Effect of Cold and Hot Temperature on Behavioral and Selected Physiological Measures of Uromastyx aegyptius (Agamidae)

The behavioral, physiological and biochemical response to low (2°C) and high (45°C) temperatures was studied in Uromastyx aegyptius. Twelve animals were divided into two experimental groups. A third control group was kept at 22 °C.  All animals in the cooling, warming, and control groups were allowed a period of 24 hours for adjustments at 22 °C.  Blood samples were collected from each animal when body temperature reached the corresponding levels. The results showed a significant (P0.05) changes in T3 and T4, during cooling nor during warming. The results of this study suggest augmentation of anaerobic metabolism of the U.aegyptius during cooling as evident by reduction in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, shift of glucose from the extracellular to the intracellular fluids demonstrates anticipation against potential freezing in order to protect the animal from intracellular freezing

Analysis of different characteristics of smile

Introduction: Analysis of smile is imperative in the diagnosis and treatment planning phases of aesthetic dentistry.Aim: To evaluate the components of smile among students of a dental institution.Methods: Frontal view digital photographs with posed smile of 157 dental students were assessed using Adobe Photoshop7.0. Smile characteristics evaluated included; smile line, smile arc, smile design, upper lip curvature, labiodental relationship and number of teeth displayed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Pearson chi-square test was used to determine the gender based differences for various parameters.Results: Average smile line (43.3%), consonant smile arcs (45.2%), cuspid smiles (45.9%), upward lip curvature (43.9%), maxillary anterior teeth not covered by lower lip (60.5%) and teeth displayed up to first premolars (35.7%). Gender based differences were not statistically significant except for smile arc (p value = 0.02) and number of teeth displayed (p value \u3c 0.001). There was a significant relationship between lip curvature and smile pattern (p value \u3c 0.001) and lip curvature and smile arc (p value = 0.01) revealing that upward lip curvature was associated with commissure type smiles and consonant smile arcs.Conclusions: The smile characteristics should be considered before beginning the aesthetic treatment of the patient to obtain adequate results in oral rehabilitation

Amphibians distribution and habitats in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia

This study surveyed 205 wetland sites in the Southwestern Saudi Arabia. We found seven species of amphibians (Anura), which belong to four families: Bufonidae; which includes four species, Sclerophrys tihamica; S. Arabica, Duttaphrynus dhufarensis, and Bufotes viridis; Hylidae, represented by only one species, the tree frog Hyla savignyi; Ranidae, which represented by one species, Pelophylax ridibundus and finally the Dicroglossidae, represented by one species, Euphlyctis ehrenbergii. The reasonable amount of rain received in southwest Arabia, and habitat diversity contribute to the relative abundance of amphibians in the region. Five types of wetland habitats were found in the study area. Valley streams, irrigated farms, seasonal ponds, dam reservoir and lagoons of treated sewage water. The current study revealed the wide spread of amphibians in southwestern Saudi Arabia than what had been reported earlier and confirmed the presence of the Bufotes viridis at three new sites in Asir Heights. It also showed the wide spread of S. arabica in all types of habitats in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Habitat degradation was evident in the region, which might lead to species loss. Keywords: Amphibians, Distribution, Habitat, Anura, Bufonidae, Hylidae, Ranidae, Dicroglossidae, Saudi Arabi

Ecology and reproductive biology of Acanthodactylus schmidti in Central Arabia

The ecology and reproductive biology of Acanthodactylus schmidti (lacertidae) in Central Arabia north of Riyadh was studied from 1983 to 1985. The ecology of Acanthodactylus boskianus was also studied as a comparison during the same period. Growth of both species, survival and the morphological adaptations to the desert environment were examined. Home range size of both species was estimated in the study area. Home range size of male A. schmidti was four times that of the female's home range during spring. The male A. boskianus home range was about two times greater than that of the females. Utilization of home range and the social interactions of invdividuals of both species was investigated. Home range overlap, burrowing behaviour and burrow structure was also examined in the field. Male A. schmidti were observed to defend their home range against other males during spring. Activity and thermal ecology of both species was studied during winter and spring. Emergence behaviour, basking behaviour, daily and seasonal activity was studied and analysed. Both species were active throughout the year. However, it was found that during winter, activity was unimodal, which contrasted with the bimodal pattern during spring. The winter mean eccritic body temperature was 33.0 and 34.1oC for A. schmidti and A. boskianus respectively, and 36oC, 35.3oC during spring. A. schmidti was found to thermoregulate more effectively than A. boskianus during both winter and spring. Selected body temperature and critical minimum of both species were studied and measured in the laboratory. The reproductive biology of A. schmidti was studied in some detail. The reproductive season commenced in November and continued throughout May and was found to coincide with the rainy season of the area. Young lizards were observed between February and mid-June. This suggests the presence of multiple clutches (possibly 2-3) during the reproduction season. It was concluded that multiple clutches were an important adaptation for lizards in such an unpredictable desert environment. Reproductive behaviour, male and female reproductive cycle, and fat body cycle also were studied. Finally, the general ecology and conservation of Arabian desert reptiles is discussed and suggestions for management of desert reptile communities are suggested. (D73648/87)</p

Effect of Cold and Hot Temperature on Behavioral and Selected Physiological Measures of Uromastyx aegyptius (Agamidae)

The behavioral, physiological and biochemical response to low (2°C) and high (45°C) temperatures was studied in Uromastyx aegyptius. Twelve animals were divided into two experimental groups. A third control group was kept at 22 °C.  All animals in the cooling, warming, and control groups were allowed a period of 24 hours for adjustments at 22 °C.  Blood samples were collected from each animal when body temperature reached the corresponding levels. The results showed a significant (P0.05) changes in T3 and T4, during cooling nor during warming. The results of this study suggest augmentation of anaerobic metabolism of the U.aegyptius during cooling as evident by reduction in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, shift of glucose from the extracellular to the intracellular fluids demonstrates anticipation against potential freezing in order to protect the animal from intracellular freezing