Performance of Vitek-2 system for detection of inducible clindamycin resistance among clinical isolates of Staphylococci in comparison to the D-Test

Background: Clindamycin resistance among clinically significant staphylococcal isolates is now increasing. Routine testing of staphylococcal isolates for inducible clindamycin resistance [ICR] is advocated by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI]. Automated system Vitek 2 offers a panel that detects inducible clindamycin resistance directly. It is easy and more cost-effective than the more labor-intensive CLSI reference methods

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Vitek-2 system for ICR detection against the reference D-test, as well as to detect the presence of erm-A and erm-C genes among these isolates

Methodology: 22 clinical staphylococcal isolates [15 Staph aureus and 7 coagulase negative Staph [CoNS] were examined for ICR both by D- test and Vitek-2 system. multiplex PCR was performed for the isolates to detect ermA and ermC genes

Results: Out of the 22 isolates, ICR was detected by Vitek-2 in 6 isolates [27.7%]. five of the 6 isolates were confirmed by D-test. sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated as 100%, 94.1%, 83.33% and 100% respectively. ermC gene was detected in 20/22 isolates, 5 isolates were positive for both genes

Conclusion: Vitek-2 is considered a potentially reliable test for detection of ICR, further studies are recommended on large number of isolates

Pleural and lung complications of chickenpox in the immunocompetent adult

Varicella [chickenpox] is a common, contagious and usually benign infection in childhood nevertheless, in adulthood, it's uncommon, severe and usually associated to a high mortality rate. Varicella pneumonia is the most common and fatal complication of this infection in adults. However, pleural involvement is exceptional. We report the case of an immunocompetent adult patient presenting with fever, right chest pain, cough, shortness of breath and vesicular cutaneous disseminated rash, suggestive of varicella infection. Chest radiograph revealed interstitial left lung pneumonia associated with a total right pneumothorax. Serum sample varicella-zoster was positive to Ig G. A high dose venous acyclovir treatment with pleural drainage were effective, with improvement of clinical signs, healing of vesicular rash and reexpansion of the right lung. Varicella pneumothorax, contrarely to varicella pneumonia, is an extremely rare complication of chikenpox, and should be ruled out by chest x-ray examination if a patient with chickenpox develops a sudden chest pain or shortness of breath

Effect of sublethal doses of cadmium on the disposition of zinc and copper elements and liver function in common carp [Cyprinus carpio L.]

The present study was carried out to determine the levels of Zn and Cu in various organs and tissues of common carp as well as hepatic asperatate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] activities under the effect of low and high doses of cadmium [Cd]. Common carp; Cyprinus carpio L. of an average weight 60-70 g were exposed to sublethal doses of cadmium sulfate [8.75 and 17.5 mg/L] under controlled laboratory conditions. Analyses of the studied fish were carried out at intervals of 7, 15 and 30 days of exposure. The obtained results revealed that, Zn level in liver did not exhibit significant variation in fish exposed to low dose at all exposure periods, while its level in muscle in fish exposed to high dose decreased significantly [P<0.01] after 7 days. On the 15[th] day, Zn level in plasma and kidneys was decreased significantly [P<0.01] in fish subjected to high dose of Cd. Decrease was also recorded in plasma, liver, kidneys and gills in fish exposed to high dose of Cd at the end of experiment. Moreover, Cu level in plasma was increased significantly [P<0.05] in fish after prolonged exposure to high dose of Cd, while hepatic Cu was decreased significantly in fish exposed to low dose of Cd after 30 days. On the 7[th] day, the Cu level in gills of fish exposed to the both doses of Cd was significantly decreased. On the 15[th] and the 30[th] day, Cu reduction was also recorded in kidneys in fish intoxicated with high dose of Cd. The AST activity increased significantly [P<0.01] in fish exposed to high dose of Cd on the 7[th] day, while on the 30[th] day hepatic ALT activity was decreased significantly [P<0.01] in fish exposed to high dose of Cd. On the other hand, the hepatosomatic index [HIS] did not exhibit significant changes

Phytochemical and some pharmacological properties of certain plants belonging to Asteraceae family

The aerial parts of three plants belonging to Family Asteraceae: Inula crithmoides, Iphiona scarab and Jasonia montana were investigated. Phytochemicals isolated from Inula crithmoides were identified as: isopimpinellin [I], scoparone [II], psoralene [III], kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside [IV], kaempferol -3, 7- di-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside [V], kaempferol-3-O-beta- D-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside [VI] and isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside [VII]. From Iphiona scarba umbelliferone [VIII], xanthotoxol [IX], marmesin [X], alpha-amyrin [XI], stigmasterol [XII] and beta-sitosterol [XIII] were isolated. Moreover, Jasonia montana was found to contain 7-hydroxy-3, 5, 6, 3',. 4'-pentamethoxy flavone [XIV], 5, 7-dihydroxy- 3, 6, 3', 4' -tetramethoxy flavone [XV] and 5, 7-dihydroxy-3, 3', 4' -trimethoxy flavone [XVI], in addition to ferulic acid, caffeic acid, chrorogenic acid, alpha-amyrin, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol. Inula crithmoides aqueous methanolic extract showed significant inhibitory effect on mouse lymphoma [Cell line L1210] in vitro study in concentration dependant manner starting from 12.5 up to 250 microg/ml [20 - 100% inhibition], respectively. In vivo study, the results indicated that Inula crithmoides methanolic extract had significant antioxidant effect against mycotoxin [Ochratoxin A]-induced oxidative stress in rat. Iphiona scabra and Jasonia montana ethanolic extracts showed potent acute anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and hypotenssive activities comparing to the standard drugs [indomethacine]

Echocardiographic study of the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the left ventricular systolic function in children with rheumatic mitral regurgitation

Quantitative Echo-doppler can detect easily mitral regurgitation but flow convergence Echo method provides an alternate for the calculation of the effective regurgitant orifice area [EROA]. Angiotensin convening enzyme inhibitors [A CEI] can decrease the mitral regurgitation by peripheral vasodilatation leading to decrease of the after-load. Study of the left ventricular systolic function and quantification of mitral regurgitation by Echo- cardiographic measurements. Assesment of the effect of ACEI on these measurements. 50 patients with mitral regurgitation: 35 with symptomatic regurgitation [GI] and 15 without symptoms [GII] were studied. GI patients were then subdivided into 2 subgroups according to drug intake before and after giving Captopril for one month for the symptomatic patients. The groups were studied by history, clinical examination, E.C.G., X-ray, some laboratory investigations [E.S.R.-A.S.O.T- C.R.P- and C.B.C] and mainly by two-dimension and color Doppler Echocardiography together with quantitative assessment of mitral regurgitant severity by measuring mitral regurgitant volume, regurgitant fraction and effective regurgitant orifice area of the mitral valve with the proximal isovelocity surface area method of the flow convergence region. Our results showed that left ventricular systolic functions [Stroke volume and ejection fraction] increased after A.C.E.I. therapy in both Group1-A and Group1-B together with reduction of the left ventricular end systolic and end diastolic diameters denoting improvement in left ventricular systolic function. As regard mitral regurgitation severity:- Mitral regurgitant volume, regurgitant fraction and effective regurgitant orifice area., all were reduced significantly after A.C.E.I. therapy. A.C.E.I. in children with mitral regurgitation improve significantly left ventricular systolic functions and reduces the severity of mitral regurgitation even if patients were taking previously lanoxine

Effects of Garlic (Alliumsativum) and chloramphenicol on growth performance, physiological parameters and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

We studied and compared the effects of chloramphenicol antibiotic and garlic (Allium sativum), used as immunostimulants and growth promoters, on some physiological parameters, growth performance, survival rate, and bacteriological characteristics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (7±1g/fish) were assigned to eight treatments, with three replicates each. Treatment groups had a different level of Allium sativum (10, 20, 30, and 40g/kg diet) and chloramphenicol (15, 30, and 45mg/kg diet) added to their diets; the control group diet was free from garlic and antibiotic. Diets also contained 32% crude protein (CP) and were administered at a rate of 3% live body weight twice daily for 90 days. Results showed that the final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) of O. niloticus increased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum and chloramphenicol. The highest growth performance was verified with 30g Allium sativum / kg diet and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed with 30g Allium sativum / kg diet and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. There were significant differences in the protein efficiency ratio (PER) with all treatments, except with 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. No changes in the hepatosomatic index and survival rate were observed. Crude protein content in whole fish increased significantly in the group fed on 30g Allium sativum / kg diet, while total lipids decreased significantly in the same group. Ash of whole fish showed significantly high values with 30g Allium sativum and 15mg chloramphenicol / kg diet while the lowest value was observed in the control group. Blood parameters, erythrocyte count (RBC), and hemoglobin content in fish fed on diets containing 40g Allium sativum and all levels of chloramphenicol were significantly higher than in control. Significantly higher hematocrit values were seen with 30 and 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. There were no significant differences in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Plasma glucose decreased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum but increased significantly with increasing levels of chloramphenicol. Total lipids were significantly reduced with diets containing 40g Allium sativum and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet, while total plasma protein content was significantly higher in fish fed on diets containing 10, 20, and 30g Allium sativum, and 30 and 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in plasma decreased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum and chloramphenicol. All Allium sativum and chloramphenicol levels decreased total bacteria and coliforms in water, muscles and intestine when compared to the control group. Treated groups had lower mortality rate than the control group during the challenge test. In conclusion, it can be suggested that adding 3% Allium sativum to fish diet can promote growth, reduce total bacteria, and improve fish health.

Hepatic involvement in common neonatal problems

Hepatic involvement has been reported to occur in the common neonatal problems as neonatal asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal jaundice. However the exact type of involvement, incidence of occurrence, risk factors associated in and the impact outcome are not exactly known. To identify the risk factors, the incidence, and the types of hepatic involvement in the common neonatal problems and to determine the correlation between the types of hepatic involvement and the outcome of all cases. We studied 3 groups of neonates:- group with perinatal asphyxia, group with neonatal sepsis and group with neonatal jaundice and all the 3 groups were subjected to complete perinatal history, clinical examination, and some investigations for the diagnosis of the neonatal affections according to the clinical condition but all groups were subjected to liver function tests at admission and repeated according to clinical indications and hepatic involvement. Only the patients who showed severe hepatic affection will be subjected to liver biopsy. There was hepatic involvement in 20.5% in septic cases [transient in 87.5% and persistent in 12.5%]. There was hepatic involvement in 18% of cases with perinatal asphyxia [40% transient and 60% persistent]. There was hepatic involvement in 16% of cases with neonatal jaundice [80% transient and 20% persistent]. Three newborns with persistent hepatic affection were subjected to liver biopsy which showed galactosemia in one case, neonatal hepatitis syndrome in other case and biliary atresia in the third case

Serum cardiac troponin T in children with chronic renal failure

Cardiovascular complications is the leading cause of death in the patients with chronic renal failure on dialysis, so earlier detection of cardiovascular affections in those patients might allow earlier interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality. Serum cardiac troponin T is an indicator of cardiomyocyte damage. We evaluate serum cardiac troponin T in patients with chronic renal failure and their correlation with echocardiographic measurements of cardiac structure and functions. We studied 20 patients with chronic renal failure under 18 years of age seen at Minoufiya University Hospital. All patients were on hemodialysis. Also we studied 20 apparently healthy children of similar age and sex as a control group [group II]. All patients and control were subjected to: 1-Detailed history taking. 2- Thorough clinical examination. 3- X-ray chest and heart. 4- ECG 5-Echocardiography for estimation of left ventricular size and systolic function 6-Evaluation of serum cardiac troponin T:- by enzyme immunoassay. A value of 0.01 ng/ml or higher was considered elevated on the basis of our analytical validity testing. Our results showed a highly significant increase in the serum cardiac troponin T in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis comparable to the control group. There was a significant negative correlation between serum cardiac troponin T and the left ventricular echo- parameters [LVEDV- EF and FS] indicating that serum cardiac troponin T is a good indicator of the left ventricular dysfunction

Lung function tests in children with rheumatic mitral valve diseases

Alterations in cardio-respiratory interactions can cause significant changes in cardio-respiratory function including alterations of pulmonary blood flow and respiratory mechanics. The effects of cardio-respiratory interactions are exaggerated in infants and children with heart disease. In this study, we aim to detect and evaluate the pulmonary functional abnormalities in a group of children with isolated rheumatic mitral valve diseases at different stages using spirometry. This study included 30 patients with mitral valve disease with an age ranges from 7 to 15 [13.5 +/- 1.5] years, and 20 apparently normal children of comparable age, sex and socioeconomic status as a control group. All patients and control group have been divided into three groups: Group I: Patients with isolated mitral regurgitation [22 patients]. Group II: Patients with double mitral disease [8 patients]. Group III: 20 apparently healthy children. All groups were subjected to: detailed history, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations [CBC, CRP, ESR and ASOT], plain X-ray for chest and heart, ECG, echocardiography and pulmonary function testing using spirometry. Our results showed that, there was a significant decrease in different spirometric parameters of group I and II when compared to group III. The patterns of pulmonary function impairment were restrictive, obstructive and combined. The only echocardiographic parameter that correlated with the impaired pulmonary function tests in our study was the pulmonary artery pressure which shows a statistically significant increase among different pulmonary dysfunction patterns. We concluded that, patients with mitral valve disease often demonstrate changes in the resting pulmonary functions

Comparison of the prognostic values of inhibin and CA-125 as tumour markers for ovarian masses diagnosed by ultrasonography

To evaluate the performance of screening for ovarian malignancy by serum assay of inhibin and cancer antigen [CA-125] in patients with ultrasonographically diagnosed ovarian masses. Their predictive efficacy as tumour markers will also be assessed. Two-year observational, cross-section study of screening performance. Al-Azhar University Hospitals in Damietta and Cairo. 60-women with ovarian masses larger than 10cm were enrolled in this study. All patients were subjected to a complete medical history, clinical and ultrasonographic examinations. Laboratory assay of serum inhibin and CA-125 were performed before surgical procedure and repeated at 3-week and 6-month postoperative visits. All ovarian specimens were examined histopathologically. Mean concentrations of serum inhibin and CA-125. The mean concentrations of serum inhibin and CA-125 declined significantly in patients with benign ovarian masses at 3-week and 6-month follow-up visits in comparison with baseline concentrations [8.01 +/- 3.91 and 7.07 +/- 3.22 vs 14.30 +/- 5.42pg/mL; 24.60 +/- 5.19 and 24.30 +/- 10.72 vs 32.10 +/- 10.41U/mL, respectively]. [p+<0.05]. It was evident that the mean concentrations of serum inhibin and CA-125 were significantly higher in patients with malignant ovarian masses than in those with benign ovarian masses [p*<0.001]. In malignant ovarian mass group, there was a significant reduction of serum inhibin and CA-125 at 3-week and 6-month follow up visits in comparison with the baseline concentrations [21.60 +/- 2.35 and 21.60 +/- 3.07 vs 58.10 +/- 20.62pg/mL; 34.31 +/- 11.56 and 33.32 +/- 12.50 vs 69.81 +/- 27.72U/mL, respectively] [p+<0.05] The serum levels of inhibin and CA-125 were significantly higher in patients with endometrioid cysts than that in patients with other benign ovarian tumours [p<0.05]. In addition, the mean concentrations of serum inhibin and CA-125 were significantly higher in patients with dysgerminoma [82.70 +/- 21.20pg/mL and 63.52 +/- 15.90U/mL, respectively] compared with other pathological types of malignant ovarian tumours [p<0.05]. Considering the predictive efficacy of the studied tumour markers, elevated serum levels of inhibin and CA-125 could predict ovarian malignancy with a sensitivity of [82% vs 85%], specificity of [85% vs 78%], positive predictive value of [87% vs 82%], and negative predictive value of [79% vs 81%], respectively [p>0.05]. Screening modality of plasma inhibin assay has been proven to be efficacious as a tumour marker for ovarian malignancy. It has a predictive efficacy comparable to that of CA-125. Their use together could potentially improve sensitivity and specificity in screening for ovarian cancer

First trimester ultrasonographic detection of fetal aneuploidies and fetal structural abnormalities in an unselected population

To determine the value of early pregnancy ultrasonography in detecting fetal structural and chromosomal abnormalities in an unselected obstetric population. Prospective, observational, cross-sectional, screening study. Al-Azhar University Hospitals in Damietta and Cairo. 1500 sequential unselected women [mean maternal age 28.3 years, range 18-42; mean gestational age 12 +4 weeks, range 11-14], carrying 1468 live fetuses participated in this study. All women initially underwent transabdominal ultrasonograpy and when the anatomical survey was considered to be incomplete, transvaginal ultrasonography was also performed [20.1%]. Nuchal translucency was measured and karyotyping was performed as appropriate. Detection rate of fetal anomalies and measurements of nuchal translucency thickness. Pregnancy outcome was obtained through karyotyping, outcome questionnaires and examination of the newborn infants. The incidence of anomalous fetuses was 1.4% [21/1468] including 9 chromosomal abnormalities. The detection rate for structural abnormalities was 62.5% [10/16] and the specificity was 99.9% in early pregnancy. When the first and second trimester scans were combined, the detection for structural abnormalities was 81% [13/16]. Hundred percent [9/9] of chromosomal abnormalities were diagnosed at 11-14 weeks, either because of a nuchal translucency greater than or equal to the 99 th centile for gestational age [66.6%; 6/9] or due to the presence of structural abnormalities [44%; 3/9]. Hundred percent [6/6] of cases of trisomy 21 were also diagnosed either because of having a nuchal translucency >/= 99 th centile [67%; 4/6] or due to the presence of a structural abnormality [33%; 2/6]. It was found that a cut-off point >/= 3 for fetal nuchal translucency could predict trisomies 21 and 18 with a sensitivity 67 and 50%, specificity 96.6 and 96.6%, positive predictive value 7.5 and 2% and negative predictive value 99.8 and 99.9%, respectively. A significant proportion of fetal structural and chromosomal abnormalities can be detected by ultrasonographic screening at 11-14 weeks, but the second trimester scan should not be abandoned. The sensitivity of detection can be improved by combining measurement of nuchal translucency with detailed examination of fetal anatomy

impact of immune response to schistosoma hematobium infection on the outcome of HCV in patients with concomitant HCV and Schistosoma hematobium infection in El-Minya governorate in Egypt

Patients with schistosoma haematobium display immune response may alter the outcome of HCV in-patients with concomitant HCV and schistosoma haematobium. This study was aimed at evaluation of the effect of immune response to schistosoma haematobium on the outcome of HCV in-patients with concomitant infection [HCV and schistosoma haematobium]. This study was conducted on 70 subjects 59 of them were infected with HCV and/or schistosomiasis selected form the outpatient clinic of El-Minya University Hospital while the remaining eleven subjects were healthy control volunteers with no history and negative serology to both HCV and schistosomiasis. The patients were grouped into three groups. Group [I] it included 24 patients with concomitant HCV and schistosomal infections. Group [II] it included 19 patients with schistosoma haematobium infection. Group [III] it included 16 patients with HCV infection alone and control group. It included 11 healthy subjects. All groups were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonography and rectal snip were done for all groups and liver biopsy was done for HCV +ve patients. Routine laboratory investigations and ELISA assessed hepatitis markers [A, B, C] antibodies and Special investigations, CD3, CD4, CD8, and estimation of CD[4]/CD[8] ratio and detection of ant-bilharzial antibody titer. Absolute CD4 was highly significant higher in group 3 when compared to control group [p- value < 0.001] and was highly significant lower in group 1 when compared to control group [p- value < 0.001]. As regard to absolute CD4 between different groups of patient it was high in group 3 then less in group 2 and much lower in group 1 and these differences were highly significant [p- value <0.001]. Absolute CD8 was highly significant higher in group 3 when compared to control group [p- value < 0.001] and was highly significant lower in group 1 when compared to control group [p- value < 0.001]. As regard to absolute CD8 between different groups of patient it was high in group 3 then less in group 2 and much lower in group 1 and these differences were highly significant [p- value <0.001]. Absolute CD4 / CD8 ratio was highly significant lower in group 1, 2 and 3 when compared to control group [p-value < 0.001] and was highly significant lower in group 1 when compared to group 3 [p- value < 0.001]. As regard to absolute CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4/ CD8 ratio absolute CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio were higher in-patients treated with praziquantel versus those not receiving this medication. While CD8 was higher in-patients not received this medications versus those received the medications. This study has documented that schistosoma haematobium display a suppressive effect on the immune system so that a concomitant infection with HCV will present with a more protracted disease with severe sequel and adverse complications. Also this study has documented that CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8 ratio may be good indicators of the disease activity. It is recommended that strict control and treatment of schistosomiasis may ameliorate the problem of HCV induced chronic liver disease in Egypt

Evaluating the effectiveness of high-dose misoprostol in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage

To investigate the effectiveness of high dose rectal msoprostolpreventing postpartum haemorrhage. Study design: 270 women were randomly allocated to receive 600 micro g misoprostol per rectum after norrnal vaginal delivery or to receive no medication in their third stage of labour. Any excessive bleeding in either group was actively managed with conventional oxytocic agents. Blood loss was measured directly. Setting: Damietta and Ali-Hussein University Hospitals. The inclusion criteria were similar. Blood loss of >/= 1000 ml occurred in 2.3% [3/1 30] of the misoprostol group and 6.4% [9/140] of the "no drug' group. Additional oxytocic therapy was required by 1.5% [2/130] and 4.2% [6/140] respectively. Side effects attributable to prostaglandins, particularly-shivering and pyrexia, occurred more frequently in the misoprostol group. The use of 600 micro g misoprostol per rectum in the management of the third stage of labour was well tolerated and associated with statistically significant less postpartum haemorrhage

Relation between maternal haemoglobin and birth weight in Damietta

To assess the relation between the lowest haemoglobin [Hb] level in pregnancy with birth weight [B. Wt.] and the rates of low birth weight [LBW] and preterm delivery. 100 indwelling low-risk pregnant women clients of the outpatient antenatal clinic at Al-Azhar University Hospital, Damietta. A prospective study was conducted on the year 2002 between January and July. The haemoglobin measurement was the lowest one recorded during pregnancy. Birth weights were recorded and the rates of LBW [<2500 g] and the preterm delivery rate [<37 completed weeks] were the main outcome measures. The maximum mean B. Wt. was achieved with a lowest Hb concentration [Hb%] in pregnancy of 85-95 g/1; the lowest incidence of LBW and preterm labour occurred with a lowest Hb of 96-105 g/1. The magnitude of the fall in Hb% in pregnancy, physiological haemodilution, is related to B. Wt.; failure of the haemoglobin concentration to fall below 106 g/1 indicates an increased risk of LBW and preterm delivery

Effect of chronic helicobacter pylori infection on growth and iron status in school children

Helicobacter pylori is probably the commonest bacterial infection of humans. The infection is likely to be acquired in childhood. Little is known about the effects of this chronic and lifelong infection on growth of infected. The aim of this work was to investigate the true effect of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection on growth and iron status of school children. Also to study the effect of eradication of H pylori on the management of iron deficiency anemia in this age group. This study was carried out on 60 school children, 34 males and 26 females whose ages ranged from 6 to 14 years. They were selected from the outpatient pediatric clinics during the period from August 2000 to November 2001. These children were classified into three groups. Group I: Included 21 children infected with H. pylori and had no evidence of iron deficiency. Group II: Included 16 H pylori infected children with proved iron deficiency anemia. Group III: Included 23 normal healthy control children. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was based on the detection of serum IgG anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies by ELISA technique. Each case was subjected to a thorough clinical examination and complete environmental history with emphasis on risk factors for H pylori infection. The following investigations were carried out for all cases: hemoglobin levels, MCV values, reticulocytic counts, serum iron levels, total iron binding capacity, and serum ferritin levels. Our findings confirmed a significant association between low socioeconomic classes, lack of running water, overcrowded unsanitary homes and H pylori infection. We also found that the means of children 's weight and height values were significantly decreased [p value <0.05 and <0.01 respectively] in the group II having both H pylori and iron deficiency anemia compared to the control group. After eradication of H pylori infection, iron therapy resulted in a significant increase in the mean levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron and serum ferritin when compared with the mean levels before eradication. In conclusion, chronic H pylori infection is one of the environmental hazards, which may affect the growth and the iron status of school children that are in need for larger amount of iron to meet their rapid growth requirements. H pylori infection should be suspected when IDA is refractory to iron administration in older children. We also propose that treatment for iron deficiency anemia coexistent with H pylori infection should include H pylori eradication

Regulation and overexpression of the bacillus subtilis -manganese operon

Some of the regulatory features of the Bacillus subtilis beta- mannanase operon [man A] have been investigated. The results proved that man A is extremely sensitive to cell growth state as a modulator, glucose, as a catabolite repressor and galactomannan as an inducer. It seems likely that catabolite repression of man A is mediated by two routes, one of which is commonly responsive to readily metabolizable carbon sources while the other is specific to glucose. At optimized physiological condition, the maximum enzyme yield [34 U/ml] was achieved within 4 hours. It was also demonstrated that mutated sporulation genes may block spore formation without affecting enzyme production. This would allow an extended enzyme production phase especially in continuous culture

Changes in plasma lipid concentrations and some coagulation factor activities in insulin dependent diabetics with and without microalbuminuria

This work was carried out to determine the concentration of lipoproteins, apolipoproteins A and B, the clotting factors VII and VIII and antithrombin III in diabetic patients and to investigate the significance of the presence of microalbuminuria in this respect. Forty five insulin dependent diabetic patients of whom 21 were with and 24 were without microalbuminuria and 20 healthy controls, were included in the study. The serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, low density lipoproteins and apoprotein B were significantly higher while the serum HDL/ LDL and apoprotein A/ apoprotein B ratios were significantly lower in diabetic groups. The coagulation factors VII and VIII and antithrombin III were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in controls. The abnormalities in the lipid profile and the coagulation parameters were more marked in microalbuminuric than in normoalbuminuric patients. The work shows that insulin dependent diabetic patients suffer from hyperlipidaemic and hypercoagulability states which are more marked when microalbuminuria is present. These changes might be responsible for macro and microvascular disease with subsequent thromboembolic complications in diabetes. The presence of microalbuminuria should be considered an important warning sign and necessary medical care should start

HBV and HCV among volunteer blood donors

During the period between April 1992 and May 1995, 3576 volunteer blood donors had their sera tested for: HBsAg, HCV [antibodies] by ELISA II and ALT. Sera with high ALT were retested for: ASA, AMA and Anti Bilharzial Antibodies. 80 volunteers were HBsAg positive [2.2%], among them only 3 cases [3.8%] had their ALT elevated. HCV antibodies were +ve in 312 [8.7%] volunteers, among them 39 cases had elevated ALT [12.6%]. 28 cases had their sera positive for both HBsAg and HCV Ab [0.8%], among them 4 cases had elevated ALT [14.3%]. 6 cases had their ALT elevated with all other tests -ve [HBsAg, HCV Ab, ASA, AMA and Anti Bilharzial Ab]. 1. There is significant reduction in the prevalence rate of HBV among Egyptians reflecting a significant increase in the health services. 2. Prevalence rate of HCV among the tested sample is much lower than previously recorded rates and this clarify the urgent need for a national project to estimate the true prevalence of HCV among different communities as it looks that the differences in the prevalence rate of HCV are due to the difference in the tested samples. 3. Most of HCV antibodies positive cases might be either: inactive cases or carriers. 4. ALT testing should not be used as a lone test for blood transfusion safety as most cases with HCV +ve antibodies had their ALT normal. 5. There is a possibility of the presence of Non -B Non-C virus among Egyptian blood donors. HBsAg = Hepatitis B Surface Antigen. HCV = Hepatitis C Virus. ALT = Alanine Amino-Transferase. ASA= Anti-Smooth Muscle Antibodies. AMA = Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies. Ab = Antibody

Evaluation of thermal hazard of azobisisobuty ronitrile using acicular assign rate calorimetry

The thermal decomposition of Azobisisobutyronitrile [AIBN] has been studied under fully adiabatic conditions in a sealed bomb using an accelerating rate calorimetry technique [ARC]. Data relating temperature, pressure and time has been generated. AIBN decomposes exthothermally and the onset of the decomposition occurs at 56.19°C. The reaction reaches its maximum at 112.28°C. During this temperature range, the self-heat rate, and the time to maximum rate of the reaction were evaluated. The experimental data has been also treated to evaluate the activation energy of the potential runaway reaction