Hydrographical conditions and benthic assemblages in the Suez Gulf, Egypt

The coastal development and human activities along the Suez Gulf leading to sedimentation, degrade the quality of water, disturbing the natural structure and functions of aquatic communities. The Suez Gulf is a large semi-closed area with a 346 km long coastline on the western beach side. The prevailing physicochemical parameters in shallow intertidal waters were measured seasonally over the year. Benthic faunas in the sampling sites were studied indicating their regional distribution in relation to the impact of different environmental parameters in the intertidal region. The concentration of copper in seawater reached high level at St. IV (4.57 ug/1), which is exposed to sewage and petroleum hydrocarbons. The grain size of the sediment is a determining factor for the organic carbon concentration and the sandy substrate enhances organic matter degradation processes. A large number of oil fields are present along the western coast of the Suez Gulf, therefore, cadmium and organic matter appeared to be high. The values of pH did not vary greatly among the different sampling sites. It was high at EI-Ein, El-Sukhna and Ras-Shukeir due to the disposal of mainly acidic sewage and industrial effluents of the two stations Adabiya and Ras-Gharib respectively. The macrobenthos included 71 species embraced mainly from Mollusca (53.5% Gastropoda and 12.7% Bivalvia) and the other invertebrates included 7 groups namely, Rhizostoma, Polychaeta, Cirripedia, Amphipoda, Isopoda, Decapoda and Echinodermata. The distribution of benthos is affected by the temperature and salinity of seawater. The concentration of organic matter in seawater and in sediments in shallow waters shows high values in the central part of the Gulf of Suez

Impacts of environmental conditions on macrobenthic distribution along the Suez Gulf, Egypt

Increases in coastal development and human activities leading to sedimentation degrade the quality of water; disturb the natural structure and functions of aquatic communities. The Suez Gulf is a large semi-closed area (~625 km long coastline).The assemblages of bottom fauna were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in the shallow intertidal waters along the western coast of the Suez Gulf. The quality of seawater and sediment structures were analyzed. The distribution of macro-benthos included a total of 38 species of Gastropoda and 9 Bivalvia; and 25 species from the other invertebrates included 7 groups namely, Rhizostoma, Polychaeta, Cirripedia, Amphipoda, Isopoda, Decapoda and Echinodermata. The most dominant group among invertebrate groups was the Polychaeta which included 4 species: Hydroides elegans, Perinereis cultilifera, Perinereis nuntia and Ophelina acuminata. The Cirripedia were represented by 3 species namely, Balanus amphitrite, Chithamalus challengeri and Tetraclita squamosa. The variations in the numerical abundance and biomass of bottom fauna studied between the observation periods and at sampling sites. There was a marked increase in benthos biomass at St. IV (Ras Gharib) yielding an average of 318.8 g/m² in which the gastropod community represented the dominant species in collected samples reaching 270.28 g/m² (84.4% of the total biomass) and numerically numbered 116 ind./m². Veliger larvae of bivalves and gastropods appeared to be present in the plankton for long periods and their production seems to be continuous throughout the year. In the intertidal zone of the Suez Gulf, the values of pH varied within narrow limits. Water temperature and salinity seemed to be important in the distribution and abundance of the macro-benthos communities in the study areas. The organic content in shallow intertidal waters and sediments indicated high values in the central part of the Gulf of Suez

Influence of Alumina (Al2O3) Nanosized Reinforcements on Dimensional Stability of Pure Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposite

Abstract: The current study evaluates the influence of aluminum oxide Al2O3 particle size on the dimensional stability of pure aluminum matrix. Three composites reinforced with 2

Revolutionizing Global Food Security: Empowering Resilience through Integrated AI Foundation Models and Data-Driven Solutions

Food security, a global concern, necessitates precise and diverse data-driven solutions to address its multifaceted challenges. This paper explores the integration of AI foundation models across various food security applications, leveraging distinct data types, to overcome the limitations of current deep and machine learning methods. Specifically, we investigate their utilization in crop type mapping, cropland mapping, field delineation and crop yield prediction. By capitalizing on multispectral imagery, meteorological data, soil properties, historical records, and high-resolution satellite imagery, AI foundation models offer a versatile approach. The study demonstrates that AI foundation models enhance food security initiatives by providing accurate predictions, improving resource allocation, and supporting informed decision-making. These models serve as a transformative force in addressing global food security limitations, marking a significant leap toward a sustainable and secure food future

Right mini-thoracotomy versus median sternotomy for mitral valve replacement

Background: The advantages of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery over the conventional approach is still debated. This study aimed to evaluate early outcomes after mitral valve replacement (MVR) using the right mini-thoracotomy (RMT) versus median sternotomy (MS). Methods: We prospectively included 60 patients who had MVR from May 2015 to June 2017. We classified patients into two groups; Group A (n= 30) had RMT, and Group B (n= 30) had MS. Postoperative pain score, wound satisfaction, and clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were compared between both groups. Results: The mean age was 39.90 ± 12.34 years in Group A and 45.75 ± 13.10 years in Group B (p= 0.08). Preoperative and echocardiographic data showed no statistical significance difference between the groups. Group A had longer aortic cross-clamp (118.85 ± 40.56 vs. 70.75 ± 24.81 minutes, p<0.001) and cardiopulmonary bypass times (186.70 ± 67.44 vs. 104.65 ± 42.60 minutes, p<0.001).  Group B had more blood loss (565 ± 344.3 vs. 241.5 ±89.16 ml/24 hours, p<0.001). The median pain score was 1 (range: 1- 3) in Group A and 4 (2- 8) in Group B (p<0.001), and the median wound satisfaction was 1.5 (1- 4) in Group A and 4 (1- 7) in Group B (p<0.001).  Wound infection occurred in 1 (3.3%) patient in Group A and 6 (20%) patients in Group B (p=0.04). Conclusion: Mitral valve replacement through the right mini-thoracotomy could be a safe alternative to median sternotomy. The right mini-thoracotomy was associated with longer operative times but better pain and wound satisfaction scores and lower wound infection

Recurrence after correction of acquired ankle equinus deformity in children using Ilizarov technique

To describe our Ilizarov technique for the treatment of acquired equinus deformity in children and to determine if compliance with continuous use of an ankle foot orthosis (after removal of the fixator and until skeletal maturity) can influence the severity of recurrence. A cohort of 26 children with post-traumatic or post-burn contractures producing an equinus deformity was followed up for a minimum of 2 years after skeletal maturity. Cases with a bony deformity and/or nerve injury were excluded from this study. All patients were managed by a percutaneous tendo-Achilles lengthening followed by application of an Ilizarov external fixator. Post-operative treatment was in the form of gradual correction at a rate of 0.5 mm per day. Correction started from the second postoperative day until an over-correction of 15 degrees dorsiflexion was achieved. Ankle range of movement was encouraged 4 weeks prior to removal of the external fixator. On removal of the fixator, a posterior splint was applied until substituted by an ankle foot orthoses (AFO). The AFO was used continuously during the first 2–3 months and at nighttime thereafter until skeletal maturity. Fifteen children were compliant with the use of the AFO until skeletal maturity and 11 non-compliant. We compared the recurrence and the size of deformity between the two groups. The rate of recurrence, degree of equinus at recurrence and number of episodes of external fixation surgery showed statistical significant differences (P < 0.01) between the groups. The Ilizarov technique for treatment of acquired equinus deformity secondary to soft tissue scarring is a safe and effective technique. The use of an AFO until skeletal maturity can decrease the risk and degree of recurrence

Reversible myocarditis following Black widow spider (Latrodectus spp.) bite in Egypt: A case report

Black widow spiders (BWSs) are poisonous spiders of the Arthropoda phylum that live in the Mediterranean region. The effects of BWS bites ranges from local damage to systemic manifestations including paresthesia, stiffness, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety, hypertension, and tachycardia. However, cardiac involvement following a BWS bite is uncommon. We report a 35-year-old man who developed acute pulmonary edema with electrocardiogram changes that showed ST elevation in leads I, aVL with reciprocal ST segment depression in infero-lateral leads with elevated cardiac biomarkers. Echocardiography showed regional wall motion abnormalities with an impaired ejection fraction of 40%. The condition was reversible after one week of supportive treatment, and the patient was discharged from the hospital with normal electrocardiogram, ejection fraction, and negative cardiac markers. A routine cardiac evaluation, serial ECG, serial cardiac markers, and echocardiography follow-up should be considered for any patient exposed to a BWS bite for detection of any potentially fatal cardiac abnormalities. Keywords: Black widow spider; Egypt; Spider bites; Myocarditis; Heart failure; Kounis syndrome; Acute coronary syndrome

Stress Factors as Possible Regulators of Pluripotent Stem Cell Survival and Differentiation

In recent years, extensive research efforts have been directed toward pluripotent stem cells, primarily due to their remarkable capacity for pluripotency. This unique attribute empowers these cells to undergo self-renewal and differentiate into various cell types originating from the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm germ layers. The delicate balance and precise regulation of self-renewal and differentiation are essential for the survival and functionality of these cells. Notably, exposure to specific environmental stressors can activate numerous transcription factors, initiating a diverse array of stress response pathways. These pathways play pivotal roles in regulating gene expression and protein synthesis, ultimately aiming to preserve cell survival and maintain cellular functions. Reactive oxygen species, heat shock, hypoxia, osmotic stress, DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mechanical stress are among the examples of such stressors. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the impact of environmental stressors on the growth of embryonic cells. Furthermore, we provide a summary of the distinct stress response pathways triggered when pluripotent stem cells are exposed to different environmental stressors. Additionally, we highlight recent discoveries regarding the role of such stressors in the generation, differentiation, and self-renewal of induced pluripotent stem cells.Scopu

Influenza A Virus Host Shutoff Disables Antiviral Stress-Induced Translation Arrest

Influenza A virus (IAV) polymerase complexes function in the nucleus of infected cells, generating mRNAs that bear 5′ caps and poly(A) tails, and which are exported to the cytoplasm and translated by host machinery. Host antiviral defences include mechanisms that detect the stress of virus infection and arrest cap-dependent mRNA translation, which normally results in the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates of translationally stalled mRNA-protein complexes known as stress granules (SGs). It remains unclear how IAV ensures preferential translation of viral gene products while evading stress-induced translation arrest. Here, we demonstrate that at early stages of infection both viral and host mRNAs are sensitive to drug-induced translation arrest and SG formation. By contrast, at later stages of infection, IAV becomes partially resistant to stress-induced translation arrest, thereby maintaining ongoing translation of viral gene products. To this end, the virus deploys multiple proteins that block stress-induced SG formation: 1) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) inactivates the antiviral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated kinase PKR, thereby preventing eIF2α phosphorylation and SG formation; 2) nucleoprotein (NP) inhibits SG formation without affecting eIF2α phosphorylation; 3) host-shutoff protein polymerase-acidic protein-X (PA-X) strongly inhibits SG formation concomitant with dramatic depletion of cytoplasmic poly(A) RNA and nuclear accumulation of poly(A)-binding protein. Recombinant viruses with disrupted PA-X host shutoff function fail to effectively inhibit stress-induced SG formation. The existence of three distinct mechanisms of IAV-mediated SG blockade reveals the magnitude of the threat of stress-induced translation arrest during viral replication