Technological potential of under-utilized starches from eight varieties of legumes grown in Cameroon / Potencial tecnológico de amidos subutilizados de oito variedades de leguminosas cultivadas nos Camarões

Abstract Starch samples from eight legumes cultivars instar of one variety of Vigna unguiculata L. (Cowpea), one variety of Vigna subterrenea V. (Bambara groundnut) and six varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Common bean), grown in Cameroon were isolated, and their physicochemical and pasting properties were evaluated. The objectives of the study were to investigate the starch properties and processing characteristics of different bean varieties, and to establish the basic foundation of improving the functionality of beans and their starch grown in the region. The result revealed significant differences amongst the properties of the starches. The swelling power of the legume starch isolates put them in the category of highly restricted-swelling starch. This characteristic is desirable for the manufacture of value-added products such as noodles and composite blends with cereals. The pasting properties were determined using a rapid visco analyzer, and various legumes bean starches exhibited different pasting profiles. The high breakdown viscosity (BV) was founded for Cowpea and Bambara groundnut and confirmed their low. ability to resist heat and shear stress when compared to Common bean varieties studies. The factors which influence the pasting characteristics resulting to decrease in peak viscosity (PV), trough viscosity (TV) and final viscosity (FV) of starch are attributed to the interaction of starch with the protein, fat, etc. which depended to their variety.

Resumo Foram isoladas amostras de amido de oito cultivares de leguminosas ínstar de uma variedade de Vigna unguiculata L. (feijão caupi), uma variedade de Vigna subterrenea V. (amendoim Bambara) e seis variedades de Phaseolus vulgaris L. (feijão comum), cultivadas nos Camarões, e suas propriedades físico-químicas e de pasta foram avaliadas. Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar as propriedades do amido e as características de processamento de diferentes variedades de feijão e estabelecer as bases básicas para melhorar a funcionalidade do feijão e do amido cultivado na região. O resultado revelou diferenças significativas entre as propriedades dos amidos. O poder de inchamento dos isolados de amido de leguminosas os coloca na categoria de amido com inchamento altamente restrito. Esta característica é desejável para o fabrico de produtos de valor acrescentado, tais como macarrão e misturas compósitas com cereais. As propriedades de pasta foram determinadas usando um analisador rápido de visco, e vários amidos de feijão leguminosos exibiram diferentes perfis de pasta. A alta BV foi fundada para o amendoim Cowpea e Bambara e confirmou sua baixa. capacidade de resistir ao calor e tensão de cisalhamento quando comparado com estudos de variedades de feijão. Os fatores que influenciam as características colantes resultantes da diminuição do pico de viscosidade (PV), da viscosidade mínima (TV) e da viscosidade final (FV) do amido são atribuídos à interação do amido com a proteína, gordura, etc., que dependem da sua variedade.

Technological potential of under-utilized starches from eight varieties of legumes grown in Cameroon

Abstract Starch samples from eight legumes cultivars instar of one variety of Vigna unguiculata L. (Cowpea), one variety of Vigna subterrenea V. (Bambara groundnut) and six varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Common bean), grown in Cameroon were isolated, and their physicochemical and pasting properties were evaluated. The objectives of the study were to investigate the starch properties and processing characteristics of different bean varieties, and to establish the basic foundation of improving the functionality of beans and their starch grown in the region. The result revealed significant differences amongst the properties of the starches. The swelling power of the legume starch isolates put them in the category of highly restricted-swelling starch. This characteristic is desirable for the manufacture of value-added products such as noodles and composite blends with cereals. The pasting properties were determined using a rapid visco analyzer, and various legumes bean starches exhibited different pasting profiles. The high breakdown viscosity (BV) was founded for Cowpea and Bambara groundnut and confirmed their low. ability to resist heat and shear stress when compared to Common bean varieties studies. The factors which influence the pasting characteristics resulting to decrease in peak viscosity (PV), trough viscosity (TV) and final viscosity (FV) of starch are attributed to the interaction of starch with the protein, fat, etc. which depended to their variety.

Resumo Foram isoladas amostras de amido de oito cultivares de leguminosas ínstar de uma variedade de Vigna unguiculata L. (feijão caupi), uma variedade de Vigna subterrenea V. (amendoim Bambara) e seis variedades de Phaseolus vulgaris L. (feijão comum), cultivadas nos Camarões, e suas propriedades físico-químicas e de pasta foram avaliadas. Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar as propriedades do amido e as características de processamento de diferentes variedades de feijão e estabelecer as bases básicas para melhorar a funcionalidade do feijão e do amido cultivado na região. O resultado revelou diferenças significativas entre as propriedades dos amidos. O poder de inchamento dos isolados de amido de leguminosas os coloca na categoria de amido com inchamento altamente restrito. Esta característica é desejável para o fabrico de produtos de valor acrescentado, tais como macarrão e misturas compósitas com cereais. As propriedades de pasta foram determinadas usando um analisador rápido de visco, e vários amidos de feijão leguminosos exibiram diferentes perfis de pasta. A alta BV foi fundada para o amendoim Cowpea e Bambara e confirmou sua baixa. capacidade de resistir ao calor e tensão de cisalhamento quando comparado com estudos de variedades de feijão. Os fatores que influenciam as características colantes resultantes da diminuição do pico de viscosidade (PV), da viscosidade mínima (TV) e da viscosidade final (FV) do amido são atribuídos à interação do amido com a proteína, gordura, etc., que dependem da sua variedade.

Body mass index [BMI] and some hormonal changes in epileptic children receiving antiepileptic therapy

Epilepsy is a common neurological problem. It's treatment is often for years or even lifelong. The primary treatment of choice is the use of the antiepileptic drugs [AEDs]. Endocrine disorders are of major concern for clinicians who treat patients with epilepsy. This prospective hospital based study was conducted during the period from March 2008 till November 2010 at Assiut Children University Hospital. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of some antiepileptic drugs is Valproic acid, Carbmazepine or Topirmate, either monotherapy in combination on body weight and some endocrine aspects in epileptic children. The study included 62 epileptic children and 25 age and sex matched normal children as control. The cases were divided into 4 groups: [Group 1] included 22 cases on Valproic acid alone, [Group 2] included 19 cases on Valproic acid and Carbmazepine, [Group 3] included 21 cases on Valproic acid and Topirmate and control cases [Group 4]. All children were subjected to detailed medical history, full neurological examination, measurement of height, weight and body mass index [BMI], in addition to estimation of serum levels of leptin, insulin and fasting blood glucose levels. Patients treated with Valproic acid alone [group1] had significantly increased BMI and serum levels of leptin and insulin when compared with either [group3] or [group 4]. Cases on both Valproic acid and Carbmazepine [group 2] had significantly higher serum level of leptin, insulin and BMI when compared with control group [group 4].Cases on both Valproic acid and Topiramate had significantly higher serum level of insulin when compared with control group [group 4].Serum level of leptin in cases treated with Valproic acid had positive correlation with age, BMl,insulin, dose and treatment duration. Cases of obese parents had increased BMI, serum leptin and insulin when compared with cases of non obese parents. The study concluded that children receiving antiepileptic medications especially valoproic acid are at a great risk for development of obesity especially if associated with other risk factors as female sex and obese parents. Leptin and insulin serum levels should be checked regularly during treatment with antiepileptic drug therapy especially Valproic acid

Relationship between obesity and hypertension among elementary school children in Zagazig city

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disease which is independently related to cultural, economic and social parameters. Hypertension is the most common complication of childhood obesity. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the prevalence of obesity among primary school children and detecting the factors leading to obesity and predisposing to the occurrence of hypertension. This study was conducted at four elementary schools at Zagazig City, Sharkia Governorate. A total random sample of 200 elementary school children was included after fulfilling the criteria of selection. Two tools for data collection were used, they included a questionnaire sheet and a clinical assessment sheet. The study results revealed a high prevalence of obesity among the elementary school children. Consumption of high fat diet, highly carbohydrate preparations, TV viewing, sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are important contributing factors to obesity and increase its prevalence among the children. Social, behavioral and environmental factors such as low social class and low educational level of the parents had an important role in increasing the prevalence of obesity among the school age children. Obesity is also associated with hypertension, increased with the increasing grades of obesity among the children aged 6-12 years and the relation was statistically significant. Based on the findings of this study, periodic check up of blood pressure, nutritional programs and nutritional counseling to the students and teachers to improve the students' nutritional awareness inside and outside the schools is highly recommended

Prevalence of elevated hepatic transaminases among upper Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The prevalence of liver transaminases in type 2 diabetics upper Egypt patients with type 2 diabetes is unknown. To estimate the prevalence of elevated liver transaminase levels among upper Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes and to determine the associated risk factors. We recruited130 patients with type 2 diabetes from the diabetic outpatient clinic of internal medicine department, or those admitted in tropical medicine department, Assiut university hospital. For all participants, the following was recorded; body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, and hepatic transaminase levels. HBsAG, anti-HCV and abdominal US examination was done in all patients. Risk factors of raised transaminases were identified using univariate then multivariate analysis. Amoung the 130 patients enrolled in this study. 22.3% [n-29] were males and 77.7% [n=101] were females. The mean age was 47.35 +/- 9.36 years. One hundred and eighteen [90.8%] were obese. The prevalence of elevated AST was 7.7% [n=10] with the gender-wise prevalence of 13.8% [n=4] in men and 5.9% [n=6] in women, p value= 0.157, odds ratio - 0.39 [95% CI: 0.103-1.51]. The prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase [ALT] was 11.5% [n=15] with the gender-wise prevalence of 13.8% [n=4] in men, and 10.9% [n=11] in women, p value = 0.441, odds ratio=0.764 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.224-2.61]. Only 3.8% [n=5] showed elevated levels of both ALT and AST. Patients with high waist circumference had elevated ALT levels [13.8%] versus 4% only in those with normal waist circumference [odds ratio=3.6. 95%, CI: 0.462-29.49, and p value = 0.035]. Insulin use was associated with a high odds ratio for elevated ALT levels [OR=18.85. CI: 2.39-148.3]. High ALT levels were significantly associated with the duration of diabetes: 14.85% in those with DM dating to <10 years versus 0% in those with DM dating to >/= 10 [odds ratio= 0.748.CI: 0.673-0.832 and p value=0.018]. Younger patients [less than 45 old] and a higher tendency to have elevated ALT compared to those over 45 years [OR= 1.19. p value=0.003]. on multivariate analysis. Young age and insulin use was only independent predictor for isolated rise in ALT or AST were obese [P value= 00.043 and 0.045 respectively]. The risk factors for elevated levels of both ALT and AST in univariate analysis were male gender. Patients less than 45 years old and insulin use. Elevated ALT and AST levels are found in 11.5% and 7.7% of type 2 diabetic patients re-spectively. Elevated ALT level is observed more in relatively younger diabetic patients with isolated rise of either ALT or AST were obese. One multivariate analysis, young age and insulin use were only independent predictor for isolated rise in ALT levels. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance should be considered as the key mechanism leading to hepatic steatosis

Relations between serum essential fatty acids, cytokines [Il-6 and IL-8], apoptotic marker [SFAS], and free radicals in egyptian patients with autoimmune diseases

Eicosanoids, lymphokines, free radicals and apoptotic marker are known to participate in the pathogenesis of inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relations between free radical generation, interleukins [IL-6 and IL-8], apoptotic marker soluble Fas [sFas], and the level of essential fatty acids and their metabolites in patients with autoimmune diseases. The study was conducted on 37 patients admitted to Rheumatology Unit Hospital of Ain Shams University, in addition there was 10 control subjects. The patients suffered from different types of autoimmune diseases according to their criteria, Rheumatoid arthritis [RA], systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], systemic sclerosis [SSC] and overlap syndrome. Serum levels of total glutathione [reduced; GSH and oxidized; GSSG] were estimated by HPLC; serum MDA, IL-6, IL-8 and sFas were also assayed. In addition serum fatty acids were determined by using GLC. The inflammations resulting from the studied autoimmune diseases induced significant decrease in serum level of GSH, and marked increase in the levels of GSSG, MDA, IL-6, IL-8 and sFas whereas serum fatty acid revealed that Linoleicacid [LA] and alpha linolenic acid [ALA] were significantly decreased in the studied cases. LA metabolite [arochidonic acid; AA] is markedly increase while ALA metabolite [eicosapentaenoic; EPA] and docosahexaenoic [DHA] were significantly increased. These results suggest that essential fatty acid metabolism is altered in autoimmune diseases. The interactions between essential fatty acids, eicosanoids, lymphokines and free radicals suggest that new therapeutic strategies can be devised to modify the course of these diseases

impact of splenectomy on the patient's susceptability to infection

Splenectomy, is a procedure that has significantly decreased in frequency as the understanding of its complications increase. Susceptibility to infection is the best-defined and most widely understood complication of splenectomy. The aim was to study the impact of splenectomy on the patients susceptibility to infections, and its effect on morbidity and mortality statistics of patients admitted to fever hospitals. The study included 506 patients admitted to fever hospital and they divided according to history of splenectomy into group 1 of 432 patients with no history of splenectomy and group II of 74 patients with history of splenectomy. The cause and duration of splenectomy, hospital stay, the type and duration of antibiotic prescribed in hospital the diagnosis and the outcome at discharge were the main history items. Chronic liver disease [CLD] was the main cause of splenectomy followed by trauma and Thalassemia 67%, 20% and 12% respectively. No significant difference in blood culture between the 2 group but capsulated organism were more in group II. Respiratory tract infection was the main cause of admission in both groups with a high incidence of respiratory, urinary tract infection, meningitis and pyrexia of unknown origin in group II. Quinolones, Penicillin and Cephalosporins were the commonly used groups of antibiotics with statistical difference in group 2 than group 1. Prolonged hospital stay in group II with high statistical difference than group I [14.07 +/- 8.68 versus 4.57 +/- 3.29] [P<0.001]. The improved outcome were significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 and the not improved outcome [frequent admission, escape from hospital and university hospital referral] were higher in group 2 than group 1 and it correlate with duration of splenectomy

Expression and prognostic significance of P-glycoprotein [MDR-1] in infiltrating duct carcinoma of the breast

Breast cancer is a major public-health issue worldwide. It is the most common cancer in women constituting 22% of all cancer cases world wide. Until recently, breast cancer was subclassified on the basis of cellular morphology and the presence of several receptors, namely ER, PgR, and the Her2, identified by immunohistochemistry. The present study was designed aiming to determine the expression of P-glycoprotein in infiltrating ductal carcinoma [IDC] patients, to correlate the expression of P-glycoprotein with other clinical and pathological parameters and to ascertain whether pretreatment detection of P-glycoprotein in patients with breast cancer could be utilized as a reliable predictor of poor prognosis. The present study constituted thirty nine cases of IDC received at the pathology department during one year beginning at January 2004. For all studied cases, routine histopathologic diagnosis and immunodetection of P-gp, ER, PgR and Her2 were carried on. Retrospective follow up of the patients for period of 2-3 years after the mastectomy operation was carried on with statistical analysis of the results. ER positive status was encountered in 10 cases [25%]. PgR positive status was encountered in 14 cases [35.9%]. A statistically significant association was detected between both ER and PgR expression and nuclear grade [P=0.002, p=0.017]. Her 2 positive immunostaining was detected in 12 cases [30.8%]. P-gp was detected in 26 cases [66.7%]. Statistically significant association between P-gp and Her2 expression was found [p=0.027]. The present study detected that ER negativity [p=0.009], nuclear grade III [P=0.06] and triple-negative molecular subtype [P=0.017] were associated with poor local recurrence-free survival [LRFS]. Her2 positivity [P=0.06] and lymph node metastasis [P=0.08] were associated with poor distant-metastasis free survival [DMES]. Her2/neu IDC that express P-gp had the poorest DFS. Pretreatment detection of P-gp is of great value to predict the response to chemotherapy in patients with Her2 -positive and triple negative infiltrating ductal carcinomas

diagnostic value of monoclonal antibody panel in cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma

The interface between Hodgkin's lymphoma [HL] and B-cell NHL has become more ambiguous in recent years. Yet, the clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment requirement of Hodgkin's lymphoma are very different from most B-cell NHL. Thus, distinguishing between those lymphomas is still mandatory. Reviewing and immunophenotyping [using a monoclonal antibody panel] of cases diagnosed by routine histologic sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] as Hodgkin's lymphoma, subtyping the cases in view of the new classification based on morphologic and immunophenotypic data, as well as studying the efficacy of human fascin antibody as a new marker for Reed-Sternberg cells. All cases were submitted to pathological examination of the routine H and E stained section as well as immunohistochemical evaluation of fascin, CD30, CD 15, CD20, and CD3 expression with subsequent re-evaluation of cases and establishing a final diagnosis based on morphologic and immunophenotypic data. In the present work, positive immunostaining for fascin was expressed in 97.7% of classic HL, CD30 in 80.9%, CD 15 in 70.2%, and CD20 in 10.6%. Only 26 cases [57.7%] showed coexpression of CD30 and CD15. After the review of immunohistochemical slides the diagnosis was confirmed in 37 cases of classic HL. Problematic cases were reclassified into CHL of mixed cellularity subtype [2 cases], CHL of lymphocyte rich subtype [2 cases], and CHL of the lymphocyte depletion subtype [2 cases]. Two additional cases were classified as T-cell rich large B-cell lymphoma [TCRBCL]. Two cases remained unclassified after immuno staining. The present study emphasized that immunohistochemistry supports and refines the H and E based diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma and that Fascin is a sensitive marker for RS cells and may be used to differentiate between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in difficult cases. Furthermore, complete immunohistochemical panel is needed to distinguish between T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma and lymphocyte rich-classic Hodgkin's lymphoma whether nodular or diffuse taking into consideration that absence of CD 30 or CD 15 immuno staining or expression of CD20 does not 'rule out the diagnosis of classic Hodgkin 's lymphoma and that coexpression of CD 30 and CD 15 when coupled with CDS expression necessitates complementary studies

Neurophysiologic and psychometric changes in patients with liver cirrhosis

Because of its prognostic and socioeconomic relevance, interest has focused on SHE, which describes a poorly defined syndrome found in the grey zone between normality and manifest HE. the aim was to study the neurophysiologic and nero psychologic changes in chronic liver diseases to diagnoses subclinical heptic encephalopathy [SHE]. Sixty patients with chronic liver disease 30 had cirrhosis due to chronic HCV [group 1], and 30 patients had liver fibrosis due to Schistosomiasis [alone or with hepatitis] [group2]. and 20 healthy subjects as control [group 3], all were subjected to, clinical examination, assessment of liver function, routine tab., investigations, Abd, US. and EEG and psychometric assessment by [NCT] and symbol [SDT]. NCT abnormal score was found in 46.7% group2. ranging from 42.3% to 75% in Child-Pugh grade A, B respectively, however the control group had normal NCT score. Positive EEG changes were in [60%]and [50%] ranging from [47.05% to 76.92%] and from [46.15% to 75.0%], in group 1 and group 2 in Child-Pugh grade A and B, respectively, while in group 3 EEG was normal in [90%] and non specific changes found in[10%]. EEC changes and psychometric defects were detected in considerable percentage of cirrhotic patients and were related to the severity of liver cirrhosis, so psychometric tests and EEG may be suitable tools for diagnosis of SHE

Synthesis, molecular modeling and anticancer activity of certain acridine derivatives

Eight series of new acridine derivatives of anticipated antitumor activity were synthesized. The first and second series belong to 9- anilinoacridines. The third series belongs to 9-anilinoacridine-4- ylmethylamino benzenesulfonamides. The fourth one composes of acridone methylamino benzenesulfonamides. The fifth and sixth series comprise of 9-anilinoacridine-4-acetamide derivatives. The seventh series is the derivatives of 9-oxo-9,10-dihydroacridine-4-acetamide. The last series includes 9-oxo-9,10-dihydroacridine-2-sulfonamides. Also, one known final compound has been synthesized following a new pathway. The rationale behind the synthesis of these compounds, their methods of synthesis as well as their antitumor activity, were discussed

Some immunological abnormalities in bronchiectatic children

This study was conducted on - twenty patients with bronchiectasis and 20 apparently healthy children. Their ages ranged from 6-12 years. This article examined the immunoglobulins level [IgG, IgM. IgA] alpha-1 antitrypsin and auto-antibodies on 20 bronchiectatic children as well as 20 control Children The studied group showed a significant [P<0.05] higher mean lgG and IgA as compared to the control group. As regard IgM and alpha-1- antitrypsin there was increased mean levels of IgM and alpha-1- antitrypsin among bronchiectatic children but this was statistically insignificant. Auto-antibodies showed highly significant value [P<0.01] when compared to control. There was a positive significant correlation [P<0.05] between alpha-1 - antitrypsin and IgG while this correlation was insignificant [P>0.05] between alpha-1 -antitlypsin and gM as well as alpha-1 antitrypsin and IgA bronchiectatic children

Correlation between serum and gastric levels of tumor necrosis factor - alpha and interleukin - 8 in patients with Helicobacter Pylori infection

This study was carried out to determine the rate of H. pylori infection among dyspeptic patients and to investigate if there is a correlation between the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-a and IL-8 and the mucosal damage observed in H. pylori infected patients by comparing the mucosal levels of these two cytokines with their serum levels and the endoscopic diagnosis. Two prepyloric antral biopsy specimens, serum samples and gastric juice were collected from 60 dyspeptic patients, 50 with gastr oduedenal lesion [20 with gastritis, 9 with duodenitis, 9 with gastric ulcer and 12 with duodenal ulcer] and 10 with normal endoscopic findings [control group]. It was found that, out of 60 dyspeptic patients, 32 were found positive for H.pylori [53.3%], out of these 32 cases, 30 [93.75%] were symptomatic and had different gastroduodenal lesions, and 2 cases [6.25%] were asymptomatic and diagnosed as functional dyspepsia. The rate of infection is significant only in the patient group with gastroduodenal lesion compared to the control group. [p < 0.05] .The prevalence of H. pylori infection among patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia is [45%] while its prevalenc among patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer is [81%]. The difference in prevalence is statistically highly significant [P< 0.01]. It was found that the rate of H.pylori infection is higher in males [78.12%] than females [21.87%] and in patients more than 40 years old [68.75%] than those less than 40 years old [31.25%]. The levels of TNF-a and IL8 in gastric juice of patients with gastroduodenal lesion were significantly higher than those of controls [p < 0.001] Also, the levels of IL8 in serum of patients with gastroduedenal lesions were significantly higher than those of controls. However, the serum levels of TNF-a in these patients did not differ significantly from those of controls [P > 0.05] The levels of TNF and IL8 in both the gastric juice and serum of patients with ulcer dyspepsia [gastric and duodenal ulcer] were significantly higher than those of patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia Also, the levels of TNF-a and IL8 in gastric juice samples of H. pylori-positive patients with gastroduodenal lesions were significantly higher than those of H. pylori-negativc ones. To the contrary serum levels of TNF-a and IL8 of H. pylori-positive patient did not show a statistically significant difference from those of H. pylori-negative cases. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between the levels of TNF-a and IL8 in gastric juice of patient positive for H. pylori. This study concluded that the increased gastric production of IL8 and TN F-a may be implicated in the pathogenesis of H. pylori associated gastroduodenal diseases, and understanding the potential role of these two cytokines in inflammation may provide a new basis for the design of anti-inflammatory agents used in treatment

study of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

Recent advances in molecular medicine have focused attention on cyto-kines in the machinery of inflammation and immune response. Tumor necrosis factor [TNF-alpha] is a cytokine produced primarily by activated mono-cytes and lymphocytes. that posses pleiotropic properties. TNF-alpha has been involved in the pathogenesis of diversity of liver diseases including viral hepatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate a group of patients with histologically documented chronic viral hepatitis for the level of serum TNF-alpha with particular attention to its correlation with disease activity. Thirty patients with biopsy-proven chronic Viral hepatitis and ten healthy controls were studied in this work. Cases included 25 males and 5 females with an age range of 23 to 67 years. Controls included 8 males and 2 females with an age range of 25 to 60 years. Cases were classified into three groups: Group I consisted of 6 cases with chronic hepatitis B, Group II 14 cases with chronic hepatitis C and Group III 10 cases with evidence of combined B and C viral infections. Results revealed that serum TNF alpha levels were significantly increased among patients with chronic viral hepatitis compared to controls. TNF alpha significantly correlated with the severity of the activity of viral infection as gauged by the histological activity index [HAI]. There was. however, no statistically significant difference between the three groups of cases and each other. It was concluded that TNF alpha is a better measure of disease activity than conventional bio chemical liver function tests. Moreover monitoring of TNF alpha along with ALT during treatment might provide more precise information of effectiveness of therapy

Clinical, sonographic, histopatholgical and DNA study of predictors for malignancy in chronic calcular cholecystitis

In 31 patients with dyspepsia sonographic examination showed thick wall gallbladder in 26 [83.9%], multiple stones in 21 [67.7%] and single stone in 10 cases [32.2%]. Mucosal chronic inflammatory infiltration and mucosal ulceration were the most common lesions [87.1% and 67.7% respectively]. Dysplasia was found in 3 gallbladders [9.7%], with DNA changes showing aneuploid histogram pattern and higher values of S phase percent of cellular population. Hyperplasia was associated with increased percentage of cells occupying the S phase and increased values of 2C-deviation index and 5C exceeding rate percentage. The DNA changes were more associated with multiple stones with significant differences in S phase percentage cellular population between multiple and single stones. Thus, it is concluded that multiple gallstones is an indicator for preference of cholecystectomy to avoid development difficulty predicting malignancy of gallbladder

epidemiological study of hepatitis b and c among adults attending primary health care centers in Benha city

In Egypt, hepatitis B Virus [HBV] and hepatitis C virus [HCV] have been shown to be endemic. This work was conducted on 300 adults [152 females and 148 males] aged from 18 - 65 years. The sample was selected from cases attending primary health care centers in Benha city during the period from July, 1994 to August 1995. Blood Samples were taken to detect some hepatitis markers using ELISA technique. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibodies and hepatitis C antibodies among the studied Sample were 5.7%, 28.7% and 27% respectively. Seropositivity of HCV anti bodies is more likely to occur; among age group > 25 years, married, and male individuals Medical and paramedical personnels showed significant higher percentages of carrying HBs antibodies. Also, results suggest that bilharzial and diabetic patients are more susceptible to acquire. HCV infection. HCV antibodies were significantly higher among individuals with positive history of blood transfusion and long - term treatment by injection, fifty percent of previously vaccinated persons had antibodies against hepatitis B virus Suitable recommendations were included

Synthesis of some new pyrazolones as potent anti-inflammatory agents

A series of 1,2-diphenyl-3,5-bis [alkyl and /or aryl amino] pyrazolium perchlorates [2a-e] 1,2-diphenyl-3-substituted 5-pyrazolones 3a-c, 4a-c, 6 and 1,2 diphenyl-5-pyrazolone Schiff's bases 7a-d were prepared. Some of the prepared compounds were tested for their antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities