Markers of neural degeneration and regeneration in Down syndrome patients

On the trisomy Down syndrome Critical Region [DSCR1] is located the APP gene, which accelerates amyloid peptide protein [APP] expression leading to cerebral accumulation of APP-derived amyloid-beta peptides [Abeta] and age-dependent cognitive sequelae. Also DSCR1 attenuates endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis required for tissue repair. The aim of the present work is to determine markers of neural degeneration and regeneration in the blood of young and adolescent Down syndrome [DS] patients as well as controls. Markers of regeneration were measured in terms of circulating mononuclear cells expressing Nestin and CD34, while markers of degeneration were measured in terms of plasma Abeta[42] and advanced glycation end products receptors [RAGES]. Results showed a significant increase in plasma Ap[42] [20 +/- 5.1 vs. 11.9 +/- 3.4] and RAGES leucocytes mRNA relative expression [1.9 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.6] in adolescent DS patients compared to young DS. Both parameters were also significantly increased in DS compared to controls: Abeta[42] [15.4 +/- 5.9 vs. 12. 3 +/- 4.5]; RAGES [1.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.2]. Nestin [5.2 +/- 1.4 vs. 6.3 +/- 0.6] and CD34 [52 +/- 2.5 vs. 53 +/- 4.7] were non-significantly lower in adolescent DS patients compared to young DS, but significantly lower in DS patients compared to controls: Nestin [6.3 +/- 1.5 vs. 9 +/- 4.4]; CD34 [54 +/- 3.4 vs. 60 +/- 4.8]. The significant decrease in the number of mononuclear cells bearing Nestin and CD34 markers accompanied by a significant increase in Abeta[42] and RAGES indicate that degeneration in DS is an ongoing process, which is not counterbalanced by the regenerative mechanism

Outcome of reconstructing anterior urethral stricture

To evaluate the success of urethroplasty according to site, length and etiology of urethral stricture, previous attempts of management and the technique of repair according to different definitions of success in urethroplasty. Of 64 patients, 8 patients had stricture fossa navicularis [group 1], 15 patients had pendulous urethral stricture [Group 2] and 41 patients had bulbar urethral stricture [Group 3]. In group [1], 5 patients were managed by ventral longitudinal penile fasciocutaneous flap and 3 patients were managed by staged B.M.G urethroplasty, in group [2], 7 patients were managed by distal penile fasciocutaneous flap, 3 patients were managed by staged buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty and 5 patients were managed by combined penile skin flap with buccal mucosal graft an in group [3], 28 patients were managed by excision primary anastomosis and 13 patients were managed by augmented anastomotic urethroplasty. Within the follow-up period [mean 30.6 months], of 64 patients, 57 patients [89%] didn't need any additional surgical procedure and 52 patients [81.3%] didn't need even dilatation, the statistical difference between the two groups is nearly significant [P value 0.058]

Cross-reaction of antigen preparations from adult and larval stages of the parasite Setaria equina with sera from infected humans with Wuchereria bancrofti

Crude antigenic preparations from Setaria equina were used in ELISA and Western blotting to examine cross-reaction with human sera from areas endemic for bancroftian filariasis. Sera from normal subjects from non-endemic areas were included as negative controls. Cross-reaction was found between 5. equina antigens and antibodies in the sera of Wuchereria bancrofti-infected patients, with the highest levels observed between sera of chronic infected patients and Setaria spp. crude female worm surface antigen [CFSWA]. In the absence of active transmission of Setaria spp. infection, CFWSA is useful to detect chronic W. bancrofti infection before patients become symptomatic, particularly when chronic patients are known to be amicrofilaraemic. In the presence of active 5. equina infection, antigens from the adult and microfilaraemic stages showed the highest degree of cross-reaction with human sera

Comparative study between the effects of yohimbine and sildenafil on erectile dysfunction in stressed male rats

The incidence of erectile dysfunction increases as a result of stressful conditions such as industrialized lifestyles. Both physical and psychological stress may interfere with the reproductive capacity of several species. In this work stress was induced by immersion of rats in cold water [15 minutes/day] for 14 consecutive days. The effects of yohimbine [0.2mg/Kg, i.p.] and sildenafil [20mg/Kg, i.p] on erectile dysfunction of stressed rats were assessed in comparison with control group. Furthermore the levels of testosterone, LH and FSH in blood were evaluated. Results revealed that, immersion of rats in cold water significantly increased mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies and intercopulatory interval indicating a decrease in sexual arousal and motivation, and also decreased ejaculation frequency indicating a decrease in copulatory performance and potency. In addition immersion of rats in cold water for prolonged period could decrease the copulatory activity as evidenced by mating test and decreased testosterone, LH and FSH levels. Results revealed that treatment with yohimbine or sildenafil significantly increased the sexual arousal and potency and corrected the effects induced by stress on the mating behavior of male rats. On the contrary they did not significantly alter testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] levels

Effect of sprulina platensis on the immune response of cultured oreochromis niloticus

The use of microalgae in the field of fish feeding is still operated in a small scale. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of using the microalga Spirulina platensis powder as a feed additive in fish diets. So, we use a total number of 120 apparently healthy Oreochromis niloticus, with average body weight of fish [50 +/- 5g] were obtained from Barseek fish farm at Behera Governorate. The present work was designed to investigate the different immunostimulant effects of Spirulina on some cultured freshwater fish including serum proteins, [Lymphocytes and monocytes] as well as phagocytic activity, index and the level of antibody titer, relative level of protection. For these investigations four experimental diets were carried out by addition of Spirulina platensis powder to balanced fish diet. 1[st] group: fed on 1[st] diet which is formed of fish diet with addition of 2.5% Spirulina platensis powder to it. 2[nd] group: fed on 2[nd] diet which is formed of fish diet with addition of 5% Spirulina platensis powder to it. 3[rd] group: fed on 3[rd] diet which is formed of fish diet with addition of 10% Spirulina platensis powder to it. 4[th] group: fed on 4[th] diet which is formed of fish diet without addition of Spirulina platensis powder to it [Control group]. The most important results of this study include: 1.There was a tendency for the WBCs values had the highest values during addition of Spirulina also there was increasing in lymphocyte and monocytes in groups fed on Spirulina than the control groups. 2. Fish groups supplemented with Spirulina showed increased of phagocytic activity and phagocytic index until the 4[th] weeks from feeding Spirulina. 3. In the present work, the significant increase in albumin, globulin and total protein and increase of albumin/globulin [A/G] ratio in the groups fed on Spirulina than control group 4. The antibody titers in all Spirulina supplemented groups were highor than the control feed on basal diet where ranged between 2 +/- 0.1, 3 +/- 0.1, 4 +/- 0.3 and 4 +/- 0.3 during 1[st], 2[nd], 3[rd] and 4[th] weeks respectively and at the end of the 4[th] week, the antibody titers ranked in groups where the 10% Spirulina supplemented group come in the first rank, followed by 5% Spirulina supplemented group, then 2.5% Spirulina supplemented group while the control group came in the last rank in values. 5. The potency of bacterin was examined by calculating the relative level of protection [RLP]. In this study, we examined the disease resistance in Spirulina - treated tilapia using the tilapia pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila

Evaluation of parenteral nutrition on the immune system of patients with polytrauma

Nutritional support for trauma and critically ill patients has been advocated to promote immune system recovery and to prevent as much tissue break down and nutritional deficit. The present study aiming to assessment of the parenteral nutrition on the immune system of patient with multiple trauma. Compare the effect of early parenteral nutritional and conventional hospital diet on the nutrition and immunology markers in trauma patients. A convenient sample of 40 severely traumatized patients within 8 hours after trauma they were enrolled sequentially into conventional [n = 20] and total parenteral nutrition [n = 20] groups [TPN]. Criteria for subject inclusion were, age 18-<45 years, Injury severity score [ISS] 20-40 score. Tools of data collection, four tools were utilized to collect data pertinent to the study. These tools were, nutritional assessment sheet, trauma scales and [APACHE] score [checklist], parenteral nutrition plans, evaluation tool which includes [Anthropometric measurement, Laboratory studies Immunological parameters]. Total parenteral nutritional has positive impact for trauma patients on anthropometric measurement, [weight loss, TSF and MAC] which was observed at the end of therapy [7th day.] for the conventional group while there were no changes for the same parameters in TPN group. As regard, laboratory tests, there were significantly increase in the values of total serum protein and albumin among patients of the TPN group after the end of therapy at [7th day] .As regard immune function, it was found that the mean values of [IL-10, IL-6, CD8] were significantly dropped in the TPN group after the end of therapy as compared to the admission. Also there were significantly increase in the values of complement C3, IGA, CD4, and CD4/CD8 ratio among patient of the TPN group at [7th day]. Establishment and implement of standardized protocol of parenteral nutrition support using nutritional screening and physical assessment forms, for the critically ill patients

Evaluation of efficacy and side effects of different doses of intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia after anorectal surgery

Intrathecal opioids are frequently used in the management of postoperative pain, but may be associated with many adverse effects such as pruritus, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, and respiratory depression, which may limit their use. Aim of this study was to compare between six different doses of IT morphine [0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg] as regarding postoperative analgesia and the side effects of IT morphine, and to determine the optimal dose of IT morphine that provides satisfactory analgesia to the patient with minimal side effects. This study was conducted in Anesthesiology Department, Assiut university hospital, after approval of the local ethics committee. Our study was performed on 95 patients of ASA physical status I and II aged from 20 to 40 scheduled for anorectal surgeries. Spinal anesthesia was performed, with the patient in the sitting position, at L4, 5. Each patient received 5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine with different doses of IT morphine in a total volume of 2 ml. Patients were kept in the sitting position for five minutes to get sacral block. Intraoperative monitoring: Heart rate, O2 saturation, and non-invasive blood pressure were monitored. Postoperative monitoring: Patients were evaluated for any pain or side effect of IT morphine [Pruritus, PONV, urinary retention, and respiratory depression] during the first 24 hours. Supplemental analgesia in the form of I. V. tenoxicam was available on patient request, and the doses needed for each patient were recorded. Antipruritic and antiemetic therapy was available on patient request. Increasing the dose of IT morphine decreases the incidence of pain during the first 24 hours and subsequently decreases the need for supplemental analgesia. The doses of 0.1 mg and 0.2 mg are comparable with each other as regard to pain relief. 100% of the patients receiving 0.1 mg and 75% of the patients receiving 0.2 mg of IT morphine experienced pain during the first 24 hours and subsequently required supplemental analgesia and even with 40 mg of I. V. tenoxicam, some patient complained of postoperative pain. The doses of 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg or 0.5 mg are comparable with each other. Theses doses are enough to provide 24-hours analgesia in more than 50% of patients. This percentage increases to 100% with the use of 20-40 mg of tenoxicam intravenously. The dose of 1 mg provides 24-hours analgesia in 87% of patients. Increasing the dose of IT morphine causes significant increase in the incidence and severity of pruritus. Postoperative nausea and vomiting occurred in 30% of the patients in the control group. There is a non-significant increase in both the incidence and severity of PONV by increasing the dose of IT morphine. Urinary retention occurred in 20% of the patients in the control group. Increasing the dose of IT morphine causes significant increase in the incidence of urinary retention. Respiratory depression was not detected in any patient. Our study clearly demonstrated that the use of IT morphine in a dose of 0.3 mg in adjuvant with intravenous tenoxicam in a dose of 20-40 mg provides excellent pain relief for 24 hours after anorectal surgeries with minimal side effects of IT morphine

Purification and partial characterization of dermatophyte keratinases: application in the treatment of tinea in a guinea pig model

Dermatophyte infection of the skin continues to be a prevalent disease. However, the factors causing the divergent clinical presentation seen with dermatophytosis remain unknown. Seven different dermatophytes [Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, M. nanum, Trichophyton violaceum, T. rubrum, T. soudanense and T simii] were isolated from patients having different clinical types of tinea and their protein profiles were differentiated. Over a period of 28 days the seven dermatophytic species were examined for their ability to secrete keratinolytic enzymes. The duration and intensity of keratinase production differed among the seven dermatophytic species. Seven different proteins were isolated with molecular weights ranging from 22 kDa up to 80kDa. M canis was found to possess the highest keratinolytic activity. Guinea pig animals were experimentally infected with M. canis. The infection of the animals was determined by the presence of hair loss, scales and pustules in the lesions. The isolated keratinases of M canis were incorporated in Syzygium aromaticum methyl cellulose gel ointment and applied on the infected lesion until a complete cure of Guinea pig was achieved after 8 weeks of daily application, keratinases were found to have a role in treatment

Ureteroscopic Holmium lasertripsy for treatment of impacted ureteral calculi

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy for the treatment of impacted ureteral stones. From January 2000 to January 2007, 150 patients [105 males and 45 females] with impacted ureteral stones were treated at the Urology Department of the Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt. Their mean age was 36 years [range 20 to 66 years]. The mean duration of stone impaction was 4.6 months. The patients were managed via the retrograde endoscopic approach using small caliber [6.9 F rigid and 7.5 F flexible] ureteroscopes and the Holmium:YAG laser lithotriptor. Out of 150 ureteral stones, 144 [96%] were completely fragmented with a single endoscopic procedure. Proximal stone migration occurred in two cases, and the stones were treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL]. Intra-operative ureteral perforation occurred in 4 cases and was managed by open surgical treatment. Endoscopic observation revealed inflammatory polyps at the site of impaction in 75 patients and a stricture adjacent to the stone in 20 cases. Holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy may be considered an effective first-line therapy for chronically impacted ureteral stones, which are frequently associated with chronic inflammation, polyps and strictures. It is quite safe and it avoids the futile repetition of ESWL and problems caused by a prolonged passage of stone fragments

Effects of recruitment maneuvre on atelectasis during prolonged paediatric microvascular anaesthesia: a computed Tomography study

Atelectasis is an unavoidable effect of general anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to identify lung atelectasis which could occur during general anaesthesia in children with healthy lungs during microscopic reconstruction of brachial plexus and to evaluate the efficacy of alveolar recruitment strategy [ARS] in treating such atelectasis guided by CTscanning, The study included 30 patients aged 4 months to 2 years, ASA I physical status. Three cases were excluded. 27 children were enrolled into two groups: control group [n=16] and Alveolar recruitment strategy [ARS] group [n=11]. After induction of anesthesia in the ARS group PEEP of 5 cm H[2]O was applied from the start of the operation and the recruitment manoeuvre was performed 1 hour after induction of anesthesia and repeated at the end of surgery and was performed for 10 breaths by increasing PEEP progressively to 10 cm H[2]O, and the tidal volume [TV] until 15 ml/kg or a peak inspiratory pressure [PIP] of 35 cm H[2]O. In the control group, arterial blood gas samples were withdrawn at the 1[st] hour, 4[th] hour and before extubation. In the ARS group, they were withdrawn at 1[st] hour [Control], after the 1[st] and the 2[nd] recruitment manoeuvres, and shunt fraction was mathematically calculated in both groups. Three computed tomography scans were performed in both groups; preoperatively, early and late postoperatively, and atelectatic area was identified and measured using the [Region-of-interest] program. The recruitment manoeuvre used in this study had succeeded to decrease the incidence of anesthesia induced atelectasis from 87.5% in the control group to 27.3% in the [ARS] group. Even in cases presented with atelectasis in the [ARS] group, the mean atelectatic area size was smaller, and its' resolution was earlier. In the control group, the mean atelectatic area size was 6.86 +/- 0.71 cm[2] in the early postoperative CT which further increased to 8.76 +/- 0.92 Cm[2] in the late postoperative CT, and 4 cases were complicated by pneumonia. In the [ARS] group, the mean area size was 3.82 +/- 1.55 cm[2] in the early postoperative CT, and reduced to 1.63 +/- 1.65 cm[2] in the late postoperative CT [3[rd] day], with no cases complicated by pneumonia. Furthermore, the degree of gas exchange impairment was improved in the [ARS] group versus the control group. The mean shunt fraction calculated from arterial blood gas in the control group was 14.76 +/- 1.63% versus 9.67 +/- 1.63% in the [ARS] group. The current study revealed a high incidence of anaesthesia-induced atelectasis in children with healthy lungs exposed to prolonged general anaesthesia for microscopic recostruction of brachial plexus birth injuries. The combined use of Alveolar recruitment manoeuvres and PEEP of 5 cm H[2]O before and afterwards is effective in reducing the incidence of anesthesia induced atelectasis with no reported complications

Spiral CT scanning and curved tomography in localization of mandibular canal in relation to lower third molar

Accurate radiographic assessment is a must in cases of impacted lower third molars with proximity to mandibular canal to avoid the high risk of neurovascular bundle injury during surgical removal. This study was conducted as an attempt to assess the relation of horizontally impacted lower third molar to mandibular canal using curved tomography [panoramic radiography] and spiral CT scanning. Fifteen patients were comprised in this study. They were all suffering from horizontally impacted lower third molar. Images of both modalities were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed to reveal relation of the molar to the canal. Out of our results: [1] The most common radiographic features strongly linked to intimate relation [40% of the cases] and highly predicting of contact between horizontally impacted lower third molar and canal are: superimposition of roots on canal and presence of roots just touching the superior border of the canal. [2] Majority of the investigated teeth were not in contact with the canal [60%]. The mandibular canal was most often inferior or buccal or inferiobuccaly to the roots of the horizontally impacted lower third molars. It could be concluded from this study that whenever one of the radiographic criteria predicting close proximity of molar to canal is evident on panoramic radiograph, CT should be performed to clear out the exact location of the canal. Spiral CT allows faster scanning, more resolution and a high degree of accuracy when planning removal of third molar in proximity to the canal, making it possible to formulate a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan

Studies on some bacterial causes and blood serum biochemical changes of respiratory affections in lambs [with 6 tables]

This study was carried out on 36 lambs in private farm at Dakahlia governorate, 7 of them apparently healthy, 11 clinically diseased suffering from respiratory affections and 18 slaughtered lambs. Bacteriological examination of the samples revealed that 35 samples were positive for bacterial isolates, distributed as 6 [85.71%], 11 [100.00%] and 18 [100.00%] of apparently healthy, clinically diseased and slaughtered lambs respectively. 66 bacterial isolates identified biochemically into P. multocida 19 [28.79%], P. heamolytica 5 [7.58%], E. coli 15 [22.73%], Klebsiella pneumonia 8 [12.12%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7 [10.61%] and staph. aureus 12 [18.18%]. Pathogenicity test for P. multocida isolates indicated that all isolates were pathogenic. Blood samples were collected from the clinically healthy and diseased groups of lambs. Two blood samples were obtained from each animal, one as a whole blood and the other in the form of blood for obtaining clear non-haemolysed serum. Haematological studies revealed that presence of high significant decrease in the total erythrocytic count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and blood lymphocytes [per mm[3] blood] in diseased animals when compared with clinically healthy ones. Also high significant increase in total leucocytic count, significant increase in neutrophil, oesinophil and monocyte cells were recorded in diseased cases. The studied biochemical parameters revealed high significant elevation in the values of AST, ALT, GGT and blood urea in diseased animals. Also creatinine showed marked elevation. Presence of high significant decrease in the level of albumin, while total protein, sodium chlorides and calcium levels were significantly decreased. On contrary, presence of significant increase in the glucose and potassium levels. From previously mentioned data, it was cleared that respiratory affections in lambs especially those of bacterial origin cause significant changes in blood picture, liver and kidney functions and the level of both sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium

Cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, intracranial tension and blood flow equivalent during isoflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia in brain surgery

This study included 28 patients of ASA physical status I-II, aged 18-55 years, subjected to craniotomies for supratentorial brain tumor. They were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either isoflurane [group I] or sevoflurane [group II] anesthesia. Cerebral venous monitoring through bulb catheterization to allow assessment of global oxygen delivery adequacy. A fiberoptic extradural sensor was inserted in extramural space to monitor the ICP. Anesthesia was induced by thiopentone/fentanyl/pepecurium/isoflurane in group I, and thiopentone/pepecurium/sevoflurane in group II. Anesthesia was maintained with 1.5 MAC [1.5%] isoflurane in group I and 1.5 MAC [3%] sevoflurane in group II in FiO2 100%. The patients were mechanically ventilated in such a rate to maintain PaCO2 between 32-35 mmHg. Mean arterial blood pressure [MAP], intracranial pressure, arterial and jugular venous blood gases, arterial and jugular venous lactate concentrations were measured and times of recovery parameters were recorded. Cerebral perfusion pressure [CPP], arterial oxygen content [CaO2], jugular venous oxygen content [VjvO2], arteriojugular venous oxygen content difference [AJVDO2], cerebral oxygen extraction ratio [OER], arteriojugular lactate difference [AJVLS], lactate oxygen index [LOI], cerebral blood flow equivalent [CBF equivalent] were calculated. Times elapsed, till recovery parameters occurred, were recorded

Evaluation of educational training program for nurses concerning emergency care of patients with dysrhythmias in critical care units of Assiut University Hospital

This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge and practices concerning cardiac monitoring and emergency care of patients with dysrhythmias and to develop, apply and evaluate an educational training program concerning emergency situation of dysrhythmia. Three tools were designed specifically to collect data. The first tool was a structured questionnaire to assess nurses knowledge. The second tool was an observation checklist to assess nurses practices. The third tool was the educational training program [handout]. Assessment of all nurses' knowledge and practices was done as a baseline data [pre- test]. The program was applied on 28 nurses working in Critical Care Unit, post-test was done for all nurses using the pre-designed questionnaire and checklist sheets. The results of the study indicated that generally all nurses had low score in their knowledge [[mean +/- SEM] 14.9 +/- 0.05] and practices [[mean +/- SEM] 26 +/- 1.0] concerning emergency care of patients with dysrhythmias. A high statistically significant difference was found between pre- and post-test concerning nurses knowledge and practices

Treatment of keloid scars with pulsed dye versus erbium yag laser

This study aimed to evaluate the success of 585-nm flash lamp-pumped pulsed dye laser versus erbium YAG laser in treatment of keloid. Two groups of patients with keloid [10 patients each] received 2-3 laser treatments at 6-8 weeks intervals using pulsed dye laser to one group and erbium YAG laser to the other group. The success of therapy was judged by a clinical improvement including softening of the scar, reduction of erythema, scar height, pruritus or pain and improvement of surface tecture abnormalities. The cases were reviewed after six months. There was a significant improvement in 7/10 patients treated with pulsed dye laser compared with the significant improvement observed in 3/10 patients treated with erbium YAG laser. Moreover, with pulsed dye laser the improvement persisted for at least six months. It was concluded that the vascular specific 585 nm pulsed dye laser gives better results than the erbium YAG laser in the treatment of keloid

Antioxidant status in minimal change nephrotic syndrome

Minimal change nephrotic syndrome [MCNS] accounts for about 75% of causes of NS in children. A still growing body of evidence has accumulated indicating that a disturbance of balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defence mechanisms plays a major role in the pathomechanism of glomerular diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate the role of oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in the pathogenesis of MCNS. The serum levels of some antioxidants [alpha -tocopherol, superoxide dismutase "SOD", selenium, zinc and copper] were estimated in 50 children, of ages ranging from 2 to 12 years, diagnosed as MCNS, and compared with that of 20 healthy age and sex- matched control children. Oxidant stress was evaluated as well in all subjected by estimating levels of serum and urinary malondialdhyde [MDA]. Levels of antioxidants, but vitamin E were significantly decreased in children suffering MCNS compared to control children. Meanwhile oxidative stress, measured by serum and urinary MDA was significantly increased in patients group. In addition, a significant positive correlation between SOD and both copper and zinc was reported. It was concluded that an oxidative stress, in. the face of defective antioxidant defence, does exist and may play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. So it is recommended that nutritional antioxidants, especially vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and copper should be added in the diet of children and all risky groups

effect of calcium modifying agents on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

In this study, preparation of heart mitochondria was isolated from the heart of adult female Wistar rats. The integrity of mitochondrial preparation was assessed by application of the following tests: Respiratory activity, respiratory control index [RCI], ADP: O ratio [relationship between phosphorylation and respiration] and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. The determination of mitochondrial protein concentration and measurement of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation using Clark-type oxygen electrode were assessed for isolated mitochondria. Verapamil [100-200mu M], bepridil [50-200muM] and palmitoyl DL-carnitine [50-200 muM] produced a significant inhibition of rat heart mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The results demonstrated the ability of calcium antagonists to modify mitochondrial integrity and function under physiological conditions and provided a further evidence of potential ability of these compounds to be effective in the prophylactic treatment of ischemia in vivo condition

Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in children with malignancy

The study aimed at the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in 73 children with malignancy; 31 with lymphoma [22 with Hodgkin's and 9 with non- Hodgkin's lymphoma] and 42 with leukemia [34 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 8 with acute myelogenic leukemia]. In positive cases, toxoplasmosis was manifested by any of the following; fever, lymph node enlargement, neurological manifestations and/or hepatosplenomegaly. The indirect hemagglutination test [IHA] for toxoplasmosis detected four [5.4%] positive cases with malignancy [two with Hodgkin's lymphoma, one with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and one with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]. The immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [IgM ELISA] detected only one [1.4%] case with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Immunoglobulin G [IgG] ELISA detected six [8.2%] positive cases [three with Hodgkin's lymphoma, one with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and two cases with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]. Polymerase chain reaction for detection of parasite DNA in blood [PCR] was the most useful in diagnosing toxoplasmosis with malignancy, as it was able to detect nine [12.3%] positive cases [five [6.8%] with Hodgkin's lymphoma, one [1.4%] with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and three [4.1%] with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]. No positive toxoplasmosis cases were detected with acute myelogenic leukemia by any of the above methods

Treatment of postoperative external duodenal fistula using roux-en-y jejunal loop

postoperative external duodenal fistulae are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Although medical management is followed by closure of fistulae in up to 90% of patients, mortality and mortality rates are sill high among those who would not respond to this treatment. In addition, there is no technical recommendation as regards the surgical intervention as each operative procedure has its own limitations, mortality and morbidity. to evaluate the outcome of using Roux-en-Y jejunal loop for closure and drainage of postoperative external high-output duodenal fistulae. a series of prospective cases from March 1993 to February 1998. Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University. seventeen patients with postoperative external duodenal fistulae, in whom surgical intervention was indicated, were treated using Roux-en-Y jejunal loop anastomosed to the fistula stoma. four patients [23.5%] died in the early postoperative period [30 days]. Morbidity was related to chest infections, intraabdominal infections, multiorgan failure and burst abdomen with a total major complications rate of 58.8%. the Roux-en-Y operation is recommended for difficult fistulae that do not heal with medical management. It is a safe one-stage procedure that is suitable for high-risk patients