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The current study aimed to evaluate growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant status, nonspecific immune response and intestinal histological status of red tilapia fed Daphnia meal (DM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM). Hybrid red tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis aureus) fry (0.54 ± 0.05 g fish−1) was allocated in nylon haba cages (100 fry m−3) for 2 weeks as an acclimation period. The fish were divided into five groups (three replicates each). The experimental diets were prepared by replacing FM with DM at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% respectively. The results indicated that fish fed increasing levels of DM (50%–75%) experienced high growth performance, feed utilisation and protein content. The activities of digestive enzymes were significantly increased in all groups fed DM diets compared to the control. The antioxidant balance was improved by decreasing the level of malondialdehyde and increased the total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activities in the liver of fish fed DM. The nonspecific immune response, including lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase activities and total protein level improved significantly with increasing FM substitution levels by DM in a dose‐dependent manner. Histometric analysis of the intestinal wall revealed an increase in the villus length, crypts depth and goblet cells number in groups fed DM meal up to 50% substitution level compared to other treatments. It may be concluded from results of this feeding trial that in the aquaculture of hybrid tilapia, FM may be substituted with up to 50% DM without compromising intestinal health, growth performance and immune status of the fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common house fly, Musca domestica L., is a mechanical vector of numerous diseases that may be spread from one living thing to another by sponging their mouthparts on their body and leg hairs after they have vomited. House flies (Musca domestica) have been known as a mechanical vector in spreading infectious diseases such as cholera, shigellosis, salmonellosis and skin infections. The present study aims to investigate the abundance of M. domestica adults in an urban region of Cairo Governorate, Egypt, throughout one year and bacterial diversity on its body surface. Adults of M. domestica were collected monthly by hunting. Collected adults were subjected to molecular identification. Bacteria were isolated from the surface of flies' body pieces and identified by automated identification systems (VITEK). Obtained data revealed that the highest abundance (201.67±15.57) was recorded in May 2022, while the lowest abundance (17.33±0.57) was recorded in April 2023. Also, M. domestica abundance positively correlated significantly (P≤0.001) with temperature (r= 0.895) and relative humidity (r= 0.827). Musca domestica species were molecularly identified, and the sequences were then banked on NCBI under the accession numbers OQ784762-OQ784764. The highest bacterial pathogen presence were Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. (77.0 %). Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonias had the lowest presence (total of 23.0 %). On the other hand, the results of antibiotic sensitivity revealed that Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia are more resistant to several antibiotics than Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive morphometric examination of dorsal fin features for sharks belonging to the order Carcharhiniforms (families Scyliorhinidae, Triakidae, and Carcharhinidae was conducted. We compared the dorsal fin morphometric and diagnostic features of Galeus melastomus, Scyliorhinus stellaris, Galeorhinus galeus, Mustelus asterias, Mustelus mustelus, Carcharhinus altimus, C. brachyurus, C. brevipinna, C. falciformis, C. obscurus, C. plumbeus, and Prionace glauca using a mix of direct measurements and ratio-based comparisons. Fin base, height, and other ratio-based metrics provided light on the unique traits of each species, which displayed distinctive fin morphologies, particularly striking for Scyliorhinidae species with distinctive patterns and colors on their relatively big, rectangular dorsal fins. Alternatively, members of the family Triakidae have bigger, triangular fins, with varied tone and clear morphometric ratios. Lastly, the members of the family Carcharhinidae showed a wide range of fin forms and sizes, with different species displaying fin features dependent on ratios. Dorsal fin morphometric cluster analysis uncovered species-specific grouping patterns, emphasized morphological similarities and differences across families, and it was most effective within the family Scyliorhinidae. In addition, ordination methods highlighted the relationship between species and dorsal fin morphometrics by graphically representing the grouping and separation of shark species in three-dimensional areas. The significance of thorough morphometric studies in comprehending the variety and evolutionary connections within the order Carcharhiniforms was highlighted by this research, which offered a thorough foundation for the identification and classification of shark species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractionation of the stem bark of Enantia chlorantha Oliv yields three alkaloids, palmatine (1), jatrorrhizine (2), columbamine (3), and β-Sitosterol (4). In this investigation, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to evaluate the electronic structure and properties of 1–4 by DFT-B3LYP/6-31G level of theory using Gaussian 09 software. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), HOMO-LUMO energy difference (band gap), hardness (η), softness (S), dipole moment (μ), electronegativity (χ), hydrophobicity (logP), topological surface area (TPSA), and energy gap (Eg) were calculated. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was investigated against MCF-7 and HCT116 cancer cell lines using Wi-38 cells as a control. The compounds inhibited the proliferation of the MCF-7 and HCT116 cell lines and induced apoptosis via upregulation of caspase-3, Bax, PARP cleavage, and downregulation of Bcl-2. DFT analyses revealed that compounds 1 and 3 have smaller energy gaps, 0.072 and 0.071eV, respectively, with the highest dipole moments; hence, these compounds are more chemically reactive and exhibit better modulation of caspase-3 enzyme and inhibitory activities of the MCF-3 and HCT116 cell lines. The antimicrobial and antiparasitic evaluation of 1–4 showed moderate efficacy against the bacterial strains and moderate antiparasitic activity against Cichlidogyrus tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylamide (AA), a substance extensively used in business, medical research, and waste management facilities, is thought to cause cancer in people. The Clarias gariepinus vertebrate fish model was used in the current investigation to assess the stress biomarkers, hematologic, and histopathological indices following exposure to (AA). Two hundred healthy fish of C. gariepinus of both sexes wereclassified into four groups: the first is the negative control (CO) (without acrylamide); the second is the positive control (CA) (treated with acrylamide only) using 15mg/ l concentrations of (AA); the third is (AM) which contains (AA) plus metformin (MeFo) applied to treatment with (AA) at (15mg/ l) and (MeFo) at 3g/ l, and the fourth is (AP) which contains (AA) plus propolis (PPo) applied to the treatment with (AA) at (15mg/ l) and (PPo) at 3g/ l. The hematological parameters, cortisol, glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed. The current data showed a significant increase in white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, cortisol, glucose, and LDH in (CA) groups when compared with (CO) group. A histopathological analysis of the kidney, spleen, and liver was performed. The groups (CA), (AM), and (AP) had noticeable structural changes in the kidney, spleen, and liver in the form of congestion, apoptosis, and vacuolations compared to the (CO) group. Administration of (AA) resulted in serious liver, spleen, and kidney damage for C. gariepinus catfish. However, (PPo) and (MeFo) exhibited anti-toxicity and improved kidney, spleen, and liver functions. The findings of the current study demonstrated that extensive and regular usage of (AA) could endanger the existence and welfare of organisms, particularly fish, in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes aegypti is a major vector of Dengue fever, whose slight reappearance was recorded in the Red Sea Governorate in 2017. The present study was carried out to determine the DNA barcoding of Ae. aegypti and investigate the sensitivity of its aquatic immature stages to different insecticides, with reference to non-target organisms, zebrafish, Danio rerio, and Daphnia magna. Genetic identification of Ae. aegypti was confirmed through PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing. The obtained DNA sequences were deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) sequence database with the accession number OR76138. Methomyl, a-cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos were tested against immature stages of Ae. aegypti. Additionally, the effect of tested insecticides on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were assessed. Results showed that the activity of the tested insecticides varied according to the concentration of the insecticides, exposure time and the immature stage tested. Complete larval mortality (100%) of the first instar was attained at 0.007, 0.0009, and 0.005ppm of methomyl, a-cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos after 48h of exposure, respectively. Generally, a-cypermethrin was the most effective insecticide, followed by chlorpyrifos and methomyl. In addition, methomyl caused the least inhibition of AChE activity (5.53 and 5.90U/L) in larvae I after 24 and 48h of exposure, compared to 5.74 and 6.13U/L for the control group. In addition, the GST activity was significantly increased (P< 0.05) by all tested insecticides. The highest GST values (1.73 and 1.59U/g tissue) were recorded for pupae after 24 and 48h of exposure to a-cypermethrin. On the other hand, methomyl recorded LC50 of 0.862, 0.011, and 0.575, 0.009 ppm against zebrafish and Daphnia after 24 and 48h, respectively. Generally, methomyl, a-cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos are effective agents against Ae. aegypti, however, their environmental footprint cannot be overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground water pollution has gained a growing concern in many communities worldwide. Flora and insects are crucial to our ecosystem, and their decline or depletion can have far-reaching consequences. The current study was conducted to investigate the environmental impact of industrial activities on underground water and floral coverage within the major industrial district of Kafr El-Zayat City, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate the detoxification enzymatic activity of Cataglyphis saviginyi as a pollution biomarker. To achieve these objectives, water samples were collected from the investigated sites to assess heavy metal concentrations. Furthermore, a seasonal specimen of C. saviginyi was collected to investigate the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The current results highlighted the inhibition of GST levels in C. saviginyi at the polluted sites in comparison to the control site. In contrast, AChE activity increased. Consequently, the antioxidant enzymatic activities proved their usefulness as biomarkers for assessing and monitoring environmental contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to investigate the environmental effect of industrial activities on floral coverage within the major industrial district of 6th October City, Egypt. Additionally, assess the Detoxification enzymatic activity of Cataglyphis saviginyi as a pollution biomarker. To achieve this objective, soil samples on seasonal bases were collected from the investigated areas to assess heavy metal concentrations. Furthermore, seasonal specimens of C. saviginyi were collected to study the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Heavy metal contamination pollution indices were calculated, and Nine plant species were identified at investigated study sites for four successive seasons from 2020 to 2021. The accumulation of heavy metal contamination in soil at investigated sites followed the order: As >Ni > Pb > Hg. Heavy metal contamination was significantly higher at industrial locations than at the control site. Pollution indices were calculated in study sites, with Cf and Igeo indices highlighting the contamination of minerals, ordered as Hg > As > Ni > Pb from high to low. Calculated Cdeg and PLI for industrial 1 and 4 revealed a very high level of pollution, attributed to the increase in industrial activity resulting from the chemical, Ceramic, Paints, and metallic industries that characterize this region. The current results highlight the inhibition of GST levels in C. saviginyi at the industrial site compared to the control site. In contrast, AChE activity increased. Consequently, the antioxidant enzymatic activities are useful as biomarkers for assessing and monitoring environmental contamination. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first enzymatic activity of C. saviginyi evaluated as a bioindicator for industrial pollution in study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to provide information on growth and mortality rates for the management of the common smooth-hound shark, Mustelus mustelus in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters at Alexandria. The study was based on a total of 311 specimens of M. mustellus which were monthly collected from the commercial catch at Alexandria coast of the Mediterranean Sea, during the period from June 2020 to May 2021. Results showed that the total length of male M. mustellus ranged from 38.6 to 106.8 cm for males and from 38.6 to 117.5 cm for females. The total weight varied from 155.9 to 3611.7 g for males and from 157.3 to 2828 g for females. The b value (2.88, 2.74, and 2.8 for male, female and whole population, respectively) is slightly lower than the ideal, indicating a tendency towards slightly negative allometric growth. Results showed that the present levels of exploitation represented 0.407, 0.417 and 0.42 for males, females, and the whole population, respectively which were higher than that of E0.5= as 0.30, 0.295, and 0.297 for males, females, and the whole population, respectively. It gives the maximum (Y/R), which means that the stock of M. mustellus is highly overexploited, which is needed to maintain 50% of the stock biomass. For management purposes, the exploitation rate of M. mustellus should be reduced to be < E0.5 i.e., the fishing mortality should be reduced to lower than the current fishing mortality (F=0.39, 0.42 and 0.45 y-1 for male, female, and the whole population respectively) to maintain sufficient spawning biomass for sustainability. Finally, this study concluded that the length of the first capture of M. mustellus was calculated at 33.8 cm, while M. mustellus doesn't reach maturity unless reaches 83 cm at least. These indicated that M. mustellus in Egyptian Mediterranean waters was captured way before it reached its maturity stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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For a taxonomical purpose, the present study described and analyzed the pectoral fin shape and measurements of shark specimens, collected from the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea waters at Alexandria, during the period from May 2017 to June 2018. Morphology and morphometric fin characters were used taxonomically to differentiate between shark species via photo program analysis. After confirming the identification of sharks, a list of shark species in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters was given with emphasize on new record species as well as the conservation status of each species. Results showed that the collected specimens belong to eight species from different six families belonging to four orders. Species-list of sharks in this study including; Heptranchias perlo, Hexanchus griseus, Squalus megalops, Centrophorus uyato, Oxynotus centrina, Squatina squatina, Isurus oxyrinchus and Isurus paucus. By comparing the present findings with the previous studies, three shark species out of these eight species were considered as new records in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters. These new records are Heptranchias perlo, Squalus megalops and Isurus paucus. According as the global assessment of the IUCN (2018) red list, Heptranchias perlo and Hexanchus griseus are reported as near threatened species; while Oxynotus centrina considered as vulnerable species. Isurus oxyrinchus and Isurus paucus mentioned as endangered species. However, Squatina squatina is critically endangered. On the other hand, data was insufficient to state the situation of Squalus megalops and Centrophorus uyato. The morphological aspects of pectoral fins, for these eight shark species, were greatly varied in shape that proved the potential capability to use this new technique as an important identification and classification tool. The statistical analysis of morphometric ratios also supports this proposition and shows a significant variance between investigated species. Our study attempted to add more update information on shark pectoral fin morphological and dimensional scaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elements accumulation in crayfish is proportional to the increase in bioavailability (direct contact) with the surrounding water, sediment, and feeding. Five heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Ag) and lithium (Li) were analyzed in the sediment, water, and crayfish tissues. Elements (heavy metals and lithium) concentrations in sediment, water, and crayfish tissues showed significant differences between the two sampling stations (El-Qanatir and El-Rahawi drain). However, the levels of elements in crayfish tissues were arranged in declining order as hepatopancreas > gills > exoskeleton > muscles for Cu and Cr; hepatopancreas > exoskeleton > gills > muscles for Ni and Ag; and exoskeleton > gills > hepatopancreas > muscles for Li and Mn. The human health hazard evaluation of heavy metals and lithium exposure via edible tissue consumption was assessed for both children and adult consumers. The target hazard quotient THQ values of crayfish edible tissues (less than 1) will not impose any health implications for consumers who ingest edible tissues in sufficient quantities. Furthermore, the hazard index (HI) values reported for children and adult consumers were lower than one, indicating non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards, suggesting that crayfish edible tissues are safe for human ingestion. This evidence also found that Procambarus clarkii could be a good bio-indicator organism for monitoring potentially metals in aquatic systems., (© 2022. The Author(s).)