Several cardiac outcomes have been reported with West Nile-encephalitis;however, the underlying pathophysiology remains complex. We present a 42-year-old female, with multiple sclerosis, whose neurological symptoms an...Several cardiac outcomes have been reported with West Nile-encephalitis;however, the underlying pathophysiology remains complex. We present a 42-year-old female, with multiple sclerosis, whose neurological symptoms and respiratory decline were finally explained by the diagnosis of West Nile-encephalitis. During her admission, the isolated peaked T-waves indicated the underlying stress-induced cardiomyopathy. The absence of all other causes of hyperacute T-waves, their subsequent resolution with the resolution of infection and improvement in wall motion abnormalities, further supported the association. This case highlights the importance of considering hyperacute T-waves in an approach towards the diagnosis of WNV-encephalitis related atypical variant of stress-induced cardiomyopathy.展开更多
Syzygium jambolanum is a promising natural treatment for diabetes.The potential benefits of S jambolanum for diabetes include lowering blood sugar levels,increasing insulin sensitivity,protecting pancreatic beta cells...Syzygium jambolanum is a promising natural treatment for diabetes.The potential benefits of S jambolanum for diabetes include lowering blood sugar levels,increasing insulin sensitivity,protecting pancreatic beta cells,and slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.The anti-diabetic activity of the crude extract of S jambolanum was evaluated in L6 myotubes and the lipid deposition in tissue was measured using Nile red Staining.Nile red staining confirmed that a considerable quantity of lipids had been deposited in the tissue treated with a crude extract of S jambolanum,comparable to the quantity of lipids deposited with a standard drug known as Rosiglitazone.This study analyzed the anti-diabetic activity of a crude extract of S jambolanum to understand its potential as a feedstock for extracting bioactive constituents to screen for bioactive molecules in the treatment of diabetes.展开更多
North Africa is one of the most regions impacted by water shortage.The implementation of controlled drainage(CD)in the northern Nile River delta of Egypt is one strategy to decrease irrigation,thus alleviating the neg...North Africa is one of the most regions impacted by water shortage.The implementation of controlled drainage(CD)in the northern Nile River delta of Egypt is one strategy to decrease irrigation,thus alleviating the negative impact of water shortage.This study investigated the impacts of CD at different levels on drainage outflow,water table level,nitrate loss,grain yield,and water use efficiency(WUE)of various wheat cultivars.Two levels of CD,i.e.,0.4 m below the soil surface(CD-0.4)and 0.8 m below the soil surface(CD-0.8),were compared with subsurface free drainage(SFD)at 1.2 m below the soil surface(SFD-1.2).Under each drainage treatment,four wheat cultivars were grown for two growing seasons(November 2018–April 2019 and November 2019–April 2020).Compared with SFD-1.2,CD-0.4 and CD-0.8 decreased irrigation water by 42.0%and 19.9%,drainage outflow by 40.3%and 27.3%,and nitrate loss by 35.3%and 20.8%,respectively.Under CD treatments,plants absorbed a significant portion of their evapotranspiration from shallow groundwater(22.0%and 8.0%for CD-0.4 and CD-0.8,respectively).All wheat cultivars positively responded to CD treatments,and the highest grain yield and straw yield were obtained under CD-0.4 treatment.Using the initial soil salinity as a reference,the soil salinity under CD-0.4 treatment increased two-fold by the end of the second growing season without negative impacts on wheat yield.Modifying the drainage system by raising the outlet elevation and considering shallow groundwater contribution to crop evapotranspiration promoted water-saving and WUE.Different responses could be obtained based on the different plant tolerance to salinity and water stress,crop characteristics,and growth stage.Site-specific soil salinity management practices will be required to avoid soil salinization due to the adoption of long-term shallow groundwater in Egypt and other similar agroecosystems.展开更多
The formation of axonal spheroid is a common feature following spinal cord injury.To further understand the source of Ca^(2+)that mediates axonal spheroid formation,we used our previously characterized ex vivo mouse s...The formation of axonal spheroid is a common feature following spinal cord injury.To further understand the source of Ca^(2+)that mediates axonal spheroid formation,we used our previously characterized ex vivo mouse spinal cord model that allows precise perturbation of extracellular Ca^(2+).We performed twophoton excitation imaging of spinal cords isolated from Thy1YFP+transgenic mice and applied the lipophilic dye,Nile red,to record dynamic changes in dorsal column axons and their myelin sheaths respectively.We selectively released Ca^(2+)from internal stores using the Ca^(2+)ionophore ionomycin in the presence or absence of external Ca^(2+).We reported that ionomycin dose-dependently induces pathological changes in myelin and pronounced axonal spheroid formation in the presence of normal 2 m M Ca^(2+)artificial cerebrospinal fluid.In contrast,removal of external Ca^(2+)significantly decreased ionomycin-induced myelin and axonal spheroid formation at 2 hours but not at 1 hour after treatment.Using mice that express a neuron-specific Ca^(2+)indicator in spinal cord axons,we confirmed that ionomycin induced significant increases in intra-axonal Ca^(2+),but not in the absence of external Ca^(2+).Periaxonal swelling and the resultant disruption in the axo-myelinic interface often precedes and is negatively correlated with axonal spheroid formation.Pretreatment with YM58483(500 n M),a well-established blocker of store-operated Ca^(2+)entry,significantly decreased myelin injury and axonal spheroid formation.Collectively,these data reveal that ionomycin-induced depletion of internal Ca^(2+)stores and subsequent external Ca^(2+)entry through store-operated Ca^(2+)entry contributes to pathological changes in myelin and axonal spheroid formation,providing new targets to protect central myelinated fibers.展开更多
借助扫描电镜和透射电镜对尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)、奥利亚罗非鱼(O.aureus)、奥尼罗非鱼(O.niloticus×O.aureus)和吉富罗非鱼(GIFT Strain in Nile Tilapia,O.niloticus)成熟精子的超微结构进行了比较研究。...借助扫描电镜和透射电镜对尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)、奥利亚罗非鱼(O.aureus)、奥尼罗非鱼(O.niloticus×O.aureus)和吉富罗非鱼(GIFT Strain in Nile Tilapia,O.niloticus)成熟精子的超微结构进行了比较研究。结果显示,4种罗非鱼精子均为有鞭毛精子,无顶体,尾部轴丝9±2型。尼罗罗非鱼精子植入窝陷入核深度最浅,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为5-9个、(0.36±0.10)μm,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长为(0.29±0.11)μm;奥利亚罗非鱼精子核内染色质着色程度最深,植入窝陷入核深度约1/3,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为3-10个、(0.40±0.17)μm,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长为(0.32±0.12)μm;奥尼罗非鱼精子核内染色质着色程度较浅,植入窝陷入核深度约1/3,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为5-7个、(0.32±0.09)μm,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长(0.26±0.09)μm;吉富罗非鱼精子核内染色质着色最浅,植入窝陷入核最深,约占2/3,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为5-10个、(0.37±0.08)μm,中段存在大量中空囊泡,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长为(0.15±0.03)μm,与其它三种罗非鱼精子鞭毛平均侧鳍翼长比较具显著性差异(P〈0.05)。展开更多
The International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) recognized the lack of hydro- logical data as a world-wide problem in 2002 and adopted the Prediction of Ungauged Basins (PUB) as a decadal research ag...The International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) recognized the lack of hydro- logical data as a world-wide problem in 2002 and adopted the Prediction of Ungauged Basins (PUB) as a decadal research agenda during the period of 2003 to 2012. One of the objectives is to further develop methodologies for prediction in ungauged basins and to reduce uncertainties in model prediction. Estimation of stream flows is required for flood control, water quality control, valley habitat assessment and water budget of a country. However, the majority of water catchments, streams and valleys are ungauged in most developing countries. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the IHACRES (Identification of Hy- drographs and Components from Rainfall, Evaporation and Stream) model into African hydrological plan- ning as a methodology for water resources assessment, which in turn can be used to resolve water conflicts between communities and countries and to study the climate change issues. This is because the IHACRES model is applied for the estimation of flows in ungauged catchments whose physical catchments descriptors (PCDs) can be determined by driving variables (i.e. rainfall and temperature); and also in gauged streams but whose gauging stations are no longer operational but historical data are available for model calibration. The model provides a valuable insight into the hydrologic behaviour of the upper water sources for valleys as well as provides a useful methodology for water resources assessment in situations of scarce financial resources in developing countries. In addition, it requires relatively few parameters in its calibration and has been successful applied in previous regionalization studies. It will also make possible the equitable distri- bution of water resources in international basins and rivers' catchments. This paper does not apply the model anywhere, but recommends it as a methodology for water resources assessment in order to cure water conflicts on the African continent.展开更多
Objectives The main objective of the present article is to assess and evaluate the characteristics of the Nile water system , and identify the major sources of pollution and its environmental and health consequences. ...Objectives The main objective of the present article is to assess and evaluate the characteristics of the Nile water system , and identify the major sources of pollution and its environmental and health consequences. The article is also aimed to highlight the importance of water management via re-use and recycle of treated effluents for industrial purpose and for cultivation of desert land. Method An intensive effort was made by the authors to collect, assess and compile the available data about the River Nile. Physico-chemical analyses were conducted to check the validity of the collected data. For the determination of micro-pollutants, Gas Chromatography (GC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used. Heavy metals were also determined to investigate the level of industrial pollution in the river system. Results The available data revealed that the river receives a large quantity of industrial, agriculture and domestic wastewater. It is worth mentioning that the river is still able to recover in virtually all the locations, with very little exception. This is due to the high dilution ratio. The collected data confirmed the presence of high concentrations of chromium and manganese in all sediment samples. The residues of organo-chlorine insecticides were detected in virtually all locations. However, the levels of such residues are usually below the limit set by the WHO for use as drinking water. The most polluted lakes are Lake Maryut and Lake Manzala. Groundwater pollution is closely related to adjacent (polluted) surface waters. High concentrations of nutrients, E.coli, sulfur, heavy metals, etc. have been observed in the shallow groundwater, largely surpassing WHO standards for drinking water use. Conclusion A regular and continuous monitoring scheme shall be developed for the River Nile system. The environmental law shall be enforced to prohibit the discharge of wastewater (agricultural, domestic or industrial) to River Nile system.展开更多
Water quality of the river Nile and trace elements of the water, sediments and fish tissues were investigated in the current work. Eighteen different sampling points were selected along the whole course of the River N...Water quality of the river Nile and trace elements of the water, sediments and fish tissues were investigated in the current work. Eighteen different sampling points were selected along the whole course of the River Nile from its spring at Aswan to its estuaries at Rosetta and Damietta. Higher mean value of conductivity, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), total solid (TS), sulphate (SO4), chloride (Cl), orthophosphate were recorded in the water of Damietta and Rosetta branches comparing to other sites. Also trace metals in the water, sediments and tissues of Clarias gariepinus increased significantly (P Fe > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cr> Cd > Hg. In the gill tissues theses metals were accumulated in the following order Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Cd> Hg. The low accumulation of metals in muscle may be due to lack of binding affinity of these metals with the proteins of muscle. This is particularly important because muscles contribute the greatest mass of the flesh that is consumed as food.展开更多
River Nile is one of the longest transboundery rivers and it is shared and used by Burundi,Democratic Republic of Congo,Egypt,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Kenya,Rwanda,Sudan,Tanzania and Uganda.As of today,the Nile is a crucial r...River Nile is one of the longest transboundery rivers and it is shared and used by Burundi,Democratic Republic of Congo,Egypt,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Kenya,Rwanda,Sudan,Tanzania and Uganda.As of today,the Nile is a crucial resource for the economic development of the Nile Basin countries and a vital source of livelihood for 160 million inhabitants as well as 300 million people living in the 10 riparian countries.The Nile Basin Initiative(NBI) is one of the international cooperative river basin management program and regional partnership where all the Nile Basin countries except Eritrea unite to pursue long-term sustainable development,improved land use practices and management.This review therefore focused on the challenges not faced on NBI in terms of integrated use of the river and conducted analysis of strengths,weaknesses,opportunities and threats(SWOT) based on secondary data.The result of the review revealed that for decades,the Nile Basin people have been facing many complex environmental,social,economic and political challenges that have made it difficult for the proper management and sustainability of Nile water.The initiative provides training to develop skills in government ministries,non-governmental organizations and local communities in each country.It is also working to raise awareness of critical environmental issues by strengthening networks of environmental education practitioners;developing curriculum in the education sector.The challenges of NBI include the involvement and funding of World Bank,lack of sufficient staff,procedural and policies conflicts,lack of coordination and linkage with other regional institutions and lack of recognition as river basin organization.Considering the complex nature of the project,it is recommended that the NBI should come up with a strong multi-disciplinary monitoring and evaluation team to follow up all implemented projects.The NBI should carry out participatory land use planning in communities along the river basin.Moreover,livelihood analysis should be carried out especially in communities along the Nile to come up with poverty eradication projects which are socially acceptable,applicable,economically viable and affordable.展开更多
A Large scale hydropower dam known as Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is under construction on the Blue Nile River just upstream of the Ethiopian-Sudan border in Ethiopia. The GERD has an active storage capacit...A Large scale hydropower dam known as Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is under construction on the Blue Nile River just upstream of the Ethiopian-Sudan border in Ethiopia. The GERD has an active storage capacity of more than 60,000 Mm3 and is anticipated to produce 6000 MW of hydropower energy. The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of the dam on the performance of the High Aswan Dam (HAD) during filling and operation phases using a simulation model using Mike Basin river basin simulation model. The results indicate the planned 6 years filling period is sufficient to fill the reservoir with little impact on the current irrigation water demands from HAD in Egypt without additional management investment. There will be about 12% and 7% of reduction of annual energy output from High Aswan Dam during the filling and after filling stage of GERD respectively. Cumulative Energy production from the two dams will increase significantly Water loss at HAD due to evaporation will decreases by 22%. Overall performance of HAD during and after filling of the GERD remains at a reliability level of 96%. The study advises to utilize the results cautiously as it is based on only one historical realization of the many possible scenarios that may evolve in the future.展开更多
The quality of a water body is usually characterized by sets of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, which are mutually interrelated. Since August 1997, monthly records of 33 parameters, monitored at 102 loc...The quality of a water body is usually characterized by sets of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, which are mutually interrelated. Since August 1997, monthly records of 33 parameters, monitored at 102 locations on the Nile Delta drainage system, are stored in a National Database operated by the Drainage Research Institute (DRI). Correlation patterns may be found between water quantity and water quality parameters at the same location, or among water quality parameters within a monitoring location or among locations. Serial correlation is also detected in water quality variables. Through the investigation of the level of information redundancy, assessment and redesign of water quality monitoring network aim to improve the overall network efficiency and cost effectiveness. In this study, the potential of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) on simulating interrelation between water quality parameters is examined. Several ANN inputs, structures and training possibilities are assessed and the best ANN model and modeling procedure is selected. The prediction capabilities of the ANN are compared with the linear regression models with autocorrelated residuals, usually used for this purpose. It is concluded that the ANN models are more accurate than the linear regression models having the same inputs and output.展开更多
In the present study we investigated the alteration in the activity of two metabolic enzymes [Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)] and the histological changes on liver and gills ...In the present study we investigated the alteration in the activity of two metabolic enzymes [Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)] and the histological changes on liver and gills of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus collected from 6 sites along the river Nile, from its spring at Aswan to its estuary at Rosetta and Damietta branches. The results showed that the physical and chemical parameters of the water collected from Damietta and Rosetta branches were higher than those of the water collected from other sites. Remarkable alterations in the activity of the selected enzymes in the liver and muscles of the African catfish were detected. These alterations go in parallel with the elevation in the levels of chemical parameters detected in the water of Damietta and Rosetta branches as a result of pollution stress in these areas. The activity of G6PDH was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased from Aswan to Rosetta and Damietta recording the highest value at Rosetta followed by Damietta water. The activity of LDH showed a significant elevation (p < 0.05) in activity in the liver and muscles of fishes collected from Rosetta and Damietta branches comparing to other sites. These alterations in enzymatic activities were followed, in the present study, by the occurrence of histological lesions and clear damage in liver and gill tissues of the African catfish collected from the same sites. Thus we may conclude that, the altered activities of G6PDH and LDH could be useful biomarkers of water pollution. At the same time, histopathology provides a reliable, easily quantifiable index of low-level toxic stress to a broad range of environmental pollutants.展开更多
There is considerable concern that isoflavones,such as genistein in fish feed composed of soybean protein,affects somatic growth in fish.Our previous works demonstrated that 30 and 300 μg/g dietary genistein had no s...There is considerable concern that isoflavones,such as genistein in fish feed composed of soybean protein,affects somatic growth in fish.Our previous works demonstrated that 30 and 300 μg/g dietary genistein had no significant effect on growth performance in Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus),but the higher level of genistein(3 000 μg/g) significantly depressed growth.This study was conducted to further examine the effects of dietary genistein on the endocrine disruption on growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I(GH/IGF-I) axis in Nile tilapia(O.niloticus).Juvenile fish were fed by hand twice daily to satiation with one of four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets,each containing either 0,30,300 or3 000 μg/g genistein.Following an 8-week feeding period,plasma GH and IGF-I levels were investigated by radioimmunoassay and gene expression levels of gh,ghrelin,gnrhs,ghr,npy,npyrs,pacap,ghrs,igf-I,igf-Ir,and igfbp3 were examined by real-time PCR.The results show that no significant change in plasma GH and IGF-I levels in fish fed with diets containing 30 μg/gand 300 μg/g genistein.mRNA expression of genes along the GH/IGF-I axis remained unaffected,except for igf-Ir,which was stimulated by the 300 μg/g genistein diet.While in fish fed the 3 000 μg/g genistein diet,the plasma GH and IGF-I levels decreased,and mRNA expression of gh,ghr2,npyr1,igf-I,and igf-Ir were also significantly depressed.In contrast,npy and igfbp3 mRNA expression were enhanced.This study provides convincing evidence for growth impediment by genistein by disturbing the GH/IGF-I axis in Nile tilapia O.niloticus.展开更多
文摘Several cardiac outcomes have been reported with West Nile-encephalitis;however, the underlying pathophysiology remains complex. We present a 42-year-old female, with multiple sclerosis, whose neurological symptoms and respiratory decline were finally explained by the diagnosis of West Nile-encephalitis. During her admission, the isolated peaked T-waves indicated the underlying stress-induced cardiomyopathy. The absence of all other causes of hyperacute T-waves, their subsequent resolution with the resolution of infection and improvement in wall motion abnormalities, further supported the association. This case highlights the importance of considering hyperacute T-waves in an approach towards the diagnosis of WNV-encephalitis related atypical variant of stress-induced cardiomyopathy.
文摘Syzygium jambolanum is a promising natural treatment for diabetes.The potential benefits of S jambolanum for diabetes include lowering blood sugar levels,increasing insulin sensitivity,protecting pancreatic beta cells,and slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.The anti-diabetic activity of the crude extract of S jambolanum was evaluated in L6 myotubes and the lipid deposition in tissue was measured using Nile red Staining.Nile red staining confirmed that a considerable quantity of lipids had been deposited in the tissue treated with a crude extract of S jambolanum,comparable to the quantity of lipids deposited with a standard drug known as Rosiglitazone.This study analyzed the anti-diabetic activity of a crude extract of S jambolanum to understand its potential as a feedstock for extracting bioactive constituents to screen for bioactive molecules in the treatment of diabetes.
文摘North Africa is one of the most regions impacted by water shortage.The implementation of controlled drainage(CD)in the northern Nile River delta of Egypt is one strategy to decrease irrigation,thus alleviating the negative impact of water shortage.This study investigated the impacts of CD at different levels on drainage outflow,water table level,nitrate loss,grain yield,and water use efficiency(WUE)of various wheat cultivars.Two levels of CD,i.e.,0.4 m below the soil surface(CD-0.4)and 0.8 m below the soil surface(CD-0.8),were compared with subsurface free drainage(SFD)at 1.2 m below the soil surface(SFD-1.2).Under each drainage treatment,four wheat cultivars were grown for two growing seasons(November 2018–April 2019 and November 2019–April 2020).Compared with SFD-1.2,CD-0.4 and CD-0.8 decreased irrigation water by 42.0%and 19.9%,drainage outflow by 40.3%and 27.3%,and nitrate loss by 35.3%and 20.8%,respectively.Under CD treatments,plants absorbed a significant portion of their evapotranspiration from shallow groundwater(22.0%and 8.0%for CD-0.4 and CD-0.8,respectively).All wheat cultivars positively responded to CD treatments,and the highest grain yield and straw yield were obtained under CD-0.4 treatment.Using the initial soil salinity as a reference,the soil salinity under CD-0.4 treatment increased two-fold by the end of the second growing season without negative impacts on wheat yield.Modifying the drainage system by raising the outlet elevation and considering shallow groundwater contribution to crop evapotranspiration promoted water-saving and WUE.Different responses could be obtained based on the different plant tolerance to salinity and water stress,crop characteristics,and growth stage.Site-specific soil salinity management practices will be required to avoid soil salinization due to the adoption of long-term shallow groundwater in Egypt and other similar agroecosystems.
文摘The formation of axonal spheroid is a common feature following spinal cord injury.To further understand the source of Ca^(2+)that mediates axonal spheroid formation,we used our previously characterized ex vivo mouse spinal cord model that allows precise perturbation of extracellular Ca^(2+).We performed twophoton excitation imaging of spinal cords isolated from Thy1YFP+transgenic mice and applied the lipophilic dye,Nile red,to record dynamic changes in dorsal column axons and their myelin sheaths respectively.We selectively released Ca^(2+)from internal stores using the Ca^(2+)ionophore ionomycin in the presence or absence of external Ca^(2+).We reported that ionomycin dose-dependently induces pathological changes in myelin and pronounced axonal spheroid formation in the presence of normal 2 m M Ca^(2+)artificial cerebrospinal fluid.In contrast,removal of external Ca^(2+)significantly decreased ionomycin-induced myelin and axonal spheroid formation at 2 hours but not at 1 hour after treatment.Using mice that express a neuron-specific Ca^(2+)indicator in spinal cord axons,we confirmed that ionomycin induced significant increases in intra-axonal Ca^(2+),but not in the absence of external Ca^(2+).Periaxonal swelling and the resultant disruption in the axo-myelinic interface often precedes and is negatively correlated with axonal spheroid formation.Pretreatment with YM58483(500 n M),a well-established blocker of store-operated Ca^(2+)entry,significantly decreased myelin injury and axonal spheroid formation.Collectively,these data reveal that ionomycin-induced depletion of internal Ca^(2+)stores and subsequent external Ca^(2+)entry through store-operated Ca^(2+)entry contributes to pathological changes in myelin and axonal spheroid formation,providing new targets to protect central myelinated fibers.
文摘借助扫描电镜和透射电镜对尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)、奥利亚罗非鱼(O.aureus)、奥尼罗非鱼(O.niloticus×O.aureus)和吉富罗非鱼(GIFT Strain in Nile Tilapia,O.niloticus)成熟精子的超微结构进行了比较研究。结果显示,4种罗非鱼精子均为有鞭毛精子,无顶体,尾部轴丝9±2型。尼罗罗非鱼精子植入窝陷入核深度最浅,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为5-9个、(0.36±0.10)μm,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长为(0.29±0.11)μm;奥利亚罗非鱼精子核内染色质着色程度最深,植入窝陷入核深度约1/3,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为3-10个、(0.40±0.17)μm,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长为(0.32±0.12)μm;奥尼罗非鱼精子核内染色质着色程度较浅,植入窝陷入核深度约1/3,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为5-7个、(0.32±0.09)μm,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长(0.26±0.09)μm;吉富罗非鱼精子核内染色质着色最浅,植入窝陷入核最深,约占2/3,线粒体个数和平均直径分别为5-10个、(0.37±0.08)μm,中段存在大量中空囊泡,鞭毛侧鳍平均翼长为(0.15±0.03)μm,与其它三种罗非鱼精子鞭毛平均侧鳍翼长比较具显著性差异(P〈0.05)。
基金supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30870810)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University
文摘The International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) recognized the lack of hydro- logical data as a world-wide problem in 2002 and adopted the Prediction of Ungauged Basins (PUB) as a decadal research agenda during the period of 2003 to 2012. One of the objectives is to further develop methodologies for prediction in ungauged basins and to reduce uncertainties in model prediction. Estimation of stream flows is required for flood control, water quality control, valley habitat assessment and water budget of a country. However, the majority of water catchments, streams and valleys are ungauged in most developing countries. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the IHACRES (Identification of Hy- drographs and Components from Rainfall, Evaporation and Stream) model into African hydrological plan- ning as a methodology for water resources assessment, which in turn can be used to resolve water conflicts between communities and countries and to study the climate change issues. This is because the IHACRES model is applied for the estimation of flows in ungauged catchments whose physical catchments descriptors (PCDs) can be determined by driving variables (i.e. rainfall and temperature); and also in gauged streams but whose gauging stations are no longer operational but historical data are available for model calibration. The model provides a valuable insight into the hydrologic behaviour of the upper water sources for valleys as well as provides a useful methodology for water resources assessment in situations of scarce financial resources in developing countries. In addition, it requires relatively few parameters in its calibration and has been successful applied in previous regionalization studies. It will also make possible the equitable distri- bution of water resources in international basins and rivers' catchments. This paper does not apply the model anywhere, but recommends it as a methodology for water resources assessment in order to cure water conflicts on the African continent.
文摘Objectives The main objective of the present article is to assess and evaluate the characteristics of the Nile water system , and identify the major sources of pollution and its environmental and health consequences. The article is also aimed to highlight the importance of water management via re-use and recycle of treated effluents for industrial purpose and for cultivation of desert land. Method An intensive effort was made by the authors to collect, assess and compile the available data about the River Nile. Physico-chemical analyses were conducted to check the validity of the collected data. For the determination of micro-pollutants, Gas Chromatography (GC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used. Heavy metals were also determined to investigate the level of industrial pollution in the river system. Results The available data revealed that the river receives a large quantity of industrial, agriculture and domestic wastewater. It is worth mentioning that the river is still able to recover in virtually all the locations, with very little exception. This is due to the high dilution ratio. The collected data confirmed the presence of high concentrations of chromium and manganese in all sediment samples. The residues of organo-chlorine insecticides were detected in virtually all locations. However, the levels of such residues are usually below the limit set by the WHO for use as drinking water. The most polluted lakes are Lake Maryut and Lake Manzala. Groundwater pollution is closely related to adjacent (polluted) surface waters. High concentrations of nutrients, E.coli, sulfur, heavy metals, etc. have been observed in the shallow groundwater, largely surpassing WHO standards for drinking water use. Conclusion A regular and continuous monitoring scheme shall be developed for the River Nile system. The environmental law shall be enforced to prohibit the discharge of wastewater (agricultural, domestic or industrial) to River Nile system.
文摘Water quality of the river Nile and trace elements of the water, sediments and fish tissues were investigated in the current work. Eighteen different sampling points were selected along the whole course of the River Nile from its spring at Aswan to its estuaries at Rosetta and Damietta. Higher mean value of conductivity, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), total solid (TS), sulphate (SO4), chloride (Cl), orthophosphate were recorded in the water of Damietta and Rosetta branches comparing to other sites. Also trace metals in the water, sediments and tissues of Clarias gariepinus increased significantly (P Fe > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cr> Cd > Hg. In the gill tissues theses metals were accumulated in the following order Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Cd> Hg. The low accumulation of metals in muscle may be due to lack of binding affinity of these metals with the proteins of muscle. This is particularly important because muscles contribute the greatest mass of the flesh that is consumed as food.
文摘River Nile is one of the longest transboundery rivers and it is shared and used by Burundi,Democratic Republic of Congo,Egypt,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Kenya,Rwanda,Sudan,Tanzania and Uganda.As of today,the Nile is a crucial resource for the economic development of the Nile Basin countries and a vital source of livelihood for 160 million inhabitants as well as 300 million people living in the 10 riparian countries.The Nile Basin Initiative(NBI) is one of the international cooperative river basin management program and regional partnership where all the Nile Basin countries except Eritrea unite to pursue long-term sustainable development,improved land use practices and management.This review therefore focused on the challenges not faced on NBI in terms of integrated use of the river and conducted analysis of strengths,weaknesses,opportunities and threats(SWOT) based on secondary data.The result of the review revealed that for decades,the Nile Basin people have been facing many complex environmental,social,economic and political challenges that have made it difficult for the proper management and sustainability of Nile water.The initiative provides training to develop skills in government ministries,non-governmental organizations and local communities in each country.It is also working to raise awareness of critical environmental issues by strengthening networks of environmental education practitioners;developing curriculum in the education sector.The challenges of NBI include the involvement and funding of World Bank,lack of sufficient staff,procedural and policies conflicts,lack of coordination and linkage with other regional institutions and lack of recognition as river basin organization.Considering the complex nature of the project,it is recommended that the NBI should come up with a strong multi-disciplinary monitoring and evaluation team to follow up all implemented projects.The NBI should carry out participatory land use planning in communities along the river basin.Moreover,livelihood analysis should be carried out especially in communities along the Nile to come up with poverty eradication projects which are socially acceptable,applicable,economically viable and affordable.
文摘A Large scale hydropower dam known as Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is under construction on the Blue Nile River just upstream of the Ethiopian-Sudan border in Ethiopia. The GERD has an active storage capacity of more than 60,000 Mm3 and is anticipated to produce 6000 MW of hydropower energy. The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of the dam on the performance of the High Aswan Dam (HAD) during filling and operation phases using a simulation model using Mike Basin river basin simulation model. The results indicate the planned 6 years filling period is sufficient to fill the reservoir with little impact on the current irrigation water demands from HAD in Egypt without additional management investment. There will be about 12% and 7% of reduction of annual energy output from High Aswan Dam during the filling and after filling stage of GERD respectively. Cumulative Energy production from the two dams will increase significantly Water loss at HAD due to evaporation will decreases by 22%. Overall performance of HAD during and after filling of the GERD remains at a reliability level of 96%. The study advises to utilize the results cautiously as it is based on only one historical realization of the many possible scenarios that may evolve in the future.
文摘The quality of a water body is usually characterized by sets of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, which are mutually interrelated. Since August 1997, monthly records of 33 parameters, monitored at 102 locations on the Nile Delta drainage system, are stored in a National Database operated by the Drainage Research Institute (DRI). Correlation patterns may be found between water quantity and water quality parameters at the same location, or among water quality parameters within a monitoring location or among locations. Serial correlation is also detected in water quality variables. Through the investigation of the level of information redundancy, assessment and redesign of water quality monitoring network aim to improve the overall network efficiency and cost effectiveness. In this study, the potential of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) on simulating interrelation between water quality parameters is examined. Several ANN inputs, structures and training possibilities are assessed and the best ANN model and modeling procedure is selected. The prediction capabilities of the ANN are compared with the linear regression models with autocorrelated residuals, usually used for this purpose. It is concluded that the ANN models are more accurate than the linear regression models having the same inputs and output.
文摘In the present study we investigated the alteration in the activity of two metabolic enzymes [Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)] and the histological changes on liver and gills of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus collected from 6 sites along the river Nile, from its spring at Aswan to its estuary at Rosetta and Damietta branches. The results showed that the physical and chemical parameters of the water collected from Damietta and Rosetta branches were higher than those of the water collected from other sites. Remarkable alterations in the activity of the selected enzymes in the liver and muscles of the African catfish were detected. These alterations go in parallel with the elevation in the levels of chemical parameters detected in the water of Damietta and Rosetta branches as a result of pollution stress in these areas. The activity of G6PDH was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased from Aswan to Rosetta and Damietta recording the highest value at Rosetta followed by Damietta water. The activity of LDH showed a significant elevation (p < 0.05) in activity in the liver and muscles of fishes collected from Rosetta and Damietta branches comparing to other sites. These alterations in enzymatic activities were followed, in the present study, by the occurrence of histological lesions and clear damage in liver and gill tissues of the African catfish collected from the same sites. Thus we may conclude that, the altered activities of G6PDH and LDH could be useful biomarkers of water pollution. At the same time, histopathology provides a reliable, easily quantifiable index of low-level toxic stress to a broad range of environmental pollutants.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31170322)
文摘There is considerable concern that isoflavones,such as genistein in fish feed composed of soybean protein,affects somatic growth in fish.Our previous works demonstrated that 30 and 300 μg/g dietary genistein had no significant effect on growth performance in Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus),but the higher level of genistein(3 000 μg/g) significantly depressed growth.This study was conducted to further examine the effects of dietary genistein on the endocrine disruption on growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I(GH/IGF-I) axis in Nile tilapia(O.niloticus).Juvenile fish were fed by hand twice daily to satiation with one of four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets,each containing either 0,30,300 or3 000 μg/g genistein.Following an 8-week feeding period,plasma GH and IGF-I levels were investigated by radioimmunoassay and gene expression levels of gh,ghrelin,gnrhs,ghr,npy,npyrs,pacap,ghrs,igf-I,igf-Ir,and igfbp3 were examined by real-time PCR.The results show that no significant change in plasma GH and IGF-I levels in fish fed with diets containing 30 μg/gand 300 μg/g genistein.mRNA expression of genes along the GH/IGF-I axis remained unaffected,except for igf-Ir,which was stimulated by the 300 μg/g genistein diet.While in fish fed the 3 000 μg/g genistein diet,the plasma GH and IGF-I levels decreased,and mRNA expression of gh,ghr2,npyr1,igf-I,and igf-Ir were also significantly depressed.In contrast,npy and igfbp3 mRNA expression were enhanced.This study provides convincing evidence for growth impediment by genistein by disturbing the GH/IGF-I axis in Nile tilapia O.niloticus.