Antiparasitic activity of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles against Entamoeba Histolytica and Cryptosporidium Parvum cysts

Nanoparticles [NPs] have received more attention as antiparasitic agents. In the present study, silver and copper nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy [SEM], transmission electron microscope [TEM] and X-ray fluorescence [XRF]. The antiparasitic activity of Ag and CuO nanoparticles were tested against two of the most environmentally spread parasites in Egypt [Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium parvum]. The average sizes of synthesized Ag NPs and CuO NPs were 9 and 29 nm respectively and a significant reduction for cysts viability [p > 0.05] was observed for CuO NPs against E. histolytica cysts and Ag NPs against C. parvum oocysts. Moreover, LC[50]-3h of CuO NPs for E. histolytica and C. parvum were 0.13 and 0.72 mg/l, while Ag NPs recorded 0.34 and 0.54 mg/l respectively. Accordingly, these NPs could be suggested as a new nanoform agent for safe and effective treatment of E. histolytica and C. parvum parasites

Comparative studies of the potency of foot and mouth disease virus trivalent vaccine with different concentration of the antigenic content [146S]

Estimation of antigenic content [146S] of FMDV serotypes [A, O, SAT2] by sucrose density gradient [SDG] ultracentrifugation by determining the absorbance at 254 nm using ISCO520C density gradient system to produce a highly potent trivalent virus vaccine. The antigenic mass 146S [microg/ml] of serotype [O Pan Asia2, A Iran O5 and SAT2/EGY/2012] were 6.5, 6.2 and 5.9, respectively. The vaccine was injected into three groups of calves [2individuals/each group] subcutaneously in lateral part of the neck for a dose 3 ml [6.2 microg/serotype/ml], a dose 1.5 ml [4.1 microg/serotype/ml] and a dose 1 ml [2 micro/ml], the sera samples were collected at 7[th] day post vaccination [dpv], 14[th] dpv, 21[th] dpv, 28[th] dpv and every 2 wks till 40 weeks to evaluate the immune response along that period. The antibody titers/40wpv for a 3 ml dose [6.2 microg/ml] of serotypes [O Pan Asia-2, A Iran O5 and SAT-2/EGY/2012] were 2.08, 2 and 1.94, respectively [over the protective titer, PT=1.5 in SNT for cattle], a dose [4.1 microg/ml] of the three serotypes were 1.56, 1.62 and 1.63 [over PT], respectively, but for [2 microg/ml] dose of the three serotypes, the antibodies titer were 1.25, 1.19 and 1.2 [below PT], that show the antibodies titer depend on the concentration of the antigenic mass [146S] and with increase of the 146S concentration increase of the potency of the vaccine. The potency testing of the study depend upon the correlation between 146S and the neutralizing antibody titers were measured by SNT which are the perfect alternative of other potency tests which employ the challenge of the cattle with virulent virus. The immune response of the highly potent vaccine [4.1 microg/serotype/ml and 6.2 microg/serotype/ml] started early after 1[st] wpv and the protective titer remain for more than 38 wpv [especially in 6.2 microg/ml injected calves] and that confer the potency of the vaccine of that dose

Detection of 14q32 rearrangements in multiple myeloma, using simultaneous FISH analysis combined with immunofluorescence

14q32 rearrangement has been identified as a recurrent hotspot of translocations in multiple myeloma [MM]. The Fluorescence Immunophenotyping and Interphase Cytogenetics as a tool for the Investigation of Neoplasms [known as FICTION technique] for evaluation of chromosomal changes in MM. The aim of this work is to detect 14q32 rearrangement, using FICTION technique, on archival bone marrow [BM] slides of MM patients, and to study its prognostic value. This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital. The FICTION technique, which uses CD138 and dual color, and the break-apart 14q32 rearrangement probe, was performed on archived smears of BM slides for 50 MM patients at the time of diagnosis. A significantly higher percentage of cases were positive for 14q32 rearrangement by FICTION [32%] compared to fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] [12%] [p = 0.04]. Cases positive by FICTION for the rearrangement were designated as Group A, while negative cases were designated as Group B. Significantly lower Hb and CRP levels were found among Group B when compared to Group A patients [p = 0.001 and 0.01, respectively]. Serum albumin level and Bence Jones protein [BJP] significantly affect overall survival [OS] [p = 0.01, 0.007, respectively]. However, a statistically non-significant shorter mean survival time was found in positive cases through FICTION versus negative cases. FICTION technique provides a sensitive tool for establishing clonal plasma cells [PC] infiltration of BM aspirates, and is amenable for use on archived as well as fresh smears

Voluntary fasting to control post-Ramadan weight gain among overweight and obese women

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an Islamic voluntary fasting intervention to control post-Ramadan weight gain. This study was conducted between July and November 2011. Two weight loss intervention programmes were developed and implemented among groups of overweight or obese Malay women living in the Malaysian cities of Putrajaya and Seremban: a standard programme promoting control of food intake according to national dietary guidelines [group B] and a faith-based programme promoting voluntary fasting in addition to the standard programme [group A]. Participants' dietary practices [i.e., voluntary fasting practices, frequency of fruit/vegetable consumption per week and quantity of carbohydrates/protein consumed per day], body mass index [BMI], blood pressure, fasting blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and total cholesterol [TC]:HDL-C ratio were assessed before Ramadan and three months post-Ramadan. Voluntary fasting practices increased only in group A [P <0.01]. Additionally, the quantity of protein/carbohydrates consumed per day, mean diastolic pressure and TC:HDL-C ratio decreased only in group A [P <0.01, 0.05, 0.02 and <0.01, respectively]. Frequency of fruit/vegetable consumption per week, as well as HDL-C levels, increased only in group A [P = 0.03 and <0.01, respectively]. Although changes in BMI between the groups was not significant [P =0.08], BMI decrease among participants in group A was significant [P <0.01]. Control of post-Ramadan weight gain was more evident in the faith-based intervention group. Healthcare providers should consider faith-based interventions to encourage weight loss during Ramadan and to prevent post-Ramadan weight gain among patients

effect of the Malaysian food guideline guidance on a group of overweight and obese women during Ramadan

To determine the effect of imparting knowledge of the Malaysian Food Guideline [MFG] on a group of overweight and obese women during Ramadan. This intervention study was conducted during the months of Ramadan 2011. A group of 84 Malay Muslim women with a body mass index [BMI] >/=25 kg/m[2] were recruited. Prior to Ramadan, the respondents were educated regarding MFG, and how to monitor and record their daily food intake in a food diary. Their quantity of food intake, BMI, blood pressure [BP], blood lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar [FBS] were measured before Ramadan as a baseline. Their quantity of food intake was then measured again in the third week, whereas their BMI, BP, blood lipid profile, and FBS were determined on the fourth week of Ramadan. At baseline, compared with the MFG recommendations, the intake of protein [107.5%], and milk and dairy products [133%] was higher, whereas the intake of carbohydrates [78.5%], and vegetables and fruits [44.4%] was lower. During Ramadan, carbohydrate intake, BMI, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL]-C [all p=0.000], triglyceride [p=0.005], and FBS [p=0.002] were reduced, but the TC/HDL-C ratio was increased [p=0.000]. A month-long Ramadan fast guided by the knowledge of MFG resulted in certain positive changes in this group of respondents. These changes can be a good start for health improvement, provided that they are followed-up after Ramadan

Retrovesical hydatid cyst presenting with urinary retention and left kidney atrophy

Hydatid disease of the urinary tract is uncommon, accounting for only 2-3% of cases. There are very few reported cases in the literature of pelvic hydatid cysts causing obstructive uropathy and renal failure. We report a case of pelvic hydatid cyst in a patient presenting with urinary retention and secondary complete atrophy of one kidney. The patient was treated with surgical excision of this large retrovesical cyst, along with a simple left nephroureterectomy, with rapid improvement of symptoms. Hydatid disease should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of a cystic mass in any anatomic localization, especially in patients from endemic areas

Surveillance of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after stopping mass drug administration in Menoufiya governorate, Egypt

The World Health Organization recommends that before lymphatic filariasis elimination in an area can be confirmed, an additional survey should be performed at least 5 years after stopping mass drug administration. The current study aimed to determine the status of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after cessation of the mass drug administration in 3 sentinel Egyptian villages in Menoufiya Governorate. The rapid immunochromatographic card test [ICT] and a new commercial antibody detection kit [CELISA[registered sign]] were used. All 1321 primary-school children aged 6-7 years old were ICT negative but 27 children were antibody positive. All households surveyed in one village with the highest antibody prevalence were ICT negative, indicating an absence of lymphatic filariasis. The CELISA antibody kit needs more standardization and development to be useful under field conditions. We conclude that lymphatic filariasis is no longer a public health problem in these villages and other villages with similar epidemiological conditions

Dot-Blot Immunoassay of Fasciola gigantica Infection using 27 kDa and Adult Worm Regurge Antigens in Egyptian Patients

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential role of the 27-Kilodalton (KDa) antigen versus Fasciola gigantica adult worm regurge antigens in a DOT-Blot assay and to assess this assay as a practical tool for diagnosis fascioliasis in Egyptian patients. Fasciola gigantica antigen of an approximate molecular mass 27-(KDa) was obtained from adult worms by a simple elution SDS-PAGE. A Dot-Blot was developed comparatively to adult worm regurge antigens for the detection of specific antibodies from patients infected with F. gigantica in Egypt. Control sera were obtained from patients with other parasitic infections and healthy volunteers to assess the test and compare between the antigens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Dot-Blot using the adult worm regurge were 80%, 90%, 94.1%, and 69.2% respectively, while those using 27-KDa were 100% which confirms the diagnostic potential of this antigen. All patients infected with Fasciola were positive, with cross reactivity reported with Schistosoma mansoni serum samples. This 27-KDa Dot-Blot assay showed to be a promising test which can be used for serodiagnosis of fascioliasis in Egyptian patients especially, those presenting with hepatic disease. It is specific, sensitive and easy to perform method for the rapid diagnosis particularly when more complex laboratory tests are unavailable.

role of pre-operative magnetic resonance mammography in obese women with suspected breast cancer

To high-lighten the role of MR mammography as a pilot pre-operative modality in the staging of breast cancer and its impact on surgical planning and management; aiming to decrease morbidity and mortality of this increasingly spreading cancer. In addition, to clarify the assessment of the relationship between the types of obesity and staging breast cancer. Moreover, to evaluate the diagnostic validity of breast MRI in discriminating benign from malignant lesions in women with suspected breast cancer histopathologic findings used as the golden standard. Contrast-enhanced bilateral breast MRI was performed on 60 women with suspected breast cancer with indeterminate imaging findings by mammography and/or ultrasonography. Lesions detected by MRI that could represent potential malignancies in both breasts were evaluated. Morphologic assessment and kinetic analysis [contrast enhancement] were performed on each lesion using dedicated postprocessing and display software. Functional MR tools were used in few cases [6 cases] to help in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign of suspicious lesions detected at conventional MRI. All patients underwent clinical and radiological evaluation followed by Contrast-enhanced bilateral breast MRI using 1.5-tesla superconductive Philips scanner and General Electric Medical Systems. The diagnostic images were evaluated as regard lesion morphology [size, shape, margin type, enhancement pattern], signal intensity parameters [time to peak enhancement, maximum slope of enhancement curve, washout], and the BIRADS categories. Results of the contrast enhanced bilateral breast MRI of the 60 patients were all reported and compared with the histopathalogical biopsy. A total of 60 patients presented with suspected breast cancer were included in the study with age ranging from 38 to 75 years old. 22 of the studied population had benign findings, while 38 of the patients were diagnosed as malignant. [18 patients IDC, 6 patients Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, 3 patient Mucinous carcinoma, no patients Medullary carcinoma and 4 patients Insitu cancer]. In this study population the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of mammography were found to be 51.6%, 88.4%, 66.7%, and 80.3% respectively. Overall accuracy of mammography was 77%. Among the 38 cases diagnosed by sonomammography as malignant or with irregular densities, 16 turned out to be benign by histopathological evaluation [false +ve], while among the 22 cases diagnosed by sonomammography to be benign lesions or non-conclusive studies [dense], 7 were proved to be malignant by histopathological evaluation [false -ve]. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MRI for occult breast lesions in high risk patients included in the study, were found to be 100%, 93%, 86%, and 100% respectively. Overall accuracy of MRI breast was 95%. Among the 38 cases diagnosed by MRI as malignant, there was no false +ve, while among the 22 cases diagnosed by MRI to be benign lesions, 7 cases were proved to be malignant by histopathological evaluation [false -ve]. Therefore breast MRI had higher sensitivity than specificity but general speaking it is considered highly valid with high specificity also. Due to the limited number of cases in this study, there was a trend in relation of obesity [BMI] to breast cancer, malignancy rate 55.3% in obese women and 44.7% in non-obese women. From our study, we conclude that MR imaging of the breast in obese women, is a rapidly evolving modality of excellent sensitivity in detection of breast cancer. The basic drawback of this modality was its low specificity for breast malignancy. However, multiple studies including this study have shown that with the improvement in equipment and technique there is gradual increase in specificity. Generally speaking breast MRI is highly effective in detection and characterization of occult breast lesions in high risk population, with excellent sensitivity and high specificity. This is attributed to the advance most in equipment, technique, development and implementation of interpretation guidelines and development of functional MRI tools which contributed to the improving validity of this modality. Also the superiority of MRI compared to mammography, supports the use of MRI as an important tool in screening of asymptomatic women with high risk factors

use of aqua ammonia for the control of soil borne diseases in tomato

The efficacy of aqua ammonia [NH[4]OH, 28% N] for the control of nematodes and Fusarium and Verticillium wilts on tomato was studied in three greenhouse experiments grown in infected soil plots in Lebanon. Aqua ammonia [NH[4]OH] was applied as diluted liquid in furrows and by a drip irrigation system at the rates of 50 [normal N fertilization rate], 75 and 100 mL m[-2] [double N fertilization rate]. Levels of control of aqua ammonia, applied as a single application before planting, were comparable to those of Agrocelhone [soil fumigant, mixture of Dichloropropene 55.4% + Chloropicrin 33.7%] achieved at a rate of 100 ml NH[4]OH m[-2]. Root galling in the control treatment was much higher than the other treatments. The yield and number of hairy roots of the control treatment were very restricted when compared to the NH[4]OH and Agrocelhone treatments.

Climate change and predicted trend of fungal keratitis in Egypt

Rising rates of invasive fungal infections may be linked to global climate change. A study was made of the trend of ophthalmic fungal corneal keratitis in the greater Cairo area of Egypt and its association with climate records during the same period. Data on diagnosed cases of fungal keratitis were collected from records of ophthalmic departments of Cairo University hospital and atmospheric temperature and humidity for the greater Cairo area were obtained from online records. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in the relative frequency of keratornycosis during 1997-2007. The rise correlated significantly with rises in minimum temperature and the maximum atmospheric humidity in the greater Cairo area over the same period [after exclusion of the effect of the maximum atmospheric temperature]. The predicted increase in keratornycosis up to the year 2030 corresponds to predicted increases in CO[2] emissions and surface temperature from climate change models for Egypt

Evaluation of oligochromatography dipstick as a simplified molecular diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis

The demonstration of Leishmania parasite by microscopic examination of samples taken from skin lesions is of low sensitivity and requires expert parasitologists. On the other hand, molecular methods to detect Leishinania parasites are considered specific and sensitive. However, detection of amplicons by the classical methods is complex, expensive and needs equipments and highly trained personnel. This raises the demand for a simplified method of amplification and product detection. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCR Leishmania Oligo C-test for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The diagnostic accuracy of the Leishniania Oligo C-test was estimated in 30 skin scraping samples from patients presented at El Quorea specialized hospital, Taif, KSA. On the basis of parasitological detection of amastigotes by direct microscopic examination of Geimsa stained smears from skin lesions, patients were classified into confirmed cutaneous Ieishmaniasis [group A] and negative cases [group B]. Twenty patients were proved positive for Leishmania amastigotes by microscopic examination of stained smears. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic efficacy of the Leishmania Oligo C-test were 90%, 90%, 95%, 82%, 90%, respectively. These results indicate that this simple molecular technique may be employed for rapid diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The Leishmania Oligo C-test showed high specificity and sensitivity when compared to results obtained by microscopic examination of skin scraping samples. The assay is a promising tool for simplified molecular detection of Leishmania parasites

Effect of an intervention to improve the management of patients with diabetes in primary care practice

To assess the effect of an intervention targeted at primary care physicians [PCPs] in order to improve their management of diabetic patients. Diabetic patients seen by PCPs in King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from January 2008 to July 2009 were included in this prospective cohort study. The PCPs were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group with the help of an assistant, utilized a customized designed computer program generating a checklist for the PCPs. The list included clinical and biochemical screening tests needed for the patient's current visit, according to evidence-based diabetes guidelines. For the control group, no assistant was used. At the end of one year, an independent reviewer evaluated the patients' files in both groups to assess the adherence to diabetes guidelines. We enrolled 162 patients in the control group and 517 patients in the intervention group. The intervention significantly improved the percentage of patients being screened for diabetic complications; retinopathy from 24.7-98.5%, neuropathy from 25.9-92%, and nephropathy from 37.8-73.7%. There was no improvement in glycemic control in both groups and glycosylated hemoglobin level [HbAlc] values were still above the 7% target. Management of diabetic patients in the primary care clinics is below standard. The intervention applied was effective in promoting better adherence to evidence-based diabetes guidelines

[Jacobsen syndrome: a case report]

The Jacobsen syndrome is a malformatif syndrome characterized by a distal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 11. It associates facial dysmorphism, visceral and skeletal anomalies and thrombocytopenia. We describe a Jacobsen syndrome in an infant. The diagnosis was suspected because of association of facial dysmorphism, interventricular septal defect, a malrotation of the mesenteric axis, toes abnormalities and thrombocytopenia. The disease was confirmed by genetic analysis which shows a terminal deletion 11 q2.4. Jacobsen syndrome is a possible cause on thrombocytopenia. We shall evocate it if a malformatif syndrome is associated

Biological activity resulting from exposure to aquatic environmental genotoxic pollutants in northern Egypt

We estimated pollution in Lake Edku and the Mediterranean Sea, El-Maadiya Region, with 3 aromatic amines [1-naphthylamine, 2-naphthylamine and benzidine] in the muscle tissue of fish. There were marked seasonal variations in the aromatic amine levels. We also determined oxidative stress [blood glutathione, and catalase activity] and genotoxic effects [chromosomal aberrations and urinary metabolites] in fishermen from each area. The fishermen suffered from oxidative stress and had high levels of the urinary metabolite sulfanilamide [mean [microg/mg creatinine]: Lake Edku 20.7, Mediterranean 14.5, controls 5.3]. Frequencies for total chromosomal aberrations were significantly raised in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of fishermen in both areas [frequency [per 100 metaphases]: Mediterranean 67, Lake Edku 45, controls 14]

preliminary study on the prevalence of parasitic Infections in immunocompromised children

Parasitic infections might become life threatening in immuno-compromised children' The study assessed the parasites' prevalence in different groups of Immuno-compromised children. It was conducted on 120 children of whom 90 were inpatients in Tanta University Pediatric Hospital and were divided into 6 groups. GI: malignant diseases, GII: renal diseases, GIII: aggressive corticosteroid therapy, GIV: malnourished, GV: diabetic and GVI: miscellaneous. GVII comprised healthy children as control. Each child was subjected to history taking, clinical examination and examination of 3 stool samples by direct wet smear and a concentration technique. Coproculture and smear staining by a special stain, as well as examination of one blood sample for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were done. The diagnostic efficacy of an immuno-chromatographic test for Giardial Cryptosporidiurn coproantigen was also assessed. The results revealed parasitic infections in 62.2% of the children in the test groups. Cryptosporidium was the most prevalent [33.3%]. Cryptosporidium and Microsporidia were significantly prevalent in GI, Giardia was significantly high in GII, and Strongyloides stercoralis was detected in GIII. Coproantigen detection test showed 100% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity and 95% accuracy for Giardia; and 13.3%, l00%, 35% for Cryptosporidium respectively

Tissue factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor and factor VII activity in cardiovascular complicated type 2 diabetes mellitus

Tissue factor [TF] is the main initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway through factor VII [FVII] activation, which is physiologically inhibited by tissue factor pathway inhibitor [TFPI]. Alteration of this pathway has been described in Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. The aim of this study is to assess TF and TFPI plasma levels and FVII coagulant activity [FVIIa] in T2DM in relation to cardiothrombotic disease and their correlation to metabolic and clinical behavior of the patients. The study was conducted on 80 T2DM patients divided to accordingly; groupI: 40 patients without a history or clinically detected heart disease, and groupII: 40 patients with a history of myocardial infarction compared to 30 controls. The patients were recruited from Ain Shams University diabetes clinic from September 2007 to February 2009 after informed consent was obtained. Peripheral blood samples were taken for measurement of plasma TF and TFPI levels using ELISA technique and quantitative FVIIa using FVII deficient plasma. Plasma levels of TF, TFPI and FVIIa were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to the controls [p<0.001]. TF [236.50 +/- 79.23]and TFPI [242.33 +/- 85.84]were significantly higher in group II, compared to group I [150.33 +/- 81.16], [152.8 +/- 82.46], [p<0.001]. TF and TFPI were significantly correlated to body mass index and glycemic control. Also, TF and TFPI were significantly higher in hypertensives [p=0.001] and dyslipidemics [p=0.006] but not in smokers [p=0.64], [p=0.11] respectively. There was a correlation between high TF, TFPI plasma levels, FVIIa activity and cardiothrombotic complications in T2DM especially in the presence of high risk factors such as poor glycemic control, dyslipidemia and obesity. Future target therapy against TF may be beneficial for T2DM patients

Prognostic value of immunohistochemical classification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma into germinal center B-cell and non-germinal center B-cell subtypes

To study the expression of germinal center B-cell [GCB]/activated B-cell like-related proteins to get optimal stratification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] patients, and correlate this with the established clinical and laboratory parameters. This study was conducted retrospectively on 30 archival paraffin tissue blocks of DLBCL. All patients were diagnosed between April 2004 and January 2007 at Ain Shams University Hospital and National Cancer Institute, Cairo, Egypt. All patients received anthracycline-based regimens, and none of them received rituximab immunotherapy. Each case included in this study was investigated by immunohistochemical reaction for multiple myeloma-1/ interferon regulatory factor-4, B-cell/lymphoma 6, and cluster of differentiation 10 monoclonal antibodies. Patients were classified as GCB group [17 patients] and non-GGB group [13 patients]. We found a statistically significant association between non-GCB phenotype and performance status [PS] >1, high lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] level, advanced international prognostic index [IPI], and poor patient outcome. Non-GCB phenotype, high LDH level, and PS>1 were all associated with increased mortality risk. The median survival time was 46.9 months in group A compared to 19.6 months in group B [hazard ratio [HR]=3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.52-21.10]. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, non-GCB phenotype was found to be the most predicting factor [HR=6.07; 95% CI=1.6-22.9; p=0.008]. The subclassification of DLBCL into GCB and non-GCB groups using immunohistochemistry may be useful for identifying those patients whose prognosis is so poor that more aggressive therapy can be given at the time of diagnosis

Correlation of serum leptin, follicle stimulating hormone and leutinizing hormone levels among beta-thalassemic females during puberty

Despite medical advances in management of beta.Thalassemia, growth failure, pubertal delay and hypogonadism remain significant clinical problems in thalassemic patients in adolescence. Leptin levels were significantly lower in females with thalassemia major compared with normal females. This study was designed to assess serum leptin level and anterior pituitary gland hormones [F.S.H. and L.H] among thalassemic females during puberty and to correlate serum leptin level and S.ferritin level. Twenty eight female patients with P thalassemia major aged 10-18 years and 28 matched normal females were included. Anthropometric measures; assessment of puberty, Hb%, ALT, AST, S.creat., FSH, LH, S.Ferritin, S. Leptin levels were performed for the two groups. There was significant positive correlation between Serum leptin hormone level and FSH and LH in thalassemic group. A significant number of thalas-semics had delayed puberty, low FSH and LH and low serum leptin levels

UV-visible and infrared spectroscopic studies of gamma irradiated commercial soda-lime silicate glasses

UV-visible and infrared absorption spectra of some selected commercial soda - lime - silicate glasses mixed with varied amounts of municipal glass cullet and doped with oxides of tin, manganese, and ceric before and after exposure to a high dose of gamma irradiation [5MR] were studied. XRF analysis showed that the municipal cullet contains high iron concentration and the results revealed that additions of [Mn + Ce + Sn] oxides produce colorless glasses even when containing high municipal cullet contents. It is generally observed that increasing the cullet content resulted in an optical spectrum consisting of three UV bands instead of two UV bands in case of low cullet content. The visible spectra reveal the resolution of two radiation induced bands at about 423 and 540 nm. Gamma irradiation also causes some of the absorption bands to be shifted in their positions. Experimental data are interpreted on the basis of current views on the spectroscopy of glasses