Cultural imprint on symptom profile of mood disorders: an epidemiological study in different subcultural sites in a Nile delta governorate

Affective disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders. Their symptoms profile varies in different cultures. Several studies try to identify a core syndromal symptoms and secondary manifestations of the syndrome that changes with geographical, socioeconomic, and cultural areas or political status. Is to find out the differences in clinical symptoms profile of mood disorders between rural and urban areas in Egypt. A sample of people was selected using the multistage random sampling technique then a survey study was done using Mini Inter National Neuropsychiatric Interview over 600 people from two villages and 400 people from two cities in Dakahlia governorate. All patients who were diagnosed as mood disorders according to DSM IV TR criteria enter depth study including complete physical and neurological examination to exclude organic causes and clinical symptoms profile of mood disorders in rural and urban population, according to [DSM-IV TR]. There was a statistically significant difference between rural and urban population as regard prevalence of major depressive disorder [9.%, 6.6%] [p 0.023] while there are no statistical differences as regard other mood disorders. The depressed mood, lost appetite, low energy, death ideas, motor retardation and somatic symptoms were statistically significant more among rural population while lack of pleasure, insomnia, lack of concentration and agitation were significant more among urban population. There is no significant statistical difference between rural and urban population regarding most of manic symptoms. The culture effect on mood disorder is more prominent in depression than in mania

Evaluation of transforming growth factor alpha [TGFn] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TGFn] in children with acute hepatitis

The present study included 60 children who were recruited from Pediatric Department of National Liver Institute [NLI], Menoufiya University and 20 apparently healthy children from the relatives of patients as a control group. Their ages ranged from 2 to 15 years, they were 49 males and 31 females. The studied children were divided according to their diagnosis into groups each of 20; Group [I] acute hepatitis, Group [II] acute fulminant hepatitis [F. H], Group [III] chronic hepatitis and Group [IV] control group. The mean level of both transforming growth factor alpha [TGF I] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF I] were higher in group II [32.74 +/- 9.98 pg/mL and 116.41 +/- 49.70 pg/ml, respectively] more than the other groups and the difference was statistically highly significant [[P<0.001] and [<0.05], respectively]. The mean of level of [TGFD in FH survivors was [29.23 +/- 5.51pg/mL] compared to deceased ones [20.93 +/- 4.60 pg/mL] but the difference was statistically insignificant [p>0.05]. On the other hand the mean of [TNFI] in the deceased cases was 132.76 +/- 48.81pg/mL compared to 117.93 +/- 19.15pg/mL in survivors but the difference was statistically insignificant [P > 0.05]. Case fatality rate for all FH cases was 80%. In conclusion, the levels of both TGFI and TNFI are significantly higher in fulminant hepatitis more than acute hepatitis cases but with no significance in the progress of the disease. Further studies is recommended to uncover predictors that can differentiate between acute hepatitis and fulminant hepatitis and the progress of the disease

Evaluation of the sensitivity of two cold stains versus standard Ziehl-Neelsen stain in sputum examination for Acid-Fast bacilli

This study included 200 sputum positive cases for acid-fast bacilli [AFB] by direct smear using standard Ziehl - Neelsen [ZN] stain. Three sputum specimens on three successive days were taken from each case. Duplicate smears were prepared from one positive specimen selected for each case, and stained by two different cold stains; Kudoh stain and Kinyoun stain. Sensitivity of Kudoh cold stain was 91% versus ZN stain, whereas, sensitivity of Kinyoun stain was 61% versus ZN stain. In conclusion, Kudoh method of cold staining is almost as sensitive as ZN, practicable, and rewarding

Production, Purification and characterization of penicillinase enzymes from staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus grew better with good yield of penicillinase in 50 ml of nutrient broth medium, containing 1 mg/ml penicillin G [Na], which was initially adjusted to pH 6.0 and inoculated with 2% [v/v] of bacterial suspension of 2 days old culture, and incubated at 37C for 24 hr. The enzyme was purified 326 fold with an overall yield of 31.65% of the original activity and specific activity 209 units/mg protein by ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatography on ion- exchange [diethyl aminoethylcellulose] and Sephadex G-200. Data from sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis indicated that the purified enzyme was homogenous and gave only one band of protein. Data of the amino acids composition of the enzyme showed that it was remarkably rich in cysteine [12.36%]. Maximal activity was obtained at 30C and pH 6.0. The km value was 28.5 x 10-5 M. The purified enzyme was active towards penicillins more than towards cephalosporins. The effect of some chemical reagents on enzyme activity was studied. Enzyme activity was completely inhibited by clavulanic acid, cloxacillin and iodine. Clindamycin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and certain chemical reagents caused different degrees of inhibition. A combination of penicillin G [Na] and clavulanic acid or cloxacillin improved markedly its activity against penicillinase producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus

Statistical evaluation of complications of conservative of femoral shaft fractures in the growth period

This study included 250 children suffering from femoral shaft fracture admitted to Nelomrinl Hospital Chicago, USA. Their aged ranged from 1-17 years. All cases were subjected to general examination, local examination and measurement of the injured limb, examination of joints and radiological examination. Our results showed that below five years overgrowth is higher and decreases by advance in age. Regarding level of fracture, it was higher at the middle third, the commonest type being the transverse variety. We recommend the conservative management of such fractures