Comparative evaluation of the ultrastructural morphology and distribution of filiform and fungiform tongue papillae in Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs / 대한해부학회지

The tongue is a specialized vital organ. It aids in mastication, deglutition and food digestion. It also shares in the perception of taste sensation as it possesses various gustatory papillae. It is being subjected to numerous anatomical and histological examinations aiming at exploring the correlation between its morphological features and animal adaptations to various types of nutrition and environmental conditions. The goal of the present work was to compare the ultrastructural features of the filiform and fungiform papillae of three various mammals possessing different feeding habits; Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs. Specimens were obtained from the tongues of four healthy adult animals from each mammalian type. Tongues were fixed and all the appropriate procedures were done to perform scanning electron microscopic investigation. Scanning electron microscopic examination demonstrated that in mice, there were four different sub-types of filiform papillae (spike, leaf, conical and tongue-shaped). In bats, there were two sub-types (flower and leaf-like) and in hedgehogs, there was only one type (tongue-like). These filiform papillae showed different distribution and orientation. As for the fungiform papillae, they were cylindrical in mice, rounded or conical in bats and dome-shaped in hedgehogs. Fungiform papillae possessed taste pores containing taste buds. Ultrastructural variations of the filiform and fungiform papillae were suggested to be probably due to adaptation to various feeding habits and different environmental conditions of these animals.

Comparative evaluation of the ultrastructural morphology and distribution of filiform and fungiform tongue papillae in Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs / 대한해부학회지

The tongue is a specialized vital organ. It aids in mastication, deglutition and food digestion. It also shares in the perception of taste sensation as it possesses various gustatory papillae. It is being subjected to numerous anatomical and histological examinations aiming at exploring the correlation between its morphological features and animal adaptations to various types of nutrition and environmental conditions. The goal of the present work was to compare the ultrastructural features of the filiform and fungiform papillae of three various mammals possessing different feeding habits; Egyptian mice, fruit bats and long-eared hedgehogs. Specimens were obtained from the tongues of four healthy adult animals from each mammalian type. Tongues were fixed and all the appropriate procedures were done to perform scanning electron microscopic investigation. Scanning electron microscopic examination demonstrated that in mice, there were four different sub-types of filiform papillae (spike, leaf, conical and tongue-shaped). In bats, there were two sub-types (flower and leaf-like) and in hedgehogs, there was only one type (tongue-like). These filiform papillae showed different distribution and orientation. As for the fungiform papillae, they were cylindrical in mice, rounded or conical in bats and dome-shaped in hedgehogs. Fungiform papillae possessed taste pores containing taste buds. Ultrastructural variations of the filiform and fungiform papillae were suggested to be probably due to adaptation to various feeding habits and different environmental conditions of these animals.

Eosinopenia as a diagnostic marker of sepsis in critically ill patients

Background: sepsis refers to the presence of a serious infection that correlates with systemic and uncontrolled immune activation. Few studies had analyzed eosinophil count as a prognostic marker of outcome in patients with infection. Eosinopenia is an interesting biomarker because the eosinophil count is always measured in clinical practice and the additional costs would therefore be negligible

The aim of this wrk: this study aimed to test the value of eosinopenia in the diagnosis of sepsis in critically ill patients admitted to ICUs

Patients and Methods: this prospective observational, randomized study was conducted on 50 adult critically ill patients who were admitted to ICU of Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital in the period from March 2017to July 2017. They either had sepsis on admission or not. An informed written consent was obtained from patients and/or relatives before starting this study

Inclusion criteria were patients more than 18 years old and less than 60 years that were critically ill either in sepsis or not

Exclusion criteria were patients less than 18 years old and more than 60 years old, patient or relatives who refused to be included in this study, those with hematological cancer, HIV infection, bronchial asthma and other atopic disorders like hay fever, atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis and increased levels of eosinophil count as part of any parasitic infection or trauma patients

Results: comparison between infected and non-infected studied patients was statistically significant as regard variables of SOFA score, APACHE II score at admission, TLC and Eosinophil count at admission [p-value?0.05]. There were no statistical significant differences as regard length of ICU stay [p?0.05]. Multivariate regression analysis showed statistically significant differences and was independent predictors for infection as follow: total leucocytic count, eosinophil count at admission and SOFA score. The AUC for eosinophil count to predict was 95% with optimal cut off value was 50 cells/mm3 with a sensitivity of 92.85% and specificity of 93.33% with P value <0.001

Conclusion: the result of the present study revealed that eosinophil counts was <50 cells/mm3 at admission time to ICU was a predictor for diagnosis of sepsis in critically ill patients. However, eosinophil counts at admission time to ICU were not a specific indicator of mortality. Recommendations: eosinophil counts are cheap and easily accessible test can be used to guide for sepsis diagnosis and treatment.Larger studies are needed to determine the prognostic value of this test and establish better cutoff values

Gastric heterotopia in the rectum. a rare cause of ectopic gastric tissue

Gastric heterotopia refers to the discovery of normal gastric tissue at foreign, unexpected sites. It has been described anywhere in the alimentary tract, even in the mediastinum, scrotum, and spinal cord. It is not uncommonly seen in the oesophagus or small intestine. However, large bowel lesions are rare, with the most common location of colonic lesions is the rectum. Although it is a rare entity, it may be the source for significant problems such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, deep rectal pain, and malignancy. Here, we report an additional case of gastric heterotopia in the rectum of a 56 year old gentleman, and review the literature

Host selection behavior of diaeretiella rapae mclntosh [hymenoptera: braconidae] attacking cereal aphids in Upper Egypt

The present investigation was carried out in Assiut Governorate to study the relative abundance of cereal aphid parasitoids and evaluate the host selection and host-instar preference of Schizaphis graminum [Rondani] and Rhopalosiphum padi L. by the braconid parasitoid, Diaeretielia rapae Mclntosh during 2015 wheat growing season

The obtained results revealed that the dominance percentages of the primary parasitoids were so high and presented by 81.53% of the total caught parasitoids* However, the secondary parasitoids showed low dominance percentages and presented by 18.47%

The parasitoids, D. rapae and Alloxysta australiae [Ashmead] revealed the highest dominance percentage and presented by 76.38 and 47.93% of the total collected primary and secondary parasitoids, respectively

The aphid, S. graminum appeared as more relatively preferred for. rapae than K. padi species

The development of D. rapae was found to be possible in any instar of 5. graminum and R. padi

The second and third instars of S. graminum presented the optimal response for D. rapae growth and survival, while the third and fourth instars of R. padi presented the optimal response for parasitization by the same parasitoid species

The averages of the development times from oviposition until the appearance of the mummified aphid were 7.68 and 8.01 days for S. graminum and R. padL respectively. Offspring production per female was high in the adult stage than others. Nymphs parasitized and mummified by D. rapae during the first and second instars may be reach to maturity but not produce any progeny

Relative abundance of the major piercing-sucking pests andtheir associated natural enemies on coriander plants

The present work was carried out at Shotb and Abnoub locations, Assuit Governorate, Upper Egypt throughout two successive coriander growing seasons, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013.The obtained results showed that coriander plants harbored 55 and 43 insect species belonging to 41, 31 families and 9, 9 orders in shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Among these species, [29, 26]; [6, 4]; [7, 4] and [16, 11] were recorded as pests, predators, parasitoids and pollinators and visitors in Shotb and Abnoub, respectively. The order Hymenoptera had the highest number of species [16, 13, species] followed by Diptera [9, 9 species] in both Shotb and Abnoub, respectively. Results also indicated that, regardless of the seasons, aphids [different species] were the most abundant piercing-sucking insect pests on coriander plants, representing 59.00 and 83.14 %, followed by T. tabaci which represented 38.12 and 15.57 % of the grand total of sucking pests. The Empoascae spp. and Campylomma spp. were less abundant and represented only an average of 2.09 and 0.09 % for Empoascae spp. and 1.10 and 1.19 % for Capylomma spp. of the grand total of piercing-sucking pests in Shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Concerning the relationships between abiotic and biotic factors with the aphid populations, results also indicated that the studied variables were together responsible for 58.49 % of the aphid population changes in Shotb location, while 64.57 % were recorded in Abnoub location. The change of the aphid populations varied with the plant age [23.46 and 39.73 %], maximum temperature [20.34 and 12.16 %] and natural enemies [4.76 and 4.21 %] in Shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Minimum temperature was found to be related with the population of aphid species only in Abnoub location [7.28 %]

Resistance of some soybean varieties to bemisia tabaci [genn.] [homoptera: aleyrodidae] and thrips tabaci L. [thysanoptera: thirpdae] in Assiut

The present investigations were conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Agriculture Research Station, Arab-El-Awamer [Abnoub district], Assiut Governorate during 2013 and 2014 soybean growing seasons. The obtained results showed that the populations of T. tabaci and B. tabaci started in a few numbers on all soybean varieties during the first week of July in 2013 and 2014 seasons. The peak populations of these pests occurred during August and/or during September and ranged from 1 to 3 peaks for T. tabaci and from 1 to 2 peaks for B. tabaci according to each variety. Results also indicated that there were highly significant differences in susceptibility between the soybean varieties [F = 7.72 and 18.84 > 0.01] and between seasons [F10.44 and 4.27 > 0.01] for T. tabaci and B. tabaci populations, respectively. The combined effect of the weekly mean of maximum and minimum temperature, average relative humidity and predator populations was responsible for 81.80 % and 87.10 % of the changes in the populations of T. tabaci and B. tabaci during the two seasons of study. Concerning the resistant status of the tested soybean varieties to the whitefly and the cotton thrips, the results showed different susceptibility degrees to these pests. The cultivars H 117, G 22 C 111 and H 32, G 22, C 111 appeared as susceptible [S] to the cotton thrips and the whitefly infestations, respectively. Meanwhile, the cultivars H 117, H 30, Clark and H 117, H 127, H 30 Clark appeared as low susceptible [LR] to the aforementioned pests infestations, respectively

Microbiological assessment of some parameters of kariesh cheese sold by supermarkets and street vendors in Alexandria, Egypt

Background: kariesh cheese is the most popular soft cheese consumed in Egypt especially in the countryside. Some of Kariesh cheese is produced in equipped factories, but most in farmers' homes and unlicensed places not under standard requirements for hygienic food production. Cheese could be contaminated by different types of microorganisms during its production, handling, distribution and storage under unhygienic conditions. Contamination with different microorganisms causes cheese spoilage and/or foodborne illnesses

Objective[s]: to assess some microbiological parameters of Kariesh cheese, as recommended by the Egyptian standards for Kariesh cheese No.1008/2000. A comparison of Kariesh cheese samples collected from supermarkets and street vendors was carried out

Methods: a total of 270 Kariesh cheese samples were collected in the period between September 2015 and January 2016 from 3 randomly selected Alexandrian districts. Half of the samples [135] were collected from street vendors and the other half was collected from supermarkets. The microbiological tests performed were: total plate count, estimation of total and fecal coliforms, and detection of E. coli, S. aureus as well as yeasts and moulds

Results: according to the Egyptian standard No.1008/2000 for Kariesh cheese parameters, only 6% and 7% of the examined Kariesh samples were satisfactory for yeasts and moulds and total plate count respectively. As regards total coliforms and E.coli, 44% and 48% respectively of the samples were satisfactory, while 39% of the samples were satisfactory for fecal coliforms, and around 90% were for S. aureus. The mean microbial counts in all tested parameters were higher in Kariesh cheese samples sold by street vendors rather than supermarkets, and this was statistically significant

Conclusions: the microbiological parameters of Kariesh cheese in this study showed unacceptable high levels especially among street vendors' samples

case of acute oesophageal necrosis [AEN] in a hypothermic patient. The grave prognosis of the black oesophagus

Acute oesophageal necrosis, also known as black oesophagus, is a rare, and potentially lethal syndrome which is often diagnosed incidentally during upper endoscopy for evaluation of upper gastrointestinal bleed. It is characterised by diffuse circumferential black mucosal discolouration in the distal oesophagus secondary to necrosis that may extend proximally to involve variable length of the oesophagus. One theory of pathogenesis is that the relatively low perfusion state in the distal areas of the oesophagus makes it susceptible to mucosal injury. We present a case of acute oesophageal necrosis in a 62 year-old lady with history of alcoholic cirrhosis who presented with haematemesis and severe hypothermia, and was eventually found to have acute oesophageal necrosis

Study of cases of children with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis attending Alexandria university children's hospital

Objective: the present study was conducted to study files of pediatric mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis [MesPGN] cases attending Alexandria university children's hospital [AUCH] nephrology clinic during the period from [2001-2012] to identify their clinical presentations, course, complications, management and outcome

Methods: this was a retrospective study of children with MesPGN over the mentioned period. It included 37 patients. Data were collected from the files of all children diagnosed as having MesPGN and included personal characteristics, initial clinical presentation, investigations, renal biopsy reports, complications and treatment

Results: the mean age of disease onset in the studied cases was 4.51 years +/- 3.16. There was no significant difference in gender distribution. The most common presentation of primary MesPGN was nephrotic syndrome, while the secondary MesPGN mainly presented with lupus nephritis. Almost all patients had proteinuria. Hematuria was present in nearly half of the patients. Immunofluorescence studies were done only for 17 renal biopsies, 10 of them revealed deposits for immunoglobulins and 32.4% underwent remission while 10.8% died. Different treatment modalities were used according to the presentation

Conclusion: MesPGN is a heterogeneous disease with a wide range of presentations and its outcome varies accordingly, so it can't be considered a special entity like FSGS

Production and evaluation of some functional food for weight management

Different sources and ratios of soluble fiber and non digestible oligosaccharides were used in production of food product which can be used as functional food for management or overweight and/or obese people. For this purpose, crackers were prepared using Jerusalem artichoke flour or barley meal in ratios of 20, 35 and 50%. The obese female albino rats model was produced by feeding a high fat diet [40%] for 12 weeks. At the end of feeding period, increases in body weight, serum lipid profiles and glucose level were observed while liver enzymes showed non significant changes, moreover, increases in both cholesterol and triglycerides in liver were found. The obese rats were fed on basal diet and crackers containing different ratios of j. Artichoke flour or barley meal for 60 days. Decrease in body weight in all obese treated groups was observed, also serum lipid profiles and glucose level as well as lipids of liver return back to their initial values, the variation in values might be attributed to the type and ratio of fiber. The highest recovery was observed in j. Artichoke flour groups as a source of inulin, while barley meal came in the second place. Improvement results were observed according to the increase of fiber ratio from each source of fibers. The histological examination for tissue confirmed the previous results. Therefore it can be concluded that j. Artichoke flour can be used as a good source of fibers to produce weight management for overweight and/or obese people followed by barley meal

Effect of two carotenoids [lycopene and beta -carotene] supplementation on hyperlipidemia andlipid peroxidation in experimental albino rats

Background: Carotenoids have been known to have important beneficial properties for humanhealth and gained importance in recent years

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with twocarotenoids [Lycopene and beta -Carotene] separately or in combination, on lipid peroxidation andsome endogenous antioxidants in addition to their effect on serum levels of lipoproteins in malerats

Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley Albino rats, were randomly divided into 5 groups, normalcontrol group fed on standard diet, 4 groups were divided to positive control group fed on high fatand cholesterol diet only, and the remaining 3 groups were fed on high fat and cholesterol dietssupplemented with single antioxidant Lycopene 350mg/kg diet, beta -carotene 350mg/kg diet, ormixture of Lycopene and beta -carotene, for 4 weeks. The following parameters were measured,serum total cholesterol [TC], HDL, LDL, serum triglyceride [TG] levels, blood and liverglutathione [GSH], and livers malondialdhyde [MDA]

Results: Supplementation of High Fat Diet [HFD] with lycopene [HFD+ LYC], beta -Carotene[HFD+ B-car] and their mixture [HFD+ [LYC+ B-car]] produced a significant reduction of SerumTC, LDL and TG levels, and a significant elevation of serum HDL levels. The supplementation oflycopene, beta -carotene or their mixture resulted in a significant reduction of liver MDA, and asignificant elevation of liver and blood glutathione [GSH], in comparison with the levels of HFDgroup

Conclusion: These findings suggest that lycopene and beta -carotene supplementation, altered the pro-oxidation and anti-oxidation balance and suppressed oxidative stress by modulatingendogenously the antioxidant system and cholesterol metabolism

Staphylococcus aureus carriage among health care workers in burn and surgical critical care units in Menoufia university hospital, Egypt

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate Staphylococcal aureus [S. aureus]carriage among health care workers [HCWs] in Burn and Surgical Critical Care Units in Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt, following an outbreak of S. aureus wound infection in patients

Methods: The study involved 60 HCWs. They were 9 Doctors [15.0%] and 51 nurses and workers[85.0%]. Each participant completed a questionnaire that covered demographic data, smoking habits, riskfactors of S. aureus colonization and general infection control procedures. To detect S. aureuscolonization, both nasal and hand swabs were collected from HCWs. Testing for sensitivity to methicillin was performed by cefoxitin disc diffusion method [30 micro g]

Results: S. aureus was isolated from 53.3% of HCWs and 68.8% of them were colonized with MRSAstrains. The overall MRSA carriage rate was 36.7%. MRSA was confined only in Surgical intensive careunits [ICUs]. MRSA isolates were sensitive to amikacin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin and ceftriaxone. There was no correlation between infection control training, antibiotic intake in the preceding month,duration of work, diabetes mellitus and smoking of HCWs and carriage rate of MRSA [P >0.5]

Conclusion: HCWs who had contact with patients were at risk of acquisition and colonization with S.aureus and antimicrobial resistant bacteria especially MRSA. Training of HCWs on hygienic measures especially proper hand hygiene is the key to overcome S. aureus infection in Surgical ICUs and BurnUnits

Role of ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular lesions in adult albino rat: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Mercury is a toxic metal causing various adverse neurological, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Mercury exposure occurs through contaminated water and food. Ginseng [herbal medicine] can improve male fertility by acting directly on the pituitary gland and central nervous system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular toxicity in adult albino rats. Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of eight rats each: group I [the Control group]: the animals in this group received 1.5 ml of distilled water; group II [the Ginseng group]: the animals in this group received 100 mg/kg body weight of Ginseng; group III [the Mercury Chloride group]: the animals in this group received mercury chloride at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg/day. Group IV [the Ginseng and Mercury Chloride group]: the animals in this group received both Ginseng and mercury chloride at the same dose and route of administration as the previous group. The testes were removed and fixed. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H and E and Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Morphometric study was conducted and results were statistically analyzed. The study showed significant increase in body weight in group II and decrease in body weight in groups III and IV compared with the Control group. The gonadal index of group III showed significant decrease compared with both the Control group and group II. H and E sections of group III showed loosely packed vacuolated seminiferous tubules. Some germ cells showed a hyperchromatic nucleus, whereas others showed chromatolysis. Absence of mature sperms was noticed. Some tubules showed massive loss of germ cells. In the treated group [group IV] germ cells regained more or less a normal appearance. Ginseng can ameliorate the toxic changes of mercury chloride on the rat testis

Outcome of young age at diagnosis of breast cancer in South Egypt

Incidence of breast cancer in patients <40 years old accounts for 20% of the total breast cancer patients in Egypt which is quite higher than the incidence reported worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in survival between age groups below and above the age of 40. 170 patients <40 years and 500 patients >40 years were evaluated retrospectively to assess the differences in disease free survival [DPS] and overall survival [OS] between age groups after adjustment of other risk factors like stage, lymph node status, tumor size, and hormonal positivity. After median follow up of 49 months, there was no significant difference between the 2 age groups with regards to DPS p= 0.6 and OS P=0.7 and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups when we stratified the patients according to stages, hormonal status and number of metastatic lymph nodes. However, we found significant increase in local recurrence after breast conserving surgery in patients <40 years compared to patients >/=40 years. Patients <40 years exhibited more often at advanced stage and large tumors size compared to patients > 40 years; However, there was no significant difference in DPS and OS when we adjusted other risk factors. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that age <40 years can be considered as an adverse prognostic factor for the locoregional failure after breast conserving surgery

Pesticide exposure as a risk factor for lymphoproliferative disorders in adults

In view of the widespread use of pesticides in Egypt and the increasing incidence of leukaemia and lymphoma we aimed to assess pesticide exposure and other selected variables as risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders [leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma]. In a hospital-based, retrospective, case-control study in 2011-2012, adult cases of lymphoproliferative disorders [n = 130] were recruited from outpatient clinics in Menoufia, Egypt, while controls [n = 130] were age- and sex-matched fracture patients. Family history of cancer, exposure to X-rays, smoking and use of hair dyes were not risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders in univariate analysis. History of exposure to pesticides and HCV infection were significant risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders in multivariate analysis [OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.22-4.11 and OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.50-4.80 respectively]. The risk was significant for cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma but not chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints among dental practitioners in Alexandria, Egypt

Musculoskeletal complaints represent a significant occupational health issue in dentistry. In Egypt, data about the prevalence and risk factors of this problem are scarce so far. To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among dental practitioners and assess the risk factors of these complaints among dentists.Cross-sectional was used for implementation of the study. Data were collected using Nordic standard questionnaire and demographics questionnaire which were filled out by 200 dental practitioners in their offices in public dental centers in Alexandria, Egypt. A large percent of dentists [72.0%] reported musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one site during the past 12 months. The most commonly affected sites were low back [52.0%], upper back [44.0%], ankles and feet [30.0%] and knees [29.5%]. A significant difference was observed between dental specialists regarding neck pain only as it was more prevalent among periodontics [40.9%] followed by prosthodontics [36.4%].A significant association was found between Musculoskeletal Disorders [MSDs] and duration of work

Stage I seminoma: treatment outcomes in a low-income country

The aim of this report is to address treatment outcomes of patients with early-stage seminoma in a developing country with special reference to patients with history of surgical violation of the scrotum and the potential predictors of disease relapse. Seventy four patients with pure seminoma were treated at King Hussein Cancer Center [Amman, Jordan] between 2003 and 2010. All patients underwent orchiectomy. All but 3 patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Patients who underwent surgical violation of the scrotum prior to referral were managed by further excision or irradiation of the scrotal scar. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 200 months [mean, 33 months]. At the time of follow-up; all but one patient remain alive. The 3-year relapse-free survival for the entire cohort was 95.9%. Three patients were burdened by relapse, all of whom received adjuvant irradiation following inguinal orchiectomy and initially harbored tumors larger than 4cm upon pathological examination. Median time to relapse was 14 months [range, 8-25 months]. None were associated with elevated tumor markers prior to detection of relapse. All but one patient were successfully salvaged by chemotherapy. Our results confirm the excellent prognosis for patients with early-stage seminoma treated by orchiectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy in a developing country. Although all patients burdened by relapse demonstrated adverse pathological findings upon initial assessment, no consistent predictor of relapse was found. Scrotal scar re-excision or irradiation in patients with prior history of surgical violation of the scrotum is effective in preventing local failure

Effect of school based treatment on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in endemic area in Yemen

Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted infection is a major health problem of children from rural areas of developing countries including Yemen. In an attempt to reduce this burden, the Ministry of Public Health and Population in Yemen established in 2002 a programme for Schistosomal, soil transmitted infection control that aimed to reduce morbidity and prevalence rates of Schistosomiasis, and Soil transmitted helminthes to less than 5% by 2015. The study was conducted to assess the current prevalence and intensity of schistosomal infection among schoolchildren in rural areas of the Taiz governorate after 6 years of running National Control Programme. Grade 3 schoolchildren from Shara'b Al-Raona district of Taiz Governorate were examined for infections with Schistosoma mansoni using Modified Kato-Katz method and S. haematobium applying filtration method in 1998/1999, comparing the prevalence and intensity of infection with base line study, which was done 6 years ago. The S. mansoni prevalence in the study population was 31%, while the prevalence of S. haematobium was 18.6%. This result considerably is similar to the prevalence of base line study. The intensity of mild, moderate and severe infection for S. mansoni reached to 15.9%, 60.6% and 23.5% respectively. The severity of S. haematobium infection was 68.4%. It was exceptionally found that the prevalence of S. haematobium is increased. The high prevalence of schistosomiasis and low effectiveness of control programme against schistosomal infection in the study area demands consideration of alternative treatment approaches

Evidence of oxidative stress in peroxisomal disorders

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Peroxisomal disorders are subdivided into peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) and single peroxisomal enzyme deficiency. Many peroxisomal diseases exhibit excessive oxidative stress, leading to neurological alterations and dysfunction. Peroxisomes use oxygen in oxidative reactions that generate hydrogen peroxide. This study aimed to investigate various oxidative stress parameters in patients suffering from peroxisomal disorders.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 20 patients with peroxisomal disorders, aged six months to 13 years (mean age 5.9 ± 3.2 years), were compared to 14 healthy controls. All individuals were subjected to full history-taking, including a three-generation pedigree analysis concerning parental consanguinity and similarly affected members in the family, with meticulous clinical examination to detect any malformation or anomaly. Estimation of very-long-chain fatty acids and phytanic acid was done to verify the diagnosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalogram, visual evoked potential, auditory potential and plain radiography were conducted to assess the pathological condition of the patients. Oxidative stress parameters, including nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were estimated in both the patients and controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Significant increases in both MDA and NO were found in patients with PBDs. It was also demonstrated that SOD was significantly lower in patients with PDB than the controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study sheds more light on the link between oxidative stress and peroxisomal disorders, as oxidative stress may be a hallmark of peroxisomal disorders. Consequently, one of the useful neuronal rescue strategies could be treatment with antioxidant agents in addition to other lines of treatments.</p>