Immunogenicity assessment for lung-stage and biomphalaria Alexandrina cocktail vaccine in schistosoma mansoni infected mice

The availability of a new vaccine is usually needed as an additional component to chemotherapy for control of schistosomiasis. Different strategies of different types of vaccines were assessed to decrease morbidity but did not give the best protection. The study assessed the efficacy of BAAP, SLAP and their combined preparations together with BCG adjuvant as an effective anti-schistosomal vaccine. Methodology: Six groups of Swiss albino mice were used [Gi] as a control, [G2] infected non immunized; [G3] infected and supported by Adj.; [G4] infected; vaccinated with BAAP and supported by Adj.; [G5] infected, vaccinated with SLAP and supported by Adj. and the target group [G6] infected, vaccinated with combined antigens [BAAP + SLAP] arid supported by Adjuvant. Mice were sacrificed 8 weeks post infection for assessment the effect of our vaccine through parasitological, histopathological, serological and immunohistochemical study. The vaccination of mice with BAAP, SLAP and Adjuvant followed by challenge S. mansoni infection resulted in highest reduction percentages [92% and 86%] for mean numbers of adult burdens and fecal egg counts respectively,[82.4%, 81%] for granuloma number and diameter respectively compared with other groups. The improvement % of all measured enzymes as higher in G6 than other groups.IL10 was significantly increased in G6 than other groups; also. TNF was significantly decreased in G6 than other groups

Influence of Spirulina platensis exudates on the endocrine and nervous systems of a mammalian model

Objective: To investigate the effect of intra-peritoneal injection of purified exudates of axenic Spirulina platensis on the mammalian endocrine and nervous systems. Methods: The intra-peritoneal injection of the cyanobacterial exudates in mice was applied. Sex hormonal levels of testosterone and progesterone were measured using radioimmunoassay while the follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were evaluated by direct chemiluminescence. In addition, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were monitored in the hippocampus region using spectrophotometric method. The levels of the hippocampal monoamines, dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography while the acetyl choline neurotransmitter was measured by colorimetric method using choline/ acetylcholine assay kit. Results: A sharp disruption in the sex hormones levels of testosterone, progesterone, follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone was demonstrated in the serum of the treated mice. At the same time, a significant reduction in the endogenous antioxidant defense enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was observed in the hippocampus region of the injected mice. Moreover, levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and acetyl choline neurotransmitter in the same region were significantly affected as a result of the treatment with Spirulina filtrate. The gas chromatography- mass spectrometer and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of some sterol-like compounds in the cyanobacterial filtrate. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the capability of Spirulina to release detrimental bioactive metabolites into their surrounding that can disrupt the mammalian endocrine and nervous systems.

Study of cases of children with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis attending Alexandria university children's hospital

Objective: the present study was conducted to study files of pediatric mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis [MesPGN] cases attending Alexandria university children's hospital [AUCH] nephrology clinic during the period from [2001-2012] to identify their clinical presentations, course, complications, management and outcome

Methods: this was a retrospective study of children with MesPGN over the mentioned period. It included 37 patients. Data were collected from the files of all children diagnosed as having MesPGN and included personal characteristics, initial clinical presentation, investigations, renal biopsy reports, complications and treatment

Results: the mean age of disease onset in the studied cases was 4.51 years +/- 3.16. There was no significant difference in gender distribution. The most common presentation of primary MesPGN was nephrotic syndrome, while the secondary MesPGN mainly presented with lupus nephritis. Almost all patients had proteinuria. Hematuria was present in nearly half of the patients. Immunofluorescence studies were done only for 17 renal biopsies, 10 of them revealed deposits for immunoglobulins and 32.4% underwent remission while 10.8% died. Different treatment modalities were used according to the presentation

Conclusion: MesPGN is a heterogeneous disease with a wide range of presentations and its outcome varies accordingly, so it can't be considered a special entity like FSGS

Significance of plasma osteopontin in diagnosis of hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Alfa fetoprotein [AFP] is widely used as a surveillance test for hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] among patients with liver cirrhosis [LC]. However, the clinical use of AFP has been shown to present some important limitations in sensitivity and specificity. Osteopontin [OPN] is a secreted matrix glycoprotein that is emerging as a significant protein in the biology of HCC. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of plasma OPN compared with that of AFP in the diagnosis of HCC among hepatitis C virus [HCV]-related LC. Plasma levels of OPN and AFP were measured in 69 Egyptian patients with HCV-related LC [35 with HCC and 34 without HCC] and 20 healthy controls. Both median AFP and OPN levels were significantly higher in the HCC group compared to LC and healthy control groups [p < 0.001 in each] and in LC compared to the control group [p < 0.001]. In the HCC group, both OPN and AFP levels were significantly higher in patients with Child-Pugh class C and B compared to class A [p < 0.05 in each]. There was no correlation between OPN and AFP levels. The OPN level was significantly higher in patients with multiple focal lesions than in those with single lesions [p < 0.05] and in patients with portal vein invasion compared to patients without portal vein invasion [p < 0.05]. Receiver operator characteristic [ROC] curves showed that the area under the curve [AUC] for OPN and AFP was 0.824 and 0.730, respectively. OPN is a promising tumour marker which could be used as a screening test for the diagnosis of HCC in patients with LC and, hence, improves the prognosis and survival rate of these patients. The association of OPN with the multiplicity of focal lesions and portal vein invasion suggests an additional prognostic value

Age estimation and sex determination from lumbar vertebral morphometry by magnetic resonance image [MRI]

Estimation of age and determination of sex are very important in forensic medicine. The present study aimed to detect the reliability of age estimation and sex determination based on lumbar vertebral measurements of some Upper Egypt population. Evaluation of the lumbar indices in 121 cases [63 males, 58 females: 26 - 48 years old] was clone. For lumbar vertebrae [L2 and L4], anterior height, central height, posterior height and anieroposierior diameter measurements [H[a], H[c], H[p] and D respectively] were performed by MRI. These measurements were used to calculate the anterior wedge index [H[a]/ H[r] the biconcavity index [H[L]/ H[p]] and the compression index [H[r]/ D]. The values of each of the three indices far both lumbar vertebrae of females were higher than those of the same vertebrae in males. The H[t]/H[p] and H./H[]r] ratios were increased by increasing age for both L2 and L4 In males and females. While, Hp/D decreased with age at L2 and L4 in females only. Regarding to changes in these indices with age, in males for L2, the value of anterior wedge index [H[a]/H[p]] was statistically significant [p

meld score a reliable outcome predictor in living donor liver transplantation?

In patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation [OLT], some studies have shown that a higher preopcrative MELD score is associated with higher morbidity and mortality [Saab et aL 2003]. Other studies also suggest that higher MELD scores are associated with increased inlraoperativc risks [Xia et al 2008]. to evaluate the impact of preoperative MELD status on metabolic, electrolyte and haemodynamic changes during living donar liver transplantation, and consequently on outcome and for right choice of candidate who will get greatest benefit from transplantation. After approval iron- ethical committee and a written consent from every patient a prospective observational study including 40 patients scheduled for living donor liver transplantation in Wady El nile hospital. Patients classified according to MELD score into group 1 [Gl] with score <25 and group2 [G2] > 25. Haemodynamic, metabolic and electrolytes data collected during the three phases: pro anhepatic, anhepatic and post reperfusion phase and follow up for 1[st] post operative week then two years mortality. G2 associated with significant intraoperative haemodynamic disturbances in all stages compared to Gl in the form of lower mean arterial blood pressure, lower systemic vascular resistance, higher pulmonary vascular resistance, and higher cardiac output. Also there were more intraoperative metabolic and electrolyte disturbances as there were more acidosis, lower standard bicarbonate values, more base deficits, more negative anion gap and strong ion difference, higher serum potassium level, poor intraoperative glycemic control and much higher blood lactate level. Also there were higher early mortality in G2 8 cases [40%] while 3 cases [15%] in GL 2 years mortality in Gl 5 cases [25%] while 10 cases [50%] in G2,, time of ICU stay was 5.1 days in G1 and 7 days in G2 time of hospital stay was 21.6 days in Gl and 26.2 days in G2 High MELD score patients associated with more intraoperative haemodynamic, metabolic and electrolyte disturbances, longer postoperative ICU and hospital stay and higher mortality

Impact of treatment with praziquantel supplemented by silymarin on schistosoma mansoni-induced fibrosis in mice

Schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni continues to be the most common fibrotic disease resulting from inflammation and deposition of scar tissue around parasite eggs trapped in the liver. Because of the hepatic importance and its ability to regenerate, treating liver fibrosis is of vital significance. Silymarin, a flavinoid complex of Silybum marianum from a plant of the family Asteracea, has received much attention as a potential anti-fibrotic and hepatoprotective agent. To investigate the effect of combining silymarin with praziquantel [PZQ] in the treatment of liver fibrosis in mice infected with S. mansoni. The study was carried out on 120 mice; 96 of which were infected with 100 S. mansoni cercariae and the rest served as non infected controls. Mice were classified into 5 groups, 24 each. G1: Normal control; G2: Infected untreated control; G3: Infected and treated with PZQ, started 6 weeks post infection [PI]; G4: Infected and treated with silymarin, started 4 weeks PI and G5: Infected and treated with silymarin, 4 weeks PI followed by PZQ 6 weeks PI Eight mice from each group were sacrificed on the 10[th], 14[th] and 18[th] week PI. Parasitological, histopathological and biochemical parameters that reflect the disease severity and morbidity were studied. Deposition of extra-cellular matrix [ECM] was determined by estimation of trans-4 hydroxy-L-proline [Hyp] in hepatic cells. PZQ alone showed a significantly high reduction in the mean egg count/gm stool, liver and intestines and was associated with significant increase in the percentage of dead eggs all over the period of the experiment. Silymarin administered alone resulted in slight improvement of parasitological parameters. All the treated groups revealed significant decrease in granuloma diameter especially those after 18[th] week PI Groups treated with silymarin or when combined with PZQ revealed the highest decrease in granuloma diameter at all periods of sacrifice. All treated groups revealed a significant decrease in the Hyp hepatic content. However, the groups treated with silymarin alone or combined with PZQ revealed the most significant decrease in Hyp levels at all periods of sacrifice.The best results obtained, with most of the parameters studied, were in the groups of mice treated with silymarin in combination with PZQ. The use of silymarin combined with PZQ did not affect the chemotherapeutic effect of the latter, and can be safely used with PZQ in patients infected with S. mansoni. Co-administration of silymarin with PZQ reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reactions in the acute and chronic stages of infection. It also had the ability to attenuate liver fibrosis induced by S. mansoni infection. Silymarin can be safely used as an adjuvant with PZQ in the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni

Validated spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of atorvastatin in pharmaceutical preparations / 药物分析学报

A rapid,sensitive and simple spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the estimation of atorvastatin.In this method,the native fluorescence characteristics of atorvastatin have been studied in both acidic and basic media.High sensitivity was obtained with 5％ acetic acid at 389 nm using 276 nm for excitation.Regression analysis showed a good correlation coefficient (r=0.9995) between fluorescence intensity and concentration over the range of 1.5-4 μg/mL with detection limit of 0.012 μg/mL.The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of atorvastatin in pure and pharmaceutical dosage forms with average recovery of 100.29±0.47％.The results were compared favorably with those of the reported method.

Combined blood and pleural levels of mesothelin and osteopontin for the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma [MPM] is a highly aggressive tumor with poor survival rate. It is difficult to diagnose MPM at an early stage. Soluble mesothelin remains the best available biomarker for MPM, however the lack of sensitivity for early stage disease provides a motivation for the search of an additional marker that could be combined with mesothelin for early malignancy detection. The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of soluble mesothelin and osteopontin both in blood and pleural fluid of MPM patients and to assess whether combination of these markers could improve the diagnostic accuracy of mesothelin. In this study mesothelin and osteopontin were measured by ELISA method in 197 samples [123 blood and 74 pleural] obtained from 123 participants, divided into 4 groups: 38 MPM patients, 24 patients with metastatic pleural effusion [Mets] of various carcinomas, 29 patients with hydrothorax and 32 healthy asbestos exposed subjects. Receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves were generated to compare the diagnostic capability of these biomarkers. Combination of markers was done through logistic regression analysis. The median blood and pleural levels of the two markers were significantly higher in MPM patients than in hydrothorax or asbestos exposure groups [P < 0.0001], however the difference between MPM and Mets group was not significant. Combining the data from blood mesothelin and osteopontin using logistic regression model raised the area under the ROC curve [AUC] from 0.774 for serum mesothelin and 0.828 for plasma osteopontin to 0.867 to differentiate MPM from hydrothorax and asbestos exposed subjects. Combining the diagnostic capability of both pleural markers raised the AUC from 0.871 for pleural mesothelin and 0.847 for pleural osteopontin to 0.905 to differentiate MPM from hydrothorax patients. The performance of serum and pleural mesothelin in diagnosing MPM was improved when combined with plasma and pleural osteopontin [respectively] through logistic regression analysis model. This will be a great advance in screening and management of MPM

Effect of obesity on lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats

Obesity has become a major problem in the modern world; it is affected genetically and by lifestyle. Since obesity is associated with multi co-morbidities like dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, this work studied the effect of induced obesity on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic state and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats. Twenty male rats of a body weight ranging from 178 to 200 g were divided equally into two groups, one fed commercial rat chow as a control group [Cgp] and the other fed 10% saturated fat to induce obesity as experimental group [SFgp]. After 3 months the body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin level, and lipid profile of both groups were measured and the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue was assessed by the amount of free glycerol released. Rats fed saturated fat for 3 months showed significant increase in birth weight, systolic blood pressure, TG, Cholesterol, LDL, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels by 55.3%, 15.86% 24%, 7.92%, 19.58% 20.5% and 26.25% respectively with a significant decline in HDL by 12.9%. Lipolytic activity of SC tissue in the presence of adrenaline decreased significantly by 15%, while in the presence of insulin it increased significantly by 33.33%. It showed a significant increase by 18% and 25.84% in the presence of adrenaline and insulin respectively in visceral adipose tissue. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. obesity induced in male rats by high saturated fat diet showed a significant rise in BW and is associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The adipose tissue of obese male rats showed a significant decrease in lipolytic activity of SC with a significant rise in the corresponding value in visceral adipose tissue

Effect of insulin resistance on lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats

The excess usage of fructose as a sweetener that we all consume everyday in one way or another has raised the incidence of insulin resistance among the population which is associated with dyslipedemia, hypertension and obesity. This work studied the effect of induced insulin resistance on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic state and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats. 20 male rats of 129.4 g average body weight were divided equally into two groups. Both had free access to water. The control [Cgp] had pure water, the experimental group [Fgp] had water mixed with 25% of fructose to induce insulin resistance. After 3 months the body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, lipid profile of both groups were measured and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue was assessed by the amount of free glycerol released. Rats given fructose for 3 months showed significant increase in BW, systolic blood pressure, TG, Cholesterol, LDL, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels by 28.7%, 13.9% 23.9%, 3%, 5.61% 115.49% and 232.8% respectively with a significant decline in HDL by 5.98%. Lipolytic activity of SC and visceral adipose tissue in presence of adrenaline increased significantly by 55.25%, and 78.63% respectively, which runs in parallel with the results obtained in presence of insulin as it showed a significant rise in both SC and visceral adipose tissue by 109.3% and 167.12 respectively. data were statistically significant at p<0.05. Insulin resistance induced in male rat by high fructose consumption showed a significant rise in BW and is associated with hypertension and dyslipidemia with significant rise in lipolytic activity of both SC and visceral adipose tissue

Effect of mirazid [Commiphora molmol] on experimental giardiasis

Mirazid-a purified oleo-resin extract derived from myrrh-with previously proved trematocidal activity, has been recently reported to be also effective against protozoa like Trichomonas vaginalis and cryptosporidium in humans. This experimental study aimed at investigating the possible therapeutic effect of mirazid on experimental Giardia lamblia infection in albino rats, using tinidazole as a therapeutic control. Results proved the efficacy of mirazid, as indicated by a 100% reduction in parasite-load of both intestinal and fecal parasitic counts, a direct toxic effect on Giardia trophozoite as revealed by SEM and TEM in form of cell membrane erosions together with increased cytoplasmic vaculation and dissociation, and also by reversal of the observed mucosal damage associated with Giardia after complete treatment. Starting trophozoite invasion of the mucosa was also demonstrated by TEM; its mechanism and possible pathogenic effect in giardiasis were discussed

Maternal and neonatal effects of nalbuphine given immediately before induction of general anesthesia for elective cesarean section

Although nalbuphine was studied extensively in labour analgesia and was proved to be acceptable analgesics during delivery, its use as premedication before induction of general anesthesia for cesarean section is not studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nalbuphine given before induction of general anesthesia for cesarean section on quality of general anesthesia, maternal stress response, and neonatal outcome. Sixty full term pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section, randomly classified into two equal groups, group N received nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg diluted in 10 ml of normal saline [n=30], and group C placebo [n=30] received 10 ml of normal saline 1 min before the induction of general anesthesia. Maternal heart rate and blood pressure were measured before, after induction, during surgery, and after recovery. Neonates were assisted by using APGAR0 scores, time to sustained respiration, and umbilical cord blood gas analysis. Maternal heart rate showed significant increase in control group than nalbuphine group after intubation [88.2 +/- 4.47 versus 80.1 +/- 4.23, P<0.0001] and during surgery till delivery of baby [90.8 +/- 2.39 versus 82.6 +/- 2.60, P<0.0001] and no significant changes between both groups after delivery. MABP increased in control group than nalbuphine group after intubation [100.55 +/- 6.29 versus 88.75 +/- 6.09, P<0.0001] and during surgery till delivery of baby [98.50 +/- 2.01 versus 90.50 +/- 2.01, P<0.0001] and no significant changes between both groups after delivery. APGAR score was significantly low at one minute in nalbuphine group than control group [6.75 +/- 2.3, 8.5 +/- 0.74, respectively, P=0.0002] [27% of nalbuphine group APGAR score ranged between 4-6, while 7% in control group APGAR score ranged between 4-6 at one minute]. All neonates at five minutes showed APGAR score ranged between 9-10. Time to sustained respiration was significantly longer in nalbuphine group than control group [81.8 +/- 51.4 versus 34.9 +/- 26.2 seconds, P<0.0001]. The umbilical cord blood gas was comparable in both groups. None of the neonates need opioid antagonist [naloxone] or endotracheal intubation. Administration of nalbuphine before cesarean section under general anesthesia reduces maternal stress response related to intubation and surgery, but decreases the APGAR score at one minute after delivery. So, when nalbuphine was used, all measures for neonatal monitoring and resuscitation must be available including attendance of a pediatrician

Assessment of the role of paraoxonase gene polymorphism [Q192R] and paraoxonase activity in the susceptibility to atherosclerosis among lead-exposed workers

Lead exposure is a well known cause of cardiovascular damage, including atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase 1 [PON1], a high-density lipoprotein-associated antioxidant enzyme, is capable of hydrolyzing oxidized lipids and thus it protects against atherosclerosis. The mechanism by which heavy metals inhibit serum PON1 activity is still not clear. Our aim was to detect the association between lead exposure and serum PON1 activity and lipid profile and also to study the polymorphism of the PON1 gene. A case-control, cross-sectional study conducted from June 2008 until May 2009. Male workers [n=100] in a lead battery manufactory were recruited for this study. They were compared with 100 male age-matched workers not exposed to lead [control group]. Serum lipid profile, paraoxonase activity and lead were measured in blood samples. The DMA was extracted for detecting the Q192R polymorphism of the PON1 gene by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. There was significant difference in triglycerides, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] [P=.01,.05 and.04, respectively] between cases and controls. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that blood lead levels were significantly associated with decreased serum paraoxonase activity [P=.03] in lead workers. The paraoxonase genotype QR was the most prevalent in 34/53 subjects [64%] among the leadexposed groups, while the genotype QQ was more prevalent in the control group, in 1 5/25 subjects [60%], with a significant difference between the control and other groups [P<.05]. Lead exposure is associated with increased triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased HDL-C. Because of the protective role of PON1 in the development of atherosclerosis, a decrease in serum PON1 activity due to lead exposure may render individuals more susceptible to atherosclerosis

Possible teratogenic effects of antiepileptics in albino rats: comparative study between old and new generations: part I

All of the antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] are either known or suspected of being teratogenic. The possible mechanism of teratogenicity is likely to be multiple for the same drug. This is of major concern for all women with epilepsy using these drugs are delicately balanced between seizure control and the adverse effects the AEDs. The use of conventional AEDs eg. Carbamazepine control more than two thirds of the epileptic patients. In recent years, the number of commercially available AEDs has steadily increased eg. lamotrgine and levetiracetam.160 pregnant female albino rats were used in this study. Animals were classified randomly into eight groups; each group contained 20 pregnant female rats. Negative control group received nothing and positive control group received normal saline. Treated groups: each group received either the therapeutic dose or 1/4 LD50 of carbamazepine, lamotrigine or levetriacetam. The drugs were given by gastric tube from 6[th] day up to the 19[th] day of gestation. Teratological evaluation:the fetuses [both living and dead] in each group were weighted their crown rump length measured and morphological examination included: Head size and shape, orofacial development, vertebral column tail and abdomen, umbilicus and external genitalia Maternal findings showed high death rate in 1/4 LD50 of lamotrigine treated group; weight gain was dose dependant with highest effect in the lamotrigine treated groups. The fetal findings showed highest embrolethality and least litter siza in lamotrigine treated groups; while the fetal growth determined by weight gain and crown rumplength was retarded more in carbamazepine and lamotrigine treated groups than in levetiracetam treated groups. The morphological findings revealed that the highest percentage of congenital anomalies were in the dose of 1/4 LD50 of lamotrigine followed by carbamazepine and levetiracetam. The AEDs are potentially teratogenic and in utero exposure can increase the risk of adverse outcomes in off springs born epileptic mothers. The new AED lamotrigine caused gross fetal retardation even in therapeutic dose. Levetiracetam caused growth retardation in the therapeutic dose more than carbamazepine in the corresponding dose although it had the best effect on maternalparameters. As regard the congenital anomalies lamotrigine was the safest durg in the therapeutic dose

study on blastocystis hominis in food-handlers: diagnosis and potential pathogenicity

Proper diagnosis of Blastocystis hominis in not performed routinely in medical laboratories of developing countries; consequently clinical significance of this common intestinal protozoon is liable to remain unsettled. Food-handlers are more prone to get and transmit this fecooral infection. This work compared the sensitivity of direct diagnostic methods to detect B.hominis in stool, estimate the true prevalence among food-handlers in Sirte-Libya, to clarify the association between the parasite and gastrointestinal symptoms and the response to specific treatment. A total of 400 male food-handlers aged 18-50 year were included. Each was subjected to clinical questionnaire and 3 stool examinations by different methods. The results showed high prevalence of B.hominis in food-handlers [35.5%]. Short- term in vitro culture [on Boeck and Derbholav's medium] was the most sensitive method for detection of B. hominis [35.5%], followed by permanent Trich-rome-stained smear [27.5%]; saline-sedimentation concentrated smear [21%] and direct iodine smear [14%]. Of 108 cases having B. hominis alone, 68.5% were symptomatic. Diarrhea was the most frequent symptom [75.6%], followed by abdominal pain [66.2%] and flatulence [43.2%]. Fecal parasite-load was significantly higher in symptomatic cases than asymptomatic; parasite and symptoms disappeared after metronidazole treatment. So, culture should be used on routine basis to detect B. hominis which should be considered pathogenic particularly when present alone in large numbers in symptomatic patients

Clinical and parasitological study on scabies in Sirte, Libya

The present work aimed to determine the risk factors, clinical and parasitological skin lesion features and effective drug regimens. Study was carried out on 200 patients referred to dermatology outpatient clinics in Sirte-Libya. Each was subjected to detailed questionnaire, dermatological skin examination, parasitological skin scraping test [SST], burrow ink test [BIT], drug administration and follow up. Results revealed that females 59%, children 37.5% and military personnel 18% of immigrant families were particularly prone to scabies infestation. Effective risk factors included overcrowding, bed sharing, low hygienic and education levels. Commonest skin lesions included erythematous papules 93%, excoriated papules 77.5%, burrows 66%, pustulation 3 1%, vesicles 21.5 and nodules 3%. Predilection lesion sites were hand 86%, wrist 82%, abdomen 56%, male external genitalia 64.5% and female breast 28%. Specific SST was positive in 67.3% of cases, particularly sensitive in early cases with short itching duration. BIT was positive in 62%. Topical permethrin proved more effective than precipitated sulpher with cure rates of 100% and 85.3% in 21% and 75% of cases, respectively. Ivermectin was 100% effective in 4% of cases

Disinfection efficacy of sodium dichloroisocyanurate [NaDCC] against common food-borne intestinal protozoa

The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of sodium dich-loroisocyanurate [NaDCC] on the infective stages of common food-borne intestinal protozoa; Entamoeba histolytica [E. histolytica], Giardia lamblia [G. lamblia], Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Microsporidia; beside its effect on raw green vegetables and fruits. Parasites, isolated from stool of patients with diarrhea or dysentery, were exposed to NaDCC solution [1g/l] for one and two hours. Disinfection effect of NaDCC was assessed by in-vitro viability, using trypan blue stain, and infectivity bioassay in laboratory animals as indicated by fecal and intestinal parasitic counts. Raw vegetables and fruits were dipped in NaDCC solution in the same concentration and exposure time as used for treatment of the parasites. Results revealed statistically significant reductions in viability and infectivity of all examined parasites indicating their susceptibility to NaDCC. Relative variations in susceptibility were revealed; E. histolytica and G. lamblia were most susceptible [100% reduction] followed by Microsporidia then Cryptospridium and Cyclospora. NaDCC did not affect the consistency, color, taste or flavor of raw green vegetables and fruits. The proved efficacy of NaDCC, in cheap and convenient dry tablet form, makes it a promising tool in decontaminating raw vegetables and fruits from food-borne protozoan parasites at household and restaurant levels as well as in catering and fresh produce industry. It is also recommended for disinfection of food preparation surfaces and equipment

comparative histological and biochemical study on the use of vitamins C, E and alpha lipoic acid either separately or in combination on acute hepatic toxicity with malathion

Malathion is one of the most popular organophosphorous insecticides. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor involved in malathion poisoning. The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid either individually or in combination, in amelioration of acute hepatic toxicity induced by malathion. Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group iserved as control. Group 2 received malathion [1000 mg/kg body weight] once orally. Group 3 received malathion+ vit.C [200 mg/kg] once i.p. Group 4 received malathion+ vit. F [150mg/kg] once i.m. Group 5 received malathion+ alpha-lipoic acid [25mg/kg] once i.p. Group 6 received malathion+ vit. C+ vit.E+ aipha-liopic acid. Animals of all groups were sacrificed after 24 hours. Histological examination of the liver was performed. Biochemical assay of superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity and total thiols as antioxidant indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] as an index of lipid peroxidation [oxidative stress indices], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine amino transferase [ALT], total protein, albumin and globulin as liver function tests was done. Light and electron microscopic examination of liver of group 2 exhibited foci of altered cells with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, mononuclear cell infiltrations in portal areas, electron lucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, marginaton of nuclear chromatin. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the serum levels of SOD, total thiols, TBARS, AST, ALT, total protein and globulin as compared to control. Treatment by any of the antioxidants variably reduced the hepatic structural changes induced by malathion, while combined treatment resulted in a significant degree of recovery. There was significant decrease in serum levels of all biochemical parameters when treated with one or combination of antioxidants [vitamin C, F or u lipoic acid]. Combination of the previous antioxidants could be used as helpful therapeutic line in treatment of acute hepatic toxicity with malathion rather than their use separately

Altered serum lipids and paraoxonase activity: a step toward at herosclerosis among lead exposed Egyptian workers

A vast amount of evidence during the past decade, has confirmed that lead is associated with lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities which play a major role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed: to investigate the relationship between chronic occupational lead exposure, lipid profile, and serum PON1 activity as one of the mechanisms of atherosclerosis. Male workers [n=100] in lead battery manufactory were recruited for this study. They were compared with 100 male age matched non-lead workers. Serum lipid profile and paraoxonase activity were done to their samples. Serum Lead was determined vsing atomic absorption spectroscopy. There was significant differences regarding triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL- c [p=0.01, 0.05 and 0.04, respectively] between both groups. A cumulative effect of blood lead on lipid profile was significantly detected. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that blood lead level was the only negative significant predictors to serum paraoxonase activity [p=0.03] in lead workers. lead exposure is associated with increased triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-c and decrease HDL-c. Because of the protective role of PON1 in the development of atherosclerosis, decrease in serum PON1 activity due to lead exposure may render individuals more susceptible to atherosclerosis