Human Umbilical Cord Blood CD34-Positive Cells as Predictors of the Incidence and Short-Term Outcome of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the leading causes of neurological handicap in developing countries. Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) CD34-positive (CD34⁺) stem cells exhibit the potential for neural repair. We tested the hypothesis that hUCB CD34⁺ stem cells and other cell types [leukocytes and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs)] that are up-regulated during the acute stage of perinatal asphyxia (PA) could play a role in the early prediction of the occurrence, severity, and mortality of HIE. METHODS: This case-control pilot study investigated consecutive neonates exposed to PA. The hUCB CD34⁺ cell count in mononuclear layers was assayed using a flow cytometer. Twenty full-term neonates with PA and 25 healthy neonates were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: The absolute CD34⁺ cell count (p=0.02) and the relative CD34⁺ cell count (CD34+%) (p<0.001) in hUCB were higher in the HIE patients (n=20) than the healthy controls. The hUCB absolute CD34⁺ cell count (p=0.04), CD34⁺% (p<0.01), and Hobel risk scores (p=0.04) were higher in patients with moderate-to-severe HIE (n=9) than in those with mild HIE (n=11). The absolute CD34⁺ cell count was strongly correlated with CD34⁺% (p<0.001), Hobel risk score (p=0.04), total leukocyte count (TLC) (p<0.001), and NRBC count (p=0.01). CD34+% was correlated with TLC (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: hUCB CD34⁺ cells can be used to predict the occurrence, severity, and mortality of neonatal HIE after PA.

Safety and Efficacy of Cerebrolysin in Infants with Communication Defects due to Severe Perinatal Brain Insult: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The neuroregenerative drug Cerebrolysin has demonstrated efficacy in improving cognition in adults with stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin in the treatment of communication defects in infants with severe perinatal brain insult. METHODS: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in which 158 infants (age 6-21 months) with communication defects due to severe perinatal brain insult were enrolled; 120 infants completed the study. The Cerebrolysin group (n=60) received twice-weekly Cerebrolysin injections of 0.1 mL/kg body weight for 5 weeks (total of ten injections). The placebo group (n=60) received the same amount and number of normal saline injections. RESULTS: The baseline Communication and Symbolic-Behavior-Scale-Developmental Profile scores were comparable between the two groups. After 3 months, the placebo group exhibited improvements in the social (p<0.01) and speech composite (p=0.02) scores, with 10% and 1.5% increases from baseline, respectively. The scores of the Cerebrolysin group changed from concern to no concern, with increases of 65.44%, 45.54%, 358.06%, and 96.00% from baseline in the social (p<0.001), speech (p<0.001), symbolic (p<0.001), and total (p<0.001) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrolysin dramatically improved infants' communication especially symbolic behavior which positively affected social interaction. These findings suggest that cerebrolysin may be an effective and feasible way equivalent to stem cell therapy.

Posttraumatic Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in a Child Resolved by Steroid Therapy: Case Report

No abstract available.

Assessment of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to physical activity among health college students, south-western Saudi Arabia

Physical inactivity is a public health problem in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the pattern of physical activity, predictors of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to physical activity among health college students in King Khalid University. A total of 1257 students [426 males and 831 females] were recruited. The Arabic short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Overall, 58.0% of the students were physically inactive. Only 13.4% of the students performed vigorous physical activity, 14.8% moderate-intensity physical activity and 29.9% walking activities which met World Health Organization criteria of health-enhancing physical activities. The prevalence of inactive leisure time was 47.5%. The independent predictors of physical inactivity were non-membership of sports clubs and being a medical student. The top reported barrier to physical activity among inactive students was time limitations [51.3%]. Overcoming perceived barriers may increase physical activity among students

Toxopathological studies on the effect of heavy metals emitted from superphosphate factory on the reproductive performance of male goats

The present study was designed to evaluate toxopathological effects of heavy metals emitted from superphosphate factory on the reproductive performance of male goats. Thirty male goats were selected from Gaz. El-Akrad area adjacent to factory [group 1] and five male goats from Dairut area [group 2] served as control. Serum samples were used for determination of cadmium, fluorine, testosterone and prostatic acid phosphatase. Tissue specimens were obtained from testes, epididymis and prostate for histopathological examination. It was observed that the level of cadmium and fluorine was significantly increased in the serum of exposed group when compared with control group. It was observed that the mean level of testosterone in group 1 was extremely significantly decreased while the level of prostatic acid phosphatase was significantly increased when compared with control group. Histopathological findings in the testicle of male goat of the group 1 revealed testicular degeneration with formation of spermatid giant cells. Congestion of the blood vessel, edema and fibrosis of the interstitial tissue with formation of sperm granuloma were noticed. The epididymis showed edema, fibrosis and necrosis of the epididymal tubules. The prostate gland showed edema, fibrosis and hyperplasia. Our results strongly suggest that cadmium and fluorine intoxication produces adverse effects on sexual fertility with hormonal and pathological alterations in male goats

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii strains from female patients with toxoplasmosis

Thirty-eight female patients with abortion and intrauterine fetal death were selected from the Obstetric and Gynecology Emergency, Ain Shams University Hospitals, with positive PCR results for toxop-lasmosis in previous study. In this study, a rapid and efficient procedure was used for genotyping of T. gondii isolates based on PCR-RFLP assay at SAG2 locus. On the basis of the alleles identified at SAG2 locus, the isolates were grouped into three lineages. Type I was determined by resistance of the 3' and 5' end nested product of the SAG2 locus to cleavage by Hhal and Sau3AI respectively. Resistance of 5' end of SAG2 locus to cleavage by Hhal determined type II. Type III was determined by resistance of the 3' end nested-PCR products of SAG2 locus to cleavage by Sau3AL Of the 38 isolates, type II was the most prevalent genotype found in 33 [87%]. Type I was found in 5 [13%] of the isolates, whereas genotype III was not never found

immunomodulatory effects of nigella sativa oil in protein malnourished mice

The present study aims at evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of Nigella sativa oil [NSO] in protein malnourished mice. Protein malnutrition [PM] was induced by keeping mice at nourishment with standard synthetic diet containing 8% casein content, while normally fed mice received 20% casein diet. NSO was given daily by the oral route, along two weeks in two dose levels [50mg/kg and 100 mg/kg]. It was found to restore the PM reduced relative weights of thymus, liver and spleen, as well as the induced decrease in total leucocytic count [TLC] which was expressed in reductions of lymphocytes and eosinophils count. Moreover, NSO could counteract the PM induced lowering in opsonophagocytic activity as indicated by lowering the phagocytosis percent as well as phagocytic and opsonophagocytic indices. In addition, the PM caused decline in both serum IgG and IgM, where only that of IgG was alleviated under the influence of NSO. The used high dose of NSO could correct the PM induced reduction in bone marrow lymphocytes count. The obtained data indicate that NSO possesses immunomodulatory actions and that it may be regarded as a candidate drug for counteracting the adverse immunological consequences that are induced by PM

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and evaluation of a health education program in El-Ghar village in Zagazig, Egypt

Hepatitis C virus [HCV] is an emerging global epidemic, some nations have been more drastically affected than others. Egypt reports the highest incidence in the world, with a prevalence rate of over 20% [global average 3%]. Despite the alarming prevalence of the disease in the country, awareness of the disease is still low. The objectives of this study were: 1-to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C seropositivity among the study group. 2-to study some risk factors with hepatitis C, 3-to assess the effect of the health education on the knowledge and concepts about hepatitis C. This study is a combined cross sectional and an interventional educational community-based study. It was carried out at El-Ghar village in Zagazig district from November 2006 to January 2007. A multistage systematic sample included 304 households above 12 years of age, using a predesigned questionnaire for assessing some potential risk factors [medical and lifestyle behavior] and another questionnaire to assess the effect of health education on knowledge and attitude toward Hepatitis C problem. In addition, samples were collected to assess the seropositivity of HCV among the studied group. The results showed that the prevalence of seropositivity of HCV among the sample was 10.9%. The seropositivity of HCV was higher among males than females and increased sharply with age from 3.6% in those below 20 years old to 30.9% in older age [40 years or more]. Those who were illiterate and farmers had a significantly higher prevalence. According to the logistic regression model, the significant predictors of HCV infection were previous infection with schistsomiasis, those who have positive medical history, followed by those shaving at the community barber, above 40 years and male sex. A highly significant improvement in knowledge in all aspects of HCV infection and also the attitude toward HCV problem [p < 0.000] was revealed. Conclusion and recommendations: Hepatitis C is a health problem in rural areas in Zagazig district. Health education program successfully improved knowledge and attitude toward this problem. The following is recommended: 1- Introduction of health education programs about HCV infection into the established health services 2-Surviellance activities to monitor the disease trend

protective effect of garlic against the electrocardiographic changes induced by hyperlipidemia in rats

Hyperlipidemia was induced experimentally in adult male rats by feeding synthetic diet along eight weeks. Parallely, a set of animals receiving hyperlipidemic diet was subjected to oral administration of fresh garlic homogenate [0.5 g/Kg daily]. Animals were then evaluated for the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c. In addition, their electrocardiography was conducted and assessed for the different changes. The obtained results showed that hyperlipidemic diet results in increasing serum total cholesterol and LDL-c and, decreasing that of HDL-c. The elecrocardiograhic consequences of hyerlipidemia include the ST segment elevation and lowering of the QTc ratio. Co-administration of fresh garlic homogenate along the first 4 weeks resulted in decreasing serum cholesterol level and improving the levels of LDL-c and HDL-c. These biochemical changes were vanished on the continued administration for the next 4 weeks. On the other hand, co-administration of fresh garlic homogenate resulted in improving the electrocardiograhic performance, as indicated by normalizing the ST segment amplitude and the QTc ratio. In conclusion, fresh garlic homogenate was shown to improve cardiographic performance in experimentally induced hyperlipidemic rats

Effect of largely wide dosage ranges of acetyl salicylic acid, diclofenac and piroxicam on interleukin-3 [IL-3] production

Interleukin-3 [IL-3] is a multi-lineage cytokine affecting myeloid and lymphoid lineage as well as megakeryocytes. It is regarded as beneficial cytokine in various stages of pregnancy. It plays a key role in contact sensitivity and in delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The effect of acetyl salicylic acid [ASA] on IL-3 production is a subject of controversy. Some studies demonstrated an ASA inhibiting action on IL-3 production, while others point to an enhancement effect. The present study aims at delineating the possible different effects of ASA on IL-3 production through testing wide range of doses, namely 1 to 500 mg/kg., p. o., in adult male Swiss mice. In addition, the study included testing wide range of doses of two other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], which are diclofenac [0.04 to 20 mg/kg., i. m.] and piroxicam [0.006 to 3 mg/kg., i. m.]. Parallely, changes in each of bone marrow lymphocytes count, total white blood cells count, and thymus and spleen relative weights were evaluated. Animals received each of the three NSAIDs daily for 7 days. Twenty four hours after last dosage, animals were proceeded for the above mentioned assessments. The obtained results revealed that all tested NSAIDs have the tendency to increase IL-3 production. They exhibited different dose-response patterns for elevation of serum IL-3 levels. Same phenomenon was evident regarding all other investigated parameters. The study confirms existence of largely dose-dependent variable effects of ASA and other NSAIDs on ILs-3 production as well as on the other evaluated parameters, in mice

Study of the effect of maternal iron depletion on neonatal iron metabolism

Maternal nutritional and hormonal state from as early as the first days after fertilization can influence the growth rate of the fetus and also the length of gestation. was firstly; to study iron indices [serum iron, ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptors "STFR"] in neonates, and their relation with gestational age, birth weight and gender. Also, to assess the value of utilization of STFR and STFR/ Log ferritin index to evaluate the effects of maternal anemia, iron status, and iron supplementation, on neonatal iron indices at birth. Serum Iron, ferritin, STFR, and haemoglobin [Hb] concentration were measured and STFR-Log ferritin index was calculated in 40 cord serum [20 preterm "PT", and 20 full term "FT" neonates], and from their maternal serum. Seventeen mothers were anemic "Hb < 10 gm%", [5 mothers of FT, and 12 of PT babies]. Twelve mothers had depleted iron stores "serum ferritin <10 micro g/1" [4mothers of FT, and 8 PT babies]. Non of FT babies had anemia, while 9 PT had anemia, Fullterm neonates and neonates weighing >/= 2.5 Kg had significantly higher cord blood Hb, serum iron and ferritin, compared to PT neonates and neonates weighing < 2.5 Kg. Neonates weighing >/- 2.5 Kg had significantly lower STFR/Log ferritin, compared to neonates weighing < 2.5 Kg. No difference in iron indices was found between male and female neonates, also, between neonates delivered to mothers with iron supplementation during pregnancy and those without, and between neonates delivered vaginally and those by cesarean section. There was no difference in iron indices between neonates with either maternal anemia or depleted iron stores, and those with normal maternal indices. There is no relation between maternal iron status and neonatal iron indices, except for serum ferritin. Cord serum ferritin correlates positively with maternal ferritin. So, cord serum ferritin, but neither STFR nor STFR/Log ferritin, is a good indicator of neonatal iron stores at birth. Maternal iron depletion is not associated with neonatal anemia. The fetus has normal indices on the expense of his mother's iron stores. So, maternalsupplementation with iron during pregnancy is a must

Serum vitamin B12 in neural tube defects: a factor behind folate deficiency

Neural tube defects [NTDs] are the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system, resulting from failure of the neural tube to close between 3rd - 4th week of gestation. NTDs result from multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors including maternal folate deficiency. Although clear evidence exists on preventability of a large proportion of neural tube defects by periconceptional folk acid intake, however the exact cause of this deficiency is not established. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine possible risk factors for the occurrence of NTDs. The relation between maternal serum folate and vitamin B[12] and their infant's levels. Patients and methods: Clinical history and examination, and serum folic acid and vitamin B[12] concentrations [by Radioimmunoassay] were assessed for 20 neonates with neural tube defect [36-39 week of gestation, 11 females and 9 males] and their mothers. They were compared to 20 healthy neonates and their mother as a control group. Infants with NTDs have significantly lower serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12, compared to healthy infants [p = 0.02 and p = 0.001] respectively. Serum level of vit B12 was significantly lower in mothers of infants with NTDs than mothers of healthy infants [p = 0.01], but there was no significant difference between serum level of folic acid in mothers of infants with NTDs and mothers of healthy infants. There was no significant difference between males and females as regards serum levels of both folic acid and vit B12. Positive correlation was found between gestational age and serum level of folic acid [p = 0.01]. Also, statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum level of vitamin B12 of infants With NTDs and their momers. [p =0.031]. There was significant correlation between serum level of folic acid and serum level of vitamin B12 in mothers of healthy infants [p<0.05]. The study demonstrated that not only folate is deficient in infants with neural tube defects, but vitamin B12 is also deficent in them and their respective mothers. This finding focuses light on the pivotal role vit.B12 deficiency as a corner stone of folate deficiency So deficiency of vitamin B12 rather than folic acid during pregnancy might play a role in the genesis of neural tube defects

value of granulocyte elastase versus ascitic fluid polymorphnuclear cell count in diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] is one of the most common complications attending the onset of ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis. Granulocyte elastase [GE] is the powerful proteolytic enzyme that is released by PMNs when degranulated in infectious processes. The aim of this study was to measure GE in ascitic fluid and plasma of cirrhotic patients with SBP comparing them with the standard test in diagnosis of SBP; ascitic fluid polymorphonucleocytic count [PMN count]. Eighty five cirrhotic patients with ascites were included in the study 35 of them have SBP [ascitic PMN> 250/mm[3] and/or ascitic ascitic white blood cell count> 500/mm[3] with or without positive culture], the other 50 didn't have SBP at the time of diagnosis. GE level in the ascitic fluid and plasma was measured. Infectious group further divided into two groups according to the result of ascitic fluid culture; poitive culture spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [CP-SBP] group [contained 25 patients] and negative culture spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [CN-SBP] group [contained 10 patients]. The result showed that there was significant difference between SBP subgroups [CP-SBP and CN-SBP] in one hand and cirrhotic group without SBP in the other hand as regard the ascitic fluid WBC count [p<0.01], PMN count/mm[3] [p<0.01], and highly significant difference as regard GE micro g/ml [p<0.0001], meanwhile there was no significant difference as regard ascitic fluid protein. After treatment of the infectious group; there was statistically significant change in plasma GE [p<0.01] and highly significant difference Was recorded in ascitic fluid GE [p<0.001]. Also there was significant drop for raised serum creatinine after treatment [p<0.01]. These findings suggest that GE in the ascitic fluid is highly valuable than the ascitic fluid PMN in the diagnosis of SBP. In addition more valuable for follow up response to treatment. Lastly GE level either in plasma or ascitic fluid could be responsible for deterioration of renal function and raised creatinine level in patients with SBP

Laparoscopie evaluation of the pelvic organs in genital bilharziasis

In order to elucidate the laparoscopic findings in the upper female gential tract in cases with genital bilharzial infertile cases. Laparoscopic evaluation of the pelvic organs was done in 24 infertile cases with proved infertile non bilharzial cases shosen at random. The incidence of tubal obstruction, peritubal or periovarian adhessions were not statistically different, in cases genital bilharziasis compared with controls. Also no lesions suggestive of bilharzial infestation of the action of the upper tract could be visualised. We conclude that periovarian or peritubal adhesions can not be implicated as a significant factor in bilharzial infertile cases. As well, laparoscopic examination should be combined with histopathological examination of biopsies for the diagnosis of bilfrarziasis of the upper genital tract when feasible