Comparative evaluation of the ultrastructural morphology and distribution of filiform and fungiform tongue papillae in Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs / 대한해부학회지

The tongue is a specialized vital organ. It aids in mastication, deglutition and food digestion. It also shares in the perception of taste sensation as it possesses various gustatory papillae. It is being subjected to numerous anatomical and histological examinations aiming at exploring the correlation between its morphological features and animal adaptations to various types of nutrition and environmental conditions. The goal of the present work was to compare the ultrastructural features of the filiform and fungiform papillae of three various mammals possessing different feeding habits; Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs. Specimens were obtained from the tongues of four healthy adult animals from each mammalian type. Tongues were fixed and all the appropriate procedures were done to perform scanning electron microscopic investigation. Scanning electron microscopic examination demonstrated that in mice, there were four different sub-types of filiform papillae (spike, leaf, conical and tongue-shaped). In bats, there were two sub-types (flower and leaf-like) and in hedgehogs, there was only one type (tongue-like). These filiform papillae showed different distribution and orientation. As for the fungiform papillae, they were cylindrical in mice, rounded or conical in bats and dome-shaped in hedgehogs. Fungiform papillae possessed taste pores containing taste buds. Ultrastructural variations of the filiform and fungiform papillae were suggested to be probably due to adaptation to various feeding habits and different environmental conditions of these animals.

Comparative evaluation of the ultrastructural morphology and distribution of filiform and fungiform tongue papillae in Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs / 대한해부학회지

The tongue is a specialized vital organ. It aids in mastication, deglutition and food digestion. It also shares in the perception of taste sensation as it possesses various gustatory papillae. It is being subjected to numerous anatomical and histological examinations aiming at exploring the correlation between its morphological features and animal adaptations to various types of nutrition and environmental conditions. The goal of the present work was to compare the ultrastructural features of the filiform and fungiform papillae of three various mammals possessing different feeding habits; Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs. Specimens were obtained from the tongues of four healthy adult animals from each mammalian type. Tongues were fixed and all the appropriate procedures were done to perform scanning electron microscopic investigation. Scanning electron microscopic examination demonstrated that in mice, there were four different sub-types of filiform papillae (spike, leaf, conical and tongue-shaped). In bats, there were two sub-types (flower and leaf-like) and in hedgehogs, there was only one type (tongue-like). These filiform papillae showed different distribution and orientation. As for the fungiform papillae, they were cylindrical in mice, rounded or conical in bats and dome-shaped in hedgehogs. Fungiform papillae possessed taste pores containing taste buds. Ultrastructural variations of the filiform and fungiform papillae were suggested to be probably due to adaptation to various feeding habits and different environmental conditions of these animals.

In-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant properties of starch/ chitosan edible composite film incorporated with thyme essential oil

Nowadays, packaging research is receiving considerable attention because of the development of ecofriendly materials made from natural polymers such as starch and chitosan. This study aimed to prepare composite films from starch-chitosan, incorporated with Thymus vulgaris essential oil [S-CH-Th], and to evaluate their antibacterial, antioxidant and optical properties. The molecular weight of chitosan was [[tilde]400 kDa, 75-85% deacetylated]. 27% amylose corn starch, Tween 80, DPPH [2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl] and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent were used to carry out research. Antibacterial activity testing was performed using the disk method. Antioxidant activity test was performed using a spectrophotometric method with DPPH as the radical source. Essential oil concentrations ranging from 0 to 2%, incorporated into a starch- chitosan composite [S-CH] film, were used. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties increased significantly with the incorporation of Essential oils [EO] [P < 0.05]. On incorporating EO, there was an increase in the total colour differences [DELTAE], yellowness index and whiteness index, which were significantly higher than those of the control, and the transparency was reduced. Also, the results showed that chitosan edible films incorporated with T. vulgaris EO could be used as active films because of their excellent antibacterial and antioxidant activities. S-CH edible films incorporated with thyme EO as a natural antibacterial and antioxidant agent may potentially be used as an active packaging to enhance the safety of foods and food products

Evaluation of different methods for the detection of KPC b-lactamase in Klebsiella pneumoniae and escherichia coli

The worldwide increase in the occurrence and dissemination of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase [KPC] among Gram-negative pathogens makes critical the early detection of these enzymes. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the most appropriate method for the detection and identification of KPC producing Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli. Modified Hodge test [MHT], Boronic acid lest [BAT] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were evaluated for the detection of KPC-possessing isolates. A total of 60 urine samples and 60 sputum samples were collected from 79 patients in Chest Intensive Care Unit and Trauma intensive Care Unit in Assiut University Hospital. Sixty four isolates [26 Klebsiella pneumonia and 38 E. coil] were identified by conventional methods. The antibiotic susceptibility testing of isolates showed that 19% were resistant to meropenem, 17% were resistant to imipenem and 95% were resistant to ertapenem. Thirty seven isolates were MHT positive while twenty three only of them were Boronic acid and PCR positive. The results indicate that the MHT lack sensitivity while Boronic acid test is an excellent inhibitor of KPCs. PCR is the standard method for the detection of the KPCs but it's highly expensive

Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by xerogel film supported on activated carbon and silica

Carbon xerogel [X], a kind of novel carbon material with low-density and continuous nano-porous structure that can be controlled and tailored on nanometer scale, has been prepared through the sol-gel polycondensation of resorcinol [R] with formaldehyde [F] followed by drying at ambient pressure and carbonization in inert atmosphere. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to find out the effective lead removal at different metal ion concentrations. Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto xerogel film supported on activated carbon and silica has been performed. The removal of Pb ions from aqueous solutions was studied by batch method. The effects of initial metal concentrations, initial pH, contact time and the quantity of adsorbents were investigated. It was found that carbon xerogel supported on activated carbon exhibited the best adsorption potential for removal of lead ions from solutions

Hazardous effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones on the brain and cochlea of albino rats: role of melatonin and vitamin C

The wide spread of mobile phone communication raises questions about the effects of electromagnetic fields [EMFs] on the human body. The objective of this study was to examine effects of exposure to radio frequency EMFs emitted by mobile phones on the brain and cochlea, and to investigate the role of melatonin and vitamin C on these effects in adult rats. Forty two adult albino rats were randomly grouped into 7 groups [six rats each]. Group I [Negative control], Group II [Sham-operated without exposure to EMR], Group III [rats treated with melatonin], Group IV [rats treated with vitamin C], Group V [Exposed group, rats were exposed to mobile phone radiation, Group VI [Exposed and treated with melatonin] and Group VII [Exposed and treated with Vit C]. Groups V, VI and VII were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 min/day, for 30 days using an experimental exposure device. Glutathione [GSH] level and superoxide dismutase enzyme [SOD] activity in brain tissue and blood, gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] and norepinephrine [NE] levels in the brain tissue and serum corticosterone level were estimated in all examined groups. Histopathological examination of brain tissue and cochleae [organ of Corti] by light microscope was also performed for all groups. The results of the study revealed that exposure to mobile phone radiations induced significant decrease in GSH level and SOD enzyme activity in brain tissue and blood, decrease GABA levels and increase NE levels in brain tissue, and significant increase in serum corticosterone level. Brain tissue of exposed rats revealed small dispersed neurons with dark swollen nuclei in undifferentiated layers of the cerebral cortex, deeply stained swollen nuclei of Purkinje cells and hypocelularity of granular layer with disorganization of molecular layer of cerebellum and degenerated neurons with dark pyknotic and swollen nuclei on both sides the dentate gyrus of hippocampus. Complete destruction of all cells of the organ of Corti and neurons of spiral ganglion was noticed in the exposure group. Co-administration of melatonin or Vit. C throughout the exposure period showed significant increase in the levels of GSH, SOD enzyme activity in brain tissue and blood, increase GABA and decrease in NE levels in brain tissue and significant decrease in serum corticosterone level compared to exposed group. Furthermore, brain and organ of Corti of rats exposed to mobile phone and treated with melatonin showed nearly normal structure. While, co-administration of Vit. C throughout the exposure period showed mild protection of brain tissue and organ of Corti. Mobile phone radiations induced both biologically and histopathologically deleterious effects on the brain tissues and organ of Corti, these effects were ignorantly reversed nearly to normal with co-administration of melatonin, while mild reverse was noticed with co-administration of Vit. C. It is recommended to use antioxidants for mobile phone users especially those who use it for long periods, and to decrease the calls period as much as possible

Environmental exposure to asbestos and the exposure-response relationship with mesothelioma

An epidemiological and environmental study was carried out in Shubra El-Kheima city, greater Cairo, of the exposure-response relationship between asbestos and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Radiological screening was done for 487 people occupationally exposed to asbestos, 2913 environmentally exposed to asbestos and a control group of 979 with no history of exposure. Pleural biopsy was done for suspicious cases. The airborne asbestos fibre concentrations were determined in all areas. There were 88 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed, 87 in the exposed group. The risk of mesothelioma was higher in the environmentally exposed group than other groups, and higher in females than males. The prevalence of mesothelioma increased with increased cumulative exposure to asbestos

Green tea catechins as hypolipemic agents-probable mode of action

The present study aimed at elucidating the hypochesterolemic effect of catechins [major constituents of green tea] and their possible mechanism of action. Cholestyramine, [quaternary resin] which has approved hypochesterolemic action was selected as comparative drug. In vivo and in vitro studies [mass spectrometry] were carried out. Experimental hyperchesterolemia was induced experimentally in rats which were classified into three groups. First one received catechins orally in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight daily, the second one received cholestyramine orally in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight daily, while the third one received no drugs and served as control. The experiment was lasted for 10 weeks. Twenty four hours prior to the end of the experiment, fecal residues were collected properly, and the cholesterol content was determined in these residues. Blood samples were taken and used for biochemical determination of total cholesterol [TC], triaceyglycerol [TAG] and amino transferase enzymes [ALT and AST]. Liver samples were also isolated and processed for determination of cholesterol content and histopathological examination. Fecal cholesterol level revealed significant increase while other serum parameters [TC, TAG, AST and ALT] showed significant decrease in the treated rats when compared to untreated control. From our in vitro and in vivo studies we conclude that the hypochesterolemic effect of catechins is predominatly attributed to the formation of an insoluble complex between catechins and cholesterol, thereby decreasing intestinal absorption and increasing fecal cholesterol excretion

Study of pancreatic islet cell function in cirrhotic patients due to hepatitis C virus

The liver is of key importance in the proper functioning of most of endocrine system. It is a major organ for metabolic degradation of many hormones. In chronic liver disease, there is a change in the concentrations of main pancreatic hormones. In this study, we aimed to study pancreatic islet cell hormones in non ascitic non diabetic cirrhotic HCV patients by measuring these hormones basally and after intravenous glucose load with different concentrations to evaluate pattern of endocrine pancreatic hormonal response at increasing glucose concentration. This case-control study included 25 non ascitic non diabetic patients with cirrhosis due to HCV infection; age ranged from 28 to 60 years. They were selected from outpatient clinic of National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute [NHTMRI] during June 2004 to January 2005. Fifteen age and sex matched apparently healthy control subjects from same area were also included in study. Assessment of pancreatic islet cell function was done by assaying insulin, C-peptide, somatostatin and glucagon hormones. All hormones were determined by radioimmunoassay [RIA] for both patients and controls. Basal insulin, basal somatostatin and basal glucagons levels were significantly higher than that of controls [p<0.05]. Basal C-peptide was significantly lower than that of controls [p<0.05]. After intravenous glucose load with different concentrations 5%, 10% and 25%, insulin level showed a significant increase than controls [p<0.05], while other hormones showed no significant difference as compared to controls [p>0.05]. Pancreatic islet cell functional defects with liver cirrhosis due to HCV infection

Extraction and characterization of alpha-amylase inhibitor from some cereals and legumes

Alpha-amylase inhibitor extracted from different sources, i.e., wheat grains [Sohag 2 and Giza 164], legume seeds such as cow pea [Carim 7 and Giza 3], and kidney bean [Giza 6 and Giza 133] was purified and tested for activity using human salivary and pancreatic alpha-amylase. Results showed that the alpha-amylase inhibitor activity from samples studied were 120 to 285 unit / mg protein. The inhibitor was found to be stable at pH range from 2 to 4. It was also stable to digestion by proteolytic enzymes [pepsin and trypsin]. The inhibition was faster at 37°C than at 25°C, The results showed that the degree of thermal stability of alpha-amylase inhibitor extracted from kidney bean [Giza 133] was at 35-37°C, activity was decreased on 50°C for 5 hr. Increased of pre-incubation time between inhibitor and both alpha-amylase enzymes at 37°C increased the rate of inhibition of these enzymes and the complex formation between them from 60 - 80% in 30 min, while addition of these enzymes to the mixture containing inhibitor and substrate [without pre-incubation] decrease the percent inhibition. Therefore, an evidence of specific interference of the alpha-amylase inhibitor with starch availability was established. Such possibilities will have valuable interest in the field of special dietary food preparations for diabetes and over weight reduction purposes

Chemical composition and characteristics of alpha-amylase inhibitor

In this study chemical constituents and characteristics of alpha amylase inhibitor extracted from kidney bean Giza 133 and wheat Giza 164 were studied. Results indicated that the purified alpha amylase inhibitors of kidney bean Giza 133 contained more total carbohydrate content [14.4%] than wheat Giza 164 [1.2%], in addition to the differences in amino acid content for both samples. The alpha amylase inhibitor characteristics indicated that the molecular weight of kidney bean Giza 133 [47.000 Da] was higher than both wheat Giza 164 [24.000 Da] and human salivary alpha-amylase [32.000 Da] and lower than enzyme-inhibitor complex [61.000 Da]. The low activity of both human and pancreatic alpha amylase was achieved using low concentration of kidney bean inhibitor [1.56 and 1.95 UI] compared with higher concentration [4.69 and 5.47 UI] of wheat Giza 164. The addition of salt [NaCl and bromide] in the purification step increased the inhibitor activity up to 80, 91%, and the inhibitor reaction rate reached maximum at ratio 1:1 [Inhibitor [I]: Enzyme [E]]. Results also indicated that the low dissociation constant of kidney bean inhibitor gave stability to the I-E complex at pH 6.9. Increasing the pH values prevent further inhibition and the reaction is irreversible, while raising the temperature up to 37°C reverse the inhibition reaction to its primary rate

Biological evaluation of the purified alpha amylase inhibitor from kidney bean [Giza 133]

The biological evaluation of the purified alpha amylase inhibitor of kidney bean [Giza 133] by using rats was carried out. Results showed that all rats gained weight at different levels. Rats in control groups gained more weight [64g] and faster than those with inhibitor. The results indicated that using 200 Ul/100g: diet was economically recommended. Diets supplemented with .200:Ul increased BV, NPU by [16%], and reduced starch hydrolysis. Glucose absorption in blood and serum insulin in all digestion hours, with little starch hydrolysis after 4 hr digestion noticed. The results also proved that using alpha amylase inhibitor in diet caused higher level of NEFA, reduction in the rate of forming fatty substances in subcutaneous layers in rats and consequently growing rate was reduced

Use of ethyl beta-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-alpha-cyanoacrylate in the synthesis of carbazone, thiazol and imidazolidin-2-thione derivatives

Condensation of ethyl beta-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-alpha-cyanoacrylate with thiosemicarbazide gave the 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone [3]. Treatment of 3 with acetic anhydride, 4-substituted phenacyl bromide and ethyl chloroacetate yielded the corresponding N-acetyl derivative [4], thiazol derivative [5] and 3-substituted 4-oxo-imidazolidin-2-thione [6]. Compound 6 reacted with benzyl chloride, methyl acrylate, phenyl- diazonium chloride and hydrazine hydrate to give 1-substituted imidazo-lidine-2-thione derivatives [7,8,9] and 1,2-bis [4-hydroxy-benzal-dehyde] hydrazone [10]. Treatment of 6 with acetic anhydride and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde afforded the corresponding N-acetyl derivatives [11] and 5-substitued-imidazolidin-2-thione [12]. The mass spectral fragmentation patterns of some compounds are described

Some biochemical parameters of young male albino rats treated with ponceau 4 R and vitamin E.

The current study aimed to clarify hazardous effect of ponceau 4R as food colour on rats and the effect of vitamin E as an antioxidant to prevent its toxic effect. Fourty premature growing male albino rats were divided into four groups, the first served as control group, the second supplemented with vitamin E [150 mg/kg],the third treated with ponceau 4R[0.19 mg/kg] and fourth treated with ponceau 4R[0.19 mg/kg] and vitamin E [150 mg/kg]. Half of each group was treated for 3 m, the other half was treated for 6 months. Rats treated with ponceau 4R showed highly significant decrease [P<0.01] in serum total lipids, proteins, albumin levels and cholinesterase activity throughout the experimental period, while recorded a significant decrease [P<0.05] in glucose level till the end of the experiment and in globulin level and A/G ratio after 3 months of treatment only. On the other hand, significant increase was detected in total cholesterol level [P < .01] and AST activity [P < .05] after both periods of treatment, while ALT activity showed insignificant change. It seams from the presents study that vitamin E has protective effect against the side effect of ponceau 4R on rats

Ethoxylated eugenol as new solvent for silver alkene complex in GC. I. calculation of complex formation constant and thermodynamic quantities

Complex formation constants, K, were calculated for some alkenes from the retention data on ethoxylated eugenol [EE] stationary phase containing different concentrations of silver nitrate by GC. Thermodynamic quantities, i.e., differential molar free energy [delta Gs], enthalpy [delta Hs], entropy [delta Ss] and specific free energy of interaction [delta Gsp] were calculated. The relationships between the thermodynamic quantities and the corrected retention volumes were plotted and discussed. The obtained results reveal that, in EE solvent, the interaction between Ag + ions and alkene is stronger than Ag + ions and the corresponding alkane permitting the calculation of K values. The calculated values of thermodynamic quantities of interaction between alkenes and EE-AgNO 3 stationary phase are lower than the corresponding values on EE alone

Synthesis and mass spectra of some aryl aldehyde thiosemicarbazones

The reaction of ethyl beta-aryl-alpha-cyanoacrylate [1] with thiosemicarbazide in the presence of potassium carbonate gave arylaldehydethiosemicarbazone [3]. Treatment of compound 3 with acetic anhydride, benzoyl chloride and ethyl chloroacetate yielded the corresponding 4-[substituted benzaldehyde-2, 4-diacetytl hiosemicarbazone] [4], 4 [substituted benzaldehyde -2, 4-dibenzoyl thiose micarbazones] [5], and 3-substituted-2-thioxo-imidazolidin-4-one [6]. The mass spectral fragmentation patterns of the compounds 3, 4, 5 and 6 are described

Plasma endothelin-1 levels in children with sickle cell anemia

The abnormal interaction between sickle cells and vascular endothelium may be of greater relevance for vaso-occlusive events than are alteration of red cell morphology or viscosity. One endothelial cell derived component extremely sensitive to cell injury is the vasoconstrictor peptide; endothelin-1 [ET-1] which has been found to be increased in patients with ischemic manifestations. Plasma ET-1 was assessed in this work to mirror endothelial cell interactions and to clarify its role in sickle cell anemia as a co-factor in the pathogenesis of vaso-occlusive events. According to their clinical presentation, patients were divided into two groups: Group I [n=18] were in steady state of sickle cell anemia, 12 of them [Group II] presented with acute painful crisis during the study period. Both groups were subjected to full clinical examination, routine hematological evaluation and measurement of plasma ET-1 level using ELISA technique. Our results were compared to a reference group of 15 age- and sex-matched normal controls. A statistically significant increase of levels of plasma ET-1 was demonstrated in patients during crisis compared to those during the steady state of their disease [p<0.05]. Similarly, ET-1 level was higher in both groups than the controls [p<0.05]. There was a significantly higher level of ET-1 in patients with hepatomegaly versus those without enlarged liver [p<0.05]. A significant negative correlation between ET-1 and frequency of blood transfusion was detected in this study, while a significant positive correlation between it and hemoglobin S was also found. However, no correlation was present between ET-1 and frequency of previous vaso-occlusive crises. ET-1 could contribute to both the prolonged vasospasm and inflammation mediating painful crisis in sickle cell anemia. Endothelin antagonist strategies might have good utility in the treatment of this complex clinical disorder

Nail changes in minimal alopecia areata

Nail involvement in alopecia areata is relatively common. The reported incidence ranged from 10 to 66%, and in another it was as low as 3.65%. Onychodystrophy generally is most common and severe in patients with extensive alopecia, but it has been reported with minimal hair loss. This work aimed at evaluating the types and the prevalence of nail changes occurring in the patchy type of alopecia areata with minimal hair loss. Eighty four patients with patchy type of alopecia areata of minimal hair loss were included in this study. Full clinical examination and pertinent laboratory investigations were done for them. 44.1% of patients presented with nail changes; 36.84% had maturity onset and 59.25% had juvenile onset alopecia areata. 48.27% gave history of recurrence of alopecia areata. Fine pitting occurred in 32.43%, fine pitting with longitudinal ridging in 24.32%, longitudinal ridging alone in 8.11%, punctuate Leukonychia in 16.22%, Beau's lines in 10.81%, onycholysis and nail shedding in 5.41%, and reddening of the nail in 2.70% of patients. Nail changes are common in alopecia areata, occurring even in mild cases with minimal hair loss, being more with longer duration and recurrence. Children and adolescents are more prone to nail changes than adults. Diffuse fine pitting and longitudinal ridging are the commonest nail affection

Dermatologic disorders associated viral hepatitis in Egypt

Subjective: Viral hepatitis can present with a wide variety of cutaneous manifestations. Of all bloodborne infections, hepatitis has the greatest chance for accidental transmission through breaks in the skin during surgical procedures, needle pricks, etc. The aim of this work is to study the cutaneous manifestations of viral hepatitis in Egypt. Also to booster the dermatologist awareness of the various associations, so that an early diagnosis of and precautions against such a serious disorder could be undertaken. Patients and Hepatitis patients were taken at random from the inpatient and outpatient clinics of the university hospitals and liver institute in Egypt. The patients had complete history taking, physical and dermatological examination. Hepatitis serology, blood chemistry for liver functions, lipids, diabetes, and kidney function, skin biopsy, bacterial and mycological culture were done for the patients as indicated. 900 hepatitis patients [520 males, 380 females] were examined. Of them, 500 had Hepatitis C virus [HCV] and 400 had Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection. 60% were patients residing in rural regions, and 55.5% were workers and farmers infested with Bilharzia. 15% gave different histories of blood transfusion, [27.7%] I.V. drug administration specially for Bilharziasis, and 5.5% were in contact with other hepatitis patients. Skin manifestations of liver disease as a whole comprised 48.1% of the total, and 6.1% had skin manifestations of hepatitis. 80% had skin manifestations with HCV, and 20% with HBV infection. The most prevalent diseases were lichen planus, urticaria, erythema multiforme, psoriasis, leucocytoclastic vasculitis, and erythema nodosum. Viral hepatitis is a prevalent infectious disease in Egypt, the commonest types being HCV and HBV most probably as a result of repeated I.V. treatment of Bilharzial patients. Male workers outnumbered females. Skin diseases occurred more with HCV patients. Not all types of the reported skin associations were found in this study, and there has not been a previous report about the prevalence of associated skin disorders in Egypt for comparison. However, a wider scale study is required for a more precise evaluation. Dermatologists should be aware of the various cutaneous associations of such a serious disease