Physical, Chemical, and biotic influences on Zooplankton Composition in Zaranik Lagoon, Egypt

EnZaranik Protected Area encompasses the eastern end of Lake Bardawil: the Zaranik Lagoon. The lagoon is shallow, with numerous small islets scattered throughout it, most of which are covered with dense saltmarsh vegetation. Nitrogenous and phosphorus forms (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate and total phosphorus) were studied as a basic nutrient salts affected different flora and fauna of the studied area. Nitrite was depleted completely during the study period except for winter. The nitrate values were fluctuated in a relatively narrow range (23.5 – 60 µg/l). Ammonia was detected in a normal range varied between 89-172 µg/l. Both orthophosphate and total phosphorus exhibit similar distribution dynamics. A total of 45 zooplankton species belonging to 9 main groups (Protista, Copepoda, Rotifera, Cladocera, Pteropoda, Cheatognatha, Cnidaria, Appendiculariae, and meroplankton) were recorded. Copepoda were the most abundant and ubiquitous zooplankton organisms in Zaranik protectorate, forming the 63 % of total zooplankton density. Salinity showed a negative correlation with total Protista (r = - 0.77) while NH3 showed a positive correlation with total zooplankton (r = 0.68)

Morphology and anatomical structure of the larval salt gland of Artemia tunisiana under different salinities

Brine shrimps of the genus Artemia is characterized by its high adaptability to adverse environmental conditions. To elucidate the effect of salinity on the neck organ (salt gland) of Artemia tunisiana nauplii, the morphology and fine structure of the ion transporting epithelium were examined following culturing under different salinities (25, 40, 70, 140 and 180 g/L). The expression of APH-1 mRNA, using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), was also determined. The morphology and anatomical structure of the salt gland varied according to the salinity degree. At low salinities, salt gland was small, thin and flat having many shallow canals, while at high salinities, it was more elongated with deeper canals and grooves. Ultrastructure examination showed low amplification of the plasma membrane at 25 g/L with no tubular tufts, while at 40 and 70 g/L salinities, the apical and central zones showed a large amplification of the surface area of the plasma membrane. At 140 g/L salinity, the epithelial cells were more elongated and the cuticle appeared to be composed of many layers. The general structure of the salt gland of nauplii cultured at 180 g/L disappeared. Semiquantitative APH-1 mRNA analysis indicated that the gene was expressed in all tested salinities. The expression did not change remarkably between 25 and 40 g/L salinities. As salinity increased, the gene was up regulated at 70 g/L and reached the highest level at 140 g/L, while the expression level reduced significantly at 180 g/L. This coincides with the histological results and highlights the possible role of APH-1 in salinity protection in Artemia.Keywords: Artemia, nauplii, salt gland, salinity, APH-1 gene expressionAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(41), pp. 6032-604

Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker of disease activity in pediatric lupus nephritis

Background: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is expressed in immature neutrophil precursors and in epithelial cells during both inflammation and neoplastic transformation. A recent prospective pediatric study demonstrated that concentrations of NGAL in urine and plasma represent novel, sensitive, and specific biomarkers for early identification of acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery. Objective: To assess the relationship of serum NGAL levels with disease activity in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with special emphasis on lupus nephritis. Methods: The study included 30 children and adolescents with pediatric SLE with a mean age of 16.48±3.524 years. Patients were clinically and laboratory evaluated and categorized into those with nephritis and those without nephritis. Activity was assessed using SLEDAI score, NGAL levels were measured in the sera of included patients and were compared to those of 20 matched controls using ELISA. Results: Serum NGAL was significantly higher in SLE patients in comparison to the controls (z=-5.962, p < 0.001). Furthermore serum NGAL was significantly higher in SLE patients with nephritis and in those without nephritis in comparison to the controls (p < 0.001 in both). Serum NGAL was higher in SLE patients with nephritis in comparison to those without nephritis, yet the results are borderline regarding statistical significance (p=0.05). Levels of serum NGAL correlated significantly with disease activity as assessed by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (r=0.485, p < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between serum NGAL and urinary protein to creatinine ratio, 24hr urinary protein and BUN of SLE patients. Conclusion: Our results suggest that serum NGAL represents a novel biomarker for disease activity in pediatric SLE patients, and a marker of severity of renal involvement.Keywords: SLE, NGAL, SLEDAI, lupus nephritisEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011;9(1):15-2

Left internal mammary on-lay patch vs. saphenous vein patch in reconstructing diffusely diseased left anterior descending artery

Background: Several operative techniques were described to reconstruct the diffusely diseased left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The superiority of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) vs. the saphenous vein patch is controversial in LAD reconstruction. Thus, this study compared LIMA on-lay patch vs. saphenous vein patch in reconstructing diffusely diseased LAD artery. Methods: This study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2022 including 60 patients with a diffusely diseased LAD. LIMA patch was used in 30 patients (Group I) and saphenous vein patch in 30 patients (Group II) without endarterectomy. Males presented 85%; the mean age was 56.68 ± 6.44 years. The mean patch length in the LIMA group was 4.48±0.87 cm and 4.60± 0.93 cm in the saphenous vein group. Results: The mean aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 66.80± 19.93 and 108.00± 25.74 minutes in the LIMA group and 84.40± 30.65 and 132.53± 45.41 minutes in the venous Group (P= 0.011 and 0.013, respectively). The mean intensive care unit stay was 50.40 ± 38.65 hours in Group I and 92.00± 51.62 hours in Group II (P˂ 0.001). Four patients (13.3%) needed an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in Group I, and 11 patients (36.7%) in Group II (P= 0.037). Postoperative low cardiac output occurred in 13.3% of Group I and 53.3% in Group II (P= 0.001). Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 13.3% of Group I, while in Group II was 33.3% (P= 0.067). The renal complications were 3.3% in Group I and 16.7% in Group II (P= 0.085). Two patients (6.7%) were complicated with bleeding in Group I, and nine (30.0%) in Group II (P= 0.02). The postoperative ejection fraction was 58.17± 5.25% in Group I and 53.3± 5.23% in Group II (P= 0.001). On the first postoperative day, the creatine kinase-myoglobin binding level was 61.73± 30.19 IU/L in Group I and 92.63± 45.88 IU/L in Group II (P= 0.004). Hospital mortality occurred in one patient (3.3%) in Group I and two in Group II (6.7%) (P˃ 0.99). Conclusion: LAD reconstruction using the LIMA patch could have better early outcomes than the saphenous vein patch

Seminavis aegyptiaca sp. Nov., a new amphoroid diatom species from estuary epilithon of the river–nile damietta branch, Egypt

During a recent floristic–taxonomic study on the algal flora, including diatoms, from the estuary of the Damietta Branch of the Nile in Egypt, an interesting epilithic diatom species belonging to the genus Seminavis (Naviculaceae) was collected and investigated using both light and scanning electron microscopy. This new diatom species shares morphologically some taxonomic diagnostic features with other related taxa such as S. insignis, S. robusta, and S. ventricosa. However, it still differs by having ventral central striae that are shorter and more or less straight in the middle of the smaller frustules to be clearly radiate in the larger ones and then become geniculate and only radiate near the poles, the central raphe endings are externally more distantly spaced than in the similar species, the elongate central nodule is internally less prominent, and the areola density is much denser. Therefore, we here describe it as Seminavis aegyptiaca sp. nov. Hydrochemical analyses revealed that S. aegyptiaca commonly inhabits typical marine, with a weak tendency towards brackish water, habitats. It was found to be tolerant to meso–eutrophic, nutrient–enriched conditions, based on the data available on seasonal concentrations of N and P compounds. These findings not only contribute to the inventory of Egyptian diatoms, but also increase our understanding of the autecology and distribution of this relatively poorly–known diatom genus

Neutrophil functions in late preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome

Background: Studies that have addressed the effects of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on neutrophil function suggested that neutrophil functions other than the generation of the respiratory burst are not impaired. Yet, results have been confusing and in some cases contradictory.Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional controlled study is to assess neutrophil number and function in late preterm neonates with RDS.Methods: Thirty patients underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation including complete blood counts and tests of neutrophil functions (CD11b, CD62L and Dihydrorhodamine 123 by flowcytometry) in comparison to 15 healthy term controls. RDS was assessed clinically and radiologically (chest x-ray).Results: Fifty percent of patients (12 females and 18 males) had grade II respiratory distress followed by grade III then grade I. DHR, CD 11b and CD62L results were lower among the patients group (mean ± SD: 62.1± 12.23, 63.22 ± 11.41, 15.03 ± 8.7 respectively). There were no significant correlations between neutrophils count, DHR, CD11b and CD62L. Only CD11b was significantly lower with higher grades of RDS.Conclusion: Neonates with RDS show variable affection of neutrophil functions. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which RDS can affect neutrophil functions and whether these effects are associated with increased incidence of infections.Keywords: Neutrophils, function, respiratory distress syndrome, late preterm, innate immunity, infections, adhesion molecule

Root extracts of Saussurea costus as prospective detoxifying food additive against sodium nitrite toxicity in male rats

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUGThe goal of this study was to investigate the effects of three different extracts of Saussurea costus roots (ethanol, methanol, and water) as a food additive in alleviating the harmful effect of sodium nitrite in rat meals. Thirty-five adult male rats were divided into five groups as follows: control, sodium nitrite (NaNO2; 75 mg/kg BW, single oral dose), S. costus 70% ethanol, 70% methanol, and aqueous extracts (300 mg/kg BW), respectively for four weeks followed by a single dose of NaNO2 24h before decapitation. Results showed that the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus has a higher concentration of total phenolic content, total flavonoids, and antioxidant effect than the 70% methanol and water extracts. Rats pretreated with S. costus extracts reduced the harmful effects induced by NaNO2 and improved the hematological parameters, liver, and kidney function biomarkers as well as lipid profile as compared to the NaNO2 group. Furthermore, S. costus improved the histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney induced by NaNO2 and improved meat sensory evaluation. Conclusively, the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus roots is the most effective extract as an antioxidant against the toxicity of sodium nitrite in male rats and might be used safely as a natural additive in the food industry