Changing in the Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis among School Children in Egypt

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis remains a prevalent health problem among school-aged children. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of tinea capitis among primary school students, in Fayoum, Egypt with identification of etiological agents in both public and private primary schools. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in twelve primary schools. The students were selected from different grades with a total number of 12,128 students. Hair and scalp were clinically examined for any lesions that may suspect tinea capitis and mycological samples were collected for direct microscopy and culture. RESULTS: The prevalence of tinea capitis in the study group was 0.4% and higher in public than private schools (73.5% versus 26.5% respectively). Boys were more affected than girls with boy to girls' ratio 5:1. Intrafamily history of infection was present in 40.8% of tested group while 51% showed low social standard profile. Mycological culture revealed that Microsporum canis was the predominant isolated organism followed by M. audouinii (52% and 36% respectively). CONCLUSION: M. canis is replacing Trichophyton violaceum as an etiology for tinea capitis in Egypt with lower prevalence rate than reported previously.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Smoking among Fayoum University Students

Smoking is a behavioral cause of premature morbidity and mortality, resulting in approximately four million persons dying of smoking-related diseases annually worldwide. This study aims to investigate the extent of smoking habit, knowledge toward smoking among Fayoum University students. A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in Fayoum University during the academic year 2010. A total of 804 students were selected by using randomized multi-stage sampling using self-administered questionnaire for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. The respondents age ranged from 18 to 26 years 20.36 +/- [1.21] years. The males were 51% [n=410] and females were 49% [n=394]. The prevalence of smoking among students was 13.4%. a large percentage of the smokers 82.4% used cigarettes while 8.3% smoked water pipe. Regarding knowledge about smoking related diseases, 97.3% of the students knew that smoking causes diseases; but only 5.6% of the sample had good/and satisfactory knowledge score about the causal role of tobacco in the development of specific diseases, and 66.7% of smoker students want to quit with a higher intention of for older group. In conclusion, smoking is prevalent among the university students and their knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking is generally superficial. Definite counseling programs are greatly needed to help students quit smoking

Green tea ameliorates renal oxidative damage induced by gentamicin in rats

Recent studies indicate that free radicals are important mediators of renal damage induced by gentamicin [GM], an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used in treating severe gram-negative infections. Green tea extract [GTE] was reported to have antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the possible protective effect of GTE against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, rats were divided into four groups. Group-1 [control] received normal saline. Group-2 received GTE [300 mg/kg/d, orally]. Group-3 received gentamicin [80 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally]. Group-4 was injected with GTE plus gentamicin simultaneously. Daily urinary total protein levels were estimated to assess kidney dysfunction. The rats were sacrificed on the seventh day and kidneys were collected for histopathological studies. Blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and creatinine levels were measured in the blood. Moreover, glutathione [GSH], lipid peroxide expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS] levels, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT] activities were determined in renal tissues. GM produced elevation in urinary total protein, BUN, serum creatinine and TBARS levels. On the other hand, GM reduced the GSH level and SOD, CAT activities. The simultaneous administration of GTE plus gentamicin protected kidney tissues against nephrotoxic effect of gentamicin as evidenced from amelioration of histopathological alterations and normalization of kidney biochemical parameters

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: clinico-epidemiological and microbiological study

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] is a frequent severe and potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites. The clinical presentation of SBP depends on the stage at which the infection is diagnosed. In early stages, most patients are asymptomatic or present with insidious, non specific symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients show signs and symptoms of peritoneal infection. To determine the prevalent pathogens responsible for SBP in our locality and their sensitivity pattern, to test the efficiency of different culture techniques in microbial isolation, and to study the diagnostic predictors of such cases. Two hundred fifteen adults with cirrhotic ascites consecutively admitted to Tropical Medicine Unit Mansoura University Hospital were screened for SBP. One hundred eight SBP episodes from 92 adult patients were compared to 88 cirrhotic ascites patients cross-matched with age and sex without SBP. Diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on clinical biochemical radiological and/or histo-pathological data. Ascitic fluid was subjected to cytological biochemical examination and culture on both conventional and blood culture bottles at the bedside for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Diagnosis of SBP and its variants were made depending on ascitic fluid poly-morphnuclear count >/= 250 cell/ mm[3] and/or monomicrobial growth in ascitic fluid culture without evidence of an infra-abdominal surgically treatable source of infection, and no recent use of antibiotics. A total of 432 diagnostic paracentesis were performed in 215 cirrhotic patients with ascites. The prevalence of SBP was 25.02%. History of previous episode of SBP or history of paracentesis were significantly more frequent in SBP patients [P=0.000 and P=0.001] respectively also, Abdominal wall edema and redness [cellulitis], presence of ascetic fluid with numerous fine internal hyper-echoic particulates by ultrasonography and the aspiration of slightly turbid ascites were significantly more frequent in SBP patients [P= 0.01, P=0.031 and P=0.035] respectively. Ascitic fluid protein levels and serum albumin levels were significantly lower and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in SBP patients. [P=0.009, P=0.03, and P= 0.003] respectively. Applying the model of logistic regression analysis between SBP and Non SBP clinical and laboratory data revealed that; previous SBP episode, low ascitic fluid protein levels, high serum creatinine and low serum albumin levels were significant predictors of SBP [P-0.000]. Fourty-nine [45.37%] episodes of SBP were detected by the conventional culture compared to 79 [73.15%] by modified technique with a significant P value <0.001. Gram-negative bacteria were the cause of SBP in 46 [58.23%] culture positive episodes while Gram-positive bacteria were the isolated organisms in 33 cases [41.77%]. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most commonly detected organisms in 40 [50.63%] and 26 [32.91%] cases respectively. In this study, 31.65% of cultures were highly sensitive to Levofloxacin, 29.11% were sensitive to Cefotaxime, 20.25% were sensitive to Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid, 18.99% were sensitive to Meropenem, 17.72% were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and 15.19% were sensitive to Ceftazidime. On the other hand, antibiotic resistant rates to Ciprofloxacin were 25.32%, 24.05% to Ceftazidime and 21.52% to Cefotaxime. Previous SBP episode, low ascetic fluid protein levels, high serum creatinine, and low serum albumin levels, all had a significant prediction of SBP. Beside cytological and biochemical examination, culture of ascitic fluid in blood culture bottles at bedside increases the sensitivity of SBP detection and must be a routine in every hospitalized patient with cirrhotic ascites. Gram-negative organisms still, the prevalent microorganisms causing SBP but there is a significant recent increase in Gram-posittue pathogen with emergence of maltidrug resistance especially for Ciprofloxacin, Ceftazidime and Cefotaxime. These recent changes may have an impact on guidelines for management and treatment of SBP in oar locality

Vascular endothelial growth factor in relation to the severity of coronary artery disease

The injury of myocardium due to coronary artery insufficiency results from hypoxia which increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor in acute myocardial infarction and to find a correlation between its levels in serum and the severity of the coronary artery disease [CAD]. We studied 15 patients with acute myocadial infarction [AMI]. 15 patients with chronic coronary insufficiency [CCI] and 10 age and sex matched healthy subjects [control]. Serum VEGF levels were measured for all subjects using a competitive enzyme immunoassay. All subjects were submitted to echocardiography and only patients to coronary angiography to assess the severity of the coronary artery disease. The study revealed highly significant increase of VEGF in AMI group compared to the control group [P<0.001] while there was insignificant difference between CCI group and control group [P>0.05]. The severity score showed a significant positive correlation with VEGF in AMI group [P<0.05] and no correlation with VEGF in CCI group. The extent of myocardial damage contributes to the elevation of VEGF levels in AMI. VEGF levels correlate with the severity of CAD in AMI. On the other hand, in chronic coronary insufficiency there was insignificant elevation of VEGF with no correlation with the severity of CAD

Verification of radiation dose calculation for patients treated by Co-60 using 2-D planning system

In this study, experimental verifications is done for output, dose profile percentage depth dose for open and modified [wedged and partially blocked] fields as compared with the calculated using Multidata code. Four typical configurations of irradiation were selected, regular fields, wedged fields, blocked fields and cases of internal inhomogeneity. Measurements were performed on cobalt - 60 unit Theratron 780E using Multidata water phantom. For blocked fields dose profiles were measured using radiographic films and then scanned using PTW densitometer. Data were analyzed in both of the low and high dose gradient regions of the measured and calculated profiles. Differences between the measured and the calculated dose were determined. The results indicate that the Multidata planning system calculations agree with the measured ones in situations. However, in the blocked field the mean deviation between measured and calculated dose under the block was [15.2%] although the blocks is drown according to the instructions by the system manufactures. The reason for such errors was found to be due to the implemented algorithm in the system

Antidiabetic effect of portulaca oleracea extract, alone and plus gliclazide, on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes in rats

Type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a pandemic. To identify an alternative or adjunctive approach to existing medications, the antidiabetic effect of Portulaca oleracea extract [PE], alone and plus gliclazide [Gl], was investigated on streptozotocin [STZ]-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes in rats. Oral administration of the PE, alone and plus Gl, to diabetic rats for 15 and 30 days resulted in a significant decrease in the level of blood glucose, with a concomitant increase in serum insulin level as compared to untreated diabetic rats. The antidiabetic activity was observed to be time-dependent and was most effective in a combined treatment of PE with a reduced dose of Gl. In addition, enzymatic antioxidant superoxide dismutase [SOD] and nonenzymatic antioxidants: reduced glutathione [GSH] and vitamin-C were significantly increased after the same periods of treatment except vitamin-C which significantly increased only after 30 days. In conclusion, in type 2 diabetic rats PE shows an antidiabetic action which may be mediated, at least in part, by compensating for defective insulin release and enhancing antioxidant status. The combined therapy of PE plus Gl has better antidiabetic activity than PE individual therapy. Therefore, Portulaca oleracea can be recommended as an adjunctive support for therapy of type 2 diabetes

Production of keratinase enzyme by thermophilic Streptomyces thermovulgaris

Seventeen thermophilic actinomycete isolates were tested for their keratinolytic activities. Results indicate that five isolates have keratinase activity. Streptomyces thermovulgaris proved to be superior in keratinase formation and it was selected for the subsequent investigation. The optimum conditions for keratinase production and feather solubilizaiton of S. thermovulgaris were studied. Data revealed that S. thermovulgaris grew better with good yield of keratinase activity by growing it on the fementation medium [100 m.500 ml flasks], in which the nitrogen and the carbon sources were replaced with sterile chicken feather pieces [1.5 g%], 1.0 g% starch and 0.1 g% K[2] HPO[4] using tap water with a homogenized spore suspension [containing approximately 8.2 x 10[-3] spores ml[-1]] of 3 days old culture. Inoculated flasks were incubated at 50°C for 4 days under static conditions

Histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of the effect of estrogen intake on the thymus of female albino rat before and after puberty

This study was conducted on 24 healthy female albino rats to domenstrate histological and immunohistochemical changes which may occur in the thymus after injection of diethylstilbestrol. The animals were divided into two main groups [12 animals each]: prepubertal and postpubertal. Each group were subdivided into control and treated groups [6 animals each]. The control groups were subcutaneously daily injected with corn oil. While, the treated groups were injected with 17.5 microg/ 100 grams body weight of diethylstilbesterol. After 14 days of injections. the thymuses were dissected, divided into two parts, one for histological and estrogen receptors study, while the second part for ultrastructural study. The thymus of the control prepubertal group appeared with many packed thymocytes and dark star shaped reticular epithelial cells in-between. However, control postpubertal thymus appeared with mild thickening of interlobular septa, less packed thymocytes. Many cells noticed with small electron dense nuclei, peripheral condensation of heterochromatin, irregular nuclear membrane and unrecognized cell organoids [apoptotic cells]. In addition to pale cells with large wide processes and dark star shaped cells with slender narrow processes in-between thymocytes. Sections of treated prepubertal thymus glands showed, thickening of the thymic capsule with fat infiltration and loss of distinction between the cortex and medulla. There was an increase in the number of Hassall s corpuscles and large reticular cells with large pale nuclei and pale cytoplasm in the thymic medulla. Additionally, transmission electron microscope study of this group revealed, many cells at different stages of apoptotsis. However, treated postpubertal thymus appeared with marked depletion of the cortical thymocytes of some Lobules and many cells at different stages of apoptosis. The immuriostainirig for estrogen receptor showed that, estrogen receptor was expressed in some thymic cells of the cortex especially, the subcapsular, around interlobular septa and at the corticomedullary zones. However, the thymocytes appeared negatively reacted. In the medulla, the Hassall s corpuscles were weak positively reacted. The intensity of the reaction appeared varied according to the age of the animals and appeared to increase after the treatment. In conclusion, estrogen administration revealed many histological and immunohistochemical changes in pre and postpubertal thymuses which may alter the immune responses. So, contraception methods must be chosen carefully especially in young aged females

Effects of potassium cyanide on the cerebral cortex of albino rats: histological, histochemical and Ultrastructural study

The central nervous system [CNS] is the primary target system which is affected by cyanide toxicity. Repeated exposure to potassium cyanide causes loss of tyrosine-hydroxylase-containing neurons and locomotor dysfunction. Cyanide intoxication causes progressive degeneration of the CNS similar to neuropathology associated with Parkinson's disease and cell death in certain brain areas. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effect of potassium cyanide which is considered as an example of one of the three derivatives of cigarette smoking: nicotine, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. Our investigation involved 25 male albino rats. Ten of them were assigned as the control group and the remaining were injected with potassium cyanide [0.02 mg/kgm body weight every day] intraperitoneally over 4 weeks. Parts of the motor cortex of each animal were freshly cut for demonstration of acid phosphatase enzyme activity. Another part was immediately processed for routine histological examination. The last part was prepared for electron microscopic examination. Light microscopic examination of the motor cortex of cyanide treated rats revealed marked degenerative changes involving the majority of their cells. Many cells were shrunken, having irregular outline, containing many cytoplasmic vacuoles and pyknotic nuclei. Cresyl violet stained sections showed chromatolysis [in the form of marked reduction of staining of Nissl substance] in the majority of cortical neurons. Transmission electron micrographs revealed both neuronal and axonal degenerative changes in cyanide treated rats. Pyramidal cells showed irregular shape, many cytoplasmic vacuoles, corrugated cell membrane, degenerated mitochondria and condensed nuclei. In addition, the nerve fibers showed, beading appearance and irregularity of the myelin layers. Thus our results might draw more attention to the harmful effects of smoking as well as might explain fine tremors affecting head and fingers of old aged heavy smokers, concerning the cerebral cortical neuronal affection especially pyramidal cells following cyanide exposure

effect of different methods of blanching on the quality attributes of frozen spinach [spinacia oleracea]

Different blanching methods were adapted to remove oxalates from frozen spinach. Blanching by steam, boiling water, 2% boiling citric acid solution, 2% boiling Mg citrate solution, and by boiling water before the addition of 0.5gm. Mg citrate/500gm. Spinach before packing; were investigated. Frozen spinach prepared by these blanching methods was analyzed and compared for total solids, total soluble solids, pH value, vitamin C, chlorophyll retention%, carotenoids, oxalates, minerals and ash. Organoleptic evaluation of the final products; statistically analyzed, showed that the best treatment was that of the combined effect of water blanching and the insertion of 0.5gm. Mg citrate in each 0.5 kilogram pouch of frozen spinach

Biphenyl absorption of treated orange

Absorption rate of biphenyl was determined in used pads, whole orange fruit, peel and juice stored under different conditions of ventilation, temperature and storage period. It was found that the rate of biphenyl a bsorption complied with the maximum permitted level of biphenyl in the United States and in most of the European Countries if packed in vented cartons as it is usually done commercially. However, with non-vented cartons, the absorption rate increased above the upper level of the a bsorbed biphenyl permitted by both Germany and France, when stored at 60F. Generally the non-vented cartons efficiently decreased the rate of orange decay compared with vented ones

Utilization of beet molasses in the production of lactic acid

The influence of various factors on the production of lactic acid using enriched beet molasses by Lactobacillus delbrueckii was investigated. The best yield was 62.6% while the conversion coefficient was 80.7 at 45C. Also, the highest yield and conversion coefficient obtained 81.4% and 58.7% respectively when using 12.62% sugars. Consequently, the best concentration could be around 18% total soluble solids. Optimum pH seemed to be around 6 since both yield and conversion percent was the highest. The optimum fermentation period, however; could be considered on the 8[th] day of fermentation, when maximum yield and conversion coefficient were obtained

Improving the nutritional value of patti beans

Patti Beans of different blends containing distinct pulses, [i.e., broad beans, soybeans, and chick-peas, whole egg and some green herbs] were evaluated for their protein content, ether extract, ash, starch, fiders, calcium, and phosphorus content. However; emphasis were given to their amino acids content revealing that after frying the best blends were those consisting of 70% broad beans, and 30% soybeans [blend No. 40], 80% broad beans, 10% soybeans, and 10% chick-peas [blend No. 10], and 80% broad beans and 20% soybeans [blend No. 6], since the proportion of the sulphur amino acids, which could be considered a limiting factor, were 2.840, 2.653 and 2.631 respectively. The frying process however; seemed to destroy the available amino acids to an extent of 16.510%, 6.550%, and 6.199%, for tryptophan, lysine, and cystine; respectively. The destruction of other amino acids ranged from 0.732% to 4.204%. The addition of egg did not increase the amino acids contents, but it improved the flavour of the product. The best blend which had the highest flavour scores was No.10

better recipe to upgrade the nutritional value of bisara

The Bisara is usually made of dehulled broad beans [Vicia faba, Linen] mixed with green herds and spices. However, its content of protein is low both in quality or quantity. Blending such ingredients with soybeons and/or%ckpeas resulted in raising the proportion of methonine and cystine to almost the value suggested by the F.A.O. The addition of milk solids, however, plus the prementioned in gredients resulted in improving such proportion of sulphuramino acids as well as producing a better flavour. On the other hand, the N.P.U. values were in line with improving values of sulphur-containing amino acid proportion. The best blend, however, was that which contained 70% dehulled dry broad bean, 10% soybeans, 4.5% check peas, 5% onion, 1% garlic 9% green herbes, and 0.5% dried yeast [blend No.5]

Trials to raise the nutritional value of dried lentil soup recipes

Different recipes of dried lentil soup were prepared in various blends. The ingredients that incorporated were dried dehulled cracked lentil dried soybeen seeds, dried%ck-peas seeds, fresh carrots, fresh tomato, and fresh onion. The former blends ingredients were cooked under pressure, then strained and dried in open oven at 70C. The dried blends were milled and sieved to reach a 95% extraction ratio. Then the resulted powder were mixed to other dry ingredients to form different blends. Such blends however, were able to raise the nutritional values without impairing the organoleptic properties. Protein was raised quantitatively and adapted qualitatively to meat the F.O.A. pattern. Best blend was that [No.6], which included lentil, soybean,%ck-peas, carrot, tomato, onion, and dried whole egg

Production and evaluation of protein isolates of some legumes

The extracted nitrogen was performed and evaluated at different pH values. The protein isolates, however; were prepared from soybeans, broad beans, white bean, peas, and peanut. The physical properties, such as the degree of protein solubility at different pH values were studied and discussed. In addition the protein isolates were tested mainly for their amino acid profile as well as for their characteristic chemical components. It was detected however; that such protein isolates were deficient in the sulfer amino acids, methionine plus cystine, a matter that limited their nutritive value as was confirmed by the biological study done on experimental rats