Vol.1 No.3 -6 : Toxic effects of some pesticides on the enzymatic activities and spermatogenesis of the land snail Monacha cantiana.

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By : Sharaf, H.M.*,Abd El-Atti M.S. and Salama, M.A.

Abstract

Laboratory studies have been carried out on the toxic effects of three different pesticides namely, Diazinon, Lambdacyhalothrin and Methomyl as poisonous baits against the land snail, Monacha cantiana. The activities of five vital tissue enzymes, as Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Aspartate transaminase (AST). Alanine transaminase(ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were examined after exposure of these snails to LC50 (5ppm) of the tested pesticides for 96hr. Results showed clearly that all sublethal concentrations of tested pesticides lead to a significant increase in the activities of the enzymatic levels within tissues of treated snails. On the other hand, LC25 (2.5 ppm) of Diazinon was found to produce severe histopathological alterations in the hermaphrodite gland of M. cantiana, including, deterioration in germinal epithelium of the acini spermatocytes as well as reduction in numbers of sperms which are inhibited to develop to the late stages of maturity.

6. Toxic effects of some pesticides on the enzymatic activities and spermatogenesis of the land snail Monacha cantiana.

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Vol.1 No.2 -6 : Life cycle of Eimeria rhinopomi sp. nov. (Apicomplexa Eimeriidae) infecting lesser mouse-tailed bat, Rhinopoma hardwickii Gray, 1831 (Chiroptera Rhinopomatidae) in Egypt.

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By : Fathy A. Abdel-Ghaffar1, Mohammed A. Shazly1,Ola H. El-Habit2 , Irene S. Gamil2,Reda M. Mansour2

Abstract

Developmental stages of the life cycle of E. rhinopomi sp. nov. were described for the first time from the lesser mouse-tailed bat, Rhinopoma hardwickii in Egypt. 152 bats were collected from October 2012 to December 2014 and examined for the presence of coccidian parasites. The infection rate was 26.32%. The collected unsporulated oocysts from the naturally infected bats were allowed to sporulate in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Events of sporulation and sporulation time were described. The sporulated oocysts were subspherical to ovoid measuring 29.1-36.2 x 27.3-30.2 μm and limited by a smooth double-layered wall; no micropyle but a polar granule and oocyst residuum were observed. The sporocyst measured 8.6-9.1 x 6.4-7.3 μm with a sporocyst residuum; Stieda and substieda bodies were also observed. Experimental inoculation of sporulated oocysts was carried out and the developmental endogenous stages (merogony and gamogony) were followed up and described. The prepatent period was 4 days while the patent period was 10-12 days. Endogenous stages took place in the lamina propria and epithelial cells of the upper third of the small intestine of the experimentally infected bats. Merogony occurred at 25-60 h p.i. and only one generation was observed. The mature meronts measured 10.3 x 6.2μm and yielded up to 50 merozoites. Gamogony occurred at 72-96 h p.i. The mature microgamonts measured 8.2 x 6 μm and contained up to 30 small nuclei while the mature macrogamonts measured 11.3 x 10.2 μm and contained 2 types of wall-forming bodies (types I&II). At 90-96 h p.i., newly-formed zygotes or young oocysts were observed.

Vol.1 No.2 -5 : Ultrastructural evidence of spermatogenesis in the rusty parrotfish, Scarus ferrugineus (Teleostei Scaridae).

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By : T. El-Sayed Ali1*#, S. H. Abdel-Aziz1,

Abstract

This work analyses the spermatogenesis in the males of Scarus ferrugineus from histological and ultrastructural points of view. This study was carried out during the period of formation of spermatozoa thus being able to determine the pattern of spermiogenesis which is important for phylogenetic analysis. Histological examination revealed that the germ cells are classified into spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, spermatids and spermatozoon based on morphology and size of the nucleus, organelles and centriolar morphology. Ultrastructural characteristics of primary spermatocytes show large nuclei with moderately compacted clusters of chromatin while secondary spermatocytes are comparatively smaller in size with central nuclei and scattered chromatin in either pole. The spermatozoon of this species is characterized by: the diplosome remains outside the nuclear fossa, the nucleus rotates at a slight degree and the flagellum is asymmetrically located, the two centrioles are arranged perpendicular to each other and no more than five spherical mitochondria are observed. Structural characteristics of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells were also described and discussed.

Vol.1 No.2 -4 : Microbiological and molecular studies on Salmonella spp. isolated from broilers in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt.

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By : Mohamed T. Shaaban 1, Hegazy , A.M 2,Sami I.Menisy 3

Abstract

Prevalence of Salmonella pathogen in poultry in Kafr El – Sheikh governorate, Egypt were analyzed in 100 pooled samples from poultry (liver, spleen , cloacal swab, gall bladder ), using culture and PCR based methods. The results showed that S. enteric was detected in 10 samples (10%), S. enterica serovar Enteritidis , S. enterica serovars Typhimurium and non-typable serovars were detected in 4(40%) , 2(20%) and 4(40%) respectively . All isolates were multi-drug resistant .Also, all isolates had drug resistant genes except for only one isolate was S. enterica serovar Enteritidis . No integrons were detected.

4. Microbiological and molecular studies on Salmonella spp. isolated from broilers in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt.

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Vol.1 No.2 -3 : Environmental and physiological impacts of heavy metals on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

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By : Bayomy, M. F. F1, Alne-na-ei, A. A.1, Gaber, H. S.2, Sayed, H. A3. Khairy D.M2

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the distribution of selected metals (Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu) in tissues of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) grown along El- Khadrawia drain – Mubark industrial Zone. The tissues analyzed included muscle and liver. Results showed metal concentrations in water followed a richness of: Fe> Zn> Cu> Pb >Cd mg/l (p < 0.05) while Fe> Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd mg/Kg dry wt. (p < 0.05) in muscles and liver tissues in winter season. Metal levels in muscles follow the level: Zn>Fe>Cu> Pb>Cd mg/Kg dry wt. (p < 0.05), while in liver they follow the level: Fe > Zn > Cu>Pb>Cd mg/Kg dry wt. (p < 0.05) in summer season. The presence of heavy metals led to significant decrease in nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) contents in liver tissue during summer season (p<0.05). So, the study showed that muscles of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) along El- Khadrawia drain are not safe from contamination with the metals investigated.

3. Environmental and physiological impacts of heavy metals on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

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Vol.1 No.2 -2 : Effect of starvation and drought on the activity of the freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii.

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By : Gamalat Y. Osman, Mansour A. Galal, Sherin K. Sheir* and Mona M. Soliman

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of starvation and drought on the adult Procumbarus clarkii. Samples were captured from the River Nile, Dakahleyia province, Egypt. Measurements were the animal weight and length and survival rate. The experiment was divided into four groups, control with food and water, starved with water only, drought with food only and starved – drought without any food or water groups. Crayfishes showed great tolerance for 14 weeks (P < 0.05). The body weight of the crayfish was more affected than the body and carapace lengths due to the loss of its chelae during starvation. In the starved groups, survival rate of the crayfish declined because its aggressive behavior such as killing each others (66.6%). Crayfishes could not tolerate drought for a long time (5 days). The body weight, length, and the carapace length were minimally influenced during drought, while the survival rate was dramatically affected within few days. The combined effect of both stressors affected the animal survival more drastically within four days (100, 50 and 0%). It can be concluded that starvation and drought caused serious changes in P. clarkii behavior, biometry and survival rate, which determine the ability of crayfish to adapt to one or more of the environmental changes.

2. Effect of starvation and drought on the activity of the freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii.

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Vol.1 No.2 -1 : Clomiphene citrate induced kidney injury in female albino rat.

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By : Hawazen A. Lamfon1 and Nahid A. Lamfon2

Abstract

Clomiphene citrate (clomid), a selective oestrogen-receptor modulator, is used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. On the other hand, it showed many adverse effects. The present work investigates the effects of clomiphene citrate (CC) on kidney of female albino rats. Many biochemical and histological changes were induced in these animals when treated with CC at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. Treating animals with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight caused elevations in serum creatinine and urea. The histological changes in the kidney of treated animals included intertubular leucocytic infiltrations, congestion of blood vessels and degeneration of renal tubules. Moreover, atrophy of glomeruli was recorded. In conclusion, biochemical and histopathological alterations indicated that clomiphene citrate causes renal damage in female albino rats.

1. Clomiphene citrate induced kidney injury in female albino rat.

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Vol.1 No.1 -4 : Metiram-induced histomorphological and biochemical changes in rat ovaries Attenuation by Nigella sativa oil.

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By : Hanaa Zakaria Nooh

Abstract

Metiram is a fungicide used against fungal diseases of field crops. Nigella sativa L. ( Black seed) is widely distributed herb with wide therapeutic uses. This work aims to study the effect of N. sativa oil on ovarian toxicity induced by metiram fungicide in albino rats. Treating animals with metiram caused many histopathological alterations. The number of ovarian follicles decreased and most of them degenerated which accompanied by increase of atretic follicles and increase of collagen fibers. Histochemical results revealed a decrease in carbohydrates content. Metiram significantly decreased the levels of both LH, FSH and estradiol. It also caused an increase in lipid peroxidation and decreased the ovarian antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT. This study revealed The ameliorative effect of N.sativa oil against metiram -induced ovarian toxicity through significant increase in number of healthy follicles with an decrease of the atretic follicles and collagen fibers. Morover, N.sativa treatment led to a significant increase in FSH, LH and estradiol levels. A decrease in lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant enzymes were recorded. These results give new insight on beneficial effect N. sativa oil against female gonadal toxicity and this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant activity.

Vol.1 No.1 -3 : Antitumor activity of two Streptomyces extracts (Ag18 & Ag20) on Ehrlich ascites tumor in mice in vitro and in vivo studies.

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By : Amany A. Gaber1, Osama M. Badr , Saad A. Emara3, Atef M. Ibrahim

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potent antitumor activity of metabolites from Streptomyces as antitumor activity using in vitro and in vivo studies. The Streptomyces were purely isolated from the soil samples, processed to obtain their extracts. Twenty Streptomyces extracts were obtained. Two isolates of Streptomyces were characterized morphologically, physiologically, biochemically and 16sr RNA and they named Streptomyces strain Ag18 and Streptomyces strain Ag 20. female albino mice were used in the present study. The mice were divided into 4 groups (6 animals each was control, injected subcutaneously with an isotonic saline solution. The 2nd, injected subcutaneously with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EAC). Both the 3rd and 4 injected subcutaneously with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EAC) diluted with an isotonic saline solution (SS) tumor formation, (7-10) days after inoculation with EAC cells, animals were locally injected subcutaneous Streptomyces extract, Ag18 and Ag20.The results revealed that only two of the twenty Streptomyces and Ag20) showed their potent antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in vitro. AG18 and AG20 Streptomyces extracts also modulated the mice body weight towards the normal values significantly(p< 0.001) and reduced the tumor volume with a very highly significant change (p< 0.001). The histological study confirmed the above mentioned result, where the kidney and liver of the mice injected with EAC returned to their normal structure after injection with Streptomyces extracts. It is concluded from this study that bioactive product ofStreptomycesAg18 & Ag20 have antitumor activity.

3. Antitumor activity of two Streptomyces extracts (Ag18 & Ag20) on Ehrlich ascites tumor in mice in vitro and in vivo studies.

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Vol.1 No.1 -2 : Ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of rosemary on cadmium – induced kidney injury in albino rats

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By : El-Morsy*, A.M., Sakr, S.A., and Bayomy, M.F

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metals causing risks for living organisms and induced high toxicity to different biological system. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is plant widely used in food. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic properties. The present work studied the effect of rosemary leaf extract on Cd induced kidney injury in rats.Cadmium chloride (30 mg/kg b.w, 5 consecutive days/week for 8 weeks) administration increased renal MDA but decreased GSH, CAT and SOD activities versus control. In parallel, serum urea and creatinine increased. Cadmium chloride caused histological alternations involved shrinkage in glomeruli, congestion in blood vessels, dilation in renal tubules and leucocytic infiltrations. Ultrastructural observations showed abnormality in nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, brush border, proximal and distal convoluted tubules. In the contrary, administration of aqueous extract of rosemary restored these changes. The results suggested that rosemary ameliorative these changes due to its antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals resulting from cadmium chloride.