Prenatal genetic testing, counseling and follow-up of 33 Egyptian pregnant females with history of mucopolysaccharidoses

Mucopolysaccharidoses [MPS] are autosomal recessive disorders characterized by deficiency of lysosomal enzymes which break down the glycosaminoglycans [GAGs] which results in widespread intra and extra-cellular accumulations of GAGs. Early initiation of treatment, before the onset of irreversible tissue damage, clearly provides a favorable disease outcome. Early detection might be afforded by analysis of amniotic fluid. To report our experience of prenatal diagnosis of MPS over 14-year period for cases referred from medical centers throughout Egypt. Also to report the benefit of prenatal genetic testing in cases accompanied with genetic disorders. The present study included 33 pregnant women at risk of having a fetus with MPS. Of these cases, 3 women had more than one pregnancy evaluated. All cases had a detailed genetic ultrasound examination and a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein [MSAFP] evaluation during the second trimester of pregnancy. Thirty-eight amniocentesis procedures were performed during the study for 2 dimensional electrophoresis [2-DEP] of GAGs. Positive consanguinity was present in near 70% [23/33] of the couples. Detailed genetic ultrasound examination revealed a case with anencephaly and another one with a twin pregnancy One case had a MSAFP of 3.6 multiple of the normal median [open neural tube defect]. Another 2 cases had a risk of having Down syndrome. Results of the 2-DEP of GAGs in amniotic fluid revealed 36.8% [14/33] affected fetuses. During the final counseling setting of the 14 cases with abnormal results, 43% [6/14] elected to continue their pregnancy while 57% [8/14] elected termination. Early prenatal screening and diagnosis, through a systematic multidisciplinary approach, to all cases of mucopolysaccharidoses are recommended, to improve the quality of life and to avoid the presence of other associated fetal developmental malformations

Assessing the phytoplankton and water quality of Kingston Harbour and Hellshire coast, Jamaica, after the implementation of a waste water treatment facility / Evaluación de la calidad de las aguas de la Bahía de Kingston y la costa Hellshire, Jamaica, después de la implementación de una planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales

Deteriorating water quality of Kingston Harbour, due primarily to sewage discharge and its effect on nearby Hellshire Coast, has been an issue since the 1970s. The implementation of a new sewage treatment facility in 2007 to receive the harbour’s waste at Soapberry was expected to make a positive difference. Physico-chemical and biological parameters were used to assess water quality to determine the effect of the facility. Eleven stations used in earlier studies (1990 to 1998) were re-sampled to represent Kingston, Hunts Bay and North East Hellshire coastline over a four week sampling regime between May and June 2011. While temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and pH remained unchanged between the 1990’s and 2011, BOD5, faecal coliform and nitrate concentrations indicated that the water quality had improved minimally in Kinsgton and Hellshire,and deteriorated significantly in Hunts. Phytoplankton biomass decreased in Kingston (from 3.84 mg m-3 in 1998 to 2.81 mg m-3 in 2011) and increased significantly in Hunts (from 14.69 mg m-3 in 1998 to 24.17 mg m-3 in 2011). Biomass along Hellshire was similar (2.15 mg m-3 in 1998; 2.45 mg m-3 in 2011). In 1998 the nanoplankton biomass (2.7 to 20μm) dominated throughout the Harbour. In 2011 Hunts Bay was dominated by net-plankton (>20μm), indicative of eutrophic waters.

El deterioro de la calidad del agua del puerto de Kingston es debido principalmente a la descarga de aguas residuales y su efecto en los alrededores de la Costa de Hellshire, esto ha sido un problema desde la década de 1970. La implementación de una nueva planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales en 2007 para recibir residuos del Puerto de Kingston en Soapberry se esperaba hiciera una diferencia positiva. Parámetros físico-químicos y biológicos fueron utilizados para evaluar la calidad del agua y determinar el efecto de la planta de tratamiento. Once estaciones que fueron utilizadas en estudios anteriores (1990-1998) se muestrearon nuevamente para representar el puerto de Kingston, Bahía Hunts y la costa North East Hellshire sobre un régimen de muestreo de cuatro semanas entre mayo y junio de 2011. Mientras la temperatura, salinidad, turbidez, oxígeno disuelto y pH se mantuvieron sin cambios entre los años noventa y 2011, BOD5, coliformes fecales y concentraciones de nitratos indicaron que había mejorado la calidad del agua del puerto y la costa mínimamente mientras que la calidad del agua en la bahía Hunts se había deteriorado significativamente. La biomasa del fitoplancton disminuyó en el puerto de Kingston (de 3.84mg m-3 en 1998 a 2.81mg m-3 en el 2011), y aumentó significativamente en bahía Hunts (de 14.69mg m-3 en 1998 a 24.17mg m-3 en el 2011). La biomasa en la costa permaneció similar (de 2.15mg m-3 en 1998 a 2.45mg m-3 en 2011). En 1998 la biomasa de nanoplancton (2.7 a 20μm) dominó a lo largo del puerto. En el 2011 la bahía Hunts era dominada por neto-plancton (>20μm), indicativo de aguas eutróficas.

Rapid reassessment of the eutrophication status of Kingston Harbour, Jamaica using the zooplankton community / Reevaluación rápida del estado de eutrofización del puerto de Kingston, Jamaica utilizando la comunidad de zooplancton

Previous extensive studies of zooplankton distribution in the eutrophic Kingston Harbour established that it was being continuously contaminated. We assessed the community in 2011, 17 years after a previous study and five years after the introduction of a tertiary waste water system. Sampling was conducted for four weeks at eight stations identical to those sampled in a previous study. We used horizontal surface tows with a 200µm net. A total of 73 zooplankton taxa were identified and copepods dominated with 20 species. Mean total abundances were high, ranging from a minimum of 2 383 animals m-3 in the southern region of Hunts Bay to 194 166 animals m-3at the Inner Harbour. Five zooplankton taxa (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., Temora turbinata, Penilia avirostris and Lucifer faxoni) that were previously identified as indicators, were again important in the Harbour. The overall zooplankton abundances were similar and in some cases higher than the previous study. There was no significant improvement in the water quality since the introduction of the treatment system at Soapberry. This may be a result of unknown nutrient inputs or of nutrient remaining in the sediments.

Extensos estudios previos de la distribución de zooplancton en el Puerto de Kingston estableció que ha sido contaminado continuamente. Evaluamos la comunidad en el 2011, 17 años después de un estudio previo y cuatro años después de la introducción de un sistema de lagunas de aguas residuales terciarias. Utilizamos arrastres superficiales horizontalescon una red de 200 µm. Se identificó un total de 73 taxones de zooplancton y copépodos de los cuales los predominaron 20 especies. La media de las abundancias totales fueron altas y los valores oscilaron entre un mínimo de 2 383 animales m-3 en la zona sur de Bahía Hunts a 194 166 animales m-3 en lo interior del puerto. Cinco taxones de zooplancton (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., T. turbinata, Penilia avirostris y Lucifer faxoni) identificados previamente como indicadores, fueron importantes de nuevo en la Bahía. La abundancia total de zooplancton fue similar y en algunos casos superior a la del estudio anterior. No hubo mejoría significativa en la calidad del agua desde la introducción del sistema de tratamiento terciario en Soapberry. Esto puede ser resultado de la entrada continua de nutrientes desconocidos y no regulados en los sedimentos.

Status of the coral reefs in Foul and Folly Bays, Morant Wetlands, south-eastern Jamaica, with emphasis on corals and macroalgae / Estado de los arrecifes de coral en Foul and Folly Bays, Morant Wetlands, sureste de Jamaica, con énfasis en corales y macroalgas

Foul and Folly Bays are located within the Morant Wetlands near the eastern tip of Jamaica. They have never been investigated but were believed to be important for larval productivity because of the extent of benthic habitats, absence of major coastal developments and remote location. The study was aimed at providing baseline data on the spatial distribution and status of corals and associated benthos. We investigated coral reefs and associated areas with phototransects at eight stations analysed with the Coral Point Count software. Most areas were dominated by algae, evidence of a phase shift from coral to algal reefs. Coral cover varied significantly across the bays (ANOVA, p= 0.0342) with a maximum of 27.03% at the deepest station and a mean of 5.6% at all other stations combined. Mean cover of macroalgae was 39% and varied significantly across stations (α= 0.05, F= 7.472, p= 0.005). The deepest station also had the highest percentage of calcareous algae and live coral while dead coral with algae (DCA) was a significant variable across all other stations (ANOVA, p<0.001). Gorgonians (ANOVA, p<0.001), sponges and urchins were also assessed. Diadema antillarum was not observed at any station. Overall the status of the reefs was poor, probably due to overfishing, absence of urchins and the resultant algal proliferation.

Las bahías Foul y Folly se encuentran dentro de los Humedales Morant cerca de la punta oriental de la isla de Jamaica. Estos dos bahías nunca han sido investigadas pero se cree que son áreas importantes para la productividad larvaria debido a la extensión de los hábitats bentónicos, ausencia de desarrollos importantes a lo largo de la costa y la ubicación remota de la zona. El estudio tuvo como objetivo proporcionar datos de referencia sobre la distribución espacial y el estado de los corales y del bentos asociado. Investigamos los arrecifes coralinos y áreas asociadas utilizando fototransectos en ocho estaciones analizadas con el programa Coral Point Count. La mayoría de las áreas tuvieron predominio algal, mostrando evidencia del desplazamiento de fase de coral a algas. La cobertura de coral varió significativamente a través de las bahías (ANOVA , p= 0.0342), con un máximo de 27.03% en la estación estación más profunda y una media de 5.6% en todas las demás estaciones combinadas. La media de porcentaje de cobertura de macroalgas fue de 39% y varió significativamente entre las estaciones (α= 0.05, F= 7.472, p= 0.005). La estación mas profunda presentaba el mayor porcentaje de algas calcáreas y coral vivo, mientras que el coral muerto con algas (DCA) fue una variable significativa en todas las demás estaciones (ANOVA , p<0.001). También se evaluaron las gorgonias (ANOVA , p<0.001), esponjas y erizos de mar. No se observó Diadema antillarum en todas las estaciones dentro de los transectos. En general, el estado de los arrecifes era pobre, probablemente debido a la pesca excesiva, la ausencia de erizos y la proliferación de algas resultante.

Development of a protocol for sampling and analysis of ballast water in Jamaica / Desarrollo de un protocolo de muestreo y análisis de agua de lastre en Jamaica

The transfer of ballast by the international shipping industry has negatively impacted the environment. To design such a protocol for the area, the ballast water tanks of seven bulk cargo vessels entering a Jamaican port were sampled between January 28, 2010 and August 17, 2010. Vessels originated from five ports and used three main routes, some of which conducted ballast water exchange. Twenty-six preserved and 22 live replicate zooplankton samples were obtained. Abundance and richness were higher than at temperate ports. Exchange did not alter the biotic composition but reduced the abundance. Two of the live sample replicates, containing 31.67 and 16.75 viable individuals m-3, were non-compliant with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. Approximately 12% of the species identified in the ballast water were present in the waters nearest the port in 1995 and 11% were present in the entire bay in 2005. The protocol designed from this study can be used to aid the establishment of a ballast water management system in the Caribbean or used as a foundation for the development of further protocols.

La transferencia de lastre por el transporte marítimo internacional ha impactado negativamente el ambiente. Con el fin de diseñar un protocolo, los tanques de agua de lastre de siete barcos carga en el puerto jamaiquino fueron muestreados entre el 28 de enero del 2010 y el 17 de agosto del 2010. Contenedores provenían de cinco puertos, utilizan tres rutas principales, algunos de los cuales conllevan un intercambio de agua de lastre. Se obtuvieron 26 muestras de zooplankton preservado y 22 vivo durante este periodo. La abundancia y riqueza de las muestras fue superior que en clima templado. El intercambio de agua de lastre no alteró la composición biótica pero disminuyó la abundancia. Dos de las muestras vivan, contenían 31.67 y 16.75 individuos viables m-3, no compatibles con el Reglamento D-2 estándar de la Convención Internacional para el control y manejo del agua de lastre y sedimentos de barcos. Aproximadamente el 12% de las especies identificadas en el agua de lastre estaban presentes en las aguas del puerto más cercano en 1995 y 11% estaban presentes en toda la bahía en el año 2005. El protocolo diseñado a partir de este estudio puede ser utilizado para ayudar al establecimiento de un sistema de gestión del agua de lastre en el Caribe o usado como una base para el desarrollo de futuros protocolos.

Interferon gamma release assays [IGRA] in the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest diseases over the world. Diagnosis of pulmonary- TB depends on combination various parameters. IGRA measure T cell release of IFN-gamma in response to M.TB antigen. WHO policy statement on IGRA use in low and middle countries is not established yet. The present study aimed to compare between tuberculin skin test [TST] and interferon gamma release assay [IGRA] in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis infection and study the effect of 3 months of first line of anti-TB therapy on the positivity of the IGRA test. 40 Egyptian patients were included in the study, and assigned as two groups; Group I comprised 20 patients with negative sputum for AFB by Ziehl-Neelsen stains with positive sputum culture for M.TB and Group II [IIa and lIb] that included 20 patients with positive sputum and Ziehl-Neelsen for AFB before and after 3 months of first line of anti-TB therapy. All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, X- ray chest, lab investigations, ESR measurements, microbiological tests and EL1SA measurement of Quantiferon-TB Gold. Lower significant values were found in group IIb than group IIa as regarding clinical parameters and 1[st] and 2[nd] hours ESR. IGRA test and TST showed sensitivity [91.18%, 76.4%], specificity [83.33%, 66.67%], positive predictive value [96.88%, 92.86%], negative predictive value [62.5%, 33.3%] and accuracy of [90%, 75%] respectively. IGRA results had no statistical significant differences between the studied groups with poor agreement with TST [[k]= 0.025].1GRAS test had high sensitivity' and specificity in diagnosis of active TB. More studies are needed to evaluate the effect of anti-TB therapy on IGRA level

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours ofadolescents in relation to STIs, pregnancy,contraceptive utilization and substance abuse inthe Mhlakulo region, Eastern Cape

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS are a major problem in South Africa. This; coupled with a high incidence of teenage pregnancy; alcohol and drug abuse; is of grave concern; especially its impact among the young (15-24 years) and in economically poor; rural populations. This study aimed to assess the youths' knowledge; attitudes and behaviours regarding STIs; teenage pregnancy; contraception and substance abuse.Methodology: This is an interview-based; descriptive study. The sample design employed a stratified sample (using schools as strata) of young people aged 15 to 24 years in three schools in the Mhlakulo region; Eastern Cape province. From each school; a sample of learners from grades 10 to 12 was selected randomly. Questionnaires covering relevant parameters were used to interview the learners; after which the data were assimilated and analysed.Results: A total of 150 learners were surveyed (86 females and 64 males). In total; 56of them knew about STIs. About 88of the participants learned about STIs from health care workers/nurses/doctors/clinics; the media; educators; the school and friends. Most preferred to communicate to friends (38.67) and siblings (28); only 15communicated with parents. Among the sexually active; 54reported the use of condoms; of these only 62used them consistently. Of the participants; 7.33had more than five sexual partners. Of the young women; 12.8reported to have fallen pregnant with one-sixth of them wanting to become pregnant. Thirty per cent of those pregnant had to quit school; but did return subsequently. Common contraceptives used were condoms (54) and pills (58). Twenty-two per cent of the youths admitted to the use of recreational drugs at some time; most of these were related to alcohol (19.33). A small fraction (1.33) used dagga (cannabis).Conclusion: There is lack of knowledge of STIs and their prevention and condom and contraceptive use among young people of this community. Sexual promiscuity and teenage pregnancy in the group is a cause for concern. Substance abuse is another important problem that requires urgent attention

Anticonvulsant effects of 1, alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D in comparison to the conventional antiepileptic drug phenytoin in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy in rats

Conventional antiepileptic drugs fail to adequately control seizures and exhibit unfavorable side effects. Vitamin D3 [Cholecalciferol], has its essential role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and is involved in regulating the functions of the central nervous system. Moreover, it has long been known that chronic treatment with antiepileptic drugs impairs mineral homeostasis in epileptic patients, leading to marked hypocalcaeinia and reduced plasma levels of vitamin D which in turn may increase seizure]. to test the possible role of the neurosteroid hormone 1, alpha-hydroxy vitamin D3 [1, alpha vit. D3], an active form of Vitamin D3 in epilepsy and its interactions with the conventional antiepileptic drug phenytoin in the pilocarpine induced seizures in rats two experiments were performed. Experiment 1 was conducted to measure seizures severity, oxidative markers and calcium level in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy: live groups of rats were used. 1-Control group received saline intraperitoneal [i.p.] only, 2-control epileptic group received pilocarpine 320 mg/kg i.p., 3-vitamine D3 treated group received 1, alpha-H vit. D3 40 ng/kg i.p. one hour before pilocarpine, 4-Phenytoin treated group received 11.2mg/kg phenytoin i.p., 2 hours before pilocarpine and 5-both 1, alpha-H vit. D3 and phenytoin treated group in the same doses mentioned before. Experiment 2 was conducted to test the effect of chronic treatment for one week with 1, alpha-H vit. D3, phenytoin or both on oxidative markers, calcium level and behavioral tests in rats. Overall, compared to the saline-treated control animals, the 1, alpha-H vit. D3 -treated rats demonstrated reduced severity of pilocarpine induced seizures, with decreased levels of oxidative markers. Co-administration of 1, alpha-H vit. D3 with phenytoin resulted in a significant reduction of seizure severity and duration. Furthermore, 1.alpha-H vit. D3 potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin and reduced its undesirable effects as regard increase in oxidative markers and memory impairment that were induced by phenytoin. These findings show that Vitamin 0 plays a direct anticonvulsant role in the brain and suggest that the Vitamin D may represent a new anticonvulsant drug increasing the efficacy of conventional antiepileptic drugs

Females with gonadal dysgenesis: cytogenetic and molecular analysis

Gonadal dysgenesis [GD] is a congenital defect in gonadal development related to abnormalities of genes controlling sexual differentiation and includes a wide spectrum of patients with variable phenotypes and chromosomal constitutions. This study aimed at studying the spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities as related to the phenotypic variability of GD cases and to detect the presence of Y-ctiromosome specific sequences in these patients by using molecular techniques in order to allow, early prophylactic management. Seventy females presenting with female GD were referred to the Human genetic clinic, National Research Center for cytogenetic analysis and genetic counseling. Patients were subjected to clinical examination, pedigree construction, cytogenetic and molecular analysis. Hormonal studies, pelvic ultrasonogrophy, Laparoscopy and gonadal biopsy were performed whenever possible. Patients were classified according to their Karyotypes into 9 groups. The most frequent Karyotype, was 45, X [34.3%]. The association of 45, X with other cell lines were found at a rate of 28.6%. The age of studied cases ranged between 15 days to 31.07 years [mean=14:0.9 years]. The total parental consanguinity rate reached 44.3%. Gonadal dysgenesis and short stature are the two cardinal signs in these patients. Skeletal features were detected among all studied groups with highest scores in patients having complete X monosomy [44.6%]. Neck webbing was a characteristic sign of patients with non-mosaic 45, X karyotype. Dysmorphic features were detected in all groups with the exception of groups with 46, XX and 46, XY Karyotypes. Hirsutism and other virilizing signs were not commonly detected among the studied cases. Gonadoblastoma was detected in only one case among the 5 cases examined by Laparoscopic biopsy. Unidentified sex chromosomes markers constituted 35% of all our 45, X mosaic patterns. Molecular analysis of the markers using PCR technique proved the presence of Y specific sequences, SRY, in three cases. The over all rate of Y chromosomal material detected among these patients either by cytogenetic or molecular methods was 14, 3%

ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockers, glimepiride and glibenclamide reduces ischemia reperfusion-induced renal injury in rats by inhibition of neutrophil aggregation: comparative study of glimepiride versus glibenclamide and diazoxide

Renal ischemia is a complex neutrophils-mediated syndrome in which ATP-sensitive potassium channels are involved. Fall in intracellular ATP concentration induces opening of these channels resulting in massive influx of neutrophils .This exerts a crucial role in the patho-physiology of post-ischemic renal failure. Our study has used the ischemia reperfusion [I/R] model to asses the role of ATP-dependant potassium channel modulation, comparing the protective effects of glimepiride and glibenclamide on renal I/R inflammatory injury and neutrophil aggregation. As this protective effect in renal I/R stands in sharp contrast to the harmful effects on the cardiac tissues, our study evaluates the harmful effects of both sulfonylurea drugs on normal hearts and on ischemic reperfused hearts subjected to ischemic preconditioning protection afforded by diazoxide. One hundred and fourteen [114] adult albino rats were used; 72 of them were used for the in renal I/R study and 42 rats for the cardiac I/R experiment. In renal I/R study, rats were unilaterally nephrectomized, then all rats except the Sham operated control group, were subjected to renal I/R by ischemia 45 min and reperfusion 4 and 24 h, then divided into five groups: [1] renal ischemia-reperfusion, [2] renal I/R + solvent control, [3] renal I/R + diazoxide, [4] renal I/R + glibenclamide, [5] renal I/R + glimepiride. At the end of each reperfusion period, mean arterial pressure, urine volume, serum creatinine and urea, were measured. Then kidneys and lungs were taken for histological examination and determination of TNF-alpha levels, superoxide anion production and myloperoxidase activity. Cardiac I/R study, cardiac ischemia reperfusion model by left coronary artery ligation was used for evaluating the side effects of both sulfonylureas on both normal and ischemic preconditioning rat's hearts. Renal ischemia reperfusion induced marked renal dysfunction associated with significant increase in arterial pressure, TNF-alpha levels, superoxide anion production, and myloperoxidase activity. Treatment with glibenclamide or glemipiride, illustrated significant improvement in the reperfusion-induced injury in both kidney and lung, but glemipiride has no effect on superoxide anion production. However glibenclamide induced a significant improvement in these measurements as compared to glimepiride group. Before coronary artery ligation, neither diazoxide nor glimepiride pretreatment influenced significantly the electrocardiographic parameters [heart rates, T-waves voltages and ST segment elevation] in comparison with control group. On the other hand, glibenclamide supplementation induced a significant elevation in all these parameters. After left coronary artery ligation, reperfusion of the ischemic hearts caused a significant elevation in the measured electrocardiographic parameters. These elevations were significantly ameliorated by pretreatment with diazoxide. Administration of glibenclamide significantly abolished the protective effects of diazoxide, while pretreatment with glimepiride didn't abolish it. In conclusion, glimepiride offered some promise for therapy of renal I/R with minimizing the undesirable cardiac side effects

Predictive value of biochemical markers in pregnancy induced hypertension

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 10% of all pregnancies. They include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension. The aim of this study was to identify predictive markers for early diagnosis of women who are at risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. This study was conducted on a total of 64 cases. Twenty nine were pregnant females who developed pregnancy induced hypertension and 35 females were normotensive throughout pregnancy with normal pregnancy outcome taken as controls. Subjects were recruited from the Prenatal Diagnosis Clinic, at the National Research Center. Maternal blood samples were taken as part of the department's routine second trimester biochemical screening program at 14- 20 weeks gestation. All cases were subjected to the estimation of human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF- alpha], C-reactive protein [CRP], nitric oxide [NO] and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde [MDA], in addition to the estimation of lipid profiles [cholesterol [Ch], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDLc], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDLc] and triglycerides [TG]], urea and creatinine. The study showed significant increase of [beta-hCG, TNF-alpha, CRP, MDA, urea, creatinine, TG, Ch and LDLc in women who developed PIH compared with normotensive pregnant women, while NO was significantly decreased in women who developed PIH compared with normotensive pregnant women. It could be concluded that the elevated levels of TNF-alpha, beta-hCG, CRP and MDA, in addition to decreased levels of NO and abnormal lipid profiles were implicated in subsequent risk for PIH. Furthermore TNF-alpha and MDA may be considered as important predictive markers for early detection of PIH

Prevalence of cysticercus bovis and effect of cooking on its viability

Taenia saginata infection is found wherever raw or undercooked beef is eaten. Supervised slaughtering and good methods of cooking can control infection. Random samples of bovine meat and serum were collected from 100 cattle slaughtered in Assiut abattoir and inspected for Cysticercus bovis. Infected samples were processed for different methods of cooking and the viability of the cysts was estimated. The prevalence of infection was [8%] and [29%] by inspection and serology respectively. Boiling is a safer cooking, grilling and braising are susceptible while roasting is risky when rare-done

Prevalence of sarcocystis in bovine meat and effect of cooking on its viability

Sarcocystis is one of the important parasites infecting bovine meat. Protection from infection needs supervised slaughtering and good cooking. Random samples of bovine meat and serum were collected from 100 cattle slaughtered in Assiut abattoir, inspected and examined macroscopically, microscopically and serologically for sarcocysts. The prevalence of infection by macroscopic examination was [2%] and microscopic examination was [64%], while the seroprevelance was [71%]. Infected meat samples were processed for different methods of cooking and the viability of Sarcocystis was estimated by antigen capture ELISA. The parasite lost its viability and antigenicity by heating at 66-68. The best safe methods for protection from infection were boiling for 10-20 minutes and grilling of small meat samples for 10 minutes and large samples for 20 minutes while roasting is risky when cooked as raredone

Maternal vitamin B12 and the risk of fetal neural tube defects

Folic acid insufficiency is a known risk factor for neural tube defects [NTDs], while the role of vitamin B12 is questionable. Thus, our purpose was to investigate if low maternal serum vitamin B12 is associated with an increased risk of NTDs. Prenatal Diagnosis and Clinical Genetics Clinics, National Research Center, in collaboration with the Radioisotope Department, Nuclear Research Center. The study groups included 36 women who were, or had been, pregnant with a NTD-affected fetus. The control groups comprised 35 healthy women with normal prior or current pregnancy and uncomplicated obstetric histories. Fasting plasma homocysteine, serum folate and cobalamin [vitamin B12] were performed. Odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The fasting homocysteine was significantly higher in the study groups as compared to the controls. The median serum folate concentrations were similar in cases and controls. While the median vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly lower in the study groups compared to the controls. Low vitamin B12 concentration was associated with an approximately 2 to 3 fold increased risk for NTDs. Low maternal serum of vitamin B12 can be considered an important etiologic factor for the development of neural tube defects in our population. This may help in both genetic counseling for families with history of NTDs malformation, and as a preconceptional prophylactic measure by maternal supplementation of vitamin B12 and folic acid

Renal blood flow in neonates with perinatal asphyxia: quantification with color flow and pulsed doppler ultrasound

The aim of this work was to evaluate renal blood flow in asphyxiated newborns using Doppler ultrasonography and assess its value and accuracy in the early detection of renal dysfunction in such cases, thus permitting an early management hence a full recovery of any affected kidney. Twenty-six asphyxiated newborns with a mean gestational age of 39.62 +/- 0.94 weeks and a birth weight of 3.29 +/- 0.60 kg were studied. Twenty clinically healthy neonates matched for sex, gestational and birth weight were included as a control group. The studied cases were classified according to the absence or presence of renal involvement into two groups. The findings of this study suggested that the hypoxic ischemic insult was exerting an effect on the kidneys. Therefore, the presence of documented hypoxic-ischemic insult had an impact on the renal Doppler ultrasonographic measurements despite the absence of clinical and laboratory indices. This highlighted the value of renal Doppler US, with the measurement of RI, as a sensitive noninvasive technique for the early detection of renal dysfunction

possible protective role of lisinopril as a pro-apoptotic agent in cyclosporin A induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The study was carried out on 40 male albino rats, which were divided into five groups: Group 1, normal control group, group 2, saline treated group, group 3, cyclosporin A treated group [rats received saline 0.2 ml for one week orally daily, then received cyclosporin A [20 mg/kg/day] intraperitoneally daily for another week], group 4, lisinopril plus cyclosporin A treated group [treatment with lisinopril [10 mg/kg/day] orally for one week, then co-administration, of both lisinopril and cyclosporin A for another one week using the aforementioned doses] and group 5, lisinopril-treated group [rats received lisinopril [10 mg/kg/day] orally for two weeks]. At the end of the study, blood samples were withdrawn from rats of all groups for determination of serum creatinine. Afterwards, rats were sacrificed and the kidneys were obtained. Sections from the kidney were stained by hematoxylin and oesin and immunohistochemically using anti-Bcl-2 antibodies for assessment of both necrosis and apoptosis, respectively. Cyclosporin A administration for one week significantly raised the serum creatinine level. Also, it produced histopathological changes confined to the proximal convoluted tubules in the form of moderate to severe focal necrosis, and produced strong Bcl-2 cytoplasm immunostaining. Treatment with lisinopril for one week, then co-administration, of both lisinopril and cyclosporin A, decreased significantly the cyclosporin A-induced elevation of serum creatinine, decreased the focal necrosis in the proximal convoluted tubules [Chi square=13.3], and produced weak Bcl-2 cytoplasm immunostaining [Chi square=7.27]. This denotes that the ACE inhibitor ameliorated the toxic insult induced by CsA by favoring induction of apoptosis as denoted by diminishing the Rcl-2 cytoplasmnostaining. From the above data, it could be concluded that lisinopril has a proapoptotic effect in the kidney after cyclosporin A-induced nephrotoxicity

Assessment of nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients

The study was done to identify which parameters are most useful to be used for nutrition assessment in pediatric cancer patients. The study included 70 pediatric cancer patients [48 males and 22 females] age 4-10 years. Patients were classified into groups based on type of cancer [Lymphoma, leukemia and rhabdomyosarcoma]. The period of the study was divided into 3 stages according to treatment [initial, during and at the end of the 6 months period]. The patients were subjected to nutrition assessment through using 24 hours dietary recall and anthropometric measurements. Also the relationship between nutrient intake and socioeconomic status of the patients was studied. The results showed positive between each of triceps skinfold [TSF], arm circumference [AC], arm muscle circumference [ANC], height [Ht] and weight categories [as a percent of ideal body weight]. These parameters can be used to assess nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients throughout the stages of treatment. The results of the 24 hours dietary recall showed a decrease in protein and caloric intake of all the patients by the end of the 6 months period. All the patients had low intake of vitamins A and C and calcium. A positive correlation was found between the intake of these 3 nutrients and socioeconomic level of the patients

effect of two designs of overdenture on bone density of mandibular alveolar supporting structures using computed tomography

This study evaluated the effect of the design of overdenture on the bone mineral content of the mandibular alveolar bone around the remaining abutment teeth. Six female subjects who made two groups were selected, each received maxillary complete denture opposed by mandibular overdenture. Conventional designs of overdenture were used for the first group, metal dowels, copings for the remaining canines and for the second group cast dowels and copings with tissue bar in between were utilized for the mandibular overdenture. Measurements of bone density were performed at two sites of each canine [mid-root and apex] using computed tomography immediately after insertion of overdentures and 6 months later. The comparison of each site between the first measurement and the 6 months later measurement revealed increase in bone density value, but not statistically significant. Comparison of the mean of each group [representing all sites together] before and after 6-month period showed no statistical significance in the bone density for conventional design group at both sites and a statistical significant increase in bone density for the tissue-bar design group at both sites. Quantitative computed tomography seemed to be a reliable and adaptable technique for bone density measurement which can help in predicting the rate of change in the alveolar bone

Acoustic analysis of nasal sounds in speech aid prosthesis that duplicate maxillary sinuses in maxillary cancer patients

This investigation presented a technique to determine the size and shape of the maxillary sinus. Two types of obturators were constructed for each patient [one was an ordinary type of obturator and the other was an obturator that duplicated the shape and size of the maxillary sinus]. M and N were used to evaluate the effect of constructing an obturator that duplicates the exact size and shape of the maxillary sinus in a group of maxillary cancer patients. Upon their speech, the data obtained using the sonograph was analyzed and compared to data of nasal sounds taken from normal people. The results proved elimination or reduction of hypernasality occurring with these patients upon wearing their obturators that duplicate the exact size and shape of the maxillary sinus. Patients showed complete satisfaction that even reached the normal feeling after a period of adaptation to their new prosthesis