Characterization and evaluation for wound healing of chitosan extracted from the exoskeleton of freshwater crab Potamonautes niloticus

The freshwater crab Potamonautes niloticus (Potamonautidae: Decapoda: Crustacea) is common in River Nile andits tributaries but has no commercial value as edible crab for human beings. Therefore, the present study aims toevaluate the role of chitosan extracted from its exoskeleton for wound healing process as a medical application. Thestructure of chitosan has been physically investigated by using fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy to reveal thevibrational frequencies of different structural functional groups, such as primary amine groups, hydroxyl groups andamide groups. The efficiency of the extracted chitosan was assessed by morphological and histological examinationof wound healing in albino rats. Sections of isolated wounds were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate thehistological changes during the wound healing process. Chitosan was yielded 30.64% from the crab shells and theresults of wound healing assessments showed that the chitosan treated group (Ch 1%) was more efficient and fasterthan other groups (Ch 2, 3%) versus control groups. Also, the total leucocyte counts showed shortened inflammatoryphase in chitosan-treated groups. The present results showed the efficiency of extracted chitosan in wound healingprocess and can be used in medical applications.

Isolation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria species from human breast milk

Bacterial colonization of the infant gut is a gradual process that exerts a strong influence on the health status of the host. The source of bacterial diversity in breast fed babies remains unclear. For many decades, breast milk has been regarded as a sterile body fluid which exerts its influence on the infant's microbiota environment via presenting only some growth factors and optimal conditions for helping the growth of bacteria. However, in recent years, breast milk has been hypothesized to be a source of commensal bacteria for the infant gut. This study aimed at searching for bacteria in breast milk to assess the role of breast milk as their probable source. Samples of breast milk were obtained from 50 lactating women and were tested for the presence of different bacteria, using specific media and specific biochemical reactions. Culture of the 50 breast milk specimens showed growth of different species of lactobacilli in 100% of the specimens and bifidobacteria in the milk of 14 mothers [28%]. Breast milk can be a source of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria for the infants

Isolation of enterococci and streptococci species from human breast milk

Bacterial colonization of the infant gut is a gradual process that exerts a strong influence on the health status of the host. The source of bacterial diversity in breast fed babies remains unclear. For many decades, breast milk has been regarded as a sterile body fluid which exerts its influence on the infant's microbiota environment via presenting only some growth factors and optimal conditions for helping the growth of bacteria. However, in recent years, breast milk has been hypothesized to be a source of commensal bacteria for the infant gut. This study aimed at searching for bacteria in breast milk to assess the role of breast milk as their probable source. Samples of breast milk were obtained from 50 lactating women and were tested for the presence of different bacteria, using specific media and specific biochemical reactions. Culture of the 50 breast milk specimens showed growth of different species of enterococci and streptococci in 60% and 84% of the specimens; respectively. Breast milk can be a source of enterococci and streptococci for the infants

New staining mount versus KOH mount in direct examination of clinical specimens for dermatophytes by modified phase contrast microscopy

This study is based on the use of phase contrast [PC] objective 40X aligned with the light annulus of turret condenser for 100X instead of 40X. This procedure has been resulted in an improved visualization of dermatophytic elements in skin scrapings and hair specimens in the form of 3-dimensional image. Consequently, different fungal elements and confusing artefacts could be easlly verified owing to good delineation of surface variations of such structures. Two preparations for each specimen have been examined; one as KOH mount and second with the new staining mount formulated by the author. Cultures have been done for all specimens. Seventy cases were studied; 16 hair and 54 skin scales specimens. Out of 16 hair specimens, by KOH mount, 8 cases of endothrix type of hair invasion and 4 cases of ectothrix have been observed by the modified phase contrast [MPC] microscopy compared with 9 cases of endothrix and 3 cases of ectothrix observed by the brightfield [BF] and phase contrast [PC] microscopy. After staining, 8 endothrix and 4 ectothrix cases have been noted by BF, PC and MPC. Culture results found correlated more with results of MPC and staining. Out of 54 skin specimens, after KOH mount, 53.7%found positive for dermatophytes by MPC as compared with 50% by BF and PC. After use of the staining mount, positivity was increased up to 64.8% by MPC as compared with 51.9% by BF and 53.7% by PC

One step differential [OSD] stain for fungal elements

This stain have been invented by the author after many trials over two years to get a stain that allows clear study of microscopic structures of fungi. The stain is applied directly on fungal structures placed on the slide with no need for fixation; viz; can be used as a mount. Also, the stain has the ability to differentiate between various internal structures without a decolourization step. The viable structures and fresh cultures take the blue colour while other structures stain faint reddish to faint blue or greenish

Protective effect of onion oil, propyl thiol and cysteine against changes of serum protein and enzyme activity induced by lead poisoning

The effect of lead poisoning on alternation of protein fractions and transaminase enzymes activity in serum of male albino rats were studied. Results obtained revealed that levels of serum albumin and globulin and consequently total protein were affected due to lead toxicity. Also, serum transaminases [S-GOT and S-GPT] activity units were decreased significantly due to lead toxicity. While this decrease showed that onion oil and cysteine amino acid behaved as increasing factors to rise the activity of these enzymes

Serum procollagen type III-peptide in healthy normal subjects and its importance in hepatic patients

Blood samples were collected from healthy normal and hepatic subjects in order to estimate the level of serum procollagen type III- peptide [by RIA technique] as well as liver function tests. Hepatic patient samples were classified into two groups according to the stage of liver injury i.e. early and late phase. Our data revealed that there is a close relationship between the level of serum procollagen and the stage of liver disease. It could be used as a good marker for the differentiation between the two phases of hepatic injury which should helps the treatment of these patients