Mobile phone radiation induced plasma protein alterations and eye pathology in newly born mice

The hazardous health effect of the exposure to 900-1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields [RF-EMF] which emitted from mobile phones was investigated on the plasma protein and eye of newly born mice. Twenty one newly born mice were divided into 3 groups, the 1[st] group served as control, the 2[nd] group exposed to mobile phone radiation daily for one month [45 min/day] and the 3[rd] group remained one month following the end of exposure. The results showed deleterious changes in the plasma protein pattern by electrophoretic analysis. Also, the microscopic examination demonstrated numerous histopathological and histochemical changes in the eye mainly represented by degenerated, hemorrhagic areas and detachment in some layers of the eye with alteration in collagen, polysaccharides, total protein and marked increase in amyloid beta [beta] protein contents of newly born mice exposed to RF-EMF from mobile phone [45 min/day] for one month as well as after one month following the end of exposure. It was concluded that the exposure to mobile phone radiation causes plasma proteins alterations and eye pathology in newly born mice

Evaluation of the effect of sildenafil and/or doxazosin on Benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction

To verify the association between lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] and erectile dysfunction [ED] and evaluate the influence of sildenafil and doxazosin either as single agents or combined on both symptoms. A prospective randomized study including 150 patients presented with LUTS caused by BPH in association with clinically diagnosed ED, with age equal or more than 45 years from April 2010 to April 20011. They were categorized into three comparative groups each one containing 50 patients. These groups were comparable regarding pretreatment international prostate symptoms score [IPSS] and international index of erectile function [IIEF]. The patients of the first group were given sildenafil 50 mg as monotherapy, those of the second group were given doxazosin 2 mg and those of the third group were given combination of both drugs for 4 months for each group. The main post-treatment parameters for assessment and comparison include assessment of patient's symptoms by repeated IPSS and IIEF, uroflowmetry and assessment of PVR. The statistics was done by use of the chi-square test Pre-treatment parameters were assessed and compared between the three groups. After 4 months of treatment, the comparative parameters were applied to all groups and the differences were measured post-treatment regarding IPSS, erectile function score, uroflowmetry, and post-void residual [PVR] urine. Sildenafil alone caused mild improvement in IPSS, more improvement in IIEF score, and little effect on flow rate and PVR urine. Doxazosin alone caused more improvement in IPSS, flow rate and PVR urine and less improvement in IIEF score. A combination of both sildenafil and doxazosin caused more improvement in all of the comparative parameters than when each drug was given alone. There is a strong relationship between LUTS and ED. Doxazosin or sidenafil as a single drug could be used in treating mild or mild to moderate symptoms but more severe symptoms may usually need a combination of both drugs

Isolation of chitinase gene induced during infection of vicia faba by botrytis fabae

The moderately resistant [Giza 716] and the susceptible [Giza 429] faba bean cultivars were used to identify some pathogenesis related proteins [PRs] associated with infection by chocolate spot disease. One isolate of Botrytis fabae purified from a plant sample taken from Nubaria location [Behera governorate, Egypt] was used in the artificial infection experiment. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out on all protein banding patterns of the healthy and the infected faba bean leaves harvested at 8, 24 and 48 hr after inoculation. Data revealed that a 26 kDa protein band was more intensive 8, 24 and 48 hr after inoculation in cultivar Giza 716,. In addition, a 29 kDa protein band appeared after 24 and 48 hr. Furthermore, in cultivar Giza 429, 54 kDa protein bands appeared after 8, 24 and 48 hr post inoculation and 28 and 20 kDa appeared after 24 hr post inoculation.Reverse-Transcription [RT-PCR] showed that chitinase gene is expressed at very early stages in infected faba bean leaves. DNA fragment at molecular weight 900 bp appeared at 8, 24 and 48 hr after inoculation and disappeared in the healthy plants. The amplified products were cloned into pGEM-T Easy vector. Four clones named [PNAM1, PNAM2, PNAM3 and PNAM4] were selected for validation. The recombinant plasmids PNAM1, PNAM2 were verified for the presence of the Chitinase gene coding sequences by using both specific and universal primers in PCR. BNAM1-Chit-EG gene sequence showed 58.15% similarity when aligned with other Chitinase genes published in the gene bank

Respiratory complications after major trauma in suez canal University Hospital: a prospective study

Trauma has become a major civilian problem, and is now a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Unfortunately, most of the victims of trauma are young persons; however with proper treatment many injured patients can be saved. Aim of the Work: The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of post traumatic respiratory complications in emergency department Suez Canal University Hospital in the period from 1-9-2004 to 31-12-2004, to find out the recommendations needed to reduce the incidence of mortality and morbidity due to respiratory complications. One hundred and fifteen patients presented to emergency department Suez Canal University Hospital in the period from 1-9-2004 to 31-12-2004 with major trauma and follow up of these patient to find out the incidence of respiratory complications by chest X ray, ABG or CT chest. Data will be collected and results will be presented in tables, figures and graphs The mortality in our study was 14.8% although the mortality at emergency department was 2.6% due to severe head injury and excessive hemorrhage and within 24 hours in ICU which was 2.6% due to severe head injury and uncontrolled abdominal hemorrhage and within two weeks in ICU 9,6% due to severe chest infection. Chest infection is the,most common cause of death in post trauma patients

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

Virtal CT colonoscopy versus conventional colonscopy: a prospective study

Thirty-two patients [22 males and 10 females, mean age 47 years] with different colorectal complaints were investigated by CT colonography. The scanning parameters were collimation of 5 mm, table speed of 6.25 mm/s and pitch of 1.25. All images were evaluated in axial slices, reformatted images with endoluminal and extraluminal views. All patients were reexamined by the conventional colonoscope, CT colonography and colonoscopy. The study concluded that the high resolution and multiple image display of CT colonography allow the detection of many colorectal lesions. CT colonography is also a noninvasive imaging modality that is particularly valuable in poor risky patients and for colorectal examination proximal to an obstructing lesion

Zoosporic Fungi Isolated From Four Egyptian Lakes and the Uptake of Radioactive Waste

Aquatic fungi from four brackish water lakes; Edku, Burullus and Manzala lakes which are located at the northern region of Egypt and Qarun lake that located in El-Fayoum city are reported in this manuscript. Twenty-nine fungal species which belong to 19 genera of aquatic fungi were recovered from water samples collected from the studied lakes. The most frequently isolated fungal species were Chytridium conferrop, Allomyces throughout and Rhizoclosmatium globosum. Thraustochytrium amoeboidum and Leptolegniella exoosporus have a moderately occurrence frequency. The maximum fungal count of recovered aquatic fungi was recorded in Burrullus lake followed by EdKu, Manzala and Qarun lakes. This study was extended to test the ability of six selected aquatic fungi (Brevilegniella keratinophila, Blastocladiella cystogena, Chytridium conferrop, Entophlyctis variabilis, Schizochytrium mangrovei and Thraustochytrium rosii), to uptake the radionuclide from their culture medium as a step to biologically treat the waste water or solution with radio-cesium and radio-cobalt. Fifty seven % of Cs-137 and 35% of Co-60 could be removed from liquid waste by the selected aquatic fungi.

Categorical analysis of factors affecting needs and demands for removable dentures among Alexandria dental research center clientele

An accurate assessment of dental needs is important to public health planners. With this information, it is possible to assess future treatment needs and demands for services including those for removable dentures. The present work aimed to estimate the magnitude and types of needs, and demands for partial or complete removable dentures, to study some factors that may affect the identified needs and demands for removable dentures, in addition to studying the factors that may affect satisfaction with the dentures. The present study was conducted in [Alexandria Dental Research Center]. Data were collected by means of interview questionnaire, followed by dental examination of all patients attending the center for the sake of removable dental restorations for a period of 6 months. A further follow up over a period of three months was undertaken to the 330 cases recorded. About one third of the cases demanded partial and/or complete dentures and were above 60 years old. The first purpose for construction of new dentures was mastication, followed by cosmetics. Only one quarter of cases decided to have delayed immediate dentures. Diabetics and those having chronic diseases showed more demand for complete dentures. The most discriminating variable between the demand for different dentures was the missing in the lower anterior teeth followed by missing in the upper both anterior and posterior and then missing in the upper anterior teeth. Satisfaction score increased with advance of age, among males, among those for complete dentures, and those who had had previous dentures. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that the best predictor for overall satisfaction was the history of having previous dentures. Results of the present study, suggest that early screening and treatment of diabetic patients, gathering detailed information by means of a questionnaire before new dentures fabrication may be an important tool for the dentist in predicting and consequently enhancing patient satisfaction with the dentures. Health education should stress on the value of restoring missing teeth and all available options around this

Lactose/whey fermentation and single cell protein production by auxotrophic mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Different auxotrophic mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe derived from argon irradiation and ethyl methanesulfonate [EMS] treatments were tested for single cell protein [SCP] production and also for the fermentation of lactose/whey as the agro-industrial wastes produced in very large quantities by the diary industry and often comes to be an environmental threat. Some of these mutants and prototrophic isolates were found to induce high yield of biomass and SCP. In addition, many of isolates, which have a higher yield of biomass, proved to give the highest yield of protein. Fermentation studies of lactose/whey showed that some of auxotrophic mutants could efficiently utilize lactose as a carbon source and grow well in whey medium. Although most of the mutants were significantly assimilated and bioconverted lactose, they significantly decreased residual lactose. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for lactose consumption and residual lactose. Auxotrophic mutants were utilized up to 65% of lactose in whey medium, 71% whey + 0.4% lactose and 76% in whey + 0.4% glucose. The results indicated that the biomass of yeast cells produced by the efficient strains of Schizosaccharomyces pombe through the fermentation of lactose/cheese whey might be considered as a protein source for marine and animal feeding. The utilization of these waste materials decreases pollution problems

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

Extension of complete penile disassembly for repair of incontinent epispadias

This study aimed to utilize the technique of complete penile disassembly of the epispadias phallus into three discrete components to straighten the penile shaft, ventralize the tabularized urethral plate and to tighten the incompetent bladder neck and evaluate the results of this technique. Five male patients aged five to thirty- five years were presented for repair of epispadias [three patients were coming for primary repair and two had previous failed attempted repair]. Primary cases had classic penopubic epispadias and were partially or totally incontinent. Follow up for three-ten months revealed a conical glands in four patients, straight penile shaft angulated downward during standing in five cases with apical meatus in four and reasonable dry interval in five with occasional bed wetting in two. Glands separation occurred in one patient and dorsal coronal fistula in another one and was successfully repaired. The neourethra was of even calibre and easily catheterizable without stenosis or stricture formation

Multiple tissue transfer to minimise fistulization of hypospadias repair

In this study, various tissue flaps from local donor sites were used to minimize fistulization of the reconstructed urethra in 45 cases with complex hypospadius repair. Primary one stage repair was performed in 28 cases and secondary reconstruction was done for 17 cases with previous failed repairs. For redo cases, wrapping of the reconstructed urethra by pedicled tunica vaginalis flap was performed for eight cases and by scrotal dartos flap in nine cases. In the remaining 28 cases, primary urethral reconstruction was performed in the usual way [onlay island preputial flaps with intact urethral plate in 18 cases and tubularized pedicled preputial flaps with division of the plate in 10 cases]. After urethral reconstruction, the splayed spongiosum was mobilized distally and wrapped around the repaired urethra in those cases with intact urethral plate. The redundant pedicles of the preputial flaps were used for additional wrapping of the neourethra in all 28 cases. With tunica vaginalis wrapping, two cases developed fistula and meatal stenosis in one patient with glans channel. In the scrotal dartos wrapping group, one case of permanent fistula, one urethral stricture and one meatal stenosis were recorded. In the preputial and penile dartos wrapping of primary repair, the rate of fistula markedly dropped. The overall incidence of fistula in both redo and primary cases was four out of forty-five cases approximating the ideal goal of very low rate of fistula

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

Experience with dynaflex penile prosthesis

A total of 29 patients underwent implantation of Dynaflex penile prosthesis from March, 1989 to December, 1993. The most common cause of impotence was diabetes [58.6%] followed by hypertension and atherosclerosis [17%]. Intraoperative complications included intercorporeal septal perforation in 4 patients [13.7%] and proximal crural crossover in 1 [3.4%]. Mild prosthesis infection was seen in one patient, however, infection was controlled and the prosthesis was salvaged. Partial mechanical malfunction of the prosthesis occurred in 2 patients [6.8%], otherwise the device has shown a good performance. Twenty six of 29 patients [89.6%] are happy and satisfied with the prosthesis. It is valuable addition to penile prosthesis inventory nevertheless the proper selection of patients is extremely important for satisfactory outcome

Hepatitis-B virus and schistosomiasis infections in childhood proteinuria

Hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], circulating anti-schistosomal IgG [CSAb] and circulating specific schistosomal immune complexes [CIC] were detected, using ELISA, in sera of 40 active nephrotic children, 40 active S. mansoni infected cases and 20 apparently normal age- matched controls. The presence of HBsAg cases was significantly higher among nephrotic cases [20%], active S. mansoni cases [17.5%] than controls. Moreover, HBsAg cases were significantly higher in positive CIC S. mansoni cases than negative CIC ones. The mean OD readings of CSAb was significantly higher in positive HBsAg nephrotic cases than negatives. At the same time, the anti-schistosomal antibodies were higher in S. mansoni cases with proteinuria than those without. Specific CIC level was significantly higher among nephrotic and schistosomiasis cases than controls. The CIC were significantly higher in schistosomiasis cases with positive HBsAg than those with negative HBsAg and were detected in 80% of cases with proteinuria compared to 37% of cases without proteinuria with a statistically significant difference. On the other hand, CIC level was not influenced, in nephrotic cases, by the presence of absence of HBsAg