Influence of Vegetation Manipulation and Selected Cultural Practices on Predation in Louisiana Sugarcane Ecosystems (Saccharum, Sorghum, Solenopsis, Spiders, Araneae).

A 3-yr study on southeastern Louisiana sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L. \u27CP 65-357\u27) revealed abundance and diversity of both ground- and foliage-associated predators and prey to be higher in weedy than in weed-free habitats. The imported fire ant (IFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, major predator of the key insect pest, the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) , was more abundant in weedy (17 mounds/ha) than in weed-free (5 mounds/ha) habitats. Azinphosmethyl, commonly used for D. saccharalis control, decreased system stability through food web route disruption by decreasing coleopterans, phytophagous insects collectively, and spiders 51, 35, and 67%, respectively. Cane and sugar yields in broadleaf habitats and returns in dollars per hectare averaged 19% higher than in the weed-free. Studies on IFA diet composition and foraging activity showed the most frequent foraging occurring in grass weed habitats which had the greatest vegetation density. Broadleaf weeds, however, appeared to provide more prey per dry biomass (g/m(\u272)) than grasses or sugarcane alone. A trend for higher IFA populations was observed in clayey sugar- cane fields in South Louisiana over a 2-yr period. Additionally, early harvested fields contained the highest number of IFA mounds/ha (94.2), with the lowest in the early planted fields (21.8). Significantly (P \u3c 0.05) higher amounts of P, Ca, Mg, Na, and percent organic matter were found in clayey than in sandy fields. An updated list of spiders in sugarcane is presented and includes Geo heptagon (Hentz) and Neoantistea agilis (Keyserling), new Louisiana records. Lycosidae and Linyphiidae comprised the majority of sugarcane ground-associated spider fauna (55 and 26%, respectively). Araneidae and Theridiidae comprised the majority of the foliage-associated fauna (41 and 37%, respectively). Weed control practices seemed to have little impact on the araneid faunal composition and abundance in sugarcane. In a 2-yr study, Johnsongrass (JG), Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. , interference reduced cane and sugar yields (36 and 31%, respectively) in plots heavily infested with JG than in weed-free plots. Sugarcane yields were inversely influenced by JG equivalents according to the prediction equation: (\u27)Y = 68,994 - 51 x (r = -0.826, P \u3c 0.01). Significant relationships were not observed between damage by D. saccharalis and JG infestations

Evaluation of the activity of hen eggshell graft in experimentally induced mandibular defects in rabbits: pilot study

Background: For the treatment of the cranial and maxillofacial bone defects autogenic and/or allogenic bone grafts and alloplastic materials have been used for a long time. In the last decade, avian eggshell powder has been suggested as a bone substitute candidate in reconstructive surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of particulate hen eggshell grafting on the healing of experimentally induced mandibular defects.Methods: The study was conducted on 10 adult local rabbits. Two cavities of 4mm diameter have been created in the lateral surface of the mandible. One of the cavities was filled with particulate hen eggshell graft (test one), while the other hole was left for normal healing (control one). On the 8 weeks, the rabbits have been sacrificed and defective regions have been extracted.Results: All animals showed normal wound healing. No foreign body reaction was observed, hen eggshell grafts were resorbed, integrated with bone at 8 weeks.  There were no differences between control and chicken eggshell groups in new bone formation. At 8 weeks, histological analysis of specimens showed different amounts of woven bone contained osteocytes and covered by lining of osteoblasts.Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that hen eggshell powder is a worth-while bone substitute because it is a safe, cheap, and easily available material

Biphenylalkylacetylhydroquinone Ethers Suppress the Proliferation of Murine B16 Melanoma Cells

Hydroquinone, an activator of caspase-9 activity via reactive oxygen species, and farnesol, a post-translational downregulator of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity suppress the growth of murine B16 melanoma cells. Our previous studies have shown that farnesyl-O-acetylhydroquinone has a markedly greater growth-suppressive activity than that predicted by the responses to the parent compounds. Perillyl alcohol, a modulator of small G-protein activity, and biphenyl compounds, activators of Fas-mediated death pathways, suppress B16 growth. A similar synergistic increase in the potency of each compound when ether-linked to acetylhydroquinone is reported. Perillyl-O-acetylhydroquinone, biphenylethyl-O-acetylhydroquinone and biphenylpropyl-O-acetylhydroquinone had dose-dependent impacts on the proliferation of B16 cells with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 8.0, 4.2 and 1.4 Ìmol/L, respectively. The growth-suppression effected by biphenylpropyl-Oacetylhydroquinone was accompanied by a dose-dependent arrest at the G1/S interface of the cell cycle, an impact greater than that previously reported for farnesyl-O-acetylhydroquinone (IC50=2.5 Ìmol/L). These new hydroquinone derivatives may have potential in cancer chemoprevention and/or therapy

An investigation into solid waste problem in the Egyptian construction industry: A mini-review

Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the most critical global challenges nowadays. It has a severe negative effect on the triple bottom line of sustainability. Construction and demolition waste (CDW) contributes about 50% of the total global annual generated SW. In the particular case of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region including Egypt, the SW problem has become a major challenge, and the need to find sustainable solutions is overwhelming. However, the region faces several challenges that hinder the development of an effective and efficient SWM system. This has resulted in the predominance of unsustainable SWM practices such as indiscriminate disposals. The aim of this paper is to investigate the escalating problem of SW in the MENA region, while focusing on CDW in Egypt as a part of the total generated SW, by reviewing the most recent research papers, and technical and governmental reports on the SW problem. The main challenges towards effective and efficient SWM systems and recommendations for improvement are gathered in this study based on the explored literature. Findings from this study are expected to be beneficial to local and central governments, academics, construction industry practitioners, and policymakers contending with the problems of SW in the MENA region and especially CDW in Egypt

Oxidative stress contributes to cobalt oxide nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in human hepatocarcinoma cells.

BackgroundCobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co(3)O(4)NPs) are increasingly recognized for their utility in biological applications, magnetic resonance imaging, and drug delivery. However, little is known about the toxicity of Co(3)O(4)NPs in human cells.MethodsWe investigated the possible mechanisms of genotoxicity induced by Co(3)O(4)NPs in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, apoptosis, and DNA damage were assessed in HepG2 cells after Co(3)O(4)NPs and Co(2+) exposure.ResultsCo(3)O(4)NPs elicited a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in glutathione with a concomitant increase in lipid hydroperoxide, ROS generation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity after 24- and 48-hour exposure. Co(3)O(4)NPs had a mild cytotoxic effect in HepG2 cells; however, it induced ROS and oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage, a probable mechanism of genotoxicity. The comet assay showed a statistically significant (P < 0.01) dose- and time-related increase in DNA damage for Co(3)O(4)NPs, whereas Co(2+) induced less change than Co(3)O(4)NPs but significantly more than control.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that Co(3)O(4)NPs induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in HepG2 cells through ROS and oxidative stress

The role of immunohistochemical markers in detecting Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial pathogens that affect humans. It causes chronic gastritis in its active and inactive forms and has an important role in various gastric disorders  .   Gastric endoscopical biopsy   is the main diagnostic method for detecting H. pylori. This study aims to find the best methods for detecting H. pylori by using IHC markers and comparing it with the modified Giemsa stain which is routinely used in laboratories. The study was conducted on 170 gastric biopsies that were taken by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and received at the department of pathology in Tishreen University Hospital in Lattakia. Sections of the samples were stained with H&E, modified Giemsa stains, and HP IHCl marker. The histological study determined the patterns and degrees of gastritis. H. pylori-positive cases were identified using Giemsa staining and IHC  markers in all forms of gastritis. The study showed that the number of positive cases detected with IHC was higher by 36% (60 cases more) than the number of cases stained with modified Giemsa. When assessing these cases, it was found that H. pylori might present with a few small oval or coccoid forms and it could be scattered in uncommon sites which prevented it from being detected with routine Giemsa stain. The study concluded the necessity of using IHC  markers in the diagnosis of H. pylori in gastric biopsies that showed histological signs of inflammation with negative H.pylori results when stained with modified Giemsa stain.   الملتوية البوابية هي من أكثر الجراثيم التي تصيب البشر , تسبب التهابات المعدة المزمنة بشكليها الفعالة وغير الفعالة ولها دور هام في مختلف اعتلالات المعدة من قرحات , حؤول معوي , عسر تصنع , لمفوما معدية , وتشكل عامل خطورة رئيسي في حدوث السرطانات الغدية . الخزعة المعدية التنظيرية هي الوسيلة الرئيسية   لكشف الملتوية البوابية في مخاطية المعدة . غيمزا المعدل المتبع بشكل روتيني في أغلب المخابر . أجريت الدراسة على 170 خزعة  معدية مأخوذة بالتنظير الهضمي العلوي الواردة الى مخبر التشريح المرضي في مشفى تشرين الجامعي باللاذقية. لونت مقاطع من العينات بـ H&E وبملون غيمزا المعدل وبالواسم المناعي HP . حددت بالدراسة النسيجية  أنماط الالتهابات المعدية ودرجاتها . حددت الحالات الإيجابية لوجود الملتوية البوابية بتلوين غيمزا وبالتلوين المناعي النسيجي عند كل شكل من أشكال الالتهابات المعدية. بينت الدراسة أن الحالات الإيجابية للملتوية البوابية   بالواسم  المناعي  تزيد عن ملون غيمزا 60 حالة بنسبة 36% من الحالات المدروسة . لدى تقييم هذه الحالات تبين أن الملتوية البوابية تأخذ أشكال شاذة مكورة, بيضوية صغيرة جدا أو تكون نادرة جدا أو متوضعة في أماكن غير مألوفة مما سبب فشل اكتشافها بملون غيمزا. خلصت الدراسة الى ضرورة استعمال التلوين المناعي النسيجي في تشخيص الملتوية البوابية على الخزع المعدية التي تبدي وجود علامات نسيجية التهابية وسلبية لوجود الملتوية البوابية حسب تلوين غيمزا

Multi Matrix Vector Coherent States

A class of vector coherent states is derived with multiple of matrices as vectors in a Hilbert space, where the Hilbert space is taken to be the tensor product of several other Hilbert spaces. As examples vector coherent states with multiple of quaternions and octonions are given. The resulting generalized oscillator algebra is briefly discussed. Further, vector coherent states for a tensored Hamiltonian system are obtained by the same method. As particular cases, coherent states are obtained for tensored Jaynes-Cummings type Hamiltonians and for a two-level two-mode generalization of the Jaynes-Cummings model.Comment: 24 page

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Genetic Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Gram-Negative Rods Isolated from Clinical Specimens in Pakistan

The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes has increased remarkably, resulting in multidrug-resistant gram-negative rods (GNRs) in clinical specimens. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of ESBL-producing GNRs and its correlation with corresponding genes. Two hundred and seventy-two (n = 272) samples were evaluated for the molecular identification of ESBL genes by polymerase chain reaction after confirmation with the modified double-disc synergy test. E. coli 64.0% (n = 174) was the most prevalent ESBL producer, followed by Klebsiella species 27.2% (n = seventy-four), Acinetobacter species 6.6% (n = eighteen) and others 2.2% (n = six). These ESBL-producing isolates showed resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, i.e., sulbactam/cefoperazone (41.5%), piperacillin/tazobactam (39.3%), meropenem (36.0%), imipenem (34.2%) and non- β-lactam antibiotics, i.e., nalidixic acid (89.0%), co-trimoxazole (84.9%), ciprofloxacin (82.4%), gentamicin (46.3%), nitrofurantoin (24.6%), amikacin (19.9%) and fosfomycin (19.9%). The incidences of the ESBLs-producing genes blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaOXA and blaSHV were 91.2%, 61.8%, 39.3% and 17.6%, respectively. Among nine multiple-gene combinations, blaCTX-M + blaTEM (30.5%) was the most prevalent combination, followed by blaCTX-M + blaOXA + blaTEM (14.0%), blaCTX-M + blaOXA (13.6%), blaCTX-M + blaTEM + blaSHV (7.0%), blaCTX-M + blaSHV (2.2%), blaCTX-M + blaOXA + blaSHV (2.2%) and blaOXA + blaTEM (1.8%). ESBLs producing GNRs carrying blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaOXA and blaSHV showed resistances to β-lactam antibiotics, i.e., ampicillin, amoxillin-clavulanic acid, cefotaxime and ceftazidime but were susceptible to carbapenems (meropenem and imipenem), β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combination (piperacillin/tazobactam) and non-β-lactam antibiotics i.e., aminoglycoside (amikacin and gentamicin), nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin. These antibiotics that demonstrated activity may be used to treat infections in clinical settings.</p

Guns and butter? Military expenditure and health spending on the eve of the Arab Spring

We examine the validity of the guns-versus-butter hypothesis in the pre-Arab Spring era. Using panel data from 1995 to 2011 – the eve of the Arab uprisings – we find no evidence that increased security needs as measured by the number of domestic terrorist attacks are complemented by increased military spending or more importantly ‘crowd out’ government expenditure on key public goods such as health care. This suggests that both expenditure decisions were determined by other considerations at the government level