Clinical significance of LncRNA-MIAT as a non-invasive diagnostic marker of nonHodgkin's lymphoma associated with occult hepatitis C virus infection

Aims: the current research aimed to investigate LncRNA-MIAT in patients with nonHodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and to assess its correlation with clinicopathological features and treatment protocols of NHLs among Egyptian patients with Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI). Patients & Methods: This study was conducted on 20 patients with NHL and 30 healthy subjects as the control group. All subjects were screened for HCV-RNA in both plasma and PBMCs. RT-PCR determined lncRNA-MIAT. Results: lncRNA-MIAT relative expression level was upregulated in NHL groups (2.73±0.86) compared to controls (1.06±0.07), P ˂0.001*. Among NHL, patients with OCI (3.2±0.63) had significantly higher levels of lncRNA-MIAT compared to HCV (2.6±1.08) and non-HCV (2.4±0.4), P ˂0.001*. Additionally, the relative expression levels of lncRNA-MIAT were significantly positively correlated with laboratory and clinicopathological features of NHL. Interestingly, concerning the treatment of DLBCLNHL, there were significantly higher levels of lncRNA-MIAT in no treatment subgroup (n=10, 3.31±0.95) compared to successfully treated subgroups [CHOP (n=7, 1.58±0.34) and R-CHOP (n=3, 11.16±0.21), P ˂0.001* Conclusions: lncRNA-MIAT level was upregulated in NHL patients, particularly patients with OCI. Thus, circulatory lncRNA-MIAT may serve as a promising non-invasive diagnostic marker for NHL associated with OCI

Preemptive nebulized ketamine for pain control after tonsillectomy in children: randomized controlled trial / Uso preventivo de cetamina nebulizada para controle da dor após amigdalectomia em crianças: estudo randômico e controlado

Abstract Objectives The administration of ketamine as nebulized inhalation is relatively new and studies on nebulized ketamine are scarce. We aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of nebulized ketamine (1 and 2 mg.kg-1) administered 30 min before general anesthesia in children undergoing elective tonsillectomy in comparison with intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg.kg-1) and saline placebo. Methods One hundred children aged (7-12) years were randomly allocated in four groups (n = 25) receive; Saline Placebo (Group C), Intravenous Ketamine 0.5 mg.kg-1 (Group K-IV), Nebulized Ketamine 1 mg.kg-1 (Group K-N1) or 2 mg.kg-1 (Group K-N2). The primary endpoint was the total consumption of rescue analgesics in the first 24 h postoperative. Results The mean time to first request for rescue analgesics was prolonged in K-N1 (400.9 ± 60.5 min, 95% CI 375.9-425.87) and K-N2 (455.5 ± 44.6 min, 95% CI 437.1-473.9) groups compared with Group K-IV (318.5 ± 86.1 min, 95% CI 282.9-354.1) and Group C (68.3 ± 21.9 min, 95% CI 59.5-77.1; p < 0.001), with a significant difference between K-N1 and K-N2 Groups (p < 0.001). The total consumption of IV paracetamol in the first 24 h postoperative was reduced in Group K-IV (672.6 ± 272.8 mg, 95% CI 559.9-785.2), Group K-N1 (715.6 ± 103.2 mg, 95% CI 590.4-840.8) and Group K-N2 (696.6 ± 133.3 mg, 95% CI 558.8-834.4) compared with Control Group (1153.8 ± 312.4 mg, 95% CI 1024.8-1282.8; p < 0.001). With no difference between intravenous and Nebulized Ketamine Groups (p = 0.312). Patients in intravenous and Nebulized Ketamine Groups showed lower postoperative VRS scores compared with Group C (p < 0.001), no differences between K-IV, K-N1 or K-N2 group and without significant adverse effects. Conclusion Preemptive nebulized ketamine was effective for post-tonsillectomy pain relief. It can be considered as an effective alternative route to IV ketamine.

Resumo Objetivos A administração de cetamina por via inalatória através de nebulizador é relativamente nova e os estudos sobre este assunto são escassos. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a eficácia analgésica da cetamina nebulizada (1 e 2 mg.kg-1) administrada 30 minutos antes da anestesia geral em crianças submetidas à amigdalectomia eletiva, em comparação com cetamina intravenosa (0,5 mg.kg-1) e placebo (soro fisiológico). Métodos Cem crianças entre 7-12 anos foram randomicamente alocadas em quatro grupos (n = 25) e receberam: soro fisiológico para controle (Grupo C); 0,5 mg.kg-1 de cetamina intravenosa (Grupo C-IV); 1 mg.kg-1 de cetamina nebulizada (Grupo C-N1); 2 mg.kg-1 de cetamina nebulizada (Grupo C-N2). O desfecho primário foi o consumo total de analgésicos de resgate nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório. Resultados O tempo médio para a primeira solicitação de analgésicos de resgate foi prolongado nos grupos C-N1 (400,9 ± 60,5 min, IC 95% 375,9-425,87) e C-N2 (455,5 ± 44,6 min, IC 95% 437,1-473,9) em comparação com o Grupo C-IV (318,5 ± 86,1 min, IC 95% 282,9-354,1) e o Grupo C (68,3 ± 21,9 min, IC 95% 59,5-77,1; p < 0,001), com uma diferença significativa entre os grupos C-N1 e C-N2 (p < 0,001). O consumo total de paracetamol IV nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório foi reduzido no Grupo C-IV (672,6 ± 272,8 mg, IC 95% 559,9-785,2), Grupo C-N1 (715,6 ± 103,2 mg, IC 95% 590,4-840,8) e Grupo C-N2 (696,6 ± 133,3 mg, IC 95% 558,8-834,4) em comparação com o Grupo C (1153,8 ± 312,4 mg, IC 95% 1024,8-1282,8; p < 0,001). Não houve diferença entre os grupos de cetamina intravenosa e nebulizada (p = 0,312). Os pacientes dos grupos de cetamina intravenosa e nebulizada apresentaram escores VRS pós-operatórios menores, em comparação com o Grupo C (p < 0,001), sem diferenças entre os grupos C-IV, C-N1 ou C-N2 e sem efeitos adversos significativos. Conclusão A administração preventiva de cetamina nebulizada foi eficaz no alívio da dor pós-amigdalectomia. Cetamina nebulizada pode ser considerada como uma via alternativa eficaz à cetamina IV.

Hypermethylation Analysis of p16INK4a and p15INK4b Promoters in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Patients and Normal Individuals

@#Introduction: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a common type of leukaemia in persons of predominantly European descent but is rare in the Asian population. Disparities in CLL incidence among people of Asian and European descent may be related to the genetic make-up of the two different populations. Hypermethylation event might be one of the silencing mechanisms that inactivate the tumour suppressor genes in CLL. The aim of this study was to determine the hypermethylation status of p16INK4a and p15INK4b among CLL patients and normal individuals. Materials & Methods: A total of 25 CLL patients and 25 normal individuals were recruited for this study and their genomic DNA were extracted from the peripheral blood. The hypermethylation status of p16INK4a and p15INK4b were determined using Methylation Specific-PCR (MS-PCR) whereas DNA sequencing method was applied to selected samples for validation of the MS-PCR results. We also evaluated the association between hypermethylation of these genes with the clinical and demographic characteristics of each group of subjects. Results: Among the CLL patients, p15INK4b partialmethylation occurred in 6 (24%) subjects while methylation occurred in 1 (4%) subject. All the remaining patients were unmethylated at p15INK4b. All the samples showed unmethylation at p16INK4a. Statistically significant associations were found between p15INK4b hypermethylation with the presence of CLL (p=0.01) and with race (p=0.02). Conclusion: Further study using a larger sample size is warranted to explore the significance of DNA methylation incidence among the CLL patients of the Malaysian population. Hence, we suggest that hypermethylation at p15INK4b has a huge influence that kick-starts CLL disease among Malaysians and MS-PCR technique is applicable to be used in methylation study.

Nutrients and Constituents Relevant to Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Breast Cancer Properties of Salvia officinalis L.

Objective:Comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition of sage leaves (Salvia officinalisL.)in order to highlight constituents relevant to the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer potentials, in addition to determining safe dose to facilitate its application in functional foodsand dairy products. Methods:High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to determine constituents such as amino acids, fatty acids and phenolic compounds content. Antioxidant activity was characterized using, ?-diphenyl-?-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power methods. The antimicrobial potentials were examinedagainst nine pathogenic strains. MDA-MB-231 cell line was used to assess anticancer activity. Results:Sage was found to be a good source of calcium, iron andzinc (894.3, 84and 5.5 mg/100g respectively) and vitamins B6 and B12(1.5 and 0.3 mg/100g respectively). PerformedHPLC analysis indicated the rich content of essential amino acids, lysine, phenylalanine andleucine (10.4, 0.7 and 0.45 g/100g),unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3, 6 and 9(6.46, 4.40 and 3.13g/100g) and phenolic compounds, quercetin and cinnamic (604.8 and 390.4 ?g/mL),which interpreted its high antioxidant powers. Sage revealed antioxidantpotentials with IC50and EC50 reached(27.5 and 239.5 mg/mL respectively), and antimicrobial effect against the examined pathogenic strains with MICs reached 6.25 mm against Staph.aureus, E. coliand Candida albicans, not to mention its anticancer effect as an extra pharmacological feature, when sage performed an anti-proliferative activity with IC50of 300 ?g/mL, against MDA-MB-231 cell line.Conclusion:Obtained results emphasis the sage leaves content of variable nutrients and active compounds that reflected on its vast nutritional and pharmacological potentials such as; antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect against breast MDA-MB-231 cell line, that could nominate it as applicable food bio-preservativein functional foods and dairy products

Influence of Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) Leaves Extract Administration on Myocardial Infarction Induced by Isoproterenol in Rats

Aims: To investigate the influence of ethanolic hawthorn leaves extract (EHLE) oral administration (200 mg / kg body weight /day) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced- myocardial infarction (MI) in rats and its bioactive constituents. Methods: Healthy adult male albino rats (Sprague-Dawely strain) were divided into five groups (10 rats /group); MI was induced in rats by ISO at a dose of {85 mg/kg body weight/day subcutaneously (S.C.,)} on two consecutive days with a 24 hours interval. Results: Pre-and post-treatment with EHLE significantly (p≤0.05) lowered the elevated serum cardiac enzyme marker activities namely, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK- MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and specific MI markers level of galectin-3(Gal-3), cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Also, significantly (p≤0.05) ameliorated oxidant/ antioxidant status by decreasing oxidative stress biomarkers [tissue nitric oxide (NO), serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA)], and increasing antioxidant status [glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH)] in ISO-injected rats. Microscopic examination of heart tissues confirmed these results. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that EHLE has a cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced MI in rats due to its high antioxidant properties, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and restoration of cardiac enzyme activities.

Heliox delivered by high flow nasal cannula improves oxygenation in infants with respiratory syncytial virus acute bronchiolitis / Heliox administrado por cânula nasal de alto fluxo melhora a oxigenação em crianças com bronquiolite aguda por vírus sincicial respiratório

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that use of heliox would result in improvement of gas exchange when used with high flow nasal cannula in infants with RSV acute bronchiolitis. Methods: All patients that met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either heliox (70:30) or air-oxygen mixture 30% via high flow nasal cannula at 8 L/min for a continuous 24 h. Measurements were taken at baseline, after 2 h, and at the end of the 24 h. Results: This prospective study included 48 patients. After 2 h of treatment with heliox, the oxygen saturation and PaO2 significantly improved when compared with the air-oxygen group, 98.3% vs. 92.9%, 62.0 mmHg vs. 43.6 mmHg (p = 0.04 and 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, PaO2/FiO2 ratio was significantly higher in the heliox group when compared with the air-oxygen group, 206.7 vs. 145.3. Nevertheless, CO2 showed better elimination when heliox was used, without significance. MWCA score dropped significantly in the heliox group, 2.2 points vs. 4.0 points in air-oxygen (p = 0.04), 2 h after starting the therapy. Conclusion: Transient improvement of oxygenation in infants with RSV acute bronchiolitis during the initial phase of the therapy is associated with heliox when provided with HFNC, may provide a precious time for other therapeutic agents to work or for the disease to resolve naturally, avoiding other aggressive interventions.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a hipótese de que o uso da mistura heliox resultaria em melhoria da troca gasosa quando usado com cânula nasal de alto fluxo em crianças com bronquiolite aguda por VSR. Métodos: Todos os pacientes que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão foram randomizados para receber a mistura heliox (70:30) ou a mistura ar/oxigênio a 30% por meio da cânula nasal de alto fluxo a 8 L/min por 24 horas contínuas. As medições foram feitas no início, depois de duas horas e ao fim de 24 horas. Resultados: Fizemos um estudo prospectivo em que foram incluídos 48 pacientes. Após duas horas de tratamento com a mistura heliox, a saturação de oxigênio e a PaO2 apresentaram melhoria significativa em comparação com o grupo da mistura ar/oxigênio: 98,3% em comparação com 92,9%, 62,0 mmHg em comparação com 43,6 mmHg (p = 0,04 e 0,01), respectivamente. Além disso, a relação PaO2/FiO2 era significativamente mais alta no grupo da mistura heliox do que no grupo da mistura ar/oxigênio, 2.067 em comparação com 1.453. Contudo, o CO2 apresentou melhor eliminação quando a mistura heliox foi usada, sem relevância. O Escore MWCA caiu significativamente no grupo da mistura heliox, 2,2 pontos em comparação com 4,0 pontos da mistura ar/oxigênio (p = 0,04) duas horas após o início da terapia. Conclusão: A breve melhoria da oxigenação em crianças com bronquiolite aguda por VSR na fase inicial da terapia está associada à mistura heliox quando administrada pela CNAF e poderá fornecer um tempo precioso para outros agentes terapêuticos funcionarem ou para a própria doença se curar naturalmente e evitar outras intervenções agressivas.

Protective effect of Cordia boissieri A. DC. (Boraginaceae) on metabolic syndrome.

Increased fructose ingestion has been linked to obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension associated with metabolic syndrome. Cordia boissieri A. DC. (Boraginaceae) is a slow growing beautiful plant, used traditionally as herbal remedy by diabetic Hispanic women in the Southwestern USA. The present study aimed to elucidate the toxicity and the possible protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of C. boissieri leaves on metabolic syndrome. Three groups of rats were fed on fructose-enriched diet for 14 weeks. One group served as fructose-enriched diet control, while the remaining groups were treated with metformin (10 mg/kg/day) and ethyl acetate extract (200 mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks. A fourth group was fed on normal laboratory diet. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn for the estimation of metabolic syndrome-related markers and liver samples were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Induction of metabolic syndrome using fructose enriched diet was associated with increased weight gain coupled with elevated levels of blood glucose, insulin, uric acid, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor in addition to, decreased level of glutathione (GSH). Four-weeks oral administration of ethyl acetate extract attenuated most of the changes associated with metabolic syndrome as marked by improved insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, kidney function, lipid profiles and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study provides evidence of the potential protective effect of C. boissieri against metabolic syndrome.

Determinants of unintended pregnancy and its impact on the health of women in some governorates of Upper Egypt

Worldwide, more than half of all unintended pregnancies end in abortion, indicating the preference for increasingly smaller families. The present work aimed to assess the determinants of unintended pregnancy and its impact on women's health in El Fayoum and Benisuef governorates. A community-based cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 827 married women of reproductive age. The study was conducted in two governorates, El Fayoum and Benisuef, for a period of 6 months. The current study revealed that 15.9% of women who participated in the study had an unmet need for family planning, with subsequent unintended pregnancy. Higher age of women and her age at the time of marriage, illiteracy, short interpregnancy spacing, exceeding the desired number of children, negative attitude of husbands toward the use of family planning methods, and absence of discussion between partners on the use of means to postpone pregnancy increased the number of unintended pregnancies. Also, women with unintended pregnancy were at a higher risk of experiencing health problems during her pregnancy. Despite the efforts taken by family planners, the problem of unintended pregnancy continues to increase in Egypt, with its adverse effect on pregnancy and maternal outcomes. Therefore, the strategy for maternal mortality reduction in Egypt should focus on addressing the unmet needs of high-parity, uneducated, nonworking women

Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of Capparis decidua stems

The chromatographic separation of aerial parts of Capparis decidua, a woody medicinal plant, afforded one shikimate derivative, two acyclic terpenoids, four fatty acids, two sterols and two lupare triterpenoids In the present study, qualitative chemical screening of ethyle ether, methanol and water extracts of Capparis decidua stems [family Cappariaceae] showed the presence of triterpenes, fatty acids, carotenoids, coumarins and basic alkaloids. The methanol extract revealed the presence of condensed tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and anthocyanins while the aqueous extract revealed the presence of saponins, polyurenoids, condensed tannins, alkaloids and anthocyanine. All extracts were devoid of anthracene glycosides, flavanoids and reducing compounds. The antimicrobial activity of chloroform, methanol and water extract were studied in vitro against two standard gram positive bacteria [Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus], two standard gram negative bacteria [Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa] and two standard fungal organisms [Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans] using the cup-plate agar diffusion method. The results showed that the extracts had antimicrobial activity against at least two of the tested standard organisms; methanol extract was found to be highly active against the standard gram positive bacteria and Candida albicans, followed by the chloroform extract. The least antimicrobial activity was associated with the aqueous extract. Ten fractions were obtained when the chloroform extract was fractionated by the Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography [PTLC], their antimicrobial activity was studied in vitro against two standard gram positive bacteria [Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus]. The methanol extract fractionation gave five fractions and their antimicrobial activity was studied against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans

Possible protective effect of vitamin E on the joined cardio-renal effects of lead toxicity and noise stress in rats

Pollution is a worldwide problem and its potential to influence the physiological systems of human population is great. Many studies found that some pollutants have detrimental effects on human growth, particularly prenatal growth. Lead is one of the heavy metals commonly found in human populations. Lead toxicity was reported to be related to haemopoietic, hepatic, renal, nervous, gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders in man and animals. Recent studies have reported lead's potential for inducing oxidative stress which plays a role in the pathophysiology of lead toxicity. Noise stress from transportation sources also is related to different physiological effects on human, as well as impairment of auditory function and growth. Studies showed that combined exposure to noise and different pollutants affects heart and other organs. On the other hand, antioxidants were reported to reduce incidence to various physiological alterations accompanied by oxidative stress. Previous studies suggested that antioxidants may play an important role in abating some hazards of lead. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the possible ameliorating effect of vitamin E, as an antioxidant, on some alterations caused by lead or noise alone or in combination on kidney and heart biomarkers in adult male rats. Vitamin E was administered orally in a dose of 200 mg/kg two hours before lead dosage [15 mg/kg, i.p]. Animals were exposed to horn noise of about 110 dB for 30 minutes after administration of lead and/or vitamin E. The experiment was conducted for 14 consecutive days. The evaluated parameters included assessment of serum levels of urea, creatinine, Aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase [CK] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and levels of reduced glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] in kidney and heart tissues. The histolopathological changes in both kidney and heart were reported. The obtained results revealed that lead and noise either alone or in combination caused statistically changes in the examined parameters with a good potential for vitamin E to protect against these changes

Adverse health problems among municipality workers in Alexandria [Egypt]

Solid waste management has emerged as an important human and environmental health issue. Municipal solid waste workers [MSWWs] are potentially exposed to a variety of occupational biohazards and safety risks. The aim of this study was to describe health practices and safety measures adopted by workers in the main municipal company in Alexandria [Egypt] as well as the pattern of the encountered work related ill health. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2013. We interviewed and evaluated 346 workers serving in about 15 different solid waste management activities regarding personal hygiene, the practice of security and health care measures and the impact of solid waste management. Poor personal hygiene and self-care, inadequate protective and safety measures for potentially hazardous exposure were described. Impact of solid waste management on health of MSWWs entailed high prevalence of gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin and musculoskeletal morbidities. Occurrence of accidents and needle stick injuries amounted to 46.5% and 32.7% respectively. The risk of work related health disorders was notably higher among workers directly exposed to solid waste when compared by a group of low exposure potential particularly for diarrhea [odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-3.8], vomiting [OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.6], abdominal colic [OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.2], dysentery [OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.3-10], dyspepsia [OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3], low back/sciatic pain [OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.8-7], tinnitus [OR = 6.2, 95% CI = 0.3-122] and needle stick injury [OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.1 5.5]. Workers exposed to solid waste exhibit significant increase in risk of ill health. Physician role and health education could be the key to assure the MSWWs health safety

Comparative Study of Beta Cyclodextrin and Calix-8-Arene as Ionophores in Potentiometric Ion-Selective Electrodes for Sitagliptin Phosphate.

Two novel Sitagliptin (STG) selective electrodes were investigated with di-octyl phthalate as a plasticizer in a polymeric matrix of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Sensor 1 was fabricated using β-cyclodextrin, while sensor 2 was constructed using calix-8-arene as ionophores. Linear responses of STG within the concentration ranges of 10−7 to 10−2, and 10−8 to 10−2 mol L−1 were obtained using sensors 1 and 2, respectively. Nernstian slopes of 58.57 and 59.88 mV/decade over the pH range of 5-6.5 were observed. The selectivity coefficients of the developed sensors indicated excellent selectivity for STG. The proposed sensors displayed useful analytical characteristics for the determination of STG in bulk powder, different pharmaceutical formulations, and biological fluids (plasma and urine).The two novel electrodes offer the advantage of determination of STG in biological fluids without pretreatment which is convenient for monitoring STG levels in clinical studies.

Evaluation of serum nitrate levels in infants and children with congenital heart diseases

This study was carried out on 100 patients having congenital heart disease [CHO], 63 males and 37 females, their age ranged from 4 months to 12.5 years. In addition, 20 apparently healthy children were taken as a control group. This study was done at AI-Azhar University Hospital on patients attending the cardiology and pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic as well as children admitted to the inpatient department. The CHO patients were divided into groups according to: pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP] [normal PASP, mild, moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension], presence or absence of heart failure [HF]: [patients with or without heart failure], correction of the cardiac defect: [patients with or without surgical correction] and cyanosis [cyanotic or non-cyanotic CHO]. All patients were subjected to the following: full history taking, complete physical examination [general and cardiac], plain x-ray chest and heart, electrocardiography, echo cardiography and measurement of serum nitrate levels. Our results showed statistically significant differences in serum nitrate levels particulary between patients with severe pulmonary hypertension and those without and between patients with heart failure and those without. The levels were higher in the HF group compared to non-HF group and the control group. No statistically significant differences in serum nitrate levels were found between patients who previously underwent operations for correction of the cardiac defects and those who did not nor between cyanotic and non-cyanotic groups

Evaluation of glycoproteins purified from adult and larval camel ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii) as a candidate vaccine

In order to identify antigens that can help prevent camel tick infestations, three major glycoproteins (GLPs) about 97, 66 and 40 kDa in size were purified from adult and larval Egyptian ticks, Hyalomma (H.) dromedarii, using a single-step purification method with Con-A sepharose. The purified GLPs were evaluated as vaccines against camel tick infestation in rabbits. The rabbits received three intramuscular inoculations of GLPs (20 microg/animal) on days 0, 14, and 28. In the immunoblot analysis, Sera from the immunized rabbits recognized the native GLPs and other proteins from larval and adult H. dromedarii ticks along with those from other tick species such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus but not Ornithodoros moubata. The effects of immunity induced by these GLPs were determined by exposing rabbits to adult H. dromedarii ticks. These results demonstrated that GLP immunization led to a slightly decreased reproductive index and significantly reduced rates of egg hatchability. These results demonstrated that immunization with the purified GLPs can provide protection against infestation by H. dromedarii and some other tick species. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of immunization with GLPs against other tick species.

Biochemical, histological and histochemical studies of oat [Avena sativa] on hyperlipidemic rats

Hyperlipidemia is an elevation of lipids in the blood stream and these lipids include: fats, fatty acids, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Hyperlipidemia is associated with hepatic fat accumulation. Six groups [5rat/group] of female albino [Rattus albinus] were used. The 1[st] group used as control, in the 2[nd] group Hyperlipidemia [25% fat and 2% cholesterol] was induced for 3 weeks only then sacrified, the 3[rd] group was hyperlipidemic rats for 3 weeks then left other 3 weeks without any additional treatment as a recovery period, the 4[th] group served as hyperlipidemic group for 3 weeks then treated with Avena sativa for another 3 weeks [200 g/Kg diet], the 5[th] group was hyperlipidemic [25% fat and 2% cholesterol] for 6 weeks and the 6[th] group served as hyperlipidemic rats for 6 weeks, and at the same time given Avena sativa in diet [200 g/Kg diet]. The biochemical parameters showed highly significant increase in body weight, serum glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, while there was highly significant decrease in HDL- cholesterol.Many histopathological and histochemical changes were detected in liver tissue of the hyperlipidemic rats. Meanwhile, the treatment with oat ameliorated the biochemical parameters, histological and histochemical results. It is recommend to use oat in diets for hyperlipidemic patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history

Subclinical cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus

Cardiovascular lesions are commonly found in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] with relevant implication in mortality and morbidity. The purpose of the study was to verify whether there is any sign of cardiovascular involvement in childhood SLE without clinical manifestations using electrocardiography [ECG] and echocardiography [ECHO]. The study was carried out on 40 children with SLE who attended the outpatient clinics of Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Cardiology and Internal Medicine departments of Assiut and AI-Azhar universities. They were free of any clinically evident cardiac manifestations such as dyspnea, orthopnea and edema of the lower limbs. In addition, twenty apparently healthy children were taken as a control group. All subjects underwent complete history and physical examinations, x ray chest, ECG and two dimensional,M mode, continuous wave [CW], pulse wave [PW] and color flow Doppler examinations .The following investigations were done: complete blood count [CBc], erythrocyte sedimentation rate[ESR], antistreptolysin O titre [A SOT], C reactive protein[CRP], C[3] complement, rheumatoid factor[RF],anfinuclear antibodies[ANA] and anti double strand DNA[anti ds DNA]. Minor ECG changes were detected in 15% of patients. ECHO showed pericarditis with effusion, aortic insufficiency, mitral regurgitation, mild tricuspid regurgitation and mild pulmonary hypertension in 15%, 20%, 25%, 15% and 20% of patients with SLE respectively. A significant reduction of ejection fraction [EF] and fraction shortening [FS] was found in our patients .Significant diastolic dys functions were manifested by decreased early diastolic flow velocity [E], early diastolic flow velocity/late diastolic flow velocity [E/A] ratio and increased E deceleration time [Edt], left ventricular posterior wall diameter in diastole [LVPWd], interventricular septum in diastole[.lVSd] and pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP]. Cardiovascular involvement in childhood SLE is Regular cardiac evaluation using [ECG] and [ECHO] is recommended to detect subclinical cardiac involvement

Antihypertensive activity of some novel 4H-pyran analogs

A series of 4, 6-disubstituted-4H- analogs have been synthesized and evaluated for their antihypertensive activity. Compounds 2-amino-3-cyano-4-[4-ethoxyphenyl]-6-[pyridine-4-yl]-4H-pyran [2a] and 3-cyano-2-[[furan-2-yl-methyl-idene]amino]-6-[pyridin-4-yl]-4-[3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl]-4H-pyran [3a] showed a remarkable antihypertensive activity comparable to the known drug Nifedipine

Psychological and audiological profile of tinnitus patients

The interplay of personality traits, depressed mood and tinnitus severity is highly relevant to diagnosis and prognosis in tinnitus related handicap. The aim of this work was to assess a sample of patients with annoying tinnitus audiologically and psychologically to determine whether personality factors differ with different experiences of tinnitus. This study was conducted on forty patients of both sexes complaining of tinnitus. They were assessed audiologically using; Pure tone audiometry [PTA], Transient evoked otoacoustic emission [TEOAE], distortion product otoacoustic emission [DPOAE] and were administered the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory [THI]. Psychological assessment included two self assessment questionnaires: SCID IT Personality test and Middle sex psychological test. TEOAE were abnormal in 9.8% of control group [CG], 29.34% of study group [SG-l] and 58.34% SG-2. DPOAE results were abnormal in 50% CG, 67.6% of SG-l, 89.9% of SG-2 and 92.4% of SG-3. THI scores were not correlated with age, gender, duration or level of hearing loss. Obsession and antisocial personality were significantly related to THI. There was a weak significant negative statistical relationship between Depression and THI. A negative statistical correlation between DPOAE, TEOAE and THI was found. On the SCID-Il Personality test, 30% of the sample [12 persons] completed the criteria for the Narcissistic Personality disorder and also 30% [12 persons] completed the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder. On the Middle Sex test the most frequent significant symptoms were Depression and obsession, 17.5% of the sample. Given that this is a preliminary study of the psychological profile of Egyptian patients with tinnitus, multicenter research is needed for better understanding of the psychology of those patients

Evaluation and clinical correlation of bone marrow angiogensis and level of serum angiogenic factors in acute leukemia

In this study serum angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF] and tumour necrosis factor a [TNF a]] and cellular angiogenic factors [VEOF and VEGF-R2] were studied in 50 newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients, they were 24 ALL and 26 AML patients. The correlations of the studied angiogenic factors to each other and to the patients' survival and disease outcome were studied. During the follow-up period of 6 months, 22 patients died and 28 patients remained alive from whom 11 patients were refractory and 17 patients achieved complete remission. On comparison between pretreatment concentration levels of measured serum angiogenic factors [VEOF, TNF-alpha and HOF] in ALL, AML and the control group, all the comparisons were statistically significant [p<0.0001, <0.0001 and 0.02 1 respectively]. All serum markers were higher in AML group than control group, but only VEOF showed statistically significant elevation [p<0.0001], while in ALL patients, all markers were significantly higher than control group [p=0.01]. When comparing ALL and AML cases according to cellular angiogenic factors detected by immunocytochemistry, cellular VEGF-R2 was slightly higher in ALL group, while cellular VEGF was slightly higher in AML group. The comparisons were statistically non-significant for both angiogenic factors. As regards response to therapy, in ALL, cases with high sVEGF showed a statistically significant lower rate of complete remission than cases with low sVEGF [p=0.041]. The same results were obtained for AML but the comparison did not reach a significant level [p=0.082]. Serum VEOF was the only reliable marker to predict relapse in ALL [p=0.009] and AML [p=0.049]. On comparing serum VEGF to the outcome in ALL, high sVEGF cases showed a statistically significant higher rate of death than low sVEGF cases [prO.05], while in AML, the same results were obtained but the comparison did not reach a significant level. As regards the survival time, cases with low sVEGF level showed higher mean survival and 6-month survival than cases with high sVEGF level p=0.03]. A significant negative correlation was detected between serum VEGF and serum TNF-a [correlation coefficient [r]=-0.642, p<0.0001]. Conclusion: Serum angiogenic factors [VEGF, TNF-alpha and HOF] are markedly increased in cases of acute leukemia compared to normal controls. Cases with high sVEGF showed higher rate of death than cases with low sVEGF, so its targeting may provide a potent novel therapeutic approach in acute leukemias. VEGF may also be useful as a new prognostic factor and a predictor of relapse in different types of acute leukemia. Further studies with larger number of patients and longer duration of follow-up are recommended to throw more light on the significance of other angiogenic factors in relation to acute leukemia