Cross-reaction of antigen preparations from adult and larval stages of the parasite Setaria equina with sera from infected humans with Wuchereria bancrofti

Crude antigenic preparations from Setaria equina were used in ELISA and Western blotting to examine cross-reaction with human sera from areas endemic for bancroftian filariasis. Sera from normal subjects from non-endemic areas were included as negative controls. Cross-reaction was found between 5. equina antigens and antibodies in the sera of Wuchereria bancrofti-infected patients, with the highest levels observed between sera of chronic infected patients and Setaria spp. crude female worm surface antigen [CFSWA]. In the absence of active transmission of Setaria spp. infection, CFWSA is useful to detect chronic W. bancrofti infection before patients become symptomatic, particularly when chronic patients are known to be amicrofilaraemic. In the presence of active 5. equina infection, antigens from the adult and microfilaraemic stages showed the highest degree of cross-reaction with human sera

Creamatocrit-based breast milk supplementation among the preterm, is there a need?

To detect the accuracy of creamatocrit [CRCT] technique, to detect variability in lipid and caloric content of the breast milk of mothers of preterm [BM'pr] and to assess the need for supplementation of BM'pr. Creamatocrit [CRCT] of BM-pr was measured prospectively among mothers of 38 preterm and 38 term neonates within the first 2 weeks. CRCF was measured: [Fresh: foremilk. hind-milk, composite milk]. Lipid and Caloric contents were also measured using volumetric [Gerber Method] and calorimetry respectively. T-test and chi square were used to detect difference between preterm and term values. Regression analysis for the relationship between CRCT and laboratory fat and caloric contents was conducted. Linear regression equations were used for fat and caloric estimation. Mean CRCT among preterm was 5.15 +/- 1.4%, mean Lipid and caloric concentration were 34.73 +/- 11.65 g/L and 507.5 +/- 86.31 Kcal/L respectively. Compared to 9.34 +/- 2.1%, 56.4 +/- 9.3 g/L and 880.02 +/- 88.01 kcal/L among term respectively, p<0.0001 for all differences. Hind milk values for CRCT, Lipids and calories were statistically higher than foremilk. p<0.0001, 0.027, <0.0001 respectively. There was a significant linear correlation between CRCT and lipid and caloric contents: r=0. 827, p< 0.003, r=.798, p<0.006 respectively. The linear regression equations for lipid and caloric estimation were Lipids [g/L]: 1.268 + 6.497CRCT and Calories: 213.07+53.287 CRCT respectively. CRCT is a simple and reliable technique for energy assessment that can be performed in every NICU. Preterm'BM is deficient in lipids and calories. Hind-milk is higher in lipids and calories compared to foremilk. Since there is a big variability among samples, we recommend CRCT measurement prior to feeds and instant supplementation upon need. Standardized supplementation is not recommended

Effect of protein malnutrition on the immune system of normal rats treated with some immuno depressant drugs

The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of protein malnutrition on the immuno-toxicological effect of cyclophosphamide [15mg/kg body weight /day for 5 days] and azathioprine [5mg/kg per day for 6 days] treatment on male rats. Two diet groups were used, each of 40 rats, a protein standard diet and a protein malnourished one. Protein malnutrition was induced by restricting the amount of casein in diet to 5% instead of 20% which is the approximate ideal concentration. Histopathology of spleen and thymus, body weight, organ weight and circulating immunoglobulin were chosen as parameters for this study. Histologically, the splenic haemopoeisis was reduced and was a loss in the follicular cells after cyclophosphamide and azathioprine treatment in the normal protein group. The tyniphoid follicles became more structurally disorganized and contained fewer cells in protein malnourished treated group. Thymuses from all treated groups revealed severe loss of lymphocyts but more depletion was obtained in malnourished rats after cyclophosphamide and azathioprine treatments. Significant decrease in circulating immunoglobulin, body weight and organ weight in treated groups was also noticed

Identifying indigenous methods used in menstrual hygiene among preparatory school girls in Alexandria

The study was conducted to identify indigenous methods used in menstrual hygiene among preparatory school girls in Alexandria. The study was carried out at four preparatory schools. The sample comprised of 282 girls who were convinced to participate in the study. The results revealed that some students tended to prohibit varieties of activities. About two thirds of the girls tended to use some indigenous methods during menstrual period. Mothers, grandmothers and sisters were the source of information among the girls