effect of amoxicillin on the fetuses of albino mice

Introduction: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the beta-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin on the fetuses of albino mice from the morphological and skeletal points of view

Material and methods: Twenty four adult pregnant mice were used in the present study. They were allocated into 3 groups [8 mice each]. The first group served as a control and were injected intraperitoneally [i.p.] with the solvent of the drug and the second and third groups were treated with 205 and 820 mg/kg body weight of amoxicillin for 8 days [gestation days 7-14], respectively

Results: The morphological examination of the fetuses of treated groups showed growth retardation of mice fetuses as represented by the conspicuous decrease in the average body weight and body length in the two treated groups. No external malformations were recorded among fetuses maternally treated with the low dose of the drug. On the other hand, the fetuses maternally treated with the high dose showed mild external morphological malformations. In addition, the skeleton of the two treated groups exhibited incomplete ossification in most skeletal elements

Conclusion: The beta-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin had exerted mild morphological malformations and skeletal abnormalities in mice fetuses maternally treated during organogenesis period of gestation

Protective effect of morin against flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity in mal wister rats

Aim of the work: The aim of this work was to investigate the protective role of morin against the hepatotoxic effect of flutamide [FLU] that is widely used drug for treatment of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Administration of FLU to male rats in a dose of 100 mg/ kg b.w. daily for 4 weeks resulted in serious hepatic injury

Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were equally divided into six experimental groups [n = 10]: Group I [control group] received appropriate vehicle [carboxy methyl cellulose, CMC] for 8 weeks, Group II [CM group] received CMC for 4 weeks then morin for another 4 weeks, Group III [ M group] were treated with morin for 8 weeks, Group IV [CF group] received CMC for 4 weeks then FLU for another 4 weeks, Group V [CMF group] received CMC for 4 weeks then morin for another 4 weeks then received morin associated with FLU for additional4 weeks and Group VI [MMF group] was pretreated with morin for 4 weeks then treated with morin simultaneously with FLU for additional 4 weeks

Results: In FLU treated rats, highly significant increases in each of serum ALT, AST, direct and total bilirubin as well as hepatic MDA were observed relative to the control group. Moreover, highly significant decrease in hepatic SOD, GSH and GST activities were observed. On the other hand, administration of morin with FLU resulted in mild and marked reduction in the elevated serum ALT, AST, direct and total bilirubin and hepatic MDA levels induced by FLU intoxication, respectively [regardingco-treatment and pretreatment with FLU]

Conclusion: These data showed protective effect of morin against FLU-induced hepatic damage, especially when administered prior to and concomitantly with FLU

Histological and ultrastructural studies on the effect amoxicillin on the stomach of mouse fetuses

Introduction: B-Lactam antibiotics are widely used because of their lack of toxicity in humans. However, during pregnancy, exposure of the fetus is likely to occur due to b-lactam antibiotics cross the placenta. The potential adverse effects of amoxicillin were examined in stomach of mice fetuses

Material and Methods: This study was aimed to evaluate the possible side effects produced by amoxicillin prenatal administration on the stomach of fetuses. Twenty pregnant mice were used in this study; and were divided into two groups: the first group served as a control group and injected by saline solution [the drug solvent]; the second group treated with amoxicillin dose of 205 mg/kg body weight. The treatment was daily administered interperitoneally, from the 7[th] day of gestation till the 14[th] day of gestation [GDs 7-14]. The developing 19-days old fetuses were examined histologically and ultrastructurally to determine any disorders in the stomach

Results: This study illustrated marked deleterious consequences in the gastric wall of 19 day old fetus, following the treatment with amoxicillin, ranging from marked vacuolations and erosions in the epithelial and glandular cells of the gastric mucosa to conspicuous necrosis of glandular [parietal and zymogenic] cells. The electron microscopical examination of the gastric mucosal cells of fetuses maternally treated with amoxicillin, revealed conspicuous alterations, in the cytoplasmic organelles of gastric mucosal cells [surface epithelial, peptic and parietal cells]. The cisternae of RER were dilated and fragmented. The mitochondria displayed gradual devastations

Conclusions: Therefore, the destructive impacts of amoxicillin on the stomach of mice fetuses indicated that it should be used under restricted precautions in the medical fields to protect the pregnant women from its hazardous impact

Zoonoses from cats: with special reference to Egypt

A zoonosis is an animal disease that is transmissible to humans. Humans are usually an accidental host that acquires disease through close contact with an infected animal, who may or may not be symptomatic. Children are at highest risk for infection because they are more likely to have close contact with pets. Cats are responsible for transmission of an extensive array of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic zoonotic pathogens. The route of transmission can be through the saliva [e.g., bites or contaminated scratches], feces, respiratory secretions, direct contact, or by the cat acting as a vehicle and source of tick or flea exposure. Although cats have been implicated in transmission of zoonosis to their owners, risk of transmission from contact with cats is low and may be further reduced by simple precautions. There is a need for education on zoonotic disease prevention practices for pet-owning households with individuals at higher risk of infection, and to educate future veterinarians during their early years in veterinary school about the risks associated with their future jobs. Also, zoonotic disease awareness training is a valuable service to animal shelter workers

Effect of dietary selenium source with or without probiotic on productive performance and immune status of broiler chicken

An experiment was conducted using 360 one day old sexed male broiler breeder COBB chicks to investigate the effect of dietary Se source [inorganic-organic] supplementation in broiler diets with or without addition of probiotics in drinking water on productive performance and immune status of broiler chicken. The experiment was extended for 6 weeks. Inorganic Se source [sodium selenite] was supplemented in the basal diets of two groups, one of them drank water with 1ml/L probiotic and the second group drank water without probiotic. Organic Se source [OSY-E] was supplemented in the basal diets of another two groups one of them drank water with 1ml/L probiotic and the second group drank water without probiotic. Se sources were supplemented at the same dose [0.2 mg Se/ kg diet]. Body weight development, body weight gain, feed intake and FCR were calculated weekly. Serum GOT, GPT, uric acid and creatinine were determined. Lymphoid organs weight [bursa, spleen, thymus] were recorded and tissue of bursa was used for histopathological examination. Best body weight gain was achieved by groups received inorganic Se source in their diet. Probiotic in drinking water failed to improve body weight gain over that obtained from Se supplementation without probiotic. Feed intake from either inorganic or organic Se soure was lower than the control group. The entire treated group showed improving in FCR at different degree. Over all results of HI test, skin response test and lymphoid organs weight showed that Se supplementation in both source was improved the immune status of birds while the highest immune response achieved in birds received inorganic Se supplementation in their diet. It can be concluded that dietary Se supplementation in broilers diets succeed to improve both the productive performance and immune status of the birds, whereas the over all findings indicated that inorganic Se source superior over organic Se source

Effect of dietary chromium source with or without probiotic on productive performance and immune status of broiler chicken

An experiment was conducted using 360 one day old sexed male broiler breeder COBB chicks to investigate the effect of dietary Cr source [inorganic-organic] supplementation in broiler diets with or without addition of probiotics in drinking water on productive performance and immune status of broiler chicken. Inorganic Cr source [chromium chloride] was supplemented to the basal diets of two groups, the first group drank water with 1ml/L probiotic and the second group drank water without probiotic. Organic Cr source [OCY] was supplemented to the basal diets of another two groups, one of them drank water with 1ml/L probiotic and the second group drank water without probiotic. Cr sources were supplemented at the same dose [4.0 mg Cr/kg diet]. The experiment was extended for 6 weeks. Body weight development, body weight gain, feed intake and FCR were calculated weekly. Serum GOT, GPT, uric acid and creatinine were determined. Lymphoid organs weight [bursa, spleen, thymus] were recorded. Both Cr sources supplementation increased body weight gain of the birds significantly except chromium chloride with probiotic addition which showed non significant increase. Feed intake from either inorganic or organic Cr source was lower than the control group. FCR was improved by Cr supplementation in both sources, but inorganic Cr supplementation showed better FCR than organic Cr source. Over all results of HI test, skin response test, lymphoid organ weight showed that supplementation of Cr in both source was stimulate the immune response of bird. The current study indicated that dietary Cr supplementation [inorganic- organic] in broiler diet achieved maximal performance of broiler chicken. Inorganic and organic Cr supplementation stimulates immune response of the birds in various degrees

Is their a role for oral L-carnitine therapy in anemia and cardiac dysfunction management in Egyptian patients on maintenance hemodialysis?

L-Carnitine is a short organic hydrosoluble molecule and is present in biological materials like free carnitine and acylcarnitines, which constitute the carnitine system. Long-term intermittent hemodialysis is associated with a reduction in plasma and tissue L-carnitine levels. Available studies on carnitine supplementation suggest the use of this molecule in dialysis, especially for those patients with cardiac complications, impaired exercise and functional capacities, and increased episodes of hypotension. Moreover, in some patients, the improved stability of erythrocyte membranes with L-carnitine supplementation may decrease erythropoietin requirements, thus, leading to a reduction of dialytic costs. To study if there a possible advantageous effects for L-Carnitine oral supplementation in anemia and cardiac dysfunction management in a cohort of Egyptian patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Fifty- five patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis were classified into 2 groups: L- Carnitine group: 20 patients [12 male and 8 female, Mean age 47.66 +/- 17.73 years, hemodialysis duration 51.36 +/- 18.14 months, subjected to three sessions /week reaching Kt/V of 1.48 +/- 0.37] they received oral L-Carnitine therapy 1.500 mg/day and Control group: 35 patients [24 male and 11 female, mean age 37.9 +/- 14.7 years, hemodialysis duration 53.83 +/- 15.17 months, subjected to three sessions /week reaching Kt/V of 1.33 +/- 0.28]. Both groups were on Erythropoietin therapy and IV iron whenever indicated. Echogardiographic studies were performed before and at the end of the study. Serum hemoglobin were comparable in the L- carnitine group and control group at the start and six months after therapy [8.63 +/- 1.77 and 9.39 +/- 2.02 gm/dl, P= 0.18, 10.49 +/- 1.60 and 10.29 +/- 2.48 gm/dl P= 0.76 respectively]. The weekly maintenance dose of Erythropoietin inspite of being lower in L-Carnitine group [Mean = 4750.12 +/- 2137.04 units] compared to control group [Mean= 5515.15 +/- 2292.94 units] it does not reach a statistical significance [P=0.24]. No significant improvement could be observed in echogardiographic findings in the L- Carnitine group after therapy. The role of L-Carnitine in hemodialysis patients is questionable. Our study revealed no observed significant improvement in echocardiographic findings 6 months after therapy. However, -a statistically non significant- reduction in Erythropoietin dose was achieved in the L- carnitine-treated compared to the control group while maintaining comparable target hemoglobin in both groups. Long-term studies including larger number of patients are required to clarify its role in hemodialysis patients

Sleep disorders in Egyptian hemodialysis patients in Mansoura Urology and Nephrology center

Many patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis therapy suffer from sleep disturbances. The prevalence of such sleep disorders is higher when compared to the general population. Patients were recruited from the 3 haemodilaysis units of Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt over 4 months period. Eighty eight patients [41.59 +/- 16.3 years] who satisfied our inclusion criteria were enrolled in our study. The demographic and clinical data including insomnia as well as the biochemical parameters were collected by the attending nephrologists. Other sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome [RLS], obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome [OSAS], excessive daytime sleepiness [EDS], narcolepsy and sleep walking were investigated by questionnaire of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group [IRLSSG], the Berlin Questionnaire, Italian version of Epworth Sleepiness Scale, International Classification of Sleep Disorders [ICSD] and the specific questions of Hatoum's sleep questionnaire, respectively. Sleep disorders were prevalent in our patients [79.5%] and such prevalence was statistically significant [Chi-squared=30.7, p=<0.0001]. The most common sleep abnormality was insomnia [65.9%], followed by RLS [42%], OSAS [31.8%], snoring [27.3%], EDS [27.3%] and narcolepsy [15.9%] while the least was sleep walking [3.4%]. Insomnia correlated with anemia [r=o.31, p=0.003], anxiety [r=0.279, p=0.042], depression [r=0.298, p=0.24] and RLS [r=0.327, p=0.002]. Also, RLS correlated with hypoalbuminemia [r=0.41, p=<0.0001], anemia [r=0.301 and p=0.046], hyperphosphatemia [r=0.343 and p=0.001], and excessive daytime sleepiness correlated with OSAS [r=0.5, p=<0.0001], snoring [r=0.341, p=0.001], and social worry [r=0.27, p=0.011]. Of note, no correlation was observed between the evaluated sleep disorders and patients' gender. The indicatives for insomnia among our study population were inadequate dialysis [OR=8.71, p=0.001], anemia [OR=3.58, p=0.012], hypoalbuminemia [OR=2.71, p=0.044] and RLS [OR=8.50, p=0.0003]. However, anemia [OR=2.67, p=0.034], malnurishment [OR=9.23, p=0.0002] and hyperphosphatemia [OR=5.14, p=0.0005] were the associates of RLS. Sleep disorders are quite common in the Egyptian hemodialysis populations especially those who are anemic, malnourished; and underdialyzed. Assessment of sleep quality, preferably with polysomnography, is necessary to confirm our results and population-specific sleeppromoting interventions during clinical practice are warranted

Screening of microhematuria in school children

Microhematuria [MH] is present in 0.5 - 2% of children. A renal or urologic disorder may present with symptom obviously pointing to the urinary tract as hematuria or the kidneys may be involved in several different systemic diseases including the vasculitis syndromes, collagen vascular diseases and the thrombotic microangiopathic diseases due to variable etiologies. Each of these diseases has important renal manifestations that may symptomatise as hematuria. We aimed to detect and depict any eventual correlation that might make microhematuria a useful tool on the predictive level on renal participation in medical disorders. More especially so in tropical settings, where specific diseases are expected to have an insulting impact upon the kidney if not the whole organisms and to determine the prevalence of microhematuria in healthy school aged children the study was conducted on 100 children with MH detected by dip- sticks and confirmed microscopically, the age range from 6 to 12 years either symptomatic or not. It was conducted among healthy children attending the outpatient clinic of the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute [NHTMRI] and in 2 primary schools, through screening of 5342 children by dipsticks for microhematuria. Cases were compared with 20 healthy children of the same age and sex matched as a control. All cases were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and laboratory studies including complete urinalysis, urine culture and sensitivity, urinary Ca/creatinine ratio, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum complement C3, CBC, retics, ASOT, CRP, ESR and coagulation profile [PT, PTT, BT and CT]. Pelvi-abdominal ultrasonography was done for all cases. In selected cases, 1VU, voiding cystourethragraphy, DMSA scan and renal biopsy were done The prevalence of MH was 1.9%. Glomerular group represented 14% and included, acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis, APSGN [9%], IgA nephropathy [3%] and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis [2%], non-glomerular group represented 42% of the studied cases and included UTI [24%], hypercalciuria [14%], renal stone [2%], UPJ obstruction [1%] and VUR [1%] and group of unidentified cause of MH [44%] who had no MH after 6 months of follow up Dipsticks can be used as a useful screening test for MH; however this should be confirmed by microscopic examination of the urine. The most common glomerular cause of MH in the event study was APSGN whereas the most common nonglomerular cause was UTI and hypercalciuria. Follow up is recommended for cases of MH with unidentified origin. MH is positively suggested as reliable simple, however preliminary tool in clinical diagnosis of renal and urological disorders

Functional abdominal pain

The most widely used diagnostic term for chronic abdominal pain in children is "recurrent abdominal pain" [RAP]. Recurrent abdominal pain is a broad descriptive term to define a heterogeneous group of patients who experience at least 3 episodic attacks of abdominal pain over a period of at least 3 months. The great majority of patients who seek medical attention for RAP have a functional disorder thought to be triggered by a motility or sensory disturbance of gastro intestinal tract provoked by a variety of physical and psychological stimuli. When evaluated critically there are three distinct clinical presentations: Functional paroxysmal abdominal pain, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. There are adequate data to support the view of medical history, physical examination and selected laboratory, radiological and endoscope evaluation allows a positive diagnosis of each type of functional disorder to estimate the magnitude of the problems. Clinical approach to children with RAP. Estimate the morbidity of RAP and its effect on daily activities of the children The study was conducted on two hundred fifty six children aged 4-12 years attended out patient clinic and inpatient of national hepatology and tropical medicine research institute [NHTMRI] during the period from July to December 2003 through careful examination and investigation of 800 children with RAP 256 fit our criteria for functional abdominal pain the children had normal physical Examination and normal laboratory investigation and experienced at least 3 episodic attacks of abdominal pain over a period of at least 3 months. All the children subjected to investigation to exclude organic causes. All children were subjected to a structured questionnaire designed specially for the study. Medical history was reviewed thorough clinical examination was carried out. The following laboratory tests were done for all the children: CBC., Routine and microscopic stool and urine analysis, ESR, urine culture and psychosocial evaluation Showed that out of 800 children attended NHTMRI suffering from RAP. 256 [32%] of them were have functional abdominal pain. Female represented 53.1% and males only 46.9%. The children between [4-6] years having RAP were 38.3% females and 30% males, while in group between [6-12] years females were 61.7. Functional Isolated abdominal pain represented 60.5% of our patients. Functional dyspepsia were 21.5% and irritable bowel syndrome was only 18%. Clinical presentation of in RAP. Showed Symptoms associated with functional Isolated abdominal pain were headache 19% pallor 13% fatigability 22.5% In group having functional dyspepsia epigastric pain were 54% children suffering irritable bowel syndrome had constipation in 65% diarrhea in 32% and sense of incomplete evacuation in 21%. The duration of pain in the studied subjects ranging between 1-3 hours less than I hours account for 55.5% of children and less than 3 hours in 40% of cases, continuous pain represented only 4.5%. Periumblical and mid epigastric were the most frequent location in RAP represented 58.9 and 23.9 respectively. 16.8% of children had positive psychosocial dysfunction. The pain interfere in daily activities of children in 68.3 Chronic abdominal pain is the one of the most commonly encountered symptoms in childhood. The great majority of patients who seek medial attention for RAP have a functional disorder thought to be triggered by a motility or sensory disturbance of gastro intestinal tract provoked by a variety of physical and psychological stimuli. There are adequate data to support the view of medical history, physical examination and selected laboratory, radiological and endoscopic evaluation allows a positive diagnosis of each type of functional disorder. Most children who are brought to primary care physicians for chronic abdominal pain are unlikely to require diagnostic testing

6 Months follow-up study of patients treated by direct stenting versus those treated by conventional predilatation and stenting

Objectives: The aim of our study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of direct coronary stenting compared to balloon predilatation followed by stent placement

Methods: We studied the clinical outcomes after 6 months for 2 groups of patients. The 1[st] group included 40 patients who had direct stenting; the 2nd group included 40 patients who had a stern only if the post balloon residual restenosis was > 30%. The 2 groups were matching regarding risk factors as well as type and length of lesions

Results: Incidence of complications During the follow up period, in group I; no patient died, one patient developed MI [2.5%] and one patient developed angina [2.5%]. In group II one patient developed MI [2.5%] and 2 patients developed unstable angina [5%]; p value > 0.05 with no significant difference between the 2 groups. Incidence of restenosis: In this study 11 patients in GI had significant target artery restenosis [27.5%] versus 13 patients in GII [32.5%] with no significant statistical difference between the 2 groups

Conclusion: The long term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary intervention are equivalent when comparing direct stenting with stenting after predilatation

Evaluation of capillaria philippinensis coproantigen in the diagnosis of infection

In order to overcome the false negative diagnosis of infection with C. philippinensis in the absence of eggs in stool, coproantigen prepared from the stools of infected patients was evaluated serologically. This antigen was able to detect anti-Capillaria antibodies in the sera of infected cases at the same OD level produced with Capillaria crude worm antigen using indirect ELISA technique. C. Philippinensis coproantigen did not cross-react with the sera from patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni, Fascioliasis or Strongyloidiasis at 1:00 serum dilution. Laboratory-prepared hyperimmune sera versus crude worm antigen of C. philippinensis succeeded in capturing Capillaria antigen prepared from the stools of infected patients and did not cross-react with the coproantigens prepared from the stool samples of cases infected with S. Mansoni or Fasciola using sandwich ELISA technique

Carriage sand an tibiotic resistance of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis colonizing the nasopharynx of children

Data about the carriage rate and antibiotic resistance pattern in the common respiratory pathogens Streptococcuspneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis is variable from country to the other. The aim of our study was to evaluate these data in our country. It was found that the carriage rate is higher in children attending daycare centers; S.pneumoniae was the most commonly isolated organism followed by M.catarrhalis and finally H.influenzae. Penicillin resistant S.pneumoniae was discovered in 57 percent of positive cases, Beta-lactamase producing M.catarrhalis was also discovered in about 50 percent of isolates. Resistance to penicillin in S.pneumoniae isolates led to a higher rate of resistance to other antibiotics as well such as Cefotaxime, Azithromycin and Co-trimoxazole. It is to be noted that resistance to various antibiotics differed from one country to the other

Formulation and in-vivo investigation of riboflavin sustained release floating capsules

The aim of this work was to increase the bioavailability of riboflavin through the preparation of sustained release floating capsules using factorial design 23 technique. Seven floating capsules were prepared from granulated mixture of the drug with sodium bicarbonate, as CO2 generating agent, and one or more of three different polymers; namely, Eudragit L100, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose [HPMC] and sodium alginate [according to a matrix table]. The effect of different polymers and their combinations on the in vitro release profile of the prepared floating riboflavin capsules was studied. Both capsules prepared with HPMC or mixture of HPMC and Eudragit L100 gave better drug release patterns. The mixed polymer formula [riboflavin/HPMC-Eudragit L100] was chosen for the in vivo evaluation in comparison with a control capsule using fluorimetric HPLC method for riboflavin analysis in the urine of five healthy volunteers. The initial excretion rates for the prepared floating formula were much higher than those of the conventional formula. The relative bioavailability of the prepared floating formula was 121% of the conventional formula, which indicated the superiority of the prepared floating capsule

Toxocarosis and paratenic hosts

The seroprevalence rates of human toxocarosis figured up to 24.5% versus Toxocara canis and 22.1% versus Toxocara vitulorum in some selected localities in Egypt, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Toxocara vitulorum larvae in experimentally infected mice and rats follow the same manner of migration previously described for T.canis with more adaptation to mice than rats as paratenic host. This study clarifies the role of rodents in maintaining Toxocara larvae and spread of infection to other host

Triclabendazole [CGP 23030] in the treatment of fascioliasis in man

Triclabendazole had been tested in veterinary medicine against fascioliasis. This study, using a form of triclabendazole, especially prepared for human use, aimed to assess tolerability and the clinical efficacy of that drug in the treatment of liver fluke infection in humans. 25 patients admitted to Tropical Medicine Research Institute. None less than 10 years of age, were diagnosed as positive cases for fascioliasis. The diagnosis was confirmed by repeated stool examination. All patients were examined and laboratory investigation included hematological studies, liver and kidney function tests, and abdominal ultrasonography were done before treatment and repeated at day 4 and 6, 30 and 60 post treatment. The cure rate was 100% after one week of therapy and 88% at 2 months post treatment. Triclabendazole [CGP] is tolerable, safe and effective in the treatment of cases with fascioliasis

Retained placenta in an imported friesian herd under Egyptian conditions

The present study was carried out on 342 imported Friesian cattle to investigate the problem of placental retention with emphasis on some reproductive performance and blood constituents. Blood samples were collected from cows which retained their foetal membranes for more than 24 hours after birth as well as normal parturient cows. Results indicated that retained placenta occurred in 16.72% of cases, predominate in primipara [34.10%] and during the hot season of the year [55.55%]. Significant decrease in plasma magnesium [P < 0.01]; Inorg. phosphorus and iron levels [P < 0.05] and increase in plasma progesterone values were detected in cases with retained placenta as compared to normal parturient cows. Moreover, the retained placenta causes delayed first post partum heat, calving interval with a reduction in fertility and a decrease in milk yiels

Effect of some nutrients on alginate synthesis in azotobacter vinelandii and characterization of the produced alginate

The role of nutrients on alginate production by A. vinelandii was studied in batch cultures. The largest amount of bacterial alginate was obtained in presence of: 0.3 g/t MgSO[4-].7H[2]O, 0.4g/l NaCI, 42mg/I CaCl[2]. 2H[2]O, 4mg/I K[2]HPO[4], 16mg/I K[2]HPO[4], 2.5mg/1 FeSO[4-]7H[2]O, 2.9mg/I H[3]BO[3], 2mg/1 ZnSO[4], 7H[2]O, 2mg/I Na[2]MoO[4]. 2H[2]O, 0.3mg/I CuSO[4-],. 5H[2]O, 0.2mg/I MnCI[2]. 4H[2]O. Alginate production was not enhanced by natural additives or inducing agents except for acetate which increase alginate yield. The pure alginate contained 0.36% ash and 0.4% protein. It is similar to algal alginate but has an extra acetyl group. It contains 69.5% M-M block, 27.5% M-G block and 3% G-G block

Role of colonic bacteria in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection

160 children aged between 2-12 years [60 circumcised males and 100 females] with clinically suspected urinary tract infection [UTI] were examined. Culture for urine stool and anogenital swab were done. Evaluation of personal habits and local hygiene of anogenital area for every case assessed using suitable questionnaire. Bacteriological examination of urine showed that 86.9% of the cases had positive urine culture and significantly bacterial count with predominance of E. coli 53.2% of cases, Klebsiella in 17.3% and Proteus 8.6%. The other organisms represent 20.8% of the total cases. Pathogenic organisms were isolated from stools in 45% of cases. Swabs of anogenital region revealed that 38.8% of cases had a positive swab culture. Matching between culture of urine, stools and anogenital region found that serotyping of E. coli stains are the same in 20 cases. Klebsiella and Proteus isolated from urine, stools and perianal region had the same biochemical reaction in 13 cases. 6.1% of the cases had local hygienic cause related to anogenital region. Thus, it is advisable to follow a strict hygienic measures for carring of anogenital region and for prevention of contamination and ascending urinary tract infection

Clustering of major chromosomal abnormalities among azoospermic males in Kuwait: a study of 280 patient

Two hundred and eighty cases of azoospermic males were confirmed in the Kuwait Medical Genetics Centre from Jamjar 1979 to December 1992. Major chromosomal abnormalities were found in 40.7% of the patients including cases of klinefeter's syndrome [34.6%] and structural chromosomal rearrangements [4.3%]. In this study, the ratio of numerical to structural chromosomal abnormalities was 8.1:1 and XX males represented 1.8% of azoospermic men. The calculated average parental inbreeding coefficient was 0.02055. The data are compared with those of a previous study of oligospermic and azoospermic men in Kuwait and with other worldwide surveys