Modified culture methodology for specific detection of blastocystis hominis in stool samples

Blastocystis hominis provides major challenges for laboratory diagnosis due to its polymorphic nature in wet mounts which can result in confusion with other protozoa, yeast or even fat globules. Studies revealed that simple smears were less sensitive than in vitro cultivation using different media for the detection of B. hominis in stool specimens. Cultures of B. hominis are usually enriched by different types of sera to enhance growth and multiplication of the parasite. The aim of this study is to assess the use of two sera types other than horse serum that is commonly used in culture media for the growth, multiplication and detection of B. hominis in examined stool samples and comparing the results with those obtained using horse serum. Fifty stool samples were collected from patients suffering from different colonic manifestations attending Cairo University Hospitals. The samples were freshly cultured in three different culture media using horse serum [in Jones' medium], donkey serum [as a modification in Jones' medium] and human plasma [in modified Pavlova's medium] in adequate preparations. Cultures were then left for incubation and examined by direct microscopy to detect Blastocystis hominis. The results showed of 50 stool samples studied, 18 samples [36%] were positive results for 3. hominis. The number of positive results obtained by horse serum, donkey serum and human plasma were 13, 18 and 11 respectively. Paired comparisons were made between each 2 cultures with each culture set as a reference once to detect the most appropriate one for diagnosis. When horse was set as the reference method, donkey serum showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86.5% with a 90% agreement between the 2 methods. While human plasma showed a sensitivity of 46.2% and specificity of 86.5% with an agreement of 76%. In addition, the vacuolar form was the commonest pattern observed in this study throughout all the three cultures

Evaluating laboratory key performance using quality indicators in alexandria university hospital clinical chemistry laboratories

The performance of clinical laboratories plays a fundamental role in the quality and effectiveness of healthcare. To evaluate the laboratory performance in Alexandria University Hospital Clinical Laboratories using key quality indicators and to compare the performance before and after an improvement plan based on ISO 15189 standards. The study was carried out on inpatient samples for a period of 7 months that was divided into three phases: phase I included data collection for evaluation of the existing process before improvement [March-May 2012]; an intermediate phase, which included corrective, preventive action, quality initiative and steps for improvement [June 2012]; and phase II, which included data collection for evaluation of the process after improvement [July 2012-September 2012]. In terms of the preanalytical indicators, incomplete request forms in phase I showed that the total number of received requests were 31 944, with a percentage of defected request of 33.66%; whereas in phase II, there was a significant reduction in all defected request items [P< 0.001] with a percentage of defected requests of 9.64%. As for the analytical indicators, the proficiency testing accuracy score in phase I showed poor performance of 10 analytes in which total error [TE] exceeded total error allowable [Tea], with a corresponding sigma value of less than 3, which indicates test problems and an unreliable method. The remaining analytes showed an acceptable performance in which TE did not exceed the TEa, with a sigma value of more than 6. Following an intervention of 3 months, the performance showed marked improvement. Error tracking in phase I showed a TE of [5.11%], whereas in phase II it was reduced to 2.48% [P<0.001]. For the postanalytical indicators, our results in phase I showed that the percentage of nonreported critical results was 26.07%. In phase II, there was a significant improvement [P< 0,001]. The percentage of nonreported results was 11.37%, the reasons were either inability to contact the authorized doctor [8.24%], wrong patient identification [1.0%], lack of reporting by lab doctor [1.11%], and finally, lack of reporting by the lab technician [1.03%]. Standardization and monitoring of each step in the total testing process is very important and is associated with the most efficient and well-organized laboratories

Characteristics of Anthocyanin pigments extracted from rosella [Hibiscus sabdariffa, L.] and its potential uses as antioxidant and natural food colorants

Extraction of anthocyanin from rosella [Hibiscus sabdariffa, L.] was optimized for identification of the major constituents of the extract by HPLC to be used as alternative natural red colorants in some processed foods, i.e. hard candy, as well as to find out its effect as natural antioxidant on corn oil. Rosella anthocyanin contained 620 mg anthocyanin/100g rosella The major constituents were cyaniding 3, 5 diglucoside delphinidin 3 glocoside and cyaniding 3 arabinoside by analyzing with HPLC. The best carrier for rosella anthocyanin was dextrin followed by soluble starch, lactose and glucose, respectively, On the other hand, color and higher pigment stability of anthocyanin extracted from rosella were in acidic conditions at pH value ranging between 1.0 to 3.0 and temperature between 40.0 to 60.0°C. Meanwhile, the degradation of anthocyanin was 58.0% of the total pigments after 180 mm at 100°C. Antioxidant activity of rosella extracts was assessed by measuring the peroxide value in corn oil during 7 days at 60°C, where, corn oil containing 200, 500, 1000 ppm lowered the peroxide value compared using 200 ppm synthetic antioxidant [200 ppm]. Analysis of variance for sensory evaluation of prepared hard candy indicated that, hard candy containing 0.20% rosella anthocyanin pigments had the highest score of color, taste and overall acceptability similar to the synthetic color carmine

Characterization and application of curcumin pigments extracted from turmeric [Curcuma longa, L.]

Extraction and determination of curcumin pigment from turmeric and using these pigments as alternative natural yellow colorants in some processed foods i. e. spaghetti. Also the effect of using turmeric extract as natural antioxidant on sunflower oil was also undertaken. Turmeric contained 523 mg curcumin/100g turmeric. The best carrier for curcumin was lactose followed by dextrin, soluble starch and glucose, respectively. On the other hand, color and high pigment stability of curcumin from turmeric were at neutral and alkaline conditions, also [pH values from 7 to 9] on temperature averaging [from 70°C to 90°C]. While, the degradation of curcumin being 5% of the total pigment after 150 min at 100°C. Antioxidant activity of turmeric extract was evaluated by measuring rancimat test on sunflower oil by adding 100 to 500 ppm turmeric extract. However, sunflower oil containing 200 to 500 ppm turmeric extract recorded, the higher induction period compared to the sunflower oil containing 200 ppm [BHT] synthetia antioxidant. Analysis of the variance for sensory evaluation of spaghetti prepared from 0.15 and 0.20% curcumin pigment revealed the highest score of color, taste, texture and overall acceptability compared with the control and other tested samples

Epidemiology of rotavirus in greater Cairo

Rotaviruses are a major cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of rotavirus infection among children and the genotypes circulating in Greater Cairo. During May 2006 to April 2008 one hundred and sixty eight wastewater samples and five hundreds and sixty seven stool specimens from children with acute diarrhea were examined using RT-PCR and multiplex nested PCR for genotyping. Prevalence of rotavirus reached 162/567 [28.6%] and 10/48 [20.8%] in fecal specimens and raw wastewater samples, respectively. A marked occurrence of rotaviruses appeared during autumn and winter [from Sept. to Feb.]. In stool samples, the G-P type combination were G1P[4] 14.8%, G1P[6] 9.9%, G3P[4/ ] 9.9% and G3P[6] 8, 6%, while in wastewater samples G1P[4] 20.6%, and G3P[4] 5.9% were only detected. The efficiency of Zenin wastewater treatment plant [WWTP] to remove infectious rotavirus was higher than El Gabal El Asfar [WWTP] as the former uses a final chlorination step. The time needed for complete removal of the rotavirus infectious units and its genome was 15 and 30 mm, respectively when exposed to UV Lamp[Vilber-Lour mat T-15c] 9W and a virus concentration of 2x 106 CC-RT-PCR units/ml, The chlorine dose 15 mg for 30 mm is sufficient to remove the infectious units of rotavirus at 2x106 CC-RT-PCR units /ml, while the same dose for 45 mm is needed for complete removal of the rotavirus genome. The antiviral activity of a pigenin 7-o-glucoside [extracted from Chrysanthemum coronarium] against rotavirus was 60%

Biochemical study of the anti-diabetic effect of L-arginine in relation to hepatic glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

An alternative strategy to treat diabetes is the use of various natural agents possessing hypoglycemic effect. Diabetes is associated with reduced plasma level of L-arginine. Growing evidence indicates that L-arginine may be a novel therapy for diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate the improving effect of L-arginine on carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin [STZ]-diabetic rat liver. Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of STZ [50 mg/kg b.wt]. L-arginine was administered to animals in their drinking water [2.25g%] to subset of diabetic animals starting one week after induction of diabetes and continued for 5 weeks. Diabetic rats had elevated levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA[1c]] and increased activities of liver glucose6-phosphatase and phosphorylase. Decreased levels of serum insulin and hepatic glycogen as well as activities of glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase were also observed. L-arginine supplementation significantly ameliorates most of the measured parameters. In conclusion, L-argmnine supplementation may represent a potentially useful strategy for the management of diabetes

Hepatoprotective activity of quercetin against diethylnitrosamine - induced liver carcinogenesis in rats

Chemoprevention has emerged as a very effective preventive measure against carcinogenesis. Several bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables have revealed cancer protective and curative on carcinogenesis. In the present study, the efficacy of quercetin on oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, membrane integrity markers and alterations in DNA and RNA levels in diethylnitrosamine-induced liver carcinogenesis in rats was assessed. In liver cancer bearing animals there was an increase in serum liver function indices, liver malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, DNA and RNA levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and cytosolic cytochrome C oxidase [as a marker for mitochondrial membrane integrity] activities, along with decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphatase [as a marker for plasma membrane integrity] and xanthine oxidase activities. Quercetin supplementation [50mg/kg body weight p.o.] attenuated all these alterations, which indicates the anticancer effect that was further confirmed by histopathological examination. Overall, the above data shows that quercetin could face the liver carcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine. This is could be mediated through combating oxidative stress of free radicals and protecting the cellular membranes from the deleterious effects of diethylnitrosamine

Scanning electron microscopy and histopathological study of the effect of estriol on the endometrium of women using long acting injectable contraceptives with irregular uterine bleeding

Hormonal contraceptives are female sex steroids, synthetic estrogen and synthetic progesterone [pro gestin], or pro gestin only. They can be administered in the form of oral contraceptives "OC", implants, and injectables. A large part of the modem medical research has focused on studying the effect of different forms of the hormonal contraception on the human endometrium whether by the conventional dilatation and curettage or by outpatient pipelle to study the endometrial histopathological changes either by light microscope or scanning electron microscope; and to correlate the findings detected by both modalities, in order to develop an effective method for diagnosis and treatment of different forms of eridometrial pathology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen treatment on the endometrium of women using pogestational injectable contraceptive [Depo-provera] [R]and complaining of irregular uterine bleeding using: Clinical assessment, transvaginal ultrasound and studying endometrial samples by: The ordinary light microscope and the scanning electron microscope. In this study 30 women using depo provera as a contraceptive method and all of them complaining of irregular uterine bleeding were randomly categorized into 2 groups; group A included 15 cases who received estriolfor 3 months, and group B included 15 cases who received Diosmine for the same period. Both groups were subjected to endometrial sampling by an out patient pippelle before and after treatments then the endometrial tissues were examined by the ordinary light microscope and the scanning electron microscope, results were then tabulated and statistically analyzed using the standard statistical tests. Microscopic examination of-the endometrial biopsies from all women receiving depot inedroxyprogesterone acetate revealed variable degrees of endo, netrial atrophy. The glandular architecture was cystic in cases and budded in the others. The glands were lined by mitotically inactive bland-looking cuboidal or flattened cells with rare pseudostratfication. The glands were embedded' in a mitotically inactive spindled stroma that exhibited varying degrees of collagenation. The ratio of glands to stroma was near one with predominant stroma. in many foci. Microscopic examination of the endometrial biopsies of the 15 patients that received Diosmine for 3 months didn't reveal any proliferative change in 12 of them and only weak prohferative changes were noted in 3 of them. All atrophic endometria examined with the SEM revealed inconsistency in cell size and shape, cellular loss and separation, infrequency of ciliated cells and absence of uterodomes. Epithelial surface was usually flattened, with cells often displaying raised cell borders; Microvillous cells were thinly populated with very low, blebbed microvilli. Afew to moderate number of glands with large openings were observed. Pitted cells were observed in 2 of the specimens that were treated with Diosmine. Number of injections and time lapse since the last injection had a role in the endometrial changes but age, gravidity and parity had no role. Depotmedroxyprogesterone acetate [DMPA] is one of the most effective hormonal iontraceptive methods used by women in reproductive age to prevent pregnancy. Discontinuation of DMPA is mainly due to menstrual irregularities including unpredictable bleeding or spotting; this bleeding is mainly due to endometrial atrophy. Estriol is considered the friendly estrogen and can he used in treatment of vaginal bleeding during DMPA use by changing the endometrium front vrophic to prolfirative so it causes building up of a new endometrium without evident side effects Endometriutn either under effect of DMPA or estriol is easy to be studied by combined scanning electron microscopy and ordinary light microscopy cfter endometrial sampling by outpatient pipelle

Circulating soluble transferrin receptor and ferritin in polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this study was to determine serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR] concentrations in poiycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] women and to clarify their relationship to insulin resistance and metabolic features of PCOS. This cross-sectional study consisted of 20 obese patients with PCOS, 15 obese, normally menstruating, age and BMI matched women, and 10 healthy, age matched, lean women as control groups. Serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, participants were subjected to hormonal assays, lipid profile, fasting glucose, iron, total iron binding capacity and serum insulin levels as well as transvaginal ultrasonography. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], Free Androgen Index [FAI], Body mass index [BMI] and Waist to hip ratio [WHR] were also calculated for each participant. Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in obese PCOS patients compared to both obese and lean control subjects Also, serum ferritin level was significantly higher in obese compared to lean control subjects. On the other hand, serum sTfR level was significantly lower in obese PCOS patients compared to both obese and lean subjects. While, no significant difference was observed between obese and lean subjects as regard sTfR level, the fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in obese PCOS patients compared to both obese and lean control subjects. In addition, obese subjects had significantly higher fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR compared to lean control subjects. Serum ferritin levels showed a significant inverse correlation with soluble transferrin receptor level in all of the studied groups. Obese PCOS women have lower soluble transferrin receptor levels compared to obese and normal controls. sTfR is highly correlated with ferritin. Furthermore, sTfR could serve as a sensitive marker for iron overload in obese, PCOS patients, or metabolic syndrome

Cognitive impairment after ischemic stroke: frequency and pattern

To focus on cognitive impairment as indicator of intellectual decline, three months after ischemic stroke, as regards its prevalence and the factors that may affect it. A total of 60 consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were enrolled. The cognitive function was assessed three months after stroke using a battery of neuropsychological tests. Beside global cognitive function, six major cognitive domains; visual memory, verbal memory, language, orientation, abstract reasoning and visuospatial ability were evaluated. The functional abilities were measured using Barthel Index [BI] for Activity of daily Living. The relationship between cognitive function and demographic data, CT findings and BI was examined. Cognitive impairment was found in 35% of the patients 3 months after ischemic stroke. In comparison to controls, patients had significant cognitive impairment. There was significant impairment of memory and abstract with advancing age. The performance of male patients was significantly better than female patients as regards visual and verbal memory. Patients with left hemispheric infarction had significant impairment in language while right hemispheric infarction was associated with visuospatial neglect. The larger the size of infarct, the more was the impairment of memory, orientation, language and reasoning. Multiinfarcts significantly affected memory, orientation and language. Posterior cerebral artery occlusion significantly affected visual and verbal memory. There was significant relationship between disability BI score and all cognitive domains but neglect. The first-ever ischemic stroke is associated with significant cognitive impairment which occurs in 35% of poststroke patients, three months after stroke. Age, sex, involved hemisphere, size of infarct, single or multiinfarcts, occluded cerebral artery and severity of functional disability may predict cognitive impairment, at least in one domain, after ischemic stroke

Spectrophotometric determination of glucosamine sulphate after oxidation with sodium bismuthate

Tow simple and sensitive spectrophotometric methods are described for determination of glucosamine sulphate potassium chloride salt in pure form and in capsule dosage form. The tow methods are based on oxidation of glucosamine sulphate salt with sodium bismuthate in acetic acid medium. In method [A], the absorbance of the oxidation product is measured at 254 nm, and calibration curve in the range 5-25 microg/ml [-1][r = 0.9995] is constructed. In method [B] the oxidation product is reacted with oxalyldihydrazide in presence of copper [II] ions, and the absorbance of the condensation product is measured at 305 and 615 nm. Linear relationships are observed over the concentration ranges 20 - 100 and 10-100 microg/ml[-1] glucosamine sulphate salt with correlation coefficient 0.9998 and 0.9995 at the tow wave lengths, respectively. The conditions of the experimental parameters were carefully studied and optimized. The proposed methods were successfully applied for determination of glucosamine sulphate salt in pure form with average recoveries 100.46 +/- 2.43 [method A]. 100.03 +/- 1.46 [method B at 305 nm] and 99.92 +/- 1.62 [method B at 615 nm]. Glucosamine sulphate salt was determined in capsule dosage form by the proposed methods with average recoveries 97.10 +/- 0.73 [method A], 96.70 +/- 1.18 and 96.94 +/- 0.89 [method B] at 305 nm and 615 nm, respectively. The results obtained were in a good agreement with those of a well established comparison method

Evaluation of the effect of sildenafil citrate in pre-eclampsia

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Sildenafil citrate [Viagra] on clinical course, biochemical parameters as well as Doppler ultrasound indices in cases of mild pregnancy-induced hypertension [PIH] and to evaluate the role of Sildenafil, if any, as a new therapeutic modality in mild PIH. The present study was conducted on 60 mild pre-eclamptic pregnant women; they were divided into 2 groups: Group I: included 40 cases and were subdivided into 2 subgroups: Group I A [20 cases] received 100mg sildenafil citrate in 2 daily divided doses for 1 week Group IB [20 cases] received 100 mg sildenafil citrate in 2 daily divided doses for 2 weeks Group II [control]: included 20 cases and were subjected to placebo [iron preparation] and bed rest for 1 week. Both groups were subjected to clinical, biochemical and Doppler ultrasound to assess the changes in blood pressure, uric acid, serum creatinine, serum proteins, serum albumin, ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid index [AFI] and Doppler ultrasound indices [RI, Pl, S/D ratio] respectively before and after the treatment. The study revealed that there was significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements and all Doppler indices after the use of 100 mg sildenafil for 1 week in group I A and a more significant reduction after longer duration of treatment in group IB without significant change of all these parameters in group II that was subjected to placebo and bed rest for 1 week. Such discussion is still controversial; the subject is still open for much future validation on larger study groups. It is too early for such preliminary study to arrive at sharp conclusions regarding the clinical utility of sildenafil for amelioration of pregnancy-induced hypertension. However it is convenient to report that at least in the current series, significant lowering of blood pressure and improvement of blood flow indices by Doppler ultrasound was attained by 100 mg sildenafil citrate- The possibility of cumulative effect is still hopeful based on more marked effect of the drug with longer duration of administration

Effect of different durations of schistosoma mansoni infection on the levels of some antioxidents in mice

The levels of lipid peroxides, glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes were measured in the livers of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice [CD strain weighing 20-25g] at different durations post infection [1,2,4,6 and 8 weeks]. Moreover, the liver weight, body weight, liver to body weight and total protein were studied in the same animal groups. Control non-infected groups were run simultaneously with each infected mice group. The data obtained showed that lipid peroxides were elevated throughout the different durations of infection while glutathione decreased with infection. On the other hand, both vitamins C and E showed a reduction in the livers of mice during the different durations of infection. The activity of catalase showed an insignificant change after one and two weeks and a high significant decrease in the livers of four, six and eight weeks S.mansoni infected mice, while, superoxide dismutase significantly decreased one and two weeks post infection with a significant elevation four, six and eight weeks post infection. Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in body weight after four, six and eight weeks of infection accompanied with an elevation in liver weight only after six and eight weeks. Consequently, liver weight/body weight showed an elevation after four, six and eight weeks of infection. Finally, the protein content was significantly lower at one, six and eight weeks post infection with S.mansoni. It could thus be concluded that host-parasite association results in production of free radicals as a result of an oxidative stress where the parasites struggle to overcome the immune response of the host and changes in host liver antioxidants occur as a means to scavenge these radicals

Dielectric properties of red blood cells pretreated by different types of vitamins

The effect of different vitamins [niacin [B5], pyridoxine [B6], thiamin [B1] and ascorbic acid [c]] on human red blood cells [RBC] in vitro has been studied. The dielectric parameters, electric conductivity, the relaxation frequency and dipole moment were measured over a frequency range from 50 Hz to 100 kHz .These parameters were used to follow up the variations occur in the red blood cells after one hour from incubation with such vitamins. The variations in all parameters are compared with the control specimen [without adding vitamins]. The dielectric parameters [epsilon, epsilon], conductivity [sigma] and dipole moment [D] were found to be decreased in comparison with the control one, while the relaxation frequency increases. The obtained results showed that the used vitamins may cause variations in structure and function of red blood cells, and consequently the risks of using large amounts of these vitamins for long time

Adiponectin in type 2 diabetes: relation to insulin sensitivity

Adiponectin, which is a novel-specific protein with putative antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory effect, was found to be decreased in individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, conditions commonly associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Insulin resistance appears to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia. Alteration in adiponectin level is suggested to be a primary metabolic abnormality leading to insulin resistance. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the plasma level of adiponectin and its relation to insulin resistance. We studied 20 type 2 diabetic patients and 20 healthy controls. All patients and controls were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and laboratory studies including oral glucose tolerance curve with estimation of serum glucose and insulin, plasma adiponectin, lipid profile, serum uric acid and microalbuminuria. insulin sensitivity index [SI] was calculated. We found that plasma adiponectin, total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, uric acid and microalbumiuria were significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the healthy control subjects [P < 0.05]. Plasma adiponectin was significantly lower in diabetic patients than in normal subjects. it was positively correlated with the degree of insulin sensitivity and negatively correlated with body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid. We concluded that adiponectin may play a role in insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes

Physiopathologic role of plasma homocysteine concentration, folic acid and vitamin B[12] levels in patients with thrombotic stroke: relation to helicobacter pylori infection

To establish the link between serum homocysteine [Hcyst], folic acid and vitamin B[12] levels and Helicobacter pylori [H pylori] infection in the pathogenesis of thrombotic cerebrovascular stroke [CVS]. Subjects and Fourty patients with thrombotic CVS were selected at the Main Alexandria Hospital compared with 10 healthy subjects of matched age as a control group. Serum folate, vitamin B[12] and total Hcyst levels were determined. Also, serum anti-H pylori IgG was estimated in all included subjects. in thrombotic stroke patients; both serum folic acid and B[12] levels were significantly decreased while serum Hcyst level was significantly elevated compared to controls. Patients with hyper homocysteinemia [> 15 micro mol/l] had significantly lower levels of serum folate and vitamin B[12] and significantly higher levels of H pylori IgG than patients with normal serum Hcyst level. Serum Hcyst in stroke patients was significantly positively correlated to H pylori IgG levels and inversely correlated to serum folate and vitamin B[12]. Also, H pylori IgG level was significantly inversely correlated to serum folate and vitamin B[12]. H pylori infection may decrease serum folate and vitamin B[12] levels possibly through impairment of their absorption. This could lead to hyperhomocysteinemia due to abnormal Hcyst metabolism. Hcyst is toxic to endothelial cells and results in atherothrombosis and its sequelae

Cationic reaction of transition metals with synthetic crystalline calcium sillicates

The action uptake reactions of transition metals of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg with some synthetic crystalline calcium silicates such as xonotlite, gyrolite and Beta-wollastonite were studied. The total cations uptake reaction appeared to be a factor combining both partial exchange Ca[2+] - M[2+]and precipitation of M[2+] as carbonates, hydroxy carbonates, hydroxy nitrates or hydroxides during the course of reaction. It was difficult to delineate the extent of the former reaction from the latter. These cations; have negative effect, on basic crystallinity of the solids, Beta-wollastonite was considered the most stable one. The total amounts in meq. of ions up taken by these solids have been found in a descending order : xonotlite > gyrolite > Beta-wollastonite

Study of some fibrinolytic parameters in diabetics with and without vascular complications

Aim: Hypofibrinolysis is a common finding in patients with diabetes and a risk factor for the occurrence of micro- and macroangiopathy. Type 2 diabetic patients have a high incidence of atherosclerosis and thrombosis leading to increased morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. The superimposition of thrombosis or atherosclerosis is associated with hypercoagulation, hypofibrinolysis and/or platelet alteration, which is caused by several factors including endothelial dysfunction, disturbed lipid metabolism, monocyte invasion and smooth muscle proliferation. The aim of the present work was to study the level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] and D-dimer in diabetic patients with vascular complications and to compare these results with a group of diabetic patients without vascular complications. Subjects and The study was carried out on 60 female subjects; 20 healthy normal controls, 20 type 2 diabetic subjects without vascular complications and 20 type 2 diabetics with vascular complications, subdivided into 10 subjects with diabetic proliferate retinopathy as a microvascular complication and 10 subjects with coronary heart disease as a macrovascular complication. The results showed that PAI-1 and D-dimer were higher in type 2 diabetic patients as compared to the control group. Diabetic subjects with vascular complications showed higher level of PAI-1 and D-dimer as compared to those without vascular complications. The euglobulin clot lysis time [ECLT] was prolonged in type 2 diabetics in comparison to the controls. The diabetic patients with vascular complications showed also prolongation of ECLT as compared to those without vascular complications Conclusions: There is a generalized hypercoagulable state in diabetics with vascular complications and this state may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications Therefore, good glycemic and lipid control may decrease the level of PAI-1, D-dimer and clot lysis time, so it may delay or prevent the vascular-complications of diabetes

Homocysteine and vascular events in lupus patients with and without raynaud's phenomenon

Aim: Homocysteine [Hcy] is now considered as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases lupus patients with Raynaud's and without Raynaud's phenomenon [RP] are candidates for multiple vascular events due to several contributing factors. Hyperhomoysteinemia is among these factors. Subjects and The aim of this study is to examine the level of fasting homocysteine and anti-cardiolipin antibodies in a selected group of lupus patients with and without Raynaud's phenomenon, and find their relation to some vascular events. No significant difference in the serum levels of ESR, CRP, serum creatinine, anti-ds-DNA, C3, parameters of lipid profile, and the two isotypes of anticardiolipins [aCL] [IgG and IgM], when lupus patients with RP are compared with those with no RP. Homocysteine is significantly elevated in all lupus patients when compared to the control group, yet, there is no difference when lupus patients with RP are compared to those without RP. Conclusions: Our data do not support a cause and effect relationship between homocysteine and Raynaud's phenomon in lupus patients. Also, we are in favour of an essential role for lupus disease itself in the development of hyperhomocysteinemia. Whether nutritional supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 is advisable to ameliorate the vasomotor dysregulation in lupus patients with RP is still a matter of debate