JAK2 V617F mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms [MPNs] are clonal hematopoietic stem cell Malignancies characterized by excessive production of blood cell :they include polycythemia vera [PV],essential thrombocythemia [ET],Myelofibrosis [MF] and chronic inyeloid leukemia [CML].A somatic mutation in the Janus Kinase gene on chromosome 9: a guanine to thymine point mutation at nucleotide 1849 in exon 14,results in substitution of valine to phenylalanine atfcodon 617 this mutation contributes to the expansion of the MPN clone by increasing tyrosine phosphorylation activity providing hematopoietic [dh with a proliferative and survival advantage. The present work aimed to study the expression of JAK2 V617 F mutation by Real time PCR in myeloproliferative neoplasms patients. This study included /5 MPNs patients ;19 cases were diagnosed as PV 10 cases were diagnosed as ET16 cases were diagnosed as MF .20 age and sex matched individuals were also included as a control group. In MPNs patients,JAK2 mutation was expressed in 62%, in P V, ET an d MF patients 79%, 60% and 44% of cases had JAK2 mutation respectively. There was highly significant relationship between JAk2 mutation expression and patients' laboratory findings as regards hemoglobin level, total leucocytic count in PV positive JAK2 mutation patients and platelets count in ET positive JAK2 mutation patients. JAK2, mutation expression was associated with increased risk of MPNs .We concluded from this study that JAK2 mutation plays a fundamental role in the palhogenesis and development of MPNs ,and its detection is very useful to confirm the diagnosis and help in treatment and follow up of MPNs patients

Assessment of ivutrition of obese primary schools children in urban and rural area in El Bihera governorate- Egypt

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in both developed and developing countries. Obesity is associated with increased risks of many diseases. Obesity significantly affects the quality of life and reduces the average life expectancy. Investigate effect of different environment urban and rural areas in El Bihera governorate on blood glucose level and obesity of children aged 6-12 years to know possible associated risk factors. This study of a representative sample of children 6-12 y of age performed during 1 July 2004 till 20 June 2005. Anthropometric data were taken using standard methods, from 188 children. Certain diet and physical activities as well as other socioeconomic family parameters were assessed with the aid of a questionnaire. Obesity and overweight were defined using both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] I definition and the new International Obesity Task Force [IOTF] definition. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the influence of various parameters. obesity was prevalent among girls 13.8 and 11.7% than boys 12.7 and 13.8% in urban and ruler areas respectively. The high percentage of boys and girls in both urban and rural [78.0% and 84.2% respectively and 83.3% and 89.8% respectively], who take snacks in between meals. Also the results show that about three-quarter of the urban boys [70.7%] and more than half of rural boys [65.8%] eating during T.V watching. The results show that about two-third [58.3%] of the urban girls and about three-quarter [67.3%] of the rural girls eating during T.V watching with significant differences only among the urban groups [P 0.020]. on the other hand, the plasma glucose values of all cases [normal and obese] in urban and rural areas were significantly different. In boys and girls subjects in rural and urban areas there were no significant differences between the mean values of plasma TSH. However, a significant difference between the plasma TC of urban areas than that of rural areas at the same age group was detected. There was a significant difference for the mean values of plasma TC level between normal and obese groups in the rural site. The good news is that schools can help students and staff adopts healthy eating and physical activity behaviors that are the keys to preventing obesity

Impact of intake of plant foods iron on the recovery from iron deficiency in rats

In the present research, two iron concentrates prepared from fruit and vegetable juices in addition to other plant foods products expected to be rich in iron and nutrients that enhance iron absorption have been chemically and biologically evaluated, Iron and Zn and other mineral and phytochemicals that have been claimed to reduce iron absorption [Ca, polyphenols and lannins] and micronutrients that reported to enhance iron absorption [Vitamin C, toccopherols and carotenoids] have been determined. The efficiency and safety of iron concentrates were evaluated in iron deficiency model of rats. The iron concentrates have been shown to contain variable levels of Fe, Zn, Ca, polyphenols. tannins, vitamin C, toccopherols and carotenoids. The sum of promoters and inhibitors in mixture 1 was higher than that in mixture 2. The two iron concentrates showed improvements of iron status, however mixture 2 [3.5 strawberry: 3.5 pomegranate: 1 blackstrap: 0.5 carrot: 0.5 pumpkin: 1 orange in, addition to 10% lettuce juice] was more efficient than mixture l [4.7 .strawberry 2.7 beetroot: L3carrot: 1.7 guava in addition of 1.3%wheat germ oil and 3.3%lettuce juice]. Iron deficiency anemia induced oxidative stress which was reduced on supplementation of the iron concentrates. Both iron concentrates .showed safety concerning liver and kidney functions

Intestinal protozoa and intestinal helminthic infections among schoolchildren in El dhayga, Central Sudan

A cross-sectional study was carried- out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths [STHs] among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga, Central Sudan. In total, 142 [90.4%] of 157 children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite. Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found, with prevalence rates of 32.5%, 30.6%, 33.1 and 19.7%, respectively. Out of these 157, 29[18.5%] children harboured >/= two intestinal parasitic infections. No cases of Schistosoma mansoni or Enterobius vermicularis were identified. Thus, our study demonstrates significant burden of intestinal protozoa and STH infections in this part of Sudan and highlights the need for preventive and intervention measures

Early detection of factor VIII inhibitors in hemophilia a patients with different treatment modalities

Hemophilia care in underdeveloped and developing countries is extremely inadequate and in some instances, completely absent. Persons with hemophilia battle the complications of both the disease and its treatment. One of the most serious of these problems is the development of the inhibitors. The development of the inhibitors influences their quality of life. This work was designed to: 1- elucidate the inhibitors status 2-to study the relation of factor VIII inhibitors and modes of therapy and duration of treatment 3- to clarify the cause of bleeding, is it related to insufficient treatment or development of inhibitors 4- to study the effect of the severity of hemophilia in the frequency of factor VIII inhibitors and their correlation with factor VIII level. The study included 63 hemophilic patients under different treatment modalities and were classified to four groups according to the types of treatment; they were group [I] included [7] patients with no previous anti hemophilic treatment and were considered as a control group, group [II] included [12] patients who were on treatment with fresh frozen plasma, group [III] consists of [16] patients who were under treatment with cryoprecipitate and group [IV] was [28] patients who were under treatment with concentrated factor VIII.To all groups of patients complete blood count, prothrombin time and prothrombin concentration, activated partial thromboplastin time, factor IX, von willebrand factor, factor VIII levels and factor VIII inhibitor levels were performed. Development of inhibitors was obvious in severe hemophilic patients especially in those who were receiving on demand factor VIII concentrate therapy

Comparative study between marsh salt and salines salt from physical and chemical aspect

This study was conducted to evaluate the hygienic quality of the salt obtained from marshes [El-sayahat] and that from salines .The salt produced from saline was much better than that from marshes for the following reasons. March salt had inferior taste and colour quality compared with saline salt. The sodium chloride content in marsh salt reached up to 73%, while that from salines reached up to 97%. The iron content in march salt reached up to 2.270 ppm while that from salines reached up to 0.004 ppm. The copper content reached up to 1.385 ppm in salt produced from marsh while it was 0.292 ppm from salines. The cadmium content in marsh salt reached up to 0.135 ppm while it was 0.001ppm in salts from salines. The lead content in marsh salt reached up to 1.200 ppm while it was 0.001 in salt from salines. Sulfur pesticides residues in marshes salt ranged from 0.41 to 3.3 mg/kg. The authors recommended that mass media should educate the public about the deleterious effect of salt produced from marches on human health and legal actions have to be under taken against those who still produce salt from marshes

Some studies on Avian Influenza in Egypt I. Experimental trial for evaluation of humoral immunity of vaccinated chickens and ducks with different commercial Avian Influenza vaccines

In experimental study to evaluate the L potency of 6 types of inactivated [Avian influenza vaccines] [one H5N1 and five H5N2] administered at 7 days old chickens as well as to evaluate the potency of 2 types of inactivated Al-vaccines [one H5N1 and one 115N2] administered at 7 days old ducklings with full dose [0.5 cm s/c]. The results revealed that these vaccines were different; all gave mean Haemagglutination inhibition titer varied from 2 to 5.9 log 2 along 5weeks post vaccination using homologous and heterologous antigens. These results declared that once vaccination not enough for the protection HI level against the circulating challenge viruses

Evaluation of the universal screening strategy in Qatar for the management of pregnant women carrying group B streptococci

Group B Streptococcus infection [GBS] has emerged as a serious disease, infecting 18, 000 people in the United States annually including life-threatening illness in about 8, 000 newly-born infants. To evaluate the efficiency of the current universal screening strategy for the management of GBS carriers a retrospective analysis was made of the records of 1, 620 pregnant women in Qatar, 550 of whom were found to be carriers. These latter were then used as a group to be compared with 450 uninfected pregnant women in terms of nationality, parity, age, treatment, and outcome. Young and nullipara pregnant women had a high incidence of GBS but there was no significant effect on birth mortality and morbidity regardless of whether or not they received treatment with antibiotics. It is suggested that the cost of screening for GBS at the 35th week of gestation cannot be justified

Handling of infant milk formulas and it impact on their microbiological quality during bottle feeding

Fifty mothers with their infants were interviewed at the National Nutrition Institute, Cairo to assess their handling practices of infant formulae during bottle feeding. The majority of the interviewed mothers [96%] started to bottle feed their infants during the first six months after delivery, moreover, more than half of them [52%] blamed milk insufficiency for starting the bottle feeding. Half of infants of the interviewed mothers were attacked 1-5 times with gastrointestinal disturbances during the period of bottle feeding. Microbiological analysis of 100 samples of infant milk formulas collected from the markets revealed their compliance with the Egyptian Standards. Unfortunately, the microbiological quality of infant formulas worsens during their home preparation where the mean aerobic mesophilic, Staphylococci as well as mold and yeast counts increased from<100 CFU/g in those collected from the markets to reach 2.6x10[4], 3.9 x10[2] and 2.9 x10[4] CFU/ml; respectively. Completing a pre-designed questionnaire showed that most of the interviewed mothers [72%] used to wash their children bottles using hot water, whereas only three mothers [6%] used to properly wash the bottles [using detergent then rinsing and washing with hot water]. Prepared formulas collected from the bottles of infants whose mothers were used to wash bottles properly had better microbiological quality than those washing with either tap water or hot water alone. Prepared formulae collected from those used to store them between feedings at room temperature [62% of the interviewed mothers] had a worse microbiological quality than those used to prepare formulas for one feeding or store in the refrigerator. Forty percent of the interviewed mothers were used to reheat leftover prepared formulas by adding hot water. Prepared formulae collected from these mothers had a worse microbiological quality than those belonging to mothers who used not to reheat. Education of mothers in food safety principles, especially for weaning foods, must receive high priority from the responsible authorities and concerned organizations

Value of complexed prostate specific antigen [CPSA] in detection of cancer prostate

This study was carried on 90 males aged from 40 to 81 years old selected from Al-Hussein Hospital [Al-Azhar University] in the period from August 2005 to August 2006. cases in this study were classified into 3 groups; Group I: Included 20 persons who were apparently normal and without any prostatic disease and with normal digital rectal examination. Group II: Included 50 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Group III: Included 20 patients histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer. The results revealed that there was statistically highly significant increase of complexed prostatic specific antigen[cPSA] in cancer prostate group in comparison to control group [p value 0.001]. A highly statistically significant decrease in Free/Total [F/T] ratio in cancer prostate group in comparison to control group. We found that cPSA is better in diagnosis of prostate cancer than total PSA but its performance was similar to that of F/T ratio except in sporadic cases in which performance of cPSA was better than F/T ratio. In addition, cPSA assay is a single test, measures a single analysis instead of two which is an economic advantage and decrease the chance of errors in diagnosis, it also uses a single set of kits with a single system of analysis. In addition, the complexed PSA is more stable than fPSA which is relatively unstable with long-term storage

Application of hazerd analysis and critical control point [HACCP] system on tortillas production

Fifty three samples were collected during tortillas Processing [corn bread] produced at Food Technology Research Institute. Twenty-four samples were collected from the different steps before and so forth after application of HACCP system. The other five samples from final product considered as verification procedures. The samples were examined for the presence of total bacterial count [T.B.C.], Coliform, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and mold and yeast [M and Y]. The obtained results indicated that, the microbial load of samples before HACCP application system were higher than 25 24 that after HACCP application steps. Its ranged between 10[2] to 10[5] cfu/gm and 10[2] to 10[4] cfu/gm before HACCP and < 30 to 10[3] cfu/gm and < 30 to 10[2] cfu/gm after HACCP respectively. Also the results showed that the final product was free from microbial and physical hazards after HACCP system application

Screening of nosocomial methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] in the intensive care units of Assiut university hospital

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of nosocomial infections that uses numerous virulence factors, such as extracellular toxins and enzymes. Epidemic Methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA] strains were described as multi-resistant strains with special capacity to colonize patients and staff and cause widespread outbreaks of infections. Rapid identification of MRSA from clinical specimens and screening of high risk patients for MRSA colonization have been found to be cost effective measures for limiting the spread of the organism in hospitals. The aim of this study was screening of MRSA infection in patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Department in Assiut University Hospital, using oxacillin resistance agar screen base [ORSAB] and MRSA screen test and to compare the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of MRSA infected patients with those of house-hold contacts and paramedical staff to evaluate their role in transmission of MRSA. The present study included 455 patients with nosocomial infections admitted to the ICU of Neurology and Chest Departments and the Diabetic Foot Care Unit. 154 nurses and workers in these units as well as 110 healthy volunteers who were household contacts of the patients with S. aureus infections were also included. Swabs were collected from the anterior nares of all studied groups and from the bed sores of patients who developed nosocomial beds sores. Sputum samples and endotracheal aspirates were also collected from patients who developed nosocomial pneumonia. Pus samples were collected from post-operative infected wounds of diabetic foot patients. All samples were cultured on mannitol salts agar. Colonies were identified by growth characteristics, Gram staining, biochemical reactions and confirmed by coagulase tube test. Coagulase positive mannitol-fermenting colonies were subcultured on ORSAB medium then subjected to MRSA screen test to detect PBP2a. Sensitivity patterns of the isolated strains were detected by Kirby and Bauer technique. It was found that 24% of the patients [110/455] were infected nosocomially with S. aureus. 60 patients were infected with MRSA [55% of S. aureus infected patients and 13% of the whole patients]. MRSA nasal colonization was reported in 17.5% of the patients [80/455], 5.2% of paramedical staff [8/154] and 18% of the household contacts [20/110]. The results of antibiogram showed that MRSA strains remained sensitive to ciprofloxacin, rifampin, gentamycin and vancomycin with the highest sensitivity obtained by ciprofloxacin. MRSA strains of patients and paramedical staff had the same antibiogram type while slightly different from those of their household contacts denoting that the paramedical staff had a major role in transmission of MRSA. Regular screening of patients gives an early warning of the presence of MRSA and assess the efficiency of barrier and application of basic infection control measures [standard precautions]. Prevention is better than treatment, but for those who are already affected, control is the most likely achievable goal rather than eradication to prevent cross transmission. We recommend the use of molecular methods for accurate and rapid typing of MRSA

Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus [BE] has a malignant potential. Neither acid suppression nor anti reflux surgery produce consistent or complete regression of metaplastic epithelium. Is to determine the efficacy of endoscopic therapy in management of BE. This study was carried out on 25 patients [18 males and 7 Females], with BE that was confirmed by biopsy and histopatholoay. According to the histopathological examination, 24 patients had BE with no dysplasia or low-grade dysplasia [LGD]. Ablation of Barrett's mucosa in those patients was done using argon plasma coagulation [APC]. Also, one patient who had [BE] with high-grade dysplasia [HGD]. Ablation of Barrett's mucosa in this patient was done using EMR [endoscopic mucosal resection]. As regards APC, successful ablation was achieved with complete clearance of BE in [71%] of patients and during the follow-up period only [12%] of those patients revealed buried BE glands on histopathological examinations. Complications as self-limiting chest discomfort [25%], odynophagia [20%], and temporary dysphagia [4%] were observed during the follow-up period. As regards EMR, it was performed only in one patient who had BE with HGD. The procedure was performed using lift and cut technique. EMR in this study was successful with no complications. Argon plasma coagulation [APC] ablative therapy for [BE] proved to be safe and well tolerated, with only minor self-limiting side effects. -Endoscopic mucosal resection [EMR], in ablation of BE with HGD, is an emerging and promising technique in treatment of 4splastic and malignant lesions within BE

[Kapandji pinning in palm tree for fractures of the upper extremity of the humerus]

The fractures of the surgical collum of the humerus are frequent. We report a series of 12 cases performed at the department of orthopedic and traumatology surgery of the University Hospital Hassan II of Fes, during the period between 2003 and 2004. The average age of the patients was 44 years old, and most of them were females. The right side is the most affected [71% of the total studied cases]. All the fractures were under displaced tubersoity and closed except one that was opened, consisting of stage [I] of Cauchoix and Duparc. The installation is particular in dorsal decubitus, and the arm was suspended on a gynecological support. The osteosynthesis was unique by pinning in plam tree technique according to the description of Kapandji. The functional results were excellent after an average time of 13 months. Through this work, we point on a technique that is easy and reproducible for the treating fractures of the superior extremity of the humerus, and we describe a particular installation allowing simplification and the obtaining scoped controls of face and profile

Application of adult worm and lung-stage antigens to immunize against schistosoma mansoni using cytokines as adjuvants

Different Schistosoma mansoni antigens; adult worm antigen [SWAP] and lung-stage antigen [SLAP] together with different cytokine adjuvants [Interferon-gamma and Interleukin-4] were used to immunize mice against. S. mansoni. Immunization program was directed towards the production of an intense immune response together with balanced T-helper1 and T-helper2 immune responses. The goal of immunization was not only to protect from infection but also to modulate the pathology inflicted by the parasite. Parameters like adult load, egg counts, anti-Schistosoma antibody titers and liver pathology were used to evaluate the different immunization scheme. SLAP antigen has proven to be a better antigen not only in protection but also in pathology modulation. SLAP plus IFN-gamma as an adjuvant was the best immunization regimen with almost 50% protection and a remarkable resolving of parasite pathology. Unexpectedly, IL- 4 had a weak but observed adjuvant protective effect. The results is a step in the path for a Schistosoma vaccine that guides the immune system towards a balanced response targeting the pathology induced by the parasite rather than the parasite itself

value of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 estimation as biomarkers of ulcerative colitis activity

Overexpression of mucosal metalloproteinases [MMP] have been demonstrated recently in inflammatory bowel disease. Their activity can be counterbalanced by the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases [TIMP]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ulcerative colitis [UC] on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations, as two possible biomarkers of the disease activity. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay in 16 patients uuth endoscopically confirmed active UC and 12 healthy controls. Plasma concentrations of both MMP-1 [13.7 +/- 0.2 ng/ml] and TIMP-1 [799 +/- 140 ng/ml] were significantly elevated in UC patients In comparison to healthy controls [11.9 +/- 0.9 ng/ml. and 220 +/- 7 ng/ml respectively]. There was no correlation between TIMP-1 and MMP-1 concentrations [r=-0.02]. TIMP-1 levels revealed significant positive correlations with scored endoscopic degree of mucosal injury, disease activity index and clinical activity index values as well as C-reactive protein concentration. There was no correlation between MMP-1 and laboratory, clinical or endoscopic indices of the disease activity. These results confirm the role of both MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. However only TIMP-1 can be useful as a biomarker of the disease activity, demonstrating association, with clinical endoscopic pictures

Modulation of haematological and pathological changes caused by toxoplasma gondii in an experimental model of chronic infection

Wide spectrum of pathologic patterns is encountered in T. gondii infection, ranging from trivial pathology to fatal disease. The study was done to evaluate the ability of some drug groups to reverse the pathological changes caused by T. gondii infection. This evaluation was done, in vivo, in a rat model of chronic infection parallel to that in human. Lung, liver and brain specimens were taken in definite time points respecting the kinetics of infection in that model. Blood counts were done to all groups to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of drugs. A new combination of dipyridamole/ allopurinol was able to significantly reduce the pathology in all organs to almost the baseline pathology of chronic Toxoplasma infection. The relatively moderate protective effect of pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine combination was undermined by the toxic effects evidenced by pathology and haematological parameters. Spiramycin, in spite of proving safe, yet its protective effective is relatively weak in all organs especially in the brain where it seems to offer no protection

Plasma retinol, thyroid stimulating hormone and zinc as predictors of bone mineral density status

Conflicting results on the association between serum retinol level and bone mineral density [BMD] have been published. Thyroid hormones are essential for skeletal development and have direct effect on bone formation and resorption. Bone has one of the highest concentrations of zinc of all tissues, and has been shown to release zinc during deficiency for soft tissue metabolism. The objective of this study was to assess the relation between plasma levels of retinol, thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] and zinc and BMD of Egyptian adolescents and adults. The study was a part of a cross sectional national survey conducted by National Nutrition Institute. The sample was a multistage stratified random. Target individuals were classified into two age groups [10-

Heterologous antigens of toxoplasma gondii and salmonella typhimurium as adjuvants in an immunization program against schistosoma mansoni

Different bacterial and parasitic heterologous antigens were evaluated as adjuvants in a cocktail vaccine against Schistosoma mansoni. Killed Salmonella typhimurium and Toxoplasma gondii soluble antigens were used [each or both] combined with S. mansoni adult worm antigen [SWAP] to immunize against S. mansoni in murine models. Adult worm load, egg counts, anti-Schistosoma antibody titers and liver histopathology were used as measured parameters to evaluate the different study groups. Each of the used heterologous antigens has proven to be a beneficial adjuvant effect not only in protection but also in pathology modulation. Killed S. typhimurium was more efficient than T gondii soluble antigens. The most remarkable protective and pathology modulating effect was observed in the study group where both antigens were combined with SWAP in an immunization scheme indicating an additive response. Thus, the results of the current study proves that heterologous bacterial or parasitic antigens could be beneficial adjuvants helping to direct the immune response, to another parasite, towards a direction that confers both protection and pathology modulating effect

New effective and safe combination therapy for acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in murine models

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects humans and most species of warm blood animals. The most effective treatment for toxoplasmosis is the classic combination of pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine while the safest drug is spiramycin. These traditional anti-Toxoplasma drugs are either ineffective or have serious side effects that sometimes needs discontinuation of treatment. Both mouse [acute] and rat [chronic] models were used to evaluate a novel dipyridamole/allopurinol anti-Toxoplasma combination therapy that targets the purine salvage pathways of the parasite. The efficacy and safety of the new drugs were evaluated in comparison with traditional therapies; pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine and spiramycin. The life expectancy of mice in dipyridamole/ allopurinol group was significantly increased in comparison to other drug groups and almost doubled in relation to the infection control group. A significant reduction of anti-Toxoplasma antibody titers was only present in dipyridamole/allopurinol group in comparison to the infection control groups in both acute and chronic states of infection. The drug proves to be safe as evidenced by normal blood parameters reflecting no sign of drug toxicity. Pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine combination was second in efficacy while spiramycin was second in safety