Assessment of the physiological changes induced by sodium nitrite, annatto or mono sodium glutamate in male albino rats

Background: food additives are added to most junk and fast foods, especially those for kids. Sodium nitrite is an inorganic salt with widespread applications in the food industry as a color fixative and preservative in meat and fish. Annatto extract is a natural food color obtained from the outer coatings of the seeds of the Annatto tree [Bixa orellana L.]. Monosodium glutamate [MSG], the sodium salt of amino acid glutamate, is a food additive that popularly used all over the world as "flavor enhancer"

Aim of the work: this study was aimed to determine the hazardous effects of sodium nitrite, annatto and monosodium glutamate on some physiological parameters in male albino rats

Materials and methods: this study had been done on fourty male albino rats with an average body weight 100-145 g. The animals were divided into four groups; Group 1: control [untreated group], Group 2: sodium nitrite treated group, Group 3: annatto treated group and Group 4: monosodium glutamate treated group. Blood samples were collected, sera were separated and used for estimation of some biochemical parameters [liver enzymes, kidney functions, glucose, protein profile and lipid profile] and hormonal levels [testosterone, T3 [triiodothyronine] and T4 [thyroxine]]

Results: the biochemical results showed an increase in the activities of liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT] and alanine aminotransferase [ALAT]], and the levels of glucose, kidney functions [urea, and creatinine], lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein [LDL-C]] and thyroid hormones [thyroxin [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]] in all treated groups when compared to the control group. A drop in protein profile [total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio], testosterone hormone and HDL level were observed in the treated groups as compared to the control rats

Conclusion: it could be concluded that some food additives like sodium nitrite, annatto, and monosodium glutamate have extreme effects on liver and kidney functions, protein and lipid profiles and also on thyroid and testosterone hormones. So, it is recommended to minimize the use of these additives to protect young children and mature people from these destructive effects

Adverse effects of two kinds of food additive mixtures [flavor enhancer, food preservative or food coloring agent] on physiological parameters in young male albino rats

Background: food additives are substances used in food industry in order to improve the food's taste, appearance by preserving its flavor and preventing it from souring. Food additives are added to the most junk and fast foods, especially food for kids

Aim of the work: this work was aimed to investigate the adverse effects of some food additives on the biochemical parameters in addition to study the side effects of these food additives in male albino rats

Materials and Methods: this study was performed on twenty four young male albino rats with an average 120-145 g body weight. Animals were divided into four groups [6 /cage]; Group I [Control untreated group], Group II [administered orally with sodium nitrite [0.1 mg/kg b.wt./day] and annatto [0.065 mg/kg b.wt./day]], Group III [administered orally with sodium nitrite [0.1 mg/kg b.wt./day] and monosodium glutamate [MSG] [15 mg/kg b.wt./day]] and Group IV [administered orally with annatto [0.065 mg/kg b.wt./day] and monosodium glutamate [15 mg/kg b.wt./day]]. Blood samples were collected on the last day of experiment, for biochemical estimations which included levels of serum glucose, total protein [TP], albumin, creatinine, urea, testosterone , thyroid hormones [T3 and T4], activities of AST and ALT in addition to lipid profile

Results: showed marked elevation in levels of fasting glucose, activities of AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG] and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], VLDL and ratios of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C [risk factors] as well as albumin / globulin ratio and serum thyroid hormones [T3 and T4] accompanied with marked decline in levels of serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, albumin/ creatinine ratio, testosterone and HDL-C in all treated groups in comparison to the control group. There was a significant reduction in the body weight in groups that received [NaNO2 with annatto] and [MSG with NaNO2] while treated rats with [MSG and annatto] showed a significant increase in body weight as compared to control rats

Conclusion: Due to the harmful effects of food additives, the use of these compounds must be limited as it resulted in a vehement disturbance in the biochemical and physiological parameters that was grievously pronounced on many hormones

Effects of some food additives on some biochemical parameters in young male albino rats and the ameliorative role of royal jelly

Background: the use of food additives is one of the most important problems in the human health nutrition field. Food additives are widely used for various purposes; including preservation, coloring, and sweetening, however, the physiological and biochemical changes may be produced

Aim of the work: was to investigate the protective role of royal jelly [RJ] against abnormalities in metabolic biochemical parameters that induced by these food additives in male albino rats

Materials and Methods: thirty young male albino rats with an average body weight 120-140 g were divided into three groups [10/cage]; Group I: served as normal control group, Group II: rats orally administrated with the mixture which consists of sodium nitrite [NaNO2 0.1 mg/kg b.wt./ day], annatto [0.065 mg/kg b.wt./day] and monosodium glutamate [MSG 15 mg/kg b.wt./day] and Group III: rats orally administrated with the previous mixture and then orally administrated with royal jelly [14.28 mg/kg b.wt./day soluble in maize oil]. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical estimations which including levels of serum glucose, creatinine, urea, testosterone, thyroid hormones [T3 and T4], activities of AST and ALT, total protein [TP], albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL-c] and low-density lipoprotein [LDL-c]

Results: the present study showed marked elevation in levels of fasting blood glucose, activities of AST, ALT, levels of serum urea, creatinine, TC, TG, LDL-c, VLDLand ratios of TC/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c [risk factors] as well as albumin /globulin ratio and serum thyroid hormones [T3andT4] accompanied with significant reduction in the body weight, serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, albumin/creatinine, testosterone and HDL-C concentrations in the group that administrated with the mixture which consists of [NaNO2, MSG and annatto] as compared to control rats. While administration with royal jelly significantly ameliorated the disturbed biochemical parameters and showed significant improvement in most of these parameters

Conclusion: it could be concluded that royal jelly offers a therapeutic advantage that minimizes the metabolic abnormalities and biochemical changes which induced by these food additives

potential protective effect of stem cell enhancer on chronic bisphenol-a treated female albino rats

Background: The xenoestrogen, bisphenol-A [BPA], is a worldwide food contaminant with endocrine disruptor activity that is incorporated in many plastic industries. The exposure of humans to such substances starts early during the fetal life, postnatal life and extends throughout the life of the individual. Many agencies raised warnings against the excessive use of these substances

Aim of the work: The present study was designed to determine if the usage of stem cell enhancer [SE] moderates the physiological changes occasioned by exposure to BPA in the female albino rats

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on thirty female albino rats with an average 100-120 g body weight. The animals were divided into three groups; Group I [Control untreated-group], Group II [bisphenol­A treated group] and Group III [treated group orally supplied with bisphenol ­A then treated with stem cell Enhancer [SE]]. Serum was separated and used for estimation of hormonal levels [estradiol, progesterone, prolactin [PRL], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]], some biochemical parameters [liver enzymes, kidney function, glucose and lipid profile] and CA-125 and CA 15-3 tumor markers

Results: The biochemical results showed marked significant increase [P<0.01] in the enzyme activities [aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT], alanine aminotransferase [ALAT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]], urea and creatinine in bisphenol­A treated group when compared to the control group. These parameters were significantly reduced in the group treated with stem cell enhancer as compared to bisphenol ­A treated group. Decline in the concentration of lipid profile with increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL- C] levels in the stem cell treated group as compared to bisphenol-A group were observed. There was a significant elevation in prolactin, FSH and tumor marker levels concomitant with a significant reduction in LH levels in bisphenol-A treated group compared to the control group. These results were changed to values very close to control by using the stem cell enhancer

Conclusion: It could be concluded that bisphenol-A has dangerous effects on liver and kidney functions as well as on lipid profile, female hormones and tumor markers level. So, we recommended minimizing the utililizing of this compound and the use of some protective materials as stem cell enhancer to protect people from its hazardous effects

Studies on the use of Aloe vera extract as a contraceptive in female rats

Background: The study on the natural herbal contraception has become one of the main interests of modern contraceptive studies. Herbs have been used by women since the beginning of time in an attempt to control their fertility. The development of new fertility regulating drugs derived from medicinal plants is an attractive proposition, Aloe Vera is a durable plant belonging to Sousanian family

Aim of the work: This work was assessed to evaluate the probable contraceptive effect of the aqueous extract of Aloe vera plant and its effect on the some vital organs in the female albino rats

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on twenty female albino rats with an average 120-140g body weight. The animals were divided into two groups [5 /cage]; Group I [Control untreated group] and Group II [Aloe vera group that supplied orally with 7 mg/kg body wt/day of the plant extract for 30 +/- 2 days].Results A prolonged proestrus and estrus phases of the estrous cycle were observed in the Aloe vera group .The mean serum level of estrogen [estradiol] was significantly increased in the Aloe vera group as compared to the control group [P<0.01] while non significant difference was found for serum level of progesterone and the tumor markers, CA15-3 and CA-125.The results also showed a marked decline [p<0.01] in levels of the serum calcium, creatinine, urea, total proteins, albumin, globulin and ratio of TC/HDL accompanied with a marked elevation [p<0.01] in the serum phosphorus, total lipid, TC, TG, HDL and LDL levels in the Aloe vera group in comparison with those of control group. However, levels of uric acid, AST, ALT, GGT, VLDL and ratios of LDL/HDL [risk factors] and A/G were approximately as that of the control group

Conclusion: It could be concluded that Aloe vera can be used as a contraceptive drug that can increase the estrogen level due to its phytoestrogen components such as beta sitosterol and without deleterious effects on the other vital organ [liver and kidney], however it's use is to be restricted with women suffering from low ca++level as well as osteoporosis

Potential use of grapefruit extract as endodontic irrigant: antibacterial study

Grapefruit extract, a natural non-toxic solution derived from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit, has been shown to have antibacterial action. It disrupts the bacterial cell membrane and liberates cytoplasmic contents suggesting its potential to be used as endodontic irrigant. The antibacterial effect of grapefruit extract against three common endodontic pathogenic microorganisms [E. faecalis, S. aureus, and C. albicans] has been investigated and compared to two common endodontic irrigants [NaOCl 5.25% and CHX 2%]. Self-made ethanolic extract [33% m/V] of commercially available grapefruit was prepared. Two in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity tests [standard dilution susceptibility test and agar assay] were used. Ninety samples were studied per test. They were divided into 3 groups [n=30] according to the irrigant solution. Every group was further subdivided into 3 subgroups [n=10] according to the type of bacteria tested. NaOCl 5.25% and CHX 2% proved to be effective at lower concentrations than grapefruit extract [p

Nitrogen fertilizer influences yield and essential oil of ocimum americanum cultivated in Egypt

The present study was carried out during two successive seasons at the Experimental Farm of Cultivation and Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Department, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of differc-t nitrogen levels on the yield and essential oil production of Ocimum cimericanum.Herbage yield was significantly increased with nitrogen fertilization especially at high levels [40, 60 and 80 kg N/fed]. Both fresh and dry yield of herb [ton/fed] in both seasons were significantly influenced. Similarly, the same effect was obtained on leaves fresh and dry yield per feddan [4200 m[2]]. The highest herb and leaves yields were obtained as a result of 60 kg N/fed. The highest oil percentage was associated with the highest nitrogen dose [80 kg N/fed] in most cuts of both seasons. All nitrogen doses significantly increased oil content [mi/plant] comparing to unfertilized plants. In all cuts of both seasons, 60 kg N/fed produced the highest oil content. The maximum total oil yield [ml/plants or 1/fed] were obtained with 80 and 60 kg N/fed in the lst and 2nd seasons, respectively. All identified compounds were observed in the essential oil of all treatments. The major compound was found to be eugenol followed by methyl chavicol. Generally, the higher the nitrdgen was applied, the higher the methyl chavicol was produced; the opposite was true with eugenol.As a conclusion we may recommend the fertilization of Ocirnum arnericanurn L. plants with 60 kg N/fed as ammonium sulfate to maximize herb, leaves and oil production either per plant or per feddan

Molecular epidemiology of antibiotic associated diarrhoea due to clostridium dificile and clostridium perfring ensin Ain Shams University Hospitals

As we are Iiving in the era of antibiotic overuse, antibiotic associated dlarrhea [AAD] is considered now a distinct health problem with a need for more attention was to perform a highly specific detection and definition of pathogenic Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile related AAD in children compared to adults and geriatircs. One hundred and fifty patients diagnosed for AAD were included in this study [50 children, 50 adults and 50 geriatric patients]. All of them were subjected to full medical history including complete therapeutic history of antibiotics and collection of stool sample during the attack for detection of Clostridium perfingenes enterotoxin [CPEnt] and Clostridium difficile cytotoxin by [EIA] kit. PCR detection of Clostridium perfingenes epegene [Coding gene for CPEnt] was perfomed as well. Results showed that prevalence of Clostridium difficile cytotoxin was 24% while Clostridium perfingenes enterotoxin was 12% as detected by EIA in faecal specimens as a whole. Detection of epe gene by PCR was positive in 16% of all cases. Children [OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.3-14.8, P

effect of different stabilizers on maintainig viability of lyophilized pasteurella multocida strains

In the present study, different stabilizers were used. Results indicated that the best viability percentage [70.60 and 68.00], mean death time in mice, microscopical examination and colonial morphology were shown in lyophilized strains stabilized by skimmed milk lactalbumin sucrose peptone medium and Angus medium respectively, followed by 59% and 58% viability in strains stabilized by skimmed milk, lactalbumin, sucrose medium and skimmed milk peptone sucrose medium respectively

Mutagenicity of the mycotoxin diacetoxyscirpenol on somatic and germ cells of mice

The study was conducted on both somatic and germ cells in addition to the sperm morphology analysis. Diacetoxyscirpenol [DAS] treatment resulted in a highly significant reduction [P <0.01] in mitotic activity at all the doses tested, confirming that DAS is a potent protein and DNA synthesis inhibitor. In the somatic cells [bone marrow], the observed chromosome abnormalities were chromatic gaps, breaks, centromeric attenuation and endomitosis. At single dose experiment, significant abnormalities were observed only after high dose treatment, they mainly consisted of chromatoid gaps, centromeric attenuation and endomitosis [4.2 + 1.3, 4.2 +/- 2.4, respectively] and aneuploids were also observed [5.8 +/- 1.6]. In contrast, at the repeated dose experiment similar abnormalities were also observed with some significance, but no systematic relation could be settled. The present results confirmed a positive correlation between cytogenetic damage and sperm abnormality. The results also proved that DAS is a very toxic mycotoxin. The most important severity of it, in addition to including chromosomal abnormalities, is its inhibition of DNA synthesis and subsequently affecting the cell cycle and division

Microdiscectomy versus hemilaminectomy for lumbar disc prolapse

This study was performed to detect the advantages of microdiscectomy over hemilaminectomy in terms of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative mobilization, early postoperative results, return to work and complications of both procedures during eight months of follow up. Forty two patients were classified into two groups. Both groups were homogenous and cross matched in regard to age, sex, occupation, duration of sciatica. one group was treated by hemilaminectomy and the other by microdiscectomy. The results showed that in microdiscectomy group there was an early ambulation, short duration of postoperative hospital stay and early return to work

Effect of some micronutrients on Rosmarinus officinalis L

The effect of 50 mg/l levels of micronutrients [Fe, Zn and Mn], as single and combined treatments, on the growth, oil yield and nutrient content of Rosmarinus officinalis L., cultivated in sandy loam soil, were investigated. The data revealed that applications of micronutrients had a significant positive effect in most cases on plant height, the number of main branches, fresh and dry weights of herb. A combined treatment of the three micronutrients recorded the highest values in this respect. The highest oil content was obtained with Fe and Zn compound, while an increase in oil yield was due to an overall increase in herb dry weight, with the maximum value being achieved by a combined application of 3 elements. All treatments improved micronutrients content except for Mn application

Faculty development prognosis in the high institutes of nursing in Egypt

The aim of this study was to investigate the need for staff development among Nursing Faculty members and their associates, in the 8 High Institutes of Nursing available in Egypt. The questionnaire was distributed to available staff and their associates [instructors and assistant lecturers] at the different institutes through a special visit arranged for that purpose for each institute. It is concluded that staff development is a high priority needed among all categories of Nursing Faculty and their associates. Accordingly, it is recommended that nurse education administrators should start assessment of this need and plan development programs. Based on the study findings, planning should consider educational content and skill training, as well as research policies and regulation. Periodic training and retraining is also recommended on a continuous basis as expected by faculty to maintain their productivity

Red cell profile in normal and sickle cell diseased children

The red cell distribution width index [RDW] and other cell indices [HCT, MCV, MCH] were determined in 171 normal infants and children, 37 patients with sickle cell disease [SCD] and 44 patients with sickle cell trait [SCT]. The red blood cell indices including RDW in normal children showed a significant difference between different age groups [P <0.01], while in different sex groups, they did not differ significantly. SCD group showed a significant increase in RDW and a significant decrease in the hematocrit [HCT] value when compared either with the control or the SCT groups [P <0.01]. Patients with SCD showed a significant increase in their RDW and a significant decrease in their hematocrit values during hemolytic crises as compared with those during vaso-occlusive crises [P <0.01]. A positive linear correlation between RDW and the reticulocyte count in SCD and SCT patients [r = 0.8842, P <0.01] was also found. In this context, it was concluded that RWD values do reflect the reticulocytes magnitude which would provide clinical and pathological information about SCD and its crises

Social profile and causes of choosing nursing as a career among junior nursing students of the High Institute of Nursing, Cairo University

The aim of this study was to identify the social profile of enrolled students to the High Institute of Nursing and to investigate the causes that led them to choose nursing as a career. The sample included 166 nursing students of first and second year. A questionnaire of 20 items on demographic data, social profile, as well as knowledge of the Institute, and the nursing career and causes of choosing nursing as a career, was designed. From the results obtained it was concluded that the student's family social profile affects his career choice. Students get information from relatives on career options. Family socializes students to choose specific career. Nursing provides now an attractive career that attracts new students as a result of the changing nursing image in society, as well as the attractive salary, improving hospital working conditions, opportunities for growth that are available now in model hospitals as the military, private and university hospitals, which are preferred by students. The fact of immediate employment is also another motivator for choosing nursing

Content of clinical decision making process utilized by high institute of nursing graduates for patients care planning

The aim of this study is to identify content of the nursing process utilized by nurse graduates to plan patient care; identify the content of the clinical decision making process utilized by nurse graduates to plan patient care; identify characteristics of the decision process they used, in terms of hypothesis they generate when faced with a specific patients health problem needs, their used of clinical inquiry to develop working hypotheses, their use of diagnostic procedures in testing hypotheses, and their decision regarding intervention

high performance liquid chromatographic method for studying the stability and dissolution of nifedipine from its marketed formulation in Egypt

A high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed to assay the photodegradation products of nifedipine. Using this method, the quantities of decomposition products were determined in generically equivalent brands of nifedipine retard tablets and capsules. All tablet formulation contained small quantities of the nitroso derivative of nifedipine. One capsule brand showed absence of any decomposition products. This analytical method was used to determine the dissolution rates of all brands of retard tablets. However, slight differences in the dissolution profiles among the studied brands were observed