Qualitative and quantitative detection of Aflatoxin-M1 residues in white soft cheese

A total of 50 random samples of locally manufactured Egyptian soft cheese including [25 each of Damietta and fresh kariesh cheese] were collected from different markets and shopkeepers at Mansoura city, Egypt. Each sample was divided under complete hygienic measures with a clean sterile, knife into two parts; the first part was prepared for estimation of by qualitative lateral flow test [strip test] and the second one was subjected to quantitative estimation of by [Immune Affinity Column with Flurometric Assay]. The qualitative value for detection of Aflatoxine M1 revealed that 8[32%] and 12 [48%] of kareish and Damietta cheese were contaminated with Aflatoxin M1 respectively. Concerning the concentration of Aflatoxin M1 in examined fresh Kariesh cheese and Damietta cheese samples for the minimum was 1.95 and 1.54, the maximum were 6, 11 and 14.73 with a mean value 3.6 and 6.7 ppb, respectively. It had been emphasized that all results of this study exceeded the Egyptian regulations, European commission [EC] regulations and US regulations which recommend that cheese sample must be free from Aflatoxin M1, do not exceed 250 ng/L, and do not exceed 5 micro g/kg in milk, respectively. It was concluded that the qualitative method of detection of mycotoxin has great benefit in minimizing cost of regulations and monitoring and give a chance to easily set regulation for quality control. Also, quantitative methods with highly detectable limits give accurate results to estimate the level of impact

Knowledge, perceptions and attitudes toward complementary and alternative therapies among Kuwaiti medical and pharmacy students

To determine the knowledge, perceived effectiveness and harmfulness of complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] modalities, general attitude and the need for education in the use of CAM therapies among medical and pharmacy students. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed using a pre-tested questionnaire on a randomly selected sample of 250 students in Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kuwait University. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used in data analysis. The response rate was 88.4%. CAM usage was reported by 122 [55.2%] of students, and mostly associated with females [OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.7-11.3]. Herbal products were the most commonly used [83, 37.6%]. Knowledge about 11 CAM modalities was generally poor, even among the respondents who claimed to know them most. The knowledge about herbal products was significantly better among 58 pharmacy students [49.2%] than 32 medical students [31.4%] [OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.6]. Massage, herbal products and prayer/Qur'an reciting were perceived as being the most effective, while cauterization as the most harmful. Attitude toward CAM was positive, with 176 [79.7%] believing that CAM includes ideas and methods from which conventional medicine could benefit. Lack of trained professionals and lack of scientific evidence were the most perceived barriers for CAM implementation. 198 [89.6%] admitted the importance of knowledge about CAM for them as future healthcare practitioners. The students acknowledged the need to be well educated about CAM to better advise their patients in the future

Apolipoprotein E4 effect on development and cognitive function in giardia-infected children

Parasitic infections can seriously affect child development and cognition while the treatment is easy and cheap. To elucidate apolipoprotein [ApoE] and neurodevelopment in children with Giardiasis and the role of ApoE isoforms in childhood cognition and infant development. The present study was performed on 75 Giardia-infected patients [1-9 years] and 45 healthy children control group of similar age and sex.They were subjected to anthropometric measurements. cognitive functioning. developmental assessments and determination of ApoE allelic forms. ApoE genotypes frequency distribution in the studied children was 6. 8, 4, 42, 27 and 33 for E2/2, E2/3. E2/4, E3/3. E3/4 and [4/4, respectively. There were no significant differences regarding demographic and anthropometric measurements as well as cognitive function between ApoE4 carrier and non carrier in children above 4 years; but their scores of performance, part of the intelligence test, and of the frill scale IQs proved to be at the lower normal level. Meanwhile, highly significant differences were observed between ApoE4 carrier and minim carrier regarding developmental assay in children below 4 years. The ApoE4 isoforms have a protective role on cognitive development in children below 4 years sufferring from sole Giartia infection. So, children with ApoE4 negative genotypes should be notified for their susceptibility to cognitive impairment after diarrhea in early infancy and childhood and are advised for careful follow up

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

Helminthes of synanthropic rodents [rodentia: muridae] from Dakahlia and Menoufia, Egypt

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to monitor and compare the prevalence of helminthes in rodents from Dakahlia and Menoufia governorates. The domestic rodents [271] were Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus frugivorous, Rattus r. alexandrinus, and Mus musculus. The overall prevalence of helminthes was 52.8%. In Dakahlia, 72/145 rats [49.6%] were infected. The highest prevalence of infection was in R. r. frugivorous 43 [60.4%], then R. r. alexandrinus 44 [47.7%], R. norvegicus 38 [44.7%], and the lowest was M. musculus 20 [40%]. In Menoufia, 71/126 rats [56.3%] were infected. The highest prevalence of infection was in R, r. frugivorous 36 [77.7%], then M. musculus 27 [48.1%], R. norvegicus 23 [47.8%], and the lowest was in R. r. alexandrinus 40 [47.5%]. A total of 24 species of helminthes [11 trem-atodes, 4 cestodes and 10 nematodes] were identified among the 271 rodents. The commonest trematode was Mesostephanus aegypticus followed by Stictodora tridactyla. The commonest cestode was Hym-enolepis diminuta followed by Taenia taeniaformis. The commonest nematode was Capillaria hepatica followed by Trichurus muris. Given the zoonotic potential of rodents' parasites and since several residential, commercial, and agricultural sites exist in the examined geographic areas, the potential health risk should not be ignored

Improving rational drug use in Africa: the example of Sudan

The aim of this review is to determine the extent of irrational drug use and contributing factors in Sudan and to identify the interventions that need to be strengthened to promote the rational use of drugs in the country and to evaluate the impact of different types of intervention. We present an overview of studies describing patterns of drug prescribing, dispensing and self-medication. Rates for inappropriate prescribing and dispensing practices and prevalence of self-medication with antimicrobials and herbal products were alarmingly high. Indicators of rational drug use have worsened over the past decade despite the implementation of managerial, regulatory and training interventions. Multifaceted interventions have proved effective in changing suboptimal prescribing practices. Educational interventions are needed to address self-medication and adherence

Relationship between hyperprolactinemia and bone metabolic markers in breast cancer patients

The understanding of the pathophysiology and the monitoring of metastatic bone disease remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, this study aimed at identification of the relationship between serum prolactin [PRL] levels and some bone metabolic markers [osteocalcin [OC] serum alkaline phosphatase [SAP], calcium [Ca], and inorganic phosphorus [Pi]] in early stages of breast cancer. Thirteen breast cancer patients in whom serum prolactin [PRL] levels had been determined were stratified into 2 groups according to their serum prolactin levels. Breast cancer I [BCI] included those with hyperprolactinemia and breast cancer II [BCII] included those with normal levels. Also a control group matched for age was taken. The bone markers of these groups were analyzed and compared. The study demonstrated that 6 patients [46%] "BCI" had a hyperprolactinemia and 7 patients [54%] "BCII" had a normal level of PRL. One way ANOVA test revealed significant differences in PRL, OC, SAP, Ca, and Pi between the three groups. OC is significantly reduced in the hyperprolactinemic patients reflecting diminished bone formation. SAP and Pi were significantly higher in all patients of breast cancer than that of the controls. The level of Ca tended to be higher in hyperprolactinemic patients than that of the controls. In the breast cancer patients, negative correlation between PRL and OC [R=-0.56, p<0.05] was found. On the contrary, positive correlation between PRL and SAP [r=0.60, p<0.05]was detected. It was concluded that the role of PRL in bone metabolism must be taken into consideration. Further wide scale studies are needed in a trial to uncover the exact role of hyperprolactinemia in patients with bone metastasis. This study could help in understanding bone disorders that may occur in breast cancer patients specially those with hyperprolactinemia

Assessment of the normal range of the angular and linear movement at lumbo scral region in Egyptian people

The range of linear and angular movements at the lumbo-sacral region in normal Egyptian people was assessed and compared with figures with other similar works overseas. The study was conducted on 90 cases who had no previous serious lumbar problem. The assessment included history taking, clinical examination and radiological examination including antero-posterior and lateral oblique views to the lumbo- sacral region and motion films [flexion and extension] for the same region. The results denoted that the mean of lumbar movements ranged from 45 to 72 degrees and the mean of horizontal displacement at the lumbar spine ranged from 0 to 4 mm or from 0 to 10% of the antero- posterior diameter of the vertebra

Mast cell in colorectal polyps

This work was undertaken to quantify mast cells in order to investigate their role in determining the likelihood of malignant changes in colorectal polyps. The mean number of mast cells showed significant differences in various colonic disorders studied. On ultrastructure background, there was difference in mast cell character between non neolplastic and neoplastic polyps such as the degree of maturity and the intensity of chymase staining reaction. From this study we might speculate that mast cells may play a role in triggering the early phase of malignant changes in colonic polyps. Mast cells may be useful as marker of colorectal neoplasia. The mechanism of action of mast cells has not been yet elucidated

prognostic value of congestion index in patients with portal hypertension due to schistosomal hepatic fibrosis with and without chronic hepatitis C: a clinico-pathological and hemodynamic study

We intended to assess the value of congestion index of portal vein [Cl PV] [derived from the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the portal vein and the mean velocity of portal flow] in assessing the severity of portal hypertension and its correlation with North Italian Endoscopic Club [NIEC] index and risk of bleeding in patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis with and without chronic hepatitis C. We studied 64 patients with portal hypertension who were categorized into three groups based on histological diagnosis: group I [19 with pure schistosomal hepatic fibrosis], group II [22 patients with combined schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and chronic hepatitis C] and group III [23 patients with combined schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and chronic hepatitis C with cirrhosis]. All patients were of the Child class A.They were subjected to; clinical examination, stool and serological examinations for schistosoma infection, serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, serum albumin, prothrombin activity and virological markers. Upper endoscopy, abdominal Ultrasonography with duplex as well as liver biopsies were performed to all patients. The results showed that the mean value of Cl PV was found to be higher in groups II [0.155 +/- 0.05] and III [0.179 +/- 0.04] than in group I [0.134 +/- 0.04], which reached a significant level only between groups III and I [P<0.05]. The mean values of NIEC index and NIEC risk of bleeding were found to be significantly higher in group III [28.5 +/- 4, 18.3 +/- 6.3] respectively than in groups I [23.6 +/- 5, 10.6 +/- 7.8] and II [23.5+4, 11+6.5] [P<0.05] with no significant difference between groups I and II. The Cl PV was found to have a significant positive correlation with the degree of fibrosis as assessed by both the sonographic and the histopathologic examinations. It was also significantly correlated with NIEC risk of bleeding. We concluded that the congestion index of portal vein is a valuable non invasive parameter in assessing the severity of portal hypertension and in predicting bleeding in schistosomal patients with and without chronic hepatitis C

Protracted 5-fluorouracil infusion with concurrent radiotherapy as a treatment for locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma

Radiotherapy plus bolus 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] is generally accepted as an effective treatment for locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. To intensify the antitumor effect of chemotherapy, the authors administered protracted 5-FU infusion with concurrent radiotherapy. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of this combined therapy. Twenty patients, all of whom had histologically confirmed exocrine pancreatic carcinoma that was nonresectable but confined to the pancreatic region, were enrolled in a Phase II trial of protracted 5-Fluorouracil infusion [200 mg/m2 /day] with concurrent radiotherapy [50.4 gray in 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks]. Chemotherapy began on the first day of irradiation and continued through the entire radiotherapy course. Thereafter, weekly infusions [500 mg/m2] were administered until disease progression. Of the 20 patients, 17 [85%] completed the scheduled course of chemoradiotherapy. Grade 3 or more toxicity, graded according to World Health Organization criteria, was observed in 4 patients [20%]. Two patients [10%] achieved partial response, and disease remained stable in 16 patients [80%]. After the completion of combined therapy, serum CA 19.9 levels were reduced by more than 50% in 10 of 12 patients [83%] who had pretreatment CA 19.9 levels of 100 U/mI or greater. The median progression free survival and 1-year progression free survival rate were 4.9 months and 29.5%, respectively. The median overall survival and 1-year overall survival rate were 10.3 months and 41.8%, respectively. This treatment showed moderate activity against locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma and was accompanied by an acceptable toxicity level

Relationship between aminopyrine breath test score and post-operative morbidity in schistosomal patients

The aminopyrine breath [ABT] was done in 25 patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis scheduled for splenectomy and left gastric artery ligation and in 15 patients with normal livers and spleens requiring upper abdominal surgical intervention. The relevant radiological and laboratory investigations indicate significant liver involvement in the schistosomal patients. The mean ABT score correlated well with the Child's class where the mean score for class A> class B> class C. However, in this group the mean score for patients with pure schistosomal fibrosis was very close to normal while that for patients with mixed cirrhosis was 40% lower. The incidence of post-operative complications was much higher in schistosomal patients who had lower ABT scores. For determining the probability of postoperative morbidity, the ABT may be of value in the framework of an overall clinico laboratory regime for diagnosis

Adjuvant systemic treatment after resection of colorectal carcinoma utilizing 5-fluorouracil versus 5-fluorouracil plus levamisole

The study included 90 patients with resected stages B2-C colorectal carcinoma. All patients received localized postoperative radiotherapy to a dose of 5000-5500 cGy. Patients were divided into three treatment groups. Group A: receiving no adjuvant systemic treatment [Controls], group B: receiving 5-fluorouracil [5FU] alone [450 mg/m[2] IV bolus for 5 consecutive days] repeated every 28 days; and group C: receiving 5FU as in group B/ and levamizole [Lev] [50 mg, 3 times daily for 3 days and repeated every 2 weeks]. Adjuvant treatment in groups B and C was given for one year. The follow up ranged between 25-62 months [median 3.5 years]. Patients of 5FU/Lev group showed significantly lower recurrence rates than controls [P<0.025], but no difference in rate of recurrence between 5FU group and controls. The advantage of 5FU /Lev group over controls in reduction of recurrences was significant only in patients with stage C disease [P<0.01]. Also patients treated by 5FU/Lev combination showed significantly better overall survival compared to controls [P<0.05]. Toxicity of 5FU/Lev combination was mild and consistent with what might be expected with 5FU alone. 5FU /Lev is tolerable adjuvant therapy to patients with colorectal carcinoma with significant reduction of recurrence rate and significant improvement of overall survival

Value of kiel compensating system in the mantle field treatment of malignant lymphomas

We have presented a method which enables the radiotherapist to achieve homogenization of dosage in relation to an arbitrary reference plane in the body of the patient, within a mantle field. The irregularly shaped body surface of the patient and tissue inhomogenecities are taken into account by this method. In addition, the required compensator can be conceived by the broad beam will receive a dosage different from that applied to the rest of the field Beside irradiation of a patient with Hodgkin's disease, the technique described her is suitable for treatment of tumors in the region of the head and neck, and for the breast cancer serving treatment. Another advantages of the KIEL compensating system is compensation of distortion of dose distribution caused by surface irregularities and inhomogenecitis, by means of C.T. monitored compensation, and Iimitaion of the whole treatment volume using individually shaped divergent field shields. Further more, its safe practicable adjustment with defined positioning and few tatlooable adjustment points without making field limits render it very practical. Moreover we have developed new and unique method for quality asserance with measurements only behind the patients, no measurements on the patients'surface as well as within the patients

Precautions against anastomotic leakage after low colorectal anastomosis

Low colorectal and coloanal anastomosis have become popular methods in several surgical procedures. However, because it is undertaken in the deepest part of the pelvis, it is liable to many imperfections which predispose to faecal leak with consequent serious morbidity and mortality. The present study is based on a series of 90 consecutive cases of low colorectal anastomosis. The pathogenesis of dehiscence and leakage from this anastomosis is discussed. Technical aspects to prevent leakage are mentioned

Action of diazoalkanes on chrysenequinone a note on keto-epoxide transformation to methylene dioxy derivatives

It has been reported by Schonberg et al that diazomethane and diphenyl diazomethane react with Chrysenequinone to give methylene dioxy derivatives I. Later, this product was represented by structure II

reaction of enamines with o-quinone mono-nitrogenous derivatives

Benzo [c] phenanthrene- 5,6-dione 5-oxime reacts with l-[l-cyclopentenyl] piperidine and l-[l-cyclohexene] piperidine to give [Ia, b] in which the [1:1] addition reaction involves the C = N- group only whereas it reacts with 4- [1-cyclopentenyl] morpholine and 4- [1-cyclohexenyl] morpholine to give the cyclic addition products [2a,b]. 5 Iminobenzo [c] phenanthren-6 [5H]-one reacts with 1-[1-cyclopentenyl] piperidine and l-[1-cyclohexenyl] piperidine to give the expected cyclic [1:1] addition product [4a,b] whereas it reacts with 4-[1-cyclopentenyl] morpholine to give the unexpected product [5], in which the [1:1] addition involves the C=N. group only

Synthesis of some substituted 2-hydroxybenzazides by a simple new method

The most popular method for making acyl azides is treating hydrazides with nitrites. Usually, a cold solution of the hydrazide is treated with sodium nitrite and the azide is often extracted immediately into a layer of ether. Mineral acid may be added to a solution of hydrazide and nitrite where acid-sensitive molecules are involved. We used this well known method for the preparation of : benzazide, 2-hydroxybenzazide and some of its substituted derivatives namely; 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzazide, 2-hydroxy-5-bromo benzazide, 2-hydroxy-5-chlorobenzazide, 2-hydroxy-3,5-dibromo benzazide, and 2-hydroxy-3,5-dichlorobenzazide. Apart from benzazide and 2-hydroxybenzazide, [which were well defined in the literature by their m.p. and i.r. spectra] the other azides have not been identified neither by their m.p. nor by their i.r. and u.v. spectra but were used as cude products .We separated each azide and characterized it