effect of maternal exposure to di-[2-ethylhexyl]-phthalate on the lung of albino rat offspring: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Introduction: Di-[2-ethylhexyl]-phthalate [DEHP] is present in a wide variety of medical devices. Infants are more susceptible than the general population

Aim of work: To investigate histological and immnohistochemical changes in the lung of newborn rats in response to mothers' exposure

Materials and methods: Twenty nonpregnant adult female albino rats were used. After pregnancy, on the 15[th] day of pregnancy, dams were divided into two equal groups: the control group received corn oil and the treated group received DEHP [500 mg/kg/day] from the 15[th] day of pregnancy and during the 1[st] three weeks of lactation. Fifteen offspring from each group were subdivided into three subgroups, 1, 2, and 3, which were sacrificed at the 2[nd], 7[th], and 21[st] postnatal day, respectively. Lung specimens were processed for light microscope [H and E and immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen] and electron microscope examination

Results: H and E-stained sections of treated lung on the 2[nd] day showed variable-sized saccules. Primary septa were significantly thicker than those of the control group. However, on the 7[th] day, focally dilated saccules with thin primary septa were observed. Saccules and secondary septa were fewer than those in the control group. On the 21[st] day, variable-sized alveoli and a significant increase in septal thickness were observed. Immunohistochemically, there was a significant increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells on both the 2[nd] day and the 21[st] day, whereas they decreased on the 7[th] day in comparison with the control group. Ultrastructurally, treated lung on the 2[nd] day showed a saccular wall with many layers of interstitial cells, some with shrunken nuclei, whereas on the 7[th] day, thin septa were observed. Type II pneumocytes and interstitial cells had heterochromatic shrunken nuclei, whereas on the 21[st] day, the presence of macrophages was observed in the lumen. Interstitials cells and type II pneumocytes showed heterochromatic nuclei and marked distortion of organelles

Conclusion: DEHP induced marked histological and immunohistochemical changes in the lung. Alternative plasticizers with less adverse impact could be used. Further studies on the possible protective effect of antioxidants are recommended

Electrophoretic patterns of protein fractionations in hemolymph and tissues of Biomphalaria Alexandrina and bulinus truncatus during course of schistosome infection

Electrophoresis of plasma protein of B. alexandrina [uninfected and infected with S. mansoni] showed that the major dominant bands had molecular weights of 20,44,96,139 and 205KD in both types of snails. The 1day and 1 week post miracidia1 exposure [PME] groups were characterized by band 54 KD. All groups except a day PMA were characterized by a common band of MW 65 KD. Three days PME group had three bands of 123 KD, 150 and 177 KD, not found in other groups. The highest similarity index in 2 weeks PME and 5 weeks PME groups [during cercaria1 shedding] was 0.667 the lowest one was in 3-dys PME [0.5]. the 3-days PME had a unique band of MW 177.04 KD, not found in other groups. Similar electrophoretic pattern of B. alexandrina protein was seen. The major dominant bands had molecular weights of 14, 21, 80 and 140KD in both non-infected and infected snails. The 1day PME had a band of 48.483 KD, 3days PME had band of 87.985 KD, one-week PME group characterized by two band 61.761 KD and 70.33 KD. The two-weeks PME had a band 91.111 KD. While, the 5week PME [during cercaria1 production] was the only group that shared the common band of MW 115 KD with controls. The highest similarity index in 5 weeks PME [during cercaria1 shedding] group was 0.545 and the lowest one was in 1 week and 2 weeks PME [0.43]. The electrophoresis of plasma protein of B. truncates [uninfected and infected with S. haematobium] showed that the major dominant bands had molecular weights of 20, 30, 65, 80, 106, 117 and 170 KD in both type of snails. The 1 day PME group was characterized by three band of MWs 26.539, 51.891 and 91.509 KD. All experimental groups, except 5 weeks PME [during cercaria1 shedding] and control, had a common band of MW 45KD. Three days PME group had a characteristic band of 113.72 KD which was not found in any other group. The highest similarity index was in one week PME group was 0.857 and the lowest one in 1 days PME [0.5]. In B. truncatus tissue protein, the major dominant band by electro- phoretic pattern had molecular weights of 20, 45, 54, 80, 97, and 171KD in both type of snails. A day PME had of 73.544KD and a week PME had a band of MW 60.813 KD. Two and 5weeks PME groups had 2 bands of MWs 27 and 62 KD .All experimental groups had a characteristic band not found in control of MW 141 KD. The highest similarity index in 3-days PME was 0.8 and the lowest one was in 5 weeks PME during cercaria1 shedding [0.545].

Longitudinal study for prediction of type 1 diabetes in siblings of patients: an initial step for prevention of disease

The aim of this study was identification of cut off points of positivity of different antibodies [Ab] against islet cell antigens [ICA, Anti GAD Ab, Anti IA2 Ab] in Egyptian children and adolescents who are sibs of patients with type 1 diabetes as well as determination of their insulin secretory capacity and identification of HLA-DQB1 alleles known to predispose to or protected against type 1 diabetes. The ultimate aim is to identify those at high-risk of the disease to enroll them in preventive trials. This study was a longitudinal one that lasted for five years and include seventy-two sibs of type 1 diabetic patients recruited from the Diabetic Endocrine Metabolic Pediatric Unit [DEMPU] at Cairo University Children's Hospital. Thirty sex healthy subjects; age and sex matched with patients and with negative family history of autoimmune diseases were included as controls. Serum samples from all subjects and controls were analyzed for GAD[65], IA2 Ab using radioimmunoassay and ICA Ab using ELISA technique. Sibs who were positive for one or more Ab were further subjected to the assessment of first phase insulin response and HLA studies for detecting DQB1 alleles known to predispose or protect against type 1diabetes using SSP DNA-based technique. The results showed that 36 sibs [50%] were GADAb positive, 10 sibs [13.9%] were IA2 Ab positive while 14 sibs [19.4%] were ICA positive with overlap. Mean FPIR in 41 sibs positive for one or multiple Ab was 41.407 mU/L +/- 28.73 which was statistically significantly less than that in controls 79.414 mUL +/- 44.316 [P<0.001]. Thirty-four sibs [38%] lied in the high-risk group defined by FPIR less than 5[th] percentile. HLA studies done in 32 sibs showed that 17/32 sibs [54.84%] had the predisposing alleles DQB1 [0201, 0202, 0302, 0303, 0401] while 7 sibs [22.28%] had protective alleles DQB1 [0301, 0601]. Prevention of type 1diabetes will require reliable methods for early diagnosis of predisposition to the disease, using improved genetic and serological screening on a side scale and identification of the primary antigenic target[s] for specific tolerance. Those at risk [multiple positive antibodies and reduced insulin secretory response] in absence of HLA protective alleles are to be enrolled in preventive trials

Role of coenzyme Q10 as adjuvant to statins in treatment of atherosclerosis

Tatins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A [HMG-CoA] reductase constitute the most powerful class of hypolipidemic drugs currently available .Several large clinical trials have shown that these drugs reduce major cardiovascular events by 20-30%. The objective of the current study is to demonstrate the effect of concomitant use of coenzyme Q10 and Lovastatin in treatment of atherosclerosis as a trial to augment the antiatherogenic effect of Lovastatin and to decrease its undesirable effects. Five groups of adult male rabbits were included, an untreated control group, hypercholesterolemic group,hypercholesterolemic group treated with Lovastatin [2 mg /kg/ day], hypercholesterolemic group treated with Co Q10 [3 mg / kg per day] and hypercholesterolemic group treated with both Lovastatin and Co Q10 for 6 weeks .At the end of experiment, serum level of total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides [TG], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and creatine kinase [CK] were estimated. Histopathological evaluation of tissue sections from liver was also performed. Each of Co Q10, Lovastatin and combination of both produced improvement in serum lipids, Co Q10 decreased the hypercholesterolemia induced elevation of serum transaminases while combination of Co Q10 with Lovastatin augmented the antiatherogenic effect of Lovastatin and decreased both Lovastatin induced increase in serum transaminases and Lovastatin induced increase in serum creatine kinase. In conclusion, Co Q10 administration augment the hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of Lovastatin and improve its important side effects such as myopathy and elevation of serum transaminases

effect of the trematode Echinostoma liei and certain non-vector snails as biocontrol agents against infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni larval stages to their hosts under laboratory conditions

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of the non-medically important parasite Echinostoma liei in the presence of three non-vector snails [Planorbis planorbis, Melanoides tuberculata and Helisoma duryi] on the infectivity of the larval stages of Schistosoma mansoni to Biomphalaria alexandrina and to albino mice [Mus Musculus].The infection rates of Biomphalaria alexandrina exposed to Schistosoma mansoni miracidia in the presence of Planorbis, Melanoides and Helisoma snails at ratios of 1B: 5 non-vector snails were significantly lower being 62.9%, 46.9% and 44.4% versus to 83.7% in control group. Also, there are reduction in mean total numbers of cercariae/snail and duration of shedding specially in the presence of Planorbis and Helisoma snails, while the prepatent periods were elongated by the presence of Planorbis and Melanoides snails. Snails exposed to Echinostoma liei miracidia showed reduction in infection rates in the presence of the three studied non-vector snails and in duration of shedding by the presence of Melanoides and Helisomd snails. Snails exposed to both parasites showed reduction in the infection rate especially in the presence of Melanoides and Helisoma snails. No Biomphalaria snails were infected with both parasites in the groups maintained with H. duryi at ratios of 1B: 3H and 1B: 5H. The lowest total number of schistosome and echinostome cercariae was in the group of 1B: 3M. The presence of non-vector snails with infected Biomphalaria suppressed the infectivity of schistosome cercariae to the experimental mice

Indirect hemagglutination [IHA] for the diagnosis of hydatid disease in yemen

Antihydatid cyst antibodies room sera of infected Yemeni patients were detected using indirect hemagglutination assay [IHA]. Antihydatid cyst antibodies were detected in 34 out of 38 serum samples [89% sensitivity]. The specificity of the assay was 97.0% as cross reactivity only noticed with serum from one patient with Schistosoma mansoni out of 11 schistosoma positive patients examined. Results were discussed

Clinical relevance of soluble CD44 in serum as indicator of tumor burden in patients with B-lymphoid malignancies

In this study, the serum level of sCD44 was studied in a group of B- lymphoid malignancies at presentation trying to define any association with tumor burden and clinical staging and to correlate the soluble marker with other clinical, laboratory and biologic parameters. It was conducted on 100 adult patients with different B-lymphoid malignancies divided into two groups. ELISA determinations revealed a significant elevation of serum sCD44 values in the entire patients group and the three subgroups of lymphoma/leukemia as well as HD group in comparison with the controls. On comparing the three subgroups as regards sCD44 mean values, a significant difference was observed with the least mean value expressed by the highly aggressive subgroup. 68% of the studied patients showed serum sCD44 above the cut-off value and 16% showed levels above 1000 ng/ml

Perinatal mortality in twin pregnancy a survey of twin deliveries in Zagazig

A survey of all twin deliveries from October 1994 through May 1997, in Zagazig area was done using prenatal data records and hospital files. Among 23, 680 deliveries, there were 188 pairs of twins representing 7.9/1000 births. Among these there were 44 deaths, this gives a prenatal mortality rate of 117/1000 twin birth representing 9% of the overall prenatal deaths, and approximately 6 times the death rate for singletons. 60.5% of all deaths occurred in women who failed to receive antenatal or intranatal care. Immaturity accounts for the majority of prenatal deaths [75%]. 93% of deaths occurred in low birth weight infants < 2500 g, of these 75.5% were <1500g. We recommend increased utilization of prenatal services for all twin pregnancies, and delivery should take place in well equipped and staffed hospitals. Improvement of hospital statisites and recording system by well trained personnel and using of computerized software programs are highly recommended

Fatigue among a group of industrial workers: effect of work conditions and lifestyle factors

The aim of the present cross - sectional study was to identify the prevalence of subjective fatigue complaint during and/or after work to investigate its association with different categories of health-related habits and occupational conditions to identify the possible modifiable risk factors. The study examined 816 subjects, representing the total male workforce of the Egypt Company For Oil and Soap Manufacturing in Zagazig City. Personal and medical histories, data about health - related habits and work condition were collected using a preconstructed questionnaire. The results indicated that 30.7% of studied workers experienced subjective fatigue complaint during and/or after work. There was a high statistically significant association between fatigue prevalence and most of the studied variables of health-related habits and work conditions. Smoking, poor night sleep. non-engagment in sport activities, and lack of temperature control at work site are the major predictors of fatigue which are deemed to be modifiable factors. Improving ergonomic aspects of work and advising workers on their lifestyles were strongly recommended. Also, further studies focusing on interventions of identified modifiable factors were advised

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children at Al-Montazah east primary health care educational centre catchment area, Hail region

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of different types of intestinal parasites and their effect on primary school children at the catchment area of Primary Health Care Centre in Hail Region to make an epidemiologic data base line in order to put the control plan for the problem. Two hundred and twenty seven primary school children were selected by systematic random sampling. They were interviewed at their schools to fill predesigned forms. Samples of urine, stool and 5 cc venous blood - after consent of the children's parents - were collected from each interviewed child to be thoroughly examined. The study revealed that 26.0% of the selected children were infested with different parasites where the most prevalent one was Giardia lamblia [16.3%]. The parasitic affection was non significantly [P > 0.05] more prevalent among younger male children. The weight per age was significantly lowered among infected children than non infected [P < 0.05] while height / age was not affected by parasitic infection. Also, there was a strong association [P < 0.05] between parasitic infestation and anaemia

Relationship between antenatal care and pregnancy outcome

The aim of the present study was to reveal the relationship between the practices of antenatal care and both outcome of pregnancy and mode of delivery. To achieve this aim 50% of records with data about women [n = 247] who attended for antenatal and perinatal care during 1413 H at the antenatal clinics of Almuntazah East PHC Educational Center-Hail were selected by systematic random technique. The results revealed a significant relationship between both early attendance and frequency of antenatal visits with normal delivery. Also, normal delivery was associated with early attendance. However, no relationship was found between early attendance, and pregnancy outcome. The study recommended that Health Education of women in child bearing period is essential concerning the importance of early and regular antenatal care

Histological, histochemical and Ultrasonographic study of normal, postmature and pre-eclamtic placentae

This study was done to investigate the histological changes of the human placentae in postmaturity and preeclamptic conditions after an ultrasound scanning follow up of the pregnant females. Ten human normal, postmature and preeclamptic placentae were obtained from the Maternity Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University. The ultrasonic scanning revealed complete compartmentization, septation and calcification of the postmature placenta and infarction of the preeclamptic placentae with intrauterine growth retardation of the fetuses. Histologically, postmature and preeclamptic placentae showed thin degenerated syncytium with deeply stained nuclei in areas and increasing numbers of syncytial knots and cytotrophoblastic proliferation in other areas compared to the normal full term placenta. The villous core of the normal placenta was loosely textured whereas that of the postmature and preeclamptic placentae was dense and fibrotic. Infarcts was evident in preeclamptic with increased fibrin deposition seen in postmature placenta as well. Although diminished vascularity of the postmature villi was described, the preeclamptic villi showed dilatation and congestion of the villous capillaries: thickening arteriolar wall was a common finding. Glycogen deposition [as evident by PAS stain] increased in toxemic and postmature placentae. These findings were due to placental insufficiency and ischemia associated with fetal growth retardation and increased fetal mortality

In-vivo and in-vitro evaluation of marketed and formulated ketoprofen suppositories

The plasma levels for ketoprofen were evaluated following the administration of 3 marketed [A, B and C] and one formulated 100 mg ketoprofen suppositories to 4 healthy male volunteers in a cross over manner. The pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC, Cmax, Tmax, abs. t1/2 and elimination t1/2 were calculated. Using the AUC, the percent bioavailability was calculated relative to that of an oral ketoprofen capsule administered to the same subjects. It was found to be 69.4, 69.0, 91.7 and 77.5 for the br and s A, B, C and for the formulated one, respectively. The dissolution rate was also investigated using the non-membrane method of BP 88 dissolution apparatus. The study revealed that in vivo results were in accordance with the in vitro data

Methylation of 3- [1-arylyhdrazono-L-threo-2,3,4-trihydroxybutyl] 6,7-dimeth yl-1H-quinoxalin-2-ones

Several N-methyl derivatives of 3-[1-arylhydrazono-L-threo-2, 3, 4- trihydroxybutyl]-6, 7-dimethyl-1H-quinoxalin-2-ones were prepared and converted to 3-[5-[acetoxymethyl]-1-arylpyrazol-3-yl]-1, 6, 7 -trimethylquinoxalin-2-ones. Upon deacetylation, compound VIII and IX gave products identical with those obtained by methylation of 3-[1- aryl-5-[hydroxymethyl]-pyrazol-3-yl]-6, 7-dimethyl-1H-quinoxalin -2- ones

Benzylidenation of l-threo and d-erythro-trihydroxybutylquinoxalinones and a dehydrative heterocyclization of the glycerolyl residue during the reaction

The regioselective formation of alpha-terminal 1,3-dioxolanes via the benzylidenation of 3-[1-[arylhydrazono]-L-threo and D-erythro-2,3,4- trihydroxy-1-oxobutyl] quinoxalin-2-ones has been studied. The role of configuration of the glycerolyl part in the formation and location of dioxolane rings was discussed. A competing dehydrative cyclization process was found to occur during the benzylidenation to give 3-[5-[hydroxymethyl]-1-[aryl] pyrazol-3-yl] quinoxalin-2-ones

distribution and the relationship between nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in Abu-Qir bay, Alexandria, Egypt

ABU-QIR bay receives continuous discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds from three main sources, Nile water, El-Maadiya opening and El-Tabia pumping station. their seasonal variation during autumn ainter 1988. spring and summer 1989, the relationship and ratios between inorganic and organic nitrogen and phosphorus are discussed. The nitrogen results show that ammonia the most abundant nitrogenous from [17.31%] followed by nitrate [13.68%] and the least is nitrite [1.45%]. Phosphorus distribution in the bay indicates that 53.5% of the TP is in the form of inorganic phosphorus and 46.5% is organic phosphorus. Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds reached their maximum in winter and their minimum in summer and spring. Total nitrogen/total phosphorus varies from 10 to 28 and NO[3]: PQ[4] ratios vary from 2 to 10

Alternation in cellular immunity with aging

The aim of this work was to study the effects of aging on the cellular-mediated immune response and to search for any alterations in the total lymphocyte count and the absolute number of T-lymphocytes accompanying aging of man. This study was carried out on: thirty four Egyptian farmers above 60 years old [mean age= 66.4 years] and they were 22 females + 12 males and they were apparently healthy and on 17 healthy Egyptian farmers [mean age = 37.6 years] and they were 9 females + 8 males as control. All studied individuals were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and fresh samples of peripheral blood were taken to count the total lymphocytes, and the lymphocytes had been isolated using the ficoll-hypaque. The absolute T-lymphocytes were estimated using the E-rosette formation between sheep RBC's and the lymphocyte suspension. T-cell percent to total lymphocytes were estimated. Results showed that: - There were no decrease in the lymphocyte count with aging; in the older group it was =2113/mm[3] while in the control group, it was 2106/mm[3]. The percentage of T-lymphocytes showed no appreciable change with aging; in the geriatric group it was =69.2% while in the control group = 69.5% i.e. As light decrease with aging had happened. The absolute T-lymph count showed no change with aging: In the old group it was =1465/mm[3], while in the control group = 1459 /mm[3] i.e. in both groups it was [nearly] equal. From these results, it was concluded that; aging is not accompanied with alterations in the total lymphocytic count or in the absolute T-cell number/mm[3]. It was referred that aging is associated with changes in cell-mediated immune response, these changes are mainly functional and due to alterations in the T-cell subset-proportions in the body of man