Role of GERM cell apoptosis and serum inhibin b as prognostic markers of fertility in children with undescended testis

Undescended testis is a common congenital abnormality in children that contributes to impaired fertility in adulthood. This work aims at evaluating germ cell apoptosis as well as serum inhibin B as prognostic markers of fertility potential in cryptorchid children aged less than 2 years. Methods: The study included 32 children with unilateral undescended testis, divided into 3 age groups: group 1 [3<6 months], group 2 [6 - < 12 months] and group 3 [12 - 24 months]. Control group included 22 healthy age-matched boys. Serum inhibin B, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] were measured in all subjects. Testicular biopsies from cryptorchid boys were examined histologically and by immunohistochemistry for Fas expression. Serum FSH and LH were significantly lower in cryptorchid infants in age group 1 compared to controls [p = 0.03 and 0.04 respectively]. This was accompanied by defective transformation of gonocytes into adult spermatogonia. In age groups 2 and 3, inhibin B was significantly lower in cryptorchid boys than their age-matched controls [p = 0.014 and 0.01 respectively], while the very low serum testosterone was not significantly different between patients and controls. An age-related decrease in inhibin B was paralleled with delayed Sertoli cell development in age groups 2 and 3. Fas expression in germ cells increased with increasing age until the age of 18 months, while in older children, it was markedly reduced. Serum Inhibin B may be used as a marker for the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium in unilaterally cryptorchid boys and may be considered a predictive marker for future spermato gene sis, especially when supplemented with histological data on germ cell development and apoptosis

Occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms in talcum powder and their decontamination by gamma irradiation

In this study, 70 samples representing 14 different talcum powder products produced by seven different local companies in Egypt were examined. The moisture content ranged between 0.04 and 2.41%. Only three products were found to be free from viable microorganisms, thus expecting their previous efficient sterilization and the total bacterial count in the other 11 products ranged between 200 and 990 CFU/g and total fungi ranged between 20 and 600 CFU/g. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in three products and Clostridium perfringens in 50% of the examined products. All samples were free from Streptococcus pyogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The dominant fungi were related to genus Aspergillus, especially A. flavus. A. parasiticus, A. niger, A. terreus, A. versicolor, A. fumigatus and A. oryzae were also isolated from some samples. A dose level of 7.5 kGy of gamma irradiation completely sterilized the tested products, while 6 kGy was found to be quiet sufficient to eliminate S. aureus, Candida albicans, Paecilomyces variotii and Aspergillus flavus artificially contaminated radiosterile talcum powder samples

Microbiological evaluation of pizza with special concern to food-borne pathogens

Thirty samples of pizza randomly collected from different restaurants and pastries in Cairo and Giza governorates were investigated to evaluate their microbiological quality. The results indicated that the mean Aerobic plate, Enterobacteriaceae, Aerobic sporeformers, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococci, Staph. aureus, Enterococci, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Coliforms, Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli [SPEC] and yeast and mold counts per gram were 1.5 x 10 5, 2 x 10 4, 6.1 x 10 2, 2.1 x 10 2, 2.9 x 10 3, 6.1 x 10 2, 3.2 x 10 4, 2.4 x 10 2, 9.8 x 10 2, 1 x 10 2 and 6.5 x 10 3, respectively. Pizza was found to be contaminated with newly emerging food-borne pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, as well as Salmonella species. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter agglomerans, E. coloacae, Citrobacter diversus, C. freundii, Klebsiella ozenae and K. rhinoschleromata were isolated in percentage ranged from 3.3 to 20%. However, neither Listeria monocytogenes nor Yersinia enterocolitica could be isolated from the examined samples. The public health hazards of the isolated organisms, as well as suggested control measures were fully discussed in order to improve the quality of pizza

Synthesis of novel 4, 5-dihydropyridazin - 3 [2H] - one derivatives with benzoxazine and benzoxazole heterocycles at the 6-position as cardiotonic agents

A series of pyridazinone derivatives carrying benzoheterocycles, such as benzoxazole and benzoxazine, was synthesized and tested as inhibitors of cAMP phosphodiesterase enzyme [PDE]. The most promising compound in this series was 6-[2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro- l,3[2H]-benzoxazin-6-yl]-4,5 dihydropyridazin-3[2H]-one [3], which showed potent inhibiting activity on cAMP PDE and was ten times more potent than milrinone [a commercially available cardiotonic agent]

Synthesis of 6- [4- [substituted - amino] phenyl] - 4,5 -dihydropyridazin-3 [H] ones as potential positive inotropic agents

A series of 6-[4-[substituted-amino]phenyl] pyridazinones and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of cardiac cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Compounds 2c, 2d, 2h showed potent inhibitory activity and were found more potent than milrinone

Validation of simple method for rapid detection of listeria monocytogenes in raw milk and kariesh cheese

Sixty raw milk and Karish cheese samples [30 of each] collected from dairy shops and street vendors were analyzed for presence of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species using both conventional method and another simple method for rapid detection of the organism. Listeria monocytogenes was found in 3 [10%] and 5 [16.6%] of the examined raw milk and Karish cheese samples, respectively. The method used in the study proved high consistency with the conventional one. Isolates revealed from positive samples were identified biochemically using both conventional method and Minitek system. Listeria murrayi L. ivanovi and L. grayi were isolated in percentages ranged between 25 and 37.5 of 8 isolates revealed from raw milk samples, while of 14 isolates obtained from karish cheese samples, Listeria grayi L. murrayi and L. seeligeri were identified in percentages of 50, 28.5 and 21.4, respectively. Sources, conditions associated with this pathogen and how to control its incidence in dairy products were discussed, in addition to validation of the used method

Pesticide residues in milk and dairy products in Egypt

One hundred and thirty samples, fifty of market raw milk and twenty each of Domiati cheese, cooking butter, yoghurt and milk powder including infant foods collected from different markets in Cairo and Giza, were examined and analysed for quantitative and quantitative determination of organochlorine pesticide residues. The results obtained [p.p.b] revealed the following data: nearly all milk samples were contaminated with most of the investigated pesticides. DDT complex was present in a mean value of 36.005 +/- 3.315 p.p.b and total hexachlorhexane with, a mean value of 0.420 +/- 0.119 p.p.b. Results indicated that all samples of analysed cheese were found to be contaminated with one or more of the concerned pesticides. HCH and its isomers also were present with a mean value of 25.697 +/- 4.5 p.p.b. The results of residues levels in cooking butter showed that, HCH and its isomers and DDT and its isomers were detected in all examined samples with mean value of 120.892 +/- 17.710 and 87.159 +/- 12.005 p.p.b. respectively. Data indicated that HCH and its isomers were detected in all samples of yoghurt. DDT and its analogues were detected in 19 samples, with a mean value of 26.447 +/- 4.921 p.p.b. Aldrin and dieldrin could not be detected in any of the examined yoghurt samples. HCH and its isomers were detected in all milk powder samples with a mean value of 20.276 +/- 2.565 p.p.b. DDT complex was detected in 18 samples, with a mean value ot 5.030 +/- 0.951. Endrin was detected in 3 samples, with a mean value of 0.184 +/- 0.038. It is worthly mentioned that dieldrin and aldrin could not be detected in any of the examined milk powder samples. Results obtained showed some loss in the pesticides added to the raw milk due to the effect of heat. The average recovery of p,p -DDT, p,p - DDE and p,p DDD was 83.87, 86.08 and 83.09 p.p.b. respectively. Their mean of degradation percent as a result of pasteurization was 26.15%, 23.15% and 30.05% respectively, while it was 76.97%, 72.60%, and 72.25% due to boiling. The average increase of P,P - DDD due to pasteurization and boiling was 30.05% and 72.25% respectively. The growth and numbers of the examined bacteria was inhibited by lindane and endrin especially at high concentration. We conclude that most of market dairy products exposed for sale in Cairo and Giza proved to be contaminated with different types of pesticide residues, therefore, application of modem quality assurance methods in all analytical work, related to pesticide residues is essential to improve the quality of our dairy products, in addition to enforced legislative control measures. In conclusion, it seems necessary that concerned authorities should impose regulations and take active part in methods of importation, distribution, usage and application of pesticides, to protect our environment and health from the danger of such chemical pollutants

Lipid profile in preterm neonates

This study comprised 40 neonates divided into 2 groups. The first group composed of 20 preterm neonates with gestational ages ranging from 28-36 weeks and birth weights ranging from 1060-2500 gm. The second group composed of 20 healthy full term neonates as control having birth weight ranging from 2700-4200 gm. Full clinical examination and blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord of all the neonates. Serum was separated and analyzed for low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], very low density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL-C], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], total cholesterol [T-C] and total triglycerides [T.G.]. Comparative and statistical analysis of the results showed that the mean levels of LDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, T-C and triglycerides were significantly higher in preterm neonates than normal full term neonates. No statistically significant differences between both sexes in each group and lipid levels in preterm neonates in relation to their gestational ages

use of deciduous teeth as a biological indicator for lead exposure among school children in three different Egyptian environments

The lead content of teeth [Pb T] and blood [Pb B] of school children in the different Egyptian environments were measured to determine the relative contribution of atmospheric lead pollution. The school children of the industrial area showed a statistically higher mean Pb T and Pb B than those of urban and rural area. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between Pb B and lead in different teeth of the examined group

possible role of the metalloenzyme superoxide dismutase in children suffering from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

The copper and zinc levels in erythrocytes and serum were measured in 20 children of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency, and in 10 apparently health subjects used as a control group. Concomitantly hematological values and serum enzyme activities were recorded. The concentration of hemoglobin [Hb], G6PD, superoxide dismutase [SOD], packed cell volume [PCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCHC] and reticulocytic count [RC] were performed to all the studied subjects. The results revealed that G6PD deficient children have statistical significant lower values of Hb%, PCV, MCHC, Zn in RBC and in serum and lower activity of G6PD. While, statistical significant increase of Cu in RBC, as well as, in serum was recorded. The activity of the enzyme SOD was higher in G6PD deficient children than in normal ones. SOD enzyme protects the cell from the deleterious effect of superoxide free radical [O2]. Correction of hypozincemia in G6PD deficient patients keeps the enzyme more stable and active in performing its function