In this study, we assessed the toxic effects of sub lethal concentration (0.1 mg l−1) 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) on serum biochemical parameters, liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus for 14 days and the ability of the quince leaf extract to alleviate the effects of (4-NP). Fish were categorized into four groups: control, exposure to 0.1 mg l−1 4-NP, exposure to 0.1 mg l−1 4-NP with quince leaf extract (10 ml/30 L water), and exposure to 0.1 mg l−1 4-NP with quince leaf extract (20 ml/30 L water). 4-NP exposure induced a significant (p0.05) increase in the levels of glucose, AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, and G6PDH as well as, the percentages of hepatic LPO level, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic erythrocytes (p0.05). A significant (p0.05) decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids, and LDH were also recorded. Liver enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and TAC) were increased. Addition of the quince leaf extract into the water was able to reinstate the alterations in biochemical parameters, antioxidant biomarkers, apoptotic level and hepatic DNA damage induced by 4-NP.

Although there are many applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in human activities,there is still little known about their potential environmental toxicity, particularly to fish. Inthe present study, the effects of Ag-NPs on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were studiedusing melanomacrophage centers as immunohistological biomarkers. Fish were exposed to25 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 75 mg/L 100-nm Ag-NPs. We studied the effects on the size and num-ber of melanomacrophage centers in all target tissues. Many histopathological alterationsin those tissues were observed. The histological changes were represented as dislocationof the epithelium, dilatation of central veins associated with inflammatory leukocytic infil-tration, necrosis, and pyknotic nuclei of hepatocytes. There was shrinkage of Malpighiancorpuscles, dislocation of nuclei of convoluted tubules, cellular degeneration, and dispersedinfiltration of leukocytes in kidney tissue. Examination of spleen sections after exposure toAg-NPs showed rupture within the red pulp and hemorrhage, dislocation of nuclei, accumu-lation of inflammatory leukocytes, and congestion in blood vessels. In conclusion, exposureto Ag-NPs induced alterations in tissues, suggesting a possible increase in oxidative stressin those tissues.

Although there are many applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in human activities,there is still little known about their potential environmental toxicity, particularly to fish. Inthe present study, the effects of Ag-NPs on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were studiedusing melanomacrophage centers as immunohistological biomarkers. Fish were exposed to25 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 75 mg/L 100-nm Ag-NPs. We studied the effects on the size and num-ber of melanomacrophage centers in all target tissues. Many histopathological alterationsin those tissues were observed. The histological changes were represented as dislocationof the epithelium, dilatation of central veins associated with inflammatory leukocytic infil-tration, necrosis, and pyknotic nuclei of hepatocytes. There was shrinkage of Malpighiancorpuscles, dislocation of nuclei of convoluted tubules, cellular degeneration, and dispersedinfiltration of leukocytes in kidney tissue. Examination of spleen sections after exposure toAg-NPs showed rupture within the red pulp and hemorrhage, dislocation of nuclei, accumu-lation of inflammatory leukocytes, and congestion in blood vessels. In conclusion, exposureto Ag-NPs induced alterations in tissues, suggesting a possible increase in oxidative stressin those tissues.

Calotropis procera L. is known as medicinal plant. The Phytochemical analyzes of its latex revealed that it possessed antioxidants, namely terpenes, phenolic compounds and cardenolides, flavonoids and saponins, while tannins, alkaloids and resin were absent in moderate to high concentration. In the present study, the role of latex of Calotropis procera as antioxidant and antiapoptotic was reported. To carry out this aim, fishes were exposed to 100 mg l
1 4-nonylphenol as chemical pollutant. The enzymes, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, acetlycholinstrase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, cortisol, G6PDH) and apoptotic cells increased significantly (po0.05) accompanied by irregular disturbance of (Naþ, Kþ) ions in the presence of 4-nonylphenol. On the other hand, these enzymes, ions, and apoptotic cells decreased normally and significantly (po0.05) in the presence of latex. Total phenol content, total capacity antioxidant, reducing power decrease significantly (po0.05) in the presence of 4-nonylphenol and increase normally in the presence of latex. Latex was used for the first time to protect catfish after 4-nonylphenol exposure. Our study confirms that crude latex of Calotropis procera possessed antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities against the toxicity of 4-Nonylphenol.

Calotropis procera L. is known as medicinal plant. The Phytochemical analyzes of its latex revealed that it possessed antioxidants, namely terpenes, phenolic compounds and cardenolides, flavonoids and saponins, while tannins, alkaloids and resin were absent in moderate to high concentration. In the present study, the role of latex of Calotropis procera as antioxidant and antiapoptotic was reported. To carry out this aim, fishes were exposed to 100 mg l
1 4-nonylphenol as chemical pollutant. The enzymes, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, acetlycholinstrase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, cortisol, G6PDH) and apoptotic cells increased significantly (po0.05) accompanied by irregular disturbance of (Naþ, Kþ) ions in the presence of 4-nonylphenol. On the other hand, these enzymes, ions, and apoptotic cells decreased normally and significantly (po0.05) in the presence of latex. Total phenol content, total capacity antioxidant, reducing power decrease significantly (po0.05) in the presence of 4-nonylphenol and increase normally in the presence of latex. Latex was used for the first time to protect catfish after 4-nonylphenol exposure. Our study confirms that crude latex of Calotropis procera possessed antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities against the toxicity of 4-Nonylphenol.

Calotropis procera L. is known as medicinal plant. The Phytochemical analyzes of its latex revealed that it possessed antioxidants, namely terpenes, phenolic compounds and cardenolides, flavonoids and saponins, while tannins, alkaloids and resin were absent in moderate to high concentration. In the present study, the role of latex of Calotropis procera as antioxidant and antiapoptotic was reported. To carry out this aim, fishes were exposed to 100 mg l
1 4-nonylphenol as chemical pollutant. The enzymes, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, acetlycholinstrase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, cortisol, G6PDH) and apoptotic cells increased significantly (po0.05) accompanied by irregular disturbance of (Naþ, Kþ) ions in the presence of 4-nonylphenol. On the other hand, these enzymes, ions, and apoptotic cells decreased normally and significantly (po0.05) in the presence of latex. Total phenol content, total capacity antioxidant, reducing power decrease significantly (po0.05) in the presence of 4-nonylphenol and increase normally in the presence of latex. Latex was used for the first time to protect catfish after 4-nonylphenol exposure. Our study confirms that crude latex of Calotropis procera possessed antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities against the toxicity of 4-Nonylphenol.

Mineralogical and geochemical studies were carried out on Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian e Maastrichtian) glauconites from Egypt by means of polarizing microscope, XRD, SEM, microprobe and XRF techniques. Most of the investigated glauconite grains display zoning-like appearance. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the presence of glauconite, quartz, dolomite, jarosite, goethite and glauconite (illite)- smectite mixed layer minerals. SEM and microprobe investigations revealed that jarosite is present as a weathering product of pyrite especially in Abu Tartur and Wadi Feiran areas. However, goethite was encountered as oxidation product of both pyrite and glauconite. The microprobe analyses of the glauconite grains reflect clearly their low Alumina (10%) content at the different localities; suggesting therefore their development at depths from 50 m downwards. The Cenomanian glauconites of Wadi Feiran, Saint Paul and Gabal Dist show slight enrichment in K2O content relative to the Campanian e Maastrichtian glauconite of Abu Tartur, indicating more mineralogical maturity. The microprobe analyses also reflect the loss of K and Fe from the glauconite grains. Fe and K can be contributed to aqueous solution media during weathering, leaving aluminous clay minerals in the soil. As result, argillaceous glauconite (illite)-smectite mixed layer, in some cases, is found associating the green pellets of glauconite in many of the investigated samples; most probably produced by weathering of the glauconite grains. Regarding glauconites, Wadi Feiran bulk samples are enriched in TiO2, Al2 O3, MgO, Zr, Ce and La, whereas those of Saint Paul exhibit richness in Y and Rb. Gabal Dist samples display appreciable content of Fe2O3(t), K2O, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Sc and V whereas the P2O5 and SO3 show their abundance patterns at Abu Tartur locality. These fluctuations could be attributed to their differences in the mineralogical content (pyrite, goethite, and jarosite). The strong correlation between TiO2/Al2O3 and Zr/Al2O3 ratios may reflects mixed origin or reworking of sedimentary rocks from the continental hinterland in all the studied areas. The values of trace elements indices, such as Ni/Co, V/Cr and V/(V þ Ni), suggest oxic to suboxic environments. However, some of the chalcophile elements (Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu, Fe and Ga), which are correlated with pyrite and its alteration product (goethite), occur with relatively high concentrations in some studied glauconite beds reflecting reducing and/or suboxic conditions during the precipitation of these beds.

Mineralogical and geochemical studies were carried out on Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian e Maastrichtian) glauconites from Egypt by means of polarizing microscope, XRD, SEM, microprobe and XRF techniques. Most of the investigated glauconite grains display zoning-like appearance. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the presence of glauconite, quartz, dolomite, jarosite, goethite and glauconite (illite)- smectite mixed layer minerals. SEM and microprobe investigations revealed that jarosite is present as a weathering product of pyrite especially in Abu Tartur and Wadi Feiran areas. However, goethite was encountered as oxidation product of both pyrite and glauconite. The microprobe analyses of the glauconite grains reflect clearly their low Alumina (10%) content at the different localities; suggesting therefore their development at depths from 50 m downwards. The Cenomanian glauconites of Wadi Feiran, Saint Paul and Gabal Dist show slight enrichment in K2O content relative to the Campanian e Maastrichtian glauconite of Abu Tartur, indicating more mineralogical maturity. The microprobe analyses also reflect the loss of K and Fe from the glauconite grains. Fe and K can be contributed to aqueous solution media during weathering, leaving aluminous clay minerals in the soil. As result, argillaceous glauconite (illite)-smectite mixed layer, in some cases, is found associating the green pellets of glauconite in many of the investigated samples; most probably produced by weathering of the glauconite grains. Regarding glauconites, Wadi Feiran bulk samples are enriched in TiO2, Al2 O3, MgO, Zr, Ce and La, whereas those of Saint Paul exhibit richness in Y and Rb. Gabal Dist samples display appreciable content of Fe2O3(t), K2O, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Sc and V whereas the P2O5 and SO3 show their abundance patterns at Abu Tartur locality. These fluctuations could be attributed to their differences in the mineralogical content (pyrite, goethite, and jarosite). The strong correlation between TiO2/Al2O3 and Zr/Al2O3 ratios may reflects mixed origin or reworking of sedimentary rocks from the continental hinterland in all the studied areas. The values of trace elements indices, such as Ni/Co, V/Cr and V/(V þ Ni), suggest oxic to suboxic environments. However, some of the chalcophile elements (Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu, Fe and Ga), which are correlated with pyrite and its alteration product (goethite), occur with relatively high concentrations in some studied glauconite beds reflecting reducing and/or suboxic conditions during the precipitation of these beds.

Lower Cretaceous sandstones of the Qishn Formation have been studied by integrating sedimentological, petrological and petrophysical analyses from wells in the Masila oilfields of eastern Yemen. These analyses were used to define the origin, type of diagenesis and its relation to reservoir quality. The sandstones of the Qishn Formation are predominately quartz arenite to subarkose arenite with sublitharenite and quartz wackes displaying a range of porosities, averaging 22.33%. Permeability is likewise variable with an average of 2844.2 mD. Cementation coupled with compaction had an important effect on porosity destruction after sedimentation and burial. The widespread occurrence of early calcite cement suggests that the sandstones of the Qishn Formation lost significant primary porosity at an early stage of its diagenetic history. In addition to poikilotopic calcite, several different cements including kaolinite, illite, chlorite and minor illite– smectite occur as pore-filling and pore-lining cements, which were either accompanied by or followed the development of the early calcite cement. Secondary porosity development occurred due to partial to complete dissolution of early calcite cements and feldspar grains. The new data presented in this paper suggest the reservoir quality of Qishn sandstones is strongly linked to their diagenetic history; hence, the reservoir quality is reduced by clay minerals, calcite and silica cements but is enhanced by the dissolution of the unstable grains, in addition to partial or complete dissolution of calcite cements and unstable grains.

Lower Cretaceous sandstones of the Qishn Formation have been studied by integrating sedimentological, petrological and petrophysical analyses from wells in the Masila oilfields of eastern Yemen. These analyses were used to define the origin, type of diagenesis and its relation to reservoir quality. The sandstones of the Qishn Formation are predominately quartz arenite to subarkose arenite with sublitharenite and quartz wackes displaying a range of porosities, averaging 22.33%. Permeability is likewise variable with an average of 2844.2 mD. Cementation coupled with compaction had an important effect on porosity destruction after sedimentation and burial. The widespread occurrence of early calcite cement suggests that the sandstones of the Qishn Formation lost significant primary porosity at an early stage of its diagenetic history. In addition to poikilotopic calcite, several different cements including kaolinite, illite, chlorite and minor illite– smectite occur as pore-filling and pore-lining cements, which were either accompanied by or followed the development of the early calcite cement. Secondary porosity development occurred due to partial to complete dissolution of early calcite cements and feldspar grains. The new data presented in this paper suggest the reservoir quality of Qishn sandstones is strongly linked to their diagenetic history; hence, the reservoir quality is reduced by clay minerals, calcite and silica cements but is enhanced by the dissolution of the unstable grains, in addition to partial or complete dissolution of calcite cements and unstable grains.