Evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of aegle marmelos l. correa fruit extractdn the diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is regarded as a serious chronic disease that carries a high risk for considerable complications

The use of natural plant products for management of diabetes is increasing due to their minimal side-effects and economical aspects. Aegle marmelos L. Correa [A. marmelos], family Rutaceae is highly reputed medicinal plant commonly known as bael. A. marmelos fruit is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Aim of the work: This study was aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of A. marmelos fruit ethanolic extract against alloxan-induced diabetes in male rats

Material and Methods: Twenty five male albino rats with an average body weight 180-195g were divided into two main groups; first group: control [n=5] and the second group: diabetic rats [n=20], which were divided equally to four subgroups as follows: diabetic untreated rats , diabetic rats which were treated with 125 mg/kg/day A. marmelos fruit extract; diabetic rats which were treated with 250 mg/kg/day A. marmelos fruit extract and diabetic rats treated with 500 mg/kg/day A. marmelos fruit extract. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitonial injection of alloxan [120 mg/kg]

Results: Phytochemical screening of A. marmelos fruit extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, sterols and triterpenoids. Results of the biological study reported that alloxan-induced diabetic group exhibited hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, elevation in malondialdehyde [MDA] level accompanied with weight loss and reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] level, reduced glutathione [GSH] level and superoxide dismutase [SOD] enzyme activity when compared to control group. Treatment with A. marmelos fruit extract at the three dose levels reported improvement in the biological evaluation, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, MDA and GSH levels and SOD enzyme activity when compared to the diabetic group

The improvement was most pronounced in 500 mg/kg A.marmelos treated group.Conclusion: It could be concluded that A. marmelos fruit extract had hypoglycemic activity; this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant activity and its high content of active constituents which was proved in this study. Therefore, it could be recommended that A.marmelos fruit may be useful as a healthy food and in the development of antidiabetic drugs

Epidemiological evaluation and outcome of pure abdominal trauma victims who underwent surgical exploratory laparotomy

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile, surgical treatment, andoutcome of patients suffering from pure abdominal injuries who underwent exploratory laparotomy in the emergency department of Aswan University Hospital, Egypt

Patients and methods: This was an evaluation and assessment of observational and descriptive study with prospective approach through interviews of 80 patients with pure abdominal trauma who were subjected to surgical treatment in the form of exploratory laparotomy and evaluation of their medical records

Results: The most affected individuals were male patients younger than 49 years, most of them withlow educational level and single. There was a predominance of trauma in the rural areasthat mostly occurred at night time and evening. Blunt trauma was the most common type of abdominal trauma, and road traffic accidents were the most frequent mechanism of trauma.The upper abdomen was the most affected region. Pain was the most common presenting symptom, and the spleen was the most affected organ. The hospital stay ranged from 1 to11 days. Most patients were discharged with permanent sequelae; there were six deaths

Conclusion: Blunt trauma was the most common type of abdominal injury. Road traffic accidents were themost common mechanism of blunt trauma, and stab wounds were the most common type of penetrating injuries. A number of risk factors were identified in this study, which include the type of abdominal trauma, presence of chronic diseases, delay in early transport from the siteof trauma to the emergency department, and age of patient. Despite the magnitude of traumas,the outcome was satisfactory

association between dmft index and haemoglobin levels in 3-6 year-old Saudi children with anaemia: a cross sectional study

Objectives: The relation between haemoglobin levels and the prevalence of dental caries is well-recognized; however, relatively little information is available regarding the decayed, missing and filled teeth [dmft] index in relation to haemoglobin levels in KSA. The objective of this study was to assess the association between the haemoglobin levels and the dmft index in a random sample of paediatric dental patients who visit a teaching hospital in KSA

Methods: This 11-month cross sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, KSA from May 2014 to April 2015. A total of 160 children with dental caries were divided into 2 groups: non-anaemic and anaemic groups. The prevalence of caries was measured using the dmft index and was compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square tests at a 0.05% significance level

Results: One hundred-sixty subjects were recruited in this study. Children with lower mean haemoglobin levels [anaemic children] had significantly higher mean dmft indices [11.20 +/- 2.6] than the non-anaemic children [9.66 +/- 1.2%, p < 0.05]

Conclusion: This study suggests that children with lower haemoglobin levels may be prone to develop dental caries. This study emphasizes the need for public health campaigns regarding oral hygiene and the prevention and treatment of anaemia

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of Cleome Droserifolia [Samwah] in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a chronic disease caused by inherited or acquired deficiency in insulin secretion and by decreased responsiveness of the organs to the secreted insulin. Recently, some medicinal plants have been reported to be useful in diabetes treatment. Cleome droserifolia [Samwah] having a long history in Egyptian folk medicine for treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible antihyperglycemic property of Cleome droserifolia extract [CDE] and its antioxidant mechanism in alloxan induced diabetic rats. This study was performed on thirty male albino rats of Sprague Dawely strain with an average body weight of 100-110g. Animals were divided into three groups [ten/cage], control untreated group, diabetic group and diabetic group treated with plant extract that was given orally [28.5 mg/kg body wt. twice/ day]. Results showed marked decline in levels of serum insulin, body weight, total proteins, albumin, globulin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL]. These are accompanied with marked elevation in levels of fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, AST, ALT, GGT, urea, creatinine, uric acid, serum total lipids [TL], total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerols [TG], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL], very low density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL] and ratios of TC/HDL and LDL/HDL [risk factors] in diabetic rats as compared to the corresponding controls. While the daily administration of diabetic rats with CDE showed significant amelioration in most of these parameters. It could be concluded that CDE treatment exerts a therapeutic protective nature in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and pancreatic beta-cells' damage which may be attributed to its antioxidative potential and antidiabetic property

Early ICU energy deficit: Is it a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia?

Better comprehension of the interactions between pathogens and host nutritional status offers an attractive field of research to optimize preventive strategies against VAP and to guide optimal selection of the initial antibiotic regimen taking into consideration that ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP] is the most frequent nosocomial infection in mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in the ICU. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the pattern of energy balance in mechanically ventilated patients who experienced VAP. Fifty adult patients intubated at ICU admission and mechanically ventilated 96 h before a first VAP episode were included in our study for analysis. Systematic precise nutritional intake was calculated from ICU admission to the day of BAL to assess the early level of energy balance and its impact on the pathogenesis of VAP. VAP microbiology was assessed with quantitative cultures of BAL. Energy balance was expressed as cumulated [kcal or kcal/kg] from ICU admission to day of BAL and was calculated on the time of BAL as follows: cumulated energy delivered - cumulated REE. Among the 50 BAL cultures, 25 contained Staphylococcus aureus [methicillin-suscepti-ble S. aureus [MSSA], n = 16; methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA], n = 9] whereas 10 grew P aeruginosa, 2 grew Enterobacteriaceae, 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 2 Acinetobacter baumannii. Six polymicrobial BAL cultures contained other pathogens: Enterobacteriaceae [n = 5], S. pneumo-niae [n = 6], H. influenzae [n = 4]. Patients with S. aureus VAP had a significantly higher mean energy deficit than those S. flwrews-negative BAL cultures [-10707.56 +/- 1988.47 vs -9337.48 +/- 835.69, P = 0.002] However, Energy balance was not statistically significantly associated with the methicillin resistance of S. aureus strains [-10611.56 +/- 1865.8 kcal for 16 patients with MSSA VAP vs -10607.65 +/- 1976.7 kcal in nine patients with MRSA VAP, P = .879]. Early negative energy balance is an independent determinant of S. aureus VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. Feeding prescriptions based on limiting the energy deficit during the first week of ICU stay could be a way to optimize S. aureus VAP prevention

Effect of unilateral hind limb immobilization on ipsilateral soleus muscle morphology of adult male albino rats

Clinically, limb immobilization has been extensively used during recovery of musculoskeletal injuries despite the fact that this technique causes functional deficits in the skeletal muscle. This work aimed to study the morphology of ipsilateral soleus muscle after left hindlimb immobilization in the shortened position in adult male albino rats. Ten healthy adult male albino rats were divided equally into two groups: a control group and an immobilized group. Immobilized animals were anesthetized and their left hindlimbs were fixed for 2 weeks keeping the soleus muscle in the shortened position. Animals of the control group were anesthetized without carrying out any procedures for soleus muscle fixation and then were kept freely moving in their cages for the same period. Left soleus muscles of all animals were dissected out and processed for examination by light and electron microscopy. Immunoreaction experiments for desmin were carried out. The left soleus muscles of immobilized rats showed that most of the muscle fibers were shrunken with widened endomysium, deeply stained nuclei, and lighter-stained foci. The affected myocytes contained distorted Z-lines, thinning or focally destroyed myofibrils, loss of myofilaments, and undulating sarcolemmae. Sarcosomes were bizarre shaped, amorphous, and giant. Desmin immunoreactivity appeared weak. Immobilization led to muscle fiber structural alterations in the form of thinning or focally destroyed myofibrils, loss of myofilaments, Z-line distortion, and disorganized desmin distribution. These changes can produce muscle fiber weakness, which consequently affects motor performance

Histological study of experimental hyperprolactinemia on the prostate lateral lobe of adult albino rats

Prolactin, besides androgens, plays an important role in the regulation of prostatic function. This study aimed to demonstrate the influence of experimental hyperprolactinemia on the structure of the prostate lateral lobe in adult albino rats. Twenty healthy adult albino rats were equally divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. Rats of the experimental group were intraperitoneally injected with metoclopramide at a dose of 2.2mg/kg for 14 successive days to induce hyperprolactinemia. The control group was injected with saline in the same manner. Hormonal assays for serum prolactin and testosterone levels were carried out. Prostate was extirpated and the lateral lobes were processed for examination by light and electron microscopy. Epithelial height of the prostatic lateral lobes acini was determined morphometrically and analyzed statistically. In the experimental hyperprolactinemic group, numerous prostatic acini were lined by multiple layers of epithelial cells [hyperplasia]. Acinar epithelium had different ultrastructural features. Some acini had pleomorphic nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and residual bodies. Others were packed with extensive cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory vesicles. Others had few secretory vesicles and the majority of them had centrally located flocculent material surrounded by electron-lucent zones. Some epithelial cells contained lipofuscin pigments. The prostatic epithelial lining was infiltrated by inflammatory cells. Stromal thickening was found in between some acini that was surrounded by prominent smooth muscle cells and may connective tissue cells. Hormonal assays showed increased serum prolactin and decreased testosterone as compared with the control group. The estimated and analyzed epithelial height of the prostatic acini showed a highly significant increase compared with the control group. Hyperprolactinemia altered the morphology of epithelium and stroma of the prostate lateral lobe. It played a significant role in inducing a prostatic hyperplasia and an inflammatory response that triggered the abnormal growth of prostate

Histological study of the effect of experimentally induced unilateral torsion/detorsion on testis of adult albino rats and role of rosuvastatin supplementation

Testicular torsion is a serious condition that necessitates rapid surgical intervention to save the affected testicle. This study was performed to throw light on the histological changes that might occur in ipsilateral testis as a result of unilateral testicular torsion and to evaluate the possible role of rosuvastatin as adjuvant therapy during surgical repair. Twenty-four healthy adult albino rats were equally divided into three groups: control, torsion/detorsion [TO], and rosuvastatin-treated T/D. At the end of the experiment, all rats were anesthetized and the ipsilateral testes were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. Diameters of seminiferous tubules and height of their epithelial lining were estimated morphometrically and statistically analyzed. Naked eye observation of TD testes revealed discoloration, as they became dark red in color with many superficial, dilated, corrugated blood vessels in comparison with the other groups. Examination of TD testes revealed many distorted, shrunken seminiferous tubules. Others contained exfoliated germ cells in their lumina. The germinal epithelium was reduced in thickness and appeared separated, vacuolated, and rested on irregular basement membrane. The interstitium was widened and contained homogenous acidophilic material and many thick-walled blood vessels. Wide intercellular spaces were observed between the germinal epithelium. Some spermatids had small shrunken heterochromatic nuclei. Others had distorted acrosomal caps. Sperm mid pieces showed marked detorsion of central axoneme, fibrous sheath, and mitochondrial sheath. Rosuvastatin-treated T/D testes showed apparently normal seminiferous tubules and narrow interstitium containing little acidophilic material. Some tubules showed separated germinal epithelium from basement membrane. Few tubules contained desquamated cells in their lumina. Few intercellular spaces were seen between germ cells. The mid pieces of the sperm showed distorted mitochondrial sheaths. No differences were detected between Leydig cells in different groups. Testicular torsion induced marked histological changes in the ipsilateral testis. Rosuvastatin supplementation before the reperfusion proved to have a potential effect in improving its structure. Hence, it can be recommended under strict clinical observation before surgical intervention in clinical practice

Morphological study of retinal neurons after continuous exposure to fluorescent light in adult male albino rats

Retinal function depends on light trapping. However, continuous exposure to light may cause damage to the highly vulnerable retinal structure. This study aimed to investigate the possible histological alterations that might occur in the retinal neurons as a result of continuous exposure to fluorescent light in adult male albino rats. Ten healthy adult male albino rats were equally divided into two groups: a control group and a light-exposed group. Rats of control group were kept in 12 h light/1 2 h dark for 12 weeks. Rats of light-exposed group were put in top-opened cages illuminated by white fluorescent bulbs continuously for 1 week and then were kept in 12 h light/12 h dark for the following 11 weeks. The retina was extirpated and processed for examination by light and electron microscopy. The thickness of outer nuclear, inner nuclear, outer plexiform, and inner plexiform layers was estimated morphometrically and was statistically analyzed. Fluorescent light-exposed neural retina revealed that photoreceptor outer segments were markedly disorganized and inner segments were short and less condensed. Outer nuclear layer containeo few photoreceptors with marked intercellular spaces. Inner nuclear layer showed wide spaces between its neurons, with some of them having shrunken nuclei and others having disintegrated nuclei. Muller cells with deeply stained bodies and processes were seen in inner and outer nuclear layers. Many ectopic neurons were detected in the inner plexiform layer. Ganglion cell layer mostly contained deeply stained glial cells and few ganglion neurons. Nerve fiber layer showed an apparent increase in thickness. The estimated and analyzed thickness of the outer nuclear, inner nuclear, outer plexiform, and inner plexiform layers confirmed the results. Continuous exposure to fluorescent light triggered retinal remodeling, including neuronal loss, reactive gliosis with neuronal and glial cells migration. This may lead to visual impairment

Effect of storage time and temperature on some serum analytes

To determine the effects of storage time and temperature on the laboratory results of 10 analytes in sera from apparently healthy adult males. Prospective Analytical Cross Sectional Study. Department of research laboratory, College of higher studies, Open University of Sudan, clinical chemistry, College of medical laboratory sciences Omdurman, Islamic university, Division of chemical pathology, department of medical laboratory sciences, College of health sciences, Omdurman Ahlia University. Khrdufan states, Sudan, from March 2008 to December 2009. We determined the concentration of Glucose, Urea, Uric Acid, Creatinine, Albumin, Total protein, Total cholesterol, Calcium, Phosphorus and Triglyceride in serum [using laboratory kits and spectrometric technique] collected from 100 apparently healthy adult males. 10ml of venous blood was collected, and the serum was separated after 20 minutes stored for 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours at each of the following temperatures: In fridge with 4 +/- 1°C and in laboratory bath with 23 +/- 1°C. Glucose, phosphorus and uric acid were the least stable and the serum should be determined within 48 hrs at 4 +/- 1°C and at 23 +/- 1°C for these analytes. The other analytes were stable for 72 hrs. Proper storage temperatures and times must be considered for the glucose, phosphorus and uric acid if delaying can not be avoided after sample collection

Production of transgenic tomato plants with enhanced resistance against the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum

Tomato [Lycobersicum esculentum Mill] cultivar CastleRock was used to produce fungal resistant plants by introducing an antimicrobial chitinase gene. Hypocotyl with a part of cotyledon [hypocotyledonary] of young tomato seedlings were used as explant material. The transformation performed by delivering the vector pGL2 harbouring a class I rice chitinase gene [chi11] under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter and hygromycin resistant gene as a plant selectable marker, using biolistic bombardment mediated transformation system. Shoots were regenerated onto selective regeneration medium supplemented with 1 mg/l BAP, 1 mg/l Zeatin ripozide, 5mg/l AgNO[3] and 25mg/l hygromycin, then subjected to rooting medium for developing roots. Putative transgenic plantlets of R0 were confirmed by PCR analysis using specific primers for the transgene, and most regenerated plants showed positive results. However, PCR and dot blot analyses were conducted using R1 seedlings to confirm the stable integration of transgenes in R1 progeny. Bioassay for transgenic plants was performed on the transgenic R1 young seedlings and non-transgenic controls by challenging with a vigorous isolate of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici to assay for the resistance against fusarium wilt disease among individuals. Data from transgenic plants showed lower percentages of infection ranging from 11 to 60% in lines 8 and 5 respectively compared to the control plants [80% infected]. The percentage of resistance ranged from 11 to 77.7% in lines 7 and 8, respectively compared to 10% in non-transgenic control plants. In addition, the average percent of the tolerant seedlings were19.69% that had been infected but showed delayed symptoms and suppression in symptom extension. The obtained results indicated that expression of the chitinase protein [Chi 11] in transgenic tomato plants acquired them antifungal activity against Fusarium

Evaluation of some cucumber inbred lines and their hybrids for cucumber mosaic virus [CMV] resistance

The major objective of our cucumber breeding program involves breeding for CMV disease resistance to reduce losses in quality and yield. Seven half diallel cross hybrids resistant to CMV were developed at the Vegetables Breeding Dept., Hort. Res. Inst., Egypt during March, 2006. Sixteen genetically different pure inbred lines of Cucumis sativus were used to develop the hybrids obtained from different sources and selected for their CMV disease-resistance trait. The inbred lines and one commercial [Beit alpha] cultivar as a susceptible control were examined to CMV resistance using biological, serological and molecular methods. The CMV isolate identified by Plant Path. Res. Inst. Virus and Phytoplasma Res. Dept. [ARC] was used in mechanical inoculation of all cucumber genotypes used during this study. The seeds of the genotypes were incubated and the seedlings were cultivated in foam trays with peat soil and kept under greenhouse conditions. At the cotyledon stage, i.e. before the development of the first true leaf, the seedlings were mechanically inoculated by rubbing with virus inoculum. Disease severity was assessed visually 7- 10 days [on cotyledons] and 14-25 days [on true leaves] after inoculation with CMV. The results revealed that six out of sixteen cucumber inbred lines [Cus 260/1980, 6-5-23-2 Kaha, 1-180-309- 18-105 Dokky, 5-57-22-17 Kaha, Cus 38/1991, and 25-2-1-90 Kaha] were found to be without systemic symptoms of CMV infection and proved to be resistant to CMV when tested by DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR. The promising accessions as sources of resistance have been intercrossed with leading commercial type [Beit-alpha] in half diallel system. In order to determine the genetic polymorphism and discriminate between cucumber inbred lines, RAPD-PCR analyses were conducted on the DNA isolated from each line. Dendrograms representing genetic distances were performed on the studied genotypes using the UPGMA [Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average]. Twenty one cucumber hybrids obtained from the half diallel crossing between the six resistant genotypes and the local commercial cultivar [Beit-alpha] were subjected to CMV artificial inoculation in a separate greenhouse and symptoms were visually monitored for two months. Only seven cucumber hybrids showed high a level of resistance to CMV were screened in the greenhouse and evaluated for CMV resistance. The resistant hybrids obtained did not develop visual symptoms of CMV infection on cotyledons and true leaves. These resistant lines could serve as potential sources of resistance in breeding programs

Identification and characterization of resistance gene analog [RGA] and the leaf rust resistance gene Lr21 from the wheat cultivar Giza 168

Leaf [brown] rust caused by Puccinia triticina is a fungal disease of wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] that causes significant yield losses annually in many wheat-growing regions of the world. Host-plant resistance is the most economically viable and environmentally responsible method for controlling Puccinia triticina, the causal agent of leaf rust in wheat. The identification and utilization of new resistance sources is critical to continue the development of improved cultivars. The objective of this work was to identify defense-related genes against rust in the Egyptian rust resistant cultivar Giza168. Specific primers were designed on the basis of converse motifs of cloned resistance genes of the resistance gene analog [RGA] and leaf rust resistance gene [Lr21] in wheat [Triticum aestivum L.]. The designed PCR primers were subsequently used for RT-PCR using RNA isolated from a resistant variety to amplify fragments of 445 bp and 235 bp for RGA and Lr21 genes, respectively. The amplified products were cloned, sequenced and submitted to the GenBank. The nucleotide sequences of the amplified fragments were aligned with their corresponding genes using the BLAST. The expressions of the two genes in the infected and healthy plants were studied using RT-PCR. The RGA expression was induced and detected by RT-PCR, which is up-regulated by fungal infection. The Lr21 expression was detected on both healthy and infected plants, although the expression was higher in infected plants

Evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of opuntia dillenii haw fruit juice in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Opuntia dillenii Haw fruit is used in folk medicine as an antidiabetic agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible curative role of O. dillenii fruit juice using the streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats. The nutritive value of the edible portion of the fruit was also assessed. The results showed that O. dillenii fruit is a rich source of fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins B[1], B[2] and C, in addition to the minerals, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn; Ca, and Mg. Biological results showed that intraperitoneal injection with STZ caused highly significant reduction in body weight gain%, highly significant elevation in blood glucose concentration accompanied by significant reduction in liver glycogen cotent as compared with control group. Diabetic rats also revealed significant elevation in lipid peroxide [MDA] level, highly significant elevation in total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerols [TAG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL-C] concurrent with highly significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] as compared with control group. Oral administration of O. dillenii juice had no effect on normal rats. Meanwhile, oral administration of O. dillenii juice to diabetic rats induced siginficant improvement in body weight gain% and lipid profile, it reduced significantly blood glucose and MDA levels as compared with non treated diabetic group. Histopathological investigation of the pancreatic tissue of STZ-diabetic rats represented the presence of necrosis, edema and congested blood vessels in the islets of Langerhans cells. O. dillenii fruit juice treatment overcome the previous changes, the majority of the cells tend to be normal.The improvement in the cells of Langerhans islets may explain the antidiabetic effect of the fruit juice under study/It also may improve the insulin receptors of beta-cells. It could be concluded that O. dillenii fruit juice had a potent hypoglycemic activity, this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant activity and its high content of chromium which was proved in this study. Therefore, it could be recommended that O. dillenii should be ingested as fresh fruit to diabetic and hypercholesterolemic patients beside the usual therapy

Sodium lactate and ascorbic acid as preservative for fish fillets

Many undesirable changes can occur in the fish fillet during storage in retail market, due to microbial growth and fish spoilage, affording to evident economic loss. The effects of L-ascorbic acid [L-AA] and sodium lactate [SL], either alone or in combination, on the microbiological and chemical quality of Boulti fillet during storage at 0°C, were investigated. The results showed that addition of L-AA [0.05%] and SL [2.0%] alone or in combination [L-AA [0.05g] in SL 2.0%] significantly delayed the proliferation of aerobic plate counts, psychrotrophic counts and Pseudomonas bacteria extending, the product shelf life up to l2days, versus 6 days for control during the storage, the pH increase slowed down when the fish samples subjected to the treatment with preservative agents. The effect of lowering the pH was particularly pronounced when a combination of L-AA and SL used. L-AA alone or in combination with SL can successfully reduce the microbial growth, extending the shelf life of fillet during storage at 0°C

Nosocomial bacteremia in leukopenic patients with leukemia in Baghdad teaching hospital

The incidence of nosocomial bacteremia continues to increase despite antimicrobial therapy and supportive care; it remains a major cause of death in hospitalized patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. The prolonged survival of leukemia patients who have disturbance in their innate immune system increased the factors of risk. This study was conducted to assess the epidemiological features of Bacteremia in adult patients with leukemia and the species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibilities of causative pathogens. In addition, nosocomial bacteremia was compared to community acquired bacteremia. A total of [84] adult leukemic patients more than 15 years old, males and females, feverish or with hypothermia and leukopenic. Bacteremic cases were obtained by culturing blood samples aerobically and anaerobically. The identification of blood isolates and susceptibility testing were performed by the routine methods in use at the affiliated laboratories. It has been found that 15 out of 28 [53.57%] patients with bacteremia acquired the infection during hospitalization, while the 13 [46.42%] patients acquired the infection out side the hospital. Table [1]. High incidence rate of nosocomial infection [hospital acquired infections] in leukopenic leukemic patients with bacteremia

IL-1 alpha and il-8levels during gram-negative and gram-positive bacteremia in leukopenia leukemic patients

A quantitative relationships between circulating leukocytes and infection was established in patients with leukemia, in particular, the probability of being infected is proportional to the severity and duration of leukopenia [1]. Infection with gram- negative as well as gram-positive microorganisms may lead to septic shock and death [2, 3]. The major functional activities of cytokines are concerned with the regulation of the development and behavior of the immune effector cells. IL-1 is one of proximal cytokines. IL-1 act to stimulate the release of distal cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-8, IL-8 is most closely related to the severity of the physiological response to infection and systemic inflammation. This study was conducted to detect the levels of IL-1 and IL-8 during Gram negative and Gram positive bacteremia. That could be useful in determining an appropriate choice for antimicrobial drug depending on the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. IL-1 alpha and IL-8 was studied in [28] adult leukopenic patient with bacteremia, males and females, more than 15 years old. The study was including [20] healthy control. The bacteremic cases were obtained by culturing blood samples aerobically and anaerobically. The isolates were identified on the basis of their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-8 cocentration were measured by using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Statistical analysis show no significant difference in IL-1 alpha levels between Gram-negative and Grampositive bacteremia in leukopenic leukemia patients [P=0.803]. While statistical analysis show significant difference between patient with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteremia in leukopenic leukemia patients [P=0.037]. In leukopenic leukemia patients with bacteremia we may could determining an appropriate choice for treatment depending on IL-8 levels in the circulation of those patients and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern

Comparison of alpha toxin gene among different types of Clostridium perfringens

Alpha toxin is found to be produced by all types of Clostridium perfringens. The genes encoding alpha toxin from the available five types of Clostridium perfringens [A I chicken strain], A [rabbit strain], B, C and D were PCR amplified using specific primers and the PCR products were examined on 1.5% [w/v] agarose gel and demonstrated the same bands comparable to the published alpha toxin gene. The PCR products of a toxin gene from the five types were separately sequenced and aligned with all published a toxin genes of Clostridium perfringens. Identities among all studied alpha toxin gene sequences and with the published ones were nearly 96-98%. There are no any significant differences among these nucleotide sequences. It is concluded that a toxin gem; sequences among different types of Clostridium perfringens are similar and highly conserved

Molecular and serological studies on a plant virus affecting strawberry

Viruses form a major threat to the strawberry industry in Egypt causing severe economic losses. Rapid and simple methods for the detection of the major strawberry viruses are absent due to the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools. Plants showing virus-like symptoms [VLS] were collected from the field and subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [I-ELISA] tests using the polypeptide CP3 antiserum specific for whitefly transmitting geminivirus [WTG] in addition to Tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus [TYLCV] polyclonal antiserum. In addition, plants were subjected to PCR as a molecular diagnosis test for further confirmation. Experiments proved that the virus could be transmitted mechanically, by viruliferous whiteflies and by grafting. Inoculated strawberry plants with viruliferous whiteflies showed curling and upward cup shape of the leaves. Primers specific for whitefly transmitted geminivirus were used in PCR diagnosis of the inoculated plants. Based on the positive molecular and serological diagnosis results, we concluded that the virus belongs to WTGs. PCR was also carried out for the inoculated plants using primers specific for TYLCV, however negative amplification was obtained indicating that the virus under this study is not a TYLCV. Electron microscopy of purified virus preparation showed the presence of geminate virus particles about 18x20 nm. Antiserum was raised against the purified virus and used for indirect-ELISA to measure the antigenicity of the raised antibodies. Western blot analysis was also used for confirmation of the specificity of the raised antiserum. The isolated virus was given the name strawberry leaf curl geminivirus [StLCV] and it represents the first record of WTG that infect strawberry plants in Egypt

Biological evaluation of normal and low cholesterol eggs in feeding rats

The present investigation was performed by using albino male rats to study the effect of daily ingestion of normal and low cholesterol eggs at two levels [2 and 5%] for 28 successive days on some biological parameters to shed a light on what may happen in human nutrition. The effects of the investigated eggs on the lipid profile parameters as indicated from blood analysis of treated rats were examined throughout the scope of the study. The adverse effects of the dietary eggs on the internal organs and body weight gain were also considered. Moreover, fatty acid composition and total cholesterol in the tested Eggs were determined. The results indicated that addition of normal eggs at the two levels under study [2 and 5%] caused significant increase in total lipid after 10 days while significant elevation was observed in triglycerides level after 30 days from feeding on normal eggs [2%], while significant decrease was occurred after 30 days from feeding on low cholesterol eggs [5%]. In addition, there was significant increase in total cholesterol after 10 days from feeding on normal eggs [5%] and the same trend in LDL-cholesterol was found throughout the experimental period. Meanwhile, there was significant increase in HDL-cholesterol at the end of the experiment at 2% of low cholesterol diet. No significant difference in the relative weight of the internal organs such as [lung, heart and testes]. On the other hand, a real increment was noticed in the body weight of the rats fed with the two types of egg at level 5% at the end of the experiment. Data also exhibited significant decrease in the activity of alanine aminotransferases [ALT] at the two levels [2 and 5%] of the normal and the low cholesterol [2%] eggs while, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase [AST] increased after 10, 20 days at 5% of normal eggs diet. In addition, after 10 days, the dietary eggs showed significant increase in liver and spleen weight in treatment 5% for the normal and the low cholesterol eggs as compared to the control group. Also, the chemical composition of the two types of egg showed significant decrease in fatty acid composition and total cholesterol in low cholesterol eggs as compared to normal egg