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Given the proven zoonotic potential of the intestinal protozoan Blastocystis sp., a fast-growing number of surveys are being conducted to identify potential animal reservoirs for transmission of the parasite. Nevertheless, few epidemiological studies have been conducted on farmed animals in Egypt. Therefore, a total of 1089 fecal samples were collected from herbivores (sheep, goats, camels, horses, and rabbits) in six Egyptian governorates (Dakahlia, Gharbia, Kafr El Sheikh, Giza, Aswan, and Sharqia). Samples were screened for the presence of Blastocystis sp. by real-time PCR followed by sequencing of positive PCR products and phylogenetic analysis for subtyping of the isolates. Overall, Blastocystis sp. was identified in 37.6% of the samples, with significant differences in frequency between animal groups (sheep, 65.5%; camels, 62.2%; goats, 36.0%; rabbits, 10.1%; horses, 3.3%). Mixed infections were reported in 35.7% of the Blastocystis sp.-positive samples. A wide range of subtypes (STs) with varying frequency were identified from single infections in ruminants including sheep (ST1–ST3, ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21, ST24, ST26, and ST40), goats (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST10, ST26, ST40, ST43, and ST44), and camels (ST3, ST10, ST21, ST24–ST26, ST30, and ST44). Most of them overlapped across these animal groups, highlighting their adaptation to ruminant hosts. In other herbivores, only three and two STs were evidenced in rabbits (ST1–ST3) and horses (ST3 and ST44), respectively. The greater occurrence and wider genetic diversity of parasite isolates among ruminants, in contrast to other herbivores, strongly suggested that dietary habits likely played a significant role in influencing both the colonization rates of Blastocystis sp. and ST preference. Of all the isolates subtyped herein, 66.3% were reported as potentially zoonotic, emphasizing the significant role these animal groups may play in transmitting the parasite to humans. These findings also expand our knowledge on the prevalence, genetic diversity, host specificity, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infesting a variety of palm trees throughout Egypt, the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is regarded as a damaging pest. The objective of the current study was to determine the protein pattern while evaluating six essential oil emulsions as botanical extracts against this pest in a laboratory setting. The method of dipping food was used at concentrations of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6%. There were notable variations between the various oils and exposure times. The studied oils showed varying fatality rates in response to increasing concentrations. Across all concentrations, the lowest mortality was obtained with citronella oil. After 96 hours, 6% of the clove and orange oils caused 100% death. Totally 90% of insect died when exposed to 4% concentration of chili oil. Even though the tested oils had different fatality rates, longer exposure times resulted in larger percentages. The molecular weights of the bands varied and ranged from 7 to 275 KD in the treated hemolymph and from 6 to 273 KD in the untreated hemolymph, indicating significant variations between the two types of hemolymph. It is stated that essential oils are a good choice for RPW control approaches, as long as the suitable type of oil is used, taking into account exposure time and oil concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the effect of parental and peer support on children's self‐esteem during the isolation period in COVID‐19‐infected children is the main objective of this study. Design: This is a descriptive cross‐sectional study. One hundred ninety children with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 were included. Methods: A survey questionnaire to assess family and children's demographic characteristics was used for this study. A 13‐item scale to assess parental support during the isolation period and a 10‐item scale to assess peers' support during the isolation period were evaluated. Along with it, a 10‐item scale to assess self‐esteem during the isolation period was also measured. Results: Home isolation was associated with higher parental and peer support scores than hospital isolation. The mean age of study participants was 13.23 ± 4.05 years; 52.6% were isolated at home versus 47.4% in hospital isolation. Phone calling and WhatsApp/messenger chat were methods of communication for 44.2% and 33.2% of patients, respectively. 6.3% of them had no method of communication. Child self‐esteem was significantly affected by both parental and peer support during isolation. The increase in pronounced negative psychological effects such as disorientation, anger, low self‐esteem and post‐traumatic distress may be caused by a lack of parental care. No patient or public contribution to this study: Patients or the general public were not involved in the design, analysis or interpretation of the data in this study. The study's aim and objectives were developed based on children's self‐esteem, which was limited by questionnaire data information, so the researchers completed demographic and disease‐related questionnaires by interviewing them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and correlates of relapse among patients with schizophrenia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This retrospective study included 90 adults who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia. The participants were evaluated using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Compliance Rating Scale (CRS) and World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) before and after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. The mean score of CRS was decreased after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic compared to before COVID 19 (p < 0.001). The mean total score of PANSS scale and the mean positive subscale (P) score had increased after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic compared to before COVID 19 (p < 0.001). Following up the news about COVID-19 regularly and decreased level of family support after the pandemic onset were associated with lower CRS scores and higher PANSS scores. In addition, the presence of infection or death with COVID-19 among family members and lower CRS scores were associated with higher scores on PANSS positive subscale. The relapse rate had increased among patients with schizophrenia during COVID-19 pandemic. Non-compliance with medications and lack of family support were the main correlates of relapse in schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia are at high risk for relapse during Covid-19 pandemic. Non-compliance with medications, lack of family support, COVID-19-related illness or death of family members and following the news of the pandemic are correlates of relapse in patients with schizophrenia. Psychoeducation, availability of medications and mental health services and family support may help to prevent relapse in patients with schizophrenia during pandemics. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood species identification and characterization of its weathering processes are crucial steps in the scientific approach of conservation of wooden cultural heritage. Many precious wooden objects of ancient Egypt are largely present in museums, nevertheless relatively little information is available concerning the nature of timber used and on their status of conservation. To address this gap, the wooden species of three relevant archaeological wood objects (statue, box, and coffin) arising from different Egyptian archaeological sites dated from the Old Kingdom (2,686–2,181 BC) to New Kingdom (1,550–1,069 BC) were deeply studied. Five hardwood and softwood species were identified belonging to Tamarix mannifera, T. gennessarensis, Ficus sycomorus, Vachellia nilotica, and Cedrus sp. Such data confirmed the recurrence of Vachellia and Tamarix among the most common timbers found in ancient Egypt. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform spectroscopy, and synchrotron x‐ray radiation diffraction were conducted to evaluate the archaeological wood deterioration. The formation of microcracks, biological degradation patterns (fungal colonization), or chemical characterization (accumulation of salts on and in‐between wooden cells) were detected. SEM micrographs showed the presence of fungal hyphae and conidial spores on the wooden cells. Significant changes in the chemical wood composition and decrease in the crystallinity index were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific movement and the cultural situation flourished in Egypt since the first three centuries of the Hijrah, due to a large number of pioneers of the Hadith school in Egypt, including Sheikhs, students, and guests, who participated in the Islamic conquests. Since Egypt is the African gateway and one of the important territories that encouraged scholars to stay in it. The scholars of Egypt had great and blessed efforts in the service of the Honorable Hadith and its sciences in terms of its chain of transmission and text. It preceded other schools in the stage of hadith compilation, during the era of Abdul Aziz bin Marwan, as well as in the companions' traveling towards it, seeking some of what they missed from the companions of Egypt. Also, the lack of appeals against the Hadith school in Egypt and the integrity of its narration contributed to the few Hadiths narrated there. The situation on hadith narration in Egypt was not as widespread as it was in Iraq. Nevertheless, the Hadith scholars of Egypt contributed an abundant share in rooting the issues of the Hadith term. The hadith occupied a lofty position among the Islamic sciences. Also, the Hadith narrators had strong and audible speech, as they had the ability to contribute positively to the social movement. The existence of a clear relationship between the Hadith school of Egypt and other schools affected significantly, as we have seen through the trips of the Egyptians to other various cities, and the trips of others to them. The research aims to shed light on the key scholars of the Hadith school in Egypt from the companions, followers, and their followers, and to highlight their most important contributions in addition to knowing the most important features of the Egyptian Hadith School that are distinguished by from other schools. Among the important recommendations that the research finds out is the necessity of defining the concept of the Hadith school, setting agreed standards for it, and taking more care than before of the subject of Hadith schools in territories, recording their common denominators and distinguishing the advantages of each school over others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological cancer ranks as fifth cancer worldwide and the tenth common cancer in Egypt. Termed DEL-1 (EGF like repeats and discoid domains 3), is an embryonic endothelial cell protein. EDIL3 was associated with regulation of angiogenesis. SOX (sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility-group box transcription factor). SOX4 expression was altered in many human cancers. This research aimed to study the expression of EDIL3, SOX4 in EC in atrial to explore their relationship with clinicopathological parameters prognostic and treatment outcome. Method: This retrospective study included 50 paraffin blocks of cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma (endometroid type) with different grades which were selected from the archives of the Pathology Department, Zagazig University, Egypt during a period from January 2015 to last of December 2019. The expression of EDIL3, SOX4 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Results: 56% of the studied patients were >45 years old. 54% had well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and 56% absent lymph node metastasis. EDIL3 and SOX4 expression is found in 70% and 84% of the studied patients. A statistically significant relation was detected between EDIL 3 and tumor grade, stage, lympho-vascular invasion (LVI), and lymph node metastasis (P value was 0.001, <0.001, 0.002, and 0.005, respectively). SOX4 was significantly correlated with tumor grade, stage, lymph node metastasis, and LVI (P value was 0.039, 0.002, 0.006, and 0.015, respectively). Conclusion: expressions are associated with advanced clinicopathological parameters, unfavorable prognosis, and poor treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic and insidious disease that mainly affects small ruminants and caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis). The aims of this research were to identify C. pseudotuberculosis by PCR from pyogenic lesions, to study the phylogenetic analysis of C. pseudotuberculosis and to detect the prevalence based on the detected superficial lesions of CLA in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Out of 3471 clinically examined animals, 129 (3.71%) animals were affected with CLA. The isolation rate of C. pseudotuberculosis in abscess of sheep was 45.74% (59/129). Out of 129 samples examined by PCR assay, 63 (48.83%) were positive phospholipase D (PLD) indicated at fragment size 203 bp. This is the first phylogenetic analysis study of C. pseudotuberculosis isolate in Egypt which was isolated from infected sheep. Nucleotide sequence identity data demonstrated that C. pseudotuberculosis PLD gene (MW187942) Dakahlia share homology 99.01%, 98.83 and 98.48% with Zagazig, Egypt (MN867024), Tamil nadu, India (MG720636) and Sudan (MG692441), respectively. In conclusion, this study provided information on the molecular detection and phylogeny of C. pseudotuberculosis in Egypt. Findings of this study can be conducted in other CLA endemic countries with similar animal breeding practices in the Middle East and developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of density-independent factors (minimum–maximum temperatures and relative humidity) and density dependant factors ( plant age and natural enemies; Coccinella undecimpunctata, Chrysoperla carnea, Syrphus corolla, Eretmocerus eremicus and Orius laevigatus) of the environment on the population dynamics of Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and potato leaf hopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris) attacking potato plant Solanum tuberosum at El-Gharbia governorate, Egypt were investigated on autumn and spring plantation of 2019/2020 &2020/2021 seasons. The results revealed that the population fluctuation of B. tabaci & E. fabae recorded the highest infestation in December during both autumn seasons, while in both spring seasons the highest peak for the two pests was reached in May. The combination of abiotic and biotic environmental factors on population densities of B. tabaci and E. fabae was effective as the explained variance (E.V.) values were (88% - 92%) and (85% - 86%) for B. tabaci, while E.V. was (94% _ 91%) and (92% - 77%) for E. fabae during autumn and spring of the plantation 2019/2020 &2020/2021 seasons, respectively. The present research can be helpful to the ecological characteristics of main potato pests to obtain more effective pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19's after-effects among survivors are of increased concern. The cognitive aftermath of COVID-19 virus infection was underrated. This study aimed to identify and compare the cognitive impairment (CI) and its correlates among COVID-19 survivors and control subjects. A total of 85 adults who survived COVID-19 virus infection and an equal number of control subjects (matched for age, sex, education, and socioeconomic level) were included in this study. They were recruited from Zagazig University Hospitals, Sharkia Province, Egypt. All subjects were interviewed utilizing a semistructured demographic and clinical checklist, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test, and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Results: More than half of COVID-19 survivors experienced CI (compared to only 8% of control subjects). Individuals who survived COVID-19 virus infection were more likely to have impairments in visuo-executive functions (OR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.5), attention (OR: 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.7), language (OR: 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.5), delayed recall (OR: 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.6), and total MoCA Scores (OR: 0.1, 95% CI 0.04–0.2). Among COVID-19 survivors, those who experienced CI were likely to be older (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.03–1.2), and of low-to-moderate education (OR: 4.9, 95% CI 1.6–15.1). Conclusions: CI was prevalent among COVID-19 survivors. The visuo-executive functions, attention, language, and delayed recall were the most affected domains. Older age and lower educational level predicted CI in COVID-19 survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a new emerging method for evaluation of the cardiac systolic performance. We characterized left ventricular (LV) systolic functions of hypocalcemic infants, and assessed the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementations on LV systolic functions using two‐dimensional STE. Patients and Methods: A prospective controlled study was conducted in Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Egypt from 2015 to 2018 including 88 hypocalcemic infants (patient group) and 30 healthy controls. We subdivided the patient group into vitamin D deficiency group (n = 32) and normal vitamin D group (n = 56). All infants were investigated for serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D levels. Both patients and controls were initially evaluated for LV systolic functions using two‐dimensional STE. After correction of hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency, reevaluation of LV systolic functions was done for the patient group. Results: LV systolic strains were lower in the patient group than controls (p <.001). After recovery of hypocalcemia of the patients, we reported significant improvement of strains and significant reductions of the end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes of the left ventricle (p <.001). Global longitudinal and circumferential strains were lower in patients with vitamin D deficiency than patients with normal vitamin D levels (p <.001). The LV systolic strain improved after correction of vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemia (p <.001). Conclusion: Two‐dimensional STE could detect and follow up early LV systolic dysfunction in infants with hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, immune-mediated systemic disease with skin manifestations that typically follow a relapsing and remitting course. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, occurs in ∼80–90% of psoriatic patients. Objective: The aim of the current work was to evaluate level of serum testosterone in psoriasis male patients and its relation to severity of the disease. Patients and methods: This cohort study included a total of 35 psoriatic patients, attending At Outpatient Clinic, Dermatology and Venereology Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. This study was conducted between January 2020 to October 2020. Serum free and total testosterone and total cholesterol were measured. Result: About two thirds of the studied group (71.4 %) had normal testosterone level and (28.6 %) had low testosterone level. Conclusion: Low serum total and free testosterone levels in male psoriasis patients are present and they correlate with disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. Pseudotuberculosis) and its risk factors of sheep reared in four districts (Sherbin, Mansoura, Belkas, and Dekernes) in Dakahlia Governorate. A total of 346 sheep serum samples collected from the study area were examined against antibodies for C. Pseudotuberculosis infection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prevalence of C. Pseudotuberculosis infection was estimated at 73.98%. The highest prevalence was found among flocks reared in Sherbin (83.65%) followed by those in Mansoura (74.41%) and Belkas (65.47%). A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factor associated with CLA, and the results showed a significant association between the infection and the raising of sheep in open flock not in a closed farms (P = 0.033; odds ratio "OR": 1.84; 95% confidence interval "CI": 1.05–3.88). Additionally, higher prevalence was found in herds that keep diseased animals (P = 0.047; OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.01–3.23) than those herds which discard diseased animals. The infection by C. Pseudotuberculosis was increased in old age animals than young age ones. On the contrary, gender, treatment, and contact with goats were not associated with the higher prevalence of CLA in sheep (P > 0.05). In summary, the present study determined a high seroprevalence of C. Pseudotuberculosis infection among sheep in Egypt. Farmers should avoid potential risk factors associated with CLA that include keeping diseased animals for breeding and prevent introduction of newly purchased animals from flock of unknown status of infection especially old animals and this may be useful to establish accurate preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case-control study was carried out to examine the association between CYP1A1 gene (6235T

Copyright of Climacteric is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The gathered information indicated that subfamily Ocladiinae represented in Egypt by seven species within a single genus, Ocladius Schöenherr, 1825. The species of genus Ocladius (Coleoptera: Brachyceridae) received little attention in Egypt and the Palearctic region. Diagnoses to facilitate the identification of the subfamily and the genus were provided. Seven species of genus Ocladius kyed and illustrated to facilitate the accurate identification of the studied species. Taxonomic status of all categories were revived and updated according to most recent taxonomic catalogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Egypt, there are about 3.6 million heads of buffalo cows which produce 2.4 million tons of milk representing 46.9% of the total milk production in the country. The rest is mostly met from imported Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy cows. The objective of this research review is to compare the productive and reproductive performances of native water buffaloes with the imported Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle in Egypt on the one hand, and to compare them with the performance of these breeds in their home stead in the southern part of Europe on the other hand aiming to generate information about the adaptability of the imported cattle breeds to the native climatic condition in Egypt to strategize appropriate breeding and husbandry plans to enhance their productivity. The review is based on selected research papers on the topic. The results revealed that the total milk yield of Holstein (8550 kg), Brown Swiss (8291 kg) and buffalo (2200 kg) cows in Egypt were 14.3%, 8% and 56% less than their European counterparts probably due to the negative impact of prevailing subtropical thermal environment of Egypt, besides the age-old classical animal husbandry practices in respect of native buffaloes. The greatest decline in milk yield was in buffaloes, which could be attributed to feeding of impoverished and nutritionally feeble feed stuff. But, people are fond of buffalo milk due to its high-fat delicacy (8% fat) and protein-rich nutrititivity (4.5% protein) besides its composition based attractive pricing system. Longer age at first calving and calving interval (35 months & 455 days respectively) of buffaloes compared to Holstein and Brown Swiss cows in Egypt display clear economic disadvantage to the dairy industry. Mediocre feed efficiency (Dry matter intake, kg/1 kg of milk) of buffaloes (1.75 kg) is also economically subversive compared to the feed efficiency of Holstein (0.78 kg) and Brown Swiss (0.74) cows in Egypt. It is also inferior to the feed efficiency of the buffaloes in Europe (1.05 kg). By and large, buffaloes are economically disadvantageous because of their low milk yield, longer age at first calving, longer calving interval, longer open days, weaker persistency and lower feed efficiency, compared to European cows in Egypt. Hence, the researchers should focus to overcome these shortfalls using advanced genetic tools like selection, improving the nutrient contents in feed and adopting modern husbandry practices to enhance buffalo numerals and production in Egypt. An erroneous impression held against buffaloes is emission of higher volume of methane gas by enteric fermentation which causes environmental degradation due to its green house effect. However, in reality buffalo is more eco-friendly than cow, since a buffalo produces 58% lower amount of methane per day (157 gm) compared to a cow (376 gm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we identified the persistent infection by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in 45 clinically suspected persistent infected (PI) calves and 260 apparently healthy calves from Damietta governorate (North) in Egypt during 2016 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum neutralization test (SNT), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The identification of PI calves was performed after vaccination by CattleMaster® 4. The age of PI calves in the current study was ranged from 2 to 4 months (n = 7) and from 5 to 8 months (n = 38). ELISA revealed the infection in 4 clinically suspected PI calves (57.14%) aged 2 to 4 months. While the infection did not approve in any of the calves within this age using RT-PCR, for calves aged from 5 to 8 months old, ELISA showed the infection in 30 calves (78.94%), and from these calves, the infection was confirmed in 6 calves (15.79%) only using RT-PCR. For apparently clinically healthy animals, 11 transiently infected calves were identified by IHC (positive), SNT (positive), and RT-PCR (negative) at 2 months' post-vaccination. Collectively, the persistent infection was confirmed in 9 calves (2.95%) out of 305 calves. In summary, our study detected a high prevalence of PI calves with BVDV in Damietta province in Egypt, which highlights the importance of introducing effective prevention and control strategies throughout Egypt to minimize the prevalence of BVDV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subfamily Meloinae, were represented by 5 tribes: Cerocomini Leach, 1815, Epicautini Denier, 1935, Lyttini Solier, 1851, Mylabrini Laporte, 1840 and Meloini Gyllenhal, 1810. Tribe Mylabrini was covered by Elmetwaly et. al. (2015), and trbie Meloini was covered by El-Gharbawy (2006). Accordingly, the present study was planned to revise and update the available information about tribe Cercomini, Epicautini and Lyttini. Key to the tribes and species was treated. During the present work, twenty two species in ten genera recorded in three tribes are covered in the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tramadol abuse liability is underestimated and the evidence of abuse and dependence is emerging. It has many health and social consequences especially in adolescents. Tramadol abuse has not been well studied in Egypt. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated correlates of tramadol use and abuse among school students in Egypt. Methods: A total of 204 students, aged 13-18 years, from six schools in Zagazig, Egypt, were screened for tramadol use using The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test and a urine screen for tramadol. Results: The prevalence of tramadol use was 8.8% among school students and the average age at onset of tramadol use was 16.5 ± 1.1. Some 83% of the users were using tramadol alone while the rest (17%) were using a combination of tramadol, alcohol, and cannabis. Two-thirds of these students started with tramadol as the first drug after the onset of tobacco smoking. Over one third of tramadol users had drug-related problems and 6% had dependence. There was a significant association between tramadol use and older age, male gender, and smoking. Drug-related problems were negatively correlated with age at onset of tramadol use. Conclusions: Tramadol use was common among adolescents and over one third of tramadol users had drug-related problems. Population-based longitudinal studies are needed to investigate tramadol use and the possible role of tramadol as a gateway drug in the development of substance abuse in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina L. ( ZP) is an invasive pest from Europe of increasing significance in North Africa, in particular for olive cultivation. We followed the temporal dynamics by combined light/pheromone trapping over a 10-year period (2002-2011) in a 240-ha olive farm in Northern Egypt., The ZP had an annual cycle with one or two peak flights, from late April until October. Time series analysis showed a 2-year cycle of trap catch. This cycle is likely related to the 'on/off' bearing pattern of the olive, where years of high and low yield are observed to alternate., Larval damage in both 'on' and 'off' years in the infested trees gave fruit yield losses of 37-42%. The loss was estimated to 2.1-4.8 t/ha among susceptible varieties. The relative losses were the same during on and off years., Infestation of four susceptible and five resistant olive cultivars in different cropping systems varied within and between adjacent plots. The results suggest less infestation by intercropping of resistant varieties, which could assist in ZP management., Both temporal and spatial dynamics strongly influence population dynamics and the dynamics are related to variation in the moth host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives were to investigate the relationship between the serum adiponectin level and the metabolic syndrome (MS) phenotype in children, and to examine the independent association between the serum adiponectin level and the individual components of MS. Design: A cross-sectional design was used. Subjects: Fifty-six obese children with a body mass index ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex, and 50 normal-weight children matched for age and sex with the obese children, were used as controls. Outcome measures: The main outcome measure was the serum adiponectin level. Results: The serum adiponectin level was significantly lower in obese children, than in the normal-weight controls (7.35 ± 3.1 µg/dl vs. 10.64 ± 3.04 µg/dl). Obese children with MS have a significantly lower serum adiponectin level compared to obese children without MS (5.92 ± 1.9µg/dl vs. 8.57 ± 2.1 µg/dl). There was a significant negative correlation between the serum adiponectin level and waist circumference, triglyceride levels, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. The serum adiponectin level correlated positively with the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. After controlling for the confounding effect of age, sex and visceral fat, the adiponectin level remained a significant predictor of the MS [odds ratio (OR): 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.91]. Conclusion: Adiponectin demonstrated a consistent relationship to each MS component. Adiponectin may be a comprehensive marker of the MS condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Prays oleae Bern, (OM) and Palpita unionalis Hüb., (JM) are two of the most important pests in olive groves in Egypt. A 3-year monitoring study using sex pheromone traps in semi-arid and arid olive groves was performed. In the semi-arid grove, flight pattern of the OM was the same as in other Mediterranean countries, but in dates concordating plant phenology. The moth completes three generations annually: the first flight is in March to April, the second is in May to June and the third occurs in August to October. In the arid olive grove, an interesting flight pattern was observed. First flight was always very close or overlapped with the second one with no male catches during August to October. However, eggs were present most of the season, indicating unusually high female presence and oviposition activity of the OM during the absence of males in the traps. Generally, moth densities were significantly lower in low fruiting years than in higher ones and were also lower in the arid olive grove than in the semi-arid one. In contrast, JM males were present all season, exhibiting six to seven and three to four overlapping flight peaks in arid and semi-arid olive groves, respectively. Moth densities were significantly higher in the arid olive grove than those in the semi-arid one. This study shows that trapping location and fruit bearing year are characteristics that strongly affect the grove-specific information needed to estimate correctly adult emergence and thus the timing of control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder which is highly inherited and characterized by many metabolic abnormalities. We hypothesized that male relatives of PCOS women would also have metabolic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to assess insulin sensitivity and metabolic parameters in brothers of women with PCOS in comparison to male control individuals, in Egypt. Subjects and Methods Thirty(30) brothers of women with PCOS and twenty(20) male healthy control subjects were included in the study. The participants of the study were subjected to complete a general medical evaluation with stress on anthropometric measurements, like fasting insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum lipid levels, plasminogen activator inhibitor -1(PAI-1),C-reactive protein(CRP) and androgens. Results The studied brothers and control individuals were similar as regards to age, BMI(Body Mass Index), WHR(Waist-Hip Ratio) and blood pressure. The study group members were insulin resistant and had dyslipidemia and dyscoagulability HOMA-IR, P=0.043, TC P=0.001, LDL-C P=0.002, HDL-C P=0.03, TG P=0.048, PAI-1 P=0.002, CRP P=0.046). Also HOMA-IR was correlated significantly with BMI P<0.001, WHR P<0.001, PAI-1 P<0.001, CRP P<0.01, LDL-C P=0.02,TG P<0.001, HDL-C P=0.019). Conclusion Brothers of women with PCOS have a metabolic phenotype consisting of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, dyscoagulability and carry an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). Given the high prevalence of PCOS, brothers may represent an important new risk factor for CVD in men and should be considered a well identified group for primary preventive measures in Egyptian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), is a damaging pest for many fruit trees (e.g., apple [Malus spp.], pear [Pyrus spp.] peach [Prunus spp.], and olive [Olea]). Recently, it caused serious yield losses in newly established olive orchards in Egypt, including the death of young trees. Chemical and biological control have shown limited efficiency against this pest. Field tests were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate mating disruption (MD) for the control of the leopard moth, on heavily infested, densely planted olive plots (336 trees per ha). The binary blend of the pheromone components (E,Z)-2,13-octadecenyl acetate and (E,Z)-3,13-octadecenyl acetate (95:5) was dispensed from polyethylene vials. Efficacy was measured considering reduction of catches in pheromone traps, reduction of active galleries of leopard moth per tree and fruit yield in the pheromone-treated plots (MD) compared with control plots (CO). Male captures in MD plots were reduced by 89.3% in 2005 and 82.9% in 2006, during a trapping period of 14 and 13 wk, respectively. Application of MD over two consecutive years progressively reduced the number of active galleries per tree in the third year where no sex pheromone was applied. In all years, larval galleries outnumbered moth captures. Fruit yield from trees where sex pheromone had been applied in 2005 and 2006 increased significantly in 2006 (98.8 +/- 2.9 kg per tree) and 2007 (23 +/- 1.3 kg per tree) compared with control ones (61.0 +/- 3.9 and 10.0 +/- 0.6 kg per tree, respectively). Mating disruption shows promising for suppressing leopard moth infestation in olives.