Chronic bronchitis, work - related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function among a group of welders in Zagazig area

A cross - sectional study was conducted to determine the respiratory effects of welding exposure. Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory functions were studied in 79 welders exposed to welding fumes and 90 non - welders as a control group. Both groups were matched for age, sex, height and smoking habits. Response to a standardized respiratory symptoms questionnaire, spirometry and across-shift changes in ventilatory function were compared. The results showed that, chronic bronchitis was more frequent in welders [21.5%] than in non - welders [6.7%]. Multivariate analysis revealed that current smoking as well as exposure to welding fumes for more than ten years were likely to be associated with chronic bronchitis. The report of any work-related respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, phlegm production, chest wheeze, dyspnea and chest tightness was significantly higher in welders [48.1%] when compared with non - welders [11.1%]. Multivariate analysis identified only long duration of welding exposure as the main risk factor for reporting these symptoms. Ventilatory lung function testing demonstrated significantly diminished forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV[1]] and mid - expiratory flow rate [MEFR] compared with control values. In the across - shift study. FEV[1] was significantly declined over the work exposure to welding fumes. In conclusion, this study indicates that exposure to welding fumes was associated with chronic bronchitis, work-related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function impairment. These manifistations mostly related to cigarette smoking and long duration of exposure. So. more efforts should be done to persuade welders to stop smoking. Improving the work environment and proper use of respiratory protective devices can reduce the respiratory health hazards of occupational exposure to welding fumes

Effect of some antiepileptic drugs [AEDS] on male puberty in adolescent epileptic patients receiving long-term therapy

It has been observed that male epileptic children receiving antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] have often complained of delayed development of the secondary sexual characters at the time of puberty, suggesting the occurrence of drug-induced delayed puberty. In the current study, the effects of epilepsy itself and/or the chronic use of AEDs on this developmental process were evaluated. Forty-five epileptic patients [15 untreated, 15 phenytoin treated and 15 carbamazepine-treated] and 15 healthy normal controls were studied by serum analysis for luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], free testosterone [FT] as well as by assessment of the testicular volume. Results showed decreased serum levels of LN, FSH and FT in the untreated as well as the long-term phenytoin [PFIT] or carbamazepine [CBZ] monotherapy. Moreover, the testicular volume was significantly reduced in all untreated and treated patients with different regimens. The results suggested that the disease condition per se has a delaying effect on the male puberty and that PHT and CBZ may have an additive influence

Detection of some antipsychotics in hair and nail

Measurement of therapeutic drug concentration have most commonly been determined from body fluids that reflect drug use within few days prior to sampling, therefore cannot distinguish between acute or chronic drug use. In the current study, human hair and nail were used for analysis to detect antipsychotic drugs [haloperidol and chlorpromazine] in cases of prolonged exposure. The patients selected were using the drugs for four months to give chance for nail and hair containing during to appear. Twenty patients were chosen, ten for each drug. Their ages were between 26-59 of either sex. Hair and nail samples taken after four months were positive

Factors affecting livestoek production and productive constraints in the southern African countries and possible solution

Scientific observation during continuous visits and thorough discussion were recorded and discussed, in particular to the productive and reproductive constrains of livestock in the regional Southern African countries, taking Zambia as a model. Seven factors affecting the constrains, i.e. genetic, environment, nutritional, management, health, social and economic factors were discussed in details

Source and breed variations in semen quality of southern African bulls

Two successive semen ejaculates were collected from 62 Angoni, 28 Barotse and 45 Tonga from the traditional sector as well as 29 Afrikander, 58 Boran, 49 Friesian, 21 Sussex and 67 Crossbred bulls from commercial sector, using the elector-ejaculator technique. Evaluation of semen volume, pH, mass activity and percentage of individual motility, liver sperms and semen abnormalities as well as spermatozoal concentration and methylene blue reduction test proved a highly statistically difference [P <0.01] for frequency of ejaculation breed and source of management. Angoni and Boran bulls had the best results in traditional and commercial breeds, respectively

Synthesis, estrogen receptor binding affinity and biological evaluation of some 2-thiazolylestrone and estratrieno [17,16-d] thiazole derivatives

Two series of 2-thiazolyestrone and estratrieno [17,16-d] thiazole derivatives have been designed and synthesized to study the effect of such heterocyclic rings, as modifications of estrone, on the receptor biding affinity, uterotrophic and antiimplantation activities. The key step in the synthesis involved regioselective 16-alpha bromination of 2-acetylestrone with cupric bromide avoiding 2-acetyl bromination. The other key intermediate 2-bromoacetylestrone was prepared by combined Friedel-Crafts reaction and Fries rearrangement of estrone with bromoacetyl chloride and aluminium chloride. The tested products were found to be relatively weak competitors at 0C for estrogen receptor. Uterotrophic and postcoital antifertility assays indicated variable effects relative to estradiol. Some products, particularly compounds IX and XI-XIII, induced significant increase [75-90%] in the rat uterine weight while compounds III, XI and XII displayed notable antiimplantation activity of 69-88% relative to that of estradiol. 2[2-p-chloroanilinothiazol-4-yl] estrone [XIII] had a significant agonist activity eliciting the highest uterotrophic activity [90%] while exhibiting a weak antiimplantation activity [32%]. The p-bromo XII and the p-tolyl XIV derivative imparted strong uterotrophic and antiimplantation activities

Toxic effects of occupational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]

This study was conducted for evaluation of adverse health effects of occupational exposure to PCBs among a group of workers employed at electrical transformers reparing workshop at Zagazig City. Where 40 exposed subjects were examined in addition to a matched control group [N = 60]. The exposed group showed a statistically higher prevalence of neuromuscular disorders. Chronic skin lesions, and some eyes disorders when compared with the control group. The PCB-exposed group showed a significant impaired liver enzymes as well as higher mean valuesof lipid profile than the control group. These findings supports the other views that exposure to PCBs was associated with a systemic health effects that needs more efforts for controlling the exposure at work places and continuous surveillance of all workers exposed to PCB

Synthesis and evaluation for Antimicrobial and antihistaminic properties of new thiosemicarbazide and triazole derivatives of triazolo [4,3-a] quinazolin-5 [H] -ones

Several triazolo [4,3-a] quinazolinones, bearing in the 1-position diverse thiosemicarbazide [compounds Xa-I] and triazole moieties [compounds XIa-I], were synthesized. The products were found to be devoid of antimicrobial properties and the preliminary antihistaminic screening of two products revealed insignificant activity