Chitosan nanoparticles prepared from lucilia cuprina maggots as antibacterial agent

Chitosan were prepared from cuticle of Lucilia cuprina maggots with two steps; deproteinization and deacetylation. It was characterized with solubility and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy [FT-IR]. Chitosan was ball-milled to obtain the chitosan nanoparticles which characterized with dynamic light scattering [DLS] and transmission electron microscope [TEM]. Chitosan nanoparticles with degree of deacetylation [DDA] 80.5% were showed antibacterial activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis. The mode of action of chitosan nanoparticles on the tested bacteria was studied by TEM. Leakage of some cell contents, cell deformation mi rupture of cell were observed, therefore, the chitosan nanoparticles were observed to be a powerful antibacterial agent

Antimicrobial activities of chitosan nanoparticles prepared from lucilia cuprina maggots [diptera: calliphoridae]

Chitosan nanoparticles were studied as antimicrobial agent. The antibacterial activity of chitosan nanoparticles were investigated against three Gram-negative bacteria; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi, and three Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus pyogenes. The antifungal activity were examined against three fungi; Geotrichum candidum, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis. The antiviral activities were tested against three viruses; Rift Valley Fever [RVFV], Herpes simplex-1 [HSV-1] and Coxsackie viruses. Chitosan nanoparticles were inhibited all bacteria and fungi except E.faecalis seemed to be resistant strain. Infectivity titers of all viruses were reduced by chitosan nanoparticles, which are a natural antimicrobial agent

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among Libyan primary and secondary schoolteachers: a cross-sectional study

Achievement of high academic performance needs good emotional expression. Studies have showed that depression, anxiety and stress [DAS] are the most common psychosomatic problems facing teachers worldwide. Therefore the present study aimed to investigate whether Libyan primary and secondary schoolteachers experience DAS manifestation throughout job programmers. So a cross-sectional survey was performed at different schools in Tripoli city, from July to October 2014; male and female teachers [n=200] were enrolled in terms of sociodemographic variables. Data were gathered using DAS scale [DASS-21] questionnaire. The mean age was 38.7+/-8.5 years, and the average tough experience was 13.95+/-0.69 years. Of 21 possible items, our study showed that 44.5% of teachers reported depressive sensation, 56% stated anxiety and 39.5% described stress mood. The most frequent reported items were, for depression "I felt down-hearted and blue" by 64%; for anxiety "I was worried about situation in which I might panic and make a fool of myself" by 60.5%, and for stress "I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy" by 78.5%. In addition, increasing tea and coffee intake, and being smokers were associated with more symptoms, and increased number of taught experience, among females, resulted in fewer symptoms. Overall, 27.5% of teachers reported no symptoms, 22% specified one level of mind strife, 27% expressed two symptoms and 23.5% itemized the three DAS disorders. Furthermore, DAS sub-scales were significantly correlated. Hence, our findings support the predominance of DAS in tutors. It also shows that Libyan schoolteachers' experienced more symptoms than other survey countries; their quality of work possibly be affected by these events

In vivo effects of Faizol Ubat Batuk, a herbal product on aminopyrine metabolism in rat hepatocytes

Traditional medicines, in particular herbal products, have been used abundantly over the years in curing several diseases. Pharmacological interactions of herbal products with modern drugs, however, remain to some extent unknown. Herein, we examined whether co-administration of Faizol Ubat Batuk [FUB], a mixture of aqueous extract of different plants, modifies the metabolism of aminopyrine, a conventional analgesic drug, in rat liver. We used rat hepatocytes outfitted by collagenase perfusion technique. Determination of aminopyrine n-demethylase activity was performed using the Nash colorimetric method, by measuring the amount of formaldehyde produced. Compared to control treatment, FUB significantly increased the hepatic metabolism of aminopyrine in healthy adult male rats. In contrast, the hepatic metabolism of aminopyrine in adult female rats was decreased. Besides, a biphasic effect in n-demethylase activity was observed in young male rats treated with FUB. In a subsequent experiment, FUB did not change the metabolism of aminopyrine in streptozotocin [STZ]-diabetic adult male rats. In conclusion, administration of FUB could affect phase I aminopyrine metabolism in rat heptocytes. In addition, the effects of FUB on hepatic n-demethylase activity were gender and disease dependent

In Vitro Effects of Some Herbs Used in Egyptian Traditional Medicine on Viability of Protoscolices of Hydatid Cysts

The present work evaluated the effects of alcoholic extracts of salvia (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and 2 pure compounds (thymol and menthol) on the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices in vitro. Four different concentrations of each extract (2,500, 1,500, 1,000, and 500 microg/ml) and 3 different concentrations each of thymol and menthol (50, 10, and 1 microg/ml) were used. Concentration of 2,500 microg/ml of both extracts showed a significant protoscolicidal activity on the 6th day. Complete loss of viability of protoscolices occurred with 500 microg/ml concentration of both extracts at day 6 and day 7 post-treatment (PT), respectively. Pure compounds, i.e., menthol and thymol, showed potent effects with 50 microg/ml concentration at day 2 and day 5 PT, respectively. These effects were compared with those of albendazole sulfoxide (800 microg/ml), a commonly used treatment drug for hydatidosis. Krebs-Ringer solution and the hydatid cystic fluid at a ratio of 4:1 was a good preservative solution which kept the protoscolices viable for 15 days.

Bi-axial flexural strength of dual-polymerizing agents cemented to human dentin after photo-activation with different light-curing systems

This study aimed to assess the bi-axial flexural strength of two dual-polymerizing resin luting agents cemented to human dentin when photo-activated with different light-curing units. Two dual-cured resin cements: choice [CH] and Variolink II [VL] were tested. Hybrid composite resin [Z-250] discs [12 +/- 1.5 mm] were fabricated. Three types of light-curing units were used halogen-curing unit [QTH], light-emitting diode [LED] and plasma arc [PAC]. Sixty dentin discs of 0.5 mm thickness were prepared from extracted human teeth. A circular mold [2.5 mm in height and 12 mm diameter] was utilized to create supporting structure for dentin, resin cement complex. The resin luting cement [0.5 mm] was placed on the previously prepared dentin discs and covered with the prefabricated composite discs. Photo-activation of cements was performed for 40 s with QTH and LED units and for 3 s with PAC. The specimens were divided into 12 groups [20 specimens for each light source]. Six groups were kept in distilled water for 24 h and the rest were stored for 6 weeks. Bi-axial flexural strength was determined using Instron machine. The data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test for comparison. The findings indicated that the bi-axial flexural strength values for both cements CH and VL were higher for 24 h over 6 weeks but not statistically significant when cured with QTH. Meanwhile, when LED light was used for photo-activation the cements, the flexural strength values reported were statistically higher of 24 h over 6 weeks storage at P=0.4E However, PAC light did not record any statistically significant difference between two duration for the CH cement although when used for polymerization of VL the reported value for 6 weeks were statistically significantly higher value than 24 h duration at P=0.002. When high immediate flexural strength is preferred in clinical situation photo-activation the cements with LED reported the greatest value

Allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy in allergic asthma: immunologic mechanisms and improvement

Allergic asthma is a disease characterized by persistent allergen-driven airway inflammation, remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness. CD4-T-cells, especially T-helper type 2 cells, play a critical role in orchestrating the disease process through the release of the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Allergen-specific immunotherapy [SIT] is currently the only treatment with a long-term effect via modifying the natural course of allergy by interfering with the underlying immunological mechanisms. However, although SIT is effective in allergic rhinitis and insect venom allergy, in allergic asthma it seldom results in complete alleviation of the symptoms. Improvement of SIT is needed to enhance its efficacy in asthmatic patients. Herein, the immunoregulatory mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of SIT are discussed with the ultimate aim to improve its treatment efficacy

End-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy

In recent years, Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy [FFB] has been applied for diagnostic and some therapeutic purposes. During FFB and even in the presence of supplemental oxygen, hypoventilation leading to hypoxia and desaturation may occur; this is aggravated by the use of suction. Arterial oxygen saturation is usually monitored with pulse oximetry [Spo2] during FFB; End-Tidal Pco2 [ET-Pco2] monitoring is not routinely used. Two-hundred patients were studied between May 1998 till April 2003, at the divisions of chest surgery and Pulmonology at King Hussein Medical Center, [KHMC]. Their ages 53 +/- 19 years [mean +/- SD], underwent FFB and received supplemental oxygen during various stages of FFB: 1-before and during installation of lidocaine on the vocal cords, 2-during passage of instrument into the trachea, RMB, IMB, 3-during bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial biopsy, Trans Bronchial Biopsy [TBB], and 4-at the final stages of FFB. ET-Pco2 changes were studied with a capnograph and Spo2 using a pulse oximeter simultaneously and the results were recorded. Mean ET-Pco2 significantly decreased from 28.7 +/- 4.5 mmHg before FFB to 28 +/- 5.7 mmHg, 27.9 +/- 5.5 mmHg, 27.5 +/- 5.6 mmHg, 27.1 +/- 4.5 mmHg, 27.9 +/- 5.3 mmHg during bronchoscopy of the Right Main Bronchus [RMB], Left Main Bronchus [LMB], bronchial washing, bronchial biopsy and Trans Bronchial Biopsy [TBB], and at the termination of FFB, respectively [p<0.05]. In 118 patients [59%], the decrease of ET-Pco2 was equal to or greater than 4 mmHg; in 105 patients [52.5%] the amount of decrease in Spo2 was = 5% and in 32 patients [16%], Spo2 decreased = 10%. No correlation was found between decreasing ET-Pco2 and Spo2 during the procedure. ET-Pco2 and Spo2 decreased during bronchoscopy. We also speculate that this reflects airway obstruction by the instrument. Further studies and more experimental analysis in this field is recommended

Antioxidant effect of Turmeric and saffron on the oxidation of hepatocytes, LDL and non-enzymatic glycation of hemoglobin

Free radicals especially reactive oxygen species are known as important factors, which by damage to biomolecules like DNA, proteins, membrane, enzymes and lipids produce pathological disorders. Lipid peroxidation of LDL particles and membranes of hepatocytes may be involved in the process of atherosclerosis and liver dysfunction respectively. Also non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins is involved in the complication of diabetic patients. Due to oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, destructive effects of free radicals may appear over time. Therefore, an investigation about the antioxidant effects of some popular spices including curcuma longa and crocus sativus zeylanicum on three oxidative systems [LDL oxidation, oxidation of cell membranes of liver hepatocytes and non-enzymatic gly cation of hemoglobin] was done. Total extracts of the above-mentioned plants were obtained. Hepatocyte membranes of rat liver were selected as a sensitive system to peroxidation and in the vicinity of tert-butyl hydroperoxide [TBH] [1.5mM] as an oxidant agent, the amount of malondialdehyde [MDA] was measured in the presence and absence of plant extract as a lipid peroxidation marker. Also released Alanine Aspartate Aminofransterase [AST] was measured as a cell membrane damage marker due to peroxidation. Glycosylation changes of hemoglobin and LDL oxidation were evaluated in the presence and absence of extracts. The results showed that curcuma at a concentration of 10microg/ml inhibited MDA formation by 28.8% and AST released by 25.53%. Curcuma at a concentration of Ijug/ml inhibited hemoglobin glycosylation by 25.85%. It has a dose dependent effect at all concentration. Also the plant showed the most antioxidant effect on LDL oxidation at the concentration of microg/ml. Crocus at applied doses has no definite inhibitory effect on MDA and AST formation, [results not shown] but crocus has a minimal inhibitory effect on hemoglobin glycosylation and LDL oxidation. This study showed that curcuma at applied doses has an inhibitory effect on all three oxidative systems in mentioned diseases and probably would be important for prevention of atherosclerosis, diabetes and liver dysfunction. Crocus at the used concentration had not any effect on these oxidative systems

Bacteriology of neonatal sepsis in a large teachicg hospital in benghazi, libya

Out of 196 suspected cases of neonatal sepsis retrospectively studied, bacteraemia was detected in 144 cases [73%]. Incidence rate was 5.65 per 1000 hospital admissions. Gram negative organisms were predominant [86%] with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia spp. As the major pathogens. Among the gram positive organisms, Staphylococcus epidermidis emereged as the common pathpgen. High degree of multiple-resistance to common antimicrobials by many of these nosocomial isolates were observed in our study. Restricted use of antibiotics, strict aseptic measures during and in neonatal wards and nurseries could reduce the incidence of sepsis among neonates

Prevalence and determinants of late potentials in patients with unstable angina

To study the factors determining the positivety of late potentials and its prevalence in unstable angina, fifty unstable angina patients together with a sex and age matched twenty stable angina patients serving as control were included in this study. All were subjected to careful history taking and clinical examination, laboratory blood analysis; twelve leads resting surface ECG; echo-Doppler study; 24-hours Holterniortitoring and signal averaged ECG [SAECG] namely filtered QRS complex duration, root of the mean square of signal amplitude in the last 40 msec of the filtered QRS and the duration of terminal filtered low signal amplitude [LAS] with frequency amplitude<40 uv. Echo-Doppler; Holter monitoring and SAECG were repeated two weeks later for the unstable angina patients. Exercise treadmill was done to confirm the diagnosis of stable angina patients. In the present study the incidence of positive LPs was 24% on admission and was significantly reduced to 14% after 2 weeks of medical therapy in unstable angina patients. However, non of the stable angina patients had positive LPs. All the parameters of SAECG were significantly higher in the unstable angina patients. Sex and age had no effect on the incidence of LPs, inferior ischemia had significantly higher positive LPs than anterior ischemia [55% vs 33%/. Holter-reported ischaemic episodes and echo-reported regional wall motion abnormalities were significantly positively correlated with positive LPs. The presence of left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction significantly increase the incidence of positive LPs and their improvement significantly reduce the incidence of positive LPs Positive LPs was recorded in 24% of patients with unstable angina Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction and the frequency of ischaemic episodes showed significant positive correlation with the incidence of positive LPs Medical therapy significantly reduced the incidence of positive LPs

Interrelationship between oral bacteria and formation of germ-tubes by albicans

Inhibition of Candida albicans germ- tube formation was observed in serum in the presence of the following bacteria: Escherichia coli, Citrobacter koseri, Streptococcus salivarius, streptococcus sanguis, Corynebacterium hofmanni and Neisseria pharyngis.in the absence of bacteria 88% of the yeast cells formed germ tubes, but in their presence this value was reduced to a range of 3-46% depending on the bacterial species used. The ratio of bacteria in relation to the number of candida must be high [>102] in order to inhibit germ tubes development, and this phenomenon may be related to the size and/ or the arrangements of bacterial cells. The contact between bacteria and Candida seems to be loose and can easily be broken by washing. Inhibition of the germination may be mediated by a ligand on bacterial cell surface receptor on yeast cells interaction.

Parotid salivary gland and the facial nerve

Parotid Glands are the major salivary glands which are located on the side of the face and secrete their saliva into the oral cavity. Any pathological lesion of the salivary glands may have an effect directly or indirectly on the facial nerve either during the pathological events or as a complication of surgery. This manuscript is a retrospective analysis of 41 patients treated as both out patients and in patients in one hospital in Manchester during the 5 years between 1988-1992. There was a range of complaints ranging from inflammatory lesions to neoplasma. The male to female ratio was 0.95: 1. From the total sample 31.71% [n=13 patients] had chronic Sialadenitis; 21.95% [n=9 patients] had a benign mixed tumour [Pleomorphic Adenoma] 29 patients of 41 patients underwent various types of parotid surgery from minor procedures to radical resection. Post operative complications were very low. The post operative follow up ranged from six months to three years

outbreak of cholera in Ajdabiya-Libya

During an outbreak of cholera in Libya, 15 [79%] out of 19 diarrhoeal samples from non-Libyans yielded V cholera 01 strains of E1 Tor biotype and Ogawa serotype. Isolates were [BETA]-haemolytic on blood agar, grew on CLED medium and were positive for VP test. The organisms were resistant to cotrimoxazole chloramphenicol, tetracycline and to the vibriostatic compound 0/129. However, they were sensitive to nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, carbenicillin and ampicillin. The possible source of infection was attributed to polluted well drinking water

Emergence of multiple-drug resistant salmonellae isolated from neonates in Benghazi-Libya

An outbreak of diarrhoeal disease was detected in a Neonatal Nursery Unit, Benghazi-Libya. Salmonella was isolated from 63 out of 118[52.5%] stool samples. All isolates were resistant to co-trimoxazole, choramphenicol. ampicillin, amoxycilin, cephaloridine, gentamicine and kanamycin. As high as 95% of the isolates were also resistant to augmentin, cephamandole, ceftriaxohe and cefotaxime exhibiting multiple resistance patterns. Variable susceptibility patterns were detected for cefoxitin, ceftazidime and aztreonam. However all isolates were sensitive to tetracycline, polymyxin B, imipenem norfloxacin and ofloxacin. The present investigation underlines an alarming situation which could be due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in developing countries which require stricter control measures both at hospitals and in the community

Immunological assay after vaccination of goats with brucella melitensis rev.I and brucella abortus 45/20 vaccines at Saudi Arabia

The living smooth Brucella melitensis Rev. I vaccine given in the normal dose [7x10[8] organism] to goats 3 to 5 months of age stimulated a marked increase in agglutinin titer. Fractionation of pools of serum by gel filtration by anion exchange chromatography, using diethylaminoethyl [DEAE] cellulose showed that both IgM and IgG agglutinins were present from 12 to 47 days after goats were vaccinated. Only mercaptoethanol [ME]- sensitive agglutinins were detected in most goats 4 months after vaccination, but 2 of 30 goats retained ME- resistant agglutinins for the 13 1/2 - month observation period. Fractionation of serums from goats representative of these 2 types of serologic response indicated that most goats had only IgM agglutinins whereas the 2 given goats had activity in the IgG fraction. Adult goats given Brucella abortus 42/20 adjuvant vaccine and revaccinated 5 months later developed low agglutination titers to smooth antigen, and all became test Positive to the antiglobulin test. Fractionation of serum of pools taken 1 week and 8 months after revaccination indicated that antibody activity was restricted to the IgG fraction. Sera from 5 vaccinated and nonvaccinated goats which were Positive by bacteriological culture examination at necropsy 31 to 47 days after goats were given conjunctival inoculation of virulent B. melitensis had antibody activity in both IgG and IgM fractions Test Positive reaction to the ME, complement-fixation [CF], and antiglobulin [AG] test were restricted to the IgG-containing fractions of serum whereas reactions to the agglutination [STT] and the card tests appeared with either or both fractions. The effect of these findings on the choice of tests for the differentiation of vaccination response is discussed

Septicemia caused by oral and maxillofacial infection: a retrospective study

This is a retrospective study of 35 patients suffering from Septicaemia caused by oral and maxillofacial infection of different causes admitted and treated in two University Hospitals in Tehran. The major causative factors were the firearms injuries. The incidence was 5.9/1000 admitted patients in the field of the oral and maxillofacial surgery. The males commoner than female patients. The most common micro-organisms isolated were streptococcus pyrogenes and bacteroides. The result of treatment was very good in 34 patients [97.14%], while one patient died because of cavernous sinus thrombosis after severe infection in the middle third region of the face caused by firearms injury

Effect of transvenous balloon mitral valvuloplasty on right ventricular function assessed by equlibrium radionuclide angiocardiography

This study evaluated the immediate and short term effect of relief of mitral valve obstruction by balloon mitral valvuloplasty [BMV] on the right ventricular [RV] systolic and diastolic performance 13 males and 12 females, aged 15 to 39 years [means = 24] with significant mitral stenosis [MS] were studied by color echodoppler [CED] and equilibrium radionuclide angiography [ERNA] within a week before and 24-48 hours and 6 months after performance of BMV. The latter was done by the double balloon technique in 23 patients and by single balloon technique in 2 patients BMV resulted in a high significant immediate drop in the transmitral diastolic pressure gradient [MDPG] from 19.7 +/- 4.6 to 3.04 +/- 2.3 mmHg. Also, the systolic pulmonary artery pressure [SPAP] dropped significantly from 71.4 +/- 21.8 to 43.8 +/- 14.8 mmHg. Meanwhile, the mean PAP dropped significantly from 48.8 +/- 15.5 to 38.2 +/- 11.5 mmHg. By CED, BMV resulted in a highly significant increase in the mitral valve area [MVA] from 0.98 +/- 0.12 to 2.2 +/- 0.5 cm2. Meanwhile, the RV-systolic pressure [RVSP] dropped significantly from 66.7 +/- 21.6 to 41.0 +/- 15.5 mmHg, together with a significant decrease in the mean PAP from 43.9 +/- 10.1 to 29.4 +/- 12 mmHg. 2 patients had suboptimal results [mean MVA = 1.4 +/- 0.1 cm2]. However, their RVSP decreased significantly from 97.5 +/- 17.4 to 60 +/- 1.0 mmHg. ERNA study revealed a significant immediate improvement in the RV-systolic [RV-ejection fraction, RVEF] and diastolic [peak filling rate, PFR and time to peak filling rate, TPFR] performance RVEF increased significantly from 45.6 +/- 9.0 to 49.5 +/- 9.8%. PFR rose from 1.44 +/- 0.26 to 1.56 +/- 0.2 end diastolic volume [EDV] per second TPFR decreased significantly from 148.2 +/- 31.6 to 130.6 +/- 20.2 msec. RV-function improved significantly even in patients with suboptimal results. RVEF rose from 34.5 +/- 5.2 to 39 +/- 5.7%. PFR rose from 1.17 +/- 0.3 to 1.39 +/- 0.1 EDV/sec. TPFR decreased from 1 73.5 +/- 11.1 to 141 +/- 19.7 msec. On short term [6 months] follow up, BMV resulted in sustained or further improvement in the hemodynamic outcome in patients with immediate optimal results. The mean MVA was 2.09 +/- 0.53 cm2. The mean PAP [by CED] dropped significantly further to 18.5 +/- 3.4 mmHg. 3 patients developed mitral restenosis [MVA = 1.03 +/- 0.06 cm2 and RVSP = 100 +/- 10 mmHg]. This was reflected into depressed RV-function [RVEF was 327%, PFR = 1.20.42 EDV/sec., and TPFR = 181.7 +/- 9.1 msec]. In the remaining 22 patients who maintained a widened MVA, RVEF rose significantly to 56.8 +/- 5.3, PFR increased significantly to 1.7 +/- 0.17 EDV/sec. and TPFR decreased significantly to 127 +/- 0.3 msec. In conclusion, successful BMV results in immediate and maintained [6 months] improvement in the RV-systolic and diastolic function

Effect of hypertension on pulmonary function

Thirty hypertensives and ten normal control subjects were included in the study, all had a normal left ventricular systolic function, no clinical or radiological pulmonary disease, fifteen hypertensives had diastolic dysfunction. Echo-Doppler and ventilatory pulmonary function studies were done for all. There was a significant inverse relation between E/A ratio and both the age and level of BP in hypertensive, but a significant direct relation with EF. Hypertensives with normal diastolic function showed a significant decrease in F.E.V[1] and M.V.V. and a significant increase in F.E.V[1]/F.V.C. but still within the normal range. Hypertensives with diastolic dysfunction had a combined obstructive-restrictive ventilatory dysfunction as represented by a significant decrease in V. C, F.V. C, F.E.F and M.V.V. less than normal range. However the effect of hypertension on small airways was insignificant B.P = Blood Pressure E.F = Ejection Fraction F.E.V[1] = Forced Expiratory Volume at the first second M.V.V = Maximal Volantary Ventilation F.V.C. = Forced Vital Capacity. V.C. = Vital Capacity. P.E.F. = Peak Expiratory Flow