Weed vegetation ecology of arable land in Salalah, Southern Oman

AbstractThis paper applies multivariate statistical methods to a data set of weed relevés from arable fields in two different habitat types of coastal and mountainous escarpments in Southern Oman. The objectives were to test the effect of environmental gradients, crop plants and time on weed species composition, to rank the importance of these particular factors, and to describe the patterns of species composition and diversity associated with these factors. Through the application of TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA programs on data relating to 102 species recorded in 28 plots and farms distributed in the study area, six plant communities were identified: I- Dichanthium micranthum, II- Cynodon dactylon–D. micranthum, III- Convolvulus arvensis, IV- C. dactylon–Sonchus oleraceus, V- Amaranthus viridis and VI- Suaeda aegyptiaca–Achyranthes aspera. The ordination process (CCA) provided a sequence of plant communities and species diversity that correlated with some anthropogenic factors, physiographic variables and crop types. Therefore, length of time since farm construction, disturbance levels and altitude are the most important factors related to the occurrence of the species. The perennial species correlated with the more degraded mountain areas of new farm stands, whereas most of the annuals correlated with old lowland and less disturbed farms

Population structure of woody plants in the arid cloud forests of Dhofar, southern Oman

This study evaluates the size frequency distribution of 11 trees and shrubs in the cloud forest in Wadi Garziz, southern Oman, in order to assess their current situation, which is affected by cutting, overgrazing and other constraints. A size class distribution and a vegetation structure analysis were applied in order to analyze the dynamics of this forest using census data from 51 plots selected across 5 transects covering the hill-slope andwadi-bed habitats. Some of the trees inhabiting the hill-slopes (e.g. Acacia senegal and Commiphora spp.) were found to exhibit an inverse J-shaped distribution with constant regeneration, whilst in the wadi bed these same trees exhibited a J-shaped distribution (i.e. of declining populations). On the other hand, Acacia etbaica inhabiting the hill- slopes exhibited a tendency towards a J-shaped distribution and an inverse J-shaped distribution in the wadi-bed. All the populations (i.e. inhabiting the hill-slopes and the beds) of Anogeissus dhofarica had a J-shaped distribution whereas all the populations of Blepharispermum hirtum had a more or less inverse J-shaped distribution. The Ziziphus spina-christi and Acacia tortilis populations, meanwhile, exhibited the bi-modal shape of size distribution. The shrubs inhabiting the hill-slopes (e.g. Coroton confertus and Ormocarpum dhofarense) exhibited a tendency towards a J-shaped distribution; such distribution characterizes a declining population with a limited regenerational capacity. Overall, most of the examined populations, except those of Acacia etbaica in wadi-bed and Blepharispermum hirtum, seemed to be under stress from both environmental and human factors, particularly in the wadi bed. This type of study can provide a basis for the development of a management plan to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest vegetation in an arid region

GASTRO-PROTECTION OF ATORVASTATIN IN INDOMETHACIN-INDUCED ULCER: ROLE OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA AND PROSTAGLANDINS

Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as over-the-counter pain-killers may predispose to gastric ulcer as a side effect.The objective of this study is to investigate the possible benefit of a common statin used in hyperlipedemic patients;atorvastatin (AtoR), in ameliorating the ulcerogenic effect of indomethacin (IndoM), and to explore the possible mechanismsinvolved. AtoR (10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 7 days. At day 7, gastric ulcer was induced by a single dose ofIndoM (40 mg/kg i.p.), with or without AtoR pre-treatment. IndoM induced gastric ulcer as evident by notable gastriculceration in histopathological sections compared to normal control. Gastric tissue in rats receiving IndoM showedsignificantly higher oxidative stress markers as lipid peroxidation represented by increased malondialdehyde (MDA)content, with significant decrease in gastric tissue nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, as well as reductionin catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzymatic activities. In addition, IndoM induced inflammatory signs asshown by the significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level assessed via ELISA. Pre-administration ofAtoR significantly decreased ulcer index (16±1) compared to that of IndoM alone (34±2). In addition, AtoR restored normalgastric histological structure and reverted oxidative and inflammatory markers tested. AtoR confers gastro-protection againstIndoM-induced ulceration via reducing gastric oxidative stress and increasing gastric NO and PGE2 levels, as well asdecreasing the inflammatory marker; TNF-α

Antioxidant activity and mineral composition of three Mediterranean common seaweeds from Abu-Qir Bay, Egypt

AbstractAntioxidant activity and mineral composition were evaluated seasonally from spring to autumn 2010 in the three common seaweeds Ulva lactuca Linnaeus (Chlorophyta), Jania rubens (Linnaeus) J.V. Lamouroux and Pterocladia capillacea (S.G. Gmelin) Bornet (Rhodophyta). The antioxidant activity was measured with β-carotene, total phenol content and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Seaweeds were collected from the rocky site near Boughaz El-Maadya Abu-Qir Bay of Alexandria, Egypt. The results showed maximum increase of β-carotene in P. capillacea during summer. A significant increase in total phenolic content at P⩽0.05 was found in the red alga (J. rubens) during summer. Also, U. lactuca showed the maximum antioxidant scavenging activity especially during summer. Minerals in all investigated samples were higher than those in conventional edible vegetables. Na/K ratio ranged between 0.78 and 2.4mg/100g, which is a favorable value. All trace metals exceeded the recommended doses by Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI). During summer season, it was found that Cu=2.02±0.13 and Cr=0.46±0.14mg/100g in U. lactuca and Fe had a suitable concentration (18.37±0.5mg/100g) in P. capillacea. The studied species were rich in carotenoids, phenolic compounds, DPPH free radicals and minerals, therefore, they can be used as potential source of health food in human diets and may be of use to food industry

Assessment of the impact of intrauterine growth restriction on gastrointestinal tract tolerance to nutrition in very low birth weight neonates at Zagazig University Hospital

Introduction: Very low birth weight (VLBW) is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than1.5 kilograms. The main cause of a baby having VLBW is being born too early and this is called preterm or premature birth. Premature means a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Another cause of very low birth weight is when a baby does not grow well during pregnancy and this is called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), it may happen because of problems with the placenta, the mother's health, or birth defects.Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of intrauterine growth restriction on gastrointestinal tract tolerance to nutrition in very low birth weight neonates. Patients and Methods: This study was applied on 48 very low birth weight neonates who were divided into two equal groups (AGA and SGA groups). They were admitted to NICU in Zagazig University Children Hospital, during the period from March 2020 to September 2020.Results: Incidence rate of feeding intolerance was nearly equal in SGA and AGA very low birth weight neonates, but incidence of feeding intolerance signs were different between them. Conclusion: Intra-uterine growth restricted Very low birth weight newborns were susceptible to intrauterine deprivation of nutrients to gastrointestinal tract due to placental insufficiency resulting in prematurity and immaturity of gastrointestinal tract function resulting in poor tolerability of GIT to enteral feeding. Trophic feeding, which was early initiation of enteral feeding along with parenteral nutrition seemed to improve feeding tolerance, decrease duration of parenteral nutrition, insure more mature intestinal motility patterns and increase growth rate

Sonohysterography for evaluation of endometrial abnormalities associated with tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate sonohysterography for the diagnosis of endometrial abnormalities in women treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer.Patients and methodsWe assessed 37 women treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer who underwent sonohysterography and correlative endometrial biopsy for evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding or thickened endometrium greater than 8mm. In 14 patients, endometrial biopsy was followed by endovaginal sonography to ensure removal of endometrial pathology. Sonohysterography findings were compared with histopathology results.ResultsSonohysterography findings coincided with histopathology results in 27 of 37 cases including 19 of 23 cases of endometrial polyps, 6 of 8 cases with thickened endometria and two cases had normal endometrium. Sonohysterography findings did not coincide with histopathology in 3 of the 14 cases who underwent endovaginal sonography after endometrial biopsy compared to 7 of the 23 cases who did not undergo such examination and 4 of these missed 7 cases were for endometrial polyps.ConclusionSonohysterography is a useful procedure for the diagnosis of endometrial abnormalities in tamoxifen-treated women. Endometrial abnormalities are better diagnosed on sonohysterography than on endometrial biopsy which has the limitation of some missed endometrial polyps, a problem that may be minimized by performing endovaginal sonography after endometrial biopsy

Factors influencing pain and functional impairment in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Introduction: Arthritic pain and impairment are all too prevalent with osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of the illness. Numeric scoring systems can be used to assess knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients' levels of pain. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the possible factors that increase pain and functional impairment in knee OA leading to increased VAS and WOMAC score.Patients and Methods: On 58 osteoarthritis patients, at Zagazig University Hospitals' Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, we conducted this cross-sectional trial. An extensive physical examination, a set of lab tests, and a series of X-rays were all performed on each patient. We utilized the WOMAC index from the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities as well as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS "0-10 cm") to assess functions and pain. For determining the severity, we utilized grading scale of Kellgren and Lawrence.Results: BMI, deformity, ESR, radiological grading are indicators of functional impairment and pain index among cases who had knee osteoarthritis.Conclusion: Presence of knee deformities and advanced X-ray grading were associated with higher pain score and more functional impairment, so we should prevent their progression. BMI is a main risk factor for higher pain scores and functional impairments

Structured Health Literacy Intervention for Mothers Regarding Stem Cells Therapy

Background: Stem cells have tremendous promise uses for the future to treat a variety of diseases, injuries, and other health-related conditions. Their potential is evident to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of applying a structured health literacy intervention regarding stem cells therapy (SCT) on the mothers' level of knowledge and attitude. Methodology: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-post test design was utilized. The study involved 302 mothers recruited from the pediatric outpatient clinics of Mansoura University Children Hospital (MUCH), Egypt. Data were collected using two structured interview sheets (knowledge and attitude). Results: There were highly statistically significant differences in mothers’ knowledge and attitude one-month post-application of the structured health literacy intervention regarding stem cells therapy compared to pre-application (P=<0.001). Conclusion: Application of a structured health literacy intervention showed a significant improvement in mothers' level of knowledge and attitude regarding stem cells therapy. Keywords: Attitude, Health Literacy, Knowledge, Stem Cells Therapy. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/61-06 Publication date: April 30th 201