Assessment of the role of blood group systems and three DNA loci [ALU TPA-25, Humfes / Fps and HuMf 13A1] in paternity testing in a sample of Egyptian population

A panel of 10 genetic markers has been applied for paternity testing in 51 Egyptian families. The panel included 7 blood group system [ABO, Rh, MNSs, Duffy, Lewis, Kell, and Kidd], and 3 DNA loci [Alu RPA - 25, HUMFES / FPS, and HUMF13A1]. The trio in each family consisted of the mother, the child, and the legal or alleged father. The families were studied as 3 groups of statistical significance: The 1st 40th family group in which paternity of legal fathers was tested despite the lack of any suspicion of paternity dispute [expected low probability of disputed paternity], the 41st - 51st family group in which paternity of legal fathers was tested due to strong suspicion paternity dispute [expected higher probability of disputed paternity], and the 1st - 51st family group in which paternity of 10 known foreign men [to represent alleged father with 100% true paternity dispute] was randomly tested in the 51 families of the study. The study included determination of blood groups by the agglutination method, and analysis of DNA loci by aggarose gel electrophoresis after DNA extraction and amplification by polymerase chain reation. Exclusion of paternity was concluded from the knowledge of modes of inheritance of the study markers, and probability of paternity [inclusion of paternity] was calculated from the studied gene freqencies after gene typing of the study population. Results of the study showed that the DNA loci were better than blood group systems in exclusion and inclusion of paternity, though both failed to exclude all the alleged fathers or to give reliable values of probability of paternity. The Lewis, Kell, and Kidd blood groups were nearly of no value in paternity testing whereas the polymorphic DNA loci [HUMFES / FPS and HUMF13A1] provided the best result. Some true disputed fathers were excluded by single markers only, raising the importance of such exclusion which should be considered seriously and cautiously and cautiously. Its reliabilityy should be scrutinized, abd it may be necessary to examine more markers. It has been concluded that the study panel of 10 genetic markers was not adequate in excluding or proving paternity for all test cases, and that the polymorphic markers provide better results in paternity testing. In a certain population, paternity testing should rely upon adequate number of the most valuable genetic markers, and regulatory rules regarding reliable paternity exclusion or inclusion or inclusion parameters are mandatory, as well as strict application of quality control parameters to the concerned laboratories

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of morphone and phenobarbitone in dried human blood stains

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the age of the dried human bloodstains and the degree of detectability of morphine and phenobarbitone present in bloodstains. Detection of the drugs was studied in bloodstains at different time intervals [1, 14 days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 months] by using thin layer chromatography [TLC] and enzyme multiplied immunoassay [EMIT]. Furthermore, the effect of storage temperature [25C and 20C] on detectability of these drugs was investigated. The results showed that both phenobarbitone and morphine could be detected by TLC from recent and old blood stains up to 5 months at both 25C by using EMIT, the percentages of both phenobarbitone and morphine concentrations were 48.39% and 82.59%, respectively, after 5 months of storage at room temperature [25C]. Thus, the decrease in morphine concentrations was less marked than that of phenobarbitone indicating that morphine was more stable in bloodstains. On the other hand, storage of blood stain samples at-20C showed slight insignificant variation in the concentrations of both phenobarbitone and morphine at all the time intervals up to 5 months. It became 98.98% and 98.80%, respectively, after 5 months. Thus, storage of bloodstains at 20C had a stability effect on the tested drugs. Statistical regression equation was used to predict the concentrations and percentages of both phenobarbitone and morphine in the dried bloodstains provided that the age of bloodstain is known at the time of assay

Sex discrimination by radiographic measurements of human talus and calcaneus

Radiographs on the ankle of 134 Egyptians, 60 females and 74 males, were analyzed for sexual differentiation. Ten measurements were taken on the talus and the calcaneus bones, six metric characters and four angles. The results revealed that all the measured distances but not the angles are larger in males than females. Beta and gamma-angles are larger in males, while alpha-angle is larger in females. The talocalcaneal angle has nearly the same value and range in both sexes. All the observed differences between both sexes are statistically significant except for gamma angle and the maximum height of talus. Multivariant discriminant analysis showed that a discriminant function consisting of four variables can be used to identify the sex. The variables are alpha- and beta- angles, talocalcaneal length and maximum length of talus. The sex of the studied persons was correctly classified in 100% of female samples and 91.9% of males with an overall prediction percentage of 95.5%. It is recommended to use the radiograph analysis of the ankle for identification of sex because it proved to be a simple, reliable, accurate and non-invasive method of study

Evaluation of different methods of enhanced elimination in phenobarbital overdose

Twenty-seven patients with phenobarbital overdose were treated by multipledoses of oral activated charcoal [n = 9], urinary alkalinization [n = 9] and acombined use of both modalities [n = 0]. Blood samples were taken from eachpatients at the time of admission [time 0], then at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hourspost admission for the estimation of plasma phenobarbital concentrations. Half life, total body clearance and elimination rate constant of all patientswere calculated. It was found that multiple-dose activated charcoal [MDAC]and combined use of both MDAC and urinary alkalinization resulted in asignificant statistical reduction of phenobarbital half life and an increasein its total body clearance and elimination rate constant, when either of themwas compared with urinary alkalinization alone. MDAC alone was the mosteffective method for enhancing phenobarbital elimination in overdosedpatients, even more than the combined therapy, although there was nosignificant difference between them

teratogenic study of selenium in albino rats

Teratogenecity of selenium was investigated in pups of 80 dams. Forty dams served as controls and the other forty administered orally and daily 1.5 mg/kg b. w. of selenium dioxide from day 6 to 15 of gestation. Uteri of sacrificed dams and pups of both groups were examined. Data obtained revealed increased number of resorped and dead pups per litter and decreased number of livings per litter. Significant increase [83.3%] of abnormal pups among livings was found. Growth retardation manifested by a 51.58% and 48.55% decrease in rate of weight and length gain per day recpectively. Also the size of litter decreased 19.8%. Selenium resulted in a 19.35% decrease in mean embryonic weight accompanied by a 16.9% decrease in crown-rump length. High percentages of morphological abnormalities were detected. They included small sized pups [83.3%]; wrinkled skin [74%]; kinking of tails [35.4%]; translucent skin [22.9%]; flat occiput [9.4%]; kyphosis [12.5%]; multiple haemorrhagic areas [67.7%]; misshaped heads [15.6%] and missing eye [9.4%]. Skeletal anomalies following prenatal administration of selenium included absent carpal and metacarpal bones [62.5%]; absent sternebrae [32.5%]; incomplete skeleton [47.5%]; incomplete ossification of cranium [47.5%]; absent coccygeal vertebrae [30%]; absent ischium [25%]; absent metatarsal bones [60%] and incomplete union of vertebral column [47.5%]. Histopathological abnormal changes were found in the skin and internal organs of pups of Se treated dams. Data of the present study proved the teratogenic potential of selenium in Albino rats

histological and biochemical study of the protective effect of melatonin on acute paraquat toxicity in albino rats

The acute toxic effect of the herbicide paraquat [PQ] and the protective effect of the antioxidant melatonin against its toxicity were experimentally investigated both biochemically and histologically. Sixty rats were divided into six equal groups. Melatonin [Mgroup] and saline [Control group] were given once i.p. [10 mg /kg] to rats of both groups. PQ in high dose [50 mg /kg] and low dose [15mg /kg] was given i.p. to rats of high and low PQ groups i.p. [HPQ and LPQ]. A single dose of melatonin was injected i.p. 30 minutes prior to high and low PQ doses in rats of MHPQ and MLPQ groups. All rats were sacrificed after 24 hours and blood samples were collected for the biochemical analysis. Lung, liver and kidney specimens were processed for staining with haematoxylin and eosin, and P.A.S. reaction for light microscopic examination. Liver frozen sections were prepared and stained by Sudan black for lipid demonstration. The results revealed that both doses of PQ significantly increased serum malondialdehyde level and decreased serum concentration of glutathione and glutathione reductase activity compared to control values. These changes improved significantly in groups received melatonin prior to PQ i.e. MHPQ and MLPQ groups. Histologically, extensive damage to lung, liver and kidney was observed in rats of HPQ group. In the lung, marked congestion and bleeding were observed and the alveoli appeared filled with coagulated material, collapsed or manifested a compensatory emphysema. The bronchiolar wall showed sloughing of the epithelial lining and peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltration. In the liver, blood sinusoids were markedly congested, the normal lobular pattern was lost and the hepatocytes exhibited vacoulation, fatty degeneration and necrosis. In the kidney, glomerular alterations and renal tubular necrosis were observed. Melatonin did not improve the toxic effect of PQ on the three organs in rats of MHPQ group. The low dose of PQ induced minimal tissue damage compared to HPQ group and the kidney was the most affected organ. Melatonin prior to low PQ dose improved the histological picture of the three organs which appeared almost similar to the controls, except the kidney which showed some degenerative changes. In conclusion, melatonin affords protection for the biochemical parameters affected by both doses of PQ while histologically, the single dose of melatonin can protect the organs only in animals exposed to low dose of PQ

Evaluation of the effect of gastrointestinal dialysis by multiple doses of activated charcoal on the toxicokinetics of drug overdose in rats

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of multiple oral doses ofactivated charcoal [MDAC] on the toxicokinetics of intraperitoneallyadministered drug overdoses [phenobarbitone, salicylate, theophylline anddiazepam] in albino rats. Four groups of rats [310 rats] were injected withthe previous 4 drugs, respectively [0 time]. Each group was divided intotest animals [received multiple doses of oral activated charcoal] and controlanimals [received distilled water orally]. Ten animals were sacrificed fromeach group [five from controls and five from test animals] after one hour from zero time, then at different subsequent hours according to every drug groupregimen. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma drug concentration, by enzymemultiplied immunoassay technique for phenobarbitone, theophylline anddiazepam, and fluorescence polarization immunoassay [FPIA] by TDx-FLx for theestimation of salicylate. Significant reduction in half life and enhancedclearance were found in phenobarbitone and theophylline groups. In salicylategroup, the reduction in half life and enhancement of clearance wereinsignificant. No effect of MDAC was found on the plasma concentration ofdiazepam

experimental study of subchronic toxicity of perchloroethylene [PER] in mice

This study included 240 mature Swiss mice of both sexes. Mice were dividedinto three test groups [n = 50 in each group] that received low, moderate andhigh doses of per dissolved in calculated doses of pure corn oil orally anddaily for 70 days. Control groups [n = 30 in each group], administrated thecorresponding doses of pure corn oil. After 45 days, blood samples werecollected from each animal and blood and urine samples were collected after 70days. Complete blood picture analysis revealed a hemolytic anemia likepattern which was dose and duration dependent. Liver function tests showedsignificant increase of ALT and AST enzyme activities which were dosedependent. Kidney function tests showed significant increase in the level ofserum creatinine only in the high dose group. Beta-2 microglobulin wasundetected in urine of all mice. Histopathological studies of the animalsinternal groups revealed significant changes in spleen, liver and kidneysmatching with the results of blood, liver enzymes, serum creatinine and absentbeta-2 microglobulin. Dysplasia was found in the liver of male mice more thanfemales. Lungs showed significant pathological changes, while testes showedsome degree maturation arrest

Disinfection and sterilization of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Its medicolegal aspects

This study included 200 samples collected from flexible upper gastrointestinalendoscopes [100 before flexible gastroscopes and 100 after disinfection], 20samples from water used in washing and 20 from disinfecting solution. Also,culture of environmental room air was done. Samples were cultured onMacConkey, blood and nutrient agar and specific Skirrow's medium for H.pylori. Before endoscopic disinfection, cultures revealed 15% infection withH. Pylori, 10% Staph. aureus, 8% Micrococci, 7% Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 4% E.Coli, 2% Strep. Faecalis and 1% for Strep. hemolyticus, Enterobacter cloacaeand Staph. Epidermidis. 51% of cultures showed no growth. Followingdisinfection cultures still showed 6% Micrococci, 3% Staph. aureus and 1% H.pylori. The antiseptic solution and water for wash at the beginning of theday showed no growth and at mid-day the water showed growth of Pseudomonas andH. pylori. Environmental air showed growth of Staph. aureus, Klebsiellaoxytoca ans Candida albicans

Rapid analysis of some drugs of abuse in human blood by using EMIT and TLC techniques

A recent method for direct and rapid extraction of some drugs of abuse inwhole human blood was evaluated. Methanolic extraction of 2ml blood with 4mlmethanol yielded 0.3-3.5 ml clear extract after vigorous vortexing for 30seconds followed by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes. Analysis ofblood samples were done by using 2 techniques; Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay[EMIT] and Thin Layer Chromatography [TLC] for the presence of morphine,amphetamine, phenobarbitone and methaqualone. The time taken from the startof the extraction procedure up to the point, at which the EMIT-apparatus wasinjected with the extract or TLC plates were spotted, was 10 minutes, i.e. rapid extraction. Values of detection of the four assayed drugs in the methanolic extract proved that this method of extraction is very sensitive and gives a potent, i.e. it can be used to detect drugs concentration ranges [subtherapeutic to therapeutic] for all assays

Chronic toxicity of perchloroethylene [PCE] in workers of dry-cleaning shops

Twenty-four male workers in dry-cleaning shops were investigated for effects of chronic exposure to perchloroethylene in their work places. A control group [n=24] matched by age and sex with the workers was also studied. Systemicexamination, chest X-rays, pulmonary function test, EEG, EMG and liverfunction tests [ALT, AST, GGT, LDH and serum bilirubin, bile acid and albumin]were done to both groups [workers and controls]. The results revealedneuropsychic and gastrointestinal manifestations in all workers [100%] andchest manifestations in 79.17%. X-ray showed chronic bronchitis in 6 workersand emphysematous changes in ten cases; a significant reduction of pulmonary function test was observed with a significant correlation between the duration of PCE exposure, FEV1 and FVC, normal EEC, abnormal EMG finding in 83.33% ofworkers. Increased activities of liver enzymes, serum bilirubin and bile acidand hypoalbuminemia were found in PCE exposed workers

effect of opiates [morphine] and opiate antagonists [naloxone] on gastric mucosal injury produced by ethanol

In this study morphine alone did not affect the gastric mucosa. Moreover, it was found to have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa against the injurious effect of ethanol. Naloxone alone did not affect the gastric mucosa it has a slight protective effect when combined to ethanol 50%. When naloxone was combined with morphine and ethanol 50%, naloxone did not antagonize the local protective effect of morphine. Instead, it improved this effect. Therefore, morphine can be used safely as an analgesic in traumatized and post surgical patients who are at great risk of stress-ulcers

Biochemical and histopathological changes as markers of alcoholism in atbino rats

Fourty mature albino rats of buth sexes were divided into four equal groups. Three groups received doses equivalent to 1/20, 1/10 and 1/5 L D50 of ethanol, six days/week orally for eight weeks. The remaining group served as a control. Serum and vitreous levels of Na, K, uric acid, ALT, AST and GGT were measured. Most of the obtained results were significantly different from those of the control group in such a way that would help in detecting alcohol abuse especially the GGT levels. Histopathological findings in the internal organs of rats [liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen and testes] revealed changes of variable degree of severity, but are not pathognomonic for alcohol abuse

Some effects of heated raid mat on albino rats

Forty adult albino rats were divided into four equal groups. Three groups were exposcd to heated Raid mat overnight [about 10 hours] daily for 4, 8, 12 weeks respectively, the fourth group was used as a control. At the end of the periods of exposure, blood was taken for haematological and enzymatic analysis, the liver was removed for histological and histochemical studies. It was found that the R B Cs count and HB% were statistically decreased while the total W B Cs count and lymphocytes were statistically increased, the serum enzymes [ALT, AST, AP] were statistically increased. These haematological and biochemical changes were time related with exposure. The histological and histochemical changes of the liver were more marked in the third group

Can D-penicillamine be used in treatment of acute paracetamol hepatotoxicity?

Forty mature albino rats were divided equally into three test groups and on control group. Paracetamal was given rally [1000 mg/kgm] to rats of the three test groups. D-penicillamine was given intrapevtoneally [0.5 mg/gm] one hour and 15 minutes afer the toxic para cetamol dose to rats of the second and third groups respictively. Statistical analysis of values of serum ALT, AST and bilirubin showed high significant elevation in the first group; significant decrease in the second group and drametic significant inprovement in the third group. All biochemical results coincided completely and confirmed by the histopathological findings in the livers of the studied rats

Vitrous humour magnesium in sea and river water drowning an experimental study

Vitreous humor magnesium was estimated in two equal groups and a control groupof albino rats. Each test group [N-80] was divided into 8 equal subgroupswhich were drowned [first group in seawater, second group in river water] andremained immersed for 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours, respectively. Magnesium was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after aciddigestion of the vitreous. Significant increase of the vitreous magnesium wasfound in seawater drowning and immersion till the 24th hour after which thechanges became insignificant. In river water drowning, there wasinsignificant decrease with no correlation to immersion interval

Middle phalangeal hair [MPH] and its relation to sex and ABO blood groups in an Egyptian population [Dakahlia district]

Middle phalanx [MPH] was observed in 50.49% in an Egyptian population [927 students [654 males and 273 females], aged averagely 18-22 years. Males had a higher incidence of MPH than females, but this difference was statistically nonsignificant. The order of frequency of MPH in males in relation to ABO blood groups was AB, O, A and B, respectively; while it was O, A, B and AB, respectively, in females. Chi-square test of these differences in distribution was nonsignificant, except with blood group AB which was highly significant statistically. Ring finger was the highest among all fingers for the presence of MPH, followed by the middle, then the little fingers. The thumb and the index fingers were nearly devoid of MPH [1%]. Results of this study proved that MPH could be of great value in both populations and genetic studies