Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry

Background@#Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated condition that affects the gastrointestinal system and alters bone growth and bone mineral density (BMD). Here we aimed to study the prevalence and predictors of a low BMD in pediatric patients with IBD. @*Methods@#This retrospective cross-sectional analytical study included pediatric patients with IBD in whom BMD was evaluated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the total body and lumbar spine. Osteoporosis was defined as a BMD Z-score ≤-2, osteopenia as -2 to -1, and normal as >-1. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between patients with and without osteoporosis. @*Results@#Of the 48 patients, 30 (62.5%) were males, 35 (72.9%) had Crohn’s disease, and 13 (27.1%) had ulcerative colitis. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.9±2.8 years. The median age at the time of the BMD scans was 11.9 (interquartile range, 9.9–14.3) years. Total body BMD scans identified 13 (27.1%) and 16 (33.3%) patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively. Spinal BMD scans revealed that 17 (39.5%) and 14 (32.6%) patients had osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively. A low body mass index (BMI) Z-score (p=0.038), ileocolonic disease location (p=0.008), and a low calcium level (p=0.008) were significant predictors of osteoporosis on the total body BMD scans. A low BMI Z-score (p=0.039), decreased hemoglobin level (p=0.018), low calcium level (p=0.033), and infliximab use (p=0.019) were significant predictors of osteoporosis on the spinal BMD scans. @*Conclusions@#This study showed a high prevalence of low BMD among pediatric patients with IBD. A low BMI, ileocolonic disease location, low hemoglobin and calcium levels, and infliximab use were significantly associated with osteoporosis.

Tissue Clock Beyond Time Clock: Endovascular Thrombectomy for Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Beyond 24 Hours / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Randomized trials proved the benefits of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for select patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) within 24 hours of last-known-well (LKW). Recent data suggest that LVO patients may benefit from MT beyond 24 hours. This study reports the safety and outcomes of MT beyond 24 hours of LKW compared to standard medical therapy (SMT). @*Methods@#This is a retrospective analysis of LVO patients presented to 11 comprehensive stroke centers in the United States beyond 24 hours from LKW between January 2015 and December 2021. We assessed 90-day outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). @*Results@#Of 334 patients presented with LVO beyond 24 hours, 64% received MT and 36% received SMT only. Patients who received MT were older (67±15 vs. 64±15 years, P=0.047) and had a higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; 16±7 vs.10±9, P<0.001). Successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b-3) was achieved in 83%, and 5.6% had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage compared to 2.5% in the SMT group (P=0.19). MT was associated with mRS 0–2 at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.73, P=0.026), less mortality (34% vs. 63%, P<0.001), and better discharge NIHSS (P<0.001) compared to SMT in patients with baseline NIHSS ≥6. This treatment benefit remained after matching both groups. Age (aOR 0.94, P<0.001), baseline NIHSS (aOR 0.91, P=0.017), Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (ASPECTS) score ≥8 (aOR 3.06, P=0.041), and collaterals scores (aOR 1.41, P=0.027) were associated with 90-day functional independence. @*Conclusion@#In patients with salvageable brain tissue, MT for LVO beyond 24 hours appears to improve outcomes compared to SMT, especially in patients with severe strokes. Patients’ age, ASPECTS, collaterals, and baseline NIHSS score should be considered before discounting MT merely based on LKW.

Efficiency of decompressive craniectomy as a line of management of severe cerebral venous thrombosis

Objective@#Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare pathology with life threatening consequences, most of these fatal complications are due to raised intracranial pressure due to venous infarction and cerebral swelling, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of decompressive craniectomy for favorable outcome. @*Methods@#A retrospective analysis of clinical, radiological and surgical data of patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for CVT in a tertiary referral hospital between the years 2016 through 2020. @*Results@#The study included 7 patients, female predominance was noted (5/7), mean age was 18.14 years. Mean Glasgow coma score (GCS) at surgery was 8.26, good clinical outcome was achieved for the majority of cases 71.4%, and one case of mortality 14.28%. @*Conclusions@#Decompressive craniectomy is a life saving procedure for patients with severe brain swelling as a sequela of CVT, majority of patients (71.4%) showed favorable functional outcome by 6 months postoperatively.

Cryptosporidium species in HIV patients in Alexandria, Egypt: distribution and associated clinical findings

@#Cryptosporidium sp. cause opportunistic infections in HIV patients. Molecular differentiation provides a better understanding of the epidemiology and clinical variations of cryptosporidiosis. The present work studied the species of Cryptosporidium in HIV patients and their associated demographic and clinical features. The study included 100 adult HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Egypt. Cryptosporidium infection was diagnosed by modified ZiehlNeelsen (MZN) stain and PCR amplification of COWP gene. The infecting species were molecularly identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequencing. Data were analyzed using Kappa (K) agreement, Mann–Whitney U, odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval, Chi-squared and Monte Carlo significance (MCp) tests. The statistical significance was judged at the 5% level. A total of 16 Cryptosporidium positive cases were detected (16%), with good agreement between PCR and MZN (K = 0.763). Among 11 PCR positive samples, RFLP identified C. hominis in five samples, C. parvum in three samples, C. meleagridis in two samples, and mixed C. hominis and C. meleagridis in one sample. Eight samples were successfully sequenced and the results confirmed the RFLP classification. C. hominis was found mainly in urban residents while C. parvum and C. meleagridis were significantly associated with rural areas (MCp =0.01). Diarrhoea and nausea/vomiting were recorded only in the presence of C. hominis infection while abdominal pain was the main symptom in C. parvum and C. meleagridis infections. Drinking water sources, contact with animals, and CD4+ count were not related to infection with a particular species. In conclusion, infection with Cryptosporidium sp. is common and frequently symptomatic in HIV patients in Egypt. The predominant species, C. hominis, C. parvum, and C. meleagridis show a distinct distribution in urban and rural residents.

The effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral thoracic retrolaminar block on analgesia after pediatric open cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled double-blind study / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#The thoracic retrolaminar block (TRLB) is a relatively new regional analgesia technique that can be used as an alternative to the thoracic paravertebral block. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative analgesia effects of ultrasound-guided TRLB in children undergoing open cardiac surgery via median sternotomy incision. @*Methods@#Sixty-six patients aged 2–8 years were recruited. In the TRLB group, 0.25% bupivacaine 0.4 ml/kg was injected into the retrolaminar space on both sides at the level of the T4 lamina. Patients in the control group were injected with 0.9% saline. The primary outcome measure was fentanyl consumption in the first 24 h post-extubation. The secondary outcome measures were the total intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative modified objective pain score (MOPS), and time to extubation. @*Results@#The total intraoperative fentanyl requirements and fentanyl consumption in the first 24 h post-extubation were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the TRLB group (9.3 ± 1.2; 6.9 ± 2.1 μg/kg, respectively) than in the control group (12.5 ± 1.4; 16.6 ± 2.8, respectively). The median (Q1, Q3) time to extubation was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) in the TRLB group (2 [1, 3] h) than in the control group (6 [4.5, 6] h). The MOPS was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the TRLB group than in the control group at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 h post-extubation. @*Conclusions@#Bilateral ultrasound-guided TRLB is effective in providing postoperative analgesia in children undergoing open cardiac surgery via median sternotomy incision.

Blocking Toll-like receptor 9 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary injury

Background@#Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most common complications in coronavirus disease 2019 patients suffering from acute lung injury (ALI). In ARDS, marked distortion of pulmonary architecture has been reported. The pulmonary lesions in ARDS include hemodynamic derangements (such as alveolar edema and hemorrhage), vascular and bronchiolar damage, interstitial inflammatory cellular aggregations, and eventually fibrosis. Bleomycin induces ARDS-representative pulmonary damage in mice and rats; therefore, we used bleomycin model mice in our study. Recently, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) was implicated in the development of ARDS and ALI. @*Methods@#In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of a TLR9 blocker (ODN2088) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary damage. We measured the apoptosis rate, inflammatory reaction, and fibroplasia in bleomycin- and bleomycin + ODN2088-treated mice. @*Results@#Our results showed a significant amelioration in bleomycin-induced damage to pulmonary architecture following ODN2088 treatment. A marked decrease in pulmonary epithelial and endothelial apoptosis rate as measured by cleaved caspase-3 expression, inflammatory reaction as indicated by tumor necrosis factor α expression, and pulmonary fibrosis as demonstrated by Van Gieson staining and α-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemistry were observed following ODN2088 treatment. @*Conclusions@#All these findings indicate that blocking downstream TLR9 signaling could be beneficial in prevention or mitigation of ARDS through hemodynamic derangements, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis.

Release characterization and biological effect of Glass Ionomer Functionalized with two different chlorohexidine derivatives: an in vitro study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding two different chlorohexidine derivatives; chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate and chlorhexidine digluconate to glass ionomer at three different concentrations (0.25%, 0.75%and 1.5%) regarding the antibacterial effect, chlorhexidine release and fluoride release. Methods: A total of 405 specimens were prepared and tested after 7 days, 3 months and 6 months of storage in distilled water (n=5).For testing antibacterial effect, chlorhexidine release and fluoride release, the mix was packed in a ready-made Split Teflon molds to obtain disc-shaped specimen with dimensions 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thickness according to ISO standardizations. One-way ANOVA and One-way repeated measure ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: The incorporation of chlorhexidine into ChemFil Superior glass ionomer cement in both derivatives has high significance ability to provide a long-term antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillius acidophilus. The chlorhexidine release was increased by adding chlorhexidine in both derivatives to GIC than the unmodified Glass-ionomer cement for study duration. However, the fluoride release was decreased in the modified specimens than the original one. Conclusion: Addition of chlorhexidine enhanced the antibacterial effect of the glass ionomer and chlorhexidine release. However, fluoride release was reduced than original

The Assessment of Gastric Antral Wall Thickness in Helicobacter pylori Gastritis by Abdominal Ultrasonography, Case-Control Study (2016-2018)

Abdominal ultrasonography is effective in the visualization of gastric wall layers and measuring its thickness. The study aimed to assess gastric antral wall thickness in patients with H. pylori gastritis by abdominal ultrasonography and to study its predictive value in detecting H. pylori gastritis.

Detection of pathogenic Vibrio species and antibiogram activity in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Tumpat, Kelantan

@#Some of Vibrio species is well known as pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture and the marine industry. Its infection is able to generate a massive outbreak and affect the fish population, especially for net caged fish such as seabass. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Vibrio spp. isolated from seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Sri Tujuh Lagoon, Tumpat, Kelantan. Then, to determine the antibiotic resistance in Vibrio isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Vibrio species using specific primer VR169 and VR744 with estimation base pair size band, 597 bp and further identified by sequencing. On the other hand, antibiotic susceptibility tests were continued by using 13 types of antibiotics; kanamycin (K30), chloramphenicol (C30), neomycin (N10), ampicillin (AMP10), nitrofurantoin (F300), tetracycline (TE30), streptomycin (S10), norfloxacin (NOR10), ciprofloxacin (CIP5), nalidixic acid (NA30), gentamicin (CN10), doxycycline (DO30) and sulfamethoxazole (SXT100). As a result, 14 Vibrio isolates were identified, including Vibrio fluvialis (n=6), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n=3), Vibrio harveyi (n=2) and each isolate for Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio spp. The results showed that all isolates were sensitive to most antibiotics except ampicillin, neomycin and streptomycin. The MAR index value was ranging from 0 to 0.31. This study demonstrates the prevalence of Vibrio spp. in seabass and the report on multidrug resistance strains that could be of concern to the fish farmers. In addition, data from this study can be further used in fish disease management plans.

How Does Iron Deficiency Anemia Impact Outcomes following Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty? / 대한고관절학회지

Purpose@#Studies have shown the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) increasing worldwide, and currently the literature is limited on the impact of IDA on outcomes following revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether IDA patients undergoing RTHA have longer: 1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) medical complications; and 3) costs of care. @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective query of a nationwide administrative claims database was performed. Using Boolean command operations, the study group consisted of all patients in the database undergoing RTHA with IDA; whereas, patients without IDA served as controls. To reduce the effects of confounding, study group patients were matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities yielding 92,948 patients with (n=15,508) and without (n=77,440) IDA undergoing revision THA. A P-value less than 0.001 was considered statistically significant. @*Results@#IDA patients were found to have significantly longer in-hospital LOS (5 days vs. 4 days, P<0.0001). Additionally, the study showed IDA patients were found to higher incidence and odds of (73.84% vs. 11.77%, OR 5.04, P<0.0001) 90-day medical complications. IDA patients also incurred high 90-day episode of care costs ($25,597.51 vs. $20,085.70, P<0.0001). @*Conclusion@#After adjusting for age, sex, and medical comorbidities this study of over 92,000 patients demonstrated IDA is associated with longer in-hospital LOS, complications, and costs of care. Future studies should compare the duration and severity of IDA on outcomes.

Preemptive analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia plane block in children undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Surgical repair of congenital inguinal hernia results in significant postoperative discomfort and pain. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of a transversalis fascia plane (TFP) block after pediatric inguinal herniorrhaphy. @*Methods@#Forty-four patients aged 12 to 60 months who underwent unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy were enrolled. Four patients were excluded, and the remaining were allocated to the control group and the TFP block group. In the TFP block group, 0.4 mL/kg bupivacaine 0.25% was instilled in the plane between the transversus abdominis and transversalis fascia, while in the control group 0.9% saline was used instead of bupivacaine. The collected data were the total dose of paracetamol consumed during the first 12 h postoperatively, the postoperative Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) pain score, time to first use of rescue analgesia, number of patients required additional postoperative analgesics, and parents' satisfaction. @*Results@#The median paracetamol consumption was significantly lower in the TFP block group than in the control group, and FLACC pain scores were significantly lower for all study times in the TFP block group with higher parental satisfaction scores than those for the control group. The number of patients who required additional analgesics was significantly lower in the TFP block group than in the control group. @*Conclusions@#The use of a TFP block decreases postoperative analgesic consumption and postoperative pain intensity after pediatric inguinal herniorrhaphy. Future studies with larger sample size are required to evaluate the actual complications rate of TFP block.

Preemptive analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia plane block in children undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Surgical repair of congenital inguinal hernia results in significant postoperative discomfort and pain. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of a transversalis fascia plane (TFP) block after pediatric inguinal herniorrhaphy. @*Methods@#Forty-four patients aged 12 to 60 months who underwent unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy were enrolled. Four patients were excluded, and the remaining were allocated to the control group and the TFP block group. In the TFP block group, 0.4 mL/kg bupivacaine 0.25% was instilled in the plane between the transversus abdominis and transversalis fascia, while in the control group 0.9% saline was used instead of bupivacaine. The collected data were the total dose of paracetamol consumed during the first 12 h postoperatively, the postoperative Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) pain score, time to first use of rescue analgesia, number of patients required additional postoperative analgesics, and parents' satisfaction. @*Results@#The median paracetamol consumption was significantly lower in the TFP block group than in the control group, and FLACC pain scores were significantly lower for all study times in the TFP block group with higher parental satisfaction scores than those for the control group. The number of patients who required additional analgesics was significantly lower in the TFP block group than in the control group. @*Conclusions@#The use of a TFP block decreases postoperative analgesic consumption and postoperative pain intensity after pediatric inguinal herniorrhaphy. Future studies with larger sample size are required to evaluate the actual complications rate of TFP block.

Phyto- and Bio-Chemical evaluation of Diospyros kaki L. cultivated in Egypt and its biological activities / Avaliação fito e bioquímica de Diospyros kaki L. cultivado no Egito e suas atividades biológicas

Abstract Diospyros kaki L. or Costata cultivar is the main persimmon variety progressively consumed in the Egyptian market and exportation. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioprotective effects of the alcoholic extract of fruits as well as leaves of D. kaki using in-vivo rat models. Petroleum ether extracts of fruits and leaves were analytically characterized for saponifiable and unsaponifiable compounds by GC/MS. Main flavonoids were chromatographically isolated from 80% aqueous methanol extract of leaves. Chemical evaluation for fruits and leaves namely, content of moisture, ash, proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, carotenoids was carried out. Total antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging effects using DPPH assay. The effect on biochemical parameters and its biological activity were also performed. Results revealed the identification of the major compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters of fruits and leaves. Scopoletin, as well as, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside were isolated and identified. It showed that this plant can provide a good nutritional value and it is safe regarding the kidney and liver functions, good source that help in enhancing the antioxidant defense against free radicals. No abnormal effects were found in lipids profile on experimental animals and there were good results in the ratio of HDL and LDL cholesterol. Also, this plant can help in optimizing blood sugar, enhancing the level of blood haemoglobin. It is concluded that D. kaki displays a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic benefits against the risk of disease complications.

Resumo Diospyros kaki L. ou Costata é a principal variedade de caqui progressivamente consumida no mercado e exportação egípcia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos bioprotetores do extrato alcoólico de frutos e folhas de D. kaki utilizando modelos de ratos "in vivo". Extratos de éter de petróleo provenientes de frutos e folhas foram caracterizados analiticamente para compostos saponificáveis ​​e insaponificáveis ​​por GC/MS. Os principais flavonoides foram isolados cromatograficamente, a partir de 80% de extrato aquoso de folhas de metanol. Foi realizada avaliação química de frutos e folhas, ou seja, de teor de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, ácidos graxos, aminoácidos, vitaminas lipossolúveis e solúveis em água, minerais, carotenoides. Foi caracterizada a atividade antioxidante, utilizando ensaio (DPPH). O efeito nos parâmetros bioquímicos e sua atividade biológica também foram analisados. Os resultados revelaram a identificação dos principais compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis de frutos e folhas. Escopoletina, bem como kaempferol, luteolina, rutina e apigenina 7-O-glicosídeo foram isolados e identificados. Também demonstraram que esta planta pode proporcionar um bom valor nutricional e é segura em relação às funções renais e hepáticas, boa fonte que ajuda a melhorar a defesa antioxidante contra os radicais livres. Não foram encontrados efeitos anormais no perfil lipídico em testes em animais, e houve um efeito satisfatório na relação de colesterol HDL e LDL. Além disso, esta planta pode ajudar na otimização do açúcar no sangue, aumentando o nível de hemoglobina. Conclui-se que o D. kaki apresenta uma boa fonte de nutrientes e de compostos bioativos que contribuem para seus benefícios terapêuticos e contra o risco de complicações de doenças.

Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin adversely affect male infertility indicated by pharmacological, andrological and pathological evidence

Background: Drug-induced reproductive organs toxicities is an important aetiology in investigation of male infertility. The aim is to study levofloxacin effect on male reproductive system in comparison to ciprofloxacin.Methods: Twenty-five male wister rats weighted 230±20 gm and aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups of five. The first group received ciprofloxacin with dose 78.23 mg/kg/day in 2 doses (therapeutic dose). The second group received the double dose of the first group ciprofloxacin. The third group received levofloxacin with dose 39.11 mg/kg/day once daily (OD) (therapeutic dose). The Fourth group received the double dose of the third group levofloxacin. However, the fifth group served as a control and received normal saline with carboxymethylcellulose OD. All treatments were administered orally for 14 days. On the 15th day, blood samples and reproductive organs were obtained from all rats. Testicular tissues were prepared for genetic testing and chemical and microscopical examination.Results: Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin negatively altered reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) level (p<0.05). Additionally, serum testosterone level was significantly deceased in ciprofloxacin-treated group (the double dose) (p<0.05) relative to control. The difference between ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was significant in seminal vesicle weight and serum LH and FSH level (p<0.05). Testicular histopathological changes were also found with the two drugs with different degrees. Effects of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were dose-dependent.Conclusions: Both ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin adversely affect andrological function that should be monitored and controlled during application of these drugs.

Gentamicin and amikacin adversely affect male infertility indicated by pharmacological, andrological and pathological evidence

Background: Many drugs are implicated in male infertility and screening for medication history is an important for diagnosis and treatment of the problem. The aim is to study amikacin effect on male reproductive system in comparison to gentamicin.Methods: Twenty-five male wister rats weighted 220±20 gm and aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups of five. The first group received gentamicin in dose 18.25 mg/kg/day once daily (OD) (therapeutic dose). The second group received gentamicin with double dose of the first group. The third group received amikacin in dose 54.75 mg/kg/day OD (therapeutic dose). The Fourth group received amikacin with double dose of the third group. However, the fifth group served as a control and received normal saline (NS) OD. All treatments were administered intraperitoneally (IP) for 14 days. On the 15th day, blood samples and reproductive organs were obtained from all animals. Testicular tissues were prepared for genetic testing and chemical and microscopical examination.Results: Amikacin and gentamicin negatively affected reproductive organs weights, sperm parameters, serum follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level relative to control (p<0.05). However, serum testosterone level was only affected with gentamicin (p<0.05). A significant difference between gentamicin and amikacin was found in sperm count, testis and epididymis weights and serum testosterone and LH level (p<0.05). Testicular histopathological changes were also found with the two drugs with different degrees. Effects of both gentamicin and amikacin were dose-dependent.Conclusions: Both gentamicin and amikacin adversely affect andrological function that should be monitored and controlled during application of these drugs.

A multi-component spectrophotometric method for simultaneous determination of total bilirubin, oxyhemoglobin, and methemalbumin in human sera

A new multi-component spectrophotometric method was developed experimentally and theoreticallyto determine the accurate serum concentrations of the total bilirubin (TB), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), andmethemalbumin (Mha) in healthy human adults and neonates with hemolytic jaundice. With respect to theexperimental technique, the method of preparation of serum solution has been developed, like the use ofdistilled water as a solvent and centrifugation of serum solutions to clear the sample turbidity. The resultsof TB were compared to the diazo-assay. Theoretically, the formulas used for the calculation of the majorcomponents (TB, HbO2, and Mha) in human sera have been derived based on the theory of multi-componentspectrophotometric analysis and the mathematical Gaussian elimination method for matrix calculation. Themethod of multi-component spectrophotometry, suggested in this study for determination of TB, showed% error (3.1%–4.9%), indicating the high accuracy of the method. The small coefficients of variation(CV = 3.65%–5.1%) indicate the high precision of the method. The results showed higher values of serum TB(p < 0.00005), HbO2 (p < 0.001), and Mha concentrations (p < 0.00005) in neonates, when compared to adults.The method is highly sensitive and accurate. It is inexpensive, precise, reproducible, and has the advantages ofsimplicity, speed, and can be computerized.

[COVID-19] Syndrome coronarien aigu et COVID-19 : Quelles particularités ?

En Décembre 2019, une épidémie de pneumonie cau¬sée par un nouveau coronarvirus (COVID-19) est apparue à Wuhan et s'est rapidement étendue à tra¬vers la Chine et les différents autres pays. Le virus en cause, le SARS-CoV 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) a un pouvoir de contagion très important. Bien que les manifestations cliniques de COVID-19 soient dominées par des symptômes respiratoires, certains patients peuvent également présenter des complications cardiovasculaires. Les atteintes cardio¬vasculaires les plus souvent observées en cas d'infec¬tion à COVID-19 sont les suivantes: les lésions myo¬cardiques (élévation des troponines), les myocardites, les syndromes coronaires aigus (SCA), les arythmies, les complications thromboemboliques veineuses et l'insuffisancecardiaque.Laphysiopathologie de cette atteinte cardiaque est encore mal élucidée au vu de la littérature actuelle re¬lative à la pandémie Covid-19. Dans cet article, nous aborderons les mécanismes physiopathologiques menant à l'atteinte coronaire, la particularité de la prise en charge du syndrome coro¬narien avec et sans sus décalage du segment ST (STE¬MI et NSTEMI) dans ce contexte pandémique

Bisphenol A levels among workers in plastic processing industry and their relations to thyroid hormones

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in the plastic processing industry. A cross-sectional study was conducted to measureBPA levels in the serum of workers as a biomarker of occupational exposure, investigate the thyroid hormone profileamong BPA exposed workers, and identify the relationship between occupational exposure to BPA and thyroidhormones during. Our data indicate that the studied workers had higher BPA level than that reported for the Egyptiangeneral population, with a median serum level of 15.6 ng/ml and ranged from 1.6 to 62.9 ng/ml while the interquartilerange was 16.3 ng/ml, the highest concentration was among the workers of recycling followed by squeegees and PVCdepartments. As regards thyroid hormones, almost one-third of the studied workers had abnormal thyroid-stimulatinghormone (TSH) levels and 12.2% had abnormal T4 levels. According to TSH and T4 levels, 64.4% of the studiedworkers had normal thyroid function and 35.6% were suffering from subclinical hypothyroidism. No significantcorrelation between BPA levels and subclinical hypothyroidism was statistically reported. However, our data reporteda significant positive correlation between thyroid hormone T3 and serum BPA concentrations. As agonist or antagonist,BPA could bind to the thyroid hormone receptors indicating that remarkable endocrine disruption.

Isolation and properties of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme from buffalo liver: Application in AST and ALT assay diagnostic kits

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme is a major component of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanineaminotransferase (ALT) diagnosis kits. In this work, the LDH enzyme was purified and characterized from buffalo liverfor direct application in the preparation of AST and ALT diagnosis kits. One major LDH (BLLDH) isoform and twoother secondary LDH peaks were analyzed for buffalo liver by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose chromatography.BLLDH was obtained by ammonium sulfate sedimentation and chromatographically separated on ion exchange andsize-exclusion matrices. The isolated BLLDH has a specific activity of 17.6 units/mg proteins represented 16 foldsand 32% recovery. BLLDH was manifested homogeneous on native and SDS gels with 35 kDa native mass. OptimumpH of BLLDH was displayed at pH 7.6. BLLDH activity was diminished by FeCl2 and SDS. The produced BLLDH isutilized in constructing of AST and ALT diagnosis kits that were sensible and analogous to trade ready kits.

A pilot study of the impact of Vitamin C supplementation with neoadjuvant chemoradiation on regulators of inflammation and carcinogenesis in esophageal cancer patients

Aims: Vitamin C plays a role in chemoprevention in cancer treatment, and Vitamin C modulates many regulators of inflammation in in vitro studies. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Vitamin C supplementation with neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal adenocarcinoma on the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and associated cytokines. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients undergoing multimodal treatment for esophageal adenocarcinoma were randomized to receive Vitamin C (1000 mg/day) orally for 4 weeks or no supplementation. Pre- and post-Vitamin C endoscopic biopsies were used for the study of NF-κB activity and cytokine analysis. Results: NF-κB activity along with cytokines was activated in the cancer tissue pretreatment. Down-regulation in NF-κB activity was observed in 25% of cases, two from the Vitamin C arm posttreatment. There was a significant reduction in cytokines levels in the cancer group, and this effect was more pronounced in the Vitamin C group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin C supplementation had a mild protective effect in modulating of regulators of inflammation and carcinogenesis. Further studies with larger numbers of endpoints are needed to evaluate its effect on modulation of chemoradiation responses.