Evaluation of preservative capacity for some selected cosmetic products found in the market

Aim of the study: To determine the preservative capacity of different cosmetic preparations commonly found in the Egyptian markets

Methods: Microbiological evaluation of 74 cosmetic sample and preservative capacity test for cosmetic samples showing no microbial contamination using rejecting microorganisms by cup plate technique

Results: It was found that 29 samples were contaminated at levels >103 or >500 [for baby care products] or contaminated with rejecting microorganisms or both. The preservative capacity was variable between the different types and brands of the tested cosmetics against bacteria [P<0.05], while for Candida albicans all samples of the different cosmetic types were of nearly the same effect [p>0.05]

Conclusion: The detection of microbial counts greater than the microbial limits standards and isolation of rejecting microorganisms are clear evidences of non-adherence to good Manufacturing Practices. Variable preservative capacity in some cosmetics may indicate its ability to withstand microbial contamination which leads to spoilage of these cosmetics

Serum miRNA-1 as a novel biomarker for acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina

Background: Coronary artery diseases are the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries. Thus, extraordinary efforts have been directed to determine the molecular and pathological characteristics of the diseased heart in order to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies miRNAs are class of abundant, non-coding RNAs that attracted scientists' attention for their promising role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases

Aim of the work: To identify whether miRNA-1 is a dependable biomarker for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction or not

Subjects and Methods: 69 patients with coronary artery disease were included in this study; 36 patients with AMI and 33 patients with unstable angina. Those patients were admitted to coronary care unit, Assuit University Hospital during the period of March to October 2014. In addition 22 apparently healthy subjects were included as a control group. Cardiac troponin I and miRNA-1 was done for all subjects

Results: In patients with AMI the results of miRNA-1 ranged from 28.3 - 6763.9 fold changes above the control level. In those with UA, miRNA-1 result ranged from 1.74 - 144.37 fold changes above the control level [when the control group is one fold]. Comparison between different cups regarding results of miRNA-1 revealed that there was a highly significant difference [P<0.001] between different groups. There was a highly significant increase in patients with AMI when compared with the control group, also a statistically significant increase [P<0.001] in patients with UA when compared with the control group and a statistically significant increase [P<0.001] in patients with AMI when compared with those of UA

Conclusion: miRNA-1 is a novel dependable biomarker in patients with acute coronary syndrome. It shows significant upregulation in patients with AMI, but this upregulation is far from that of UA

impact of splenectomy on the patient's susceptability to infection

Splenectomy, is a procedure that has significantly decreased in frequency as the understanding of its complications increase. Susceptibility to infection is the best-defined and most widely understood complication of splenectomy. The aim was to study the impact of splenectomy on the patients susceptibility to infections, and its effect on morbidity and mortality statistics of patients admitted to fever hospitals. The study included 506 patients admitted to fever hospital and they divided according to history of splenectomy into group 1 of 432 patients with no history of splenectomy and group II of 74 patients with history of splenectomy. The cause and duration of splenectomy, hospital stay, the type and duration of antibiotic prescribed in hospital the diagnosis and the outcome at discharge were the main history items. Chronic liver disease [CLD] was the main cause of splenectomy followed by trauma and Thalassemia 67%, 20% and 12% respectively. No significant difference in blood culture between the 2 group but capsulated organism were more in group II. Respiratory tract infection was the main cause of admission in both groups with a high incidence of respiratory, urinary tract infection, meningitis and pyrexia of unknown origin in group II. Quinolones, Penicillin and Cephalosporins were the commonly used groups of antibiotics with statistical difference in group 2 than group 1. Prolonged hospital stay in group II with high statistical difference than group I [14.07 +/- 8.68 versus 4.57 +/- 3.29] [P<0.001]. The improved outcome were significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 and the not improved outcome [frequent admission, escape from hospital and university hospital referral] were higher in group 2 than group 1 and it correlate with duration of splenectomy

Electromyographic activity of the anterolateral abdominal wall muscles during the vesical filling and evacuation

The role of the anterolateral abdominal wall muscles [AAWMs] during the vesical filling and evacuation has not been sufficiently addressed in the literature. We have investigated the hypothesis that the AAWMs exhibit the increased electromyographic [EMG] activity on the vesical distension and contraction which presumably assists vesical evacuation. The effects of the vesical balloon distension on the vesical pressure [VP], vesical neck [VNP] pressures and the AAWMs' EMG activity were studied in 28 healthy volunteers aged 40.7 +/- 9.7 years [18 men, 10 women]. These effects were tested after the individual anesthetization of the bladder and AAWMs and after saline infiltration. The VP and the VNP showed a gradual increase upon the incremental vesical balloon distension which started at a distending volume of 120-140 ml. At a mean volume of 364.6 +/- 23.8 ml, the VP increased to a mean of 36.6 +/- 3.2 cmH2O, the VNP decreased to 18.4 +/- 2.4 cmH2O, and the AAWMs EMG registered a significant increase. This effect disappeared in the individual bladder and in the AAWMs' anesthetization. However, it did not disappear in the saline administration. The AAWMs appear to contract simultaneously with vesical contraction. This action presumably increases the IAP and it assists vesical contraction. The AAWMs contraction on vesical contraction seems to be mediated through a reflex which is called the 'vesico-abdominal wall reflex'. Further studies are required to investigate the role of this reflex in vesical disorders

Vaginal candidiasis: Incidence, etiology and pathogenesis

The aim of this study is to study the epidemiology, the etiology of yeast vaginitis and the rate of incidence of yeast vaginal infection.. Also, to highlight the adherence process and the proteinase production as critical factors affecting the pathogenesis. A total of 500 female patients attending gynaecological out patients clinics of some general hospitals were tested for the presence of yeasts using vaginal swabs from the vagina. History of patients was recorded. The positive cultures were purified and identified according to the conventional yeast identification methods and by using of candifast kits. Adhesion of pathogenic yeast species was tested and observed by scanning electron microscope. Some factors affecting the adhesion of Candida albicans were studied. Also the production of proteolytic enzyme by this species was carried out. Out of the 500 studied cases, 295 [59%] were positive for yeast infection including 170 [57.6%] diabetic; 81[27.5%] postmenopause subjects; 20[6.8%]subjects using oral contraceptives; 18[6.1%] cancer patients and 7[2.4%]Hysterectomy. The identification revealed the presence of nine yeast species belonging to three genera: Candida [7 species], Debaromyces [one species] and Saccharomyces [one species]. Candida albicans was the most prevalent species [131 cases representing 44.4% of the positive cases] followed by Candida lusitaniae and Candida krusei were of moderate occurrence [25 cases [8.5%] and 23 cases [7.8%]. The adherence assay showed that the highest adherence rate [51%] was noted with vaginal epithelial cells collected from diabetic patients. Candida albicans adhesion was the highest 59% +/- 3% [P >/= 0.001, highly significant] compared with the other Candida species. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that fibril structures were prominent with adhesion of C. albicans .yeast concentration of 10[7]. 37C° and pH 3 were the best conditions for peak adhesion of C. albicans. neutral proteases [pH6.5] of C. albicans were released in appreciable amount 685?mol/ml followed by alkaline proteases[pH 8.2] while the least amount recorded was acid proteases[pH 3.5]. attention must be paid to the profoundly increase in the vaginal yeast infection among patients with different predisposing factors. Various yeast etiologic agents and their pathogenesis are explained in this work

The cavernoso-anal reflex: response of the anal sphincters to cavernosus muscles' stimulation / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To prove the hypothesis that cavernosus muscles' contraction during coitus affects the reflex contraction of anal sphincters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Electromyographic response of external and internal anal sphincters to ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscle stimulation was studied in 17 healthy volunteers (10 men, 7 women, mean aged 38.3+/-11.6 years). The test was repeated after individual anesthetization of anal sphincters and the two cavernosus muscles, and after using saline instead of lidocaine.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Upon stimulation of each of the two cavernosus muscles, external and internal anal sphincters recorded increased electromyographic activity. Anal sphincters did not respond to stimulation of the anesthetized cavernosus muscles nor did anesthetized anal sphincters respond to cavernosus muscles' stimulation. Saline infiltration did not affect anal sphincteric response to cavernosal muscles' stimulation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cavernosus muscles' contraction is suggested to evoke anal sphincteric contraction, which seems to be a reflex and mediated through the "Cavernoso-anal reflex". Anal sphincteric contraction during coitus presumably acts to close the anal canal to thwart flatus or fecal leak.</p>

study of the aesthetic patterns of the umbilicus among Egyptians with a new technique for umbilical reconstruction de novo

The umbilicus is an anatomical and aesthetic landmark in the middle of the abdomen. Modern plastic surgery of the abdominal wall is usually concerned with preservation of this landmark to achieve the best esthetic results. Preserving the umbilicus could be reached either by transposition or creation of a new umbilicus in cases with large hernias where the umbilicus is sacrificed to ensure proper hernia repair. In this work an anatomical study of the position, shape and dimensions of the umbilicus in normal Egyptian male and female volunteers of young age was done and different methods to locate the position of the umbilicus were evaluated. Four forms of umbilical shapes are prevalent among Egyptians, the rounded hooded, vertical, and transverse. Measuring umbilical position from the two anterior superior iliac spines was found to be most accurate. Moreover, the ASIS are easily located even in obese patients so, they should be used as reference points while relocating the umbilicus. A new technique for creation of new umbilicus is here described which proved simple, easy, reliable and with low rate of complications

Immunohistochemical identification of the pacemaker cajal cells in normal human colon

The Interstitial Cells of Cajal [ICC] are C-Kit immunoreactive cells in the gastrointestinal tract. They are suggested to have a role in the control of gut motility. The present study was aimed to identify the morphology and the pattern of distribution of the ICC in the different parts of the human colonic segments. This study included sixteen normal colonic specimens obtained from the safety margins of the surgically excised colonic carcinoma. The prepared colonic longitudinal sections -were subjected to: haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome stain and to C-Kit immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed on the obtained data through the use of Leica Owin software of the image analyzer computer system to evaluate the degrees of locations of ICC [area percent] in the different colonic segments. The results revealed the following: ICC were demonstrated either as groups or as sporadic cells. The groups of ICC were surrounded with concentric connective tissue cells. The sporadic cells were usually in close relation to blood vessels and to the circular smooth muscle layers. ICC were of different sizes and different shapes. Statistical analysis through the use of the image analyzer was performed on the data obtained after examination of ten fields from each colonic segment. The area and area percent of the stained ICC were recorded in relation to a standard measuring frames. The obtained results revealed that great numbers of ICC were present at the coeco-colonic junction. The ascending, transverse and descending colonic segments showed moderate number of ICC. The greatest numbers of ICC were recorded in the region of sigmoid colon. ICC were located in the level of myenteric plexus, between the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers or within the circular muscle layer itself as reported in the sigmoid colon. The obtained results were discussed from the fact that ICC are considered to be generators of spontaneous pacemaker activity in the smooth muscle layers of the colon. They mediate or transduce inputs from enteric motor nerves to the smooth muscle syncytium

ileocaecal valve in man: anatomical, radiological and endoscopic studies with special reference to its antireflux mechanism

The uncertainty regarding the physio-anatomy of the ileocaecal junction, and in particular the question whether it acts as a valve or a sphincter, stimulated us to perform anatomical, histological, radiological and endoscopic studies of this junction. A clear understanding of the anatomical structure of the ileocaecal junction may throw some light on its function. Anatomical and histological studies were performed on 18 cadavers [mean age 34.2 +/- 18.4 years] and radiological on 22 [mean age 42.3 +/- 14.2 years] and endoscopic on 10 [mean age 38.6 +/- 7.9 years] healthy volunteers. Histological sections were stained with Masson's trichrome. The ileocaecal junction was studied radiologically using the method of small bowel barium meal follow through. Endoscopic study was done under controlled air inflation using a videoendoscope. A nipple [17-19 mm long] with transversely lying stoma protruded from the posteromedial wall of the caecum and a fornix was found on either of its sides. The nipple stoma was surrounded by two lips: upper and lower. Lateral and medial suspensory frenula started at the lateral and medial angles of the stoma respectively and extended along the whole caecal circumference in 44.4% or to half the circumference in 50%. They were marked on the external aspect of the caecum by a groove. The covering mucosa of the nipple showed mild rugae while the lining mucosa was smooth. Histologically, the musculosa of the terminal ileum extended into the ileocaecal nipple. The nipple contained mainly circular musclar fibers surrounded by adipose connective tissue. Radiologically, the ileocaecal nipple appeared as filling defect in the barium - filled caecum. As barium filled the terminal iteum, the ileocaecal nipple became distended with barium and appeared as a hen's beak; the nipple stoma then opened evacuating its contents into the caecum. The cycle of ileal filling, nipple distension and nipple evacuation was repeated every 6.6 +/- 1.4 seconds. The above mentioned observations were identified and confirmed endoscopically. From the findings observed in the present work it could be concluded that the ileocaecal nipple is closed at rest and it opens upon terminal ileal contraction to deliver ileal contents to the caecum. It evacuates the barium periodically into the caecum. The structure of the ileocaecal nipple seems to be adapted to serve the function of caeco - ileal antireflux

caecocolonic junction and sphincter in man: morphological, radiological and endoscopic study

Histomorphological and morphometric studies were carried out in 15 cadavers, radiological study was performed in 20 and endoscopic study in 16 healthy volunteers. Longitudinal histological sections along the caecum, the caecocolonic junction and the ascending colon were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson's trichrome. The morphometric study determined the thickness of the muscle layers of the caecum, the caecocolonic junction and the asending colon using image analyser computer equipment. The caecocolonic junction was also examined radiologically by the method of small bowel barium meal follow through as well as endoscopically by pancolonoscopy. A caecocolonic fold was identified at 22-31 mm distal to the ileocaecal valve. It extended along the gut circumference and was shelf-like and marked by a shallow groove on the external aspect of the colon. Microscopically, the caecocolonic fold consisted of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and serosa, all of which were a continuation of those of the caecal wall. The circular muscle layer of this fold was thicker than that of each of the caecum and the ascending colon. Branching cells with ovoid nuclei representing probably interstitial cells of Cajal were identified in the muscularis externa. The morphometric study also showed that the circular muscle layer was very highly significantly thicker than that of the caecum or the ascending colon [p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively] while the longitudinal muscle layer exhibited no significant difference [p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively]. Radiological study demonstrated narrowing at the caecocolonic junction which decreased on caecal contraction and increased or closed on ascending colonic contraction. Endoscopically, the caecocolonic junction was narrow due to the presence of the caecocolonic fold and sphincter which exhibited spontaneous contractions. In conclusion, the present study suggests the presence of an anatomical sphincter at the caecocolonic junction as evidenced histomorphometrically, radiologically and endoscopically. The muscularis externa was significantly thicker than that of each of the caecum and the ascending colon. Spasmodic contractions of the caecocolonic fold were observed on endoscopic examination. Radiological study showed dilatation and narrowing of the caecocolonic junction on caecal and ascending colon contraction, respectively. Absence of colocaecal reflux on colonic contraction is probably due to contraction of the caecocolonic sphincter. The detection of cells similar to the interstitial cells of Cajal, in the caecocolonic fold, postulates the possible existence of a pacemaker in the caecocolonic fold; a point that needs further investigation

Embyotoxicity of norfloxacin in mice

In this investigation the embryotoxicity of norfloxacin has been studied. Oral administration of norfloxacin to pregnant female mice in the first two weeks of pregnancy of a dose of 550mg/kg/day significant decreases litter size and increases fetal resorption rate. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects. The rate of embryonic lost was also increased in treated group as compared with control

Mycotic infection in various cavitary lung diseases

This study was conduced on 50 cases from Chest Clinic in Benha University Hospital with various cavitary lung abscess, 5 bronchiectasis and 4 bronchogenic carcinoma for the presence of mycotic infection. Patients were investigated clinically and radiologically. Sputum samples were collected and examined by direct microscopic examination using 20% [KOH] and by culture on different media selective for Aspergillus and the isolated fungi were identified by conventional methods. The sera of the patients were also tested for antiaspergillar antibodies by double immunodiffusion [DID]. Aspergillus niger was isolated from sputum of 6 patients [12%] and Aspergillus flavus from one patient only [2%], while aspergillus fumigatus was not detected at all by culture. Candida species were isolated from 21 cases [42%]. The precipitation test [DID] was positive only in one patient [2%] denoting the presence of antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus

Electrostatic potentials generated on the head by wearing different types of fabric

The electrostatic potentials [EP] generated on the surface of the head of the human body by different types of fabrics are studied. Hundred healthy volunteers were divided into five equal groups: four test and one control group. Each of the four groups wore caps of different fabrics: 100 percent polyester, 100 percent cotton, 50/50 percent polyester/ cotton and 100 percent wool. The control group was left capless. EP were measured one hour after dressing the cap. EP could not be detected from cotton or wool caps or from controls. In contrast, polyester and polyester/cotton mix caps generated EP. The EP induced during daytime were higher than at night due probably to the higher temperatures prevailing during the day. Friction between polyester-containing caps and the human scalp generates electric charges and the scalp becomes positively charged. A series of induced EP is generated in the intracranial structures. Opposite sign charges on the opposing surfaces of the subarachnoid space, the four cerebral ventricles and cerebral hemispheres create an [electrostatic field] across each of them. The latter may have an injurious effect on the nerve cells of the cerebral hemispheres and on the constituents and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid and blood in the skull. These disorders may eventually affect the brain centers and result in clinicopathologic manifestations

Recurrent vulva-vaginal candidiasis: Role of the immune system in the pathogenesis

A total of 60 patients with recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis [study group] and 20 healthy women [control group] have been evaluated for the T-Iymphocyte function. The study revealed that T-Lymphocyte transformation into blast cell in the patient group [38.8%] is twice low as in the control [80.2%]. A suggested mechanism of this finding is that macrophages in such patients produce prostaglandins which block the T-lymphocytes. So, the study, justifies addition of T-lymphocytes proliferating pentapeptides and prostaglandin Inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis

Bacteriological and Immunological studies in children with liver cirrhosis

The patients included in this study were 34 cases presented with liver cirrhosis or bilharzial hepatic fibrosis. They were selected from the Paediatric Gastroentrology Mansoura University Hospital, classified histopathologically into 2 groups cirrhotic group included 19 patients and bilharzial fibrotic group Included 15 patients. In addition, a third group of 10 normal controls of matched age and sex were included. All patients were subjected to thorough clinical exaimination, sigmidoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, liver biopsy, blood cultures were made and ascitic fluid cultures were done for cases with ascites. The immunolgobulins [lg[A], Ig[G] and Ig[M]] and serum complement levels [C[3c] and C[4]] were determined using single radial immunodiffusion method [Behring - Nor- Partigen Immunodiffusion Plates]. Blood cultures were positive in 48% of cirrhotic and in 7% of bilharzial group [one case only] and negative among Controls. The isolated organisms were E. coli 21%; Staph aureus 11% and mixed gram negative bacilli and Staph. aureus in 16% of cases among the cirrhotic group. In the bilharzial group E. coli was isolated from the positive case. Ascitic fluid cultures were positive in 50% in cases with ascites in the cirrhotic group and negative among the bilharzial group. The isolated organisms were E. coli [36%] and mixed gram negative bacilli and Staph. aureus[14%]. There was a significant rise and difference between the different immunoglobulins level among the studied groups. Evaluation of serum complement levels showed C[3c] and C[4] hypocomplementemia in the two patients groups as compared with control

Electrostatic potentials generated on the chest by wearing different types of fabrics

The electrostatic potentials [EP] generated on the surface of the upper part of the human body by different types of fabrics are studied. 40 healthy volunteers were divided into 5 equal groups. In the control group, the upper half of the body was bare during the test periods. Each of the other 4 groups dressed shirts of different fabrics: 100 percent polyester, 100 percent cotton, 50/50 percent polyester/cotton and 100 percent wool. EP were measured one hour after dressing the shirt. EP could not be detected from cotton or wool shirts, or from controls. Polyethylene shirts recorded the highest EP followed by the polyester/cotton mix. The EP generated during the day were higher than at night probably due to the higher temperature prevailing during the day. The polyester-containing shirts may have injurious effect on the chest. Friction between polyester shirt and the skin generates electric charges, and the skin is positively charged. A series of induced EP is generated in the intrathoracic organs. Opposite sign charges on the opposing surfaces of lung and heart create an "electrostatic field" across them, which may cause respiratory and cardiac derangement

Study of serum immunoglobulin concentrations and other analytical variables in different types of diabetes mellitus

75 diabetic patients were the subject of this study. They were classified into 3 groups, 25 in each: group I [IDDM adult patients]; group II [NIDDM adult patients] and group III [IDDM children]. 2 groups of apparently healthy individuals of matching age and sex [25 in each] were chosen and served as control groups: one for the adult and the other for the children diabetic patients. In group 1, 52% of patients showed abnormal higher levels of IgA while, 12% showed abnormal higher levels of IgG. On the other hand 16% showed abnormal low levels of IgM. In group II percentages of patients showing abnormal immunoglobulin levels were 64%, 16% and 16% for IgA, IgG and IgM respectively. Regarding diabetic children, 12%, 4% and 8% showed abnormal levels of IgA, IgG and IgM respectively. IgA levels showed a positive significant correlation with age, disease duration, F. B. S and serum fructosamine in diabetic patients of group I. Neither correlation with age nor with disease duration was found among diabetic patients of group II and III. We concluded that abnormal serum IgA concentrations are very common in diabetic adult patients. Further research should be carried out to verify whether the determination of serum IgA is of clinical use for monitoring diabetes or evaluating its complications. Also our results, in addition to the recently reported relationship between serum fructosamine and IgA in non diabetic patients appears to throw doubt on the clinical utility of fructosamine as a measure of hyperglycemic status if IgA concentration is not taken into account especially in adult diabetic patients but can be used for diabetic children with no doubt

effect of cid 85 on proteins

Pilot study was done on two animal species to assess the plasma protein changes after the administration of Cid 85 for 90 days. An increase in both beta and gamma globulin fractions was observed. Protein electrophoresis did not reveal any light chain in the sera of both animal species after treatment by Cid 85. This result may denote the absence of any amyloid change after drug administration

new concept of the anatomy of the anal sphincter mechanism and the physiology of defecation: Anorectal mobilization in the treatment of rectal lesions, further study

The technique of anorectal mobilization was surveyed in 85 patients who underwent the operation 5 to 10 years ago and who were followed up until death or 1982. Rectal pressure and myoelectric studies were done. The operation was performed in 45 patients with huge rectal papillomas which carpeted the whole circumference and were 3 to 6 cm from the rectal neck outlet. No complications were encountered and the results were satisfactory. The 40 patients with lower 1/3 rectal cancer have the tumor 4 to 6 cm from the rectal neck outlet. Four patients were stage A Dukes' classification, 14 stage B and 22 stage C. The 5 year survival was 62%. The 25 survivors, more than 5 years now, had normal continence and defecation. The mechanism of continence in these patients was discussed. The role of puborectalis and external sphincter in involuntary continence was clarified

contribution to the effect of CID 85 on humoral immunity

Cid 85 is a specially treated natural product which has an anti- inflammatory effect. The immunologic potential of this material is studied. 60 rats were divided into 4 equal group: one control and 3 were injected with Cid 85 in 3 different doses for 90 days. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the experiment and were examined for immunoglobulin G. and M. [Ig G and Ig M], by radio immunodiffusion method. Immunoglobulins were elevated after Cid 85 treatment. Ig G was increased more than Ig M. The increase was proportional to the dose of Cid 85. The results suggested that Cid 85 has immunostimulating effect