In vivo anticancer activities of vanillin thiosemicarbazone complexes with Co[II] and Ni[II]

The anticancer activities of vanillin thiosemicarbazone complexes with Co[II] and Ni[II] have been studied against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma [EAC] cells in Swiss albino mice. Both the complexes were administrated into the intraperitoneal cavity of the EAC-inoculated mice at two doses [5 and 7.5 mg/kg i.p.]. The anticancer activities were studied by monitoring the parameters such as cell growth inhibition, tumor weight measurement, survival time of EAC-bearing mice, as well as the changes in depleted hematological parameters due to tumorigenesis. All data were compared with those of a known standard drug bleomycin at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg [i.p.]. It has been found that these complexes significantly increased the life span of tumor-bearing mice and decreased the rate of growth and weight of tumor cells. They also restored modestly the depleted hematological parameters such as hemoglobin content, RBC count, and WBC count to normal. They enhanced the number of macrophages in normal mice with minor host toxicity. It is concluded that these compounds can be primarily considered as potent anticancer agents

[Comparative study between Triage Micro Parasite Panel and Immunofluorescent Assay in diagnosis of Cryptosporidium Protozoan in Sohag Governorate]

The zoonotic intracellular protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is highly infectious and as low as 30 sporulated oocysts can cause infection in healthy volunteers. Cryptosporidium oocysts are shed in large numbers in the faeces of infected people or animals. cryptosporidium oocysts are resistant to environmental conditions and are able to resist standard disinfection e.g. chlorination of drinking water. Stool samples of 72 persons [9-64 years old] in rural areas of Sohag Governorate, Egypt, attending the out patients clinic of cancer institute of Sohag Governorate [Ministry of Health] and complaining of diarrhoea [immunocompromized patients], were examined for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining. Only 25 patients stool samples were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining is time consuming and need expert individual. The sensitivity and specificity of the test are improved by newer tools, such as immunofluorescent assays and antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays which are now commonly used in diagnostic laboratories. Polymerase-chain-reaction [PCR] - based techniques are available as research tests. In the present study the sensitivity of Direct Fluorescent Antibody [DFA] Test [100%] was found to be higher than that of Triage rapid qualitative enzyme immunoassay [EIA] [96%] and the specificity of both tests reached 100% as all members of the control group gave negative results

Aim of the work: Comparison between Triage Micro Parasite Panel and Immunofluorescence Tests in diagnosis of Cryptosporidium protozoan in Sohag Governorate

algorithm for estimating suspended sediment concentrations in the coastal waters of India using remotely sensed reflectance and its application to coastal environments

This study presents an empirical relationship of suspended sediment concentrations [SSCs] in the coastal waters, which is derived from the conventional methods, to radiometer remote sensing reflectance values [R[rs]] and satellite data in coastal waters of Kerala. An algorithm is then developed to utilize both in situ SSCs measured from conventional methods and R[rs] values. This algorithm is validated with the SSCs retrieved from Oceansat-2 Ocean Colour Monitor [OCM] data. A significant coefficient of determination [R[2]=0.62] is observed between the SSCs measured in situ and satellite derived SSCs. Reflectance values from more than two spectral wavelength bands are also employed to test the accuracy of results. Satellite derived SSCs range from 1- 40 mg/L in the coastal waters off Cochin, southwest India. The regional algorithm developed for the study area gives better results than Tassan's algorithm, and this algorithm can be used in estimation of SSC for coastal waters of western India

Prognostic significance of cytochrome C release and tissue lactate dehydrogenase in patients with breast cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of cytochrome c release and tissue lactate dehyrogenase [LDH] in patients with breast cancer. This study included 90 patients with breast cancer and 35 patients with benign breast lesions. In cytosolic fraction, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol was detected by Western blot, while total LDH activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Tissue LDHA mRNA was assessed by RTPCR. We observed a significant increase in cytochrome c release, LDH activity and LDHA mRNA in patients with breast cancer compared to patients with benign breast lesions. Cytochrome c release was significantly declined in poorly differentiated tumors [grade 3] compared to well-differentiated and moderately differentiated tumors [grades 1, 2]; and in stages III and IV compared to stages I and II of breast cancer. Levels of LDH activity and LDHA mRNA were remarkably elevated in breast cancer patients with grade 3 compared to those with grades 1, 2; and in stages III and IV compared to stages I and II of breast cancer. High levels of LDH activity and LDHA mRNA were detected in breast cancer patients with positive lymph node compared to those with negative lymph node. These data indicate that cytochrome c release, cytosolic LDH activity and tissue LDHA mRNA can be considered as useful prognostic markers in patients with breast cancer

Bacterial etiology of pneumonia and acute cerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at Assiut Unversity Hospital with special refern to carbapenemase

To assess the bacterial etiology of patients hospitalized for pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [AECOPD] and for screening and detection of carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae. From November 2006 to February 2008, this study was carried out in Assiut University Hospitals. A total of 29lpatients diagnosed as pneumonia and AECOPD [189 pneumonic patients and 102 AECOPD patients] were included in this study. Blood for serology and sputum for culture were obtained from all patients. Serological examination was carried out for detection of atypical bacterial pathogens, using Pneumobact kits [VERCELL Co., Ltd., GRANADA, SPAIN]. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed by using the disc diffusion method. Carbapenemase production in Enterobacteriaceae was determined using: disc diffusion method, MICs were determined by an agar dilution technique, imipenem EDTA double discs synergy test and Modfled-Hodge test [confirmatory test]. One hundred and eighty six microorganisms were identified in 165 of pneumonic patients and 98 microorganisms were identified in 93 of AECOPD patients. No organisms could be detected in 24 patients suffering from pneumonia and 9 patients suffering from AECOPD by different cultures or serological techniques. Kiebsiella Pneumoniae was the most common implicated pathogen in patients with pneumonia [34.9% of isolates] and in AECOPD [37.8% of isolates]. In the present study; 55.6% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin in CAP patients and 61.5% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin in nosocomial pneumonia [NP] patients. Carbapenemases were detected in 23.86% and 28.5 7% of Enterobacteriaceae of patients with pneumonia and AECOPD respectively. Pneumonia and AECOPD represents a current problem in Assiut University Hospitals. Carbapenemases are among the most important emerging groups of enzymes responsible for antimicrobial resistance. Modified-Hodge test is easy, simple and specific tests for detection of Carbapenemases production

Mercury[II] cystine complex as antineoplastic agent

Antineoplastic activity of mercury[II] cystine complex was studied against ehrlich ascites carcinoma [EAC] cells in Swiss Albino mice. Cell growth inhibition, increase of life span, haematological parameters, alkaline phosphatase activity of tumour bearing mice inoculated with EAC cells were studied with the test compound. It was found that this compound significantly inhibited the tumour cell growth, enhanced life span of the tumour bearing mice at dose 6 mg/kg i.p. Such treatment also restored the altered haematological parameters and serum alkaline phosphatase activity very closely towards normal. The compound can be considered as a potent antineoplastic agent

Comparison of fentanyl, clonidine and tropisetron effect on agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia in children

One hundered ASA physical status I and II children aged 3-6 years were included in this study. After inhalation induction with sevoflurane, patients were randomly assigned to receive either saline [group I, n=25], fentanyl 1 mic/kg IV [group II, n=25] or clondine 3 mic/kg IV [group III, n=25] tropisetron [0.1mg/kg] 10 minutes before discontinuation of anesthetics. There was no significant difference [p>0.05] between the four groups regarding time to eye opening, modified Aldrete recovery scores and post operative complication. The time of first postoperative analgesic dose was significantly shorter in group I compared with other three groups. The incidence of agitation was significantly higher in group I compared with other three groups, the incidence of agitation was 60% in Group I, 30% in Group II, 20% in Group Ill and 25% in Group IV. The dose of fentanyl 1 mic/kg iv or clonidine 3 mic/kg iv or tropisetron [0.1mg/kg]iv that is administered 10 minutes before the termination of anesthesia reduces the postoperative agitation in children with no adverse effects. There was no significant difference [p>0.05] between the four groups regarding age, weight, duration of surgery and discontinuation of anesthetics

Purification of wet-process phosphoric acid by solvent extraction

High grade phosphoric acid can be obtained using liquid-liquid extraction technique. The influence of type of solvent, solvent concentration, organic/aqueous phase ratio, temperature, shaking time and phosphoric acid concentration on P2O5 extraction was studied. Scrubbing and stripping were also investigated, n-octanol proved to be the most efficient and selective. The temperature has a slight positive effect and the extraction was enhanced by increasing P2O5 and with the increase of organic/aqueous phase ratio. The stripping efficiency slightly increased with shaking time and the optimum organic/aqueous phase ratio was determined to be 2.0. For 9.2 M H3PO4, 99.90% of iron, 97.99% of fluoride and 99.99% of manganese were removed whereas complete removal of copper, cadmium and zinc was attained

effect of intraoperative use of esmolol and nicardipine on splanchnic perfusion in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

There are many techniques for reduction of mean arterial blood pressure [MAP] and heart rate [HR] during anesthesia. We designed this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study to test the effect of this technique for maintaining hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia and their influences on splanchnic perfusion. Sixty healthy consenting patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery [FESS] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: Group I [control n = 20] received normal saline 5 mL and 1 mL, followed by a saline infusion at a rate of 0.005 mL kg[-1] min[1]; Group 2 [n = 20] received esmolol 50 mg and saline 1.mL, followed by an esmolol infusion 5 micro g kg[-1] min[-1]; and Group 3 [n = 20] received esmolol 50 mg and nicardipine 1 mg, followed by an esmolol infusion 5 micro g kg[-1] min[-1]. The study drugs were administered after the induction of anesthesia with fentanyl 1.5 micro g/kg, and propofol 2 mg/kg IV. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with vecuronium 0.12 mg/kg IV. Anesthesia was initially maintained with sevoflurane 2% end-tidal and N[2]O 50% In oxygen in all 3 groups. After induction of anesthesia a gastric tonometer [TRIP] NGS Catheter and a radial catheter were inserted. Baseline values of gastric intramucosal pH [pHi] were determined before induction of hypotension. The [pHi] values were calculated every 30 min until hypotension was discontinued .The CO2 -gap [i.e., the difference between arterial and gastric Pco2] was registered. Arterial blood lactate levels also were measured. During surgery, the mean arterial blood pressure [MAP] was maintained within +/- 15% of the baseline value by varying the study drug infusion rate and the inspired concentration of sevoflurane. In addition to MAP and heart-rate values, were recorded throughout the perioperative period. Recovery times and postoperative side effects were assessed. None of the [pHi] values calculated was less than 7.35 in the three studied groups. Arterial blood lactate levels did not increase in any of the patients. Compared with the control group, adjunctive use of esmolol and nicardipine attenuated the increase in heart rate [in Group 2] and MAP [in Group 3]. after tracheal intubation. Furthermore, the use of an esmolol infusion as an adjunct to sevoflurane to control the acute autonomic responses during the maintenance period significantly decreased emergence times [4 +/- 2 versus 7 +/- 4 min], decreased the need for postoperative opioid analgesics [35% versus 60%], and reduced the time before discharge [209 +/- 89 versus 269 +/- 100 min]. We conclude that the adjunctive use of esmolol alone or in combination with nicardipine during the induction of anesthesia reduced the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. It did not compromise splanchnic tissue oxygen balance in healthy patients nor increased blood lactate. Furthermore, use of an esmolol infusion as an adjuvant to sevoflurane- N[2] O anesthesia for controlling the acute hemodynamic responses during the maintenance period improved the recovery profile after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Elevation of liver enzymes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC] has been accepted as an alternative to laparotomy, and has become the standard treatment of benign gall bladder diseases. However, it has been noticed that following LC, the serum level of certain liver enzymes rises markedly, in patients who had preoperatively normal liver enzyme value. We measured serum values of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase [AD] and glutathione S-transferase [GST] alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspertase aminotransferase [AST], in 80 patients who underwent open cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, they were divided randomly into two groups. Group 1[40 patients] underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC]. Group 11[40 patients] underwent open cholecystectomy [OC]. To assess the liver function, serum liver enzymes of AD, GST, ALT, and AST were measured before operations and at 1, 3, 7, and 10 days postoperative. Pre operative AD, GST, ALT, and AST were insignificantly different between the two groups. Twenty four hours after the procedure. AD, GST, ALT and AST increased significantly in the LC group [AD 8.1 +/- 2.2 U/L, GST 82.2 +/- 19.1 U/L, ALT 87.1 +/- 24.2 U/L, and AST 95.1 +/- 7.7 U/L but in [OC] group these enzymes were [AD 4.8 +/- 1.9 U/L, GST 35.3 +/- 3.9 U/L, ALT 27.8 +/- 11.9 U/L, and AST 5.3 +/- 0.9 U/L]. A further increase in serum AD, GST, ALT and AST value in LC group at the 3 [rd] day after the operation [AD 9.3 +/- 1.5 U/L, GST 103.5 +/- 21.6 U/L, ALT 99.3 +/- 19.4 U/L, and AST 120.9 +/- 10.4 U/L] but in [OC] group these enzymes were [AD 5.6 +/- 3.4 U/L, GST 47.9 +/- 1.4 U/L, ALT 38.6 +/- 3.4 U/L, and AST 17.9 +/- 1.4 U/L]. Slow return to normality occurred 7-10 days after the procedure in the LC group. Alterations in hepatic function occur after LC and appear to be clinically insignificant. These alterations in hepatic function return to normal levels within ten days. CO2 pneumoperitoneum seems to be the main reason for these changes but other factors may also contribute

Antineoplastic activity of nickel [II] cystine complex against ehrlich ascites carcinoma in swiss albino mice

Ni[II]-cystine complex was synthesized by treating saturated aqueous solutions of Ni [II] acetate and L[-] cystine [in 1: 1 molar ratio]. The complex was used to study its antineoplastic activity against EAC cells in Swiss Albino mice. It was found that the Ni [II] complex restored the depleted haematological and biochemical parameters of the EAC bearing mice towards normal values and enhanced the longevity of such mice significantly. The test compound on the other hand showed negligible host toxicity. The results obtained were compared with those obtained with a standard anticancer drug bleomycin

Effect of soybean on bone and gonad hormones in lead intoxicated rats

Protective and treated dietary soybean against lead toxicity in male rats was investigated in bone and hormonal changes of reproductive system. Sixty adult male rats were divided into the following groups: Group I: 30 rats fed on standard casein and were divided into three equal subgroups Group la: control casein. Group Ib: [casein-protected] rats fed casein before lead intoxication Group I c: [casein-treated] rats fed casein after lead intoxication. Group II: 30 rats fed on standard soybean. They were also divided into three equal subgroups. Group IIa: control soybean. Group IIb: [soybean-protected] rats fed soybean before lead intoxication. Group IIc: [soybean-treated] rats fed soybean after lead intoxication. Results demonstrated that accumulation of lead in soft tissues [liver, kidney and testis] was much greater in protective groups than curative ones. There was slightly significant increase in femoral bone mass density [BMD] in soybean protected group as compared with either soybean treated or casein protected group. Serum testosterone was slightly significantly increased in soybean treated group compared to soybean protected group but these levels of hormone do not reach to normal level. Serum LH hormone level was not changed between both groups. It can concluded that soybean diet ameliorate the bone and testis intoxicated with lead

Haptoglobin gene polymorphism in type 2 diabetic patients with and without nephropathy

The development and progression of diabetic microvascular complications including nephropathy are related to the degree of glycemic control and oxidative stress and may be influenced by genetic factors. The aim of the present study has been to investigate the association between haptoglobin [Hp] gene polymorphism and the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to find a possible link between haptoglobin phenotypes and inflammatory parameters; serum C - reactive protein [CRP], interleukin- 6 [IL - 6] and haptoglobin. The study included 60 normotensive type 2 diabetic patients of more than 5 years duration categorized in 3 equal groups according to urinary albumin excretion [UAE] into normo, micro and macroalbuminuric. In addition, 20 individuals of matched age and sex were selected to serve as a control group. Serum CRP, IL - 6 and haptoglobin concentrations were measured and haptoglobin phenotyping was conducted using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The frequency of haptoglobin phenotype 1- 1 [Hp 1 - 1] in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria was 7 of 20 [35%] as compared with diabetics with macroalbuminuria, 1 of 20 [5%] [p = 0.02] however, the frequency of Hp 2-2 was greater in diabetics with macroalbuminuria, 12 of 20 [60%] as compared with those with normoalbuminuria or controls, 5 of 20 [25%] [p= 0.03]. Patients with diabetic nephropathy [micro- or macroalbuminuria] had higher levels of serum CRP IL-6 and haptoglobin than those without nephropathy [normoalbuminuria]. Serum haptoglobin levels in type 2 diabetics were higher in Hp phenotype 2-2 as compared with Hp 1-1 however, serum CRP and IL - 6 levels did not differ significantly between haptoglobin phenotype groups. Moreover, there was significant positive correlations between urinary albumin excretion and serum levels of CRP, lL-6 and haptoglobin in diabetic patients. From this study, it could be concluded that haptoglobin phenotype 2-2 is considered as a major susceptibility gene for the development of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. In addition, the significant association between inflammatory parameters and UAE indicates that inflammation may be a pathogenic mechanism of renal injury in type 2 diabetics. Moreover, serum interleukin - 6 and haptoglobin may be good prognostic factors for the development of nephropathy in the course of diabetes mellitus

Effect of Trigonella foenum graecum seeds and its extracts on serum lipid profile and some lipogenic enzymes in high-fat diet fed wistar rats

The study was designed to investigate the effects of fenugreek [FG] seed powder and its extracts on serum lipid profile and activities of two hepatic lipogenic enzymes, malic enzyme [ME] and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PDH] in male Wistar rats. Materials and Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1, fed standard diet; group 2, fed high-fat diet [HFD]; group 3, fed HFD plus 30% FG seed powder; group 4, fed HFD mixed with 10% defatted meal [FI] and group 5, fed HFD in addition to 2% crude saponin [FII]. Levels of serum lipids [total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol "HDL-c and LDL-c" and free fatty acids], activity of hepatic lipogenic enzymes [malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase] and total proteins were determined. Serum total lipids, triacyglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-c, TC/HDL-c ratio and both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids levels were significantly elevated [p<0.001] in rats fed high-fat diet concomitant with non significant change in HDL-c and decrease in HDL-c/LDL-c ratio compared to rats on a standard diet. In the mean time, when high-fat diet was mixed with either FG seed powder, FI or FII the dyslipidemia effect of HFD was decreased or normalized. Also FG seeds and its extracts reduce lipogenesis [reduction in activities of lipogenic enzymes] and TC/HDL-c ratio, and increases in HDL-c/LDL-c ratio. Fenugreek seeds and its extract may beneficially affect the main risk factor for atherosclerosis [hyperlipidemia] by reversing significantly the deleterious effects of the high-fat diet. Decreased serum fatty acids in rats may be attributed to retarding the absorption of both kinds of fatty acids regardless their nature

influence of naringin on the oxidative state of rats with acute hyperglycaemia

To investigate the effect of naringin [a citrus flavonone] on streptozotocin [STZ]-induced hyperglycaemic rats to evaluate the possible hypoglycaemic and antioxidant activity of naringin in diabetes. Setting: Biochemistry Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. Design: Male diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with various doses [0, 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg body weight] of naringin. The level of blood glucose, insulin, hydrogen peroxide [H2O2], and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] as well as erythrocytes total antioxidant, and antioxidative enzymes catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], paraoxonase [PON] were evaluated. In comparison to the normoglycaemic group, the treatment of rats with a single dose of STZ [65 mg/kg body weight] only revealed significant increase [P<0.05] in plasma H2O2 by 230%, TBARS as index of lipid peroxidation level by 69%, while total antioxidant was decreased by 36%, with consistent significant decrease [P<0.05] in the activity of erythrocytes antioxidative enzymes CAT, SOD, GPx, and PON. Exogenous administration of individual gradual doses of naringin to hyperglycaemic rats causes a dose dependent decrease of glucose level; increase of insulin concentration; decrease of H2O2 and TBARS levels, as well as increase of total antioxidant status with increase of antioxidant enzyme activities [CAT, SOD, GPx, and PON]. Our data suggest that naringin is able to reduce oxidative stress intensity in acute hyperglycaemia. The protective effects of naringin may be connected with the normalization of hyperglycaemia, the inhibition of glucose auto-oxidation and as a result, the reduction of free radical generation, however the greatest effect of naringin was observed at 80 mg/kg

Intrathecal neostigmine versus intrathecal morphine, their combination for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing herniorrhaphy

We designed this study to evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of intrathecal [IT] neostigmine, intrathecal [IT] morphine, and their combination in patients undergoing herniorrhaphy under spinal anesthesia. Eighty adult patients were randomly divided into four groups to receive isotonic sodium chloride solution 0.5 ml, neostigmine 100ug, morphine 0.3 mg or the combination of IT neostigmine 50 ug and morphine 0.15 mg with IT 0.5 0/0 hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg. There were no significant differences among the four groups with regard to spinal anesthesia, age, heart rate, or mean arterial blood pressure. Postoperative analegisa was provided by IM diclofenac. Compared with the saline group, the time to first use of analgesic was significantly longer in neostigmine group [p= 0.02], with lower 24 h analgesic consumption [p=0.001]. Nausea and vomiting were the most common side effects of IT neostigmine 60 0/0. Analgesic effectiveness was similar between the neostigmine and morphine groups. Compared with the neostigmine group, the combination group had significantly longer analgesic effects [P=0.02] with less incidence of nausea and vomiting [p=0.04]. Compared with the morphine group, the combination group tended to have prolonged times to first use of analgesic [p=0.02] with lower incidence of pruritus [p=0.03]. the combination of IT neostigmine 50 ug and IT morphine 0.15 mg produce longer postoperative analgesia with fewer side effects than IT neostigmine 100ug or IT morphine 0.3 mg alone. Intrathecal [IT] neostigmine 100ug produced postoperative analgesia for herniorraphy similar to [IT] morphine 0.3mg, but with high incidence of nausea and vomiting, morphine group had high incidence of pruritus. Thus, combination of both has higher analgesic effects with lower side effects than single drug alone

Social dimensions affecting academic achievement of first year nursing university studentes: Dormitory versus student living with their families.

The aim of this study was to determine the social dimensions affecting the students' academic achievement among first year students living with their families versus those living in the dormitory of the Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University. The study sample included 101 students [63 living in dormitory and 38 living with their families in Greater Cairo]. A structured questionnaire included closed-and open- ended questions was utilized to collect data. Also, academic achievement of the first and second semesters regarding nursing subjects was collected through the grades of periodical examination and mid-term, the clinical evaluation and the results of final examinations. The results revealed that the academic achievement of student's living in the faculty dormitory were generally better than those who are living with their families. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two studied groups

Adverse effects of self-medication practices and improper eating habits among Egyptian hypertensive females

This study aimed to assess the self-medication practices and improper eating habits of Egyptian female hypertensive adults during their reproductive period. The study was conducted on 300 hypertensive women aged 20-40 years attending the Follow-up Outpatient Clinic for Hypertension as well as the Antenatal Clinic in Cairo, Monoufia and Assiut University Hospitals [100 participants from each hospital]. Half of them were pregnant regularly receiving their antenatal care [150 participants, 50 from each site], while the other half [150 participants, 50 from each site] were not pregnant attending their follow up for hypertension control. Hypertension was uncontrolled in 29% of women. Self-medication was high [18.3%] while 24% consumed food items known to impair blood pressure control. However, during pregnancy, self-medication was less practiced [9.3%] while improper eating habits were more practiced [28.7%]. Self-medication was highest in Cairo [26%], followed by Monoufia [16%] and lastly Assiut [13%]. Improper eating habits did not differ significantly according to governorate. Blood pressure was uncontrolled in 39% of women in Cairo, 22% in Monoufia and 26% in Assiut. Physicians were stated as the source of information for hypertensives in hypertension for 9% of patients only compared with 2.7% for nurses. The present study concluded that failure of health care providers to perform their health education role and the obstacles to receive an affordable health service are clear predisposing factors for losing control over blood pressure among hypertensive women whether pregnant or not. Future studies should be directed to clinician-client communication with regard to over-the-counter [OTC] recommendations made for clients on antihypertensive therapy. Nurses providing care at blood pressure clinics have an ideal opportunity to clarify misunderstandings about OTC medications, nutrition supplements held by their clients with hypertension

Free radicals and hyaluronic acid relationship in rheumatoid arthritis and the effect of corticosteroid therapy

Oxygen-derived free radicals [ODFRs] are important inflammatory mediators. Evidence of ODFRs contribute to rheumatoid disease, include changes in the activities of antioxidant compounds. In the present study, acute phase proteins concentrations; C-reactive protein [CRP], haptoglobin alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein [AGP] were estimated as indicators for inflammation. Antioxidant activities, ferroxidase activity of caeruloplasmin and iron-binding of transferrin against organic oxygen radicals, iron-binding and iron-oxidizing proteins, chain-breaking substances and superoxide dismutase against inorganic oxygen radicals were measured as the protective response to tissue injury. Hyaluronic, uronic acids and mucin-clot test were also determined in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and osteoarthritis [OA] patients. These parameters were measured in blood and synovial fluid of four groups: normal subjects, OA and RA patients treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] or steroid drug in an attempt to explain the cause of inflammation which which might account for disease activity of RA. Serum increase of CRP, AGP and haptoglobin levels can serve as an indicator of increase RA disease activity. Corticosteroid treatment may suppress inflammation, where their effects include inhibition of lysosomal proteinase enzyme release, which indicated by lowering alpha1-antitrypsin level in the steroid treated RA patients than in NSAIDs treated ones. The serum antioxidant activity against organic oxygen radicals was significantly higher in the OA and RA patients than that in the normal subjects. This may be a part of the inflammatory response of the body and may also involve protection against lipid peroxidation. Red blood cells [RBCs] superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity was significantly lower in the RA patients than that in the normal subjects or OA patients. Therefore, it would seem that the red blood cells in patients with active RA were easily damaged by exposure to oxidative stress. The increase of iron-binding, iron-oxidizing proteins and chain-breaking substances as antioxidant activities against inorganic oxygen radicals in the RA synovial fluid than OA may be indicator of oxidative damage and reflect major differences in the synovial fluid of patients with RA and those with OA. However, it would appear, that these defense mechanisms are inadequate in fully protection of hyaluronic acid [HA] in the synovial fluid, which was manifested by HA in RA was fragmented and depolymerized than that in the OA synovial fluid. Absence of SOD activity in the synovial fluid RA and OA patients indicated that these patients have less protection against O[2]

Ammonium adsorption properties on clinoptilolite as soil amendment

The physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of the zeolite were examined by different physicochemical methods of analyses. Chemical analysis of major elements and determination of Si/Al atomic ratio were performed aiming to compare its content with the standard sample. The clinoptilolite samples was subjected to a physico- chemical study for evaluation of its cation exchange capacity [CEC]. The quantitative determination of CEC through molecular sieving properties indicated that it was controlled by particle size, so that the increase in the particle size slightly decreased the CEC values. Two particle sizes [20-50 and 50-75 mum] of K-clinoptilolite were used to study the exchange of K+ by NH4+ on zeolite. It has been shown that the amount of NH4+ uptake on clinoptilolite is higher for the smaller particle size fraction, increasing with increase of NH4+ concentration