Prevalence of Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in expatriates in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Data on the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is lacking and scarce. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of both Treponema pallidum (causative agent of syphilis) and HIV infections among expatriates in Sharjah, UAE. The study group (N = 20,670) included expatriate workers of both sexes undergoing mandatory pre-employment testing between May and June 2014. Detection of specific antibodies to Treponema pallidum and HIV antigens and antibodies was conducted using commercially available kits. Of the 20,670 samples screened for syphilis, one hundred and five (0.51%) tested positive. Expatriates from India (30.5%), Pakistan (25.7%), and Bangladesh (15.2%) showed the highest infection rate with T. pallidum. Moreover, three age groups were most affected with syphilis and a significant correlation was noted between age and T. pallidum infections (x2 = 76.23; p = 0.001). Furthermore, an association was also observed between gender and infection with T. pallidum (x2 = 3.37; p = 0.04). Of the 20,670 samples screened for HIV, three samples (0.014%) tested positive for HIV antibodies and antigen. The results were consequently confirmed by western blot assay. The prevalence of infection with T. pallidum and HIV was determined for the first time among expatriates in Sharjah providing policymakers with data which could be used to develop appropriate prevention and control strategies.

impact of cytomegalovirus infection on mechanically ventilated patients in the respiratory and geriatric intensive care units

Reactivation of cytomegalovirus [CMV] has been reported in critically ill patients [especially elderly] lying in the intensive care units. So identifying such patients to treat is important. To detect the frequency of CMV infection in mechanically ventilated patients, and its correlation with patients' risk factors, and outcomes. The present study was carried out on 51 mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the Respiratory [20] and Geriatric ICU [31] of the Ain Shams University hospitals over a 3 month period. Serum CMV load was measured by real-time PCR. The overall rate of active CMV infection by RT-PCR among the studied populations was [68.6%], [77.4%] in patients of geriatric ICU versus [55%] in respiratory ICU patients. Comparison between CMV positive and negative cases showed a significant difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality rate. A statistically higher CMV load was recorded in respiratory ICU patients admitted due to exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease or stroke and developing ventilator associated pneumonia [VAP] or septic shock. Also there was a significant direct correlation between CMV load and age of the patient, duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of ICU stay CMV infection is frequent in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients especially the elderly. It is associated with poor outcomes, leads to increased mortality and morbidity in terms of increased ICU stay, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and higher rates of nosocomial infections

Health related quality of life and psychological problems in Egyptian children with simple obesity in relation to body mass index

Obesity in childhood or adolescence could affect quality of life [QOL] There is little existing information about the health-related quality of life [HRQOL] of obese children and adolescents. To assess HRQOL and psychiatric co-morbidities in obese children and adolescents; and their relationship to body mass index [BMI]. Fifty obese children and adolescents were compared to 50 healthy age-, sex- and pubertal stage-matched non obese children and adolescents serving as controls. They were assessed by child self-report and parent proxy report using a pediatric HRQOL inventory scale, also, Children Anxiety Scale and Children Depression Inventory [CDI] were assessed. Obese children had total HRQOL score: 69.1 +/- 8.4 versus 81.1 +/- 7.8 respectively, p < 0.001 and their parents had total score: 62.9 +/- 9.5 versus 74.9 +/- 7.2 respectively, p < 0.001. Obese children reported lower health-related QOL scores in all domains than controls. BMI standard deviation score [SDS] correlated negatively with total score and all domains in child self report and parent proxy report. Anxiety [mild: 8%, moderate: 38%, severe: 54%] and depression [mild: 18%, moderate: 24%, severe: 58%] were pre-existing or diagnosed in all obese children with significant positive correlations between BMISDS and each of anxiety [r = 0.81, p < 0.01] and CDI scores [r = 0.78, p = 0.01]. BMI [OR: 5.72, 95%CI: 2.57-5.9] and waist circumference [OR:2.27, 95%CI: 1.99-5.31] SDSs were independent risk factors affecting the total QOL score Obese children and adolescents have lower health-related QOL that correlated negatively with BMI, also they are more susceptible to anxiety and depression symptoms than non obese children

Effect of glimepiride on the aorta of adult albino rats after induction of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic progressive disease that is associated with long-term complications such as diabetic angiopathy. Glimepiride is a third-generation sulfonyleurea that has an extrapancreatic effect on glucose metabolism besides its hypoglycemic action. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of glimepiride on the aorta of the adult albino rat after induction of diabetes mellitus. Forty adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into two main groups: group I and group II. Group I was the control group and group II was the experimental group. Group II was further divided into group IIA, in which 10 rats received glimepiride orally for 8 successive weeks, group IIB, in which 10 rats were given streptozotocin by means of a single intraperitoneal injection, and group IIC, in which 10 rats were given streptozotocin by means of a single intraperitoneal injection and were then given glimepiride orally for 8 successive weeks. Thus, a total of four groups of rats were studied. Five rats were randomly selected and sacrificed after 4 weeks, and another five rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks from the beginning of the experiment. The aorta was taken from each group and prepared for histological and electron microscopic examinations. The aortic tissue of the diabetic rats in group IIB showed apparent intimal thickening and accumulation of fatty cells within the subendothelial region with disturbance in the connective tissue distribution in the intima and the media. Electron microscopic study revealed atrophic endothelial cells in the intima. The internal elastic lamina was interrupted and the smooth muscle cells showed intracytoplasmic fat droplets. In group IIC, the aorta showed mild thickening and minimal fatty deposition in the subendothelial region. Electron microscopy revealed that the intima and the internal elastic lamina were nearly intact as in the control group. It could be concluded that glimepiride could alleviate the progression of aortic affection produced in case of experimentally induced diabetes mellitus

Detection of filarial parasites and Wolbachia endosymbiotic bacteria in mosquitoes by PCR

Wuchereria Bancroft; the principal etiologic agent of lymphatic filariasis is mosquito dependant in the biological transmission. Dirofilariasis is essentially a disease of canines which can also be trans-mitted to humans by culicine mosquitoes. Wolbachia are Rickettsia-like, obligatory intracellular bacteria that infect the reproductive and somatic tissues of some arthropods and nematodes. Our study aimed to identify the possible association between filarial parasites and Wolbachia by single and multiplex PCR. 1600 female mosquitoes collected from: four localities in Assiut Governorate, Egypt were microscopically identified and divided into 64 mosquito pools according to their genera and collection site. Single PCR was firstly conducted on mosquitoes followed by multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of the three filarial parasites [Wucheraria bancrofti, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens] and Wolbachia in mosquitoes. The results indicated that: Out of 64 mosquito pools, 8 pools were positive for Wuchererio bancrofti with estimated rate of infection [ERI 0.53%], 3 for each of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens [ERI 0.19%] and 6 pools were positive for Wolbachia [ERI 0.39%], five of them with filarial parasites [W. Bancrofti, D. immitis and D repens] [83.3%], with a significant P. value [< 0.05]. We concluded that there was a strong association between the presence of Wolbachia and filarial parasites that should be considered during the treatment of patients with filarial diseases by the use of specific anti-Wolbachia antibiotic in addition to the usual anti-filarial drugs

Effect of chronic nicotine administration on the anterior cingulate cortex [area 24a] of adult albino rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Nicotine is the principal active component in cigarettes and cigars. It was reported that tobacco smoking enhances the performance of cognitive processing. The anterior cingulate cortex plays an important role in attention and working memory performance. This study was conducted to demonstrate the effects of chronic administration of various nicotine doses on the structure of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex [area 24a] in adult rats, as well as study the effect of withdrawal of high doses of nicotine. A total of 48 adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups. Group I [N=1 2] was considered the control group. Group II [n=12] rats were treated with 1 mg/kg nicotine subcutaneously for 2 months. Group III rats [n=24] were treated with 6 mg/kg nicotine subcutaneously for 2 months. Thereafter, half of the animals were sacrificed. Group IV [the recovered group] consisted of the remaining I 2 rats of group III that were kept for another 2 months without treatment and then sacrificed. Brains were processed to be studied using Einarson's gallocyanin stain, the Golgi-Cox method, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical study for glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]. Further, the number of cells in the second and fifth layers of the cingulate cortex [area 24a] was measured and statistically analyzed for all the studied groups. Examination of the cingulate cortex [area 24a] in low-dose nicotine-treated rats [group II] revealed an increase in the branching of the dendrites of the pyramidal cells together with a relative increase in the density of the spines. An ultrastructural study showed the presence of numerous synaptic contacts between the nerve processes. In high-dose nicotine-treated rats [group III] the cells showed degenerative changes, which were more evident in pyramidal cells. These changes were associated with a marked reduction in the extension and branching of the dendrites. Dense GFAP immunostained fibers and cells could be seen particularly in layer I. In the recovered rats [group IV] most of the cells restored their normal appearance. Mild GFAP expression could be observed. An insignificant difference in the number of cells was also found in comparison with controls. The effect of nicotine on the organization of the anterior cingulate cortex [area 24a] was found to vary according to dose. Withdrawal of high doses of nicotine will result in a marked reduction in the structural impairment of neurons

Diagnostic utility and complications of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in Assiut University Hospital: a 7-year experience

Few studies with small number of patients reported their experience with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy [FFB]. We aimed to report our 7-year experience with the diagnostic yield and complications of FFB at Assiut University Hospital. A retrospective review of bronchoscopy reports and corresponding patients' charts over 7 years from January 2006 to December 2012 performed at the Department of Chest Diseases, Assiut University Hospital, was done. Indication for procedures, suspected diagnosis, final diagnosis, and complications were reported. Of 3980 bronchoscopies, 3660 [92%] were diagnostic. Mean age was 45 +/- 18 years and 68% were males. Malignancy and infection, including tuberculosis [TB], were the 2 main indica-tions for FFB [47% and 23.8%]. The overall diagnostic yield was 67%. A total of 1690 broncho-alveolar lavage [BAL], 1303 brushing, 188 transbronchial biopsies [TBB], and 645 bronchial biopsies [BB] were performed. Malignancy was confirmed in 70% of suspected cases. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 58.5% of suspected cases, whereas bacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in 48.5%. Bronchoscopy diagnosed 38.4% of patients with interstitial lung disease. The diagnostic yield was 55% for sarcoidosis and 33% for usual interstitial pneumonia. The overall complication rate was 1.61%. Mortality rate was 0.05%. Our results confirm that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool, with a low rate of complications, particularly in patients with lung cancer. The diagnostic yield in our locality is almost similar to that reported in other series

Stepwise management of postcholecystectomy problems by surgery and endoscopy

Background: The term of postcholecystectomy syndrome [PCS] comprises a heterogeneous group of symptoms and signs in patients who have previously undergone cholecystectomy. Patients of PCS may present with abdominal pain, jaundice or dyspeptic symptoms, man y of these complaints can he attributed to complications including bile duct injury, biliary leak, biliary fistula and retained stones. Late sequelae are bile duct strictures and secondary liver cirrhosis. A multidisciplinary approach between surgeons, radiologist and endoscopist offers the best chances for an initial diagnosis and therapeutic option

The aim of this work: Is to study thoroughly and evaluate the different techniques, surgery endoscopy and combined used for management of postcholecystectomy problems

Patients and methods: This is a descriptive study carried on 105 patients from the surgery department, and endoscopy unit of Assuit University Hospital from January 2010 - to July 2012

Results: Most of our patients [97.1%] diagnosed in postoperative period and only 2.9% of injuries are recognized intraopertively. Sixty eight of 105 [64.7%] of patients has bile leakage, retaned stones and stricture was treated endoscopically. The remaining [35.3%] were treated surgically. Long-term follow-up revealed two cases [5.4%] with anastomatic stricture, which were managed by refashioning HJ with left ductal approach

Conclusion: [I] Minor bile duct injuries can be well treated by endoscopic techniques. [II] Mayor injuries of bile ducts require operative intervention alter good and adequate preparation, [III] Raux-en-YHJ is the gold standard operation for these major bile duct injuries

Influences of breed, sex and sodium butyrate supplementation on the performance, carcass traits and mortality of fattening rabbits

Twenty four New Zealand White rabbits [12 does and 12 bucks] and twenty four Flanders [12 does and 12 bucks] rabbits, allotted into two feeding regimes [6 for each breed, 3 males and 3 females] first one feed commercial ration and the second one fed commercial diet supplemented by sodium butyrate [300 g/ton]. The obtained results showed that at end of 8[th] week experimental period New Zealand white rabbits were heavier body weight than Flanders rabbits [1934.55 +/- 39.05 vs. 1802.5 +/- 30.99 g]; significantly high body weight gain [136.1 +/- 3.5 vs. 126.8 +/- 1.8 g/week] and better feed conversion ratio during all weeks of experiment from first week [3.07 +/- 0.16 vs. 3.12 +/- 0.10] till the 8[th] week of experiment [5.54 +/- 0.16 vs. 5.76 +/- 0.07] with significantly high dressing percentages [0.54 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.01]. Moreover, hindquarter and gastrointestinal tract percentages were significantly high in New Zealand White than Flanders rabbits. In general females rabbits [at the same age] were lower body weight than males from 1[st] week of experiment [1042.9 +/- 39.9 vs. 1074 +/- 32.9g] till the end of experiment [1833.64 +/- 37.69 vs. 1903.41 +/- 36.93 g]; gained less during all weeks of experiment except during 8[th] week [132.1 +/- 2.3 vs. 130.9 +/- 3.4 g/week], with lower dressing percentage [0.52 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.53 +/- 0.01]. Addition of 300g sodium butyrate/ton of rabbit increased the body weight of rabbits at the end of experimental period [1882.71 +/- 26.45 vs. 1851.5 +/- 49.82 g]; improve body weight gain 2[nd], and 8[th] week of experiment and significantly improve feed conversion ratio during all weeks of the experiment from 1[st] week [2.85 +/- 0.07 vs. 3.30 +/- 0.15] till the 8[th] week of the experiment [5.51 +/- 0.12 vs. 5.77 +/- 0.12]. Also, dressing percentage was higher in Sodium butyrate fed groups than those of the control one [0.53 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.01] and the most important results of feeding sodium butyrate is the reducing of the mortality percentage in rabbits during the 8 week period experiment to zero percentage as compared with 16% in the control group

Histological and immunohistochemical changes in placental chorionic villi of patients with poorly controlled gestational diabetes

Normal placental development is essential for normal fetal development. The placenta is a complex fetal organ that plays pleiotropic roles during fetal growth. It separates the maternal and the fetal circulation. The placenta is exposed to the regulatory influence of the hormones, cytokines, growth factors, and substrates present in the circulation, and thus may be affected by changes in any of these. Gestational diabetes is one of the most prevalent medical complications of pregnancy and may cause increased fetal wastage. To study the structural changes in the placental chorionic villi of women with poorly controlled gestational diabetes in comparison with metabolically normal pregnant women. The study was carried out on placentas from 22 full-term pregnant women. All the women delivered at 38-40 weeks of gestation. Ten placentas were from normal uncomplicated pregnancies [control group] and the other 12 were from gestational diabetic pregnancies [diabetic group]. The placentas were processed and examined using light and electron microscopy. An immunohistochemical study using S100 protein antibody was carried out. In comparison with the control group, the placentas of poorly controlled gestational diabetic mothers showed an increase in syncytial knots, partial shedding of trophoblastic microvilli, and thickening of the basement membrane of the trophoblast. Fibrinoid necrosis, villous fibrosis, and dilated congested fetal blood vessels were also observed. The frequent appearance of Hofbauer cells [placental macrophages] was observed in the diabetic placenta in comparison with the control placenta. Positive diabetic trophoblastic and stromal cells for S100 protein antibodies were observed. It is concluded that poor control of diabetes during gestation may result in structural changes in the placentas, which may contribute toward fetal complications. Further research in this field may help in finding a solution for the evaluation of the destructive changes in diabetic placenta in the initial stages of pregnancy

Monocytes chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1] and other proinflamatory cytokines in children with autism

Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed in early childhood that is characterized by impairment in reciprocal communication, speech, repetitive behaviors, and social withdrawal. Its cause remains unknown, despite evidence that genetic, environmental, and immunological factors may play a role in its pathogenesis. Cytokines are protein or peptide that include, interleukines, interferons, tumor necrosis factor and others. Cytokines can influence physiological functions such as sleep and food intake; they also interact with a number of neurotransmitters in the brain. Cytokines, and the immune system together, may play a very important role in the development of autism and there is now some evidence that autism may be accompanied by abnormalities in the inflammatory response system [IRS]. Products of the IRS, such as proinflammatory cytokines, may induce some of the behavioral symptoms of autism, such as social withdrawal, resistance to novelty and sleep disturbances. Thus, a potential role for immune dysfunction has been suggested in ASD. To test this hypothesis, we investigated evidence of differential cytokine release in plasma samples obtained from children with autism compared with age-matched control children. Was to evaluate, if autism is accompanied by an activation of the inflammatory response system, and to investigate whether immunemediated mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of autism or not through evaluation of the plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokines as interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1 beta], tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein -1[MCP-1] in children with autism, and compare them with the age-matched healthy control children. This study was carried out in the Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Tanta University Hospital. Thirty children with prior diagnosis of autism[24 males, 6 females] were included in the study, their age range was[3-9 years]with the mean age of 5 +/- 1.8 years. Diagnosis of autism was based on the criteria for the diagnosis of autism that are set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR [Fourth Edition, Text Revision]. The intial Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS] score for these children was >/= 30, as children with a CARS score >/= 30 were considered to have autism. Intial CARS score range for children with autism was [31-60]. The control group consisted of thirty healthy children [10 females, 20 males]. Their age range was [2-10 years] and the mean age was 5.31 +/- 2.4 years. Plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokines as interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1 beta], tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein -1[MCP-1] were evaluated for children with autism, and the control children. The mean plasma levels of the proinflammtory cytokines, interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1 beta], tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein -1[MCP-1] in children with autism, were significantly higher than the mean plasma levels of these proinflammatory cytokines in the control children [P<0.01]. In conclusion, Increased levels of plasma proinflammatory cytokines in children with autism, support the hypothesis that an abnormal immune response could be another component of this multifactorial disorder. These findings serve as further evidence that inflammation may be an important part of the pathogenesis of autism and should be considered when designing therapeutic strategies to treat core symptoms and behavioral impairments of autism

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new substituted dihydropyrimidine derivatives

A new series of ethyl 6-methyl-4-[substituted]phenyl-2-[substituted]-phenacyl-thio-1, 4- dihydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate [2a-x] was prepared by reaction of ethyl 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-6-methyl-4-[substituted]phenyl-2-thioxopyrimidine-5-carboxy-late J [a-d] with phenacyl bromides. Compounds 1[a-d] were synthesized using the principle of Bignelli condensation by one pot reaction of the appropriate araldehyde. ethyl acetoacetate and thiourea in acidic medium. Confirmation of the chemical structure of the synthesized compounds [2a-x] was substintiated by different spectral data IR. [1]H-NMR. MS in addition to their microanalyses. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. The antibacterial and antifungal testing identified compounds 2b, 2e, 2k, 21, 2m, 2n, 20, 2p, 2q, 2, and 2x as the most effective agents in comparison to Chloramphenicol and Clotrimazole as reference antibacterial and antifungal drugs respectively

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

Tissue-type plasminogen activatore-7351C/T enhancer polymorphism in ischemic cerebral stroke

The majority of ischemic strokes occur because of thrombotic or thromboembolic occlusions. This forms the rationale for use of thrombolytic drugs. Out of several identified single nucleotide polymorphism [SNPs] at the Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator [tfA] locus, the-7351 CIT enhancer SNP showed closest association to tPA release rates. Functional studies have shown that this SNP affects the binding of transcription factors, and that the T allele expresses less tPA compared with the C allele as well as increased risk of myocardial infarction A recent study also reported an increased risk of ischemic stroke for the TT genotype. In the present study the possible association between ischemic stroke and the tPA-7351C>T polymorphism was investigated. Forty eight ischemic stroke patients and 48 matched control cases were recruited in a case control study.Genotyping was performed by allele discrimination analysis using the 5'nuclease assay. PCR was performed in RotorGene[TM] 6000 [Corbett Research]. Results were represented by two curves as: yellow channel represents C probe labeled by [VIC] dye; this is the wild type. Green channel represents T probe labeled by [FAM] dye; this is the mutant allele. In patients group the frequency of the low risk allele [C] of tPA gene was 57.25% and of high risk allele [T] was 42.75%. Whereas control revealed 78.13% and 21.87%, respectively. The genotype distribution was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The odds ratio for overall ischemic stroke was 2.66 [95% Cl: 1.42 to 5.01] for tPA T allele carriers. This association was independent of established risk factors. tPA-735 1 C/T enhancer polymorphism may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Further studies on larger populations with stratification for stroke subtypes are needed to confirm these findings. The possible association between this polymorphism and the respective plasma protein level remain to be elucidated

Antioxidant enzymes and ceruloplasmin plasma levels in children with autism

Autism is a behaviorally defined neuron-developmental disorder usually diagnosed in early childhood that is characterized by impairment in reciprocal communication and speech, repetitive behaviors, and social withdrawal Although both genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved, none have been reproducibly identified. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse disease states, and may be a common pathogenic mechanism underlying many major psychiatric disorders as autism. Levels of the major antioxidant serum proteins, namely Glutathione peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase and ceruloplasmin, are decreased in children with autism. The aim of this study: was to evaluate the plasma levels of the major antioxidant enzymes include. Superoxide Dismutase [SOD], Glutathione Peroxidase [GSH-Px] and Ceruloplasmin in children with autism, compare them with normal control children and to correlate between the plasma levels of these major antioxidant and the severity of autism .This study was carried out in The Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Tanta University Hospital. Thirty children with prior diagnosis of autism[24 males, 6 females] were included in the study, their age range was[3-9 years] with the mean age was [5 +/- 1.8 years]. The intial Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS] score for these children was >/= 30. Children with a CARS score >/= 30 were considered to have autism. Intial CARS score range for chidren with autism was [31-60]. The control group consisted of thirty healthy children [10 females, 20 males]. Their age range was [2-10 years] and the mean age was 5.3 +/- 2.4 years. The plasma levels of the major antioxidant, Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase and Ceruloplasmin In children with autism, were significantly lower than the plasma levels of these antioxidants in the control children [P<0.01]. Also there was a significant inverse correlation between the plasma levels of this major antioxidant and the severity of autism according to CARS score. These data revealed that, antioxidants defense mechanisms might be impaired in children with autism, understanding these basic pathologic processes may yield novel target for the development of more effective treatment for autism

Corneal higher order aberrations changes after lasik for correction of hypermetropia and mixed astigmatism

Hypermetropia is a defect of vision caused by an imperfection in the eye [often when the eyeball is too short or when the lens cannot become round enough], causing difficulty focusing on near objects. As an object moves toward the eye, the eye must increase its power to keep the image in focus on the retina. If the power of the cornea and lens is insufficient, as in hyperopia, the image will appear blurred. to report the visual outcome and keratometric values, in addition to the corneal higher order aberration after laser instu keratomillusis for the correction of hypermetropia and mixed astigmatism. This prospective observational comparative study comprised 60 eyes of 30 individuals. Wavefront analysis for each cornea was performed; Root Mean Square [RMS] of anterior corneal higher order aberrations and separate types of corneal higher order aberrations using Zernike Polynomials were analyzed for all patients pre and postoperatively. 60 eyes of 30 individuals [28 [46.7%] women and 32 [33.3%] men]. 32 [53.3%] right eyes and 28 [46.7%] were left eyes. Mean patient age was 36.46+ 13.99 years [range: 16 to 54 years]. Mean sphere was+3.30+ 1.55 D [range:+1.0 to+5.5 D] Mean cylinder was-1.31+ 1.45 D [range:-4.75 to+0.5 D]. Spherical aberration [SA] preoperatively was 0.21 [+ .05] and postoperatively-0.02 [+ .24] and a mean difference of 0.23 and p value of 0.01. Coma aberration preoperatively was 0.29 [+ .10] and postoperatively 0.44 [+ .32] and a mean difference of-0.15 and p value of 0.86. While Root Mean Square [RMS] of higher order aberrations [HOA] preoperatively was 0.43 [+.10] and postoperatively-0.66 [+ .29] with a mean difference of 0.22 and p value of 0.05. Conventional LASIK increases all corneal higher order aberrations with induced aberrations increasing with the magnitude of refractive correction

Plasma carnitine in children with idiopathic epilepsy treated with old and new antiepileptic drugs

Prolonged antiepileptic drugs treatment can result in secondary carnitine deficiency. Clinical studies indicate a decrease in free and total carnitine in children treated with old-generation antiepileptic drugs [especially valproate]. Some studies on valproic acid [VPA]-induced hepatotoxicity showed decreased free serum carnitine, but some did not. A number of studies on the effect of VPA and/or other antiepileptic drugs on carnitine concentrations yielded contradictory results. The effect of new antiepileptic drugs as oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine on carnitine metabolism has not been reported previously. The aim of this study was performed to evaluate the plasma carnitine level in children with idiopathic epilepsy treated with old antiepileptic drugs [valproic acid and carbamazepine] and new antiepileptic drugs [lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine]. This study was carried out in Tanta University Hospital Pediatric Department, Neurology Unit. Fifty children with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy were selected from those attending the pediatric neurology out-patient clinic. Thirty four [34] males and sixteen [16] females were enrolled in the study with the age range was 1-12 years with the mean age was [6.8 +/- 3 years]. Patients were grouped according to their antiepileptic treatment into: Group 1, twenty patients received valproic acid as monotherapy without any antiepileptic drugs treatment before. Group 2 ten patients received valproic acid as polytherapy after three months treatment with carbamazepine. Group 3, ten patients received lamotrigine as monotherapy, and group 4, ten patients received oxcarbazepine as monotherapy. Twenty healthy children served as control group with the age range was, 2-12 years with the mean age was [8 +/- 2 years]. Estimation of the plasma carnitine levels were done for all the studied groups. Group 1 and group 2 epileptic children, treated with valproic acid monotherapy and polytherapy had significantly lower plasma carnitine levels than the control group [P<0.05]. There was significant correlation between the age and the plasma carnitine in group 1 and group 2 epileptic children, the younger the age the more reduction in the plasma carnitine level Patients treated with valproic acid polytherapy had significantly lower plasma carnitine than patients treated with valproic acid monotherapy [P<0.05] .There was no significant difference between the plasma carnitine in children with epilepsy treated with oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine and the control group [P>0.05]. In conclusion, 1-Carnitine deficiency is not uncommon among children with epilepsy and is mainly linked to valproate therapy. 2-valproate may induce carnitine deficiency, but most cases are asymptomatic. 3-In contrast new-generation antiepileptic drugs probably do not cause carnitine deficiency. 4-These findings suggest a need to monitor serum carnitine levels in children treated with any of these drugs

Early detection of keratoconus by higher order abberations

Keratoconus is a bilateral, non-inflammatory and progredient corneal ectasia. It is a progressive disease ultimately affecting both eyes, although only one eye may be affected initially. The Aim of This Study is to detect subclinical keratoconus in patients whose fellow eyes are diagnosed with early keratoconus using corneal higher order aberrations. This prospective observational comparative study comprised 72 eyes of 36 individuals that were divided into three groups, normal eyes as control[group A] and eyes with recently diagnosed cases with keratoconus [group B] and fellow clinically free eyes of those patients [group C]. Wavefront analysis for each cornea was performed; Root Mean Square [RMS] of anterior corneal higher order aberrations and separate types of cornea! higher order aberrations using Zernike Polynomials were analyzed. Spherical aberration in group A was 0.206 [+ .074] and in group C-0.17 [+ .737] and a mean difference of-0.376 and p value of 0.01. Coma aberration in group A was 0.233 [+ .146] and in group C-2.33 [+ .903] and a mean difference of 2.097 and p value of 0.00. While RMS of higher order aberration in group A was 0.373 [+ .124] and in group C 2.69 [+ .930] and a mean difference of 2.325 and p value of 0.00. Also comparison of group A [normal patients] and group B [keratoconus suspect patients] revealed statistically non significant difference in spherical aberrations and highly statistically significant difference in coma, and RMS of higher order aberrations values. Anterior corneal surface higher order aberrations [coma aberrations and RMS of HOAs] are significantly higher in eyes with keratoconus than in normal eyes. While the Spherical aberrations are significantly lower than in normal individuals

Nicotine impact on testis, epididymis and semen pattern in adult male rats

Male reproductive function depends on integrity of seminiferous epithelium as well as integrity of accessory sex organs. Nicotine is the major component of tobacco that is responsible for deleterious effect of cigarette smoking. This study is designed to investigate influence of nicotine administration for variable durations on the structure and function of adult male rat genital system. A total number of 60 adult male three months aged albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups [15 animals each]. First group: the animals were served as control Second group: was treated by nicotine subcutaneously in a dose of 6 mg /kg/day for two weeks. Third group: was treated by nicotine in the same dose for four weeks. Fourth group was treated by nicotine in the same dose for nine weeks. Serum testosterone level of rats was .determined. The sperms were examined for estimation of percent of sperm alive, motility, abnormality, and protoplasmic droplets. The animals were sacrificed. Histological section of testis and epididymis were taken. Serum testosterone level of treated animals is reduced but it did not reach a significant level except after four weeks of treatment. The percentage of both the sperm alive, motility were significantly reduced even after two weeks of treatment with nicotine. Sperm abnormalities and percent of unripe [with protoplasmic droplets] showed significant progressive increase starting after two weeks. The testis shows thickening of the tunica propria and irregular basal lamina. Degeneration of germ cells especially with prolonged duration of exposure was observed. Nicotine consumption, especially with prolonged duration, has deleterious effect on male fertility potential

Impact of obesity and body fat distribution on pulmonary function of Egyptian children

Childhood obesity is an emerging global public health challenge. That is because the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has increased greatly in all parts of the world.[1] Overweight and obese children are at increased risk of a wide range of health conditions including respiratory diseases. A number of studies have reported an inverse relation between respiratory function and various indices of obesity or fat distribution.[2] The aim of this work: was to study the impact of obesity on pulmonary function and to assess the correlation between lung function impairment, degree of obesity and fat distribution in Egyptian children with simple obesity. Patients and method: This study was conducted on thirty children. They were divided into two groups. Group I included 20 children with simple obesity. Group II included 10 healthy normal children as a control group. All children were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, anthropometric assessment, plane x-ray left hand for bone age assessment, plane x-ray chest and pulmonary function testing including: FVC, FEV1, FEV1 / FVC or FEV1%, PEF maximum, PEF25%, 50% and 75%,: FEF25-75%, MVV. Obese children had statistically significant higher rate of chest symptoms suggestive of bronchial asthma than the control group. They had also statistically significant reductions in FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MVV. They showed also lower values of FEV1/FVC ratio FEF 25%, 50%, 75% and FEF 25-75% when compared with control group but the difference did not reach significant level. BMI had significant negative correlation with FVC, FEV1, PEF max, flow rates [FEF25%, FEF50%, and FEF25-75%] and MVV. Triceps skin fold thickness had significant negative correlation with, FEV1, FEF25%, FEF50%, PEF max, and MVV. MAC was inversely correlated with FEV1, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%, PEF max, and MVV. There was no statistically significant correlation between waist circumference or WHR and all the parameters of pulmonary functions. Obese children have more respiratory symptoms than their normal weight peers. They have significant restrictive pulmonary defect, evident small airways obstruction and a defect in respiratory musculature, week effort and coordination, with increased airway resistance. BMI was inversely correlated with most of pulmonary function abnormalities. So, BMI is recommended to be used as a predictor of pulmonary function in assessment of obese children in epidemiological studies