Sustainable agriculture in Egypt

Presented at the fifth international conference on irrigation and drainage, Irrigation and drainage for food, energy and the environment on November 3-6, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah.Includes bibliographical references.Water is characterized such as no alternative source can substitute it and it is not a commercial resource or commodity. The great challenge for the coming decades will be the task of increasing food production with less water particularly in basins with limited water resources. Molden et al. (2003) estimated that, by year 2020, approximately 75% of the world's population will live in areas experiencing physical or economic water scarcity. Most of these areas happen to be where most of the poor and food insecure people live. Meeting their food needs with locally produced food presents enormous challenge. Hence, the need is to increase water productivity of agricultural production systems in water scarce areas where the poor population is dependent on local production. Increasing the productivity in agriculture will play a vital role in easing competition for scarce resources, prevention of environmental degradation, and provision of food security. Crop water productivity depends on several factors including crop genetic material, water management practices, economic and policy incentives, and people's acceptance. In a broad sense, productivity of water refers to the benefits derived from the use of water and is most often given in terms of mass of product, or its monetary value, per unit of water. Therefore, the main goal of the current practical study is to assess water productivity for different crops, assist decision makers in developing sustainable agricultural policies for Egypt and maximize national water resources' productivity in different agricultural activities considering the supply and demand aspects and based on the efficient utilization of the water resource

Reliability of spring recession curve analysis as a function of the temporal resolution of the monitoring dataset

Mountain springs represent one of the largest and most precious sources of potable water in Italy, necessary to meet the water needs of the population. Optimizing the present and future management strategies of mountain groundwater resources has become increasingly necessary. The accuracy and frequency of the flow rate (Q) measurements determine and restrict the processes that can be studied using spring hydrograph and recession curve analysis. Therefore, to properly define mountain aquifers’ hydrogeological properties, it turns out important to highlight the variation of the error in the estimation of the hydrogeological parameters as the time interval of sampling varies. In this paper, recession curve analysis was performed on two different mountain springs (Spring 1 and Spring 2) of north-western Italy, firstly considering available 4-h resolution measuring data and subsequently by resampling data to simulate longer sampling intervals of 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days. The resulting distribution of errors introduced by longer acquisition intervals underlined how the percentage error increases with increasing acquisition interval. For obtaining an adequate estimation of mountain aquifer hydrodynamic parameters, in place of continuous hourly data, 1-day and 3-day sampling intervals with associated errors respectively lower than 5% and 10% were found to be valid

Phototherapy and DNA changes in full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia

Background: Phototherapy has remained the standard therapeutic approach for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Oxidative effects of phototherapy on cell membranes and cell components may have a wide range of potential adverse effects, including enhanced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Apoptosis is an indispensable mechanism for maintaining many cellular functions, including cell replication, and removal of damaged cells with high burden of genetic mutations. Many genes function as apoptosis regulatory genes. Examples of these genes include the BCL2 gene which is an anti-apoptotic oncogene, and the BAX gene which acts as a promoter of apoptosis.Objectives: Assess the effect(s) of phototherapy on DNA and on the rate of apoptosis in full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. It comprised 35 neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia who received phototherapy for 48h, and 20 apparently healthy full term neonates with normal serum bilirubin level, as a control group. DNA damage was assessed by DNA fragmentation and micronucleus assay. Determination of the anti-apoptotic effect(s) of BCL2 gene was achieved by quantitative assay of its product, (BCL2) protein, by ELISA and BAX gene expression status was assessed by PCR.Results: The frequency of micronuclei in circulating lymphocytes of neonates who received phototherapy has significantly increased before and after phototherapy compared to controls, (p< 0.001; p< 0 0.00001), respectively. DNA fragmentation in circulating lymphocytes, was significantly higher among cases before and after phototherapy compared to controls (p< 0.0001; p< 0 0.00001). The plasma BCL2 protein was significantly lower in the cases before and after phototherapy compared to controls (p< 0.01; p <0.01), respectively, and BAX gene expression was significantly high among cases before and after phototherapy compared to controls.Conclusions: Geno toxic effects of bilirubin and phototherapy, induce more DNA damage and enhances apoptosis of exposed cells, probably through down regulation of BCL2 expression and upregulation of BAX gene expression in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. Keywords: Hyperbilirubinemia; Phototherapy; DNA damage; Apoptosis; BCL2 gene; BAX gen

Chromohysteroscopy after failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Background: ICSI is the injection of a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of the oocyte (ICSI). The failure to achieve pregnancy after ICSI has been studied over many years to reach the possible and preventable causes to avoid another failure. The aim of this study was to assess the value of using Chromohysteroscopy as a part of the work up of cases with one or more failed ICSI. The Ultimate goal is to detect the possible endometrial abnormalities and /or endometritis.Methods: Prospective cohort study was carried out with total of 50 infertile women recruited from infertility clinic in Elshatby Maternity University Hospital, Alexandria University, Egypt. Cases were allocated in 2 groups with 25 cases in each group. The first group included cases that had a failed trial of ICSI. The second group included control cases who were seeking for fertility treatment with no previous history of ICSI or any uterine surgery or anatomical abnormalities. In the postmenstrual period, Chromohysteroscopy was done by the same surgeon and documentation of all findings in the cavity and presence of endometritis.Results: There was a significant increase in the incidence of endometritis among the study group 68% in comparison to 16% in the control group.Conclusions: In this study endometrial dying with methylene blue at hysteroscopy improve the detection of chronic endometritis

Compartmentalization of Cells Bearing "Rheumatic” Cell Surface Antigens in Peripheral Blood and Tonsils in Rheumatic Heart Disease

Monoclonal antibodies that recognize "rheumatic” antigens of peripheral blood non-T cells were used to study the compartmentalization of such cells in peripheral blood and tonsils of individuals with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and suitable control subjects. The peripheral blood of most (71%) of the 42 individuals with RHD contained cells reacting with monoclonal antibody 83S19.23 or 256S.10, whereas these cells were present in only 17% of the 41 control subjects (P < .02). However, none of 21 individuals with RHD had such cells in their tonsils, although they were present in the tonsils of 50% of the 40 control subjects (P < .03). These results may reflect a failure in RHD of organ-specific homing of cells with the epitopes recognized by the antibodies. The presence of these cells in tonsils may be important in the immune response to streptococcal pharyngeal infection, and their absence in RHD may be involved in the unusual immune responses characteristic of this diseas

EQ-5D-3L Derived Population Norms for Health Related Quality of Life in Sri Lanka

Background Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important outcome measure in health economic evaluation that guides health resource allocations. Population norms for HRQoL are an essential ingredient in health economics and in the evaluation of population health. The aim of this study was to produce EQ-5D-3L-derived population norms for Sri Lanka. Method A population sample (n =  780) was selected from four districts of Sri Lanka. A stratified cluster sampling approach with probability proportionate to size was employed. Twenty six clusters of 30 participants each were selected; each participant completed the EQ-5D-3L in a face-to-face interview. Utility weights for their EQ-5D-3L health states were assigned using the Sri Lankan EQ-5D-3L algorithm. The population norms are reported by age and socio-economic variables. Results The EQ-5D-3L was completed by 736 people, representing a 94% response rate. Sixty per cent of the sample reported being in full health. The percentage of people responding to any problems in the five EQ-5D-3L dimensions increased with age. The mean EQ-5D-3L weight was 0.85 (SD 0.008; 95%CI 0.84-0.87). The mean EQ-5D-3L weight was significantly associated with age, housing type, disease experience and religiosity. People above 70 years of age were 7.5 times more likely to report mobility problems and 3.7 times more likely to report pain/discomfort than those aged 18-29 years. Those with a tertiary education were five times less likely to report any HRQoL problems than those without a tertiary education. A person living in a shanty was 4.3 more likely to have problems in usual activities than a person living in a single house. Conclusion The population norms in Sri Lanka vary with socio-demographic characteristics. The socioeconomically disadvantaged have a lower HRQoL. The trends of population norms observed in this lower middle income country were generally similar to those previously reported in high income countries

Perfil lipídico, compuestos volátiles y estabilidad oxidativa durante el almacenamiento del aceite de semilla de Opuntia ficus-indica marroquí

The fatty acids, sterol, tocopherol and volatile compositions of Moroccan cold-pressed cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) seed oil were studied. The most abundant fatty acid, tocopherol and sterol were linoleic acid (60.6%), γ-tocopherol (533 mg/kg) and β-sitosterol (6075 mg/kg), respectively. In this study, 23 volatile compounds were identified with perceivable odor attributes for 14 compounds. The oxidative quality of cactus seed oil was monitored over 4 weeks at 50 °C. Increases in PV, K232 and FFA were detected during the first two weeks as well as a decrease in the induction time; whereas no change was reported for the K270 values. The amount of total phenolic content increased until it reached 0.3 mg/kg and then decreased by the end of the storage period; while tocopherols started to decrease after the first week. The fat-free residue extracts showed a very strong effect to reduce the oxidation of linoleic acid. Consequently, the extracts were significantly more effective to bleach β-carotene in the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay in comparison with the control.Se estudiaron los ácidos grasos, esteroles, tocoferoles y la composición volátil del aceite de semilla de cactus marroquí (Opuntia ficus-indica) prensado en frío. Los ácidos grasos, tocoferoles y esteroles más abundantes fueron el ácido linoleico (60,6%), γ-tocoferol (533 mg/kg) y β-sitosterol (6075 mg/kg), respectivamente. En este estudio, se identificaron 23 compuestos volátiles con atributos perceptibles para 14 de ellos. La oxidación del aceite de semilla de cactus fue monitoreada durante 4 semanas a 50°C. Se observó un aumento en el PV, K232 y FFA durante las dos primeras semanas y una disminución en el tiempo de inducción, mientras que no se apreciaron cambios para los valores de K270. La cantidad de fenoles totales aumentó hasta alcanzar 0,3 mg/kg y luego disminuyó al final del almacenamiento, mientras que los tocoferoles comenzaron a disminuir después de la primera semana. Los extractos de residuos libres de grasa mostraron un efecto muy fuerte para reducir la oxidación del ácido linoleico. En consecuencia, los extractos fueron significativamente más efectivos para blanquear el β-caroteno en el ensayo de β-caroteno-ácido linoleico en comparación con el control

Host stage preference and parasitism behaviour of Aenasius bambawaleian an encyrtid parasitoid of Phenacoccus solenopsis

In Pakistan, the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Sternorrhyncha (Homoptera): Pseudococcidae), is a serious pest of many cultivated plants. A parasitoid, Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), is associated with P. solenopsis. In order to mass rear A. bambawalei for a biological control program, it is important to investigate the parasitoid’s host stage preference and its parasitism behavior for P. solenopsis in order to optimize production. The present tudy showed that under both choice and no choice conditions, the parasitoid preferred 3rd instar and pre-reproductive host stage mealybugs for parasitism. Parasitoid larva developing inside the host exhibited a greater longevity, shorter developmental period and longer body size in these preferred host stages. Our study also confirmed that A. bambawalei showed no attraction to male mealybugs and no host feeding on any host stage was recorded. The ability of the parasitoid to effectively discriminate between suitable and non-suitable stages means that it is feasible to rear it on a mixed population

Measuring the impact and costs of a universal group based parenting programme : protocol and implementation of a trial

Background Sub-optimal parenting is a common risk factor for a wide range of negative health, social and educational outcomes. Most parenting programmes have been developed in the USA in the context of delinquency prevention for targeted or indicated groups and the main theoretical underpinning for these programmes is behaviour management. The Family Links Nurturing Programme (FLNP) focuses on family relationships as well as behaviour management and is offered on a universal basis. As a result it may be better placed to improve health and educational outcomes. Developed in the UK voluntary sector, FLNP is popular with practitioners, has impressed policy makers throughout the UK, has been found to be effective in before/after and qualitative studies, but lacks a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence base. Methods/Design A multi-centre, investigator blind, randomised controlled trial of the FLNP with a target sample of 288 south Wales families who have a child aged 2-4 yrs living in or near to Flying Start/Sure Start areas. Changes in parenting, parent child relations and parent and child wellbeing are assessed with validated measures immediately and at 6 months post intervention. Economic components include cost consequences and cost utility analyses based on parental ranking of states of quality of life. Attendance and completion rates and fidelity to the FLNP course delivery are assessed. A nested qualitative study will assess reasons for participation and non-participation and the perceived value of the programme to families. By the end of May 2010, 287 families have been recruited into the trial across four areas of south Wales. Recruitment has not met the planned timescales with barriers including professional anxiety about families entering the control arm of the trial, family concern about video and audio recording, programme facilitator concern about the recording of FLNP sessions for fidelity purposes and delays due to the new UK research governance procedures. Discussion Whilst there are strong theoretical arguments to support universal provision of parenting programmes, few universal programmes have been subjected to randomised controlled trials. In this paper we describe a RCT protocol with quantitative and qualitative outcome measures and an economic evaluation designed to provide clear evidence with regard to effectiveness and costs. We describe challenges implementing the protocol and how we are addressing these

Less loop diuretic use in patients on sacubitril/valsartan undergoing remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring

Aims Control of pulmonary pressures monitored remotely reduced heart failure hospitalizations mainly by lowering filling pressures through the use of loop diuretics. Sacubitril/valsartan improves heart failure outcomes and increases the kidney sensitivity for diuretics. We explored whether sacubitril/valsartan is associated with less utilization of loop diuretics in patients guided with haemodynamic monitoring in the CardioMEMS European Monitoring Study for Heart Failure (MEMS-HF). Methods and results The MEMS-HF population (n = 239) was separated by the use of sacubitril/valsartan (n = 68) or no use of it (n = 164). Utilization of diuretics and their doses was prespecified in the protocol and was monitored in both groups. Multivariable regression, ANCOVA, and a generalized linear model were used to fit baseline covariates with furosemide equivalents and changes for 12 months. MEMS-HF participants (n = 239) were grouped in sacubitril/valsartan users [n = 68, 64 ± 11 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 25 ± 9%, cardiac index (CI) 1.89 ± 0.4 L/min/m2] vs. non-users (n = 164, 70 ± 10 years, LVEF 36 ± 16%, CI 2.11 ± 0.58 L/min/m2, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.0015, respectively). In contrast, mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) values were comparable between groups (29 ± 11 vs. 31 ± 11 mmHg, P = 0.127). Utilization of loop diuretics was lower in patients taking sacubitril/valsartan compared with those without (P = 0.01). Significant predictor of loop diuretic use was a history of renal failure (P = 0.005) but not age (P = 0.091). After subjects were stratified by sacubitril/valsartan or other diuretic use, PAP was nominally, but not significantly lower in sacubitril/valsartan-treated patients (baseline: P = 0.52; 6 months: P = 0.07; 12 months: P = 0.53), while there was no difference in outcome or PAP changes. This difference was observed despite lower CI (P = 0.0015). Comparable changes were not observed for other non-loop diuretics (P = 0.21). Conclusions In patients whose treatment was guided by remote PAP monitoring, concomitant use of sacubitril/valsartan was associated with reduced utilization of loop diuretics, which could potentially be relevant for outcomes