Zika virus antibody-positivity among symptomatic/asymptomatic pregnant women in the Aseer region displays pre-exposure to dengue viruses

@#Antibody cross-reactivity among flaviviruses is a major limitation in understanding the prevalence without vector control measures. In this study, we investigated the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV)-specific antibodies and the significance of their cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses, which could affect the serological specificity in both symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women. Among the results obtained from 217 serum samples tested for ZIKV-specific IgM and IgG, no specific predictions regarding seropositivity or exposure due to extensive cross-reactivity with dengue virus (DENV) serology could be made. Clear-cut positivity was observed in 1.8% (n = 4) and 1.0% (n = 2) for ZIKV IgM and IgG, respectively. The same samples assessed for DENV showed 1.3% (n = 3) seropositivity each for IgM and IgG levels. None of the samples were positive for ZIKV and DENV IgM or IgG. However, one sample (0.4%) tested positive for ZIKV and DENV IgM. No significant correlation was observed between DENV IgM and IgG when comparing the overlapped serotiters. On the other hand, the ZIKV IgG-positive sample showed higher serotiters for DENV IgG, indicating cross-reactivity with ZIKV but without statistical significance. Therefore, screening for the incidence of ZIKV becomes particularly challenging in a population where the presence or pre-exposure to DENV is observed. Our observations further suggest that unless flavivirus prevalence is properly addressed, determining the prevalence of ZIKV antibodies, which may be confounded with other uninvestigated flaviviruses, will be complicated.

Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility

Despite advances in the field of male reproductive health, idiopathic male infertility, in which a man has altered semen characteristics without an identifiable cause and there is no female factor infertility, remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) plays an independent role in the etiology of male infertility, with 30% to 80% of infertile men having elevated seminal reactive oxygen species levels. OS can negatively affect fertility via a number of pathways, including interference with capacitation and possible damage to sperm membrane and DNA, which may impair the sperm's potential to fertilize an egg and develop into a healthy embryo. Adequate evaluation of male reproductive potential should therefore include an assessment of sperm OS. We propose the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility, or MOSI, as a novel descriptor for infertile men with abnormal semen characteristics and OS, including many patients who were previously classified as having idiopathic male infertility. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) can be a useful clinical biomarker for the classification of MOSI, as it takes into account the levels of both oxidants and reductants (antioxidants). Current treatment protocols for OS, including the use of antioxidants, are not evidence-based and have the potential for complications and increased healthcare-related expenditures. Utilizing an easy, reproducible, and cost-effective test to measure ORP may provide a more targeted, reliable approach for administering antioxidant therapy while minimizing the risk of antioxidant overdose. With the increasing awareness and understanding of MOSI as a distinct male infertility diagnosis, future research endeavors can facilitate the development of evidence-based treatments that target its underlying cause.

Determination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of cannabis seizures in Egypt

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of cannabis seizures in Egypt.@*METHODS@#Unheated and heated extracts of cannabis seizures were prepared from the dried flowering tops and leaves (marijuana) or from the resin (hashish) and subjected to analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).@*RESULTS@#The heated resin extract had the peak of THC in a relative ratio of 31.34%, while extracting the resin directly without heating contained only 18.34% of THC. On the other hand, marijuana showed minimum percentage of THC at 11.188% on heating and 9.55% without heating.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These results indicate the high potency of the abused cannabis plant in the illicit Egyptian market.

Bougainvillea spectabilis flowers extract protects against the rotenone-induced toxicity

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of two extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis (B. spectabilis) flowers with yellow and pink/purple on brain oxidative stress and neuronal damage caused in rats by systemic rotenone injection.@*METHODS@#Rotenone 1.5 mg/kg was given three times per week alone or in combination with B. spectabilis flowers extracts (25 mg or 50 mg) via the subcutaneous route for 2 weeks. Brain concentrations of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, nitric oxide (nitrite), the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (Il-1β) as well as butyrylcholinesterase, and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activities, were determined. Histopathology and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were also performed.@*RESULTS@#Rotenone resulted in significant increases of brain MDA (the product of lipid peroxidation), and nitric oxide content along with decreased brain reduced glutathione. There were also marked and significant inhibition of brain PON-1 and BChE activities and increased Il-1β in brain of rotenone-treated rats. B. spectabilis flowers extract itself resulted in brain oxidative stress increasing both lipid peroxidation and nitrite content whilst inhibiting PON-1 activity. The yellow flowers extract inhibited BChE activity and increased brain Il-1β. When given to rotenone-treated rats, B. spectabilis extracts, however, decreased lipid peroxidation while their low administered doses increased brain GSH. Brain nitrite decreased by the pink extract but showed further increase by the yellow extract. Either extract, however, caused further inhibition of PON-1 activity while the yellow extract resulted in further inhibition of BChE activity. Histopathological studies indicated that both extracts protected against brain, liver and kidney damage caused by the toxicant.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These data indicate that B. spectabilis flowers extracts exert protective effect against the toxic effects of rotenone on brain, liver and kidney. B. spectabilis flowers extracts decreased brain lipid peroxidation and prevented neuronal death due to rotenone and might thus prove the value in treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Determination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of cannabis seizures in Egypt

Objective To determine the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of cannabis seizures in Egypt. Methods Unheated and heated extracts of cannabis seizures were prepared from the dried flowering tops and leaves (marijuana) or from the resin (hashish) and subjected to analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The heated resin extract had the peak of THC in a relative ratio of 31.34%, while extracting the resin directly without heating contained only 18.34% of THC. On the other hand, marijuana showed minimum percentage of THC at 11.188% on heating and 9.55% without heating. Conclusions These results indicate the high potency of the abused cannabis plant in the illicit Egyptian market.

Bougainvillea spectabilis flowers extract protects against the rotenone-induced toxicity

Objective To investigate the effect of two extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis (B. spectabilis) flowers with yellow and pink/purple on brain oxidative stress and neuronal damage caused in rats by systemic rotenone injection. Methods Rotenone 1.5 mg/kg was given three times per week alone or in combination with B. spectabilis flowers extracts (25 mg or 50 mg) via the subcutaneous route for 2 weeks. Brain concentrations of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, nitric oxide (nitrite), the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (Il-1β) as well as butyrylcholinesterase, and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activities, were determined. Histopathology and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were also performed. Results Rotenone resulted in significant increases of brain MDA (the product of lipid peroxidation), and nitric oxide content along with decreased brain reduced glutathione. There were also marked and significant inhibition of brain PON-1 and BChE activities and increased Il-1β in brain of rotenone-treated rats. B. spectabilis flowers extract itself resulted in brain oxidative stress increasing both lipid peroxidation and nitrite content whilst inhibiting PON-1 activity. The yellow flowers extract inhibited BChE activity and increased brain Il-1β. When given to rotenone-treated rats, B. spectabilis extracts, however, decreased lipid peroxidation while their low administered doses increased brain GSH. Brain nitrite decreased by the pink extract but showed further increase by the yellow extract. Either extract, however, caused further inhibition of PON-1 activity while the yellow extract resulted in further inhibition of BChE activity. Histopathological studies indicated that both extracts protected against brain, liver and kidney damage caused by the toxicant. Conclusions These data indicate that B. spectabilis flowers extracts exert protective effect against the toxic effects of rotenone on brain, liver and kidney. B. spectabilis flowers extracts decreased brain lipid peroxidation and prevented neuronal death due to rotenone and might thus prove the value in treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Factors associated with public awareness of the crown health program in the Al-Jouf region

A community-based intervention, the Crown Health Project [CHP], was developed by the Ministry of Health. It was implemented on a small-scale in Al-Jouf Region in Northern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess its feasibility and effectiveness so that it can be scaled up. This study primarily aimed at investigating factors associated with the awareness of CHP in order to improve subsequent campaigns for the program in Al-Jouf and other regions. A secondary aim was to assess possible changes of public awareness during intensification of the awareness campaign between October 2011 and May 2012. A pre- and post-questionnaire cross-sectional approach was undertaken, and the intervention was an awareness campaign. Variables collected included demographic characteristics [e.g., age, gender, education, occupation, urban/rural residence] and CHP awareness [its existence, sources of knowledge about CHP, its goals and objectives, its target diseases, location of activities, participation in such activities]. Logistic regression was used to analyze the awareness of the program according to participant characteristics, with a time of the survey as a variable. Awareness of the program was found to be 11 times higher among postsurvey respondents than presurvey respondents. Respondents of the second survey were better at correctly identifying "health education" as the main goal of the CHP [odds ratio [OR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1-5.5], "noncommunicable diseases" as the main diseases targeted [OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 3.6-6.4] and "attention to health" as the purpose [OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 4.0-8.9]. The different activities of the CHP were successful in dramatically increasing awareness of the CHP program in Al-Jouf

Evaluation of the toxicological effects manifested after long term administration of aqueous Calotropis Procera plant extract in male and female rabbits

Treatment with aqueous extract of Calotropis Procera was examined only for short periods. So, The present study was designed to examine the influences of long term administrations of aqueous extract of Calotropis Procera on male and female rabbits. The extract was daily oral administered to thirty adult rabbits divided into two sets each set contain 3 groups [5/each] for a period of 8 weeks. The doses administered were 80 and 40 mg/kg body weight as high and low doses for both male and female test groups. Percentage of body weight change, serum biochemistry [Alanine amino transferases [ALAT], aspartate amino transferases [ASAT], Alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, urea and creatininre], hematological parameters [PCV, WBCs, RBCs, Platelets and Hb] and the blood indices [M.C.V., M.C.H. and M.C.H.C.] were examined. Results showed that there was no mortality or clinical signs observed among the treatment and the control groups. No significant changes in the percentage of body weight gain, hematological parameters, blood indices has been noticed in all treated groups Highly significant decreases in serum total protein and albumin in male and female rabbits has been recorded at high doses. While the globulin and A/G ratio revealed no significant changes. Serum ASAT, urea and creatinine levels were highly significant increases [P < 0.01] and the activity of ALAT and ALP was significant increases [P < 0.05] in male and female rabbits at high doses only. Some toxicological effects were observed after administration of aqueous leaves extract of Calotropis Procera at high doses in the long term for male and females rabbits

validation study comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the new Dr. KSU H1N1 RT-PCR kit with reAl time RT-PCR for diagnosing influenza A [H1N1]

A new test [Dr. KSU H1N1 RT-PCR kit] was recently developed to provide a less expensive alternative to reAl time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]. We report the findings of a validation study designed to assess the diagnostic accuracy, including sensitivity and specificity, of the new kit, as compared to reAl time RT-PCR. Cross-sectional validation study conducted from 18-22 November 2009 at a primary care clinic for H1N1 at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Riyadh. Nasopharyngeal swab samples and data on socio-demographic characteristics and symptoms were collected from 186 patients. Swab samples were sent to the laboratory for testing with both reAl time RT-PCR and the new Dr. KSU H1N1 RT-PCR kit. We measured the sensitivity and specificity of the new test across the entire sample size and investigated how these values were affected by patient socio-demographic characteristics and symptoms. The outcomes of the two tests were highly correlated [kappa=0.85; P<.0001]. The sensitivity and specificity of the new test were 99.11% and 83.78%, respectively. The sensitivity of the new test was affected only minimally [96%-100%] by patient characteristics and number of symptoms. On the other hand, the specificity of the new test varied depending on how soon patients were tested after onset of symptoms [100% specificity when swabs were taken on the first day of the symptoms, decreasing to 75% when swabs were taken on or after the third day]. The specificity of the new test also increased with increasing body temperature. The new test seems to provide a cost-effective alternative to reAl time RT-PCR for diagnosing H1N1 influenza. However, further testing may be needed to verify the efficacy of the test in different settings and communities

Roles of microalgae and bacteria in hydrogen production as one of the renewable energy resources

Hydrogen gas is considered to be one of the most desired alternate sources of the limited fossil energy resources of today. It shows great promise as a non-polluting fuel, but to reduce carbon dioxide releases hydrogen gas will need to be produced from renewable sources. The limited fossil fuel prompts the prospecting of various unconventional energy sources to take over the traditional fossil fuel energy source. Photosynthetic microbes can produce hydrogen using the nature plentiful resources, sunlight, the included greens, and blue-green algae [Cyanobacteria], either via direct or indirect biophotolysis. In addition, Cyanobacteria produced hydrogen through decomposing the organic compounds [Photodecomposition]. The hydrogen production by green algae could be considered as an economical and sustainable method, water utilization as a renewable resource and recycling CO[2], a greenhouse gas. Rates of hydrogen production by photoheterotrophic bacteria are higher in the case of immobilized cells than that of the suspended cells. Cyanobacteria are highly promising microorganism for hydrogen production. Cyanobacterial hydrogen production is commercially viable, in comparison to the traditional ways of hydrogen production [chemical, photoelectrical]. The present review shows the basic biology of microalgae and bacterial hydrogen production and its future prospects. While integrating the existing knowledge and technology, much future improvement and progress is to be done before hydrogen is accepted as a commercial primary energy source

Effect of preoperative aspirin on blood lossand blood transfusion in patients undergoingcoronary artery bypass grafting: Impactof discontinuation prior to surgery

The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of recent aspirin use before CABG on the post operative bleeding, blood transfusion and re-exploration. Retrospectively collected data from 67 patients who were operated in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital from 2008-2009 was included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, [1] Aspirin stopped >7 days before surgery [34 patient] and [2] Aspirin received within 7 days before surgery [33 patients]. Platelet transfusion and length of hospital stay was more in patients where Aspirin stopped < 7 days [P value 0.03 and 0.002 respectively]. There was trend of increase in intraoperative bleeding and PRBC transfusion in the group who received Aspirin within seven days. Postoperative blood loss was higher in aspirin users than non aspirin users but not statistically significant. There was no difference between two groups regarding re-exploration or operative mortality. Patients who take aspirin within 7 days before surgery have more tendency to have post-operative bleeding and receiving blood products. They also have longer length of stay in the hospital. Our recommendation is to stop aspirin more than 7 days before surgery

Efficacy of myrrh in controlling coccidioses in chickens

Myrrh was used for controlling the infection with Eimeria species in chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old native breed chickens bought from commercial hatchery were used in the experiment. Birds were feed on starter balanced ration free from anticoccidial drugs. At age of 2 weeks the chickens were divided into 4 groups [1-4], 30 chicks each. Chickens of first group were inoculated by 50000 sporulated oocysts of mixed local field isolated Eimeria species and served as infected non treated control group. Birds of the second group were infected similarly and received simultaneously 10 mg Myrrh/ bird by oral route. Birds of group 3 was supplied with Myrrh 10 mg/ bird one day before infection by coccidia [50000 oocyst /bird] .Last chicken group was left as non-infected non treated control group Measurements to evaluate the efficacy of Myrrh as anticoccidial drug included; mortality percentage; lesion score at 5 day post infection and the total oocyst output/gm of fecal dropping. The results showed that the mortality rate reached 10% and 3.33% in groups 2 and 3 respectively, while it reached 26.66% in infected non treated control group. High lesion score was recorded in infected non treated group followed by infected treated chicken groups regardless the time of treatment. The feed conversion rates reached 3.14 in infected non treated chicken group against 2.47 and 2.21 in treated chickens groups, 2 and 3 respectively. Mean oocyst count per gram faecal dropping [OPG] was reduced significantly in group 3 when compared with other infected treated or infected non treated chicken groups

Evaluation of "myrrh extract" against schistosoma mansoni: a histological study

This study investigated the effect of myrrh extract on different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Sixty albino mice were used and divided into three main groups: GI [control group], Gil [infected group] and Gill [infected-treated group]. The last group was further divided into 3 subgroups where the drug was administered in a dose of 500mg/kg body weight for 5 days starting on the 1[st] day PI for IIIA, on the 21[st] day PI for IIIB and on the 45[th] day PI for IIIC. A morphometric study was performed for the mean number and perimeter of granulomas. In Gil, typical bilharzial granulomas were frequently encountered in the portal tracts with numerous eosinophils, collagen fiber deposition and reticular fiber condensation. Hepatocytes revealed vacuolation, nuclear affection and depletion of glycogen. In GIII, granulomas were less frequently observed with apparent decrease of eosinophils. The maximum effect of the drug was observed in SGs IIIB and IIIC as detected by significant decrease in the mean number and size of granulomas, paucity of eosinophils, decreased fibrosis and reticular fibers and the restoration of the glycogen content in the hepatocytes. The present data proved that myrrh has a valuable schistosomicidal effect against different stages of S. mansoni. This chemotherapeutic effect was more evident when the drug was given to infected mice on the 21[st] as well as on the 45[th] day PI

Mirazid alone or combined with paromomycin in treating Cryptosporidiosis parvum in immunocompetent hospitalized patients

Sixty cryptosporidiosis patients from Mansoura University Hospitals, 36 males and 24 females, with age from few months to ten years [mean age 6.1] were divided into three cross-matched groups of 20 patients each. All patients received the glutamine-based oral rehydration solution with 111 mmol/1 glutamine, 20 mg zinc acetate once a day and vitamin A supplementation [200,000 IU] once a day for 2 weeks. For cryptosporidiosis treatment, Gl received Mirazid [10mg /kg for 2 weeks], G2 received Paromomycin [500 mg qid for 2 weeks], and G3 received a combination of Mirazid [10mg/kg] and Paromomycin [500 mg] for two weeks. The result was assessed according to the scales: 0= no improvement, 1= symptoms began improvement [reduction of diarrhea frequency and stool volume, less abdominal pain, less nausea and vomiting], 2= diarrhea eradication, 3= weight gain, 4= oocyst counts reduction, 5= reduction in diarrhea and oocyst counts, 6= eradication of diarrhea and oocysts. G3 showed significantly higher difference than Gl and G2 in the 1[st] week [p=.036, 0.025 respectively], no significant difference in 2[nd] week, a significantly higher difference than in Gl [0.003], and G2 [0.006] in 3[rd] week, and a significantly higher difference than Gl [0.014], and G2 [0.01] in 4[th] week, but without significant differences in oocyst shedding in the 3 groups

Histological and immunohistochemical studies on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats treated with griseofulvin

Griseofulvin was the first oral anti-fungal drug available for treatment of dermatophytosis. Neurological side effects including neuropathies, confusion, vertigo, eyesight disorders and fatigue may occur due to its use. Twenty adult male albino rats, each weighing 100-150 gm were used to study the toxic effects of griseofulvin administration on the histological structure of cerebellar cortex. They were classified equally into four groups. The first group: was used as a negative control group, the second group: was used as a positive control group, each rat was given 1 mL olive oil orally daily for 12 weeks, the third group: each rat was given griseofulvin orally [dissolved in olive oil in a dose of 2500 mg/kg body weight [1/20 of LD 50]for 6 weeks and the fourth group: each rat was given griseofulvin orally [dissolved in olive oil in a dose of 2500 mg/kg body weight [1/20 of LD 50] for 12 weeks. At the time of sacrifice all the animals were anaesthetized with ether inhalation and their cerebelli were carefully dissected and processed for paraffin sections then stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Weelecks procedure and modified aldehyde thionine technique to study the general structures. Immunohistochemical stain with astroglial marker antibody Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein was also used. In griseofulvin-treated animals of the third group, there was distortion of some Purkinje cells with loss of their dendritic arbirization and they were separated from each other. In treated animals of the fourth group, some Purkinje cells were more distorted and separated by wide spaces. The molecular layer appeared with scattered cells and less abundant nerve fibers in between. Immunohistochemically, tile treated animals of the third group showed Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein positive astrocytes in the molecular and granular layers. In the fourth group, there were Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein more positive astrocytes. The results of the current study revealed that, administration of griseofulvin for a long time induced adverse effects on the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats

Comparative study between the toxic effects of rofecoxib and harpagophytum procumbens extract on adult albino rats

The highly selective cyclo- oxygenase II [COX-II] inhibitors could alleviate pain and inflammation and have fewer side effects than conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]. Herpagophytum Procumbens has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with various types of arthritis. The aim of this work was to perform a comparison between the toxic effects of Rofecoxib and Harpagophytum Procumbens [herpago] on adult male albino rats. This study included 170 adult male albino rats divided into 5 groups. Group I, II and III were used as control groups [-ve control group, Gum acacia group and distilled water group]: each consisted of 30 rats remained for 6 weeks. Group IV [rofecoxib group]: consisted of 40 rats, each rat was gavaged with 1.8 mg rofecoxib/rat [double human therapeutic dose] once daily for 6 weeks. Group V [herpago group]: consisted of 40 rats, each rat was gavaged with 86.4 mg herpago/rat [double human therapeutic dose] once daily for 6 weeks. At the end of six weeks: ten rats from rofecoxib [IV] and herpago [V] groups and fifteen rats from each control group [I, II and III] were used for blood pressure measuring. Another ten rats from groups IV and V and fifteen rats from I, II and Ill were used for biochemical and histopathological studies. The remaining rats of both groups IV and V were left for another 6 weeks without drug administration for follow up. At the end of this period the follow up rats were examined as above. Groups I, II and III showed no abnormal findings without statistically significant difference between them [P>0.05]. In rofecoxib group an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures [SBP, DBP] were detected with a significant difference when compared with -ve control group [P<0.001], while herpago group showed a decrease in SBP and DBP with a statistically significant difference when compared with the -ve control group [P<0.001]. After 6 weeks of follow up, the SBP and DBP of rofecoxib and herpago groups showed no significant difference when compared with the -ve control group [P>0.05]. After 6 weeks of treatment there were an increase in serum Na+ and K+ levels with a decrease in serum pH and HCO3- with a statistically significant difference in rofecoxib group when compared with the -ve control group [P<0.001]. Herpago group showed no abnormal findings in the above mentioned biochemical, parameters. Six weeks after the discontinuation of rofecoxib administration the Na+ level returned to its control level and gave no significant difference when compared with the -ye control group [P>0.05]. Serum K+, HCO3- and pH levels improved but didn't reach to the control level and gave significant difference when compared with the -ve control group [P<0.05]. Macroscopically, no abnormal findings in the heart gastro- intestinal tract [GIT] were detected in all tested groups. With rofecoxib group, microscopical examination of the cardiac sections showed ischemic changes with atrophy of cardiac muscles. Herpago group showed no histopathological abnormalities on microscopical examination. After 6 weeks of follow up histopathological examination of the heart in rofecoxib group showed disappearance of the ischaemic changes. The cardiac muscles regain its normal thickness and length. Histopathological examination of the stomach and small intestine of rofecoxib group showed different degrees of affection varies from edema of lamina propria and vascular congestion to loss of superficial epithelium [erosion] and peptic ulcer. Herpago group showed no histopathological abnormalities in the GIl. After 6 weeks of follow up in rofecoxib group partial healing of erosions and ulcers occur and the mucosa regained its normal thickness. It could be concluded that rofecoxib is more toxic than herpago and its toxic effects were partially reversible after its discontinuation

Spot light survey on fresh-water snails of medical importance in Al Fayoum governorate, Egypt

In a survey carried out during summer and autumn of 2004, for snails of medical importance, nine species were recovered. They were Biomphalaria alexandrina, B. glabrata, B. pfeifferi, Bulinus truncatus, B. forskalii, Lymnaea natalensis, Bellamya [=Vivipara] unicolor, Physa acuta and Hydrobia mesaensis. Parasitological examination revealed that B. alexandrina, B. glabrata and L. natalensis harboured immature stages of their concerned trematode parasites. Moreover, P. acuta harboured the immature stage of the nematode parasite Parastrongylus cantonensis

Comparative study of the hepatotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of praziquantel distocide and the natural Myrrh extract Mirazid [R] on adult male albino rats

Praziquantel [PZQ] is widely and effectively used in the control of bilharziasis which constitutes a major endemic health problem in Egypt. However, recent studies recommended that the drug must be re-evaluated because of its potential carcinogenicity and genotoxicity. Mirazid is a new natural anti-schistosomal drug formed of myrrh extract and considered to be a safe drug. This work was conducted to evaluate and compare hepatotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of PZQ und mirazid on adult male albino rats by assessment of serum levels of ALT, AST and bilirubin, histopathological study of the liver and cytogenetic study of bone marrow cells. 100 adult male albino rats were equally divided into 4 groups: group I negative control, group II control rats received distilled water, group III received weekly single oral dose of PZQ [1500 mg/kg] for 6 weeks and group IV received daily oral dose of mirazid [500mg/kg] for 6 weeks. At the end of the study, 10 rats of each group were investigated by assessment of the levels of AST, ALT, and bilirubin. After scarification, liver sections were examined by light microscopy. Another 10 rats of each group were submitted to cytogenetic examination. It was found that praziquantel induced a significant increase in the mean values of AST, ALT and bilirubin with areas of hyaline degeneration, fatty changes, dysplasia and necrosis in the liver sections. It also induced a significant increase in the incidence of chromosomal aberrations as polyploidy, fragment, deletion and ring chromosome as compared with control group. Mirazid induced an insignificant increase in the mean values of AST, ALT and bilirubin with a normal hepatic tissue and an insignificant increase in the incidence of chromosomal aberrations as compared with the control group. On comparing both drugs, praziquantel induced a significant hepatotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. It was concluded that praziquantel is considered to be a hepatotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic drug. On the other hand, mirazid seemed to be a safe and promising antiparasitic drug, free from hepatotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects

Light microscopic study of the effect of new antischistosmal drug [Myrrh extract] on the liver of mice

The efficacy of purified oleo-resin extract of myrrh derived from Commiphora molmol tree, [known as Mirazid R] was studied against an Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni in mice. Seventy adult male mice were used in this study. They were divided into 4 groups: G.I: consisted of control non- infected non treated mice. G.II: comprised the non infected treated mice and was subdivided into two subgroups, subgroup II-A: included mice which received Myrrh extract dissolved in cremophore EL and subgroup IIB: included mice which were treated with cremophore EL. G.III: consisted of the infected non treated animals and G.IV: included infected mice which were treated with myrrh extract. The drug was given 8 weeks post infection in a dose of 500 mg/ kg body weight/ day for 5 successive days. All animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks from the beginning of the experiment. Liver paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H and E, Masson's Trichrome stain. PAS stain and Wilder's technique. A morphometric study was performed for the mean number and perimeter of the granulomas. Area percentage of the total collagen content around central veins as well as in portal areas was also estimated. The livers of the animals in G.II which received either myrrh extract [subgroup II-A] or cremophore EL [subgroup II-B] showed a more or less normal histological profile when compared to G.I [non infected-non treated group]. G.IV [Infected treated G.] showed complete preservation of the hepatic architecture. Most of the hepatocytes appeared almost normal. The reticular network in the central part of the granulomas as well as in the portal tracts appeared rarefied. The hepatic reticular network was preserved. A significant decrease in the number and size of granulomas with significant reduction in the collagen content deposition in portal tracts and around central veins was detected when compared to G.III [infected non treated mice]. The data of this study proved the efficacy of myrrh as a promising anti-schistosomal drug

Combined systolic and diastolic performance, aortic root, left atrial dimensions and carotid intima-media thickness in pregnancy-induced hypertension: relation to parity and lipids

Pregnancy-induced hypertension offers a natural model of transient hypertension. This study aimed to assess the ability of echocardiographic Doppler to unmask left ventricular function impairment as well as both left atrium and aortic root dimensions and carotid intma-media thickness as echocardiographic markers. Forty-eight women aged 29.6 +/- 4.42 years with pregnancy-induced hypertension defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg after 20 weeks gestation without a history of hypertension. Forty-eight normal pregnant women, aged 26.37 +/- 4.94 years, were the controls. Left ventricular diastolic and systolic diameters, ejection fraction, interventrical septum, posterior wall, relative wall thickness, left ventricular mass index, E velocity, A velocity, E/A ratio, isovolumetric relaxation time [IRT], isovolumetric contraction time [ICT], ejection time [ET], and the combined index of myocardial performance [Tei index = IRT + ICT/ET], were calculated by echocardiography Doppler 2 to 4 days postpartum. Left atrium and aortic root dimensions and carotid intima-media thickness were also assessed. Lipid profile was compared and the relation to parity and pregravid bodymass index were also assessed. There were statistically significant differences between groups in the all parameters apart from both diastolic and systolic diameters, ejection fraction, left atrium and aortic root dimensions. Highly significant differences existed in the Tei-Index andIRT and less significant relation regarding carotid intima-media thickness and E/A ratio. A highly positive association with pregravid body mass index, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and not HDL was found. A less positive relationship between parity was noticed. Pregnancy-induced hypertension evaluated 2 to 4 days after delivery showed left ventricular dysfunction, mainly diastolic. The Tei index is a useful parameter to unmask left ventricular dysfunction. Carotid intima-media thickness as well as E/A ratio are also ot value. Obesity and of a lesser extent parity are also predictors