4854 females anophelines collected, 4847 (99.9%) were An. arabiensis and 7 (0.1%) An. pharoensis. Female An. arabiensis were breeding throughout the year, with 2 peak densities, during the rainy (158.4 females/room/day and 84.7 larvae/10 dips) and irrigated seasons (136.8 females/room/day and 44.8 larvae/10 dips). The mean biting activity was 28.8 bites/person/ night, found throughout the night, mainly outdoors. Susceptibility of An. arabiensis to insecticides dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), malathion and fenitrothion was 97.8%, 96.3% and 100% respectively. An. arabiensis is the sole malaria vector in the area and is perennial rather than seasonal.

Isolation and characterization of two types of actinophages infecting Streptomyces scabies MR13.

Two types of actinophages, phi S and phi L, were isolated from soil samples by using Streptomyces scabies MR13, a potato scab pathogen, as an indicator strain. The phages were partially characterized according to their physicochemical properties, plaques and particles morphology and their host-range. The host-range of these phages was narrow for phi S and wide for phi L. The adsorption rate constants of the phi S and phi L were 3.44 x 10(-9) and 3.18 x 10(-9) ml/min, and their burst sizes were 1.61 and 3.75 virions, respectively. One-step growth indicated that phi S and phi L have a latent period of 30 min followed by a rise period of 30 min. The temperate character of these phages was tested in other isolates of Streptomyces. Four of the phages (phi SS3, phi SS12, phi SS13 and phi SS17) were identified as temperate phages, since they were able to lysogenize SS3, SS12, SS13 and SS17. phi SS3, phi SS12 and phi SS13 were homoimmune, and they were heteroimmune with respect to phi SS17. The restriction barriers of lysogenic isolates (SS12, SS13 and SS17) interfered with the blockage of plaques formation by phages (phi SS12, phi SS13 or phi SS17) propagated on them, about 75% of lysogenic isolates had restriction systems. The exposure of the lysogenic isolates (SS12, SS13 and SS17) to UV-irradiation prevented the possible restriction barriers of these isolates, and these barriers could be overcome.

Seco C-nucleoside analogs of the 1,2,4-triazole.

The seco C-nucleosides 3-(1,2,3,4,5-penta-O-acetyl-D-gluco- and D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles (6 and 7) were obtained in one pot by deamination and dethiolation of 4-amino-3-(D-gluco- and D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles (1 and 2), respectively, using sodium nitrite in orthophosphoric acid and subsequent acetylation. The structures were confirmed by using 1H, 13C and 2D NMR spectra, DQFCOSY, HMQC and HMBC experiments. The favored conformational structures were deduced from the vicinal coupling constants of the protons.