Virulence factors in mycoplasma of human origin

Although mycoplasmas posses a very limited genome, little is known about their virulence mechanisms and methods of persistence in the host. The significant genome compaction that occurred in mycoplasma was made possible by adopting a parasitic mode of life. Demonstration of the correlation between urogenital infection and some Mycoplasma species. Also detection of some virulence genes of mycoplasma and ureaplasma isolates by PCR. Collection of urine, semen, vaginal swabs and synovial fluid from patients of urogenital manifestation with or without arthritis. Isolation of mycoplasma on the suitable media, identification of the isolates by using different biochemical tests, serological typing of the isolates by specific antisera and detection of some virulence genes by PCR. out of 524 examined samples 84 [16.03%] proved to be positive for mycoplasma by culture. The results revealed that most prevalent Mycoplasma species were M. genitalium [24.74%], M. hominis [23.71%], M. fermentans [38.13%] and U. urealyticum [13.40%] by using specific antisera. PCR technique were used for detection of some virulence gene [16SrRNA, P[1], and P[a] cytoadhesine and gyrA genes] of the isolated mycoplasma and ureaplasma. The results of this study is explained the role of mycoplasma in causing some urogenital infection due to some genes detected, these may responsible for different virulence potentials

Evaluation of the phenolic content and antioxidant potential of althaea rosea cultivated in Egypt

The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic content [TPC] and antioxidant potential of Althaea rosea Cav., family Malvaceae, as well as to isolate and identify the flavonoid content of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts. In addition, a comparison between the TPC and antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract of both aerial parts and flowers was carried out to discover new active constituents that can be utilized in drug industry. The extraction of the flavonoid compounds was carried out by percolation of the dried aerial parts of the plant under investigation with 70% methanol until exhaustion. The combined extract was then concentrated and defatted with petroleum ether [60-80[degree sign] C]. After separation of the lipoidal matter, the remaining extract was purified from mucilage and subjected to several column chromatographic techniques for isolation of the flavonoids. The identification of flavonoid compounds was carried out using physical, chemical, and spectral methods such as ultraviolet, [1]H NMR, and [13]C NMR. The antioxidant potential of the methanolic extracts of both aerial parts and flowers was determined using the stable 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity method. Furthermore, their TPC was also determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Five flavonoid compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of A. rosea Cav., which were identified as quercetin 3-O-beta-d-glucuronopyranoside-8-C-beta-d-glucopyranoside, kaempherol-3-O-beta-d-rutinoside, kaempherol-4´-O-beta-d-glucoside, kaempherol-3-O-beta-d-glucoside, and kaempherol. The antioxidant activity was measured in terms of their IC[50]. The IC[50] values of the methanolic extracts of the aerial parts and flowers were 11 and 1 mg/ml, respectively, whereas the TPCs were 48 and 73 micro g/ml, respectively. The methanolic extracts of both aerial parts and flowers of A. rosea Cav. are rich in phenolic compounds and have a prominent antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of both extracts may be attributed to their phenolic content

New formulations from Acacia nilotica L and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. for oral ulcer remedy

This study addresses the innovation of a stable new pharmaceutical formulation comprising natural botanical extracts of Acacia nilotica L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L., which are therapeutically effective in the treatment of oral ulcer and possess high patient acceptability. The pastes are prepared, characterized, and subjected to physical and chemical stability studies and then evaluated for therapeutic efficacy regarding ulcer size. The novel adhesive paste is prepared and when applied to the oral mucosa, it remains on it for a considerable period of time. The stability tests of all the samples in the analysis showed satisfactory physical and chemical stability evaluated by the Normal Stability Test. The muco adhesive paste incorporating the active; A. nilotica L, when applied to oral ulcer, could promote the healing process, leading to a decrease in diameter of the inflammatory halo of the ulcer. However, the effect of liquorice extract on recurrent aphthous ulceration [RAU] was found even better than that of acacia extract. A combination of the two plants presented a synergism of both, leading to better healing with favorable reduction of the diameter of inflammatory halo of the ulcer together with a prolonged action. Therapeutically, effective and stable oral pastes are dispensed with cost-effective benefits

Phytochemical and biological studies of butea frondosa roxb. Leaves growing in Egypt

This study aimed to the discovery of new biologically active natural products with hormonelike activity from Butea frondosa Roxb., Family Leguminosae growing in Egypt. The investigation of estrogenlike activity showed that both the successive non-polar and methanolic extracts showed a significant estrogen-like activity in immature female rats. GLC analysis the non-polar bioactive revealed the presence of eicosane [22.5%] and beta -amyrin [20.5%] as the major components in the unsaponifiable matter, while palmitic [24.9%] and linoleic [36.8%] acids were the main saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The successive bioactive methanolic extract was subjected to chromatographic separation to yield five flavonoids identified as vicenin II, vitexin, chrysoeriol 7-o- beta -D-glucuronic acid, 6,8-di-C-rhamnosyl apigenin and luteolin

Phytochemical study and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of some medicinal plants growing in Egypt

The anti-inflammatory activity of different extracts of five plants abundantly growing in Egypt, namely Ipomoea palmate Forsk. [Convolvulaceae], Alstonia scholaris R.Br. [Apocynaceae], Salix subserrata Willd., Salix tetrasperma Roxb, and Populus nigra Linn. [Salicaceae] has been studied. Phytochemical study on selected bioactive extracts was carried out as well as their possible mechanism of action. The results revealed a significant anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts under investigation to different degrees. A chromatographic study of the bioactive lipoidal extracts of A. scholaris and I. palmate was carried out and the results revealed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids [linoleic and linoleic]. Beta-sitosterol and campesterol were present in A. scholaris and I. palmate, respectively. Chromatographic and spectral investigation of the flavonoids in the bioactive aqueous extract of I. palmate revealed the presence of luteolin, quercetin 7-glycosie and apigenin. The anti-inflammatory activity may be due to the presence of these phytochemical constituents

Phytochemical and biological studies of some polysaccharides isolated from aloe, tamarindus, opuntia and citrus

The aim of this study is the phytochemical and biological evaluation of polysaccharides isolated from some medicinal plants belonging to the Genera Aloe, Tamarindus, Opuntia and Citrus. Antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant of the polysaccharides were studied. Extraction, isolation and identification of the biologically active constituents have been carried out aiming at discovery of new active constituents from botanical origin which can be utilized in drug industry. The Polysaccharides from the plants under investigation were isolated using cold and hot extraction methods then hydrolysed, the polysaccharide hydrolysates were identified by Paper and HPLC chromatographic techniques. The isolated polysaccharides were tested for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and immunomodulating activities. The optimum parameters for the extraction of polysaccharides isolated from the seeds of Tamarindus indica Linn. Family Leguminosae were examined by using three factor statistical techniques. Maximum yield of polysaccharides were obtained from Tamarindus indica Linn, seeds [21%], which was increased by varying temperature and time [55%]. The results of the biological activities revealed significant antihyperglycemic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities with variable degrees. Chromatographic investigation of the polysaccharide hydrolysates revealed the presence of hexoses, pentoses and uronic acids with qualitative and quantitative variations in the chemical composition. Tamarindus indica Linn, seeds had the highest yield of polysaccharide and the highest significant biological activities

Study of polysaccharides isolated from the oleo-gum-resins of boswellia carteri and commi phora myrrha and their immuno- modulatory activity

The present study aims to isolate the polysaccharides of the oleo-gum-resins of Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha Family Burseraceae, identify their components and test their immuno-modulatory activity for the first time. The polysaccharides were isolated from the oleo-gum-resins of Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha using different chemical and chromatographic techniques. The components of the polysaccharide hydrolysates are estimated qualitatively and quantitatively by using PC and HPLC analysis. The immuno-modulatory activity is tested by splenocyte and mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation methods. The percentage yield of the isolated polysaccharide was 15.4% and 15.7% from Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha oleo-gum-resins respectively. Galactose and ribose are the major constituting units of the polysaccharide isolated from Boswellia carteri oleo-gum-resin whereas ribose and galacturonic acid are the major constituting units of the polysaccharide isolated from Commiphora myrrha oleo-gum-resin. The polysaccharide of B. carteri oleo-gum-resin showed mild immuno-stimulatory activity at a dose of 5microg/ml, while that of C. myrrha oleo-gum-resin showed no activity at this dose. Chromatographic investigation of the polysaccharides isolated from Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha oleo-gum-resins by PC and HPLC analysis demonstrated their qualitative and quantitative variation in their chemical composition. Higher concentrations of the polysaccharides could be tested for immuno-modulatory activity

[Familial psoriasis: descriptive report of 9 families]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The familial nature of psoriasis has long been recognized. Our study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and genetic features of familial psoriasis. Through a prospective study we investigated during a study period of 1 year [2006-2007] 9 Tunisian unrelated multiplex families. Patients with psoriasis and their available family members were examined by the same dermatologist. Thirty nine individual presented psoriasis [25 men and 4 women], with a mean age at onset about 19.8 years. With the systematic exam of member's family we discover 11 cases of unknown psoriasis. The common form of psoriasis was the preponderant one [37 cases]. The nails, the scalp, the mucous membranes were involved respectively in 21, 12 and 13 cases. The psoriasis was severe in 11 cases. Through this study we find similar epidemiological and clinical features of those reported previously. The intra and inter-familial variability was evident in our patients

Quality attributes of sectioned and formed spent hens meat rolls 2- effect of enzyme treatment and/or cool aging tenderization

Feathered carcasses of broiler mother hens [18 month age] were enzyme treated [static soak in 0.003% papain sol.] and /or cool aged [4 degree C, 24 hrs] prior to processing into sectioned and formed meat rolls [SFMR]. Breast SFMR’s were of higher WHC and lower cook loss as compared to thigh rolls. Cool aging [AG] tenderization resulted in less cook loss [13%], when skin emulsion [SE] was used as a binder, as compared to that containing kcarrageenan [KC] [18%]. When enzyme/aged [Enz/Ag] tenderization was applied, cook loss was 20% and 17% with SE and KC respectively as binders. For SFMR binding efficiency and slice ability, samples with [KC] were ranked the best [compared with control and SE samples], for both tenderization methods. Enz/Ag treatment resulted in the best tenderness and juiciness of samples containing [KC] or [SE] respectively. For overall acceptability samples Enz/Ag treated and [KC] binded and made of either breast or thigh cuts were ranked the four top scores

Value of transthoracic echocardiography for the detection of left main coronary artery obstruction in patients undergoing coronary angiography

To determine the clinical feasibility and reliability of transthoracic echocardiography for the detection of significant Left Main Coronary Artery [LMCA] obstructions in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Sixty patients [thirty with normal LMCA; group A and thirty with angiographically proven LMCA disease; group B] were studied to evaluate the feasibility of use 2-D echocardiography to detect the LMCA disease. Visualization of the LMCA was attempted in all patients using a parasternal short-axis view at the level of the aortic root with the transducer in the third or fourth left intercostal space, with 30°Clockwise rotation, or apically from a five-chamber view with cranial angulation of the transducer. Evidence of LMCA stenosis was defined qualitatively as an area of apparent luminal narrowing, usually as a result of high-intensity echoes, with visualization of a larger lumen beyond that area. The LMCA was successfully imaged by 2-D echo in 51 [85%] of the sixty patients studied; 26[86.66%] patients in group A and 25 [83.33%] patients in group B. Echocardiographic criteria of LMCA stenosis were noted in 24 patients: 22 from group B [true positive] and two from group A [false positive]. The LMCA appeared normal on echocardiographic examination in 27 patients; 24 from group A [true negative] and 3 from group B [false negative]. The sensitivity of echocardiography for detection of significant lesion of the LMCA was 88%, specificity was 92.31% and accuracy was 90.2%. These findings are encouraging and indicate that echocardiography can be a practical mean of detecting or excluding obstruction of the LMCA and it may be a useful adjunct to coronary arteriography because it can alert the arteriographer to the potential presence of a LMCA disease

Impact of doppler tissue imaging in the assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities in patients with old myocardial infarction

Doppler Tissue Imaging [DTI] is an emerging non-invasive ultrasound technique, which allows measuring velocities at any point of the ventricular wall during the cardiac cycle.To evaluate the clinical feasibility of DTI as a new method for detection and quantification of regional Wall Motion Abnormalities [WMA] in patients with old Myocardial Infarction [MI].Fourty patients with old MI who had angiographically-documented significant stenotic lesion in the infarct-related artery and WMA in the infarcted area were evaluated in addition to twenty healthy subjects[control group].Regional wall motion of each of the anterior and inferior wall segments of the left ventricle was assessed by conventional 2-D echocardiography and pulsed wave DTI. The later includes the measurement of Peak Myocardial Velocity [PMV] and Myocardial Velocity Gradient [MVG].The peak MV and MVG in the studied myocardial segments of control subjects ranged between 4 to 15 cm/s and 1 to 3.85 cms.[-l] respectively. In patients group, Myocardial segments supplied by diseased coronary vessel in the infarcted area were found to have highly significant reduction of both MV and MVG compared to the same segments in control subjects [p<0.001]. The sensitivity for detection of WMA was markedly improved by DTI studies [92.5% for MV and 100% for MVG versus 52.5% for 2-D echo] with retaining the high specificity inherited by conventional echocardiography .Compared to conventional 2-D echo, pulsed wave DTI is an accurate, highly sensitive non-invasive method to detect and quantify regional WMA induced by coronary artery disease. It is almost as accurate as contrast ventriculography in this regard, so it may be the best imaging technique for detection of WMA at rest and with different cardiovascular stresses

Feasibility and accuracy of acoustic quantification and color kinesis in assesment of regional and global systolic left ventricular function in patient with coronary artery disease

The analysis of segmental wall motion using two-dimentional [2-D] echocardioglaphy is subjective with inter-obsever variability.Color kinesis is new technique providing color-encoded map of endocardial motion. We evaluated the accuracy of Acoustic Quantification [AQ] and 2-D for assessment of global and regional LV systolic function compared with LV angiography as a reference method. Forty ischemic heart patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in this study in addition to 10 healthy control subjects. Control subjects and patients were evaluated by 2-D, AQ and color kinesis echocardiography. Coronary Angiography and LV angiography were done for ischemic heart patients. Regional wall motion pattern [normal, hypokinesis, Akinesis, dyskinesis as well as EF were determined. Accuracy of AQ color kinesis and 2-D were evaluated and compared to LV angiography. LVEF measured by 2-D and color kinesis were closely correlated with that estimated from contrast LV angiography ventriculography[r= 0.95 and r= 0.97 respectively]. Color kinesis compared to 2-D, enhance the accuracy of EF measurements.In control subjects there was a very close agreement of 2-D and color kinesis as regard the pattern of regional wall motion. In patients group, color kinesis was significantly better than 2-D on the definition of normal versus abnormal segments [95.2% of segments correctly evaluated by color kinesis versus 86.1% by 2-D, p < 0.05]. Color kinesis is a new echocardiographic technique that provide more accurate semiquantitative assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities. Additionally, AQ is a convenient method for better measurement of EF

Incidence and predictors of immediate elastic recoil after percutaneous translumenal coronary angioplasty

To assess the incidence and magnitude of elastic recoil that occurs immediately after coronary angioplasty and to detect the clinical and angiographic predictors of this process. Forty ischaemic heart patients who were scheduled for PTCA: with clinical diagnosis of stable angina, unstable angina or prior myocardial infarction [MI Their ages ranged 31-76 years; with mean age 49.47 +/- 11.89 years. Thirty-six [90%]were males and four [10%]were female Qualitative and Quantitative coronary angiographic evaluation before, during, and immediately after PTCA were done for all patients included in this study to detect the occurrence of elastic recoil, its magnitude, and its predictors. All patients showed different degrees of elastic recoil; with an average of 0.56 +/- 0.43 mm. Elastic recoil was responsible for a mean cumulative loss of 18.48 +/- 14.19% of the theoretically achievable gain immediately after balloon deflation. The following factors were found to have a positive correlation with the increased incidence and degree of recoil: bal loon over sizing, lesion calcification, and eccentricity of lesion. However, elastic recoil was not influenced by age, sex, coronary risk factors or the patient's clinical diagnosis [stable angina, unstable angina or old MI]. Elastic recoil was extremely common and caused loss of nearly 20% of the potential gain obtained during maximal balloon inflation. The present study identified the predictors of this unwanted event: the use of an oversized balloon for dilatation, lesion calcification and lesion eccentricity

Purification and properties of a thermo stable alkaline - protease [s] produced by bacillus stearothermophilus, s-wn1616b

A proteolytic thermo-alkalophilic, Bacillus stearothermophilus, S-WN 1616B isolated from Wady El-Natroon, Egypt, proved to be very promising with regard to protease[s] formation under extreme thermo- alkalophilic conditions. Thus, the purification process was found to be necessary to find out the unique properties of such kind of enzymes. Accordingly, the enzyme was collected under all optimal conditions of production. Then, it was subjected to a process of purification through a preparation of cell free filtrate, an application of ammonium sulfate precipitation technique, performing dialysis methods, then applying gel-filtration using sephadex column chromatographic technique. This resulted in a partially purified enzyme preparation with specific activities of 1620 units/mg protein/ml corresponding to purification folds of 48.2 times of the origin

Biochemical, nutritional and pharmacological evaluation of the antiarthritic activity of some Egyptian plants

The antiarthritic activity of some bioactive extracts of fenugreek seeds and Liquorice roots and the whole coriander fruit powder were tested in rats in which adjuvant arthitis was induced in comparison with two synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs. The results of the tested natural agents showed a significant inhibition of the inflammed regions with different degrees. The highest inhibition was due to the petroleum ether extract of fenugreek [67%] followed by the aqueous methanolic extract of liquorice [65%]. Biochemically administration of the natural agents or reference drugs to arthritic rats produced pronounced improvement of the level of certain biochemical parameters reflecting the arthritic state in rate; such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum seromucoids, copper, fibrinogen, albumin and albumin: globulin ratio. Nutritionally arthritic rats lost weight significantly if compared with control normal ones. Administration of urbason retard to arthritic rats produced a significant reduction in body weight and food efficiency ratio if compared to control arthritic, while aqueous methanolic extract of fenugreek produced a significant increase in body weight. No significant changes in total food intake were noticed among the different groups receiving the tested agents

Studies of some biochemical nutritional and anti-inflammatory effects of nigella

The anti-inflammatory effects of the whole powdered seeds of Nigella sativa L. [Family Ranunculaceae] as well as the successive petroleum and alcoholic extracts were tested in experimental rats. The results revealed a remarked anti-inflammatory activity of the tested natural agents. The results revealed that the whole powdered seeds produced a significant reduction of plasma triglycerides, postprandial blood sugar and body weight gain. The alcoholic extract produced a significant decrease of plasma cholesterol and body weight gain, while the petroleum ether extract reduced plasma cholesterol and postprandial blood sugar significantly and produced a significant increase in body weight gain. Concerning liver and kidney function tests, the three tested natural agents showed complete safety. Chemical composition of the most active extract was carried out. The total fatty acids fraction was methylated and analyzed by GLC. The results revealed the presence of myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linolenic, behenic and arachidic acids with a quantitative variation in the petroleum ether extract, which is safe up to 6 g/kg mice body weight according to the acute toxicity test

hypoglycaemic effect of different extracts of ambrosia maritima, L- compositae

The effect of the different successive extracts of the herb of Ambrosia maritima, L. family compositae widely grown in Egypt on postprandial and fasting blood glucose were tested in rats. The results showed that 1.5-hour postprandial blood glucose was reduced significantly after administration of the total water, 50% alcoholic or petroleum ether extracts. The 2-hour postprandial blood glucose was reduced significantly after the administration of either the petroleum ether or the extract. The fasting blood glucose was reduced only on giving either the total water or the alcoholic extract. Methylene chloride extract produced no significant change on postprandial blood glucose. The effect of petroleum ether extract and 50% alcoholic extract on plasma insulin levels 2 hours and 1.5 hours, respectively, after glucose ingestion was determined. The results showed no significant change of insulin level in both cases. Phytochemical and chromatographic study of the extracts revealed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids and coumarins