Role of calcium in enhancing the activity and thermal stability of a new cationic peroxidase purified from euphorbia tirucalli latex

A new cationic peroxidase from Euphorbi and firucalli [pencil cactus] latex was purified to homogeneity using benzene fractionation, gel filtration and cation-exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme was found to be monomeric with a molecular weight of 44 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]. The purified enzyme had a broad specificity towards some phenolic substrates in the order of 2,2'-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid] [ABTS] > guaiacol > 0-phenylenediamine > 4-aminoantipyrene, whereas no affinity towards ascorbic acid and o-dianisidine was recorded. The enzyme had pH and temperature optima at 7.0 and 40°C, respectively. Study of kinetic parameters demonstrated that ABTS had the highest affinity towards ELP, where K[m], F[max] and V[ms]/K[m] values were 0.503 mM, 500 U/assay and 994.04 U/mM, respectively. ELP was stable from 10°C up to 60°C and lost about 70% of its activity at 70°C. The thermal inactivation profile of ELP in absence of Ca[2+] is biphasic and characterized by a rapid decline in activity on exposure to heat, followed by a more gradual decrease in activity on continued exposure. However, the purified enzyme exhibited increased thermal stability in the presence of calcium ions. Furthermore, the activity of purified enzyme was enhanced by 550% in the presence of 15 mM CaCl[2], suggesting a pivotal role for Ca[2+] in conferring structural stability to the heme environment and in retaining the active site of ELP. Most of the examined metal ions [except for Ca and Mg] and compounds had differential inhibitory effects on ELP activity. In conclusion, a locally available plant [Euphorbia tirucalli] could be a potential candidate source for peroxidase, the most widely used enzyme in industrial and biomedical applications. In addition, calcium was found to be essential for enhancing enzymatic activity and thermal stability of the purified Euphorbia tirucalli latex peroxidase

Special studies on wheat germ supplementation and one of it's products on rats diets suffered from protein malnutrition

heat germ as one of by-products in milling of wheat cereal were chosen because, it has many important purposes such as a protein supplement when mixed with infant and children foods. Levels of 10 and 20% r V wheat germ for substitute wheat flour [72% extraction] used to prepare two types of cakes. The cake samples which had the best acceptance of sensory properties were chosen for chemically rheological and biologically evaluation. Thirty male albino rats were divided randomly into two main groups, the first group was 6 rats saved as normal group and fed on basal diet. The other groups [n= 24 rats] were fed on basal diet containing 2% casein for three weeks to induce protein malnutrition. One group [6 rats] left as control [+], while the other 3 groups fed on basal diet supplemented by wheat germ 20%, wheat germ cake 20% and control cake 20%. Obtained of organolyptical evaluation showed that, cake supplemented with 20% wheat germ had the highest score for most sensory attributes. Farinograph and extensograph rheological data revealed that, water absorption percent and dough weakening were high with increasing the ratio of wheat germ substitution. On the other hand, extensibility and dough energy were increased, while resistance to extension decreased as a result of added. Chemical evaluation showed that, cakes supplemented with 20% wheat germ had the highest value of protein [11.77%] and total lipid [23.62%] compared to the control cakes, containing the highest levels of essential amino acids. Lysine, tryptophane, alanine and leucine in the obtained cakes were increased compared to the control cake. Concerning the biological examinations the effect of wheat germ 20%, wheat germ cake 20% [added as 20% of rats diet] and control cake 20% of rats diets on be Jy weight gain, food efficient ratio, relative organs weight were studied. Also the biochemical analysis as serum proteins, lipid profiles, urea and creatinine and serum minerals as [zinc and iron] was studied of protein malnourished rats. Biological examinations cleared that, the group's supplemented diets with wheat germ 20% and wheat germ cake 20% had a significant increment effect on consumed food, body weight gain, food efficient ratio and the relative weight of brain, liver, kidney, spleen, heart and lung as compared to other experimental groups. The biochemical analysis showed that, the highest increment in serum proteins, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and urea and serum minerals as zinc and iron levels, while data recorded a significant decreased in serum triglyceride, vLDL-c and creatinine, while the control positive group were reversed in all the same parameters. In conclusion, it is a necessary to supplement infant and children diets and formulas with wheat germ and protein malnourished children and patients, which known by kwashiorkor?

Cytogenetic study in couples with recurrent miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriage [RM] is a mysterious reproductive problem affecting a proportion of couples trying to conceive. Although spontaneous abortion occurs in approximately 15 to 20% of clinically diagnosed pregnancies of reproductive-aged women, recurrent miscarriage occurs in approximately 1 to 2% of these women. Many syndromes are involved in the aetiology of RM, where genetic factors appear to be highly associated. Indeed, chromosomal anomaly constitutes the single most common cause. About 7% of couples with RM have one partner with balanced chromosomal rearrangement. This study is a prospective study carried out to evaluate the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in couples suffering recurrent miscarriage. The present study included one hundred couples attending the antenatal clinic. They have been divided into two groups; the first, is a study group, included 50 couples with recurrent miscarriage. And the second, is a control group, included 50 couples with normal reproductive history. Conventional cytogenetic analysis was done for both groups. We have found four cases [8%] carrying chromosomal rearrangements [two reciprocal translocations, one Robertsonian translocation, and one with duplicated chromosome segment] among RM group, and no cases of chromosomal rearrangement among those with normal reproductive history. Statistically, there was a significant association between recurrent miscarriage and chromosomal rearrangement. We have concluded that chromosome analysis is highly important to evaluate such cases with RM

Cytokines, lipid peroxide and nitric oxide in Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma on top of HCV and HBV infection

Many studies have shown the relative roles of hepatitis B and C viruses in hepato-carcinogenesis. The aim of this study is to define the independent and interactive roles of some cytokines namely, TNF alpha , IL-6, IL-1 beta together with NO and TEARS in the genesis of HCC following the infection with such viruses. Blood samples were taken from 58 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and were divided into four groups: a] 28 patients with HCV, b] 10 patients with HBV, c] 11 patients with B+C, d] 9 patients without viral infection. In addition, 20 healthy subjects served as control group for each, TNF alpha , IL-6, and IL-1 beta were measured using ELISA technique, in addition to NO and TBARs using chemical methods. Patients with coinfection B-C viral infection showed the highest levels in studied parameters. Patients with HCV and HBV separately showed more or less similar results. However, patients without viral infection showed the least higher levels comparing to the control group. Cytokines in addition to NO and TEARS have a definite role in hepatic carcinogenesis. Coinfection with the two viruses carries a synergistic risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma development. Depending on the results of the studied parameters HCV did not show predominancy on HBV. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanism of carcinogenesis especially in HCV patients

Relation between neutrophil function and the iron status in hemodialysis patients

Objectives: Neutrophil function in hemodialysis [HD] patients are altered by iron status and patients are suspected of having defectively regulated iron metabolism. Low serum ferritin reflects absolute iron deficiency whereas normal or high ferritin values in combination with low transferrin saturation [<20%] indicate functional iron deficiency. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate functional and metabolic PMNL parameters of neutrophils isolated from three different groups of regular hemodialysis patients

Patients and methods: In this study 10 healthy subjects [group I] were compared with 30 regular hemodialysis patients that were subdivided into three groups as follows: patients with serum ferritin >100 and <350 ng/ml [group II] [9patients], patients with ferritin<60 ng/m] [group III] [7 patients], and patients with ferritin >650 ng/ml but transferrin saturation <20 % [group IV] [14 patients]. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte [PMNL] parameters [phagocytosis and nitroblue-tetrazolium test [NBT] for each group was compared with healthy subjects. Both control and patient groups were studied for blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron and total iron-binding capacity [TIBC]. The biochemical and hematological data were obtained by routine methods using automated biochemical and hematological analyzer [Hitachi 911], [Coulter-STKS]. Serum ferritin level was done for all patients and control group using ELISA technique. Ionized calcium, sodium and potassium were measured by blood gas analyzer. Iron and TIBC were measured by using the colourmetric method. The absorption spectrum of hemoglobin was measured by using double beam spectrophotometer. The method used for measuring phagocytosis was the one which relies on the uptake of heat-killed yeast [Candida albicans] by the neutrophil over a brief period of time. Nitroblue tetrazolium [NBT] neutrophil reduction test was the test involved to determine the percentage of neutrophils showing intracytoplasmic deposits of reduced NBT [formazan]

Results: In the present study, dialyzed patients of group 11 through IV had significantly lower numbers of erythrocytes than healthy subjects. The lowest erythrocyte number was found in the functional iron deficiency patients [group IV]. Similarly, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit levels were lower in dialysis patients than in healthy subjects. Both values were lowest in the group IV patients. The serum ferritin level was significantly lower in group III compared with group II but was very significantly higher in group IV. Serum iron was lower in all groups of hemodialysis patients compared with healthy subjects. The serum TIBC level was not significantly lower in group 11 patients. The group III had significantly increased level of TIBC compared with the control subjects. The group IV patients had a significantly lowest TIBC level within the dialysis patient groups. Significant inhibition of phagocytosis was observed in PMN L of group II and group III. However, impairment of PMNL was markedly aggravated in group IV patients with high ferritin but low transferrin saturation and low serum iron. The value of NBT-[neutrophil reduction test] as a pan of neutrophil function does not differ significantly between HD patients in all groups [group [I through group IV] and healthy subjects [group I]

Conclusion: These data suggest that iron is responsible for the PMNL dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. It is concluded that hemodialysis patients with high ferritin but low iron and low transferrin saturation [functional iron deficiency] display a significant impairment of fundamental PMNL functions

significance of documenting clinical appearance of the uterine cervix in the cervical cytology form

To determine whether or not the Pap smear taker is reporting the clinical appearance of the cervix on the cytology request form, and if cytologist / smear taker are giving any importance to this information prior to issuing advice on subsequent follow-up. Finally, to evaluate the clinicians' response to normal Pap smear report in the absence of the clinical comment on the cervix. A retrospective study, for a total of 1196 random smear results performed between 1999 and 2000 at King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its relevant charts were evaluated. The samples were divided into 2 main groups. Group I, the Pap smears sent with the absence of clinical description of the cervix, and group II, was sent with the clinical description of the cervix. Cytologist follow up recommendations and the clinicians' response were evaluated. A total of 1196 Pap smears were reviewed. Of the total 510 [42.6%] smears represented group I. Vast majority 506/510 [99.2%] were reported to be normal. A 12 months follow up was given for 505/506 [99.8%] smears. Only 4/510 [0.8%] Pap smears were abnormal and relevant cytologist's recommendations were given. Clinicians reassessed the uterine cervix for only 7.7% of the patients in the group. A total of 686/1196 [57.4%] smears represented group II. The vast majority 630 [91.8%] were with normal cervical appearance, 627/630 [99.5%] had normal cytology and only 3/630 [0.5%] had significant intraepithelial lesion. Relevant recommendations were given by the cytologist and were accepted by clinicians. A total of 56/686 [8.2%] had abnormal cervical appearance and 45/56 [80.4%] had normal cytology. A 12 months follow up was recommended for all except 7/45 [15.6%]. Clinicians have followed these recommendations for all except 5/45 [11.1%]. Eleven out of 56 [19.6%] smears were abnormal, relevant recommendations were given by the cytologist and all were followed by the clinicians. High proportion of cervical smears request did not report clinical appearance of uterine cervix [42.6%]. In patients whose cervical smear was reported abnormal [8.2%], 19.6% of them were found with significant intra-epithelial lesion. The clinical appearance of the cervix should be documented on the Pap smear request. Follow up recommendation for Pap smears carried out without clinical appearance description should be left to the clinician

Transforming growth factor beta-1 [Arg25Pro] SNPs: genetic and penotypic correlations in psoriatic Egyptian population

Associations have been described between polymorphisms of cytokine and growth factor genes and susceptibility to, or progression of, an increasing number of diseases. TGF-beta 1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] in the TGF beta1gene were investigated as possible markets for the susceptibility or/and progression of psoriasis. Seventy six Egyptian psoriatic patients and eighty controls were screened for one TGF beta 1 SNPs: Arg25Pro. There were insignificant differences between psoriatic patients and controls in allele frequencies of SNP Arg25Pro. However, a significant association between a psoriasis area severity index [PASI] score and the carrying G allele was found [p=0.02], indicating an association with the severity of psoriasis. There was no significant association in carrying any of the alleles between males and females. It is concluded that there is a genetic associations Arg25Pro and the severity of psoriasis. This means that Arg25 may influence clinical course of psoriasis. TGFB1 SNPs may be useful prognostic indiacators for the progression/severity of psoriasis

Oviposition stimulants of the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata [saunders] [diptera: tephritidae] under laboratory conditions

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata [Saunders], is present in large numbers in most of Egypt's provinces displacing extant populations of the mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata [Wiedemann], and causing serious damage to the horticulture industry. The present study aims to investigate certain natural oviposition stimulants on egg depositing under laboratory conditions of 23 +/- 0.8 °C, 69.32% +/- 1.73 RH. In addition, some biological aspects of adults collected from naturally infested guava and mandarin fruits. Results showed that the numbers of eggs harvested from perforated cups supplied with mandarin juice were highly significantly exceeding the other stimulants. No significant differences of harvested eggs were observed between banana, orange, guava, mango, and orange juices. Total numbers of eggs/ female were 92.41 and 235.21 for females collected from guava and mandarin fruits, respectively. This investigation indicates that the mandarin juice serve as a more convenient stimulant for mass production and the perforated cups are feasible alternative as a collection device for eggs in mass rearing of B. zonata

Effect of Varroa destructor on different haemocyte count, total haemolymph protein on larvae, pupae and adults of Apis mellifera drones

The effect of infestation with Varroa destructor Oud. [Acarina: Varroidae] on the heamolymph of the different stages in honey bee drons were studied. It decreased the total haemocyte count [THC] by 47.4%, 13.04% and 65% for infested larvae, pupae and adults, respectively. Differential haemocyte count [DHC], haemocyte surface area, corpora allata surface area [CA] and total haemolymph protein [THP] were decreased also due to infestation with varroa mite

Diagnosis and management of luteinized unruptured follicle [LUF] syndrome

A diagnosis of LUF syndrome in 490 women of unexplained infertility was made sonographically by failure to demonstrate a minimum of 5 mm reduction in follicular diameter with a change in the follicular and endometrial echogenecities within 48 hours after LH surge in urine. Fifty patients with LUF were categorized into three groups: 10 patients received only hCG for rupture of follicle, 30 patients were given clomiphene citrate therapy, then received hCG and 10 women having LUF syndrome did not receive any ovulation inducing drugs as a control group. The study concluded that the use of clomiphene citrate in LUF women increased the chance of ovulation by using 10,000 IU hCG with an increased chance of pregnancy

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes infection sheep in Qualioubia governorate by infective third stage larvae

A total of 300 fecal samples was obtained from living sheep in Qalyoubia Governorate, 128 harbored eggs of nematodes. The gastrointestinal nematodes had been differentiated through the infective third stage larvae. Details of the general and differential categories of each were given. The recovered species were Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, Ostertagia circumcincta, Hemonchus contortus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum and Oesophagostomum venulosum

role of wild rats as reservoir of some internal parasites in Qualioubia governorate

A total of one hundred and seventy two rats was trapped from different localities, Rattus norvegicus and Rattus r. alexandrinus. The overall infection rate was 54% [93 out 172 rats]. The infection rates of identified parasites were 28% cestodes [23.8% Hymenolepis diminuta and 7% Cysticercus fasciolaris], 8% Acanthocephala species [Moniliformis moniliformis] and 7% nematodes [Strongyloides species]. On the other hand, 40.7% were infected with protozoa [22.7% Cryptosporidium parvum, 20.3% C. muris, 8% Giardia lamblia and 12.8% Entamoeba cysts]

Gastric mucosal superoxide dismutase activity in gastritis due to helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori infection is now known to be the most common cause of histological gastritis. The mucosal pathology of H. pylori infection may in part be due to excessive production of reactive oxygen metabolites [ROMs] by phagocytes. To study the influence of H. pylori infection on mucosal superoxide dismutase, the major scavenger enzyme of ROM, was investigated.The activity of superoxide dismutase was measured by spectrophotometrical enzyme activity assay, in gastric biopsy homogenates of persons with normal mucosa [n = 10], in patients with H. pylori related gastritis [n = 45] and in patients with non H. pylori related gastritis [n = 10]. Infection and gastritis were confirmed by a combination of biochemical, serology [ELISA] and histology.The activity of superoxide dismutase was increased by about 5 - 6 fold in H. pylori related gastritis more than the healthy mucosae of normal control group [P < 0.001]. At the same time the activity of superoxide dismutase was increased by about twofold to threefold in Non - H. pylori gastritis in comparison with the control group [P < 0.01]. Still there was twofold increase in the activity of SOD in H. pylori gastritis in comparison with the patients of gastritis with negative H. pylori infection [P < 0.05]. Reactive oxygen metabolites [ROMs] may have an important role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori gastritis

T-lymphocyte helper 1 CD4 and T-lymphocyte helper 2 CD4 activities in active and remitant rheumatoid arthritis disease

This is an indirect study for the behaviour of T cell [T-Iymphocytes] particularly CD4+ T cell, in active and remitant rheumatoid arthritis disease, THl [cell mediated immunity] and TH2 [Antibody response] are the two major pathways of T cell differentiation and are mutually antagonistic. Their activities can be estimated through assessing the serum levels of their cytokines IL-2 and IL-I0 respectively. IL-2 and IL-I0 were estimated in the supernatant of Iymphocyte culture in the presence of phytohaemaglutinin before and after remission of the rheumatoid arthritis disease and it has been found a higher significant increase in IL-2 level in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis disease than the control group [P < 0.001], also there was a significant increase in IL-I0 level in patients group in comparison with the control group [P < 0.01], during remission of the disease, IL-2 level was significantly reduced [P < 0.001], while IL-I0 level showed no significant difference from its level prior to remission. It can be assumed that the effector cells in this disease are THl and measures designed to switch the predominant immune response from THl to TH2 might be effective in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Study of the effect of multiple pregnancy on the course and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis disease

In order to assess the effect of frequent pregnancies on the course and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis disease. 39 female patients [age ranged from 25 to 50 years with a mean +/- S.E. 34.2 +/- 2.11] with rheumatoid arthritis [21 were nulliparous women and 18 were multiparous women] were subjected to laboratory and clinical parameters which proved to be valuable in determining the course and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis disease such as, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody positivity, joint erosion and deformities, subcutaneous nodules and associated Sjogren syndrome. The incidences of rheumatoid factor with high titre, joint erosions and joint deformities were significantly higher in the multiparous women group [66%, 72%, 33% respectively] than in the nulliparous women [47%, 43%, 14% respectively] [P< 0.01] suggesting that the erosive nature of the disease was commonly observed after successive pregnancies. However it is not the same condition for the anti nuclear antibody positivity and the presence of subcutaneous nodules which showed no significant difference between the nulliparous and multiparous women groups [P > 0.05]. In contrast sjogren syndrome was observed in nulliparous women group [71%] with a higher significant difference than in the multiparous women group [39%, P > 0.01] multiple pregnancies may have an untoward effect on the course of rheumatoid arthritis disease

Neutrophil chemotaxis and killing function in patients with recurrent furunculosis

Furuncle is an acute, usually necrotic, infection of a hair follicle with Staph. aureus. Chemotaxis in one of the initial host responses to staphylococcal invasion. Disorders of PMNs motility are rare but when present are associated with recurrent infections. In the present study, PMNs chemotaxis and killing function were assessed in 40 patients with recurrent furunculosis and 10 controls. This study revealed that, the chemotactic response of PMNs to zymosan activated serum was significantly higher in patients with active furunculosis than controls. However, there was no significant statistical difference between neutrophil killing function of patients and controls. Therefore, it was concluded that there is no basic cellular defect of the neutrophil in the studied patients

Prevalence of skin diseases among school students in Mansoura, Egypt

This study was carried out to determined the prevalence of skin disease among school students [6-18 years] in Mansoura Egypt. The sample of population for this survey was 2586 students representing 1.4% of the total number of students in Mansoura schools 723[27.69%] of the studied group had one or more skin diseases. Infective skin diseases were present in 18.17% and non infective skin diseases in 17.22% of students. The most prevalent infective skin diseases were pediculosis capitis [11.71%], scabies [2.59%] and fungal infection [1.89%].The prevalence of these common infective skin diseases was studied in relation to residence, age, sex, overcrowding and socioeconomic standard. The most prevalent non infective skin diseases were acne vulgaris [6.41%], pityriasis alba [3.05%] and dandruff [2.82%].The prevalence of these non infective skin diseases was studied in relation to sex and age of student

Effect of ascaridia galli infestation on body weight, vitamin A and some blood constituents in chicken

The present investigation was planned to study the effect of Ascaridia galli infestation on the average body weight, carotenoids, vitamin A, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium and magnesium of 80 chickens at 7, 14, 28 and 49 days post infestation during the tissue and intestinal phases of the parasite. The results indicated that the maximal average live body weight was observed in case of noninfested control chickens, severe retardation of growth of infested chicken was noticed after 49 days post infestation during the intestinal phase of the parasite. The levels of serum carotenoids, serum vitamin A, liver carotenoids and liver vitamin A of infested chicken after 28 and 49 days post-infestation during the intestinal phase of the parasite, recorded a significant decrease than control ones. Also, there is a significant lowering in serum calcium, sodium and potassium levels of infested chicken after 28 and 49 days post infestation, however, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium levels showed a significant increase above respective control

Complement and neutrophil chemotaxis in some dermatophytic infections

In this study assessment complement and neutrophil functions were done for 45 cases and 10 healthy controls to evaluate the capacity of different dermatophytes to activate complement and stimulate neutrophil chemotaxis and to detect the results of the interaction of the serum and neutrophil with the fungus. We found that dermatophytes can activate complement and stimulate neutrophil chemotaxis. We could suggest the complement activation a resulting influx of polymorpho leukocytes may stop fungal invasion and the close adherence of neutrophil to fungal hyphae although no sufficient to kill hyphae probably damage the hyphal cell wall and inhibits growth. Also, defective neutrophil chemotaxis motaxis which was found in patients with chronic dermatophytosis was not found to be due to deficiency complement components, this defect could be corrected by: Prompt antifungal therapy as the fungal products could alter neutrophil functions. Correction of the associated conditions [e.g. diabetes mellitus].Trials of levamisole, cimetidine ascorbic acids in conjunction with the antifungal therapy in the treatment of the chronic dermatophytosis patients

Treatment of recent closed fractures of proximal and middle phalanges in the hand

Fifty-eight patients with sixty-four recent closed fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges in the hand were treated either by closed manipulation and plaster of Paris fixation or by open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. It was concluded that open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation is indicated for severely displaced unstable oblique, intra-articular, as well as failed conservative treatment. The results and complications are briefly discussed