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An enigmatic crocodyliform from the Upper Cretaceous Quseir
Formation, central Egypt

Research Abstract

Non-marine vertebrates, including many crocodyliform clades, remain poorly documented from uppermost Cretaceous deposits of Africa. Recent exploratory fieldwork in the Upper Cretaceous (middle Campanian) Quseir Formation exposed around Dakhla Oasis (Western Desert of Egypt) has revealed new fossils from continental and marginal marine settings that include abundant crocodyliform remains. In particular, materials of an enigmatic crocodyliform, represented by both cranial and postcranial remains, suggest the presence of a novel southern Tethyan crocodyliform fauna from northern Africa during the Late Cretaceous. Materials recovered of this taxon thus far include fragmentary portions of the skull and mandible, amphicoelous dorsal vertebrae, and fragmentary appendicular remains. This form is distinguished by a number of unique features including a domed platyrostral skull; a strongly festooned lateral margin of the maxilla with two waves of tooth enlargement; a deep sculptured fossa at the base of the postorbital bar; a jugal with an anterior process that is at least three times broader than the posterior process than the posterior process; an orbital margin dorsally overlapping the lateral temporal fenestra; a supraoccipital with a distinct medial tuber and associated ventral fossa; and a robust straight dentary with contribution of the splenial to the symphysis. This new form suggests a potentially unique Late Cretaceous assemblage from northern Africa, markedly different from better-known Late Cretaceous crocodyliform assemblages of South America and Madagascar, or from earlier (pre-Turonian) deposits in Africa. This pattern may reveal a distinct regional fauna along the southern Tethys, or potential Cretaceous relationships with Eurasian neosuchian-dominated assemblages.

Research Authors
Sara Saber , Joseph J.W. Sertich , Hesham M. Sallam , Khaled A. Ouda ,
Patrick M. O'Connor , Erik R. Seiffert
Research Department
Research Journal
Cretaceous Research
Research Member
Research Pages
pp. 174-184
Research Publisher
EL SEVIER
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
vol. 90
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667117301453
Research Year
2018

An enigmatic crocodyliform from the Upper Cretaceous Quseir
Formation, central Egypt

Research Abstract

Non-marine vertebrates, including many crocodyliform clades, remain poorly documented from uppermost Cretaceous deposits of Africa. Recent exploratory fieldwork in the Upper Cretaceous (middle Campanian) Quseir Formation exposed around Dakhla Oasis (Western Desert of Egypt) has revealed new fossils from continental and marginal marine settings that include abundant crocodyliform remains. In particular, materials of an enigmatic crocodyliform, represented by both cranial and postcranial remains, suggest the presence of a novel southern Tethyan crocodyliform fauna from northern Africa during the Late Cretaceous. Materials recovered of this taxon thus far include fragmentary portions of the skull and mandible, amphicoelous dorsal vertebrae, and fragmentary appendicular remains. This form is distinguished by a number of unique features including a domed platyrostral skull; a strongly festooned lateral margin of the maxilla with two waves of tooth enlargement; a deep sculptured fossa at the base of the postorbital bar; a jugal with an anterior process that is at least three times broader than the posterior process than the posterior process; an orbital margin dorsally overlapping the lateral temporal fenestra; a supraoccipital with a distinct medial tuber and associated ventral fossa; and a robust straight dentary with contribution of the splenial to the symphysis. This new form suggests a potentially unique Late Cretaceous assemblage from northern Africa, markedly different from better-known Late Cretaceous crocodyliform assemblages of South America and Madagascar, or from earlier (pre-Turonian) deposits in Africa. This pattern may reveal a distinct regional fauna along the southern Tethys, or potential Cretaceous relationships with Eurasian neosuchian-dominated assemblages.

Research Authors
Sara Saber , Joseph J.W. Sertich , Hesham M. Sallam , Khaled A. Ouda ,
Patrick M. O'Connor , Erik R. Seiffert
Research Department
Research Journal
Cretaceous Research
Research Member
Research Pages
pp. 174-184
Research Publisher
EL SEVIER
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
vol. 90
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667117301453
Research Year
2018

Exponentiated additive Weibull distribution

Research Abstract

Additive Weibull distribution combining two Weibull distributions was proposed by Xie and Lai [1]. In this
paper, we propose a generalization of this distribution which is called exponentiated additive Weibull distribution. It includes a set of exponentiated distributions such as modified generalized linear failure rate, exponentiated Weibull and exponentiated exponential distributions in addition to some widely well known distributions such as additive Weibull, modified Weibull distributions, among others. It represents a flexible model
for reliability analysis such as reliability engineering, firmware reliability, decision-making reliability, and cost
analysis. Some statistical properties of the new distribution are presented. The estimation of five parameters by
maximum likelihood is studied and the observed information matrix is computed. Finally, three real data sets are
used to compare the proposed distribution to five of its sub-models. The results showed that the new distribution
provides a better fit than its sub-models.

Research Authors
Abd EL-Baset A. Ahmada , M.G.M. Ghazal
Research Department
Research Journal
Reliability Engineering and System Safety
Research Pages
NULL
Research Publisher
NULL
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Vol. 193
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2020

THE EFFECT OF CO-TREATMENT WITH RETINOIC ACID ON RESCUING
CITRAL INDUCED MORPHOLOGICAL ANOMALIES DURING CHICK
EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Research Abstract

Introduction: Retinoic Acid (RA) are compounds derived from retinol or vitamin A. RA
signaling has a central role during both embryonic and adult growth, activating gene
transcription via interacting with nuclear RA receptors bound to RA response elements near
target genes. RA levels require precise regulation by controlled synthesis and catabolism. Citral
is a natural product of the essential oils of plants. It has been reported to inhibit the formation of
RA. Aim of the work: This research aims to find out which concentration 0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm of
retinoic acid is most efficient in rescuing the chick embryo treated with citral. Methods:
Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into six groups, control group, DMSO
group (RA solvent), citral group (50 µM) and three groups received a combination of the citral
dose and one of three different doses of RA (0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm), respectively. After hatching,
hatchability and mortality rates were reported. Embryos were morphologically examined and
weighed. Morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters and were
statistically analyzed. Results: the present study showed highly deformed embryos in the citral
group, while co-treatment with citral and the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) showed partial
mitigation than the higher doses (0.5 and 1 µgm). Co-treatments of citral and RA (0.25, 0.5 and 1
µgm) showed mortality rates 40%, 74% and 75% respectively compared to 62.5% in the case of
citral treatment alone. Different abnormalities were observed in citral treated embryos such as
high growth retardation, brain deformation. The eye was either invaginated, exophthalmic or
completely absent in some embryos. Long and wry neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity
and limb deformation were also observed. Weight, crown rump, head length, head
circumference, head height, wing and all parts of hind limb lengths in all treated groups were
significantly lower than control. Also, co-treatment with the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) and
citral significantly elevated the all morphometric parameters compared to higher doses of RA
(0.5 and 1 µgm), but non- significantly compared to citral treated group alone. Conclusion: This
study shows that treatment with citral decreases the level of endogenous RA than the level
needed to maintain the normal embryonic development and that leads to severe malformation.
Treatment with exogenous RA might rescue the embryo from teratogenic effects of citral and
that leads to the partial mitigation in some embryos. It suggested that the response of embryos to
RA is very sensitive. The lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) could partially mitigate the effect of citral
while higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm) exerted teratogenic properties of RA rather than
mitigative effects.

Research Authors
Reda A. Ali, Dalia Elzahraa F. Mostafa and Heba E. Aboulqasem
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut University Journal of Zoology
Research Pages
42-57
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
1(SI)1
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2019

THE EFFECT OF CO-TREATMENT WITH RETINOIC ACID ON RESCUING
CITRAL INDUCED MORPHOLOGICAL ANOMALIES DURING CHICK
EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Research Abstract

Introduction: Retinoic Acid (RA) are compounds derived from retinol or vitamin A. RA
signaling has a central role during both embryonic and adult growth, activating gene
transcription via interacting with nuclear RA receptors bound to RA response elements near
target genes. RA levels require precise regulation by controlled synthesis and catabolism. Citral
is a natural product of the essential oils of plants. It has been reported to inhibit the formation of
RA. Aim of the work: This research aims to find out which concentration 0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm of
retinoic acid is most efficient in rescuing the chick embryo treated with citral. Methods:
Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into six groups, control group, DMSO
group (RA solvent), citral group (50 µM) and three groups received a combination of the citral
dose and one of three different doses of RA (0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm), respectively. After hatching,
hatchability and mortality rates were reported. Embryos were morphologically examined and
weighed. Morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters and were
statistically analyzed. Results: the present study showed highly deformed embryos in the citral
group, while co-treatment with citral and the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) showed partial
mitigation than the higher doses (0.5 and 1 µgm). Co-treatments of citral and RA (0.25, 0.5 and 1
µgm) showed mortality rates 40%, 74% and 75% respectively compared to 62.5% in the case of
citral treatment alone. Different abnormalities were observed in citral treated embryos such as
high growth retardation, brain deformation. The eye was either invaginated, exophthalmic or
completely absent in some embryos. Long and wry neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity
and limb deformation were also observed. Weight, crown rump, head length, head
circumference, head height, wing and all parts of hind limb lengths in all treated groups were
significantly lower than control. Also, co-treatment with the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) and
citral significantly elevated the all morphometric parameters compared to higher doses of RA
(0.5 and 1 µgm), but non- significantly compared to citral treated group alone. Conclusion: This
study shows that treatment with citral decreases the level of endogenous RA than the level
needed to maintain the normal embryonic development and that leads to severe malformation.
Treatment with exogenous RA might rescue the embryo from teratogenic effects of citral and
that leads to the partial mitigation in some embryos. It suggested that the response of embryos to
RA is very sensitive. The lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) could partially mitigate the effect of citral
while higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm) exerted teratogenic properties of RA rather than
mitigative effects.

Research Authors
Reda A. Ali, Dalia Elzahraa F. Mostafa and Heba E. Aboulqasem
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut University Journal of Zoology
Research Pages
42-57
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
1(SI)1
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2019

THE EFFECT OF CO-TREATMENT WITH RETINOIC ACID ON RESCUING
CITRAL INDUCED MORPHOLOGICAL ANOMALIES DURING CHICK
EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Research Abstract

Introduction: Retinoic Acid (RA) are compounds derived from retinol or vitamin A. RA
signaling has a central role during both embryonic and adult growth, activating gene
transcription via interacting with nuclear RA receptors bound to RA response elements near
target genes. RA levels require precise regulation by controlled synthesis and catabolism. Citral
is a natural product of the essential oils of plants. It has been reported to inhibit the formation of
RA. Aim of the work: This research aims to find out which concentration 0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm of
retinoic acid is most efficient in rescuing the chick embryo treated with citral. Methods:
Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into six groups, control group, DMSO
group (RA solvent), citral group (50 µM) and three groups received a combination of the citral
dose and one of three different doses of RA (0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm), respectively. After hatching,
hatchability and mortality rates were reported. Embryos were morphologically examined and
weighed. Morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters and were
statistically analyzed. Results: the present study showed highly deformed embryos in the citral
group, while co-treatment with citral and the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) showed partial
mitigation than the higher doses (0.5 and 1 µgm). Co-treatments of citral and RA (0.25, 0.5 and 1
µgm) showed mortality rates 40%, 74% and 75% respectively compared to 62.5% in the case of
citral treatment alone. Different abnormalities were observed in citral treated embryos such as
high growth retardation, brain deformation. The eye was either invaginated, exophthalmic or
completely absent in some embryos. Long and wry neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity
and limb deformation were also observed. Weight, crown rump, head length, head
circumference, head height, wing and all parts of hind limb lengths in all treated groups were
significantly lower than control. Also, co-treatment with the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) and
citral significantly elevated the all morphometric parameters compared to higher doses of RA
(0.5 and 1 µgm), but non- significantly compared to citral treated group alone. Conclusion: This
study shows that treatment with citral decreases the level of endogenous RA than the level
needed to maintain the normal embryonic development and that leads to severe malformation.
Treatment with exogenous RA might rescue the embryo from teratogenic effects of citral and
that leads to the partial mitigation in some embryos. It suggested that the response of embryos to
RA is very sensitive. The lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) could partially mitigate the effect of citral
while higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm) exerted teratogenic properties of RA rather than
mitigative effects.

Research Authors
Reda A. Ali, Dalia Elzahraa F. Mostafa and Heba E. Aboulqasem
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut University Journal of Zoology
Research Member
Research Pages
42-57
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
1(SI)1
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2019

AFLATOXIN B1 INDUCES MORPHOLOGICAL ANOMALIES DURING CHICK
EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Research Abstract

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth
inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of
AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus
were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10%
Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract.
The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined,
and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head
circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of
incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric
parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly
changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations
were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes,
anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb
deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study
demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the
hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo,
according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the
severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

Research Authors
Reda A. Ali, Ekbal T. Wassif, *Mohamed A. Al-Mokhtar, Dalia Elzahraa F. Mostafa and Dina A.
Abdel-Raoof
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut University Journal of Zoology
Research Pages
31-41
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
1(SI)1
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2019

AFLATOXIN B1 INDUCES MORPHOLOGICAL ANOMALIES DURING CHICK
EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Research Abstract

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth
inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of
AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus
were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10%
Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract.
The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined,
and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head
circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of
incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric
parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly
changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations
were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes,
anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb
deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study
demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the
hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo,
according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the
severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

Research Authors
Reda A. Ali, Ekbal T. Wassif, *Mohamed A. Al-Mokhtar, Dalia Elzahraa F. Mostafa and Dina A.
Abdel-Raoof
Research Journal
Assiut University Journal of Zoology
Research Pages
31-41
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
1(SI)1
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2019

AFLATOXIN B1 INDUCES MORPHOLOGICAL ANOMALIES DURING CHICK
EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Research Abstract

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth
inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of
AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus
were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10%
Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract.
The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined,
and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head
circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of
incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric
parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly
changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations
were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes,
anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb
deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study
demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the
hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo,
according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the
severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

Research Authors
Reda A. Ali, Ekbal T. Wassif, *Mohamed A. Al-Mokhtar, Dalia Elzahraa F. Mostafa and Dina A.
Abdel-Raoof
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut University Journal of Zoology
Research Member
Research Pages
31-41
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
1(SI)1
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2019

AFLATOXIN B1 INDUCES MORPHOLOGICAL ANOMALIES DURING CHICK
EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Research Abstract

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth
inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of
AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus
were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10%
Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract.
The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined,
and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head
circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of
incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric
parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly
changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated
groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations
were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes,
anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb
deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study
demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the
hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo,
according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the
severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

Research Authors
Reda A. Ali, Ekbal T. Wassif, *Mohamed A. Al-Mokhtar, Dalia Elzahraa F. Mostafa and Dina A.
Abdel-Raoof
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut University Journal of Zoology
Research Member
Research Pages
31-41
Research Publisher
Assiut University
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
1(SI)1
Research Website
www.aun.edu.eg
Research Year
2019
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