One-pot three-component synthesis of new triazolopyrimidine derivatives bearing indole moiety as antiproliferative agents

A new series of triazolopyrimidine derivatives was produced via three-component reactions of suitable aromatic orheteroaromatic carboxaldehyde, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, and 3-indolyl-3-oxopropanenitrile in triethylamine as a catalyst.The new compounds have been interpreted using elemental analysis, infrared, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magneticresonance spectroscopy. Antiproliferative effects of the new compounds have been screened on four human cancer types andone human noncancerous type (retinal pigment ephitilial-1) via the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-DiphenyltetrazoliumBromide assay. Compounds 4a and 4h have moderate activity against the human colon cancer; most of the compoundswere active toward human lung cancer; compounds 4i, 4h, and 4g were highly active on hormone-dependent human breastcancer, while compounds 4c, 4b, 4h, and 4e were the most active on the hormone-independent human breast. The resultsof this study offer a source for further investigation of selected triazolopyrimidine derivatives as antiproliferative agents.

Reprocessing practices for gastrointestinal endoscopes: a multicentre study in Egyptian university hospitals

The aim of this study was to assess the practices of health care workers during gasterointestinal endoscope reprocessing, evaluate their knowledge about reprocessing, and verify their compliance with laboratory and microbiological tests in endoscopy units at Zagazig University and Fayoum University hospitals. All nursing staff on duty from 10 endoscopy units, with 16 flexible endoscopes, were included. Knowledge and practice were assessed by a questionnaire and a checklist. The mean knowledge score was 7.5 [SD 1.9], which was poor. Compliance was 90% for disinfection and 74% for endoscope processing after disinfection. Before reuse after cleaning, no organisms were detected in 5 endoscopes, while 8 colony forming units were found in 2. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common organism isolated. Strict implementation of the reprocessing guidelines are needed, especially the pre-cleaning stage and leak testing. Repeating high level disinfection after storage and before use must be followed

randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of "on-demand" tramadol for treatment of premature ejaculation

The objective of this study is to assess the dose-related effects of tramadol on a group of patients with premature ejaculation [PE]. During the period of months between June 2010 and July 2012, 180 PE patients presented to outpatient clinic of our hospital. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 fashion to receive different sequences of the three medications: placebo, 50 mg of tramadol and 100 mg of tramadol. Every patient received 10 doses of each medication for 2 months. Intra-vaginal ejaculatory latency time [IELT] was recorded in seconds initially and for each arm. Successful treatment of PE is defined if IELT exceeded 120 s. Side-effects of medications were reported. Of patients enrolled, 125 [69.4%] continued the study. Patients' age range was 20-55 years with PE complaint of 1 to 10 years duration. Mean IELT was 72 at presentation, 82 for placebo, 150 for tramadol 50 mg, and 272 for tramadol 100 mg [P < 0.001 for all comparisons]. PE was successfully treated in only 2.4% of patients with placebo, in contrast to 53.6% and 85.6% with 50 and 100 mg tramadol, respectively [P < 0.001 for all comparisons]. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline IELT was the only predictor of successful treatment of PE with both tramadol 50 mg [odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.07, P < 0.001] and tramadol 100 mg [OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04-1.11, P < 0.001]. Postmicturition dribble annoyed 12.8% of those who received 50 mg tramadol and 33.6% of those who received 100 mg tramadol [P < 0.001]. Weak scanty ejaculation was the main complaint in 7.2% versus 21.6% of those using 50 and 100 mg tramadol, respectively [P = 0.002]. Two patients discontinued tramadol 100 mg due to side-effects. Tramadol hydrochloride exhibits a significant dose-related efficacy and side-effects over placebo for treatment of PE

Isolation and molecular characterization of novel IBV isolates from broiler chicken farms in Egypt

A survey of infectious bronchitis virus [IBV] genotypes in 25 commercial broiler flocks of various ages [20-35 days] raised in Al-Behera and Kafr-Elsheikh governorates and suffering from respiratory symptoms and pathological changes in kidney associated with high mortality rate. All flocks were vaccinated against IB disease. Tissue samples [trachea, lung and kidney] were collected aseptically from these flocks. Then virus propagation was performed in embryonated SPF chicken eggs via allantoic sac inoculation. Results of virus isolation trails from the collected organs revealed 15 IBV isolates [60%] out of 25 flocks as judged by antigen detection in CAMs by the AGPT against reference IBV Beaudette antiserum after 2-5 chicken embryo serial passages. However, three of 15 IBV isolates were also positive by the slide HA test. Moreover, 5 flocks gave positive slide HA test and negative by the AGPT. The other 5 flocks gave negative slide HA test and AGPT. Then selected ten IBV field isolated strains in this study were characterized by RT-PCR [all of ten selected isolates are positive for S1 gene], and then sequence analysis of partial S1 spike glycoprotein gene of seven IBV field isolates in this study [11, 15, 21, 13, 19, 22, 24] were made. The seven IBV field isolates showed 97% to 98.3 % and 96.7% to 98.3% nucleotide sequence identity to IBV-CU-2-SP1 and Eg/12120s/2012 strain [variant 2 like strain], respectively. Nucleotide identity between these seven IBV isolates ranged from 97.7% to 99% and between these isolates and vaccinal strain used in Egypt [M41, H120, Ma5, 4/91, CR88 and D274] ranged from 64.7% to 65.7%, 65.3% to 66.3%, 65.7% to 66.7%, 67.3% to 68.3%, 68.6% to 69.6% and 84.2% to 84.8%, respectively. The presence of these strains may account for vaccination failure against IBV, since all IBV isolates were from vaccinated chickens. This study demonstrates a constant evolution of IBV in Egypt that necessitates continuous monitoring to control the spread of infections, and the development and use of vaccines based on indigenous viruses

Attitudes of dental patients towards participation in research

The attitudes of dental patients towards participation in research and the independent socioeconomic factors associated with these attitudes are not known. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 120 patients attending dental clinics in Amman, Jordan. For patients who had previously participated in research [N = 28], motivating factors for most [> 75%] included a desire to help others and to advance science. Most respondents [81.7%] showed interest in participating in questionnaire-based research, but fewer would participate in invasive research, e.g. biopsies [22.0%] and drilling teeth [21.2%]. Reasons given for not participating in research included fear of infectious diseases [71.3%] and pain [62.1%]. Factors considered important in enhancing research participation included being asked to give informed consent [98.2%], fairness in selection of participants [97.3%] and the prospect of humanitarian benefit [96.5%]. Sex and education level were significantly associated with patients' perceptions for several of items. To enhance recruitment, researchers should be aware of people's perspectives regarding participation in research

Agriculture wastes conversion for biofertilizer production using beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agriculture applications

Aims: The emphasis of this study is to generate new valuable bioproducts from non-toxic cleaning waste for environmental healing technology. Methodology and Results: Comparisons between different types of biofertilizer formulations and the field trial effectiveness were done. Results indicated that biofertilizer C contained the highest N value (1.8%) when compared with biofertilizers B and A, which only contained 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Biofertilizer A showed significant difference in the total count of yeast, mould, ammonia oxidizing bacteria and nitrate oxidizing bacteria compared to biofertilizer B and C. Meanwhile, biofertilizer C was found to be significantly different from others in Lactobacillus sp. and nitrogen-fixing bacteria count. Photosynthetic total count and Actinomycetes sp. were not noticed in all formulations tested. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The findings of this study suggest that biofertilizer A is suitable to be used as a promotional biofertilizer in flower and fruit production, biofertilizer B can be used for a leafy crop, while biofertilizer C is good for the growth of roots and stem of plants.

Anticonvulsant activity of some vanilloid receptor agonists

Vanilloid receptors 1 [VR 1], a group of transient receptor potential channels family was cloned in 1997. They were found to be a potential target for treatment of different acute and chronic pain disorder. Recently these receptors were reported to be involved in several pathological conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the potential anticonvulsant activity of five vanilloidal agonists [capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone, dehydrozingerone and 6-gingerol]. Experimental animal model of pentylenetetrazole [PTZ] induced seizure was used to investigate the potential anticonvulsant activity of capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone, dehydrozingerone and 6-gingerol. The data obtained showed that, all tested compounds [capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone, dehydrozingerone and 6-gingerol] possess dose dependant anticonvulsant activity. The five vanilloidal agonists; capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone, dehydrozingerone and 6-gingerol exhibit anticonvulsant activity and may find clinical application

Investigation of anti -nociceptive activity of zingabeel [zingiber offlcinale] on acetic acid induced writhing in rats

This study was carried out to test for antinociceptive effect of the methanolic extract of ginger using acetic acid induced writhing in rats and compared to morphine and diclofenac sodium as standard drugs. The methanolic extract of ginger, showed dose dependent responses whereas 50 and 100mg/kg produced 100%protection against writhing induced by acetic acid [0.6% i.p.]. This protection supersedes the effect of diclofenac sodium [25, 50 and 75 mg/kg] On the other hand morphine [2.5- 10 mg/kg], exhibited 100% protection against writhing induced by acetic acid. Therefore we can conclude and recommend that, ginger is a potential source of new and effective anti-nociceptive agent[s] Bioassay guided fractionation for the methanolic extract of ginger should be investigated for the determination of active ingredient[s], and to elucidate their mechanism of action

Laparoscopic crural repair with simultaneous sleeve gastrectomy: a way in gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment associated with morbid obesity

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy [LSG] has become popular both as a definitive and a staged procedure for morbid obesity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a common co-morbid disease in bariatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LSG and hiatal hernia repair [HHR] to treat obesity, complicated by hiatus hernia [HH]. The participants in the study were twenty patients, 14 women and 6 men, with a mean body mass index of 43.4 +/- 1.9 kg/m[2] and mean age of 47 years. All the subjects were eligible for LSG and eight were found to have esophagitis at pre-operative endoscopy. Patients with Barrett's esophagus were excluded. GERD symptom questionnaire, 24-hour esophageal pH-metry, and manometry were employed as Pre-and post-procedure assessments. The mean follow-up period was eight months. Clinical outcomes were also evaluated in terms of GERD symptoms improvement or resolution, interruption of antireflux medication, and X-ray evidence of HH recurrence. Symptomatic HH was diagnosed preoperatively in 18 patients. In the other two patients, HH was asymptomatic and was diagnosed intra-operatively. Prosthetic reinforcement of crural closure was performed in two symptomatic cases with an HH > 5 cm. Mortality was nil and no complications occurred. After a mean follow-up of seven months, GERD symptoms resolution occurred in nine patients, while the other patients reported an improvement of reflux. Body mass index had fallen from 43.4 to 36.2 kg/m[2]. A laparoscopic hiatal repair with or without commercially available onlay reinforcement biologic mesh and a sleeve gastrectomy performed at the same time, was successful in controlling the reflux symptoms and reducing body weight

Epidemiological studies on highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 during late 2009 and 2010 in Egypt

Epidemiological studies on AI virus H5N1 in different governorates in Egypt [Alexandria, Bohera, Cairo, El-fayom, Gharbia, Giza and Dakahlia] during late 2009 and 2010 were carried out. These studies included seventy five flocks [49 broilers, 17 layer, 4 breeder and 5 duck flocks] showing high mortality rate with respiratory manifestations and diarrhea, through isolation in specific pathogen free eggs and identification by hemagglutination inhibition test using H5N1 antiserum. The data revealed the following: a percentage of 32.7%, 76.5%, 50% and 40% in broiler, layer, breeder and duck flocks respectively were positive for AIV H5N1. The highest incidence was recorded in layer flocks followed by broiler breeder flocks, duck then broiler flocks with total incidence of 44% in all species. Sequencing and phylogenetic tree of hemagglutinin [HA] gene of six positive AIV H5N1 isolates from chickens during 2010 were done. Phylogenetic tree showed that all HA gene sequences blonged to highly diverse clade 2.2.1 viruses according to WHO/FAO/OIE nomenclature. Analysis of amino acid sequences of HA glycoprotein revealed some mutations at the receptor binding site of the HA molecule

Factors affecting hemagglutination activity of avian influenza virus subtype H5N1

Hemagglutination [HA] and hemagglutination inhibition [HI] tests for avian influenza [AI] virus [H5N1] were standardized using varying various factors like erythrocytes from different species, type of diluent, incubation temperature and incubation period. The virus was peropagated in embryonated chicken eggs [9-11 days]. The allantoic fluid [AF] was harvested 36 hours post incubation and was confirmed by slide hemagglutination test. The maximum HA titres were obtained using 1% RBCs of chicken, sheep, duck, geese, pigeon, quails and turkey for 30-40 minutes. The haemagglutination activity showed best titer when used phosphate buffer saline than normal saline and also when incubated at 25[degree sign] C instead of 37[degree sign] C

[Study of muddy flows, "sails", in northern Bekaa using sig and remote sensing - Wadi-Elfakeh case]

Flash flood or "sail", is a typical flow of mud through dry valleys which are located in an arid and semi-arid area. It is the outcome of torrential rain which occurs suddenly during the end of the wet season and covers the dry valley of Assi river. It causes catastrophic consequences on the environment and the economy of some villages in the North Beqaa. It is essential to make a comprehensive study on the dry valley of Fakehe village which includes an analysis of the geo-morphological, hydrological, and climatic factors

Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System [GIS] are considered as an effective and advanced technological tool to study the hydrological characteristics of Fakehe valley such as the nature of hydrological network, drainage index, soil permeability, and slope gradient. Then combining together all these factors using a [GIS] model one can identify the weak spots which cause or intensify the flash floods

After identifying the sensitive areas in Fakehe area many appropriate solutions are proposed to reduce the effects of the "sail" such as terraces and reforestation of steep slopes. Another solution is to widen and deepen the U form of the flash flood bed in order to contain the big muddy waves. Finally, the installation of many pipes is another solution to protect farmlands

Comparison between traditional method [offshoots] and tissue cultures for the evaluation of some physical and chemical composition and nutritive value of some Egyptian dry-date cultivars grown at Aswan

This study was carried out to hold a comparison between dates obtained from traditional culture palms as known over the centuries [off shoots ], and their fruits of tissue culture palms as a modern biotechnology which may provide unprecedented opportunities to improve quality parameter and agricultural productivity. Three dry date cultivars namely; Gondaila, Bartamuda and Sakkoti, grown at Aswan Governorate, Egypt, during 2008/2009 season, were assessed for their some physico-chemical characteristics, mineral elements, sugar fractions and amino acids. Generally, results indicated that tissue culture dates gave the height values of fruit weight except Sakkoti cultivar, pulp/fruit percentage, moisture, reducing sugars, total sugars, potassium, magnesium, cobalt, lead and copper. While traditional culture dates were the superiority in crude fiber, total soluble solids, iron, sodium, manganese and phosphorus. Moreover, both the sugar fractions and the amino acid contents were assessed by HPLC technique. The results revealed that tissue culture dates had the highest percentages in glucose and fructose. On opposite, traditional culture dates were the superiority in sucrose than it's of tissue culture. The flesh of the tested date cultivars contain many amino acids. Cysteine, histidine, alanine, glycine and glutamic acid were determined. There were variations between traditional dry date cultivars and tissue cultures ones in amino acid contents. Overall, significant differences [at 5 % level] in most measured attributes were found between traditional culture dates and tissue ones as propagation method, genotype and interaction between them. So, production of tissue culture date cultivars should be extended at Aswan Governorate and other successive production areas due to short life cycle after plantation (3-y-old) produce dates with high quality?

Hazards of EMFs on human's health

Electromagnetic fields [EMFs] are widely used for transmitting of radio, TV signals, and wireless communications. So a huge number of individuals suffering of risk from telecommunication technologies. The study of the biological effects of EMF could contribute to better understanding of the possible hea1thhazards. The objectives of this study were to describe the health status of electric occupational workers exposed to electric and magnetic fields [EMF5]. Measurements were performed in substations operating at 50 kV/m Workers occupationally exposed for more than 2 years to magnetic field approximately 17-18 micro T. One of the objectives of this study was the evaluation of EMFs effects on the antioxidative activity of plasma in worker's. Substation workers [60 males] of electric company and a control group [20 males] were compared in their hemoglobin [Hb] concentration, Hb electrical conductivity, thermodynamic parameters of Hb and other biochemical factors. Hemoglobin concentration percentage and electric conductivity were measured according to the duration of exposure . Also there was a decrease in spin state constant for different groups of workers, and an increase in free energy as compared to control . Superoxide dismutase [SOD], Glutathioneperoxidase [GSH-PX] activities were decreased specially in labor exposed for a long time but Catalase activity [CAT] increased in workers exposed to 10-15 years . There was also an increase in activation energy for all group of workers . All changes observed among workers exposed to EMFs from electric substations result in inadaptable response for controlling the balance of human body oxidative mechanisms, thus the risk factor of cancer and Alzhcimer will be enhanced

Electropolishing of copper by using different mono, di and poly hydroxyl compounds additives

Electropolishing [EP] technique is one of more efficient methods for cleaning and brightening of metals and alloys. Tarnishing and roughness covering copper surface can be removed by EP treatment imparting a bright and smooth surface at a suitable applied voltage, time and concentration. It was carried out by using an electrolytic cell containing phosphoric acid as the electrolytic solution, copper working electrode and lead counter electrode. Some additives such as soluble starch. ethylene glycol and methanol were added to reduce defects formed on the copper surface during EP operation. The effect of electric potential and time was studied and the surface was also investigated after EP treatment by SEM, EDX and AFM analysis

Detection of reticuloendotheliosis virus as contaminant of fowl pox vaccines

This study was designated to detect reticuloendotheliosis virus [REV] as a contaminant in fowl pox vaccines. A total of 30 fowl pox vaccine samples were examined for the presence of REV using the in vitro and in vivo methods. In the in vitro test, the fowl pox vaccine samples were inoculated into chicken embryo fibroblast [CEF] cultures prepared from SPF embryonated chicken eggs and examined by PCR test for detection of REV. In the in vivo test, each fowl pox vaccine sample was inoculated in five days old SPF chicks and kept under observation up to 12 weeks post inoculation [P1]; serum samples were collected at 15th, 30th, and 45th days P1 for the detection of antibodies against REV by commercial ELISA kit, and tissue samples were collected at 8th and 12th weeks PI for histopathological examination. Results revealed that: only one imported vaccine sample gave positive results by PCR test a product of 291- bp was obtained by the vaccine sample. Serum samples collected from positive vaccine batch were tested for REV antibodies by ELISA test and the sera were positive. Histopathological examination for liver, spleen and bursa of fabricius revealed the presence of tumor cells in the examined organs and these changes confirmed the results obtained by PCR and ELISA tests and indicated that the sample is contaminated with REV. The data clearly indicated that screening of all commercial poultry vaccines to be virus free is an important factor in assuring the biosafety of animal vaccines

Can breast MRI differentiate phyllodes breast tumors from fibroadenomas?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if MR imaging could differentiate phyllodes breast tumors and fibroadenomas. Dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging was performed for six patients with six phyllodes breast tumors and results were compared with respect to morphology and contrast enhancement with those of 69 fibroadenomas of 50 patients. Smooth margins were seen in 83.3% of the phyllodes tumors and 93% of the fibroadenomas and a round, oval or lobulated shape in 100% and 98.6%, respectively. A heterogeneous internal structure was observed in 50% of phyllodes tumors and in 33.3% of fibroadenomas. Cystic changes were found in 50% of phyllodes tumors and 3% of fibroadenomas. Most of both lesions appeared with high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. A significantly greater increase in signal was seen on T2-weighted images in the tissue surrounding one of the phyllodes tumors [16.7%]. After the administration of contrast material, 33.4% of phyllodes tumors and 21.7% of fibroadenomas showed a suspicious signal intensity-time course. Phyllodes breast tumors and other fibroadenomas cannot be accurately differentiated on breast MR imaging

[Evaluating sea water quality in the coastal zone of North Lebanon using Telemac-2D[TM]]

The coastal zones of the Mediterranean are undergoing rapid development with growing and conflicting demands on the natural resources. Coastal zones are often subjected to irreversible land degradation and environmental deterioration. Lebanon is located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin and the integrated management of the environment in the Lebanese coastal zone must be given concern. Most of the successful decisions addressing the environment protection or the elaboration of preventive measures in the coastal zone. These decisions depend on the availability of efficient simulation tools. The existence of these tools can help protecting the environment and establishing the ground for sustainable natural resources in the coastal zones. In this paper, a simulation tool called Telemac-2D[TM] software was used to simulate the business as usual, pessimistic, and optimistic status of the sea water quality in the coastal zone of Tripoli [North Lebanon]. The coastal zone is affected by the effluents of solid and liquid wastes from Abou-Ali river. The different quality states of the coastal zone represent the normal, high, and low flow of the effluents [plume pollutants] from Abou-Ali river. In addition, it represents the variation of different factors such as wind and sea currents speed and direction. This simulation will help the decision makers to implement pre-cautious measures before a disaster takes place by assessing the quality of the sea water near the coastal zones

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies among a sample of Egyptian children

We determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies [HAV Ab] among 296 Egyptian children aged 2.5-18 years of different social classes to ascertain whether to give HAV vaccine early in life or to leave children to acquire natural immunity. Overall 61.4% were seropositive for HAV Ab. There was a significant increase in the seroprevalence of HAV Ab with higher age and lower social class; in children aged < 6 years, 72.7% of high and 19.0% of low social class were seronegative for HAV Ab. A national vaccination programme for HAV is not a priority. We recommend vaccination against hepatitis A for high social class children at the preschool period without testing for HAV. Vaccination for middle social class children can be done, but only after testing for HAV

Preliminary contamination hazard assessment of land resources in central Bekaa plain of Lebanon

The Central Bekaa plain constitutes the main region with prime agricultural land in Lebanon. The agricultural sector is the main consumer of available water resources [up to 70%]. Intensive agriculture, urban expansion and industrial activity have been increasingly stressing the limited soil and water resources. In the Central Bekaa, farmers are enforced to use contaminated water to recompense water shortage during the peak crop demands. Water scarcity and mismanagement increased contagion hazards and pressure on soil and groundwater quality. The objective of this study was to provide a synopsis of the assessment methodologies and analyze the soil-groundwater vulnerability to contamination by heavy metals as based on the risks of metal transfer and the degree of protection offered by the soil cover and soil-metal interaction. The soils of the area are distinguished by a high content of clay and relatively high pH that would reduce the danger of heavy metals transfer and mobility. However, throughout the study area, the perched groundwater table is relatively high with a depth varying between 60 and 500 cm making it highly vulnerable to pollution. Metals might be more mobile under reducing conditions. The area of high, medium and low soil and groundwater table vulnerability were determined and spatially located according to international standards. Referring to the German Concept on soil protection effectiveness, the residence time of percolating water carrying soluble pollutants in the unsaturated soil zone was assessed. It varied between several months and 10 years. Zones of high soil and ground water vulnerability risk require special management to establish pollution prevention programs. Results can help land use planning oriented to the choice of suitable crops, promulgate sustainable use of natural resources and environmental preservation