Digit ratio (2D:4D) and performance in non-elite male badminton players

Background: The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) is derived by dividing the length of the index finger (2D) by the length of the ring finger (4D). It has been considered as an index of how much the fetus is exposed to testosterone in utero. Research has suggested that high levels of testosterone are associated with low 2D:4D ratio. The relationship between 2D:4D ratio and physical performance is still an unexplored field in badminton players. Aims and Objectives: This study intends to assess the digit ratio 2D:4D in non-elite male badminton players in comparison to their sedentary controls. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 male badminton players in the age group of 19–23 years who were practicing badminton for more than 3 years and 30 age, body mass index-matched sedentary controls. The second and fourth finger measurements were taken from scanned printouts using Vernier calipers. Results: The 2D:4D ratio was significantly lower in the left hand of badminton players when compared to their controls (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in 2D:4D ratios of the right hand and 2D:4D (? r–l) between badminton players and controls. Conclusion: There was significant difference in the ratio of 2nd–4th digit between badminton players and controls in the left hand but not in the right hand. The reason for no difference in 2D:4D ratio and controls in the right hand could be due to the fact that badminton is a moderate intensity sport, and also, the study participants were non-elite players.

Occurrence and characterization of staphylococcus aureus in meat and meat products marketed in Mansoura, Egypt

The present study aims to evaluate the occurrence and characterize Staphylococcus aureus in meat and meat products marketed in Mansoura, Egypt based on their antimicrobial-resistance pattern and production of enterotoxins. A total of 250 meat samples, categorized as 80 fresh beef samples besides 85 ground beef and 85 beef burger purchased from supermarkets and butchers' shops distributed in Egypt for isolation of Staphylococcus aureus. All isolates were screened for susceptibility to twelve antimicrobial discs. Minimal inhibitory concentration was carried out by twofold serial dilution in nutrient broth. Plasmid and genomic DNA| extraction were done. Polymerase chain reactions were performed for amplification of enterotoxin-encoding genes [sec and seg] Twenty five samples were isolated and identified as S. aureus. Sixty eight isolates were multidrug resistant since they were resistant to at least three different antimicrobial classes. Plasmids isolation from all isolates revealed that 76% of these isolates harbored plasmids. Fifteen isolates [60%] exhibited similar plasmid band size. The size of this plasmid was approximately 23 kbp. For seg gene, it was amplified in 8 isolates [32%] of S. aureus isolates at 550 bp. Five [63%] of the isolates harbored seg gene were multidrug resistant. On the other hand, none of the S. aureus isolates harbored sec gene. The present study confirmed the high prevalence of newly discovered enterotoxin genes [seg] in meat derived staphylococcus aureus and the association between the presence of this gene and multiple drug resistant phenomena

Association between sonographic and cytologic findings of 225 cold thyroid nodules

Fine Needle Aspiration [FNA] of thyroid gland has greater sensitivity as compared to other diagnostic modalities for thyroid nodules. The present study was conducted to compare the sonographic findings of cold thyroid nodules with cytologic changes.For 219 patients, sonography of thyroid nodules was performed by 7.5MHz probes and the following changes were recorded: echogenicity, calcification, halo formation, distal enhancement, single or multiple nodules, homogenicity, heterogenicity, and cyst formation. Then, FNA was done and results compared.The study population included 188 females and 37 males with the mean [ +/- SD] age of 36 +/- 1 and 42 +/- 12 years, respectively. FNA had revealed 6 nodules [2.8%] to be malignant, of which, 4 were papillary carcinoma, one was follicular carcinoma and one was Hurthle cell tumor. All except the Hurthle cell tumor had shown decreased nodular echogenicity and irregular limits. None of hyperecho nodules were malignant, however, 3 had shown changes in favor of Hurthle cell tumor. Totally, 21 intermediate lesions including thyroiditis, follicular neoplasm, and Hurthle cell changes have been reported.Results have revealed that sonographic and cytologic findings in cold thyroid nodules are closely related

comparative study of free thyroxine estimation using coat-A-coount ft4 and clinical assays tm ft4

To compare the performance characteristics of Diagnostic product corporation [DPC] Coat-A-Count FT 4 single-step radioimmunoassay and Clinical Assays[tm] FT 4 two-step radioimmunoassay procedure in terms of sensitivity, precision, dilution effect and reproducibility using clinical samples. DPC Coat-A- Count Clinical Assays[tm] were used for free thyroxine estimation. All procedures were carried out according to the manufacturers' instructions and in duplicate. 144 blood samples were collected from patients with various conditions in the Pathology Department at King Hussein Medical Center, and the serum stored at-20°C prior to analysis. Linear regression analysis of the results obtained by both methods for 144 patients with various thyroid conditions showed correlation [r=0.98; slope=0.968]. The sensitivity defined as two standard deviation [2SD] below the mean of the zero standard was 0.128 pmol/l for Coat-A-Count FT4 and 0.95 pmol/l for Clinical Assays[tm] FT4. Precision was assessed using human serum samples at low, normal and high FT4 concentration. Intra-run coefficient of variation CV was 4.17% - 8.74% for Coat-A-Count FT4 and 5.37% - 9.76% for Clinical Assays[tm] FT4. Inter-run CV was 6.74% - 11.8% for Coat-A-Count FT4 and 5.7% - 10.69% for Clinical Assays[tm] FT4. The accuracy which is related to a true free hormone in diluted sample was tested. The Coat-A-Count FT4 showed a clear dependence of FT4 estimation on serum concentration [range 100% - 12.5%], while the FT4 estimated by Clinical Assays[tm] FT4 two-step procedure was unaffected. Both assays demonstrated good agreement across a wide range of FT 4 values. Both assays failed to give a clear view concerning thyroid status in nonthyroidal illness patients [chronic renal failure]. Additionally, Coat-A-Count failed the sample dilution test

Immunoglobulins in atopic dermatitis

Serum immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE were evaluated in twenty- two children with atopic dermatitis [AD]. The results showed highly significant increase in the levels of IgG, IgM and IgE and significant increase in the levels of IgA. This preliminary study casts some light on the possible role of immunoglobulins other than IgE in the pathogenesis of AD