Effect of iron supplementation on serum lead levels in Egyptian children with iron deficiency anemia

Background: iron deficiency [ID] is a major health problem worldwide and children are particularly vulnerable because of their rapid growth and increased iron requirements. Other researchers have reported an association of ID with elevated blood led level. Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency in children could help to reduce risk of lead poisoning and increase hemoglobin and iron [Fe]

Aim of the present work: the aim of this study was to estimate the effect of iron supplementation on hemoglobin [HB], serum iron [Fe] and blood lead level in anemic children [ID]

Subjects and methods: 120 anemic children were investigated to estimate the level of hemoglobin, iron and lead [Pb]. The sample was divided into two equal groups one received iron supplementation [iron group n=60] and the other didn't receive iron [control group n=60]. A questionnaire was used to collect information about food habits and food practices. Iron group received ferrous sulphate 3 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from both groups at zero time, 3 weeks and 6 weeks

Results: the results showed that there was positive correlation between HB, Fe and daily intake of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin C [i.e. by increasing daily intake of these nutrients, level of HB and Fe increase]. However, for Pb it was found a negative correlation with daily intake of iron, zinc and vitamin C [i.e. by increasing daily intake of these nutrients, level of Pb decrease]. Iron supplementation increased the level of hemoglobin by 28.82% and level of iron by 233.52% and reduced level of lead by 94.62% in iron group

Conclusion: iron supplementation diminishes the blood lead level; in addition to improvement of hemoglobin and serum iron

Physicochemical properties of some bottled water brands in Alexandria governorate, Egypt

Many people use bottled water instead of tap water for many reasons such as taste, ease of carrying, and thinking that it is safer than tap water. Irrespective of the reason, bottled water consumption has been steadily growing in the world for the past 30 years. In Egypt, this is still increasing to reach 3.8 l/person/day, despite its high price compared with tap water. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical quality of some bottled water brands and to compare the quality with that reported on manufacture's labeling, Egyptian, and International standards. Fourteen bottled water brands were selected from the local markets of Alexandria city. Three bottles from each brand were randomly sampled, making a total sample size of 42 bottles. Sampling occurred between July 2012 and September 2012. Each bottle was analyzed for its physicochemical parameter and the average was calculated for each brand. The results obtained were compared with the Egyptian standard for bottled water, Food and Drug Administration [FDA], and with bottled water labels. In all bottles in the study, pH values ranged between 7.21 and 8.23, conductivity ranged between 195 and 675 micro s/cm, and total dissolved solids, sulfate, chloride, and fluoride were within the range specified by the FDA. Calcium concentrations ranged between 2.7373 and 29.2183 mg/l, magnesium concentrations ranged between 5.7886 and 17.6633 mg/l, sodium between 14.5 and 205.8 mg/l, and potassium between 6.5 and 29.8 mg/l. For heavy metals such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, all of them were in conformity with the Egyptian standards and FDA, but nickel concentration in 11 brands was higher than the Egyptian standards. Twelve brands were higher than the Egyptian standards in cadmium concentration, but on comparison with FDA there were only five brands exceeding limits. Lead concentrations were out of range for all brands. On comparison with the labeled values, the quality of bottled water was not complying with labeled values. Physicochemical parameters in all bottled water examined brands were consistent with the Egyptian Standard and FDA, except for total dissolved solids, nickel, cadmium, and lead. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference [P<0.05] in all parameters tested between different brands. Values on the bottled water labels were not in agreement with analytical results

Prevalence of cervical cellular abnormalities by liquid based cytology in Taif province: a hospital based study

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the cervical cellular Abnormalities using liquid based thin-layer preparations as screening test for women who attended the gynaecology outpatient clinic at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. In this retrospective chart review study, we reviewed the records and data of all women for whom liquid base cytological studies were performed as screening test to detect the cervical cellular abnormalities at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia from June 2010 to June 2012. The total number of women for whom liquid base, thin-layer cytological studies were performedwas 2168 patients 79.9% of them were symptomatic. The mean age was 38.6 years. Liquid based thin-layer preparations were used for all patients. Cervical abnormality was seen in 25.6% of the patients, of which 6.5% were malignant or premalignant and 19.1% were of benign nature. Liquid-based, thin-layer cytology reduces sampling and preparation errors of the conventional smear; however, screening should include human papilloma virus [HPV], DNA testing to increase the sensitivity and specificity of primary screening

Expression of MMTV-like env gene in Egyptian breast cancer patients

Mouse mammary tumor virus [MMTV] causes breast cancer in mice. DNA sequences related to MMTV-like env gene is detected in human breast cancer [EC] tissue suggesting its etiology in human BC. The objective of our study was to assess the significance of MMTV-like env gene in Egyptian BC women. One hundred and fifty archival formalin-fixed paraffin embedded breast tissues were used and divided into 2 groups; group one included 100 malignant, group two included50 benign tissues. To amplify the MMTV-like env gene, semi-nested PCR was used and to confirm the homology with the MMTV genome direct sequencing was used. MMTV-like env was efficiently detected in36%ofmalignantand 4% of benign breast tissues. Sequence analysis was evident revealed 96% homology with the MMTV genome, but no other significant similarities with the human genome

The presence of the viral sequences was associated significantly with estrogen and progesteron positive cases and insignificantly the other pathological parameters studied. The molecular analysis of breast cancer tissue confirmed the presence of MMTV-like env sequences with significant high percentages in cancerous tissues than in benign one. These data raising the possibility that MMTV viral infection may be involved in the neoplastic process

Chlorpyrifos induced modulation in the activities of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes of rats: role of garlic

Chlorpyrifos-ethyl [CPF] is an organophosphate insecticide most commonly used worldwide. Chlorpyrifos was evaluated for its effects on hepatic content of cytochrome bs, P[450], NADPH cytochrome-C reductase, amidopyrine-N-demethylase, aniline 4-hydroxylase activities, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS], enzymes concerning liver damage, and the protective effects of garlic in albino rats. Pretreatment of rats with repeated doses of garlic prior to administration of CPF decreased the hepatic content of cytochrome b[5], the activities of NADPH cytochrome-C-reductase, amidopyrine-N-demethylase, aniline-4-hydroxylase and TBARS levels. The activity of glutathione-S-transferase [GST] was significantly inhibited after CPF administration, while, garlic augmented the reduction of GST activity affected by CPF. Liver AST, ALT, ALP and ACP were increased due to CPF administration to rats. Meanwhile, garlic afforded a significant protection against CPF intoxication. It is concluded that repeated doses of garlic may reduce the toxic effects exerted by CPF upon the liver through inhibition of cytochrome P[450] system that activates CPF into its active metabolite. Also, garlic reduces lipid peroxidation and restores the liver damage caused by CPF

Acute hydrogen cyanamide [Dormex] toxicity: an outbreak in El-Minia governorate; a prospective study

The aim of this study is to assess the acute toxic effects of Hydrogen Cyanamide, the active ingredient in Donnex which is a plant growth regulator, in human and to estimate the magnitude of hydrogen cyanamide-related illnesses in our locality [El-Minia govemorate- Upper Egypt]. Symptomatic cases involving acute Dormex exposure during the outbreak period [From January 2009 to March 2009] that were presented to the Poison Control Centre [PCC], El-Minia University Hospital and El-Minia general hospitals were included in this study. In each patient, a detailed history regarding age, sex, residence, route and mode of exposure, symptoms, signs and complications were taken at the time of presentation. A thorough clinical examination was then carried out. Laboratory investigations were done for random blood sugar [R.B.S], serum sodium and potassium levels, liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase [AST and ALT respectively], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], and serum creatinine. Chest X ray was also done for every case of this work. The study was conducted on 43 patients of both sexes with acute Donnex toxicity in addition to 10 healthy individuals of both sexes, representing the basic profile for the studied laboratory parameters. The majority of cases were below 20 years. Gender distribution revealed that a male to female ratio was about 2.6: 1. Patients from rural areas represent [83.7%] while [16.3%] were from urban areas. Exposures were either occupational [67.0%] or as a result of unintentional ingestion [30.2%]; and only one case were related to suicide attempt. All cases occurred from early January through March of the year 2009, which is the period when Dormex [CH2N2] was being applied to the grape trees in our district. The routes of exposure to Dormex CH2N2 were skin contact [60.5%], oral ingestion [32.6%], and inhalation [6.9%]. Most of the cases involved workplace exposure [67.5%]. Dermatological manifestations were evident in the vast majority of cases [67.4%], while ocular manifestations were noted in [39.5%] of the patients. [67.4%] of patients had systemic signs and/or symptoms, including GIT manifestations, CNS manifestations, pulmonary manifestations, and cardiovascular manifestations. Five deaths from the 43 cases were identified. Statistically significant hyperglycemia and elevation in hepatic enzymes profile were noted on admission in all patient groups in comparison to control group, while there were no statistically significant changes observed in serum electrolytes and renal function tests in all patients at time of admission in comparison with control subjects. Based on the current study, acute exposure to Dormex, either dermally in the workplace or by ingestion in those using this product, pose a major threat to human health in the form of hepatic dysfunction, prolonged coma, and severe respiratory and gastrointestinal affections. The study recommended that all efforts should be directed towards studying the possible acute and chronic toxic effects of Dormex on human health in more expanded, large scale clinical and experimental studies

Determination of postmortem fluoxetine concentration in blood, liver, hair and in different regions of brain of albino rats

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]. Measurements of postmortem levels of the drug are helpful to demonstrate its usefulness in. forensic toxicology. For this reason, a rapid and sensitive high- pressure liquid chromatographic method has been developed for determination of the antidepressant fluoxetine in postmortem samples for 50 rats given intraperitoneal fluoxetine hydrochloride at the therapeutic levels. The postmortem samples were including blood, hair, liver, and discrete brain regions [raphenucleus, hypothalamus, and brain striatum].Fifty rats weighing from 200-250 gm. Rats were divided into 5 groups 10 rats per each group: group [1] was given ordinary rat diet, group [2] received 1ml/kg distilled water, group [3] was given fluoxetine hydrochloride once at a dose of 20mg/kg 30 minutes before killing and collection of samples, group [4] was given 10mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride once daily for 15 days and killed 30 minutes after the last dose, group [5] was given 10mg/kg. fluoxetine hydrochloride once daily for 9 days then killed on the 10th day after 30 minutes of 20mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride. Rats were sacrificed by decapitation and samples were collected immediately after death. In group III, the highest postmortem levels were observed in the raphenucleus followed by brain striatum, then the blood. In group IV, the highest postmortem levels were in hair followed by raphenucleus, then striatum followed by the liver. Meanwhile, in Group V, hair showed the highest postmortem levels followed by brain striatum then raphenucleus and lastly the liver. In conclusion, while blood is still the preferred matrix to link concentration and effect, analysis of hair, liver, and brain tissue can provide additional valuable information, not only in pure overdose cases

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation in treatment of supraventricular tachycardias in pediatric age group

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency [RF] catheter ablation in treatment of Supraventricular tachycardia [SVT] in children. A total of 60 pediatric patients with clinically documented SVT underwent an electrophysiologic study and RF catheter ablation at Mansoura University Children Hospital. The arrhythmias included alrioventricular reentrant tachycardia [AVRT; n = 45, 75%], atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia [AVNRT; n = 6, 10%], and atrial tachycardia [AT; n = 9, 15%]. The success rate of the RF catheter ablation was 93.3% for AVRT, 66.7% for AVNRT, and 77.8% for AT, respectively. Procedure-related complications were infrequent [7/60, 11.7%], [atrial flutter during RF catheter ablation [4/60, 6.6%]; ventricular fibrillation during RF catheter ablation [1/60,1.6%]; transient complete heart block during anesthesia or during RF catheter ablation [2/60, 3.3%]]. The recurrence rate was 8.3% [5/60] during a follow-up period of 24 months. RF catheter ablation is an effective and safe method to manage children with SVT

correlation of cyclin A with dtug resistance in adult acute non lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute Non Lymphoblastic Leukemia is one of the most common malignant tumors of haematology. With the recent progress in chemotherapy and supportive therapy, the remission and survival rate have been markedly improved. In this study, cyclin A2 and multidrug resistance expression was measured by flow cytometry and RT-PCR in 52 de novo AML patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Their expression was correlated with other prognostic criteria, response to treatment and to overall survival. The rate of CR and PR was significantly higher in the group of positive expression of cyclin A2, compared to that with negative expression. However a statistically significant difference was only reached by PCR [p=0.02]. By flow cytometry, the overall Survival [OS] in the group with positive cyclin A2 expression is significantly higher than that in the group of negative cyclin A2 expression, p=0.03. Regarding MDRI, it was expressed in 39% of our patients and the level of expression was slightly higher by RT-PCR. The rate of CR and PR in the group of negative MDR expression was significantly higher as compared to the group of positive MDR expression, by both flow cytometry and RTPCR [p= 0.005, 0.004, respectively]. The OS in the group with negative MDR1 expression was significantly higher than that in the group of positive MDR1 expression, p=O.04. There was a significant inverse relationship between Cyclin A2 and MDR expression in our AML cases by RTPCR technique [p= 0.005], while it showed no significance by Flow cytometry [p=0.12]. There was no agreement [Kappa=0.25] between Flow cytometry and RT-PCR in detection of cyclin A2. On the contrary, there was an agreement between Flow cytometry and RT-PCR in detection of MDR. In conclusion, the low expression of cyclin A2 and high expression of MDR1 are indicators for unfavorable prognosis for individuals with AML. The detection of cyclin A2 level would predict drug resistance. However, it is one of many other factors

Effect of feeding-type on the nutritional status of infants in urban and rural area

Breast feeding is widely accepted to be the optimal source of nutrition for infants, which providing them with suitable nutrients for growth, development and immune protection. The aim of this study was to compare between different type of feeding and nutritional status and development of infants in urban and rural area in El-Gharbia governement.100 infants and their mothers were chosen randomly from m.c.h. centers. Data were collected from mothers and anthropometric measurements were used to measure nutritional status of infants during vaccines time [2, 4.6.9.12 months] Physical development was followed in the same time. The results showed that 45%of infants were boys and 55% were girls,83%of infants were breastfed 7% were artificial feeding, and 10% were mixed feeding .The mothers of most breast feeding infants [88.37%] were either intermediate or highly educated. Regarding to nutritional status, there was 2%of infants were under weight [weight/age], 8% infants were wasting and 8% were overweight [weight/height] Underweight was found among 14.28% of artificial feeding infants, but not found among breast-feeding infants, while wasting was found among 28.56% of artificial feeding and 30% of mixed feeding. The differences in nutritional status by type of feeding were not significant. All children were anemic in both rural and urban areas .For physical development it was found that breastfeeding infants starting in sitting down, crawling and walking earlier than artificial and mixed feeding infants. The results of this study illustrated that breast-feeding is widely accepted in El-Gharbia -Egypt than other studies before. We can conclude that breast feeding is more suitable for infant's growth and development than other type of feeding

Periparturient changes in the relevant blood constituents and mammary gland function in multiparous rahmani X finn ewes crossbreds

A total of seventeen [17] late pregnant multiparous Finn x Rahmani ewes crossbreds [8 ewes 1/2 Finn x 1/2 Rahmani [GI] and 9 ewes 1/4 Finn x 3/4 Rahmani [GII]] were used to study the changes in some constituents of blood and mammary gland secretions around parturition [7 days prepartum to 7 days postpartum]. Morning mammary gland secretion samples [50 ml] were collected from the experimental ewes at -7, -4, at parturition, + 1, +2, +3, +4 and +7 days relative to parturition. Morning blood samples [5 ml] were collected from the experimental ewes -7, -4, at parturition, +4 and +7 days relative to parturition. Total lipids, progesterone and Insulin like growth factor-I [IGF-1] were quantified in the blood serum of the experimental ewes. Fat, protein, lactose, total solids, solids not fat and somatic cell counts were quantified in the mammary gland secretions. The results indicated that the overall blood serum total lipids concentration [g/l] ranged between 0.65 and 3.46 for GI, the corresponding values for GII were 0.80 and 3.74[g/l]. Serum IGF-1 levels increased sharply at parturition being 410.72 ng/ml for UI and 438.98 ng/ml for Gil. Progesterone concentration in serum of GI and Gil showed sharp decline during the late prepartum period until parturition being 7.85ng/ml at - 7 days prepartum and 0.43ng/ml at parturition for GI and 8.74ng/ml at day - 7 prepartum, 0.28ng/ml at parturition for GIl. The overall blood serum progesterone concentration [ng/ml] ranged between 0.01 and 17.41 for GI. the corresponding values for GIL were 0.04 and 31.74 ng/ml. Concerning the mammary secretions, the concentrations of total proteins, total solids, solids not fat and lactose at 7 days prepartum, at parturition and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 days postpartum were higher in GII than that in GI. Values of mammary secretions somatic cell counts [SCC] were lower for Gil than GI. It could be concluded that there were massive changes in serum IGF-l, total lipids and progesterone around parturition in the crossbred ewes under investigation. Massive changes in mammary function were also noticed around parturition. No significant differences between the two studied crossbred ewes in the relevant blood and mammary constituents' parameters investigated around parturition were noticed declaring that both groups adapted the same to parturition

Effect of Artemesia plant on parasite load and morbidity in murine Schistosomiasis mansoni

The efficacy of Artemesia inculta and A. absinthium, on oogram changes, tissue egg load and hepatic granuloma was evaluated in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. The ethanol extract of each plant was given in a dose of 800mg/kg b.w. to all treated groups at different time intervals 7 week's, post infection [P.I.] and 24 hrs, 7 and 15 days post infection. Their effect was more obvious when the plant extract was given 24 hrs, 7 and 15 days post infection; where the number of dead ova was 15.95 +/- 0.49 [A. inculta] and 15.80 +/- 0.45 [A. absinthium] compared to 12.03 +/- 0.0 and 14.00 +/- 0.42 when both extracts where given respectively 7 week P.I. Concerning the number of ova/gm liver, the percentage reduction was 38.14% and 43.46% when [A. inculta and A. absinthium] extracts were given 24 hrs, 7 and 15 days post infection compared to 5.25% and 12.78% where both extracts were given respectively 7 weeks P.I. Histopathological effect of A. inculta and A. absinthium, on liver 7 weeks P.I. revealed that granulomas were lobular, cellular with mild fibrous tissue and large in size, while when treatment was 24hrs, 7 and 15 days post infection., smaller granulomas, with more fibrous and normal dilated portal veins, liver architecture was noticed. In conclusion the use of repeated doses of Artemesia plants in the early stages of schistosomiasis infection may be of value in overcoming the recent problem of reinfection, they are less castly and more safe than other antibilharzial drugs, with minimal side effects as revealed by the histopathological studies

Consumer behaviour towards food label in Alexandria city markets

People want to know what is in their food. Surveys show that very high proportions of people believe it is important to find nutrition information on food packages. So the purpose of this study aimed to identify the percentage of food label on food packages and types of information. It aimed also to study consumer's practices and behavior towards food label. In addition the most acceptable form of food label for consumers. A check list was used to identify the percentage of food label on food packages and types of information on it. The data were collected from 650 consumers chosen randomly from different supermarkets in Alexandria city by using a questionnaire; the data were analyzed by using SAS program, qui square, frequency, and percentage. The survey showed that, food labels were found on some products but without nutrition facts and absent from others. The interviewed sample showed that, 64.9% female, 56.8% were between [31-45] years old, 63.8% were married and 76% were highly educated. Newspaper, television, and food labeling were the mainly information sources for consumers, representing 72%, 65.4%, 49.4% respectively. The percentage of consumers interested in reading expire date, origin, ingredients, commercial name, and price were 92.3%, 51.5%, 40.9%, 40.3%, and 34.2% respectively. It was found that 50.8% of consumers always concern about reading information on food label, and 87.8% don't buy the products in case of absence of label or enough information. Also it was found that, there was highly significant relationship between gender, age, education, and consumer's practices and behaviors towards food label It was concluded that there must be a nutrition education program to raise awareness of consumers towards food label and food choice

Relationship between daily in take of some nutrients and the level of lead and cadmium in breast milk

The effect of nutritional status of lactating women on the levels of lead and cadmium in breast milk is a critical point. Samples were chosen randomly from two sites in Alexandria representing rural and urban areas. Total samples of 84 lactating women were collected, 48 from urban areas, and 36 from rural areas. A questionnaire was prepared, containing different information about socioeconomic data, some environmental information, food habits and practices, and 24 hour dietary recall. Samples of breast milk were collected and prepared to determine the heavy metal content. The results show that, 44% of lactating women in rural areas were at risk age [under, out of normal child bearing age], while it was 20% in urban. Daily intake of protein, iron and vitamin C were higher in urban than rural. Lactating women consumed less than RDA of the studied nutrients in both areas. Levels of Pb and Cd in breast milk were higher in urban than in rural areas [0.81, 0.019 ppm, and 0.79, 0.003 ppm] respectively. The results showed that, there was a significant reverse correlation between level of Pb in breast milk and daily intake of Ca, vit. C, protein and education level in rural areas. It is concluded that, lactating women need nutrition education programs to enhance their nutritional status and avoid nutrition problems and contamination

Protective effect of vitamin E from cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Cisplatin is a potent drug which is commonly used in treatment of many tumors; however, its high toxicity limits its use. This work was undertaken to study the histo-chemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of adult albino rats after injection of cisplatin alone and in association with vitamin E. In rats administrated cisplatin alone, the histochemical study showed a significant decrease in both Periodic acid Schiff's reaction and succinic dehydrogenase activity accompanied with an elevation of acid phosphatase reaction in hepatocytes all over the hepatic lobules. In respect to these light microscopic observations, concomitant electron microscopic study revealed deficiency of glycogen aggregates, mitochondrial changes including; decrease in the number, deformity in shape, and loss of some aristae, beside an increase in the number of lysosomes. In addition, nuclear chromatin condensation and widening of the perinuclear cisternae were commonly observed. On the other hand, administration of vitamin E prior to cisplatin led to relief of these histochemical and ultrastructural abnormalities probably owing to the protective anti-oxidant nature of vitamin E. It would be concluded that the use of cisplatin drug alone is highly hepatotoxic, so it is better to prescribe Vitamin-E together with cisplatin to limit its toxic effects

Evaluation of molluscicidal and schistosomicidal activity of two species of Egyptiana Plant in schistosomiasis inansoni

The present study showed that the two plants Artemisia absinthium and Artemisia inculta as cold or boiled water suspensions of their dry powder were nontoxic against Biomphalaria Alexandrina snails. On the other hand, the ethanol extracts of A. absinthium and A. inculta were effective as molluscicides against B. Alexandrina, and the LC9O being 250 ppm and 400 ppm respectively, after 24 hours of exposure. It was observed that these LC9O values killed Schistosoma mansoni ova after 15 minutes of exposure. The free living larval stages of S. mansoni [miracidia and cercariae]. were killed after 30 and 45 minutes of exposure to LC90 of A. obsinthium and A. inculta respectively. The use of A. absimthium and A. inculta ethanol extracts for treatment of murine schistosomiasis mansoni was studied using different doses of 500 mg I kg, 700 mg /kg and 800 mg I kg to investigate the effect of either extract against immature stages, each dose was given as single oral dose 24 hours post infection, then 7 days post infection and lastly 15 days post infection. To study the effect of A. absinthium and A. inculta against adult Schistosorna worms, each dose of the ethanol extracts was given 7 weeks post infection as single oral dose. The percentages of reduction in mean worm burden 9 weeks post infection in animals treated with either A. absinthium or A. inculta, 7 weeks post infection with a single oral dose of 800 mg/kg, were 39.5% and 38.7% respectively. Moreover, the percentage of reduction in mean number of worms 9 weeks post infection reached 77.32% and 74.9%, respectively by using the same dose [800 mg/kg] for three successive treatment schedule, 24 hours, 7 days and 15 days post infection. Also, the mean number of eggs excreted in stool was significantly decreased with the use of both plants for the all designated time intervals. It is concluded that treatment with the ethanol extracts of Artemisia plants showed high efficacy when given early and in repeated doses in murine schistosomiasis mansoni

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egypt

Viral infection, especially caused by herpes viruses, is now recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised cancer patients. This study aimed at studying seroprevalence of 3 herpes viruses Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 [HSV 1 and 2], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], and cytomegalovirus [CMV] in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]. We conducted this study on 68 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with ALL presented to the Pediatric Oncology Service of National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt from November 2001 to June 2003. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in detecting HSV 1 and 2, CMV, EBV antibodies of both types immunoglobulin [Ig] M and IgG detection of DNA for both CMV and EBV by polymerase chain reaction was carried out. High seroprevalence of HSV-1 and 2, CMV and EBV IgG antibodies in both leukemic children and their control was observed [69%, 100%, 83%] and [80%, 100%, 95%]. Significantly higher percentage of HSV-1 and 2 IgM or reactivated infection was found among leukemic children 17/68 [25%] compared with normal control 0%. Analysis showed that prevalence of HSV 1 and 2 IgG increased from 18/33 [54%] in children <5 years to 11/13 [77%] in children >10 years, and reactivation of HSV-1 and 2 increased with increasing age from 1/33 [3%] in children <5 years to 4/13 [30%] in children >10 year. This was in contrast to seroprevalence of CMV and EBV IgG which were 100% and 83% in children <5 years. No difference in seroprevalence was found among both gender, and no difference was found in leukemic patients with granulocytopenia. The data show a higher exposure to HSV-1 and 2 both primary infections and reactivation among ALL children. Therefore, acyclovir prophylaxis could be highly effective for seropositive leukemic patients who are undergoing induction chemotherapy

Detection of bordetella pertussis by PCR in infants with respiratory failure

Despite being under-reported, Bordetella pertussis injection remains a severe disease of high incidence world-wide. No cases were reported in Egypt since 2001. Different immunization protocols exist in different countries with variable vaccination coverage ratios. This prospective investigation study was conducted in the PICU of Mansoura University Children Hospital. Mansoura, Egypt identifying cases of B. pertussis infection among mechanically ventilated infants presenting with respiratory failure and features compatible with pertussis [bronchopneumonia, apnoea, acute life threatening event]. Infants less than one year of age were enrolled over a period of 12 months. Sixty one specimens of endotracheal secretions were examined by PCR for the presence of a 262-bp target sequence from IS481 specific for B. pertussis. Nine specimens were positive for B. pertussis, five infants in this group did not survive. All non survivors were younger than 6 months of age. Infants in the PCR-positive group had a younger age [p = 0.038], a longer duration of illness prior to PICU admission [p < 0.01] and a higher mortality rate [p = 0.045] compared to the PCR - negative infants. It is crucial to raise awareness, among medical professionals, of clinical picture, complications and treatment of pertussis, If immunization program of Egypt was to be reviewed, there may be a need for a more accelerated primary immunization program against pertussis with booster doses for young adults

study on the role of epstein barr virus infection in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Oral herpes virus infections are thought to be a responsible predisposing cause of nasopharyngeal cancer. Of the herpes viruses, Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] has classically been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma [NPC] and Burkitt's lymphoma. Recently, multiple studies have been published linking EBV with oral squamous cell carcinoma and, to a lesser extent, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal tumors. Using a sensitive method of detection, this study was conducted to analyze the presence of EBV DNA in 40 NPC cases and 35 cases with benign nasal polyps as control in serum and tissue and compared it with serological markers. Three EBV serological markers were performed by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay including EBV VCA IgM, EBV IgG and EBNA IgG. Herpes simplex virus antibodies HSV I and II IgG were examined in serum. Forty serum and tissue samples exclusive of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were examined for the presence of EBV DNA and HSV II DNA using qualitative polymerase chain reaction. Thirty-five serum and tissue samples of benign nasal polyps were submitted to all the tests as control. Serological tests for EBV: revealed that EBV VCA IgG was positive in 57.5%, EBNA IgG was positive in total of 47.5% NPC. EBV DNA was positive in serum in all EBV VCA IgG and EBNA IgG positive cases. EBV DNA by PCR in tissue was positive in 72.5% of NPC in which 70% were EBV-DNA serum positive. In the benign group 17.1% EBV-DNA tissue positive cases, only 2.9% were EBV-DNA serum positive by PCR. HSV DNA in tissue was positive in 20% of NPC and 11.4% of benign group. In NPC HSV-DNA tissue positive cases, 2.5% were HSV-DNA serum positive by PCR and 17.5% were negative. The results indicate that HSV and EBV have a role in the etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Detection of EBNA1 and HSV in the serum and corresponding tissue of nasopharyngeal carcinoma indicates the role of circulating viral DNA as an early marker for pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and that it could serve as good supplement to pathological diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Lymphocyte apoptosis and proliferation related gene products in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The aim of the study is to characterize markers of apoptosis in children with ALL in relation to treatment outcome of the disease. The study was performed on 34 children with ALL and 60 healthy children as a control group. Apoptosis was assessed by cell morphology; DNA fragmentation; ELISA and RT-PCR for CD95, CD95L, BcL2 and NF-KB; and flowcytometry for CD95, CD40, CD49d, and CD11a. Apoptosis was significantly lower in cases than controls. Apoptosis detected by CD95 ligand was significantly lower in cases with no remission after treatment than those with remission. Antiapoptotic factors: CD40, BcL2, and NF-KB were all found to be higher in cases than controls and in cases with no remission than those with remission, CD49d was significantly lower in cases than controls, and significantly lower in cases with no remission. CD11a levels were not different among various groups. Delayed apoptosis of ALL cells is genetically controlled either directly or indirectly by a network of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. CD40 appeared to stimulate both T and lineage and is considered the most potent influencer and predictor to resistance to therapy. Inhibitors for the activity of CD40, 8c/2 and NF-kB as well as stimulants to CD95 could have a potential therapeutic benefit