143 research outputs found
Considerations concerning the origin of the Estoril (Portugal) thermal water
In the urban area of Estoril, a Portuguese tourist village 20 km westward from Lisbon, hot mineral waters (thermal waters) spout out from natural springs which have been known since the 19th century. The thermal waters are of the sodium chloride type, with total dissolved solids and temperatures higher than the ones of the regional waters. Isotopic data are consistent with a meteoric origin for both the regional and thermal waters of the Estoril area: δ180 (‰), -4.16 to -3.52 and δ2H (‰), -25.5 to -18.7. The thermal water composition can be derived from the regional water composition assuming the dissolution of evaporite minerals, cation exchange and precipitation of calcite. The thermal water flow system has probably the recharge area somewhere in between Estoril and the Sintra mountain. The elevation difference between the recharge area and the sea provides the driving force for groundwater movement to the Estoril area where the upward movement of the mineralised and warm water is controlled by an impermeable barrier of dykes and open fractures in the pre-existing rocks.En la zona urbana de Estoril surgen aguas termales calientes de fuentes naturales conocidas desde el siglo XIXL. as aguas termales son del tipo cloruro sódico, y tienen una cantidad total de sólidos disueltos y una temperatura mayores que la habitual en las aguas regionales. Los datos isotópicos sugieren un origen meteórico tanto para las aguas regionales como para las termales, ya que los valores δ180 O están comprendidos entre -4.16 y -3.52 (%O) y los δ2H entre -25.5 y -18.7 (%o). La composición de las aguas termales puede deducirse de la composición de las aguas regionales, teniendo en cuenta la disolución de minerales evaporíticos, el intercambio de cationes y la precipitación de calcita. La zona de recarga del sistema de flujo acuático se localiza probablemente entre Estoril y las montañas de Sintra. La diferencia de cota topográfica entre la zona de recarga y el mar es la causante del movimiento del agua subterránea hacia la zona de Estoril, donde el ascenso de aguas mineralizadas y calientes está controlado por una barrera impermeable de diques y fracturas abiertas en la roca pre-existente
Problematique de la gestion des eaux souterraines au Maroc
Maroc a toujours fait du développent du secteur de l'eau une priorité et un choix stratégique. Ce secteur qui constitue un des principaux leviers du développement économique et social, se trouve confronté a deux défis essentiels: - L'épuisement des ressources en eau en rapport avec l'accroissement de la demande en eau tous usages confondus, avec une tendance a la pénurie absolue d'ici 2025. - La dégradation des ressources en eau qui subissent différentes formes de pollution. La rareté des ressources en eau, et la forte irrégularité aussi bien spatiale, que temporelle, qui caractérisent le contexte marocain, ont conditionné les choix des pouvoirs publics 2 adopter une stratégie globale dont les résultats ont prouvé son efficacité particulikrement durant les périodes de sécheresse consécutives. Cette stratégie tout azimuts a concerné aussi bien le plan législatif et réglementaire, que le plan de la mobilisation et de la protection des ressources en eau. Les études de pldcation entreprises ont montré que les ressources en eau conventionnelles seront saturées au niveau de la majorité de bassins a l'horizon 2020, et que ces déficits prévus risquent d'gtre aggravés dans le cas de conjonction avec des périodes de sécheresse. La politique de mobilisation et de protection des ressources en eau, en particulier souterraine dont le potentiel mobilisable est de l'ordre de 4 milliards de m3 sur un total de 20 milliards, nécessite une gestion participative ainsi que le recours a de nouvelles approches et technologies pour compléter les méthodes conventionnelles utilisées jusqu'a présent.Marruecos siempre ha considerado prioritario y estratégico el desarrollo del sector del agua. Este sector, que constituye una de las principales palancas del desarrollo económico y social, se enfrenta a dos desafíos principales: - La disminución de los recursos hídricos en relación con el aumento de la demanda para todo tipo de usos del agua, con una tendencia hacia la penuria absoluta de aquí a 2025. - La degradación de los recursos hídricos que sufren diferentes tipos de poluciones. La escasez de los recursos hídricos, así como la fuerte irregularidad tanto espacial como temporal que caracteriza al contexto marroquí, han condicionado las opciones de los poderes públicos a la hora de adoptar una estrategia global cuyos resultados han demostrado ser efectivos, particularmente durante los consecutivos períodos de sequía. Esta estrategia multiobjetivos han involucrado tanto a los planes legislativo y reglamentario, como a los planes de movilización y de la protección de los recursos hídricos. Los estudios de planificación llevados a cabo han demostrado que los recursos hídricos convencionales estarán saturados en la mayoría de las cuencas hacia el año 2020, y que estos déficits previstos corren el riesgo de agravarse en el caso de la coincidencia con períodos de sequía. La política de movilización y de protección de los recursos hídricos, en particular de los subterráneos cuyo potencial movilizable es del orden de 4.000 millones de m3 sobre un total de 20.000, necesita una gestión participativa, así como el recurso a nuevos enfoques y tecnologías para completar los métodos convencionales utilizados hasta ahora
Anthropogenic features in the Sines (Portugal) and Essaouira (Morocco) coastal aquifers: a comparative study of their hydrochemical evolution by a Principal Component Analysis.
Considering the effects of climatic conditions on groundwater resources salinization and quality, a comparative study was conducted on the coastal aquifers of Sines (Portugal) and Essaouira (Morocco). Under the climatic and environmental conditions these two basins present different vulnerabilities to anthropogenic activities. Both aquifers correspond to sedimentary basins with similar structures and lithologies. From the available physical, chemical and piezometric data, two series of results of each area were selected corresponding to two different years that were analysed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Sines basin is characterised by a temperate climate. In the Sines aquifer the waterrock interaction process is the major mechanism responsible for the groundwater evolution, conferring a calcium-bicarbonate facies. Applying the PCA, punctual anthropogenic contamination was identified and linked to agricultural activities. The water resources of the Essaouira basin are characteristic of a semi-arid climate, and are severely impacted by the climate (quantity and quality). PCA allowed the evaluation of the contribution of the Tidzi diapir in the water recharge that confers to the groundwater a sodium-chloride facies. Although this statistical method did not shown a nitrate contamination input in the Essaouira multi-aquifer, this polluent presents locally high values. Also the very high evaporation and scarce precipitation activate the processes of salinization and contamination.Considerando los efectos de las condiciones climáticas sobre la calidad y la salinidad de las aguas subterráneas, se ha llevado a cabo un estudio comparativo entre los acuíferos costeros de Sines (Portugal) y de Essaouira (Marruecos). Teniendo en cuenta las condiciones climáticas y el medio ambiente de estas dos cuencas, resultan distintas vulnerabilidades a las actividades antrópicas. Ambos acuíferos se localizan en cuencas sedimentarias de estructura y de litología idénticas. Un Análisis de Componentes Principales fue realizado a partir de datos físicos, químicos y piezométricos conseguidos durante dos años en cada área. La cuenca de Sines se caracteriza por un clima templado. En el acuífero de Sines el desarrollo de las interacciones agua-roca es mayoritariamente responsable de la modificación de las aguas subterráneas, confiriendo una facies calcio-bicarbonatada. Mediante un Análisis de Componentes Principales, se identificó una contaminación antropogénica puntual de origen agrícola. Los recursos en agua de la cuenca de Essaouira están dentro de un clima semiárido, dependiendo muchísimo de este (cantidad y calidad). La utilización de la citada metodología permitió evidenciar la contribución del diapiro Tidzi en las aguas de recargas, confiriendo una facies de cloruro sódico en las aguas subterráneas. Aunque este método estadístico no permitió la demostración de la contaminación por los nitratos en los diversos acuíferos de Essaouira, aquel contaminante se encontraba puntualmente en altas concentraciones. Por otra parte, la fuerte evaporación y las bajas precipitaciones amplían el fenómeno de salinidad y de contaminación
Potentialites hydrogeologiques du synclinal de kourimat (Bassin D'essaouira, Maroc)
The synclinal basin of Kourimat, situated in the oriental part of Essaouira basin, shelters an aquiferous carbonate. This aquiferous represents the unique resource in water for the region. The study undertaken on this aquiferous has allowed us the characterize it viewpoint hydrodynamically, hydrogeologically and hydrogeochimically. The piezometric map of the system shows a senses of water flow underground of the southeast to the northwest. The hydraulic gradient varies from the upstream to the downstream. The evolution of the piezometry at one time watch of annual and seasonal fluctuations in connection with variations of precipitations. The results of chemical analyses have allowed to distinguish two aquiferious: the first is Cenomanian, the second is Turonian. Theses aquiferious were diffrenciated by there chemical facies and the origine of chemicals elements.La cuvette synclinale de Kourimat, située dans la partie orientale du bassin d'Essaouira, abrite un aquifere carbonaté constituant l'unique ressource en eau de la région. L'étude entreprise sur cet aquifere a permis de le caractériser de point de vue hydrodynamique, hydrogéologique et hydrogéochimique. La carte piézométrique du systeme montre un sens d'écoulement global du sud-est vers le nord-ouest. Le gradient hydraulique varie de l'amont vers l'aval. Les fluctuations piézométriques montrent une bonne corrélation avec les aléas climatiques. Les résultas de l'étude hydrochimique ont permis de mettre en évidence l'existence de deux nappes: la premiere dans le Cénomanien et l'autre dans le Turonien. Ces deux nappes se différencient par leurs facies chimiques et par l'origine des éléments en solution
Dermatoglyphics: in health and disease - a review
Dermatoglyphics is the study of finger print patterns and the term was coined by Harold Cummins in 1926. Finger prints are imprints of epidermal ridges, which are formed in early embryonic life, during 10th to 16th week of intrauterine life and remain permanent during whole life. Dermatoglyphic patterns have polygenic inheritance and are affected by environmental factors in the uterus. Finger print patterns are mainly of three types: arches whorls and loops; though there are more than 100 ridge characteristics, called Galton’s details, in a single rolled finger print. Dermatoglyphics is not only used in the identification of an individual but also serves as a mirror of one’s potential and talent. In this review, we will be discussing Dermatoglyphics and its important role in the diagnosis of chromosomal disorders and other diseases which have some genetic bases
Using Geochemical and Isotope Investigations for Groundwater Management Strategies Under Semi-Arid Area: Case of the Wadi Ouazzi Basin (Morocco)
The characteristics of Essaouira basin water resources are a semi-arid climate, which is severely impacted by the climate (quantity and quality). Considering the importance of the Essaouira aquifer in the groundwater supply of the region, a study was conducted in order to comprehend this aquifer groundwater evolution. The Essaouira aquifer is a coastal aquifers located on the Atlantic coastline, southern (Morocco), corresponding to a sedimentary basin with an area of near 200 km2.A water sampling from twenty wells, drillings and sources belonging to the Plio-quaternary and Tu-ronian aquifers was realized (what was realized). Samples examined from the ground for electric conductivity and temperature, determined waters belonging to the Plio-quaternary and Turonian aquifers present very variable electric conductivities from 900 µs/cm to 3880 µs/cm. In spite of this variability, they form the same family and are characterized by sodium-chloride facies. There exists, however, a good correlation between the electric conductivity and chloride and sodium contents. Therefore the lower electric conductivities are situated in the North quarter immediately in the south of the Wadi Ouazzi. Keywords: Management, Wadi Ouazzi, Drought, Strategies, Semi-arid, Turonian, Plio-Quaternary
Caractérisation hydrodynamique, hydrochimique et isotopique du système aquifère de Kourimat (Bassin d’Essaouira, Maroc)
The synclinal basin of Kourimat, subdivided in two sub-basins (Igounzar in the North, and Zeltene in the South), is situated in the oriental part of Essaouira basin shelters a carbonate aquifer system contained in the limestones and dolomitic limestones of the Cenomanian and the Turonian. These ground waters represent the only drinking water and irrigation resource for the region.The geological formations outcropping in the studied area, start with the clay and marly formations of the terminal Jurassic in the south of Zelten watershed, and end with the sandy and loamy Quaternary formations in coastal areas in the Low Qsob watershed. The Middle and Upper Cretaceous (marl, fractured limestone, and dolomites) represent the rest of the stratigraphic series especially in the areas of the Igrounzar watershed (up to 85% of the outcrops) and in Zelten (up to 50%).The field occupation is not very significant. It basically consists of three types: 1) cultures (essentially cereals) where it is possible (on the marly soils of the Cretaceous, the Quaternary and the Eocene); 2) uncovered areas corresponding to the fissured and karstic limestone outcrops of the Cretaceous and the Jurassic formations, and 3) forests (coniferous trees) in the downstream part of the catchments area (Plio-quaternary soils and mountainous reinforcements of the Western High Atlas). Like for other undeveloped areas of Morocco, the Meskala basin is also subjected to an intensive deforestation (wood for heating and cooking).The study undertaken on the Cenomano-turonian aquifer has allowed us to characterize it from the hydrodynamical, hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical point of view. The piezometric map of the two regrouped aquifer levels shows water flow senses from the SE to the NW. The hydraulic gradient varies from upstream to downstream, being weak n the central zone relative to the best hydrodynamic characteristics. The time evolution of the piezometry shows annual and seasonal fluctuations in connection with the variations of precipitations. Hydrodynamic characteristics have been calculated by means of the interpretation of data of pumping tests, performed in the region by the General Hydraulic Administration of Morocco.On the hydrochemical point of view, results of chemical analyses have allowed us to determine the chemical facies of waters of the two aquifers, their interaction and their quality for the human consumption and their use in agriculture.To better understand the functioning modalities of the Meskala-Kourimat aquifer system, an isotopic study has been performed that showed the variations relative to the altitude of the recharge zones of the different channels. The altitudinal gradient in O18, estimated to 0,25‰ every 100 m confirms the validity of this result at a regional scale. The oxygène-18/deutérium relationship (δ2H = 7,74*(δ18O) + 10,83) indicates an Atlantic system of the precipitation without evaporation. This suggests a quick infiltration, also confirmed by the importance of the fracturation developed in limestones and dolomitic limestones of the Cenomano-turonian aquifer of Meskala-Kourimat.La cuvette synclinale de Kourimat comprenant deux sous bassins celui de Zeltène et d’Igrounzar, est située dans la partie orientale du bassin d’Essaouira, abrite un système aquifère carbonaté, représenté par les calcaires du Cénomanien et les calcaires dolomitiques du Turonien. Les eaux de cet aquifère constituent l’unique ressource pour la région tant pour l’alimentation en eau potable que pour l’irrigation.Le Jurassique plus prépondérant dans le sous bassin du Zeltène est caractérisé par une dominance des formations plutôt étanches (marnes argiles rouges, etc.). Les formations carbonatées du Crétacé, d’extension spatiale fort dominante, représentent à peu près de 50% de la superficie du Zeltène et presque 85% de celle d’Igrounzar. Il s’agit de calcaires dolomitiques, calcaires marneux et de marno-calcaires et marnes calcaires très fracturés à karstqiques. L’occupation des sols est assez sommaire. Elle se résume en gros à trois types de couverts : 1) des cultures (céréaliculture) sur les terrains marneux d’age crétacé, sur le Plio-Quaternaire et l’Eocène ; 2) des terrains nus correspondant aux affleurements des dalles calcaires fissurées et karstiques du Crétacé et aux formations jurassiques, et 3) des forêts (résineux) dans la partie aval du bassin versant sur les terrains d’age plio-quaternaire et sur les renforts montagneux du Haut Atlas Occidental. A l’instar de toutes les régions défavorisées du Royaume, le bassin du Qsob est lui aussi soumis à un déboisement intensif (bois de chauffe et de cuisson).L’apport de cet article a permis de caractériser l’aquifère Cénomano-turonien du point de vue hydrodynamique, hydrogéologique et hydrogéochimique. La carte piézométrique représentant deux niveaux aquifères regroupés montre un sens d’écoulement des eaux souterraines du sud-est vers le nord-ouest. Le gradient hydraulique varie de l’amont vers l’aval ; il est faible dans la zone centrale en relation avec de meilleures caractéristiques hydrodynamiques. L’évolution de la piézométrie dans le temps montre des fluctuations interannuelles et saisonnières en relation avec les variations pluviométriques. Les caractéristiques hydrodynamiques ont été calculées par le biais de l’interprétation des données des pompages d’essais, réalisés dans la région par l’Agence Générale de l’Hydraulique.Sur le plan hydrochimique, les résultats des analyses physico-chimiques ont permis de déterminer les faciès chimiques des eaux des deux nappes, leur interaction et leur qualité pour la consommation humaine et l’utilisation en agriculture.Pour mieux comprendre les modalités de fonctionnement du système aquifère de Meskala-Kourimat, l’étude isotopique entreprise a montré la variation des teneurs en O18 des points d’eau avec l’altitude des zones de recharge des différents exutoires. Le gradient altitudinal en O18, estimé à 0,25‰ par 100 m confirme par ailleurs la validité régionale de celui-ci par d’autres auteurs. La relation oxygène-18/deutérium δ2H = 7,74*(δ18O) + 10,83 traduit un régime atlantique des précipitation sans évaporation qui suggère une infiltration rapide, confirmée également par l’importante fracturation des calcaires et calcaires dolomitiques de l’aquifère cénomano-turonien de Meskala-Kourimat
Clinical and biochemical comparative study between alternate and every day clofibrate – lovastatin combination therapy on mixed hyperlipidaemia
Mixed hyperlipidaemia is the most common form of hyperlipidaemias,where the patients have an elevation in both triglycerides and cholesterol levels with a high risk of atherosclerosis and chronic heart diseases. The therapeutic approach for this disorder described a range from nonpharmacologic lifestyle modifications to newly introduced pharmacologic options.Depending on the basis of recent reports involve fibrate - statin combination and associated with increase the incidence of side effects (myopathy, hepatotoxicity) and therapeutic cost, we suggest and investigate in our study a clinical trial for management of this metabolic disorder by using clofibrate and lovastatin on alternate days instead of the standard daily combination of the same drugs.
The study compares the safety, efficacy and cost of both therapeutic regimens for three months follow
- up period. A total of 44 patients with a known mixed hyperlipidaemia were enrolled in this study. Of the 40 patients who completed the study, 20 (10 males, 10 females) received alternate - day therapy (group I), their age and weight ranges were (40-65) years and (62-85) Kg, respectively. The remaining 20 (10 males, 10 females) received every day therapy (group II), their age and weight ranges were (42- 67) years and (65-89) Kg, respectively. Ten healthy age – matched control subjects (5 males , 5 females) .
The biochemical investigations involve measuring total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels as parameters of lipid - lowering agent efficacy; while SGOT,SGPT and CK levels as parameters of safety. All of these parameters were determined at baseline (day 0) and after three months of treatment for both therapeutic groups.
The study revealed that there was no significant difference between both treatment groups regarding the percent changes in lipid profiles from baseline values. These profiles had been returned to normal limits in all patients in both groups. The mean of SGOT levels for both treatment groups was significantly higher than that of control, but with group II the extent was more, while for SGPT levels group II only was significantly higher (less safety) than control one. With respect to CK levels and for both treatment groups, only slight elevation (not significant) occurred compared with control, but with group II the extent was more.With group I, the therapeutic cost was reduced by nearly 50% compared with group-II. By this clinical and biochemical trial, we decreased the side effects and cost of fibrate - statin combination while keeping their efficacy in lowering serum lipids
Effect of some anticancer drugs on the growth of children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Iraq
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of leukemia in children. It represents about 75% of all leukemia types in children less than 15 years old and peak incidence at (2-5) years old. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of chemotherapeutic regimens used for Iraqi children with ALL by assessing anthropometric parameters, oxidative state markers, and metabolic state. This prospective randomized clinical study was carried out on (30) newly diagnosed children with ALL (6 months – 8 years old) in Iraq. According to the FAB-classification, the patients grouped as L1 group (n=16) and L2 group (n=14). A healthy children (n=14) were involved and considered as a control group to compare their normal data with these of patients groups. The IGF-I, albumin, total serum protein, BMI, TAS, and LDH were determined at baseline, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months of the treatment regimen. The results showed that the mean level of serum IGF-I in both patient groups was significantly lower than that of control children at baseline, and it is increased significantly after receiving treatment while no significance difference between patients of both groups. Serum albumin, total serum protein, and BMI showed no significant differences in both patient groups when compared with the control group at baseline and after receiving treatment, also, between patients of both groups. TAS showed a significant reduction at baseline and after receiving treatment of both patients’ groups when compared with the control children, and there was a significant difference between patients of both groups. For LDH, there was a significant elevation in the mean level at baseline for both patients’ groups when compared with the control children, while after receiving treatment a significant reduction noticed in both groups when compared with control children and no significance difference between patients of both groups. These results can give indication for the effect of chemotherapy on the growth and nutrition of ALL children through their effects on IGF-I, which has a direct effect on GH and the reduction in the levels of total proteins and albumin, which may affect BMI, while the reduction in TAS during chemotherapy treatment may result in disruption of cells metabolism which will affect the normal body homeostasis. Keywords: ALL, Growth, IGF-I, Chemotherapy
Origine et datation des eaux souterraines du bassin hydrologique de la lagune d’Oualidia
Le Sahel d’Oualidia fait partie du littoral atlantique. Il borde la lagune d’Oualidia, avec un climat dominant de type semi-aride. Dans cette zone, les aquifères carbonatés de grès calcaire plio-quaternaire et du calcaire de Dridrate (Hauterivien supérieur), sont en relation directe avec l’océan atlantique. Ces aquifères subissent des prélèvements par pompage destinés à l’irrigation de cultures maraîchères et à l’alimentation de la population rurale. Par conséquent, ils sont menacés par des problèmes de surexploitation et de salinisation par intrusion marine. De nombreuses questions sont actuellement posées sur l’importance des ressources souterraines exploitées et sur leur état de salinité. Dans le cadre de cette étude, l’utilisation des isotopes stables 18O et 2H, a permis de mettre en évidence la recharge des aquifères qui se fait par des pluies d’origine atlantique. Les eaux souterraines sont localement affectées par des intrusions d’eau océanique. La datation de certains échantillons par le 14C a permis de révéler des âges anciens. D’autres analyses seront réalisées pour vérifier ces hypothèses.El Sahel de Oualidia se encuentra en el litoral atlántico. Está en el borde de la laguna de Oualidia con un clima predominantemente de tipo semi-árido. En esta zona, los acuíferos carbonatados de las areniscas calcáreas plio-cuaternarias y de la caliza de Dridrate (Hauteriviense superior) están relacionados directamente con el Océano Atlántico. Estos acuíferos están sometidos a descarga por bombeos utilizados para el riego de los cultivos de las marismas y para el abastecimiento de la población rural. Por ello, están amenazados por problemas de sobreexplotación y de salinización por intrusión marina. Se plantean actualmente numerosas cuestiones sobre la importancia de los recursos subterráneos explotados y sobre su estado de salinización. Dentro del marco de este estudio, la utilización de isótopos estables de 18O y 2H permite poner en evidencia la recarga de los acuíferos que se efectúa por las lluvias de origen atlántico. Las aguas subterráneas se ven localmente afectadas por intrusiones de agua oceánica. La datación de algunas muestras por el 14C demuestra la existencia de edades antiguas. Se realizarán otros análisis para verificar estas hipótesis
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