Distribution and diversity of aquatic insects in different water bodies of Qatar

Abstract Aquatic insect fauna remains an important tool for bio indication of environmental disturbance, while maintaining a healthy aquatic system. The purpose of the study was to document and to identify the diversity and distribution patterns of aquatic insect, a highly ignored aspect from the Qatar. Following the standard procedures, the samples were collected from aquatic habitats during the period October 2015 to May 2017 on monthly basis. A total of 11,287 individuals, belonging to 6 orders were captured. Dipterans were the abundant with the percentages of 71.01 (n=8,015), while the lowest percentage was observed for Coleoptera 0.04 (n=05). Twelve insects families were identified, among these five were reported under Diptera, followed by Hemiptera (03), while Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera were represented by single families. Among the selected localities, Dipterans were collected from 10 stations, followed by Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) and Trichoptera (1) respectively. Among the water bodies samples, streams were the most preferred habitats (n=2,767), while drinking water pools were the least (27). Moreover, the highest Simpson diversity index of 1.48 and lowest of 0.47 was recorded for flooded sewage pool and plastic containers respectively, while the low evenness values were observed for ponds, and less than 1 Margalefs diversity values were seen for all habitats. This study documents the patterns of the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects, and provides a baseline for the future studies from Qatar.

Resumo A fauna aquática de insetos continua sendo uma ferramenta importante para a bioindicação de distúrbios ambientais, ao mesmo tempo em que mantém um sistema aquático saudável. O objetivo do estudo foi documentar e identificar a diversidade e os padrões de distribuição dos insetos aquáticos, um aspecto altamente ignorado no Catar. Seguindo os procedimentos padrão, as amostras foram coletadas em hábitats aquáticos durante o período de outubro de 2015 a maio de 2017, mensalmente. Um total de 11.287 indivíduos, pertencentes a seis ordens, foram capturados. Dípteros foram os mais abundantes, com as porcentagens de 71,01 (n = 8.015), enquanto a menor porcentagem foi observada para Coleópteros 0,04 (n = 05). Doze famílias de insetos foram identificadas, destas, cinco foram registradas sob Diptera, seguido por Hemiptera (03), enquanto Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata e Ephemeroptera foram representados por famílias únicas. Dentre as localidades selecionadas, Dipterans foram coletados em 10 estações, seguidos por Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) e Trichoptera (1), respectivamente. Entre as amostras de corpos d'água, os riachos foram os hábitats mais preferidos (n = 2.767), enquanto as piscinas de água potável foram os menos (27). Além disso, o maior índice de diversidade de Simpson de 1,48 e o menor de 0,47 foi registrado para piscina de esgoto inundada e recipientes de plástico, respectivamente, enquanto os valores de baixa uniformidade foram observados para lagoas e menos de 1 valores de diversidade de Margalef foram observados para todos os hábitats. Este estudo documenta os padrões de diversidade e distribuição de insetos aquáticos e fornece uma linha de base para os estudos futuros do Catar.

Distribution and diversity of aquatic insects in different water bodies of Qatar / Distribuição e diversidade de insetos aquáticos em diferentes corpos de água do Catar

Aquatic insect fauna remains an important tool for bio indication of environmental disturbance, while maintaining a healthy aquatic system. The purpose of the study was to document and to identify the diversity and distribution patterns of aquatic insect, a highly ignored aspect from the Qatar. Following the standard procedures, the samples were collected from aquatic habitats during the period October 2015 to May 2017 on monthly basis. A total of 11,287 individuals, belonging to 6 orders were captured. Dipterans were the abundant with the percentages of 71.01 (n=8,015), while the lowest percentage was observed for Coleoptera 0.04 (n=05). Twelve insects families were identified, among these five were reported under Diptera, followed by Hemiptera (03), while Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera were represented by single families. Among the selected localities, Dipterans were collected from 10 stations, followed by Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) and Trichoptera (1) respectively. Among the water bodies samples, streams were the most preferred habitats (n=2,767), while drinking water pools were the least (27). Moreover, the highest Simpson diversity index of 1.48 and lowest of 0.47 was recorded for flooded sewage pool and plastic containers respectively, while the low evenness values were observed for ponds, and less than 1 Margalef's diversity values were seen for all habitats. This study documents the patterns of the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects, and provides a baseline for the future studies from Qatar.

A fauna aquática de insetos continua sendo uma ferramenta importante para a bioindicação de distúrbios ambientais, ao mesmo tempo em que mantém um sistema aquático saudável. O objetivo do estudo foi documentar e identificar a diversidade e os padrões de distribuição dos insetos aquáticos, um aspecto altamente ignorado no Catar. Seguindo os procedimentos padrão, as amostras foram coletadas em hábitats aquáticos durante o período de outubro de 2015 a maio de 2017, mensalmente. Um total de 11.287 indivíduos, pertencentes a seis ordens, foram capturados. Dípteros foram os mais abundantes, com as porcentagens de 71,01 (n = 8.015), enquanto a menor porcentagem foi observada para Coleópteros 0,04 (n = 05). Doze famílias de insetos foram identificadas, destas, cinco foram registradas sob Diptera, seguido por Hemiptera (03), enquanto Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata e Ephemeroptera foram representados por famílias únicas. Dentre as localidades selecionadas, Dipterans foram coletados em 10 estações, seguidos por Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) e Trichoptera (1), respectivamente. Entre as amostras de corpos d'água, os riachos foram os hábitats mais preferidos (n = 2.767), enquanto as piscinas de água potável foram os menos (27). Além disso, o maior índice de diversidade de Simpson de 1,48 e o menor de 0,47 foi registrado para piscina de esgoto inundada e recipientes de plástico, respectivamente, enquanto os valores de baixa uniformidade foram observados para lagoas e menos de 1 valores de diversidade de Margalef foram observados para todos os hábitats. Este estudo documenta os padrões de diversidade e distribuição de insetos aquáticos e fornece uma linha de base para os estudos futuros do Catar.

Distribution and diversity of aquatic insects in different water bodies of Qatar.

Aquatic insect fauna remains an important tool for bio indication of environmental disturbance, while maintaining a healthy aquatic system. The purpose of the study was to document and to identify the diversity and distribution patterns of aquatic insect, a highly ignored aspect from the Qatar. Following the standard procedures, the samples were collected from aquatic habitats during the period October 2015 to May 2017 on monthly basis. A total of 11,287 individuals, belonging to 6 orders were captured. Dipterans were the abundant with the percentages of 71.01 (n=8,015), while the lowest percentage was observed for Coleoptera 0.04 (n=05). Twelve insects families were identified, among these five were reported under Diptera, followed by Hemiptera (03), while Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera were represented by single families. Among the selected localities, Dipterans were collected from 10 stations, followed by Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) and Trichoptera (1) respectively. Among the water bodies samples, streams were the most preferred habitats (n=2,767), while drinking water pools were the least (27). Moreover, the highest Simpson diversity index of 1.48 and lowest of 0.47 was recorded for flooded sewage pool and plastic containers respectively, while the low evenness values were observed for ponds, and less than 1 Margalef's diversity values were seen for all habitats. This study documents the patterns of the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects, and provides a baseline for the future studies from Qatar.

Brain network disintegration as a final common pathway for delirium: a systematic review and qualitative meta-analysis.

Delirium is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by altered levels of attention and awareness with cognitive deficits. It is most prevalent in elderly hospitalized patients and related to poor outcomes. Predisposing risk factors, such as older age, determine the baseline vulnerability for delirium, while precipitating factors, such as use of sedatives, trigger the syndrome. Risk factors are heterogeneous and the underlying biological mechanisms leading to vulnerability for delirium are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that delirium and its risk factors are associated with consistent brain network changes. We performed a systematic review and qualitative meta-analysis and included 126 brain network publications on delirium and its risk factors. Findings were evaluated after an assessment of methodological quality, providing N=99 studies of good or excellent quality on predisposing risk factors, N=10 on precipitation risk factors and N=7 on delirium. Delirium was consistently associated with functional network disruptions, including lower EEG connectivity strength and decreased fMRI network integration. Risk factors for delirium were associated with lower structural connectivity strength and less efficient structural network organization. Decreased connectivity strength and efficiency appear to characterize structural brain networks of patients at risk for delirium, possibly impairing the functional network, while functional network disintegration seems to be a final common pathway for the syndrome.

Aedes albopictus in urban and forested areas of Malaysia: A study of mitochondrial sequence variation using the CO1 marker.

This study explores the use of a long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) marker to elucidate the genetic diversity of Aedes albopictus sampled from urban and forested regions in Peninsular and East Malaysia. A total of 36 samples were collected from 5 localities from which its genetic variability was analysed. 33 distinct mtDNA haplotypes were identified following the amplification and sequencing of the concatenated CO1 gene. The analysed region of the CO1 gene identified substantial levels of genetic diversity among mosquitoes in urban populations and revealed unique genealogical relationships between local isolates as revealed in the haplotype network. This study highlights the reliability of the long CO1 fragment to identify genetic divergence of Aedes albopictus which can be utilized in forthcoming studies.

Updated abundance and distribution of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Penang Island, Malaysia.

Reduction of dengue cases and forecast its risk, and identification of vectors breeding habitats and their abundance is the prime target in any dengue control programme. In this aspect, larval surveys were conducted in four localities in Penang Island between September 2015 to September 2016. The abundance of Aedes mosquitoes and their breeding habitat both indoor and outdoor were recorded. Aedes indices i.e. Container index (CI), House index (HI) and Breteau Index (BI) were calculated for dengue risk, besides the attraction and repulsion (RF) of 5 container type evaluation. Among a total of 2,415 potential habitats examined, 638 were found positive for immature stages of Aedes. A total of 23,319 immatures were collected from the selected areas. Aedes albopictus (93.7%) was the dominant species followed by Aedes aegypti (5.8%) and others (0.5%). Among the 5 container types, plastic type containers were the most productive (45.5%) whereas the natural containers (6.1%) were the least (P < 0.05). High values of Aedes indices showed that all selected localities are at risk of dengue due to high prevalence of Ae. albopictus. Rubber and natural type of containers were the most attractive breeding habitats for vectors of dengue. The results of this study provides an insight to the current distribution of dengue vectors, which may be crucial to the health authorities in vector management programmes in the future.

Aedes albopictus in urban and forested areas of Malaysia: A study of mitochondrial sequence variation using the CO1 marker

@#This study explores the use of a long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) marker to elucidate the genetic diversity of Aedes albopictus sampled from urban and forested regions in Peninsular and East Malaysia. A total of 36 samples were collected from 5 localities from which its genetic variability was analysed. 33 distinct mtDNA haplotypes were identified following the amplification and sequencing of the concatenated CO1 gene. The analysed region of the CO1 gene identified substantial levels of genetic diversity among mosquitoes in urban populations and revealed unique genealogical relationships between local isolates as revealed in the haplotype network. This study highlights the reliability of the long CO1 fragment to identify genetic divergence of Aedes albopictus which can be utilized in forthcoming studies.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced memory impairment in rats: a model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a primary cause of dementia in the middle-aged and elderly worldwide. Animal models for AD are widely used to study the disease mechanisms as well as to test potential therapeutic agents for disease modification. Among the non-genetically manipulated neuroinflammation models for AD, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced animal model is commonly used. This review paper aims to discuss the possible factors that influence rats' response following LPS injection. Factors such as dose of LPS, route of administration, nature and duration of exposure as well as age and gender of animal used should be taken into account when designing a study using LPS-induced memory impairment as model for AD.

Insight into potential mechanisms of hypobaric hypoxia-induced learning and memory deficit - Lessons from rat studies.

Impairment of memory is one of the most frequently reported symptoms during sudden hypoxia exposure in human. Cortical atrophy has been linked to the impaired memory function and is suggested to occur with chronic high-altitude exposure. However, the precise molecular mechanism(s) of hypoxia-induced memory impairment remains an enigma. In this work, we review hypoxia-induced learning and memory deficit in human and rat studies. Based on data from rat studies using different protocols of continuous hypoxia, we try to elicit potential mechanisms of hypobaric hypoxia-induced memory deficit.

The Potential Role of Melatonin on Memory Function: Lessons from Rodent Studies.

Pineal melatonin biosynthesis is regulated by the circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Melatonin has been found to modulate the learning and memory process in human as well as in animals. Endogenous melatonin modulates the process of newly acquired information into long-term memory, while melatonin treatment has been found to reduce memory deficits in elderly people and in various animal models. However, the mechanisms mediating the enhancing effect of melatonin on memory remain elusive. This review intends to explore the possible mechanisms by looking at previous data on the effects of melatonin treatment on memory performance in rodents.

Determination and optimization of Vitamin B complex in xylanase enzyme treated polished rice by response surface methodology.

The present study provides information about the concentrations of Vitamin B (thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine and niacin) in polished brown rice treated with xylanase. Xylanase enzyme was produced from Aspergillus awamori MTCC 9166. Brown rice was treated with 60-100% enzyme (40 ml of buffer -undiluted) for 30 to 150 min (with variation of 30 min) at 30 degrees C to 50 degrees C (with variation of 5 degrees C) to attain a saturated moisture level of 35.5 g100(-1)g .The enzyme acted upon selective degradation (polishing time 10-50 sec) of bran layer facilitating retention of more vital nutrients along with the vitamins. Vitamin B content, detected through HPLC and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCRD), demonstrated that selective degradation of bran layers for polished rice facilitated increase of thiamine (57%), riboflavin (48%), pyridoxine (90%) and niacin (55%) concentration in bio polished rice over normally milled rice.Enzyme treated bio-polished rice was considered to be better source of vitamin B complex than mechanically milled rice, hence more nutritionally efficacious.

Clinical drug interactions: a holistic view.

Every time a drug is administered to the animal to treat an ailment, no matter whether it is acute or chronic manifestation, it usually goes together with some other prescription medicine, OTC (Over the counter) formulation, herbs or even food. All the xenobiotics such as drugs, toxins and food components as well as the endogenous compound that are formed in the animal body as a routine phenomenon exert a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the different physiological and biochemical processes going in the body. These effects may alter the normal metabolism and/or drug transport or its efficacy drastically and thus expose the man and animals to the risk of a potentially dangerous interaction. The present review discusses these potential reactions and their mechanisms that help in navigating the hazardous combinations of drugs with other medicines, food, herbs, vitamins and minerals with confidence.

Measurement of bioelectric and acoustic profile of breast tissue using hybrid magnetoacoustic method for cancer detection.

This paper proposes a novel hybrid magnetoacoustic measurement (HMM) system aiming at breast cancer detection. HMM combines ultrasound and magnetism for the simultaneous assessment of bioelectric and acoustic profiles of breast tissue. HMM is demonstrated on breast tissue samples, which are exposed to 9.8 MHz ultrasound wave with the presence of a 0.25 Tesla static magnetic field. The interaction between the ultrasound wave and the magnetic field in the breast tissue results in Lorentz Force that produces a magnetoacoustic voltage output, proportional to breast tissue conductivity. Simultaneously, the ultrasound wave is sensed back by the ultrasound receiver for tissue acoustic evaluation. Experiments are performed on gel phantoms and real breast tissue samples harvested from laboratory mice. Ultrasound wave characterization results show that normal breast tissue experiences higher attenuation compared with cancerous tissue. The mean magnetoacoustic voltage results for normal tissue are lower than that for the cancerous tissue group. In conclusion, the combination of acoustic and bioelectric measurements is a promising approach for breast cancer diagnosis.

Anthelmintic activity of papaya seeds on Hymenolepis diminuta infections in rats.

The purpose of this study is to see the anthelmintic activity potential of papaya seeds against Hymenolepis diminuta in rats. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the effectiveness of papaya seeds on helminths especially H. diminuta in rats and (2) to determine the effective dose level on helminths in rats. Thirty six male rats from strain Sprague-Dawley were chosen as samples in this experiment. Two types of dose level were used for papaya seeds treatments such as 0.6 g kg-1 and 1.2 g kg-1. The geometric mean (GEM) was used to calculate mean for eggs per gram (EPG) before and after the treatment to be included in the reduction percentage calculation. After 21 days post treatment, necropsies were done to get the worm count and the GEM was used to calculate the efficacy percentage for the treatment. Results from this study showed that the reduction percentages in EPG for papaya seeds treatment for both doses level were very high which is 96.8% for 0.6g kg-1 dose level and 96.2% for 1.2 g kg-1 dose level. Whereas the efficacy percentage based on the worm counts for both doses level were also very high that was 90.77% for 0.6 g kg-1 dose level and 93.85% for 1.2 g kg-1.

Malignant glomus tumour of larynx: first case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the first reported case of a malignant glomus tumour of the larynx. METHOD: Case report and review of the world literature concerning malignant glomus tumours. RESULTS: A 37-year-old man presented with progressive hoarseness and dyspnoea. A smooth, right-sided laryngeal mass was found on flexible nasolaryngoscopy. Initial biopsy of this lesion was reported as a true 'glomus tumour', which is a benign lesion. Wide local excision was performed. The final histology of this specimen showed it to be a 'malignant glomus tumour'. Immunohistochemistry was positive for smooth muscle actin, collagen type IV, vimentin and cluster of differentiation 34 glycoprotein. Total laryngectomy was then performed as a definitive curative procedure. CONCLUSION: Glomus tumour is rarely found in visceral locations. This tumour and its malignant counterpart are rare differential diagnoses of laryngeal masses.

Pharmacokinetics of diclofenac and its interaction with enrofloxacin in sheep.

The pharmacokinetics of diclofenac was investigated in sheep given diclofenac alone (1mgkg(-1), i.v. or i.m.) and in combination with enrofloxacin (5mgkg(-1), i.v.). The plasma concentration-time data following i.v. administration of diclofenac was best described by a two compartment open pharmacokinetic model. The elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)), area under concentration-time-curve (AUC), volume of distribution (Vd(area)), mean residence time (MRT) and total body clearance (Cl(B)) were 1.03+/-0.18h, 12.17+/-1.98microg h ml(-1), 0.14+/-0.02Lkg(-1), 1.36+/-0.16h and 0.10+/-0.02Lkg(-1)h(-1), respectively. Following i.m. administration of diclofenac alone and in conjunction with enrofloxacin, the plasma concentration-time data best fitted to a one compartment open model. The t(1/2beta), AUC, Vd(area), MRT and Cl(B) were 1.33+/-0.10h, 7.32+/-1.01microg h mL(-1), 0.13+/-0.01Lkg(-1) and 0.07+/-0.01Lkg(-1)h(-1), respectively. Co-administration of enrofloxacin did not affect Vd(area) and MRT but absorption rate constant (K(a)), beta, t1/2Ka, t1/2beta, AUC, AUMC, Cl(B) and bioavailability (F) were significantly increased. This may be due to direct inhibition of cytochrome P(450) isozymes by enrofloxacin. A dose of 1.4mgkg(-1) of diclofenac administered every 6h may be appropriate for use in sheep.

Removal of chromium and pentachlorophenol from tannery effluents.

Three bacterial strains, including one Acinetobacter sp. PCP3, grown in the presence of minimal salt medium and pentachlorophenol (PCP) as sole carbon source in the chemostat showed higher utilization of PCP and adsorption of chromium. In sequential bioreactor, tannery effluents treated initially by bacterial consortium followed by fungus removed 90% and 67% chromium and PCP respectively, whereas in another set of bioreactor in which effluents was treated initially by fungi followed by bacteria could remove 64.7% and 58% chromium and PCP, respectively.

Effect of aqueous Euphorbia hirta leaf extract on gastrointestinal motility.

The aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta decreased the gastrointestinal motility in normal rats and decreased the effect of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice.