Evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy in children at El-Behira government

Pediatric cervical lymphadenopathy is a challenging medical condition for the patient, the parent, and the physician. The present study included 34 children from El-Behira government suffering chronic cervical lymphadenopathy. Identifiable possible etiologic cause was detected in 14.3% of cases. It includes toxoplasmosis in 8.8%, CMV in 5.4% of cases and single case of tuberculosis and single case of lymphoma

Variations of the clinical types of acute appendicitis in the surgical ward

Objectives: Diagnosing acute appendicitis still principally relies on history taking and a physical examination. An early diagnosis of acute appendicitis heavily influence the rate of complications. The aim of this study is to highlight the different clinical presentations of acute appendicitis with their complications. Out of patients admitted to the surgical ward at Daman hour Teaching Hospital with a suspicion of acute appendicitis,a total of 186 patients were diagnosed and treated as appendicitis. Normal appendix was removed in 1.1.82% of patients. Uncomplicated appendicitis were operated on in 51.61% of patients. Perforated appendicitis, appendicular inflammatory mass and appendicular abscess were diagnosed in 14.5.1%, 12.36% and 9.67% of patients respectively. Acute appendicitis represents a diagnostic challenge for surgeons in some patients. So, our aim is to diagnose patients with acute appendicitis early, to avoid unnecessary surgery and also avoid delay of interferences that lead to unexpected complications

Cost containment'adoption and its impact on quality of patient care 'commitment as perceived by middle - level nurse managers: a pilot exploratory study

Nowadays, the containment of health care costs and the improvement of quality of care are two essential concerns in a nation's health care system. For that, the nurse manager is accountable for quality of care and for containing costs of health care. Aim: To identify the impact of cost containment adoption on the commitment to quality of patient care as perceived by Military middle. - level nurse managers. Descriptive exploratory correctional design was used in carrying out this study. The study was conducted in a Military Institute, where'the participants were attending a continuing education program. Purposive sample consisted of thirty Military middle - level nurse managers who were in supervisory position, accepted to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Study tool: Modified questionnaire developed by Muehsam [1998] was adapted to measure cost containment and commitment to quality of patient care as perceived by middle - level nurse managers. indicated that a cost conscious behavior was found on the units' level than hospital as whole. On the whole, a strong level of commitment towards quality of patient care was found among nurse managers. No leaner relationship was found between cost containment and commitment to quality of patient care. This study can be replicated for other participants in the healthcare industry such as doctors who are contracted with organizations. Finally; middle - level nurse managers should participate in the selection of programs that influence nursing such as productivity programs, inventory management and documentation systems

Porphyrins profile by high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of porphyria

Porphyrias are a group of inherited or acquired disorders of certain enzymes in the heme bio-synthetic pathway. Most porphyria symptoms are nonspecific and occur intermittently; resulting frequently in missed diagnosis since the disease itself is a rare one. The aim of the study is to establish a new reliable and accurate laboratory method for separation, identification and quantitation of urinary porphyrins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry [LC/MS/MS] and thereby the diagnosis of different porphyria types for the first time in Egypt. Screening by plasma fluorescence and quantitative determination of urinary porphyrins by high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry [HPLC/ESI/MS/MS] of 50 clinically suspected patients revealed one case of variegate porphyria and five cases of porphyria cutanea tarda. Plasma fluorescence scanning is a simple procedure that can be used as screening test to detect porphyria patients that require quantitation of urinary porphyrins as a second step. Quantitative determination of urinary porphyrins using HPLC/ESI/MS/MS and ion mapping techniques are applicable for the differential diagnosis of porphyria types, since each type has a characteristic porphyrins excretion profile. Quantitative determination of urinary porphyrins by HPLC/ESI/MS/MS used in this study is a modification for the method Stoev et al. while ion mapping technique is a new technique invented by the research team at the Biochemical Genetics Department

First-level nurse managers' leadership behaviors and its effect on staff nurses' attitudes towards patients' safety in pediatric' critical care units

The leadership skills and abilities of nurse managers have long been recognized as making a critical contribution to the smooth operation of inpatient units and the success of acute care hospitals. Moreover, Leader behaviors and the relationships of these leaders with staff, including nursing, are widely acknowledged as positive influences on the adoption of safety behaviors. So the present study aimed at to identify the effect of first-level nurse managers' leadership behaviors on staff nurses attitudes towards patients safety at pediatric 'critical care units. The present study took place in a pediatric critical care units .It contains five critical care units with a total capacity of [61] bed. The study sample consisted of [60] staff nurses. An explanatory correlational research design was used. Data were collected through utilizing two tools; the first tool was the modified Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire [Bass and Avolio, 2000] .Second tool was the modified patient safety attitude questionnaire developed by Sexton, Helmreich, Pronovost, Thomas [2004]. The study concluded that all the first level - nurse managers display both transformational and transactional leadership behaviors in different amount ,a positive significant correlations was found between first- level nurse managers 'transformational ,transactional leadership behaviors and staff nurses attitude towards patient safety. The study recommended the implementation of patient safety leadership walk rounds to pediatric' critical care units, moreover, implementation of a reward-based a voluntary reporting and provide safety education to staff nurses

Transformational and transactional leadership behaviors adoption and its relation to nursing services quality management as perceived by first- level nurse managers in a military hospital

First-level nurse managers are important front-level administrators in the hospital. They are positioned in close proximity to .the work itself and to the nursing staff engaged in patient care. They should be able to improve service quality management to ever- changing situations. To measure transformational and transactional leadership behaviors' adoption and its relation to nursing services quality management as perceived by first- level nurse managers in a military. Descriptive Co- relational design.was used in carrying out this study. The study was conducted in a Military hospital. The study subjects were [no.50] who accepted to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. Tools: Data of the present study was collected through utilizing two questionnaires. First questionnaire was modified Multifactor Leadership Form 5X which contain [50 items]. Second questionnaire was modified service quality management [65 items]. The finding indicated that a first level nurse managers who adopting transformational or transactional leadership behavior was practiced in moderate level. Moreover, first level nurse managers had moderate level of activities related to nursing service quality management. Also, transformational and transactional leadership was positively related to service quality management of first-level nurse managers' .Furthermore, leadership behaviors, service quality management were related to first level nurse managers' age, years of experience, educational. leadership behaviors should be sharpened by continuous training with updated date knowledge. And this type of study should be replicated to allow for future comparisons of leadership behaviors of nurses managers levels and service quality management between hospitals in Military sector

possible protective role of vitamin eon fluoride induced neurotoxicity in the frontal cortex of adult male albino rats: [histological and immunohistochemical study]

Sodium fluoride is commonly added to drinking water, tooth pastes and some mouth washes as decay preventive ingredient. However, it becomes toxic at long term exposure and leads to some adverse effects on various organs, including brain. Investigate the possible histological and immunohistochemical changes in the frontal cortex of sodium fluoride intoxicated rats and evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin E. Thirty-six adult mate albino rats were used in this study and divided equally into three groups: control, treated and prophylactic. Treated group comprised animals that received a daily oral dose of sodium fluoride [20mg/kg] for 4 weeks. Prophylactic group received a daily oral dose of sodium fluoride [20 mg/kg] concomitant with vitamin E [400mg/kg] for the same duration. At the end of experiment, the frontal cortex of Ml rats was processed for light and electron microscopic examination. lmmunohistochemical study was performed for detection of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein [GFAP] and Bcl-2. The obtained results were analyzed morphometrically and statistically. Light microscopic examination of treated group revealed that most nerve cells in the cortical layers were distorted in shape with deeply stained shrunken nuclei. The ullrastructural study exhibited apoptotic neurons with heterochromatic nuclei. Their cytoplasm contained dilated and fragmented cistemae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Immunohistohemical study of this group revealed intense positive immunoreaction for GFAP in the cytoplasm and processes of astrocytes while weak reaction for Bcl-2 was observed in most of nerve cells. The prophylactic group displayed normal appearance of most of nerve cells in the conical layers and few cells appeared distorted. Positive immunoreaction for Bcl-2 was observed in many nerve cells and endothelium of blood vessels. Area percent of GFAP immunoreaction in astrocytes in all groups showed significant increase in the treated group when compared with the control or prophylactic groups. Chronic exposure to sodium fluoride results in histological and immunohistochemical changes on the neurons and glial tissue of frontal cortex. Furthermore, combined vitamin E supplementation has an ameliorating effect on these changes. So, dietary supplements of vitamin Ii maybe beneficial for populations at risk

Histological study of the effect of exogenous glucocorticoids on the testis of prepubertal albino rat

Corticosteroids are potent medications that have been extensively used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. To study the histological changes that may occur in the prepubertal albino rat testis after administration of dexamethasone and to investigate the possibility of recovery of testis after drug stoppage. Thirty prepubertal male albino rats were used and divided into three equal groups. Group I [control] and group II [dexamethasone-treated] that were injected daily intraperitonealy by dexamethasone [7mg/kg body weight] for 2 weeks. Group III [recovery] were injected daily intraperitonealy with the same dose of dexamethasone for 2 weeks as group II, then left untreated for further 2 weeks. At the time of sacrifice, the testes of all groups were dissected out, processed and stained with H and E. Semithin sections were stained with toluidine blue and ultrathin sections were examined by electron microscope. Histological examination of dexamethasone-treated rats revealed changes in most of the seminiferous tubules. They had lost the normal distribution of their epithelial lining with appearance of several layers of dark type spermatogonia. They were ensheathed by irregular basement membrane. Ultrastructurally, spermatogonia had small irregular nuclei with condensation of heterochromatin and their cytoplasm contained few mitochondria. Some primary spermatocytes showed clumps of heterochromatin in their nuclei and their cytoplasm contained few mitochondria. Other cells were apoptotic. Multiple Sertoli cells appeared with indented nuclei and peripheral marginated heterochromatin. Their cytoplasm showed mitochondria with disrupted cristae. Leydig cells appeared with irregular shaped nuclei, contained large heterochromatic masses and their cytoplasm had some electron dense bodies of variable sizes and shapes. The testis of recovery group contained distorted seminiferous tubules with no return to the normal histological structure. The present work showed that dexamethasone injection for 2 weeks produced destructive effects on the structure of prepubertal albino rat testes. Also, this work showed incomplete recovery of these effects after drug stoppage. In clinical practice, therapeutic doses of dexamethasone and periods of administrations must be carefully adjusted specially in younger ages

role of hormone replacement therapy on structural integrity of lacrimal gland in ovariectomized albino rats [histological and immunohistochemical study]

Sex steroid hormones are important regulators of lacrimal gland functions. In addition, dry eye syndrome is conmion in menopausal women. This work was conducted to demonstrate the role of hormone replacement therapy [HRT] on structural integrity of the lacrimal gland of ovariectomized rats. Thirty six adult female albino rats, were used in the present work divided into three equal groups: Group I [control] and group II [bilaterally ovariectomized rats] sacrificed 1 and 12 weeks following ovariectomy. The third group contained ovariectomized rats receiving HRT was subdivided into: Subgroup lila received estradiol benzoate and subgroup III b received androgen. Small pieces of the gland were obtained and processed for different histological and immunohistochernical stains. One week after ovariectomy the connective tissue septa was thickened. Collagen fibers were abundant with extensive cellular infiltration around dilated ducts and congested blood vessels. Some acinar cells were vacuolated and others contained darkly stained nuclei. Twelve weeks after ovarictomy, the acini were lined with low cuboidal cells and their lumina were widened with increased collagen fibers inbetween. In hormone treated group, the gland nearly regained its normal architecture, however few acinar cell nuclei showed hyperchrornatism. In estrogen treated group some interlobular septa were widened. Concerning fiRs inimunoreactivity, in group 11, the acinar cell nuclei showed strong positive reaction in the first week then the reaction was negative after 12 weeks. The immune reaction for ERs remained negative after the HRT. One week after ovariectomy, the immune reaction for bcl-2 was weak in the cytoplasm of ductal cells and moderate in interstitial cells. After 12 weeks, they became immune negative and after estrogen and androgen treatment marked rise in their bcl-2 immune reactivity was observed. Sex hormone balance was proved to be a crucial factor in maintaining structural and functional integrity of lacrirnal gland. So, future clinical therapeutic strategies based on estrogen and/or androgen replacement therapy for aged women and patients with premature ovarian failure could help in preventing or curing dry eye syndrome associated with lacrimal deficiency is adivsed

Histological study on the role of testosterone administration on thiamphenicol induced testicular damage in adult albino rats

Thiamphenicol [TAP], a class of chloramphenicol antibiotics, is still applied to control infections in medical and veterinary clinics despite its known side effects. To study the histological alterations that may occur in adult albino rat testis after TAP administration and stoppage and to evaluate the role of testosterone [TES] supplementation. 32 adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were equally divided into four groups. Group I was a control. Groups II, III and IV received orally once daily dose of TAP 200 mg/kg b.w. for successive 4 weeks after the first week group III were injected intramuscular with testosterone 10 mg/kg b.w once per week for 3 weeks whereas group IV was left without treatment for another 8 weeks. At the time of sacrifice, the testes were carefully dissected out and processed for light and electron microscope examination. The testes of TAP treated rats [Group II] showed many disorganized seminiferous tubules lined with vacuolated germinal epithelium and contained desquamated germ cells with darkly stained nuclei. Sertoli cells were lying on thick electron dense basement membrane. They contained large, irregular nuclei and their cytoplasm contained many vacuoles, some destroyed mitochondria and multiple electron dense granules. Transverse sections in the mid pieces of the sperms showed marked affection of mitochondrial sheath. The testes of TAP-TES treated group showed non significant improvement of the TAP hazardous effects. In group IV the seminiferous tubules were lined with spermtogonia and Sertoli cells. Multinucleated cells were also noticed. Some Sertoli cells had irregular electron dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm. Others contained numerous swollen mitochondria and granules of different sizes and electron densities. In all experimental groups, the interstitial spaces showed abundant collagen fibres around blood vessels and there was no observable changes in the Leydig cells. The results of the present work revealed that TAP induced serious histological alterations in the testes of adult albino rats. Neither stopping TAP administration nor TES supplementation ameliorate the damaging effect of TAP. in clinical practice, TAP adverse effects must be taken into consideration for fear of infertility. So, further researches are suggested

Duodenal and gastric mucosal histopathologic changes in patients with giardiasis

Giardiasis occurs most frequently in subtropical and tropical settings and in areas with poor sanitary conditions. Prevalence varies from 2 to 7% in developed countries to 40% in developing countries. In Egypt; the rate reported is around 15% in patients with gastrointestinal complaints. The histopathology of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract of patients with giardiasis as shown by endoscopy and biopsy is ill defined. Reported histopathological changes in duodenum and gastric mucosa varies from 3.4% to 50% in different studies.Thirty two stool positive cases of giardiasis and 11 stool-Giardia negative controls were studied; biopsies were taken from duodenum and stomach [body and antrum] from each patient. In addition to studying the pathological changes, duodenal biopsies were studied for the presence of Giardia lamblia and gastric biopsies for Helicobacter pylori.Giardia lamblia were detected in 13 of 32 duodenal biopsies [40.6%], chronic inflammation in 27 cases [84%], partial villous atrophy in 13 [40.6%] and fibrosis in 5 cases [15.6%].Gastric histopathologic changes found were chronic antral gastritis in 29 cases [90.6%], Helicobacter pylori in 21 cases [65.6%], follicular gastritis in 11 cases [34.38%] and mild atrophy in 5 cases [15.5%]. Intraepithelial lymphocytes infiltration to lamina propria was 24 +/- 10.4 / 100 enterocytes. Comparison of gastric and duodenal histopathological changes in patients and controls showed significant difference in chronic antral gastritis [P = 0.007], intraepithelial lymphocytes infiltration [P = 0.04] and partial villous atrophy [P = 0.05]. Among the 32 patients group pathological changes were compared in Giardia positive with Giardia negative biopsies [for chronic inflammation 92.3% versus 78.9%, P = 0.322; for partial villous atrophy 46.2% versus 36.8%, P = 0.612 and for fibrosis 23.1% versus 10.5%, P = 0.159, for the 2 subgroups of Giardia positive and Giardia negative biopsies, respectively. Similar but less marked changes were seen in biopsies from the body of stomach, and changes in the antrum were unrelated to the presence of Giardia lamblia in the duodenum. A careful search for Giardia lamblia in stool is important in patients with the gastrointestinal complaints of abdominal cramps, bloating and or diarrhea. In such cases gastric and duodenal mucosal changes can be present even if Giardia is not found in biopsy specimens so long as stool is positive for Giardia lamblia

Histological and immunohistochemical study of changes in the albino rat pancreas during aging

The prevalence of pancreatic insufficiency increases with age. In addition, pancreatic cancer is a disease of elderly. To investigate the histological and immunohistochemical changes in rat pancreas during aging. This study was performed on fifteen male albino rats, The animals were classified into three equal groups, group A [3 months old], group B [12 months old] and group C [24 months old]. Their pancreases were dissected and processed for light and electron microscope examination. Paraffin sections were stained with H and E, Mallory's trichrome and immunohistochemical staining of beta cells by anti-insulin antibody. Area% of collagen fibers was also measured morphometrically and statistically analysd. Examination of exocrine part of pancreas in group A revealed that, it was formed of lobules packed with acini. The acinar cells appeared with euchromatic nuclei and their cytoplasm contained numerous granules, well defined RER and mitochondria. While in group B, dilated ducts were noticed. Some acinar cells had small electron dense nuclei and their cytoplasm contained dilated cisternae of RER, few granules and secondary lysosomes. In group C, most of acini were vacuolated. The acinar cells showed marked degenerative changes in cytoplasmic organelles and their nuclei were heterochromatic. There was age related increase in collagen fibers. The area% of collagen fibers was significantly increased in group C as compared to groups A and B. As regards the endocrine part of pancreas, in group A it was formed of group of cells separated by blood capillaries. beta cells had euchromatic nuclei and their cytoplasm was filled with their characteristic granules. In group B, some islets showed decreased cells population. In addition, the cytoplasm of some beta cells contained few vacuoles. In group C the prevelance of vacuolated cells that showed pyknotic nuclei was increased. Strong positive immunoreaction of insulin hormone was seen in the cytoplasm of beta cells occupying most of the islet in groups A and B. However in group C the immunoreactivity was faint. The exocrine and endocrine parts of pancreas were subjected to natural degenerative changes which increased steadily with age. So, further studies should be needed in a trial to find protective anti-aging strategies including dietary anti oxidants and stem cell therapy

Evaluation of heat shock protein 70 in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic, relapsing, noninfectious inflammatory skin disease. The concept that psoriasis has a genetic basis has been accepted for many years and it is commonly thought of as a complex trait. Heat shock proteins [HSPs] are group of proteins whose expression is increased when the cells are exposed to elevated temperature or other stress.These proteins can be induced by a range of cellular stressors including increased temperature, oxidative stress and nutritional deficiencies. Hsps have been proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this work is to detect the expression of HSP70 in psoriasis and its correlation to the disease severity and to review potential role of HSP70 in pathogenesis and therapy of psoriasis. Skin biopsies were taken from 20 patients with different severity of untreated chronic plaque-type psoriasis and from 20 healthy volunteers. Antibodies to HSP70 were analyzed immunohistochemically. Immunoreactivity intensity distribution index [IRIDI] scores including the proportion of immunoreactive cells and their staining intensity were calculated in the basal, suprabasal, superficial as well as the whole epidermal layers of patients and controls. Results of our study revealed that differential and total IRIDI scores for HSP70 expression showed highly significant higher values in psoriatic patients compared to controls. Statistical differences were found between the different groups of patients; according to their disease severity and controls. Positive correlations also existed between IRIDI scores of patients and disease severity. Our study provides further evidence on the importance of Hsp70 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and shows increased Hsp70 expression in psoriatic epidermis correlated to increased severity of psoriasis. To our knowledge no previous studies made correlation with HSP70 expression in psoriasis and disease severity. Finally, we are looking forwards to the application of a new therapy that targets Hsp70 or its receptor CD91 and helps in treatment of psoriasis

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of doxorubicin on the heart of adult albino rat and the possible protective role of an antioxidant

Doxorubicin is one of the first anthracyclines in clinical use and has a broad anti-tumor spectrum. With the increasing use of anthracycline antibiotic, acute and cumulative dose-related cardiotoxicity have been recognized. This work was undertaken with the aim of studying the histological, Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical changes in the myocardium of albino rats following doxorubicin administration and the possible protective role of an antioxidant [probucol]. Sixty adult albino rats of both sexes weighing 200 - 250 gms, were used in this study. They were divided into four groups: a control group [group I] composed of 30 rats and three treated groups [10 rats for each]. Probucol treated group [group II], were injected intraperitoneally [IP] with probucol in a dose of 10 mg / kg b. w every other day for four weeks. Doxorubicin treated group [group III], were injected [IP] with doxorubicin in a dose of 2.5 mg / kg b. w. every other day for two weeks. Probucol and doxorubicin treated group [group IV], were injected [IP] with probucol for two weeks followed by probucl plus doxorubicin for another two weeks with the same doses and ways mentioned before. The control animals were divided into three subgroups [10 rats for each], [group la], were injected [IP] with 1ml corn oil [solvent for probucol]. [group Ib] were injected [IP] with 1ml physiological saline [solvent for doxorubicin]. [group Ic] were injected [IP] with 1ml physiological saline and 1 ml corn oil by the same ways and durations mentioned before with treated animals. Heart specimens were taken two and four weeks after the last injection and processed for histological, Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies. Light microscopic studies revealed many degenerative changes that were time-dependent varying from vacuolation to myocytolysis and loss of myofibrils. Evidences of apoptosis were detected in the form of cytoplasmic eosinophilia and the nuclei varying from peripheral margination of chromatin up to pyknosis, confirmed immunohistochemically with positive reaction for caspase-3 activity that was increased in a time-dependent manner to reach up to four times of the control level four weeks after doxorubicin treatment, as detected by image analysis. Ultrastructural examination showed extensive degeneration of the muscle fibers with marked loss and even complete disappearance of myofibrils, there was dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, increased amount of glycogen granules and mitochondriosis, with degeneration and moth-eaten appearance of many mitochondria. The nucleus appeared hyperchromatic with peripherally clumped chromatin. The above mentioned toxic effects of doxorubicin on the myocardium were markedly attenuated by probucol administration before and in combination with doxorubicin injections. From this study, it was concluded that, probucol markedly attenuated doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathic changes which is time- dependent

Application of monascus purpureus pigments produced using some food industry wastes in beef sausage manufacture

Physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation of beef sausage samples containing Monascus pigments were followed during 90 days of storage at -18°C. The cooking yield of control beef sausage samples [containing 3% starch] was the lowest initial cooking and achieved a level of 82.9% and almost the highest value of cooking loss [17.11%]. While, the beef sausage samples containing 0.25% dry red rice showed the highest initial cooking yield [91.11%] and the lowest cooking loss [8.87%]. The water holding capacity [WHC] of all samples decreased progressively, throughout the storage period. Control samples had the lowest WHC after 90 days of storage at -18°C when compared with other samples containing Monascus pigments and all samples tended to decrease in plasticity. The chemical constituents of beef sausage samples were affected by freezing and storage period. The moisture, protein and ash contents were gradually decreased with increasing the storage period and vice versa for fat content. The results indicated that, thiobarbituric acid [TEA] values increased with increasing the storage period, and the control samples recorded the highest TBA values after 90 days of frozen storage. For the total volatile nitrogen [TVN] values, all samples had a slight increase in TVN values during frozen storage. Storage of different samples at -18°C for 90 days considerably reduced the counts of the initial total bacterial, total Coliform and Staphylococcus sp. of beef sausage samples. The sensory evaluation of cooked beef sausage samples indicated that, the samples containing 0.3% and 0.45% dry biomass and 0.5% and 0.75% dry red rice gave a higher rating than the other samples. Results indicated that, high scores for the parameters of appearance, juiciness, tenderness, colour, aroma and overall acceptability for samples containing 0.3% and 0.45% of dry biomass, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% of dry red rice, 0.5% of red corn bran and 0.75% of dry red bagasse and proteilan mixture

Protective effects of the antioxidant Ginkgo biloba extract and the protease inhibitor aprotinin against Leiurus quinquestriatus venom-induced tissue damage in rats

Oxidative stress and proteases have been implicated in several diseases and extensive evidence indicates that antioxidants and protease inhibitors help prevent organ functional damage. Leiurus quinquestriatus (LQQ) scorpion venom causes cellular injuries that may lead to multiple organ failure. Thus, the capability of the antioxidant "natural standardized extract of Gingko biloba leaves (Gin, EGb 761)" and the non-selective protease inhibitor, aprotinin, in ameliorating venom-induced biochemical alterations indicative of cellular injury and oxidative stress was studied to determine their effectiveness in protecting rats from venom-evoked cellular damages. Thus, in this study, rats were treated with LQQ venom (0.3mg.kg-1, subcutaneously) alone or after Gin (150mg.kg-1, orally, daily for 2 weeks before venom) and/or aprotinin (Apr, 46000 KIU.kg-1, intraperitoneally, 30 min before venom). Control groups were injected with saline or treatment modalities. Lungs and hearts were excised after decapitating rats (n=8/group) 60 min after venom injection and the following activities were measured: reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) - an index of lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Our findings demonstrate that LQQ venomsignificantly elevated GSH (p 0.05 vs. control), MDA (p 0.05), G6PD (p 0.05), and LDH activities (p 0.001) in hearts of envenomed rats. The venom also elevated MDA (p 0.05 vs. control) and reduced GSH and GPx (p 0.05) in the lungs of envenomed rats. In general, pretreatment with EGb761 attenuated LQQ venom-evoked increases in GSH (p 0.05 vs. venom), MDA in rat hearts and lungs (p 0.05 vs. venom), plus LDH in the heart (p 0.01). Aprotinin alone significantly reduced the venom-elicited increase in G6PD and LDH activities and the decrease in GPx levels (p 0.05). In general, these protective effects of EGb761 on GSH, MDA (p 0.01 vs. venom) and LDH (p 0.001) in the heart and/or lung were potentiated when combined with aprotinin. We concluded that the effectiveness of EGb761 and Apr in ameliorating venom-evoked biochemical changes indicative of necrosis and free radical generation point out the involvement of oxidative stress and proteases in venom-evoked cellular damages seen in this study in isolated rat hearts and lungs.

Female breast cancer: epidemiological and clinical study of some risk factors among Egyptian females- multi clinics study

This study was conducted on 390 female breast cancer patients and an equal number of females as controls. The patients were attending some University and Teaching Hospitals in Cairo and Assuit. Ninety of them were newly operated. A retrospective, case-control, clinic based study was chosen to carry out this research. The aim of the study was to describe the sociodemographic, characteristics and clinical features of female breast cancer and to determine its risk factors among Egyptian women. All the patients and the controls had undergone physical examinations. Laboratory investigations were done for the newly operated patients and their controls. The most important characteristics of breast cancer patients were breast mass as the main presenting symptom [92.1%] and treated by modified radical mastectomy [77.2%]. Low means level of serum vitamin D and high levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride were found more among the patients. Age at first full term pregnancy >/= 30 years, age at menopause >/= 45 years, pregnancy termination and/or abortion and never married were important gynaecological and reproductive risk factors [OR=4.44, 3.14, 2.84 and 2.67, respectively]. Also, exposure to radiation and/or environmental factors, history of benign breast disease and alcohol use were important associated risk factors [OR=5.05, 4.63 and 4.10, respectively]. Moreover, the sister as the nearest female relative with breast cancer, total number of female relatives with breast cancer >/= 2 and relative[s] age at diagnosis <50 years were important family history risk factors [OR=9.19, 8.84 and 7.91, respectively]. Lastly, high consumption of canned foods, fat rich foods and low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were important dietary risk factors [OR=3.39, 1.76 and 1.51, respectively]

Glutathione S-transferase Ml genotype [GSTM1] plus prenatal exposure to smoke as risk factors for pediatric asthma

Pediatric asthma is considered a complex multifactorial disease, with an obvious genetic predisposition and the possible involvement of noxious environmental factors. Glutathione S-transferase genes are known as risk factors predisposing to some environmentally induced diseases. This study has examined the hypothesis that glutathione S-transferase [GSTM1] genotype may play a role in asthma and wheezing occurrence among those exposed to tobacco smoke. Genomic DNA samples isolated from 35 asthmatic children and 35 healthy children were amplified using the flanking GSTM1 primer set premixed with the internal set. Asthmatic children showed a significant high prevalence of the GSTM1-null genotype [odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.4-3.4]. Among GSTM1-null children, in utero smoke exposure was associated with increased prevalence of asthma [OR 3.7, 95% Cl 1.9-7.3]. The intermediate electrophilic metabolites, arising in the first phase of detoxification of tobacco smoke, are not utilized by GST enzyme in asthmatic children. These intermediate metabolites may therefore attack cells and provoke oxidative stress, which contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. Our findings indicate that there are important long-term effects of in utero smoke exposure in a genetically susceptible group of children [genetic environmental interaction]

1-Azido-4-Phenyl-1,4-Butanedione as a convenient precursor for the synthesis of various nitrogen heterocycles

1 -AZIDO-4-phenyl-1,4-butanedione 2 proved to be a convenient precursor for the synthesis of a variety of heterocyclic systems through its treatment with some acidic and basic reagents. For example, 2-benzazepine-1,5-dione 3, 1,3-oxazolane-2,4-dione 4a, 1,3-thiazolane-2,4-dione 4b, 1,3-oxazol-5-one 5, quinazoline-2,4-dione 7, 4,6-diaryl-2-pyrimidineones 9a-d, 2,5-bis-substituted amino-1,3,4-oxadiazole II,5-aryl-2-N-substituted amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles 13a,b, 1,2,4-triazol-3-ones 14a,b, 1,3-benzoxazine-2,4 [3H]-dione 15 and 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2[3H]-ones 16a,b

Study of serum amylin in liver cirrhosis with diabetes mellitus

This study aimed to evaluate plasma amylin level in patients with chronic liver disease with and without diabetes. The study included 20 patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus [12 males and eight females], ten patients with liver cirrhosis and normal glucose tolerance [eight males and two with a mean age of 49.5 +/- 12.9 years] and ten patients with NIDDM without liver disease [two males and eight females with a mean age of 56.1 +/- 7.4 years] in addition to ten healthy individuals as controls [six males and four females with a mean age of 39.4 +/- 4.1 years]. In all patients and controls, an oral glucose tolerance test was done and the levels of plasma C-peptide and amylin [using RIA kits] were measured