Plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in patients with acute ischemic stroke: relation to neurological impairment

Intercellular adhesion molecule-l [ICAM-I] is one of the adhesion molecules that is released from activated endothelial cells secondary to tissue ischemia and has a role in leukocytes recruitment. In this study, plasma levels of soluble ICAM-I [sICAM-I] were assessed in 20 patients with acute ischemic stroke as verified by clinical examination and brain CT, as well as in ten healthy subjects as controls .Results showed statistically significant elevation in plasma levels of sICAM-l in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared to controls. Significant positive correlation was also noticed between plasma sICAM-I levels and scores of National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke scale, which is a functional scale of neurological impairment.Conclusively, Patients with acute ischemic stroke have significant elavation of plasma sICAM-l levels that is correlated with the degree of neurological impairment. Further studies are recommended to study the significance of this elevation and to assess whether therapeutic use of anti-ICAM-l antibodies may be of value in improving outcome of the disease

Selective screening for biotinidase deficiency

Biotinidase deficiency is characterized by neurological and cutaneous manifestations that can be prevented or ameliorated by oral biotin therapy. The present work aims to establish the prevalence of biotinidase deficiency in a targeted group of infants and children presenting with neurological and cutaneous problems or isolated cutaneous symptoms, during a two year period. We measured biotinidase activity and obtained medical histories and examinations of probands, as well as of available parents and siblings. Among 13 children presenting with neurological symptoms associated with intractable seborrheic dermatitis and/or alopecia, we identified 6 patients with profound biotinidase deficiency [activity<10% of mean normal activity] and one patient with partial biotinidase deficiency [activity between l0%-30% of mean normal activity]. Among 40 infants presenting with isolated intractable seborrheic dermatitis, we identified one infant with profound biotinidase deficiency and another with partial biotinidase deficiency. Normal healthy controls had biotinidase activities within normal ranges, Biotinidase activity in 5 parents and 3 siblings was intermediate between those of probands and those of normal individuals. We identified one asymptomatic sibling with biotinidase activity in the partial activity range. Among the most common neurological findings on presentation were developmental delay or regression in 66.6%, hypotonia in 66.6%, seizures in 55.5%, neurosensory hearing loss in 33.3%, ataxia in 22.2% and optic atrophy in 22.2% of patients. One patient presented with a spontaneous episode of metabolic acidosis. Age of onset was between 1 and 3 months of age in 66.6% of patients. Two patients presented later than the usual age of onset. There was no clear relationship between age of onset and either severity or type of deficiency. All patients showed resolution of skin problems and marked improvement in neurological symptoms on oral biotin treatment. Detection of 9 cases of biotinidase deficiency during a two year period at a single metabolic unit indicates that biotinidase deficiency is not rare in Egypt. We suggest that biotinidase deficiency be considered in all children with neurological symptoms particularly those associated with cutaneous manifestations. Biotinidase deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intractable seborrheic dermatitis. The high incidence of biotinidase deficiency, the low cost of screening test, and the inexpensive therapy cost increase the importance of neonatal screening for biotinidase deficiency in Egypt. This would prevent permanent neurological damage or death in future children with biotinidase deficiency

Prediction of time until delivery and type of delivery through a comparison of bishop score, ultrasonographically measured cervical length and fetal fibronectin assay

The predictive value of Bishop score, ultrasonographically measured cervical length and fetal fibronectin assay were studied in 146 normal pregnant women at term to predict time and mode of delivery and risk of cesarean delivery. Results showed that the spontaneous onset of labour within 7 days was significantly associated with Bishop score >/= 6 [P=0.01], and with cervical length /= 50 ng/ml [p=0.31]. Both Bishop score >/= 6 and cervical length /= 50 ng/ml and with Bishop score >/= 6 [P=0.01] and that positive fetal fibronectin results at >/= 50 ng/ml and Bishop score are predictive for vaginal delivery rather than cesarean delivery especially if both tests >/= 6 are evaluated together in the same women [positive predictive values were 71.8%, 44.6% and 89.6% respectively]. Failure to detect fetal fibronectin at cervicovaginal discharge at term is predictive to cesarean delivery especially if Bishop score is < 0

Activated proten C. resistance in contraceptive pill users with deep vein thrombosis: relation to other risk factors and pill type

The relative risk and mechanism of thrombosis induced by different preparations of oral contraceptives is a mater of debate. The phenomenon of activated protein C [APC] resistance was recently described as a possible mechanism for thrombosis in hypercoagulable states. We investigated the prevalence of APC resistance, using an APC-[DVT] on oral contraceptive pills [group I]. Also included were 30 age matched women on oral contraceptives without evidence of DVT [group II] and 20 healthy control subjects of comparable age who never used oral contraceptives [group III]. Our results showed a significant increase in the percentage of APC-resistance positive cases among contraceptive Pill users with DVT [Group I] compared to pill users without DVT [group II] and the control [group III] [26.67% vs 6.67 and 5% respectively]. Among other risk factors positive family history [F.H.] of thrombosis and body mass index [BMI] were significantly higher in group I compared to groups II and III [30% vs 6.7% respectively for F.H. of thrombosis] and 39.21 +/- 6.09 vs 30.33 +/- 6.60 and 31.42 +/- 5.04 respectively for BMI]. APC-SR correlated negatively with BMI but did not correlate with age, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, duration of contraceptive use and platelet count. Users of second generation contraceptives had a higher incidence of DVT compared to users of third generation contraceptives with lower oestrogen concentration [56.41% vs 38.09% respectively] but APC-SR was not significantly different in the two groups [2.09 +/- 0.56 vs 2.70+/= 0.18 respectively]. We conclude that APC-resistance is more frequent in contraceptive pill users with thrombosis complications. Other risk factors include positive F.H. of thrombosis and higher BMI. The risk of thrombosis is higher among users of second generation cattraceptives. It is justified to screen women for APC resistance before prescribing oral contraceptives specially when obese or with positive family history of thrombosis

Effect of aspirin and acetaminophen on liver functions of albino rats

120 weanling male albino rats, weighing 30-40 gm and aging between 30 - 35 days, constituted the material of this work. They were divided into three groups each included 40 rats. Group I: control rats, Group II: rats treated with aspirin for 2 weeks, Group III: rats treated with acetaminophen for 2 weeks. From the results obtained, it was found that a significant increase in transaminases levels was noticed at the end of 1st and 2nd week compared to the basal level. The increase was more marked and earlier under aspirin therapy than group III under acetaminophen therapy. With discontinuation of the drugs transaminases levels decline but the level was still higher than the basal level. Serum lactic acid dehydrogenase showed a significant increase one and two weeks of drug administration in groups II and III comapred to the basal level. Oral administration of aspirin and acetaminophen showed insignificant change as regard total bilirubin level. From the reported results, it was evident that the changes in the tested parameters were related to the duration of therapy and were reversible with discontinuation of drugs. Also the changes were more marked in the group treated with aspirin than in the group treated with acetaminophen. These results indicated that large doses [Toxic] of both drugs are hepatotoxic

Graded experimental myocardial contusion in rabbits: antemortem and postmortem diagnosis

A controlled animal model was used to clarify the role of serum total creatine phosphokinase [CPK] and creatine phosphokinase-MB [CPK-MB] fraction in the diagnosis of myocardial contusion in patients, as well as, the role of cardiac tissue levels of creatine phosphate [CP] and adenosine triphosphate [ATP] in the diagnosis of fatal myocardial injury on autopsy. Graded myocardial contusion was produced by a single blow with a weight pendulum in two groups of rabbits [group I received a moderate impact, 78 +/- 5 m Joules/g, group II received a major impact, 87 +/- 7 m Joules/g]. Gross and microscopic examinations on autopsy showed a minor pathologic entity in group I, while in group II a distinct pathological entity could be identified. 20 minutes after the impact, a very highly significant [p <0.001] increase in the serum total CPK appeared in both groups. CPK-MB fraction was not detected in the serum of control animals [uninjuried group], but its level and percentage were 10.9 +/- 0.80 IU/L, 6.98% in group I and 29.7 +/- 1.23 IU/L, 8.18% in group II. Cardiac tissue levels of CP and ATP, 25 minutes after impact, revealed a very highly significant [p <0.001] reduction in both groups. It is clear that, the increase in the serum enzyme and the decrease in the cardiac tissue levels of high-energy phosphates were proportional to the severity of the blow. These results suggested that the serum total CPK and CPK-MB fraction are most reliable indicators of myocardial contusion following blunt chest trauma. The cardiac tissue CP and ATP levels, also can be used as diagnostic criteria for a suspected fatal cardiac injury and clearly apparent on autopsy

Influence of ethanol on potentiation of the response to blunt cardiac trauma in rabbits

Acute changes in mechanical performance [spontaneous rate and contractile force of the hearts] were followed after blunt cardiac trauma, ethanol infusion, and ethanol infusion with blunt cardiac trauma in 40 anesthetized male rabbits. Impact was delivered to the whole anterior pericardium by a single blow with a weighted pendulum. Energy delivered, which was calculated as kinetic energy, was 67 +/- 7 m Joules/g. Impact alone caused complete cardiac arrest, followed by sequential ventricular recovery, atrial recovery with atrioventricular [A-V] block, transient normal sinus rhythm, tachycardia and normal sinus rhythm. These transient cardiac dysfunctions were accompanied with significant reductions in the spontaneous rate and contractile force, except the height of auricular contraction during A-V block which showed a significant rise. All animals survived impact and regained nearly normal mechanical performance within 10 minutes after impact. Intravenous infusion of ethanol [average blood alcohol concentration, 65 +/- 1 mg%], resulted in nonsignificant decrease in the mechanical performance, but, when combined with trauma, caused a mortality rate of 75%. All animals died from complete and persistent cardiac arrest after marked slowdown in the spontaneous rate and severe weakness in the contractile force. It is concluded that even low blood alcohol concentrations can significantly reduce cardiac performance in the presence of otherwise nonfatal cardiac injury

Effect of acute administration of ethyl alcohol on plasma lipids

In the present work, the effect of acute intravenous administration of ethanol on plasma lipid profile was studied. Ethanol was injected in the inferior vena cava of albino rats of both sexes in a dose of 0.8 gram/rat over one hour. Two and four hours later, blood samples were obtained, analyzed for triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL.C] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL.C]. It was found that acute ethanol injection resulted in significant rise in triglycerides, insignificant decrease in cholesterol, HDL.C, phospholipids and LDL.C. These results may be of utmost importance as increasing cardiovascular risks in binge drinkers

Experimental evaluation of hydrofluoric acid and hypocalcemia

Experimental evaluation of the effect of hydrofluoric acid exposures on serum calcium has been achieved in male rats. Five concentration levels [10, 20, 30, 40, 50 percent] of hydrofluoric acid were used in this study; whereas for each concentration, two groups of animals were subjected to either skin or inhalation exposure. Hydrofluoric acid induced hypocalcaemia, in a concentration- related manner, either by skin or inhalation exposure as shown by the significant [P< 0.05, P<0.01 P< 0.001] decrease in serum calcium, except the group subjected to inhalation exposure of 10 percent hydrofluoric acid vapor which revealed non - significant diminution. These results suggest that proper treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns must include administration of intravenous calcium, to replenish the biologically active calcium and to prevent death from hypocalcaemia

Effect of female sex steroid hormones on lipid metabolism

In the present study we demonstrated the effects of female sex steroid hormones [estrogen and / or progesterone] on lipid metabolism in female. Female albino rats were used for this study. After ovariectomy, we injected either estrogen and/ or progesterone every day for 14 days, then all animals were decapitated, blood taken and serum analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL.C] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL.C]. We found that estrogen induced significant rise in HDL.C and significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL.C, while no changes in triglycerides or phospholipids were observed. Progesterone injection resulted in insignificant changes in lipid profile. Combined estrogen and progesterone injection resulted in significant rise in HDL.C and decrease in total cholesterol, LDL.C and insignificant changes in triglycerides or phospholipids. These data may indicate that cyclic fluctuations in lipid levels do occur under the influence of female sex hormones and estrogen use in postmenopausal women is associated with increase HDL.C, which reduces risk factors for coronary artery disease

Bacterial translocation from the gut complicating hemorrhagic shock

To determine whether hemorrhagic shock would promote bacterial translocation from the gut to visceral organs, rabbits were subjected to a model of hemorrhagic shock [mean pressure, 30 mm/Hg]. Twenty- four hours after being subjected to sham-shock, or 90 minutes of shock, rabbits were sacrificed and their organs quantitatively cultured for translocating bacteria. There was a direct relationship between the duration of hemorrhagic shock and the 24-hours mortality rate. Bacteria did not translocate from the gut in the sham-shock rabbits, but translocated to the mesenteric lymph nodes, livers and spleens of the rabbits subjected to hemorrhagic shock. Rabbits subjected to 90 minutes of shock exhibited a greater degree of bacterial translocation than rabbits receiving 30 or 60 minutes of shock; whereas the incidences of translocation were significantly [P < 0.01 and P < 0.001] increased with the increase of duration of hemorrhagic shock. The most common translocating bacteria were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus. Hemorrhagic shock produced subepithelial edema and focal areas of necrosis in the ileum, vacuolization of the renal epithelial cells with cellular debris within the renal tubules, and hepatic centrilobular venous congestion. Thus hemorrhagic shock followed by reinfusion of shed blood disrupts the gut barrier and allows indigenous bacteria normally contained within the gut to cause systemic infections

Influence of ketonic and ketogenic compounds on potential of carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity: Role of ketone bodies

The smallest dosage needed to potentiate CCI4 hepatotoxicity was estimated to be between 5.5-11 mm mol/kg/day for BD and 0.95-1.9m mol/kg for MnBk. BD or MnBk also, resulted in a dose dependent metabolic ketosis in the plasma observable at the same dosages which produced potentiation of CCI4 -induced liver injury. This ketonic state was due to an increase in B-hydroxybutyrate [BOHB], while acetoacetate [Ac-Ac] remained at its basal levels. The potentiated response appeared to be related to severity of the metabolic ketosis produced by BD or MnBk. These results suggest that plasma B- hydroxybutyrate concentrations might be useful for predicting possible potentiation of the hepatotoxic effect of CCI4 by BD or MnBk

Histopathological and serum enzyme changes in fatal electric shock

Thirty adult albino rats were killed by electrocution, Using alternating house-hold current, of 220 volts, They were divided to three groups, each consisted of 10 rats. The electrodes were connected to either forelimb hindlimb [gr. II], both forelimbs [gr. II], or head-hindlimb [gr. Ill]. Ten animals served as control of the study [Group IV]. The gross and histopathological changes of the main vital organs [heart, lungs, and brain] and the big blood vessels involved in the electric circuits were studied. Congestion, dilatation, intravascular thrombotic aggregates, and rupture with perivascular hemorrhages' were frequently observed. Degenerative and necrotic cellular damage of the myocardium and cerebral neurons, could be detected. The extent of damage varied according to the direction of the current. There were a significant rise in both STDH and SGOT while SGPT and SALP enzymes showed non significant changes

Influence of short-term starvation on reproductive hormones secretion in male rats

The effects of short-term starvation [6 days] on the pituitary testicular function of adult male rats were studied, while the serum reproductive hormone levels were measured at the end of the study. Fasting decreased body weights by 19.83% [P< 0.001], testicular weights by 6.16% [P< 0.05] and those of seminal vesicles by 51.28% [P< 0.001]. On the other hand, the ventral prostate weights showed statistical non-significant 10.53% reduction. The serum level of the hormones were significantly declined. Lutenizing [LH] by 46.43% [P< 0.05], folliclestimulating [FSH] by 38.89% [P< 0.01], prolactin by 44.12% [P< 0.05] and testosterone by 39.71% [P< 0.01]. It is apparent from this study that, food restriction resulted in suppression of reproductive functions

Anti-endothelial cell antibodies and circulating immune complexes, a possible prognostic tool in IDDM angiopathy

52 patients suffering from IDDM [insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus] were studied for anti-endothelial cell antibodies [AEA] and circulating immune complexes [CIC]. 20 had a high CIC level, and eight demonstrated AEA, of whom five had retinopathy and three did not show any obvious vascular complication. It has been shown that C3, C4 and CH5O levels were also decreased. AEA were evaluated by indirect immunoflourescent technique, using rat pancreas tissue as the antigen. To estimate the CIC level, PEG precipitating method was used. It was suggested that by demonstrating AEA, we will be able to evaluate the prognosis of IDDM, especially the long standing phase, with no vascular complication

Studies on subchronic and chronic toxicity of chocolate brown ht on rats

Studies on the subchronic and chronic toxicity of chocolate brown HT in albino rats were investigated. Daily food consumption in addition to the changes in body weight of tested animals during the experiment were recorded. Hematological and blood biochemical changes were also studied

Studies on toxicity of brown FK on rats

Effect of subchronic and chronic toxicity of brown FK [coloring food additive] were studied on adult albino rats. Estimation of growth rate, food consumption rate and studies on the hematology blood biochemistry together with tissue changes due to this toxic effect were given