CXCR3 renal expression in glomerulonephritis in children: is there a connection with the course of the disease?

Glomerulonephritis [GN] is a common childhood disease that may represent a significant cause of chronic kidney disease at one point of its course. The role of chemokines in glomerulonephritis, has been long anticipated and studied and the possible link between certain chemokines and different renal pathologies, if proved, can pave the road for future use of such markers for early prognosis and possible therapies for this common disease. Objective: in this study, we aimed at detecting CXCR3 in the renal biopsies done for children with glomerulonephritis and to correlate it to the nature of renal pathology and response to therapy. Methods: The glomerular and interstitial expression of CXCR3 in renal biopsies done for 22 patients with glomerulonephritis was studied using immunohistochemical staining. Pathologies already diagnosed in these biopsies were proliferative GN [mesangioproliferative GN, diffuse proliferative GN, focal proliferative GN, IgA nephropathy and crescentic GN] as well as non-proliferative GN [Minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, diffuse mesangial sclerosis and advanced hypertensive nephrosclerosis]. History, clinical findings and laboratory investigations in the initial presentation and at the time of the study were obtained. Results: The degree of glomerular and interstitial CXCR3 expression did not vary with gender, age of presentation, response to steroids, or cumulative doses of steroids. Percentage of strong glomerular CXCR3 expression was much higher in proliferative GN compared to non-proliferative GN although the difference was not statistically significant, percentage of renal dysfunction was more among strong glomerular and mild/moderate interstitial CXCR3 expression with no statistically significant difference from the counterparts. Conclusion: Our study revealed that enhanced CXCR3 renal expression on glomerular and interstitial levels did not affect the response to steroids along the course of the disease and so can probably act as a therapeutic target rather than a prognostic marker

Renal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in lupus nephritis the pediatric age groupin

Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] plays a crucial role in preservation of renal functions and may also serve as a useful biomarker in monitoring the progression of lupus nephritis [LN]]. We thought to correlate VEGF expression in the kidney with renal histopathology in lupus nephritis to unveil its possible relation to disease activity and severity. We consecutively enrolled 15 patients with lupus nephritis and ten renal biopsy specimens from patients with cystic renal diseases as controls. The study measurements included SLEDAI, SLICC/ ACR damage index and BILAG renal score. Paraffin sections from renal biopsies were subjected to routine haematoxylin and eosin staining and Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF. Results: Among SLE patients, 7 [46.7%] showed mild expression of VEGF, 5 [33.3%] showed moderate while 3 [20%] had strong expression of the marker. On the contrary, the control samples [100%] revealed strong marker expression. All subjects with class IV and V lupus nephritis had mild renal expression of VEGF. Renal expression of VEGF had a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine and complement C3 levels. The 24 hours' excretion of urinary proteins had a significant negative correlation with the renal expression of the marker. On the other hand, the activity indices and therapeutic modalities did not correlate with VEGF expression. Conclusion: This pilot study among pediatric cases of SLE revealed mild to moderate VEGF expression in most cases of proliferative LN. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the consequences of this finding on the prognosis of the disease

protective effect of olive leaf and pomegranate peel extracts on oxidative stress and liver injury induced by oxytetracycline in albino rats

The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of olive leaf extract [OLE] and pomegranate peel extract [PPE] against oxytetracycline [OTC]-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The ethanolic extracts of olive leaf and pomegranate peel were screened for evaluating their free radical scavenging properties and total phenolic contents. They have a great antioxidant activity due to phenolic compounds. The protective role of the two examined extracts against OTC-induced alternation in blood biochemical and liver architecture was evaluated in male albino rats. OTC [200 mg/kg b.wt] was intraperitoneally [i.p.] injected for 15 days to assess the changes in biochemical parameters. OLE [80 mg / kg b.wt] or PPE [100 mg / kg b.wt] were administered by oral gavage into rats for 30 days to evaluate the potency of these extracts. The examined extracts were administered 15 days before and 15 days concomitantly with OTC. Blood samples were withdrawn at day 30 for determination of serum aminotransferases activity [ALT and AST], total protein [TP] albumin [Alb], total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], urea, creatinine, plasma malondialdehyde [MDA] and blood reduced glutathione [GSH]. At the end of the experiment, the liver samples were taken for the histopathological examination. The obtained results revealed that the i.p. injection of OTC induced a significant increase in ALT and AST activity as well as TC,TG, urea, creatinine and plasma MDA, meanwhile a significant decrease in the levels of TP, Alb and blood GSH were obtained. These biochemical changes were associated with alternations in the architecture of liver tissue. The obtained results revealed that, the sole administration of OLE or PPE displayed no change in the examined parameters. The results also revealed the improving and protective effect of the pre and co-administration of the test extracts against the undue effects of OTC

Physiological and oxidative stress biomarkers in the freshwaer Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., exposed to sublethal doses of cadmium

This study was designed to investigate the possibility of cadmium [Cd] to induce oxidative stress and biochemical perturbations in Nile tilapia liver and gills and the role of Vitamin C [Vit. C] in alleviating its toxic effects. Nile tilapia fish were randomly divided into four groups of thirteen each, group one served as control without any treatment, group two exposed to Cd [5mg/liter water], group three supplemented with vitamin C [Vit.C] [500mg/kg diet], and group four exposed to Cd plus Vit. C. The exposure to Cd caused increase in Liver aminotransferases [AST and ALT], elevation in lipid peroxidation [LPO], activity of catalase [CAT] enzyme, and the activity of glutathione S-transferase [GST]. The urea and creatinine levels were not affected. However, reduction in the activity of glutathione peroxidase [GPx] was observed. An increase in reduced glutathione [GSH] content was also observed and in gills there were no significant changes in LPO, antioxidant enzymes activity and GSH level. Vit.C supplementation in Cd-induced oxidative stress of Nile tilapia maintained Liver AST and ALT near normal level and modulated LPO, CAT, GST, GPx and GSH level in liver. It is concluded that Vit.C scavenges reactive oxygen species and render a protective effect against Cd toxicity

Enumeration and characterization of Aeromonas spp. isolated from milk and some dairy products in Sharkia governorate Egypt

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of Aeromonas spp. in 75 random samples [25 each of raw cow's milk, local plain yoghurt and Domiati cheese] collected from different dairy shops, supermarket and street peddlers in Diarb Negm and Zagazig cities Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Investigations involved proteolytic and lipolytic activities of isolated Aeromonas spp. and the effect of heat- treatment, acidity, pH and Sodium chloride concentration on prevalence of Aeromonas bacteria. Prevalence of Aeromonas spp. was proved in 32, 44 and 20.0% of examined raw cow's milk, local plain yoghurt and Domiati cheese samples with mean count of 9.8 x10[3], 1.4 x10[5] and 6.9 x10[3]/ml, respectively. Identification of confirmed raw cow's milk isolates revealed that A. trota, A. hydrophila, A. janda and A. caviae were the predominant strains with percentages of 40, 25, 25 and 10.0% respectively. While local plain yoghurt isolates could be identified as A. caviae, A. sobria, A. hydrophila, A. trota and A. schubertii with percentages of 36.4, 22.7, 18.2, 13.6 and 9.1% respectively. Meanwhile identification of 10 confirmed Domiati cheese cultures revealed that the predominant strains were A. hydrophila, A. caviae and A. trota with percentages of 30, 50 and 20% respectively. All laboratory pasteurized milk samples revealed no count and there is marked decrease in the count of Aeromonas spp. as the acidity% of the examined raw cow's milk samples increase. While the count decrease when the pH value of the examined local plain yoghurt samples decrease and the NaCl% of the examined Domiati cheese samples increase. Characterization of isolated Aeromonas strains pointed that 50% of A. hydrophila, 60% of A. caviae, 40% of A. sobria, 53.8% of A. Trota, 100% of A. janda and 50% of A. schubertii were psychrotrophic. A. hydrophila exhibited proteolytic and lipolytic activities at the percentage of 41.7 and 16.7% respectively but in case of A. caviae strains the percentages were 46.7% and 20% respectively and with A. trota were 30.8 and 15.4% respectively. 60% of A. sobria and 100% of A. janda and A. schubertii strains showed proteolytic activity only. The public health importance and economic significance of existing microorganisms as well as the suggestive measures for improving the quality of raw milk and dairy products were discussed

Impact of two commercial types of feed supplement on rumen juice properties and body weight in Goats

Non pregnant female goats [12 animals] free from internal and external parasites and kept under observation for 4 weeks before being supplemented with two different kind of feed supplement for 8 weeks. Goats of experiment were divided into 3 groups each of them consists of 4 goat. [G1]: Treated with probiotic TOP 2X[R] with dose 1ml/liter of water, [G2]: treated with another supplement which contain fibrolytic enzymes GALZYM[R] with dose 1ml/3liters of water and [G3]: control group. Rumen juice samples were obtained weekly to observe the effect of bacterial probiotics TOP-2X[R] and fibrolytic enzymes Galzym[R] on the food digestibility of the small ruminants [goat] as well as the effect of them on some physical and biochemical properties of ruminal juice as well as body weight of treated animals and also to throw some lights on hematological parameters. Results of the study showed that using of bacterial probiotic TOP2X[R] as a dietary supplement is more beneficial than using of the supplement which contain fibrolytic enzymes GALZYM[R]. TOP2X[R] the bacterial probiotic enhancing body weight, protozoal count, level of T.V.F.A more than GALZYM

Neonatal screening for absolute lymphopenia

Background: Blood counts with manual differentials could diagnose nearly all cases of severe combined immune deficiency [SCID] at birth

Objective: The aim of this study was to outline the prevalence of neonatal lymphopenia among newborns of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Ain Shams University as an entry to neonatal screening for SCID

Methods: Complete blood counting [CBC] with manual differential was performed in the cord blood of 500 newborns. Absolute lymphopenia was considered if the count was less than 2500 lymphocytes/mm3. Parents of lymphopenic infants were advised not to give them any live attenuated vaccines before doing further investigations. The lymphopenic infants were followed up by another CBC after one month

Results: In the present study, absolute lymphopenia was found in 8 [1.6%] neonates at delivery. Among our series 44.4% were primigravida and 55.6% were multigravida. Also, 84 [16.8%] experienced pre-mature rupture of membrane, 89 [17.8%] reported maternal diseases and maternal drug intake was reported in 73 [14.6%]. Three neonates had congenital anomalies, one only experienced dysmorphic features and 8 [1.6%] had family history of unexplained death but these data could not be linked to the presence of lymphopenia in the studied sample. APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes were significantly lower in neonates with lymphopenia [p = 0.001]. A significant positive correlation was elicited between the absolute lymphocyte count [ALC] and maternal age, total leukocyte count, and HCT [p = 0.003, 0.001 and 0.031 respectively]. Also a significant negative correlation was found between ALC and gestational age, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [p = 0.013, 0.003 and < 0.001 respectively]

Conclusion: Lymphopenia is not an uncommon finding among neonates at screening and is noted to be associated with a lower Apgar score. Serial counting and follow up is needed before considering the diagnosis of SCID

Clinico-epidemiologic characteristics of spinal muscular atrophy among Egyptians

Spinal muscular atrophy [SMA] is characterized by progressive hypotonia and muscular weakness because of progressive degeneration of alpha motor neuron from anterior horn cells in the spinal cord. It is inherited by an autosomal recessive pattern. The precise frequency of SMA in Egypt has not been determined. We tried to estimate the frequency, clinical and molecular characteristics of SMAin Egypt. The study included all patients withSMAattended the Pediatric Hospital, Ain-Shams University during the period [year 1966-2009]. The study included 117 patients with SMA out of 660,280 patients attending the Pediatric Hospital. Patients selection was based on clinical examination, CPK, EMG, nerve conduction velocity, histopathology and molecular diagnosis. Frequency of SMA was 17.7/100,000, which is considered high. Type I was the commonest type [60.6%], followed by type II [26.79%], and type III [8.8%]. Consanguinity was reported in 45.5 and family history in 47.8% of patients. Molecular study was done and 54.5% of patients [types I and II] have homozygous deletion of exon 7, 36.3% of whom had also homozygous deletion of exon 8 of SMN1gene which is considered lower than that reported in other countries. SMA is more prevalent in Egypt than in many other countries. Forty-five percent of patients were chromosome 5-unlinked. We should continue to search for other mutation in Egypt to facilitate detection of carriers and prenatal diagnosis

Comparative hematological and histopathological toxicity of two potential bio-insecticides against albino rats

Ivermectin [1.8% E.C] and spinosad [24% SC] are bioinsecticides produced by fermentation of some bacteria species. These compounds were selected to evaluate their haematological and histopathological toxicities against albino rats. The tested compounds were orally administrated to rats at 1/10 LD[50] every three days for one month period. Hemoglobin value [HB], red blood cells [RBC], white blood cells [WBC] and platelets [PLT] counts, gamma glutamyl transferase [gammaGT] were determined in addition to histopathological examinations for liver, spleen and kidney. In general, both compounds induced significant changes in HB value, RBC, WBC, PLT counts, and gammaGT activity after 30 days from treatment. Ivermectin caused significant rise in creatinine level at the same period. Histopathological examination showed disturbance in hepatic lobules, inflammatory infiltration, and pyknotic and karyolitic nuclei in hepatocytes. Kidney exhibited lobulated glomeruli and degenerative tubules, but interstitial hemorrhagic areas were noticed in spleen. Although the tested compounds are biopesticides, obtained data revealed that both compounds caused undesirable effects on experimental animals, so we conclude not to use them on plants during fruit stage or on fresh vegetables

Clinico-epidemiologic features of oculocutaneous albinism in northeast section of Cairo - Egypt

Oculocutaneous albinism [OCA] is a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the absence or reduced pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. To assess the clinico-epidemiologic features of different forms of OCA among Egyptian patients, we performed a retrospective study to determine the frequency, types, clinical presentation and associated genomic errors in albino patients and their relatives consulting the Genetics Clinic, Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. We used the outpatients index files to identify diagnosed cases of albinism referred from the dermatologic and ophthalmologic departments with different genodermatoses over 43 year period. We used specifically designed data collection protocol forms to extract epidemiological and clinical data from the patients medical records. These were entered into a computer database and analyzed using standard statistical software. The occurrence rate of albinism in our study was 20.4% of genodermatoses patients and 1 per 5843 patients attending the Pediatric hospital. Consanguineous marriage was reported among parents of 66.37% of patients and positive family history was reported in 46.01% of patients. Complete OCA was detected in 48.59% of patients, partial albinism in 41.59% of patients and syndromic albinism was detected in 7.96%. Associated genomic errors were detected in 36.28% of our albino patients and seventy one multiple mutant genomic errors were defined among relatives of thirty seven index families of oculocutaneous albinism patients. To the best of our knowledge, this preliminary study is the first report of its kind from Egypt. The high rate of parental consanguinity among the parents of our Egyptian albino patients may account for the frequency of this genodermatosis in Egypt

Antimicrobial resistant bacteria among health care workers in intensive care units at Ain Shams university hospitals

Fifty HCWs in ICUs of Internal medicine, Chest, Neonatology and Burn were included in prospective cohort study. Collection of nasal, hand and rectal swabs, proper biochemical identification, culture media and antibiotic sensitivity tests were used to detect Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]; vancomycin-resistant Enterococci [VRE] and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing gram -ve bacilli [ESBLs]. S. aureus was isolated from 34% of HCWs; 28% were nasal carriers, 4% were hand carriers and 2% had S. aureus at both sites. Nasal and hand carriage rates of MRSA were 20% and 4% respectively, with an overall rate of 22%. Gram -ve bacilli were isolated from 8% of HCWs hand swabs and showed Citrobacter koseri, Escherichia coli, Kiebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hand carriage rate of ESBLs was 2%. Hand contamination with gram -ve bacilli and S. aureus was in 14% of HCWs. VRE carriage rate was 9.5%. ESBLs carriage rate in rectal swabs was 21.43%. K. pneumoniae was the most common ESBLs producing isolate [33.3%], followed by E. coli [18.75%]. In combined disc method, aztreonam was the most sensitive [90%] in detecting ESBLs. Burn ICU had highest% of MRSA and ESBLs carriage. Neonatal ICU showed highest% of VRE carriage. An insignificant association was between infection control training or antimicrobial intake and carriage of antimicrobial resistant bacteria

Corpus callosum defect with dilated lateral ventricles and an occipital cyst in an Egyptian child with Diamond-Blackfan anemia

Diamond-Blackfan anemia [DBA], an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by anemia that usually presents before the first birthday or in early childhood, is associated with birth defects and an increased risk of cancer. Although anemia is the most prominent feature of DBA, the disease is also characterized by growth retardation and congenital malformations, in particular craniofacial, upper limb, heart, and urinary system defects that are present in approximately 30%-50%of patients. Herein, we present a patient with Diamond-Blackfan anemia associated craniofacial anomalies, pyramidal manifestations and corpus callosum defect and dilated lateral ventricles opening with each other and opening with a posterior occipital cyst, an association that to date has not been reported

Selection of microencapsulation method to improve antimicrobial agents production by some lactobacillus species and propionibacterium thoenii in dairy products

The aim of this research is to select the agreeable encapsulation method to improve antimicrobial production from Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Propionibacterium thoenii. The effect of different organic acid concentrations [1 and 2 w/v], different pH values [3, 4, 5, 6. 7 and 8], different temperature degrees [0, 7, 25, 37 and 45°C] and storage temperature on viability of encapsulated bacteria were investigated. Also, the efficiency of microencapsulated methods [alginate + NaCI, alginate + oil and K-carrageenan] on enhancement of antimicrobial production were studied. Microencapsulation with alginate + NaCI offered greater production in extreme conditions [low pH, low temperature and in the presence of organic acids]. In addition, this method was more effective against pathogenic bacteria by enhancement of antimicrobial production, thus it may be effectively used to increase the safety and the shelf- life of dairy products

Therapeutic evaluation of the concurrent administration of nigella sativa and vitamin E in treatment of rats suffering from induced diabetes and hypercholesterolemia

The present study is conducted to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa and vitamin E in treatment of rats suffering from alloxan-induced diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. The experiment was carried out on 42 male Albino rats weighing [115 +/- 5 gm]. The rats were divided into 6 equal groups; each of 7 rats; as follows: 1st group fed on basal diet and kept as a control negative group. Rats in the other five groups fed two weeks on basal diet containing cholesterol [1.5%] and bile salts [0.25%] to induce hypercholesterolemia also rats in the five groups were all injected subcutaneously with 150 mg/kg body weight of alloxan after fasting overnight to induce hyperglycemic diabetes, then those rats were subdivided into a group that remained as induced diabetic and hypercholesterolemic 'control positive' [2nd group], a group that fed on basal diet + Nigella sativa 2% [NS2%] [3rd group]; a group that fed on basal diet + Nigella sativa 5% [NS5%] [4th group]; a group that fed on basal diet + Nigella sativa 2% + 150mg vitamin E [NS2%+Vit. E150 mg] [5th group], and a group that fed on basal diet + dietary supplemented with Nigella sativa 5%+ Vitamin E 300mg [NS5%+Vit. E300 mg] [6th group]. The results showed that, glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly when rats fed on basal diet containing high doses of Nigella sativa [5%] with vitamin E compared to low doses [2%] without vitamin E. Also, the mean values of serum HDL-c of all treated rats with different dosages were increased significantly, as compared to [control +] group. The mean values of uric acid was decreased gradually with increased the amount of Nigella sativa, and the best treated group which decreased urea nitrogen was nigella sativa 5% when compared with [control +] or the other treated groups, while Nigella sativa 5% with vitamin E considered the best treated group to decrease serum creatinine. Also., data showed that serum AST level were decreased in all treated groups that fed on Nigella sativa 2% or 5% with vitamin E compared with the [control +]. The study recommended the fortification of diets and bakery products and other suitable food which offered to diabetic patients with Nigella sativa 5% + vitamin E 300 mg in order to decline the symptoms of diabetes and protect against its related complications. Also, from the obtained results it can be concluded that, Nigella sativa 5% supplementation gave the best results in modification of lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats

Composition of black shale from Quseir, Red sea, Egypt with emphasis on the sequential extraction of some metals

The black shales Duwi Formation, within Gabel El-Atshan in Quseir area are rich in sonic trace elements. Petrogaphically, the studied shales are dark colored mudstone enriched in phosphatic elastics and are highly fossiliferous. The presence of framboidal pyrite revealed that the studied black shales were deposited under reducing conditions. Mineralogically, XRD revealed that the studied samples consist of smectite, kaolinite, mixed layer [smectite/illite], illite in addition to minor chlorite. Such heterogeneous composition indicates recycling from pre-exiting clay sediments. The studied shales are relatively enriched in some heavy metals such as zinc and nickel. The SEM and EDX studies indicate that these metals are concentrated in the clayey materials but do not form minerals of their own. The present work provides new data on the speciation of such enriched metals. The sequential extraction proves that the heavy metals are largely bound to the residual phase [57% Zn, 51% Fe, 50% Cu. 18% Ni and 10% Mn]. However, the metals; Ni, Cu and Zn have mostly been extracted into the first three fractions

Neuroprotective effects of deprenyl and certain natural products against paraquat-induced behavioral and neurochemical changes in rats

Paraquat [PQ] belongs to a class of agricultural chemicals known to impact the dopaminergic system adversely causing severe neurotoxicity. PQ was suggested to contribute in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease. So, the present study aimed to examine the toxic alterations in brain tissue, following sub-chronic treatment with PQ [20 mg/kg, i.p., once weekly for 6 weeks].Three different types of experiments were carried out including behavioral, neurochemical and histopathological ones. Alterations of motor behavioral patterns were examined by testing the locomotor activity using the open field test and the movement coordination using the rotarod apparatus. Changes in brain dopamine [DA] and norepinephrine [NE] contents as well as histopathological examination of brain tissues were accomplished. The possible protective potentials of deprenyl [10 mg/kg; i.p.], quercetin [50 mg/kg; p.o.], green tea extract [1 mg/kg; p.o.] or malt extract [625 mg/kg; p.o.] against sub-chronic PQ-induced neurotoxicity in rats were examined. Results showed that PQ significantly reduced locomotive and motor behaviors. It also provoked remarkable brain damage noted by significant decreases in brain DA as well as NE contents. Furthermore, histopathological examination of PQ-treated brain sections revealed localized focal necrosis and severe loss of neurons. Daily treatment with deprenyl, quercetin and extracts of green tea or malt for 6 weeks significantly ameliorated most of the behavioral, neurochemical and histopathological changes induced by PQ; effects of malt extract being more pronounced. The present results suggest that sub-chronic PQ administration triggers processes characteristic of early stages of dopaminergic neuron degeneration and activates compensatory mechanisms involving both the dopaminergic and noradrenergic transmissions. Considering the present behavioral studies, neurochemical analysis and histopathological observations, one can conclude that the used agents could be of therapeutic potentials in protection against PQ- induced neurotoxicity

Cognitive impairment in patients with parkinson's disease

Although Parkinson's disease has been regarded primarily as a disorder of movement, there is considerable evidence that a substantial proportion of sufferers also show impairment of cognitive functions. The relationship between disordered movement and impaired cognitive function is of great clinical and theoretical importance. To study cognitive impairment in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. Thirty idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients were included. Forty three percent were males and the rest were females. Their mean age was 61.7 +/- 7.4 years. Twenty controls matching in age, sex and educational level as far as possible were selected. Two neuropsychological tests were applied to both groups: Mini-mental state examination [MMSE] and Stanford-Binnet 4th edition tests. On the basis of the results of MMSE, patients were further subdivided into two groups: those with cognitive impairment [Group A] and those without cognitive impairment [Group B]. Patients with Parkinson's disease showed marked impairment in attention and calculation, language, memory and perception and visuospatial function compared to normal controls. Age and Educational level played a significant role in cognitive impairment in PD patients. Cognitive impairments were found more in Akinetic-dominant type patients and PD patients not receiving L-Dopa medication, however, no significant relation to the duration of such treatment could be specified. There was significant cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. MMSE was found to be very suitable, brief and quick tool in reporting cognitive impairment in PD patients. However Stanford Binnet was the tool of choice for pr‚cising the specific areas of cognitive impairment. Hence it may be used for follow up of therapeutic programs

prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa L. On CCI[4]-treated rats

This study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa L. on lipid peroxidaton, antioxidant systems and liver function in carbon tetrachloridetreated rats. The rats were divided into five experimental groups: Control non-treated group, CCl[-4] intoxicated group, Nigella sativa oil+ CCl[4] group, Nigella sativa seeds + CCl[4] group and Antox + CCl[4] group. Antox was used as a reference antioxidant. All groups received CCl[4] [4 ml/Kg b.wt. in sunflower oil [1:1] Sc] as a first initial dose, then every 15 days [half dose of CCl[4]]. Nigella sativa oil [2ml/Kg b.wt./day by gavage], Nigella sativa crushed seeds [2g/100g diet] and Antox [45.22mg/Kg b.wt./day by gavage] were administered 14 days before Cd4 treatment and continued till the end of the experimental period [45 days].The CCl[4] treatment significantly increased lipid peroxide products [as measured by the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde, MDA,] erythrocyte Giutathione peroxidase [GSHPx] and liver transaminases [ALT and AST] coupled with significant decrease in whole blood Glutathione level [GSH], erythrocyte Superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn SOD] activity, total protein and albumin levels. The positive protective effect of the test plant or Antox against the deleterious effects of CCl[4] was indicated by a well marked inhibition in malondialdehyde production, regulation of the antioxidant system, decrease in liver transaminases and increase in total protein and albumin levels. The obtained data revealed that Nigella sativa crushed seeds displayed a potent antioxidant effect that super exceeds those recorded by either Antox or Nigella sativa oil

C-Reactive protein as a marker of cardiac abnormalities in children on regular hemodialysis

End stage renal disease [ESRD] is a situation with a cardiovascular risk profile of unique severity; this study was designed to detect the cardiac abnormalities among children with ESRD and to evaluate the relation between inflammation as detected by CRP and these disorders. The present study was carried out on 60 children with ESRD on regular hemodialysis. [30 hypertensive, and 30 normo-tensive] and 30 apparently healthy age and sex matched children studied as a control group. All studied children were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination and anthropometric measurements. Echocardiography, ECG and chest X-ray were also performed. Laboratory investigations included: Hb, S.alb, S.Ca, S.P, alkaline phophatase, lipid profile, kidney functions as well as CRP both by latex agglutination and ELISA for high sensitive detection. The results of the present study demonstrated echocardiographic changes in patients with end stage renal disease in the form of significant increase in inter-ventricular septal diameter [IVSD], posterior wall thickness [PWT], left ventricular mass index [LVMI], velocity of circumferential fiber shortening [vCFS], and isovolumetric relaxation time [IVRT], [P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.001 resespectively] as well as significant decrease of e/a ratio [P<0.001] as compared to the controls. Furthermore, there was significant increase of LVMI in hypertensives as compared to normotensives [P<0.001]. CRP measured by latex agglutination was significantly increased in patients as compared to controls [+ve in 17 patients, 13 were hypertensive and 4 were normotensive], it was correlated inversely with body mass index [P<0.05] and directly with LVMI [P<0.05]. The highly sensitive [hs] CRP was also significantly elevated in patients than controls [+ve in 21 patients, 12 were hypertensive and 9 were normotensive, with median of 31.35 micro g/ml and IQR of 33.028] [P<0.001], it was significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular events [P<0.001] and those with lowered e/a ratio[P<0.05] and the level was affected by S. Ca, S.p and CaXP products[P<0.01]. The only mortality during this study demonstrated high levels of conventional and [hs] CRP. LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction are the main CV changes in children with ESRD. There is high prevalence of inflammation related mainly to the BMI and CaXp products but not to the usual lipid risk factors. This inflammation [as detected by conventional and [hs] CRP] can help in prediction of LV structural and functional abnormalities

Gene analysis and carrier detection of Duchenne muscle dystrophy in Egyptian families

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy [D/BMD] are X-linked recessive disorders resulting from mutations in the DMD gene. Since there is no cure or effective treatment for progressive muscular dystrophy, prevention of the disease is important and strongly depends on carrier status in-formation. Two-thirds of DMD/BMD cases are familial, thus female relatives are candidates for carrier-risk assessment. Segregation analysis of polymorphic short tandem [CA]n repeats [STR-[CA]n] was used to establish and compare the haplotypes of DMD patients with those of their at-risk relatives in order to determine the carrier status. However, 59 D/BMD index families and 35 of their at-risk female relatives were analyzed using the ion-pair reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography [IP-RP-HPLC] method. Comparison between the results of CPK of the carriers and linkage analysis revealed that values higher than the normal level were compatible in 100% of the cases with the carrier status. On the other hand, normal values do not distinguish between the healthy and carrier populations. In conclusion, the unlabeled IP-RP-HPLC-STR assay represents an excellent molecular tool for carrier-status identification and consequently the genetic counseling for the early prevention of such diseases