Oct-Dec, 2019
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Growth of Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Plant as Affected by NPK Formula
and rate
Elboraie E.A.H. and M. M. Kasem
ABSTRACT:
The current study was achieved to evaluate the influence of different NPK formulas at (20:20:20,
20:10:5 and 16:6:5), NPK rates at (2, 4 and 6 g/pot) and their interactions on vegetative growth and
chemical compositions of golden photos (Epipremnum aureum). Two field experiments in a plastic
greenhouse were conducted at the Nursery of Vegetables and Floriculture Department, Faculty of
Agriculture, Damietta University, Egypt, during the two consecutive seasons of 2018 and 2019. The
experiment was designed as a factorial in randomized complete block design, since the NPK formulas
was the first factor and the NPK rates was the second factor. The obtained results cleared the
importance of NPK formulas and rates on improving golden photos growth. Golden photos plants
treated with NPK fertilizer formula of 16:6:5 at 4 g/pot gained significant increases in vegetative
growth (vine length, vines number, leaf area, leaves number, fresh and dry weight), pigments content
(chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids) and leaves macronutrients contents (N, P and K%). In general,
these results may decrease the total NPK fertilization which needed for commercial production of this
important foliage indoor plant through decreasing the NPK formula from 20:20:20 to 16:6:5 although
increasing the NPK concentrations. Generally, from the previous results can reduce the use of
compound fertilizers, especially nitrogen and phosphorus through the use of the least fertilizer
equation content (16: 6: 5) and the use of fertilizer dose 4 g where there is no significant differences
with the dose of 6 g so we recommend the use of 4 g /pot every three weeks where they reduce the
economic cost.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 604-611 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.1
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Association between ABO Blood/ Rhesus Grouping and Hepatitis C virus in
Egyptian patients
Hussam K.M. Sahow, Samir H. Abdel Aziz, Sabah A. Abo Maaty, Sohair Abdel
Rahman and El Dougdoug K. A.
ABSTRACT:
The relationship between hepatitis C virus and the host ABO/Rh blood groups appropriately
designed study in Egypt. This current study aimed to investigate possible association between ABO
blood /Rh groups with HCV infection. In this study, 20 healthy individuals (controls), 90 patients
showed like Hepatitis-C symptoms were recruited from June 2018 to March 2019 provided clinical
labs in Egypt. The HCV patients groups were matched for their subjects, region, age and sex. In the
HC group, there were 75 Rh+ positive (83.3%) and 15 Rh- negative (16.6%) patients. The
corresponding figures were (A) 16/23 (69.7%), (B) 17/25 (68 %), (O) 8/20 (40 %) and (AB) 17/22
(54.5 %) for the HCV patients out of AB blood groups. Comparing between the control and HC
groups showed no significant difference in terms of the frequency of ABO blood groups (p = 0.70).
The HCV patients appeared Severe symptoms thus as, Fever, Joint pain, Weight loss, Liver cell
failure and mild symptoms thus as, (Nausea, Vomiting and Abdominal pain. HCV Positive clinical
blood 73 out of 90 with rate 81.1% by ELISA. Statistical significant differences were recorded
between HCV and blood groups, A, B, O and AB regarding sex. In addition there was highly
statistical significant decrease in female than male cases regarding medical history. While nonsignificant
differences between ABO blood groups of HCV patient regarding CB Cresults,
Biochemical Liver tests and Kidney function, (creatinine and Urea). RT-qPCR of blood viral load
showed that the higher percentage of HCV infection was among f blood group B (54.90%) and the
lower percentage was among those of blood group O (9.90%) with significant difference (p<0.05)
.This association is significant between certain ABO blood groups and HCV.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 612-622 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.2
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The use of miniature parks as a museum for Egyptian architectural heritage
Nermin Mokhtar Farrag, Ayman Hesham Elalfy
ABSTRACT:
Miniature heritage parks are considered a good chance for people to be aware of their countries
architectural heritage. It might be hard for every person to visit most of a country’s monumental
places. Egypt is a country that has various historical places and a lot of monuments located in
different natural and cultural environments. Egypt had passed various historical periods including
pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic. Miniature heritage parks contain a blend of small scale architectural
models and sculpture art models that compose a good knowledge environment that enhance its
visitors to know about their heritage. Although Egypt has a very rich heritage environment. Yet there
are few opened miniature heritage parks. Nowadays there is a great demand to enhance the design and
construction of such parks with the guidance of the foreign miniature heritage parks found in China,
Holland and the United States of America. The research goal is to enhance the architectural design
process for heritage mini parks in Egypt through a comparative study for of some foreign park
examples displaying Egyptian monumental models and two miniature heritage parks existing in Egypt
reaching architectural design criteria that should be considered during the design process.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 623-639 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.3
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Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of resistant and persistent
diabetic macular edema
Hazem Azab M.D., Maged Adly Naguib M.D.
ABSTRACT:
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of intravitreal triamcinolone
acetonide in diabetic macular edema, refractory cases. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study
of forty eyes diagnosed clinically and supported with optical coherence tomography with diabetic
macular edema were than 300 m in thickness. All eyes were injected with a single injection
preservative free triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg /0.1 ml). Patients were subjected to visual acuity and
optical coherence tomography on each follow up visit which was continued for mean eight months.
Results: The mean central subfield thickness at baseline was 504 m, at five weeks. The mean central
subfield thickness dropped by about 195 m and baseline visual acuity 0.8 log MAR unit was improved
by 0.02 log MAR unit from baseline that were recorded in 17 (42.5%) eyes, 11 (27.5%) eyes
improved in central subfield thickness without improved vision, 5 (12.5%) eyes more worse than
before injection and lastly 7 (17.5%) eyes without changes in central subfield thickness or visual
acuity. Conclusion: triamcinolone acetonide is safe, effective and promising therapy in resistant and
persistent diabetic macular edema.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 640-646 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.4
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The impact of flaxseed oil active compounds in its native and nano forms on the rat
gut microbiota
Sherif S. Mohamed, Abdel-Hameed M. Fayed, Mohamed S. Abdel-Aziz and Ahmed
S. Montser
ABSTRACT:
The beneficial effects of the gastrointestinal microbiota and mankind health take multitude
interest in the recent researcher studies. According a lot of studies proven that flax seeds contain
bioactive materials such as precursors of omega-3 and omega 6,polysaccharides, cyclic peptides,
lignin, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, and cadmium. Lignin that is usually exists in content within
flaxseed oil required intestinal bacteria to be metabolized in order to absorption through intestinal
mucosa to the systemic circulation in humans. This study concentrated on the impact of either
flaxseed oil or its nanoemulsionas prophylaxis the growth of total account of microbiota in rat’s
colon. The male adult albino rats (Western) strain, weighting 120±30 gm. Were divided into four
groups: Group I:rats that received saline (serve as normal control), Group II: rats that received 1ml
flax seed oil (as reference), Group III: rats were received 1ml flax seed oil nanoparticles and Group
IV: rats that received 2ml flax seed oil nanoparticles. The results determined that the lowest total
bacterial counts (CFU/ml) was found with rats treated with 1ml of oil nanoemulsion whereas the
highest total bacterial count was found with rats treated with 2ml oil nanoemulsion. It was worthy that
findings confirmed the consumption of flaxseed oil nanoemulsion amounted to 2ml was the highest
total bacteria than natural form. It may be regarded to the nanoemulsion was a better gastro-intestinal
absorption of the precursor omega-3 fatty acids resulted to the nanoparticles size and enrichment the
colon micobiota by others phytochemical bioactivities as well as lignin.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 647-654 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.5
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Antioxidative and Hypoglycemic Effects of Delonix elata and Vachellia farnesiana
Leaves Extracts on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats
Sameera A. Alghamdi
ABSTRACT:
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is known to be a group of metabolic disorders characterized by an
elevated glucose level. Plants are the most promising causes of new therapeutic agents. The usual
usage of plant products for the managing of DM has grown up because of the nominal side-effects
with the minimal economy as controlling of diabetes without the side-effects is a challenge. The drugs
prepared from the plants may play a major role in the treatment. This study aims to inspect the
hypoglycemic with antioxidant potentiality of leaves extract from Delonix elata (DELE) and
Vachellia farnesiana (VFLE) in streptozotocin (STZ) male rats with DM. This study incorporates 80
Wistar male rats categorized into eight groups. Normal control rats were appeared in groupr1.
Untreated DM rats termed as DM controls as in group 2. Groups 3-5 involve the DELE, VFLE and
DELE plus VFLE as DM rats. Groups 6-8 were treated as normal rats with DELE, VFLE and DELE
plus VFLE respectively. The DM control group inhibited decrease in body weight and increased in
the serum levels of glucose, HbA1c, protein and lipid profiles, creatinine, BUN. ALT, AST and
MDA, whereas, serum insulin, GPx and CAT levels were reduced. In Gr3-5 of DM rats, extracts
disclosed clear influence at body weight, glucose, HbA1c, protein and lipid profiles, liver and kidney
functions parameter, and oxidative stress markers. The results revealed the extracts exhibited
significant anti-oxidant and hypoglycemic activity which could be the appearance of
pharmacologically active ingredients. However, these extracts can be applied alternatively in dealing
DM and allied complications. In conclusion, the novel of these plant extracts further should be
investigated to reconfirm for predicting their clinical potential as a phytomedicine for DM treatment.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 655-666 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.6
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Deficit Irrigation Management in Arid Regions by Adding Biochar to Sandy Soils:
Sweet Pepper Cultivation
El-Shawadfy M. A. and Abdelraouf R. E.
ABSTRACT:
Promoting the rationalization of water consumption and the growth of plants under deficit of
irrigation water are major concerns in arid and semi-arid areas. It is necessary to use safe and
environmentally friendly methods and treatments for this purpose to overcome water shortage
problems with special emphasis on sustainable resource management and environmental protection.
Two field experiments were carried out during growing seasons 2017 and 2018 to study the effect of
adding biochar on application efficiency of irrigation water, yield of sweet pepper (YSP) , water
productivity (WP) and vitamin C of sweet pepper under irrigation scheduling based on deficit
irrigation conditions. Three application rates of biochar [0 (control) ,3.5, 7 and 10.5 ton ha.-1] were
used under three levels from irrigation water treatments [100% Full Irrigation, (FI) , {75% of FI and
50% of FI (deficit irrigation)} from irrigation requirements for sweet pepper ]. The results revealed
that increasing the application of biochar materials under deficit irrigation conditions had a positive
impact o YSP, WP and vitamin C of sweet pepper. The most effective level in this regard when plant
were irrigated with FI and adding 10.5 ton ha-1of bioshar as well as when plant were irrigated with 75
% FI and adding 10.5 ton ha-1of bioshar in both seasons of 2017 and 2018 respectively. A similar
direction was observed with vitamin C content of sweet pepper compared with control treatments and
irrigation with 50 % of FI without adding biochar. In addition, water productivity parameter were
significantly improved by application of adding biochar under irrigation treatments. The potential
function of biochar on soil and yield under deficit of irrigation water for sweet pepper plants was
discussed.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 667-677 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.7
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New Technologies in Improving Chemical Properties and Sensory Attributes of
Olive Oil
Susan M. M. Abd-Elmageed, Rania I. M. Almoselhy and Badawy H. A. A.
ABSTRACT:
This work aimed to improve the quality of lampante virgin olive oil (LVOO) (olive oil with
severe defects greater than 6.0 or free acidity greater than 3.3%). It is not fit for human consumption.
LVOO may come from bad fruit from improper handling. Lampante virgin olive oil (LVOO) was
mixed with good olive oil cake (OOC) (olive pomace) and good olive mill wastewater (OMWW) by
ratio 20: 30: 50. This mixture was transported to malaxer unit, for malaxing at 30, 45, and 60 min.
After each malaxation time the paste was sent to the decanter to re-extract the oil. In decanter unit
paste was divided into three phases, after decantation the husk that was given out from the machine
was transported to the outside of the mill. For recovering the oil, the machine used the centrifugal
force (separator), oil and OMWW were transported to separator unit for separation oil from water.
During the re-extraction of olive oil with malaxation time 30, 45, and 60 min, changes in chemical
properties and sensory attributes were studied. Results indicated that sensory attributes were improved
at three malaxation time 30, 45, and 60 min, mainly fruitiness and bitterness, the high malaxing time
60 min was the best. Also results revealed that chemical properties were improved at three malaxation
time, mainly free acidity and peroxide value which were decreased, and high malaxation time was the
best, olive oil obtained by this techniques may classified as ordinary olive oil (free acidity less than
3.3% and defect less than 6.0. These results suggested the use of these techniques to improve the
quality of LVOO.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 678-686 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.8
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The Potential Protective Effect of Sesame Oil and Canola Oil on Rats Exposed to
Malathion
Daklallah A. Almalki
ABSTRACT:
Currently, the environmental pollution is occurring on a vast and unprecedented scale around
the globe. Pesticides are the largest group of chemicals that are used widely in modern agricultural
practices. Pesticides have been associated with health and environmental issues, and the agricultural
use of certain pesticides has been abandoned. Pesticides are basically poisons and therefore toxic to
living organism at particular dose. Medicinal plants have a promising future because there are about
half million plants around the world, and most of them their medical activities have not investigate
yet, and their medical activities could be decisive in the treatment of present or future studies. Natural
products from plants, animals and minerals are the basis for treating human diseases. The purpose of
the present study was to evaluate the effects of sesame oil and canola oil on male rats exposed to
malathion. Experimental rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 was served as normal control.
Rats of group 2 were exposed to malathion. Rats of group 3 were treated with sesame oil and
malathion. Rats of group 4 were subjected to canola oil and malathion. Rats of group 5 and 6 were
supplemented with sesame oil and canola oil respectively. After the end of experimental duration (8
weeks), rats of group 2 showed significant reduction of body weight gain, and severe hematological
and biochemical alterations including significant decreases of RBC, HB, Hct, WBC, total protein,
glucose and CAT, and increases of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, triglycerides, cholesterol,
creatinine, uric acid and MDA values. Administration of sesame oil and canola oil improved the
observed hematological and biochemical alterations induced by malathion intoxication. These new
findings indicate that sesame oil and canola oil represent protective roles on hematological and
biochemical disturbances induced by malathion toxicity due to their antioxidant activities.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 687-698 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.9
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Analytical Determination of Cefepime Residues in Rabbit’ Muscles, Liver and
Kidney Using HPLC
Farida El-Dars, Nahla S. Elshater and Safaa M. Abd Elaziz
ABSTRACT:
In this study, residues of cefepime in different rabbit tissues (liver, kidney, thigh muscle and
pectoral muscle) were analytically determined after intramuscular administrations. A total of 24
healthy New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups. The first group (n=3) remained untreated
for use as control, while the second group (n=21) was administered with 75 mg/kg cefepime for five
consecutive days. The liver, kidney, thigh muscle and pectoral muscles were collected after the 1st,
3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 14th and 21st day post cefepime hydrochloride administration. Cefepime residues were
extracted from the relative tissue and analyzed using HPLC equipped with a UV detector at 256 nm.
The results indicated a widespread distribution of cefepime in most of the tested tissues. However, it
remained detectable within the liver and kidney till the 7th and 9th day, respectively, after the last
administered dose. On the other hand, the drug levels within the thigh and pectoral muscles were not
detectable after the 3rd day of administration. Accordingly, it may be concluded that a 9-day period
was a safe period to ensure the complete disappearance of cefepime from the examined tissues and to
render the animal safe for human consumption.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 699-706 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.10
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Relation between Anthropometric Measurements and Serum Lipid Profile among
Postmenopausal Women with Hypertension
Wafaa Mohammad Kamal, Eman Emad Kamel and Hossam El-Din Hossein Kamel
ABSTRACT:
Background: Menopause is the time that marks the end of menstrual cycles. Weight gain and
obesity is one of its physical symptoms that may disrupt the woman's life. In fact, obesity and
metabolic syndrome are three times more frequently found in women during this period of their lives
than before menopause. Aim: to verify association between serum lipid concentrations and
anthropometric measures like body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) and which one of
these anthropometric variables (BMI or WHR) is a better link to lipid profile among postmenopausal
women with hypertension. Subjects: To conduct this study, forty-five postmenopausal women with
hypertension were collected from the outpatient clinic of Menouf General Hospital. Their ages ranged
from 55-65 years old, their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 and their waist/hip
ratio ranged from 0.78 to 1. All participants were pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension ranged
from 140/90 to 159/99 mmHg as diagnosed by physicians and they weren't received any medication.
Methods: data were obtained for all women by measuring BMI, waist/hip ratio and serum level of
total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein
(LDL). Results: WHR had a more powerful relation with serum lipid profile than BMI. So, WHR is a
better predictor of TC and LDL among postmenopausal women.
Conclusion: WHR and WC had a more powerful relation with serum lipid profile than BMI. So,
WHR is considered a better predictor of TC and LDL among postmenopausal women. The
implications of these findings underline the importance of WHR as a cardio-metabolic health marker
in postmenopausal women, independent of BMI.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 707-710 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.11
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Organic summer squash production using chicken manure, compost and AMF for
enhancing soil fertility
Amal K. Abou El-Goud and Mona M. Yousry
ABSTRACT:
Two field experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, (Saba-Basha) - Alexandria
University, during the growing seasons of 2017 and 2018, in order to study the effect of organic and
bio fertilizer such as chicken manure, Compost and AM fungi on yield and quality of summer squash
(El-Askandarani sp.). The study was conducted with randomized complete block design with three
replicates. Eight treatments were carried out in this investigation i.e. (AM fungi, 100 % compost,
100 % chicken manure, 50 % compost + 50 % chicken manure, 50% compost + AM fungi, 50%
chicken manure + AM fungi, 33.5% compost + 33.5% chicken manure + AM fungi and the
recommended doses of chemical fertilizers N,P,K as a control ). The effects of the treatments on the
growth, yield and plant nutrient elements of leaves and fruits of summer squash were determined. The
results indicated that using 50% chicken manure + AM fungi improved significantly vegetative
growth characters ( plant height, No. leaves/plant, leaf area index, shoot and root dry weight and
nutritional status of plants in leaves and fruits) except 50 % compost + 50 % chicken manure gave the
highest values in chlorophyll reading of leaves. Treatments of chicken manure increased significantly
all morphological characteristics and qualities of squash. Also, AM fungi additions led to increase
mineral content of leaves and fruits compared with control treatment. In our experience, add two types
of organic fertilizers to cultivated squash with addition of AM fungi had different effects on the
quality and quantity of the yield.The highest values of early and total yield production was achieved
by the combination of 33.5% compost + 33.5% chicken manure + AM fungi compared to the control
treatment. Also, the use of 100% chicken manure was increased values of the fruit length, fruit
diameter and average fruit weight significantly compared to data recorded by the control. This study
demonstrated the possibility of producing a good yield of squash safe and healthy without any
applying chemical fertilizers via integration of compost, chicken manure and AM fungi as cleanly
fertilizers and environmentally friendly practices.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 711-720 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.12
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Efficacy of Phonophoresis with Corticosteroids on Bell's Palsy Patients: A Randomized
Controlled Trial
Abd Elhady S. AbuMandour, Gehan M. Ahmed, PhD, Sandra M. ahmed, PhD and
Youssef M. Elbalawy
ABSTRACT:
Background: Bell’s palsy is an acute, generally unilateral paralysis or weakness of facial
musculature consistent with peripheral facial nerve dysfunction, of no detectable cause, Additional
symptoms frequently include pain around or behind the ear on the affected side, sometimes extending
into the occipital or cervical regions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of
phonophoresis with hydrocortisone on patients with acute bell's palsy. Methodology: thirty patients
with acute bell'-s palsy both sexes, their ages were ranged from (15-45) years were assigned into three
equal groups (group a and b): group (A) This group consists of 15 patients received oral systemic
steroids and aplacebo effect of Phonophoresis (sham effect) while group (B) This group consists of 15
patients received the same oral drugs and hydrocortisone Phonophoresis.. Subjects were assessed
using Electrodiagnostic testing (nerve conduction velocity). Results: Considering the effect of the
tested group (first independent variable) on NCV, "unpaired t test" revealed that the mean values of
the "pre" test between both groups showed there was no significant differences (p>0.05). But, the
mean values of the "post" test between both groups showed there was significant differences (p<0.05)
and this significant increase in favor of group B in compared to group A. Conclusion: It was
suggested that phonophoresis with hydrocortisone is beneficial for patients with acute bell's palsy.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 721-726 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.13
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Influence of soil application and spraying of salicylic acid on improving growth and
leaf mineral content of olive seedling grow under saline condition
Laila F.Hagagg, M.I.F. Fawzi, M.F.M., Shahin, A.B. El-Sayed and Eman S. El-Hady
ABSTRACT:
The aim of the present investigation was to determine the effect of exogenously application of
salicylic acid (SA) on growth and leaf nutrient content of olive seedlings picual cv. irrigated with
saline water grow in shade house. Seedlings subjected during two growth seasons (2016-2017) to
salicylic acid (SA) which applied as foliar and soil application at three concentrations (0, 200, and 400
ppm) on olive seedlings cv. Picual grown under three levels of salinity (0, 2000, 4000 ppm). At the
end of each growth season different vegetative growth parameters (plant height increment, leaf dry
weight, leaves moist percentage, leaves no. and shoots no.) were determined. Moreover, leaf nutrient
status were been estimated. Obtained results indicated that, vegetative growth parameters of olive
seedlings cv. Picual show a negative response when irrigated with saline water up to 2000 ppm and
increasing salinity in irrigation water from 2000 to 4000 ppm tended to significantly decrease
vegetative growth parameters. Where, exogenous application of salicylic acid with 200 ppm (sparing
+ soil application) on olive seedlings improved most vegetative studied parameters. Also, current
study concluded that, exogenous application of salicylic acid on saline stressed picual olive seedling
increased nitrogen and potassium content in leaves than untreated once. Whereas, no effect noticed of
exogenous application salicylic acid on the percentage of phosphor content on leaves of saline
stressed picual olive seedling.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 727-733 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.14
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Hydrochemistry of the Eocene aquifer at the desert fringes of west El-Minya
Governorate, Egypt
Yahia Gedamy, Yasser Abdulhady and Ehab Zaghlool
ABSTRACT:
The present work focuses on the hydrochemical setting of the Eocene limestone aquifer along the
area lying west of El-Minya Governorate. To achieve this goal, seventy-four water samples from the
Eocene aquifer, as well as ten water samples from the Pleistocene aquifer as guidance samples were
collected. Also, two samples were collected from both El-Ibrahimia and Bahr Yousf canals in the
study area. The collected water samples were subjected to chemical analyses to determine both major
cations and anions in order to identify the hydrochemical characteristics of the Eocene aquifer in the
study area through the discussion of both the salinity of the groundwater, hydrochemical coefficients,
hydrochemical facies, hypothetical salts combinations, geochemical classification, geochemical
modeling and statistical analyses as well as evaluation of the groundwater for different purposes. The
obtained results revealed that; majority of the Eocene groundwater samples in the study area (81%) lie
in the fresh zone and 17% of the total groundwater samples lie in the brackish zone while the saline
water is less pronounced. The ionic ratios indicated that, the groundwater samples have a mixed
mineralization that is possibly pure marine water affected by leaching, dissolution and cation
exchange processes of both meteoric water and terrestrial salts. The hydrochemical facies and
assemblages of hypothetical salts combinations indicated that; the groundwater of this aquifer is,
chemically, goes through three stages of development; less chemically developed stage at the southern
portion of the study area, intermediate state of development at the central portion of the study area and
finally more chemically evoluted stage at the northern portion of the study area. Both the assemblages
of hypothetical salts combinations and Piper’s trilinear diagram as well as the statistical analyses
confirmed that the Eocene aquifer is hydraulically connected with the overlain Pleistocene aquifer
through the faults plain. Also, the irrigation canals and the return flow after irrigation as well as the
seepage from the upper aquifer (Pleistocene aquifer) are the main sources of recharging for the
Eocene aquifer. Most of the Eocene groundwater samples are under-saturated with calcite, while all
groundwater samples of the Eocene aquifer are under-saturated with respect to the aragonite, gypsum,
anhydrite and halite. Most of the Eocene groundwater samples in the study area are suitable for
drinking and irrigation purposes. Finally, some recommendations are given.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 734-763 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.15
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Antitumor and Antimicrobial activities of pomegranate (Punica granatum) dried
powder peel in vitro
Asmaa M. Moghazy, Maie S. Khader, Neveen Saleh
ABSTRACT:
Background: The pomegranate fruit possesses therapeutically important constituents that gained
significant popularity in the treatment of many diseases. Therefore, this study was carried out to
investigate the phytochemical compounds of aqueous extract of pomegranate peel (PPE) along with
its antimicrobial and antitumor effect on Colorectal (Caco-2) and Colon (HCT-116) cancer cell lines.
Method: Aqueous extract of Pomegranate peel was analyzed by HPLC technique. Furthermore,
antimicrobial activity was investigating against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and fungi. Likewise,
antitumor activity was tested in vitro on the human cell line Colorectal (Caco-2), and Colon (HCT-
116). The cytotoxicity was determined by using MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, preapoptotic
and apoptotic gene were analyzed by using Real-Time PCR. While catalase and hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) were determined by using ELIZA Kits. Result: According to the obtained data, PPE
extract contain polyphenolic compounds among which protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid,
and rutin showing the most predominant ones. Besides, PPE has antibacterial activity against Grampositive
bacteria and anti-candida activity. Furthermore, PPE was cytotoxic to cancer cells in a
concentration and cell type-dependent manner, where the Caco-2 cells were more sensitive to the PPE
extract than HCT-116. Where IC50 of Caco- and HCT-116 are 1434 and 2257 μg/ml respectively.
Additionally, the anticancer activity was secure via the up/downregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene
(Caspase-3 and p53), both genes expression was cell type-dependent as well. While anti-apoptotic
gene Bcl-2 showed a significant decrease (P<0.05). Also, the apoptotic potential of PPE was
confirmed via the arresting of cells in the G2/M phase and elevated apoptotic cell % in the pre-G1
phase. Data obtained also, increasing the level of H2O2 and decreasing catalase activity.
Conclusion: PPE has an anti-proliferative potential against Caco-2 and HCT-116 cancer cells through
the induction of apoptosis. Besides, it has antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 764-775 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.16
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Bacterial Contamination of Vegetables Irrigated with Wastewater
Mamdouh S. Al-Gamal, A.A.K. Abou-Arab, M.A. Abou Donia, Lamyaa El-Sideek, Ahmed
A. Radwan1and Mohamed Eid T.
ABSTRACT:
Population densities and freshwater resources are not equally distributed around the world. This
has forced farmers to use wastewater for the irrigation of food crops Although wastewater is an
important source of essential nutrients for plants, many environmental, sanitary, and health risks are
also associated with the use of wastewater for crop irrigation due to the presence of microbes and
pathogenic bacterial strains that have health risk importance which may transfer to the plant crops
when this water used for irrigation and affect human health especially when this crops eaten raw
(fresh vegetables). Like many other countries, wastewater is frequently used for crops irrigation
without any prior treatment in peri-urban areas of Egypt. Present study demonstrates contamination
level of irrigation water canals that branched from river Nile and receives wastewater from nearby
drains or urban human activities or village around the water canals that dump their waste in the
irrigation canals and effect of such wastewater on contamination of soil and fresh vegetables like
lettuce, arugula and cucumber that growing in some areas (Qalubia, Giza and Sharkia) that irrigated
by such water. Microbial load within the vegetable samples ranged from 5.2 log cfu/gm to 7.9 log
cfu/gm, from 4.7 log cfu/gm to 6.3 log cfu/gm for total coliforms and from 4.0 log cfu/gm to 5.6 log
cfu/gm for staphylococci counts. The observed mean counts in both irrigation water and the fresh
vegetable samples were higher than the recommended standards of 1.0x102 cfu/ml (or cfu/gm) for
THB and 1.0x101 cfu/ml (or cfu/gm) for total coliform. There was a positive correlation between
water contamination and vegetable contamination during study period. Also many pathogenic
bacterial species have been isolated from examined samples (wastewater, soil and raw vegetables) as
E.coli sp., Salmonella sp., proteus sp., klebseilla, citrobacter sp., S. aureus, pseudomonas sp. and
providencia sp. The results obtained from this study gives information not only on the microbial load
but also on their origins (wastewater) and stimulate concerned entities in Egypt for the necessarily
treatment of wastewater before use.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 776-788 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.17
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Optimized operational parameters of anaerobic cellulosic-wastewater treatment for
bioenergy recovery and effluent quality improvements
Samir I. Gadow, M. A. El-Shawadfy and Fatma H. Abd El Zaher
ABSTRACT:
A series of standardized batch experiments were carried out to optimize the biogas production
from cellulosic-rich wastewater treatment. The experimental results showed that the best result was
produced under C/N ration of 20 with 80.94 % COD removal and cumulative biogas production
reached 44.55 ml/g COD added. The maximum cellulose degradation was achieved at 10 g/L with a
cumulative biogas production of 6.13 L/L. Based on the response surface model, the most significant
operational parameter was cellulose concentration and C/N ratio with Log Worth values reached
2.112 and1.131, respectively. As for biological pretreatment, the experimental results showed that the
pretreatment under shaking cultural conditions produced better results in COD removal efficiency
however, the biogas production was negatively affected as well as the soluble by-products
concentrations were significantly decreased. The experimental results showed that the changing in the
soluble by-product concentrations could explain the effect of operational factors and the best
condition was reported.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 789-801 ] DOI: 10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.18
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