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Abstract Large placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated kidney and cardiovascular clinical benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Data from the EMPA-KIDNEY and DELIVER trials and associated meta-analyses triggered an update to the UK Kidney Association Clinical Practice Guideline on Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibition in Adults with Kidney Disease. We provide a summary of the full guideline and highlight the rationale for recent updates. The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in people with specific medical conditions, including type 1 diabetes, kidney transplants, and people admitted to hospital with heart failure is also considered, along with Recommendations for future research and Recommendations for implementation. A full “lay” summary of the guidelines is provided as an appendix to ensure that these guidelines are accessible and understandable to people who are not medical professionals.

Objective Our study aimed to examine the frequency and variety of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in different types of chronic compensated heart failure (HF), evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Berlin, and STOP-BANG Questionnaires in diagnosing SDB in patients with chronic compensated HF and to establish the relation between ejection fraction (EF) and type of SDB that may assist in identifying the population at riskPatients and methods Fifty-three chronic compensated HF adult patients were enrolled, but only 40 cases underwent full-night attended polysomnography and completed the study and were available for final analysis. HF is classified into three groups: HFpEF, HFmrEF, and HFrEF according to ESC. SDB is classified according to the central apnea–hypopnea index and obstructive apnea–hypopnea index and their proportions into total apnea and hypopnea index into: OSA, coexisting OSA-CSA (predominantly OSA or CSA), and CSA. Results Statistically significant higher Mallampati score in those with SDB versus those without SDB. STOP-BANG questionnaire was the most sensitive SDB prediction score followed by Berlin score and the least was ESS. Berlin score and ESS were more specific than the STOP-BANG score. Statistically significantly lower left ventricular EF was observed in SDB patients in comparison with patients without SDB. There was significantly higher NC in OSA patients versus coexisting OSA/CSA either predominantly OSA or CSA. Significant higher BMI and Mallampati score in OSA group in comparison to coexisting OSA/CSA predominantly CSA patients. Significant lower left ventricular EF was found in patients with coexisting OSA/CSA whether predominantly CSA or OSA versus LVEF in OSA patients. Significant association between SDB and HF types (OSA was significantly associated with HFpEF). Significant differences between OSA and coexisting OSA/CSA predominantly OSA as regards AF. Conclusions Despite optimized therapy, SDB was prevalent in chronic compensated HF patients (82.5%). Among all studied patients, 40% suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, while 42.5% suffer from coexisting OSA/CSA. SDB in HF patients was best predicted using the STOP-BANG questionnaire, while Berlin and ESS were most accurate. SDB in HF may be predicted by higher Mallampati scores and lower LVEF. OSA is more prevalent in chronic HF patients who have large BMIs, neck circumferences, and Mallampati scores. HFrEF and HFmrEF are the only two forms of HF that are associated with OSA/CSA. Central apnea and hypopnea events were predicted by lower LVEF and AF.

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is a critical intervention for individuals with end-stage liver disease; yet, post-transplant problems, especially infections, graft rejection, and chronic liver disease, are often linked to systemic inflammation. Cytokines, small signaling molecules, significantly influence immune responses during and post-liver transplantation. Nonetheless, the intricate relationships among cytokines, immune responses, and the gut microbiota, especially gut dysbiosis, are still inadequately comprehended. Thus, this study aims to identify the gut microbiota (GM) and determine their relationship to cytokines (IL-17 and IL-10) in LT patients, due to their importance in enhancing the recovery rate. Result: The research included 31 liver transplant (LT) patients from the Gastroenterology Surgical Center at Mansoura University, resulting in the collection of 174 stool and blood samples from all participants. Fourteen bacterial species have been identified in samples collected at three intervals: one week before, one week post, and two weeks post LT. A change in gut microbiota composition was noted, characterized by a rise in potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Enterococci and Enterobacteriaceae (including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella) and a reduction in beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The examination of patient demographic and clinical data revealed no significant correlations between sex, age, or diagnostic categories and gut microbiota composition. The findings of the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) indicated a substantial effect of gut microbiota composition on cytokine levels (IL-10 and IL-17), with all tests producing p-values of 0.001. The assessment of cytokine levels indicated fluctuating variations at several time points following surgery. IL-10 levels in the GM groups exhibited a statistically significant elevation during the second week post-surgery (p = 0.036), suggesting a potential recovery-related anti-inflammatory response. In contrast, IL-17 levels rose in the NI group over time, indicating a transition to a pro-inflammatory condition. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in regulating immune responses following transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even with all the advantages that come with having a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, like quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays, there is still a significant rate of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain, which lowers patient satisfaction. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of ondansetron versus intravenous or intraperitoneal dexamethasone in preventing pain, nausea, and vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This comparative prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial was conducted at the Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Management Department of Zagazig University Hospitals. The study included 120 Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy randomly allocated into four groups: Group A (control group, n=30) received no ondansetron or dexamethasone; Group B (intravenous Ondansetron group, n=30); Group C (intraperitoneal dexamethasone, n=30); and Group D (intravenous dexamethasone, n=30). Results: Both ondansetron and dexamethasone, either intraperitoneal or intravenous effectively showed comparable effect to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. But regarding postoperative pain, both intraperitoneal and intravenous dexamethasone, offers superior postoperative pain management compared to ondansetron and saline controls. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal dexamethasone may be a promising alternative for preventing postoperative complications and improving patient outcomes following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder involving lysosomal storage of the amino acid cystine due to a defect in the membrane transport protein, cystinosin. The disease results in intracellular accumulation of cystine in all organs and tissues. Pulmonary complications targeting the respiratory system occurs commonly in adults who have not received lifelong cysteamine therapy. The respiratory insufficiency is fatal at adulthood. However, little is known about the pulmonary dysfunction in children. The study included 15 nephropathic cystinosis children to evaluate the pulmonary complications through detailed history taking, clinical examination, chest radiograph and Pulmonary function test (Impulse oscillometry {IOS}). Results Out of the cohort of 15 cystinosis patients, 13 patients did not show symptoms suggestive of chest affection. While 1 patient had recurrent Aspiration and 1 patient had history of pneumonia requiring hospital admission. All patients showed normal respiratory rate for age, normal breath sound and normal Chest X-ray finding apart from conical chest configuration. IOS done showed small airway disease in 12 patients, decreased compliance in 2 patients, while only 1patient had normal IOS. Conclusion Small airway affection was detected in most of cystinosis children by means of IOS in spite of the absence of chest manifestations and suggestive history which highlight the importance of respiratory assessment and follow up of cystinosis patients not only by history, and examination but most important pulmonary function tests.

Abstract Background Toll-like (TLRs) play a crucial role in both adaptive and innate immunity. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of TLR5-rs5744168, TLR9-rs187084, and TLR9-rs352140 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) in Egyptian patients. Results The C allele and homozygous CC genotype of the TLR9-rs352140 in co-dominant and recessive models were more prevalent in SLE patients than controls (P = 0.047, P = 0.017, and P = 0.005 respectively). In contrast, allelic and genotyping distribution of TLR5-rs5744168 and TLR9-rs187084 SNPs showed no association with the risk of SLE. The T allele of the TLR5-rs5744168 was more prevalent in LN patients than controls (P = 0.021). The homozygous TT genotype of TLR5-rs5744168 SNP was more prevalent in LN patients in the co-dominant and the recessive models than controls (P = 0.036 and P = 0.011 respectively). The C allele of the TLR9-rs352140 was more prevalent in LN patients than controls (P = 0.015). The homozygous CC genotype of the TLR9-rs352140 SNP was more prevalent in LN than controls in co-dominant and recessive models (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001). In the recessive model of the TLR5-rs5744168 SNP, the TT genotype was found in 3.2% of the SLE patients while none of the SLE patients without LN or controls had TT genotype (P = 0.036). Also, in the recessive model of the TLR9-rs352140 SNP, the CC genotype was significantly more frequent in SLE patients with LN than without LN (44.4% vs 29.9%, P = 0.045). Conclusion Our results support the potential role of TLR5-rs5744168 SNP and TLR9-rs3532140 SNP not only in increasing the risk for development of SLE, but also in increasing the risk of LN in SLE patients among the Egyptian population.

Abstract Background There are several surgical strategies involved in the treatment of patients with tentorial meningioma, and choosing the most appropriate one is not straight forward. Our study aims to illustrate our experience in the management of tentorial meningiomata at our center. Results This study included 32 patients with tentorial meningiomas, operated upon, with assessment of the extent of resection and the Glasgow outcome score (GOS). The mean age at the time of surgery for the studied group was 48.4 years ranging from 20 to 70 years. Total removal was considered as Simpson grade I or II and was achieved in 26 cases (81.25%). Subtotal removal was considered as Simpson grade III or IV and was achieved in 6 cases (18.75%). The final Glasgow outcome score (GOS) for all cases was GOS 1 in 4 cases (12.5%), GOS 4 in 9 cases (28.2%), and GOS 5 in 19 cases (59.3%). Conclusion Tentorial meningiomas can be very challenging during surgery due to their proximity to vital structures. Subtotal resection should be considered when total removal can be hazardous to the patient or result in severe morbidity.

Chromium (VI) coatings are highly toxic and carcinogenic; therefore, thea should be replaced by a new eco-friendly material that retains its effectiveness in terms of corrosion. Herein, thin silicon oxycarbide films as an eco-friendly anticorrosive coating were deposited on a low carbon steel substrate by a radio frequency capacitively coupled plasma technique using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a precursor. The corrosion performance of the coatings were evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in dependence on the gap distance between the plasma electrodes and the pH values at room temperature. The chemical bonding and morphological features of the deposited films were investigated by Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR) mode, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) coupled with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Icorr values were significantly decreased by reducing the gap distance and reached a minimum at 1 cm gap distance. It was reduced from 12 µA/cm2 for the blank sample to 0.714 µA/cm2 in treated sample at gap distance 1 cm and protective efficiency reached ~ 94% in the neutral solution. Nevertheless, the best protective efficiency achieved more than 99% of the total protection in alkaline medium as measured at room temperature for treated sample at gap distance 1 cm.

Objectives: Medicinal plants continue to gain popularity on a global scale. Besides, there is a need for discovering new antibacterial natural extracts that could be used as antibiotics alternatives against resistant bacteria. In this respect, the aim of this study was to determine the phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, calorific nutritional value and antibacterial potential of four traditionally used wild medicinal plants (Achillea fragrantissima (Delile) Hayne, Teucrium polium L., Peganum harmala L. and Solenostemma argel (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. grow in Saint Catherine Protectorate, South Sinai, Egypt. Methods: Standard methods were applied to determine the proximate composition, calorific nutritional value, secondary metabolites (phenolics and flavonoids), antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·), ferrous ion chelating (FIC), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS·+) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) techniques in addition to the antibacterial potential of the active aqueous extracts by broth dilution technique. Results: The results obtained illustrated that T. polium recorded the highest nutritional calorific value (205.63 ± 5.76 calories/100 g dried plant), total phenolics (8.057 ± 0.322 g gallic acid equivalent/100 g dried plant), total flavonoids (2.013 ± 0.034 g catechin equivalent/ 100 g dried plant and antioxidant scavenging activity using DPPH (EC50 = 1.84 mg extract/g DPPH), FIC (IC50 = 0.068 mg extract/ml), ABTS (61.11%) and FRAP (2185.71 mmol Fe (II)/g extract) assays followed descendingly by A. fragrantissima, S. argel and P. harmala, respectively. There was direct relation between the flavonoids/ phenolics ratios and the radical scavenging activity among all extracts. Regarding the antibacterial potential, the extracts expressed broader antibacterial spectrum against Bacillus cereus (ATCC®11778™), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC®19659™), Escherichia coli (ATCC®10536™), klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC®10031™), Listeria innocua (ATCC®33090™), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC®19115™), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC®9027™), salmonella enterica (ATCC®15479™) and Salmonella typhimurium)ATCC®14028™(strains. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the extracts estimated using broth dilution assay ranged from 0.049 to 1.56 mg/ml. T. polium extract possessed the highest activity among all other extracts. Conclusions: In conclusion, the studied medicinal plants could be used as nutritional supplements, antioxidants and antibacterial botanicals for combating some of the pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract Background The objective of this clinical study was to prospectively compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of BiodentineTM pulpotomies versus formocresol pulpotomies in children vital primary molars. Methods A randomized, split–mouth study design was used with a sample of 37 healthy children aged 4– to 8–year–old. A total of 56 pairs (112 teeth) of carious primary teeth, 1 pair per child, were selected for treatment. One tooth from each pair was randomly assigned to either the BiodentineTM pulpotomy group or the formocresol pulpotomy group. Children were followed–up at 3, 6 and 12 months for clinical evaluation and at 6 and 12 months for radiographic evaluation. Data were collected, tabulated and analyzed using Fisher exact and McNemar tests. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results At 12 months, the clinical success rates of both BiodentineTM and formocresol groups were 100%, while the radiographic success rates for BiodentineTM and formocresol groups were 100% and 98.1%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups (P=1). The only observed radiographic failure was furcal radiolucency in the formocresol group at 12–month interval. Pulp canal obliteration was radiographically observed in 10/56 (17.9%) and 7/56 (12.5%) cases in the BiodentineTM and formocresol groups, respectively. Conclusions Both BiodentineTM and formocresol pulpotomy techniques demonstrated favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes over a 12-month period without any significant difference. Trial registration Registered on NCT03779698. Date of Registration: 18 December 2018.

Background: Cancer-related anemia (CRA) occurs in a significant proportion of cancer patients and affects disease progression, treatment efficacy, and survival. The chronic inflammatory state associated with cancer is believed to be a major cause of CRA. Tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-a) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cancer-related anemia (CRA). Aim: To evaluate TNF-a level, erythropoietin (EPO), and iron status in children with newly diagnosed solid tumors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 42 children with newly diagnosed solid tumors, recruited from the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at Ain Shams University Children's Hospital by random sampling during the period from June 2022 to February 2023. Twenty-five age- and sexmatched children were enrolled as hospital-based controls. All study participants were subjected to full history taking, through clinical examination and assessment of CBC, iron profile, serum TNF-a and EPO levels. Results: Out of 42 cancer patients, 48%(n=20) were non-anemic (group 1) and, 52%(n=22) were anemic (group 2) with 54.5% (n=12) having functional iron deficiency (FID) anemia. In both patient groups, significantly higher TNFa and lower EPO levels were found compared to controls. Among the anemic group, TNFa negatively correlated with both EPO level and reticulocyte count (p= 0.024) and (p= 0.211) respectively. Conclusion: Patients with CRA have evident state of FID anemia, elevated TNFa and reduced EPO levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton abundance in relation to some physicochemical characters of the costal water of Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia) was studied for one year. The sampling program included 15 locations in Dammam, Saihat, Al-Qatif, Al-Awamia and Safwa. Water samples were analyzed monthly for these parameters; temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, carbon dioxide, total chloride, reactive orthophosphate and total phosphorus and alkalinity, also phytoplankton communities were identified and Chlorophyll a was estimated. The results showed that, the high phytoplankton density attaining the maximum (190.3 × 104/m3) during May and June, and the minimum (10.4 × 104/m3) during November and December. Forty Five species belonging to 5 phytoplankton groups were recorded. Bacillariophyceae was the first dominant group forming 48% of the total phytoplankton communities (23 species). The dominant species of Bacillariophyceae were Pleurosigma strigosum, Pleurosigma elongatum, Lyrella clavata, Rhizosolenia shrubsolei, Cylindrotheca closterium, Nitzschia panduriform, Nitzschia longissimia, Amphora sp and Stephanopyxis. Dinophyceae was the second dominant group and formed 31% of the total phytoplankton communities (10 species); the dominant species were Ceratium fusus, Heterosigma sp, Ceratium furca, Prorocentrum triestium, Protoperidinium sp, Gyrodinium spirale, Noctiluca scintillans and Scrippsiella trochoidea. Cyanophyceae formed 13% (5 species) where Nostoc sp, Oscillatoria and Merismopedia sp were the dominant species. Chlorophyceae had 8% (6 species); Scendesmus sp., Chlorella sp., Chlamydomonas sp., Dunaliella salina and Nannochloropsis sp were the dominant species. The Euglinophyceae was rare only one species (Euglina sp). The relationship was positive between the phytoplankton, chlorophyll a and carbon dioxide while negative amongst dissolved oxygen and total nitrogen. This research indicated that the relation between water quality and phytoplankton organisms at the coast of Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia) was extremely overlapping and interdependent; any changes in the one component may significantly affect those of the other components.

Background: Poor clinical outcomes in cystic fibrosis are often associated with undernutrition. Nutritional status is an important prognostic marker, regardless of the level of respiratory function in the patient. Careful and repeated nutritional assessments allow for early detection of nutritional deterioration. Objectives: To assess the growth of cystic fibrosis children using different parameters as body mass index percentiles (BMIP) and standard anthropometric indexes, including height-for-age percentile (HAP), weight-for-age percentile (WAP) and compare between them as measures for nutritional failure in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methodology: This was a cross sectional study including fifty children of both sexes with CF below 12 years of age, recruited from the cystic fibrosis clinic, Specialized Children’s Hospital, Cairo University. Patients were subjected to full history taking including age at diagnosis, frequency of hospital admissions (per year), current medications and presence of complications. Thorough clinical examination was performed with special emphasis on anthropometric measurements including body weight, length/height, BMI calculation. Results: This study included 30 boys and 20 girls between 2 and 11 years old with a mean of 4.25 ± 2.30 yrs. Pancreatic insufficiency was found in 36% of patients, 28% had failure to thrive as the main complaint while 72% had recurrent chest infection as the main complaint. Growth assessment revealed that 21 patients (42%) were below −2 SDS for weight. As for BMI, 14 patients (28%) were below the 10th percentile. A highly significant negative correlation was reported between the weight SDS and the frequency of hospital admission (r = −0.412, p = 0.003). Furthermore, there was a highly statistical significant difference between the malnourished patients and the patients with average weight regarding the frequency of hospital admission (p

The current work aimed to synthesize selenium and zinc nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Ephedra aphylla as a valuable medicinal plant. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, zeta potential, and changes in the phytochemical constituents. Hence, the phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were reduced in the case of the prepared samples of nanoparticles than the original values in the aqueous extract. The prepared extract of Ephedra aphylla and its selenium and zinc nanoparticles showed high potency as antioxidant agents as a result of the DPPH• assay. The samples were assessed as anticancer agents against six tumor cells and a normal lung fibroblast (WI-38) cell line. The selenium nanoparticles of Ephedra aphylla extract revealed very strong cytotoxicity against HePG-2 cells (inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 7.56 ± 0.6 µg/mL), HCT-116 cells (IC50 = 10.02 ± 0.9 µg/mL), and HeLa cells (IC50 = 9.23 ± 0.8 µg/mL). The samples were evaluated as antimicrobial agents against bacterial and fungal strains. Thus, selenium nanoparticles showed potent activities against Gram-negative strains (Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli), Gram-positive strains (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis), and the fungal strain Candida albicans. In conclusion, the preparation of nanoparticles of either selenium or zinc is crucial for improved biological characteristics.

Non-transitional cell carcinomas (non-TCC) of the upper urinary tract as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), adenocarcinoma, and small cell carcinoma (SmCC) are rare with few case reports in the literature. We retrospectively reviewed our patients who surgically treated for upper tract urothelial carcinoma from 1983 to 2013 for non-TCC pathological cancer characteristics and survival. Among 305 patients, only 5 (1.6%) cases were found: One case of SmCC, another had adenocarcinoma, and 3 SCC cases. None of them had intravesical recurrence and the cancer-specific survival for non-TCC cohort is markedly decreased (log-rank = 0.01) compared to TCC patients.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of US-elastography in the evaluation of indeterminate thyroid nodules, using the cytological/histopathological analysis as the reference. Patients and methods: Fifty patients with 73 indeterminate thyroid nodules were enrolled in this prospective study. They were examined using US features and elastography scoring according to Rago criteria; then, fine-needle or postoperative biopsy was taken and diagnosis was made. Results: Fifty patients with 73 indeterminate thyroid nodules were included, 16 nodules were malignant and 57 were benign. On US elastography, all 57 nodules diagnosed as benign had a score of 1–3, while 15 of 16 (93.75%) diagnosed as carcinoma had a score of 4–5, with 93.3% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 97.8% accuracy. Combined US findings with elastography revealed that hypoechogenicity/score 4–5 was most predictive of malignancy with sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%; and accuracy 93.4%. The strain ratio cutoff value for malignant nodules was determined as 2.3. Five nodules out of sixteen had SR between 2.31 and 4 (sensitivity 96% and specificity 83%). Conclusion: Thyroid nodules with suspicious US criteria can be evaluated by US elastography that seems to be a useful addition for the assessment of such indeterminate nodules. It may reduce FNAC or select a nodule for aspiration.

Objective: To detect the impact of ultrasound elastography in diagnosis of prostatic cancer, and to evaluate its capability in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Materials and methods: Fifty patients with different prostatic lesions suspicious for malignancy were included. All patients had a conventional B-mode ultrasound examination and color Doppler imaging, and then real time ultrasound elastography was performed in the same session. Finally, the results were compared to the histo-pathological results of those lesions. Results: The addition of Strain ratio parameter for evaluating the elastography images showed the highest sensitivity of 74.2%, specificity of 73.7% and accuracy of 74.0% at a best cutoff point of 5.5 between benign and malignant lesions. Conclusion: Based on our results, prostate US combined with elastography can be a helpful tool for finding malignant lesions. Also it can help in targeting the biopsy site.

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The calanoid copepod, Acartia bispinosa Carl, 1907, is reported for the first time in the Red Sea, where it is found to be an important copepod in the mesozooplankton community structure of the Sharm El-Maya Bay. Female and male are fully redescribed and illustrated of as the mouthparts of this species have never previously been described and figured. Acartia bispinosa was collected in the plankton samples throughout the year and showed two peaks of abundance, a pronounced one in April (4234 individuals m-3), and second smaller peak during November (1784 individuals m-3). The average total length of females varied between 1.32 and 1.53 mm at the end of June and January respectively. For males, the average total length fluctuated between 1.07 and 1.16 mm at end of June and March respectively. Temperature showed an inverse relationship with the body length (P > 0.001) and seemed to be one of the prime factors affecting the body length of both sexes.

During a study of the epipelagic zooplankton carried out near the fringing reef around Sharm El-Sheikh area, in the northern Red Sea, female and male specimens of the poorly known calanoid copepod Macandrewella cochinensis Gopalakrishnan, 1973 were collected. This is the first record of species occurrence in the Red Sea. Macandrewella cochinensis was previously known only from the offshore water of Cochin, south west of India. The Red Sea specimens are described in details herein to allow their comparison with the specimens from the type locality, because original description of M. cochinensis is incomplete and causes some taxonomic confusion. The most important characters that may have been overlooked in the original description are: shape of projections of the female distolateral prosomal borders, details of morphology of the asymmetrical female genital double-somite and presence of leg 5 in female.