Wood anatomy and dendrochronological potentiality of some woody shrubs from the southern Mediterranean coast in Egypt

In tropical and subtropical regions, much research is still required to explore the dendrochronological potential of their trees. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical structure and dendrochronological potential of three Mediterranean desert shrubs in Egypt (Lycium schweinfurthii var. schweinfurthii, L. europaeum, and Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum) supported by X-ray density. The results showed that the target species had distinct growth rings at macroscopic and microscopic levels. The vessel traits reflected the adaptability of each species with the prevailing arid climate conditions. After the exclusion of the non-correlated series, we obtained three site chronologies that cover the years 2013-2022 for L. schweinfurthii, 2012-2022 for L. europaeum, and 2011-2022 for C. comosum. The mean series intercorrelation was 0.746, 0.564, and 0.683 for L. schweinfurthii, L. europaeum, and C. comosum, respectively. The EPS (expressed population signal) values ranged from 0.72 to 0.80, while the SNR (species-to-noise ratio) ranged from 9.1 to 21.5. Compiling all series of L. schweinfurthii raised the EPS value to 0.86. The chronologies developed for the studied species were relatively short since we dealt with multi-stemmed shrubs. The average percentage difference between latewood density (LWD) and earlywood density (EWD) in C. comosum, L. europaeum, and L. schweinfurthii were 11.8% ± 5.5, 5.2%± 1.87, and 3.6% ± 1.86, respectively. X-ray densitometry helped in the precise determination of the ring borders of the studied species. The relationships between the radial growth of the studied species and the climate variables were weak to moderate but mostly not significant (i.e., r < 0.7). Generally, the radial growth of the target species had a weak to moderate positive correlation with temperature and precipitation during the wet season (winter), while negatively correlated with temperature for the rest of the year, particularly in summer. Our data agrees with earlier findings that ring formation starts at the beginning of the long vegetative stage, then the rest of the assimilated carbohydrates are directed to the flowering and fruiting at the end of the vegetative stages. For more efficient dendrochronological studies on subtropical and Mediterranean trees, we recommend carrying out xylogenesis studies, collection of phenological data, sampling 45-80 trees per species, using new techniques, and choosing homogeneous and close sites for wood sampling

(E)-5-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N?-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C25H19N5O3, is composed of two independent molecules with slightly different conformations. The extended structure features N—H...O hydrogen bonds as well as π–π interactions

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Submerged macrophytes as bioindicators for pollution in Lake Mariut along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt

The fact that Lake Mariut is the only coastal lake in Egypt with no natural connection with the Mediterranean Sea has further aggravated the situation through the accumulation of pollutants in the lake. The effect of different pollutants on the composition and distribution of submerged aquatic plant communities in Lake Mariut (Egypt) was studied. Effects of heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites and phosphorus in the water and sediments on the dry weight standing crop (DWSC) of submerged macrophytes and their spatial distributions were investigated. Seven stations (which include 20 sites) were selected to represent the different pollution sources. The species-environmental data were analyzed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Only five submerged macrophytes species were recorded in Lake Mariut. There was an obvious variation in the DWSC of the species according to the pollution source. Potamogeton pectinatus and Ceratophyllum demersum were the best growing species with maximum DWSC, while C. muricatum, Myriophyllum spicatum and Najas marina subap. armata were weakly growing in most stations particularly the heavily polluted ones. The CCA ordination showed that dissolved nitrite, iron, phosphate, salinity and sulphate as well as sediment copper and cadmium are the most effective variables on the DWSC of these macrophytes. C. demersum is more developed in agricultural polluted areas with high levels of water phosphate and sulphate and low levels of water and sediment copper, chromium and lead. On the other hand, P. pectinatus characterizes the industrial polluted areas, with high level of sediment cadmium and low levels of water copper and chromium. These results were discussed and compared with other related studies.Galal Tarek M., Farahat Emad A., Fawzy Manal. Submerged macrophytes as bioindicators for pollution in Lake Mariut along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 34,2008. pp. 83-91

Potential use of dry powder of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. rhizomes and leaves in methylene blue dye remediation

Abstract Phytoremediation is a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly process for wastewater treatment. Herein, the dry biomasses of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. leaves (PL) and rhizomes including aerial stems (PR) were used to effectively remediate methylene blue (MB) dyes. Interestingly, the adsorption uptake and removal efficiency of MB by PR were higher than those of PL; exceeding 97 and 91% in 35 and 25 min for 0.1 and 0.4 g/L MB, respectively. The MB diffusion within the PL and PR was insignificant and the adsorption kinetics was principally controlled by the surface MB–adsorbent interaction, as consistently approved by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. In addition, the adsorption increased rapidly with the plant dosage with high dependence on the initial MB concentration. Moreover, the impact of shaking speed on the adsorption was minor but temperature played a critical role where the highest efficiencies were recorded at 30 and 40 °C on PL (91.9%) and PR (93.3%), respectively. The best removal efficiencies were attained with PR at pH 6, but with PL at pH 8. The Temkin isotherm could perfectly simulate the experimental data (R2 > 0.97); suggesting a linear decrease of the adsorption heat of MB with the plant coverage

Taif&rsquo;s Rose (Rosa damascena Mill var. trigentipetala) Wastes Are a Potential Candidate for Heavy Metals Remediation from Agricultural Soil

The current study examines the bioaccumulation potential of Taif rose shrubs by analyzing the shrubs&rsquo; wastes. f. At Al-Shafa Highland, four farms with plants of different ages were chosen to collect soil samples and vegetative waste (leaves and stems) for morphological and chemical analysis. The tallest stem and largest crown diameter (184.2 and 243.5 cm, respectively) were found in the oldest (20-year-old) shrubs, which also produced the highest biomass of pruning wastes of stems and leaves (3.9 and 1.3 t/ha, respectively). The 10-year-old shrubs gathered the highest concentration of Co and Pb (1.74 and 7.34 mg kg&minus;1) in the stem and the highest Fe, Mn, and Ni (18.55, 18.60, and 9.05 mg kg&minus;1) in the leaves, while the youngest plants (4 years) accumulated the highest Cr and Zn (0.83 and 13.44 mg kg&minus;1) in their leaves. The highest contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were found in the oldest Taif rose stem (34.94, 1.16, 36.29, 49.32, 51.22, 24.76, and 32.51 g ha&minus;1), while the highest contents of Co and Ni were found in the stems of plants that were 10 and 12 years old (3.21 and 9.54 g ha&minus;1, respectively). The Taif rose&rsquo;s stem and leaves can absorb the majority of heavy metals that have been studied with BAF values greater than one. Significant relationships between various heavy metals in the soil and the same in the stems (Al, Co, and Pb) and leaves (Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb) of Taif roses have been observed. According to the current findings, the Taif rose is a promising viable and safe crop for heavy metals phytoremediation if it is grown in polluted soil because there is little to no risk of contamination in the use of its end products, high biomass of pruning wastes, and high efficiency of heavy metal removal

Prediction Models for Evaluating the Uptake of Heavy Metals by the Invasive Grass Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. in the River Nile, Egypt: A Biomonitoring Approach

This study aimed to develop new prediction models that include sediment properties (pH, organic matter, and silt and clay concentrations) for estimating the potential uptake of heavy metals (HMs) by the invasive grass Vossia cuspidata. Plant and sediment samples were collected from the microsites that represent the natural distribution of the species in two Nile islands in Cairo, Egypt. The results show that the root was the main accumulating organ for the analyzed HMs (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb). The mean concentrations of Fe and Mn and the maximum concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Pb were phytotoxic. The values of the bioconcentration factor were &gt;1, while the translocation factor was &gt;1 for Zn and Cu in rhizome and stem, Mn in leaf, and Ni and Pb in stem and leaf. There were no significant differences between the measured and the predicted HM concentrations in all organs of the species. This indicates the excellent robustness of the developed regression models. Sixteen equations (out of 24) had high R2 values. Thus, V. cuspidata could be considered a biomonitor for HM pollution, and the developed equations will benefit the prediction of HM uptake by the species in the River Nile ecosystem

Potential extinction risk of Juniperus phoenicea under global climate change: Towards conservation planning

Global change effects on species are most pronounced when there is a large mismatch between past climate conditions, and the present climate, and this chasm will grow as global change proceeds without mitigation. Global change encompasses the alteration of temperature and precipitation patterns worldwide and these drivers can both increase the risk of species extirpation, and extinction. Juniperus phoenicea is an endemic plant species in the Mediterranean region of high conservation concern. Ensemble distribution models and the potential impact of future climate scenarios revealed that temperature, isothermality, and precipitation are the only significant bioclimatic factors affecting the geographical distribution of J. phoenicea. To study the potential impact of global change, we constrained the SDMs with a combination of two shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) climate scenarios in the near (2030) and far (2090) future, together with two dispersal scenarios (full and limited). After removing incompatible regions based on current land-use distribution, the comparison of the current and future areas of occupancy revealed strong declines in the distribution of J. phoenicea. Applying the IUCN criteria, the species is predicted in all scenarios to be up-listed from the currently ''least-concern'' status to the ''vulnerable'', and potentially to the ''critically endangered'' status under the highest emission scenario in 2090. The range shifts predicted by our analysis draws attention to regions with stable distribution, and others predicted to become favorable for the species establishment. This information is essential for future conservation planning, including afforestation and reforestation programs