Histological study on the human gubernaculums in descended and undescended testis

The gubernaculum is a fibrous cord connecting the caudal pole of the testis with the scrotum. The regression of the extra-abdominal part of the gubernaculum in prenatal and early stage of postnatal life plays an integral role in testicular descent. Researchers claim that the undescended testis is a condition caused by failure of the gubernaculum to function, particularly in infants suffering from neuromuscular diseases and myopathies. To provide more information on the role of the gubernaculum in testicular descent, the structure of the gubernaculum was examined in cases of descended and undescended testis. The study was performed at both the light and electron microscopic levels. The gubernaculum biopsies were taken from 20 children with undescended testis, the control biopsies were obtained from 5 children [3 and 5 years old] who suffered from inguinal hernia but with descended testis. The specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. The histological examination revealed that the gubernaculum in 75% of undescended testis contained large amount of fat cells, a small amount of collagen fibers, and wide interstitial spaces, compared to the control group. The results suggest that the lack of testicular descent is probably caused by loss of retractibility of the gubernaculum

Heavy metal concentrations in soils, water, and plum fruits in El-Saff area

The concentrations of heavy metals in the soil, water and plum fruits were tested at El Saff area. Data indicated that the surface layer of the cultivated soils [0 - 15 cm.] contained high levels of heavy metals than the lower one [15-40 cm.]. Pb and Zn levels in soils were higher than other heavy metals in all samples, while all soil samples were free from Co. All water samples from the tested canals contained high levels of heavy metals specially Pb and Cd, while Zn and Ni were not detected. Unbelievable concentrations, than expected, of Cr were found in plum fruits, the level of Pb showed great differences in the fruits

Factors affecting lactation in the view of Egyptian mothers

Beliefs and factors affecting lactation were investigated among 400 Egyptian mothers. The sample represented the rural and urban sectors from Cairo and Ismailia governorates. Opinions differed regarding the kinds of food and other factors increasing and suppressing lactation according to social and educational levels. Low social and illiterate women had better scores in practice [79%], in spite of the less satisfactory scores in knowledge and taboos

Breast feeding problems in El-Mansoura

Two hundred mothers in the lactational period were randomly collected and individually interviewed. Data concerning perinatal and postnatal periods were obtained by retrospective way. It was found that 65% of all studied mothers had breast-feeding problems. These problems were related to maternal factors [28.5%], nipple and breast factors [12.5%], infantile factors [25%] and mild supply factors [34%]. The highest percentage of these problems was found to be due to factors related to milk supply and the wrong beliefs of the mothers that their milk is scanty or drying up. So, it was concluded that most of breast-feeding problems are preventable with proper prenatal, natal and postnatal care, together with an emotional support of mothers and breast- feeding practice

outbreak of redmouth disease among cultured fresh water fishes in Ismailia governorate

A severe outreak of redmouth disease in a fish farm located at Ismailia governorate involved 30% and 40% mortality rates in both Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio fishes. A total of 30 clinically diseased fishes were examined for the presence of the major causative pathogen. Aeromonas hydrophila was recoverted from all the examined cases. Intraperintoneal inoculation of A. hydrophila was carried out in 40 apparently healthy fish of both spieces and re-isolation of the pathogen was done after the clinical signs postmortem lesion were observed. Treatment of the diseased fish was carried out after using the disc diffusion technique with oxytetracycline which gave good results

Breast feeding and infant growth, a follow-up study in Menoufia, Egypt

Two hundred newborns were followed up from birth till six months to assess the influence of the mode of feeding on their growth patterns. Infants fed breast milk exclusively and infants fed formula milk with or without breast milk showed a decline in their standings on the centile charts. Infants fed breast milk in addition to other solid foods showed an incline in their standing on the centile charts. Reduced growth velocity in exclusive breast feeders has been attributed to decreased production of breast milk after the fourth month as shown by test feeding, in artificial feeders the reduced growth velocity may be due to dilution of formula and/or repeated infections especially gastroenteritis

Prevalence of bronchial asthma among primary school children in Menoufia

Three of shebin El-Koum Primary Schools were surveyed, the sample size was 2958 children [1525 males and 1433 females] aged 6-13 years. All children were screened for chest wheezing symptoms by an Arabic Language questionnaire. 65 cases of bronchial asthma were detected and assessed individually with 100 normal controls. Physical examination basic spirometry with a mini-wright Peak Flow Meter, blood sampling [total lencocytic count absolute eosinophilic count] and intradermal allergy tests were performed to each asthmatic as well as control children. Stools and urine analysis and X-Ray chest were done as routine examinations. The prevalence of bronchial among the three primary school children was 2.20% and there was no statistically significant differene between both sexes. The age group 8-10 years was the most affected sector of the sample. The leading allergen in different age group was house dust [91.43%]. Followed by mites [83,33%] then pollens [80%] then moulds [50%], the comments predisposing factors were upper respiratory tract infection then exposure to dust