Assessing exposure to ethylene oxide and evaluation occupational health impacts in medical products sterilization filed

This study aimed at evaluation of ethylene oxide through measuring its, concentration in each section chamber at the field sample and to evaluate associated hematological and immunological changes in addition to p53 cancer lung antigen. A cross sectional study was conducted on three groups of workers in sterilization at Vacsera Company. All workers were subjected to full occupational history and blood samples collection using: EDTA-prefilled tubes for CBC-Blank tubes for serum collections and sodium citrate 1.6 ml filled for PT and PTT sample collection. Directly exposed workers had higher prevalence of headache that was present in 40% of the directly exposed group compared to 20% in the partially exposed group, and 6.7% in the indirectly exposed group with highly statistically significant difference in between. Chest tightness was more frequent among directly exposed group [33.3%] compared to partially exposed [6.7%] and indirectly exposed [6.7%] with highly statistically significant difference between the studied groups. On the other hand there is no statistically significant difference among the studied groups as regard other clinical data. Immunological markers CD3 and CD4 were lower among directly exposed workers compared to the other two groups with statistically significant difference. as regard p53 gene mutation 100% of the studied workers show negative results. Direct exposure to ethylene oxide for f 25-40PPM/8 hours shift work. Increase the risk to acute symptoms as headache and chest tightness. CD3% and CD4% are decreased than in normal control. No gene mutation was detected in P53 among the studied subgroups

Role of specific clone of lymphocytes, [CD4[+] and CD8[+]] and the sympathetic activity in pathophysiology of altered immunity in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of high morbidity and mortality allover the world. The understanding of the pathophysiology of post-ischemic immune response is very limited. Cerebral ischemic stroke affects the normally well-balanced interplay of the 2 super systems: the nervous and the immune system. T-cell lymphocytes, [CD4[-], CD8[-]], may contribute to altered immunity associated with stroke. Increased sympathetic activity during ischemic stroke may have a role in altered lymphocytes function. The present study investigated the contribution of CD4[-] and CD8[-] and the sympathetic activity in altered immunity in ischemic stroke. Determination of CD4[-] and CD8[-] percentage in patient's blood was done by flowcytometry. Evaluation of sympathetic activity done by measuring urinary vanilmandelic acid [VMA] levels by spectrophotometry. The study also correlated the changes of these parameters with specific clinical and diagnostic variables in stroke. The study showed that CD4[-] and CDS percentage were significantly lower [p<0.001], while CD4[-] /CD8[-] ratio was significantly higher [p<0.001] in patients than controls. There was also significantly increased [p<0.001] mean urinary VMA excretion levels [mg/day] in patients compared to control group. Significantly lower CD4[-]% and CD4[-] /CD8[-] ratio and higher CD8[-]% were found in patients with recurrent stroke or history of transient ischemic attacks, progressive strokes and large size of infarction in comparison to other comparable patients. The study indicated that patients with ischemic strokes may have altered immunity and sympathetic over-activity which may be one of the mechanisms by which modulation of immune response can be induced after stroke. This brain-immune interaction after stroke may have protective, destructive, or regenerative effects in the brain, therefore the development of therapeutic strategies is not straightforward, and must take all these factors into consideration

Determination of flavonoid and phenolic acid contents of clover, cotton and citrus floral honeys

Authentic samples of clover, cotton and citrus honeys were selected and extracted from their hives placed in clover, citrus, and cotton farms. Their botanical origin was assured then they were extracted and analyzed for flavonoids and phenolic acids content. Results showed that the lowest percentage of authentic samples was found in cotton honey. Moreover, 93.00% +/- 3.00 of pollen grains found in clover honey samples were for clover, 16.25% +/- 3.18 of pollen grains found in cotton honey samples were for cotton and 32.50% +/- 10.60 of pollen grains found in citrus honey samples were for citrus species. In addition, the flavonone hesperetin was found only in citrus honey samples with a mean content of 1.08 +/- 0.36 mg/100 g honey whereas, the flavanol quercetin was found in the three floral honeys. The phenolic acids [cinnamic acid and p-hydroxy benzoic acid] were detected in the three floral honeys with different quantities. It is recommended to use honey as a healthy alternative to sugar; also, to use hesperetin as a floral marker of citrus honey

Neuropsychological assessment of global and specific cognitive functions in children with epilepsy

Impairment of cognitive functions is an important problem in epileptic children that can burden their learning abilities and academic achievement. The present study aims at assessment of cognitive functions in epileptic children and to explore the relation of various neuropsychological functions to other variables such as seizure type, frequency, duration of epilepsy, EEG changes and antiepileptic drugs. The study included 58 epileptic children, 6-12 years old [39 males and 19 females]. All children were subjected to detailed history, full neurological and psychiatric examination, EEG and a battery of psychometric tests. Results confirmed that epileptic children have significant impairment in cognitive functions and this impairment is most evident in females, generalized seizures, higher frequency of seizures, right sided focus in EEG, poor seizure control and poly therapy

Effects of the fast of Ramadan on endothelial function and high-sensitivity C - reactive protein in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients

To evaluate the effect of fasting during Ramadan on the endothelial function and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a marker of inflammation in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. Prospective study. Tertiary Center, Kuwait. Fifty-two patients [29 male and 23 female] with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were examined, before and after the Ramadan fasting. A high resolution ultrasound scanner. Assessment of endothelial function was done by ultrasound assessment of flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery. Also, both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and waist circumference were measured. Fasting during Ramadan significantly improved the brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation [7.27 +/- 3.4 Vs. 5.27 +/- 2, p < 0.05] as well as significantly reduced both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [0.26 +/- 0.07 Vs. 0.48 +/- 0.13, p < 0.001] and waist circumference in both male and female group [94.68 +/- 11.01 Vs. 92 +/- 10.07 and 89.76 +/- 17.52 Vs. 87.18 +/- 17.53, respectively, p < 0.0001] Fasting during Ramadan has a beneficial effect on the endothelial function and on the reduction of low-grade inflammation and waist circumference

L-arginine supplement, the natural protection from cardiovascular disease: unraveling the biochemical mechanisms

To evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effect of 'L-arginine and to unravel the biochemical mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. The effect of L-arginine is compared with nitroglycerin [NO donor] and enalapril [ACE inhibitor]. New Zealand white rabbits were rendered hypercholesterolemic by feeding 2% cholesterol rich diet for 28 days. Treated rabbits were given L-arginine [2.25 gm% in drinking water], nitroglycerin [175 mg orally on every day from day 15 to 27] or enalapril [3mg/kg orally] in conjunction with the 2% cholesterol enriched diet. The parameters measured were serum lipid profile, MDA, NO levels and Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase and ACE activities. Furthermore, aortic ACE activity and platelet aggregation were estimated. Histopathological examination and measurement of the intimal thickness of aorta were also performed. Although L-arginine, nitroglycerin and enalapril didn't significantly modify the lipid profile altered by hypercholesterolemia, they positively modified the parameters that were involved in atherogenesis. Reduction of serum MDA levels, serum ACE activities, platelet aggregation and aortic intimal thickness were achieved in all treated groups. L-arginine and nitroglycerin treatment were shown to increase serum NO levels. L-arginine and enalapril effectively inhibited aortic ACE activities. L-arginine supplementation exhibits anti-atherosclerotic properties very similar to those shown for the cardiovascular drugs, nitroglycerin and enalapril, thus its intake represents a potentially novel nutritional strategy for preventing cardiovascular diseases and their complications

Phytochemical constituents of arthrocnemum glaucum [del.] and their biological activities

The lipid contents of Arthrocnemum glaucum Del. grown in Egypt were studied. The unsaponifiable fraction was identified by GLC. A series of hydrocarbons ranging from C[12]-C[20] in addition to cholesterol, p-sitosterol and the triterpenoid p-amyrin were identified. GLC analysis of the fatty alcohol fraction revealed the presence of 5 components in which hexacosanol was found to be the major component, also GLC analysis of the fatty acids methyl esters revealed the presence of 10 fatty acids. The flavonoidal constituents were identified as apigenin, isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, chrysoeriol and ferulic acid using PC, TLC, UV, MS and FAB-MS. The crude protein of the plant was found to be 15.1%. The analysis of amino acids using the amino acid analyzer revealed the presence of 18 amino acids. The mucilage hydrolysate of the aerial parts of A. glaucum was found to contain arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucuronic acid and galactose using PC. The ethyl acetate fraction showed high antimicrobial activity against gram -ve, gram +ve bacteria, yeast and fungi, while the chloroform fraction showed moderate activity against gram -ve bacteria and yeast. On the other hand fatty acid and fatty alcohol mixtures showed high antimicrobial activity, also isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and chrysoeriol showed significant activity against gram -ve bacteria

Mini laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a better outcome

The outcomes after traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC; one 10 mm port, one 12 mm port and two 5 mm ports] and mini laparoscopic cholecystectomy [MLC; three 3mm ports and one 12mm port] for gall stone disease were compared. The study was a randomized, single blind trial comparing LC with MLC. The randomization period was from February 2003 to December 2004. Two groups of patients underwent the surgery, 48 underwent LC and 47 underwent MLC. Patients were randomized by means of a blind envelop system just before surgery. The groups were matched for age, sex and preoperative characteristics. Median [range] operating times for LC and MLC were similar 45 [20- 120] and 50[20-170] mm. respectively. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, the time for the patient to resume walking, eating and passing stools, and median hospital stay were the same in the two groups. The level of post operative pain was lower in the MLC group at 1 h, 3h, 6h, 12h and 24h. Patients who had MLC received fewer injections of analgesic [p=0.036] and more patients in this group expressed satisfaction with the cosmetic result [p= 0.001]. MLC took a similar time to perform and caused less postoperative pain than the standard laparoscopic procedure. Reducing the port size further enhanced the advantages of laparoscopic over open cholecystectomy

cutting seton technique for management of high perianal fistula

Seton technique have been used for treatment of high perianal fistula for thousands of years with successful results. This prospective study reports the results of the cutting seton technique in addition to distal fistulotomy for treatment of high perianal fistula. Twenty two patients, 17 [77.3%] males and 5 [22.7%] females, aged between 20 and 57 years [median 35.5 years] presented with high perianal fistula included in this study. While the patients in the lithotomy position, injection of methylene blue followed by probing was done, care was taken not to do false passage. Subcutaneous track was bayed open till anal sphincter complex, the anoderm and the mucosa overlying the fistula was incised, 2 Nylon No 1 sutures were passed through the fistula and tied over the sphincter complex. The ties were tightened every two weeks in outpatient clinic postoperatively. Thirteen [65%] patients had a normal postoperative continence but 7 patients [35%] had postoperative incontinence [4 patients [20%] incontinent for gases, 2 patients [10%] incontinent for liquid stool and one patient [5%] incontinent for solid stool]. Six patients had been completely recovered and one had permanent incontinence. All fistulae were healed from 10 to 20 weeks [median 14 weeks]. There were two fistulae recurrence during the study period, one was treated successfully by the same procedure

Synthesis of new pyridine, pyrazole and pyrimidine derivatives of potential antimicrobial effect

Reaction of 2- acetyl tetralin [1] with some aldehydes was conducted in presence of malononitrile and/or ethylcyanoacetate and ammonium acetate, yielded tetrahydronaphthalenyl nicotinonitrile of types 2 and 3. Condensation of 1 with aromatic aldehydes afforded the respective chalcones 4a, b, which yielded pyrazolines 5a, b, phenyl pyrazolines 6a, b, 2-pyrimidinones 7a, b and 2-thiopyrimidines 8a, b upon reaction with hydrazine, phenyl hydrazine, urea, and thiourea, respectively. Some of the synthesized compounds have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against various strains of bacteria and fungi

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel monosaccharide [quinolin-4-yI] hydrazones, oxadiazoles, thiazolidinones and pyrazoles

Several quinoline derivatives appear to be of interest due to their biological and pharmacological activities. The present work deals with the synthesis of some new quinolines incorporated with monosaccharidehydrazone, oxadiazole, thiazolidinone, and/or pyrazole moieties at 4- position, starting with 2-[6-bromo-2-methylquinolin-4-yloxy] acetohydrazide [4] as the key intermediate. Some examples of the new compounds showed moderate inhibitory effect on the growth of G+ve, G-ve bacteria, yeast and fungi

Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of extracts from marine sponges

Two specimens of sponges collected from Red Sea, Egypt, were investigated for their contents of secondary metabolites. The crude extracts of the sponges were tested for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The toxic effects of the extracts of the two marine sponges were studied. LD50 determination revealed that the investigated extracts of Iregnella and Ircinia sps were 4.69 and 134.7 mg/100g b.wt. respectively, when injected of intraperitoneally in mice. The toxic signs were recorded within the first 24 hrs after injection. Also the two marine sponges extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

Role of surgery for chronic groin pain by inguinal neurectomy

Inguinal nerve entrapment is a debilitating post operative problem. Fifty patients were treated for inguinal nerve entrapment including 26 men and 24 women with an average age of 45 +/- 14 years Most patients had inguinal hernia repairs or Pfannenstiel incisions. Mesh was found in 27% of patients. Symptoms included pain [100%] radiation of pain to the thigh and/or genital area [59%], and postural pain [59%]. Diagnosis was made by physical examination, postural maneuvering, and inguinal nerve block. Proximal nerve resection was followed by polyester ligature and absolute alcohol application to prevent neuromas. Eight percent of patients had minor complications. Total pain relief was attained in 72% of patients, partial relief in 25%, and no relief in 3%. Two patients complained of numbness postoperatively. Multifactorial analysis showed recurrent hernia repair as a significant predictive factor

Chromium hazard removal by immobilized biomass of saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL 567

The immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL 567 biomass has been used to demonstrate its potential for removal and recovery of chromium ions from waste water streams. The immobilization process was carried out using three different immobilizing agents namely; Ca alginate, polyacrylamide and silica gel. Tris-HCI [pH 7.2] was the most suitable buffer for chromium removal on using the tested immobilizing agents. Ca alginate 3%, at residence time 30 min offered high removal of chromium ions [81.1%]. However, silica gel was found to be the best immobilizing agent, since 91.6% of chromium ions were removed. Furthermore, on increasing the dry weight of the used S. cerevisiae up to 50 mg/ml of the buffered chromium solution, the amount of the removed chromium ions reached about 97%. Elution of loaded chromium ions from the yeast cells immobilized on silica gel was successively achieved using 1% EDTA solution. Similarly, HCI and H[2]SO[4] solutions were found to be efficient in releasing chromium ions

Effect of percutaneous translumminal coronrary angioplasty on endothelin level

the endothelins are a family of three isopeptides that are extremely potent vasoconstrictors both in vivo and in vitro. The development of sensitive assays has allowed the measurement of the low concentrations of endothelin in plasma. A preliminary study on the release of ET-1 after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [PTCA] provided neither a control group nor a time course after PCTA. This study was designed to evaluate the time course of ET-1 release in the coronary vascular bed of patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing PTCA. Fifteen patients in sinus rhythm with ischemic heart disease [Canadian Cardiovascular Association class II to III] with mean age [45 +/- 3.5 years] underwent first time coronary angiography, which showed one or more vessel disease [stenosis ranging from 70% to 90%]. ET immuno-reactivity was measured in paried samples of coronary venous blood and peripheral venous blood. The samples were drawn before PTCA and just after the final ballon inflation 10, 30 min PTCA from a peripheral vein. plasma endothelin level in the coronary sinus was significantly increased from 4.2 +/- 1.2 pg / ml to 11.5 +/- 1.9 pg / ml after PTCA [P=0.0001]. these results suggest that the increase of plasma endothelin level in the coronary sinus may be associated with the coronary endothelial injury by PTCA

Mutagenicity of the mycotoxin diacetoxyscirpenol on somatic and germ cells of mice

The study was conducted on both somatic and germ cells in addition to the sperm morphology analysis. Diacetoxyscirpenol [DAS] treatment resulted in a highly significant reduction [P <0.01] in mitotic activity at all the doses tested, confirming that DAS is a potent protein and DNA synthesis inhibitor. In the somatic cells [bone marrow], the observed chromosome abnormalities were chromatic gaps, breaks, centromeric attenuation and endomitosis. At single dose experiment, significant abnormalities were observed only after high dose treatment, they mainly consisted of chromatoid gaps, centromeric attenuation and endomitosis [4.2 + 1.3, 4.2 +/- 2.4, respectively] and aneuploids were also observed [5.8 +/- 1.6]. In contrast, at the repeated dose experiment similar abnormalities were also observed with some significance, but no systematic relation could be settled. The present results confirmed a positive correlation between cytogenetic damage and sperm abnormality. The results also proved that DAS is a very toxic mycotoxin. The most important severity of it, in addition to including chromosomal abnormalities, is its inhibition of DNA synthesis and subsequently affecting the cell cycle and division