Ultrastructural study of the lateral line neuro-masts in tadpoles of saudi bufo dhufarensis and rana Ridibunda

Neuromast [hair cells] structure in Bufo dhufarensis and Rana ridibunda larvae was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy [SEM]. Neuromasts were found arranged in one well-defined line in the head, body, and tail regions forming the lateral line and also found haphazardly scattered in most of the body parts. Their number was significantly high in the head region, and then it gradually decreased along the posterior end of the body. The structure of neuromasts in these three regions was basically similar for each species. In Rana, neuromasts were found few in number, either spherical or oval in shape lacking hair-like structure except in the tail region where hair cells were found. While in Bufo, neuromasts were numerous. Long kinocilia and many stereocilia were found in the neuromasts. Kinocilia were either solitary or in clusters. In addition to the main functions of the neuromasts we discovered a new function which was not found in previous researches, neuromasts were also used to remove any attached object on the tadpole's skin, by directing the kinocilium to the object thing and rolling onto it then detaching it outwards

Impact of leptin levels upon left ventricular structural abnormalities in non-insulin-dependent diabetics

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus adversely affects left ventricular [LV] structure. ri.ecent studies have shown that leptin increases in insulin-resistant states, such as obesity and hypertension. The levels of plasma leptin have been found to be associated with LV myocardial growth.To assess fasting serum leptin concentrations in the type 2 diabetic patients and to correlate its level with the LV structural changes. Patients and Twenty four type 2 diabetic patients with LV structural changes and twenty four type 2 diabetic patients without LV structural changes [controls] participated in this study. The following LV structural parameters were assessed by Two-dimensional echocardiography: left ventricular end-diastolic diameter [LVEDD], left ventricular end-systolic diameter [LVESD], interventricular septal thickness [IVST], left ventricular posterioi wall thickness [PWT], relative wall thickness [RWT] and left ventricular mass index [LVMI]. left atrium [LA] and aortic root [Ao] dimensions were also assessed. Fasting serum leptin, insulin, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc] were determined. The correlations of eptin to LV structural parameters were statistically analyzed. Body mass index [BMI], FBG and fasting serum concentrations of leptin and insulin were significantly greater in patients than controls. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in all echocardiographic parameters apart from LVEDD, LVESD, RWT, LA and AO In the case group, leptin was positively correlated with FBG and insulin. A significant correlation was also found between serum leptin and echocardiographic parameters; PWT. IVST, SWI and LVMI. Hyperleptinemia in type 2 diabetic patients with LV structural changes and the association of leptin with indexes of LV structure may reflect its role in the development of myocardial wall thickening in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Determinants and health consequences of domestic violence among women in reproductive age at Zagazig district, Egypt

Violence against women is a global phenomenon that cuts across all social and economic classes, it has recently drawn attention in the medical field as a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. The present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of domestic violence, to identify socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors and to investigate the relationship between the women's psychological health status and violence exposure. This is a comparative cross-sectional study using a multistage random sampling technique. The sample comprised 500 women aged 18-50y. Data was collected via a structured interview questionnaire including the socio-demographic characteristics of the women and their husbands, some of the husbands' habits, attitude and history of chronic illnesses. Also, the questionnaire assesses different forms of domestic violence, women's reaction to it and its consequences on psychological well-being of women. A depression anxiety scale was used to assess the women's psychological status. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of domestic violence among the studied group was [62.2%]; the commonest form [74.0%] was psychological abuse, followed by social [26.8%] one, then the physical [22.4%] and lastly sexual abuse [19.6%]. On studying the socio-demographic variables, a significantly higher percentage of younger [

Hematological and parasitological effect of cyctein protease inhibitor on murine schistosomiasis

Cysteine protease enzyme [CP] is crucial for parasitic disease propagation, and inhibitors of such proteases are emerging with promising therapeutic uses in the treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the hematological and parasitological efficacy of one of the cysteine protease inhibitors [Sodium nitroprusside] that was administered alone as chemotherapy for murine schistosomiasis manosni in different schistosomal stages [shistosomula and mature worm]. Thirty mice were infected with 80 S. mansoni cercariae/mouse and were divided into 3 groups [10 mice each]. Group I: Infected untreated mice Group II and III. Mice were intraperitoneally treated with 100 mg/kg of cysteine protease inhibitor for 10 consecutive days three and six weeks post infection. Eight weeks post infection all animals were sacrificed and subjected for assessment of cysteine protease protein expression in liver tissue samples using immunoblotting technique [Western blotting], parasitological criteria and EM examination of buffy coat bone marrow and worms. Expression of cysteine protease protein was detected at the expected molecular weight [28 kDa] in 9 of the 10 [90%] infected untreated mice. After treatment protein expression returned negative in the treated groups. A highly significant reduction in worm burden was observed in all groups treated with inhibitor in comparison to infected control group [p<0.001]. However the greatest reduction in the worm burden was observed in treated group 6 weeks post infection in comparison to 3 weeks post infection [P<0.05]. Also, treatment could reduce egg count when given early in infection or significantly decreased egg burden when given late in infection. As regards EM examination sodium nitroprusside treated mice 3 and 6 weeks post the infection revealed degenerated tegument with completely implanted and degenerated spines. In addition 6 weeks post infection treated Schistosoma mansoni male worms showed vaculation and necrosis of spermatocytes. Buffy coat examination of Schistosoma mansoni infected untreated mice showed the inability of the eosinophil to be degranulated, while both treated groups revealed degranulation. In addition the group treated six weeks post infection showed hypodense eosinophils with large number of cytoplasmic vacuoles which represent an activated phenotype. Also in latter group activated lymphocytes were detected with marked dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum. Bone marrow examination of Schistosoma mansoni - treated mice revealed degranulated eosinophils and eosinophilic myelocytes with activated phenotype in addition to degranulated platelets. Our findings indicate that the cysteine protease secreted by the different stages S. mansoni plays a crucial role in attenuating effector functions of eosinophils as it decreases the eosinophil's responses and inhibit its activation to the parasite resulting in diminished degranulation and reduced generation of superoxide. So, it is preferable to give CPI at any time post infection, with frequent observation of platelets function and different coagulation tests

Estimation of protease activity in Schistosoma mansoni life cycle stages and Biomphalaria Alexandria after cystein protease inhibitor

The efficacy of cysteine inhibitor on murine Schistosom mansoni was studied when the injection of inhibitor to infected mice for 10 successive days was either starting on day 1 [group 1] or on day 21 [group2] or on day 45 [group3] post infection. Eight weeks post infection animals were sacrificed and subjected for parasitological, histological and physiological assessments. Then levels of proteases activity were assayed in normal, infected and infected treated mice in serum, livers, intestine, as well as, in S. mansoni worms and ova collected from different groups under study. Also, B. alexandrina snails were exposed to LC5, LC10 and LC25 of each of bayluscide and A. arvensis then their hemolemph protease activity were assessed after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks of exposure and compared with that assessed in hemolemph of control snails. Both the parasitological and physiological studies gave rise to the same conclusion denoting that treatment with cysteine protease inhibitor, phenyl vinyl sulfone, at 45 day post infection could reduce the worm burden, egg tissue load, granuloma diameter, ova hatchability, proteases activity in S. mansoni worms and ova. This treatment at the same time helps mice to attain approximately normal physiological state as expressed by their serum proteases activity. The findings representing toxicity and physiology studies gave rise to the same conclusion, emphasizing that the chemical molluscicides seriously affects snail physiology exerting irreversible alterations, while plant molluscicides has effect under which snails can acclimatize their physiology to survive

Ultrastructural and histopathological changes in Giardia lamblia-infected hamsters following administration of two natural compounds and/or metronidazol

The use of combined treatment of metronidazole together with arthemisia and rosemary for controlling intestinal Giardia lamblia infection has been studied. Forty laboratory-bred male hamsters were used in the current experimental study. Each hamster was infected, orally, by 10.000 Giardia lamblia cysts. Animals were divided into the following groups: [1] control infected untreated, [2] infected treated with metronidazole, [3] infected treated with arthemisia and rosemary, [4] infected receiving combined treatment of metronidazole plus arthemisia and rosemary. Each treatment was applied three weeks post-infection. Two weeks later stool analysis was performed and the number of cysts/gm stool was counted, followed by scarification of all animals. The effect of the different drug regimens on the vegetative forms [trophozoites] of the parasite was also studied. There was a highly significant cyst reduction in all treated groups compared to control animals. The highest percentage trophozoite reduction [98.7%] was found in group 4 receiving combined treatment of metronidazole plus arthemisia and rosemary, followed by group 2 [94.8%] and group 3 [62.2%]. By histology, healing of mucosal ulcerations, preserved villi and reduced chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria were detected with combined therapy. Ultrastructurual examination of the small intestine in animals of control group showed destructed intestinal cell projections by Giardia lamblia cysts with degeneration of the intestinal submucosa. With combined treatment, complete repair of the intestinal cell projections as well as healing of the mucosa and the submucosa were noticed. Meanwhile, partial healing of destructed intestinal cell projections was observed in group 2 receiving metronidazole alone. It was concluded that the best results were obtained following combined treatment of metronidazole together with arthemisia and rosemary. This might be useful in endemic areas where people tend to develop drug resistance to the commonly used anti-Giardia lamblia preparations

Assessment of quality of life among hepatitis C patients hospital based study

This study assessed the quality of life [QOL] and factors impaired among 165 HCV patients admitted to Zagazig University Hospitals. Data were collected via a questionnaire included the patients' socio demographic characteristics, medical history about HCV infection. A standard short form 36 questionnaire [SF36] was used to assess their quality of life. The results showed that all QOL domains were reduced, the most affected domain was the role limitation attributed to physical problems [88.5%], while the least affected one was the mental health domain [26.7%]. The study revealed that the patients' age negatively affected 3 domains [fatigue and tiredness, mental health and perception of pain]. The workers and male patients were affected in 3 domains [physical functioning, role limitation attributed to emotional problems and perception of pain] than others. QOL of highly educated patients were more impaired in physical functioning and role limitation attributed to physical and emotional problems. The patients with insufficient income recorded lower score in mental health domain only. The majority [78.8%] of the patients had bad QOL

Development of Egyptian barley with HMW-GS Dy10 gene of wheat

Transgenic barley plants with high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit [HMW-GS] gene from wheat were successfully generated. The HMW-GS Dy10 gene, known to be essential in bread industry, was introduced into the Egyptian barley cv. Giza 123 by biolistic bombardment. The transgenic plants, regenerated from immature embryo-derived callus cultures, were normal and fertile. Stable integration of Dy10 transgene was confirmed by molecular analysis and its expression was studied by protein analysis. Dy10 gene was co-transformed into barley with the plasmid pAHC25 harboring the bar gene for selection and the gus reporter gene. Production of Egyptian barley with wheat HMW-GS genes could be used to develop barley flour with the unique properties of wheat flour for use in bread industry

Integration and expression of the high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit Dy10 gene into Egyptian wheat

To investigate the possibility of manipulating gluten dough strength and elasticity by increasing the high molecular weight glutenin subunits [HMW-GS], bread wheat cv. Giza 164 was transformed with HMW-Dy10 subunit gene. Immature embryo-derived calli were co-transformed with a plasmid [pK-Dy10] harboring HMW-gene [Dy10] driven by its own promoter and pACH25 plasmid containing the scorable gus gene and the selectable bar gene. Integration of the three transgenes had been confirmed in the genome of transgenic T[0] plants by PCR analysis. Expression of gus gene was detected in transformed plants by histochemical staining and the expression of bar gene was detected using leaf painting assay. Grains of transgenic and non-transgenic [control] wheat plants were analyzed to estimate the level of glutenin protein using HPLC and it revealed higher levels of glutenin in transgenic grains comparing with control

Detection of helicobacter pylori infection and upper gastrointestinal disorders among Zagazig university hospitals waste collectors: a comparative cross- sectional study

Hospital work, involving direct patient contact and poor sanitary conditions, constitutes a major risk factor for acquisition of H. pylori infection. 1] determining the prevalence and occupational risk of, pylori infection among hospital waste collectors, 2] identifying some of its associated risk factors, 3] investigating the validity of some non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in comparison with the gold-standard invasive test, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy, 4] comparing the diagnostic performance of salivary H. pylori IgG with that of serum H. pylori IgG, and 5] determining the percentages of upper gastrointestinal [GIT] symptoms and the endoscopic findings among hospital waste collectors and assessing their relation to H. pylori infection. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 78 hospital waste collectors and 78 security and administrative workers from Zagazig University Hospitals as a control group. All participants filled pre-constructed questionnaires and were subjected to H. pylori stool antigen and serum and salivary anti-H. pylori IgG tests; while only 110 workers underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy and rapid urease test. The results revealed absence of significant occupational risk of H. pylori infection acquisition among hospital waste collectors compared to the controls. Moreover, Male sex, smoking habit, low socioeconomic status, poor personal hygiene, and family history of upper GIT complaints were the risk factors significantly associated with active H. pylori infection. Fecal antigen test had the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of H, pylori infection compared to the other non-invasive tests. Moreover, there was a fair degree of agreement between salivary and serum H. pylori IgG tests regarding their diagnostic performance [0.34]. Also, absence of statistical significant differences between both studied groups regarding the percentages of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and different endoscopic findings was revealed. Finally, current H. pylori infection was found to be significantly associated with different types of gastritis; however, normal mucosa by endoscopy didn't exclude the presence of H, pylori infection. So, improving the overall standard of living in our country, environmental sanitation, introducing effective anti-infective sanitary regulations at work, mass screening through either stool antigen or serum IgG or salivary IgG tests to detect infected persons, and proper treatment of infected persons are mandatory

Synthesis of new pyrimidine and pyrido[2,3-D]pyrimidine derivatives with evaluation of antitumor activity

The carbothioamide derivatives of 6-aminopyrimidine-2,4-[1H,3H]dione [2a-c] were prepared by the reaction of different isothiocyanates with 6-aminopyrimidine-2,4-[1H,3H]-dione [1]. Also, azo derivatives of pyrimidine-2,4-diont [3a-d] were obtained, while the Mannich bases [4a,b] were produced by the reaction of compound 1 with formalin and p-aminobenzene sulfonamide derivatives [sulfa drugs]. Pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine sulfonamide [5] was prepared by the reaction of compound 1 with excess of formalin solution and sulfadiazine. Furthermore, compound 1 was condensed with some aromatic aldehydes to give the Schiff's bases [6a-d] which on treating compounds [6b,d] with chloroacetylchloride gave compounds [7a,b].The pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives [8a-c, 9a-c, 10a-d] and [11a-c] were also synthesized. The antitumor activity of some of the synthesized compounds was evaluated

Parasitological, hematological and ultrastructural study of the effect of Cox-2 inhibitor, pyocyanin pigment and praziquantel, on S. mansoni infected mice

The effect of cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] inhibitor, such [as meloxicam, and pyocyanin pigment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa] with and without praziquantel [PZQ] on worms, ova count, bone marrow and blood cells in 7 groups of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice was studied. The results revealed significant decrease of worm burden and ova count in all treated groups as compared to the infected untreated group, while those with combined treatment of PZQ and meloxicam or pyocyanin showed complete eradication of the worm with the highest reduction in the tissue egg load. EM showed extensive swelling and vesiculation of the tegument, completely implanted spines that overlie degenerated muscle layer were obvious in groups treated with either meloxicam or pyocyanin. Hematological study revealed significant increase [P < 0.05] of total leucocytic count of PZQ treated group while that treated with either meloxicam or pyocyanin showed significant decrease [P < 0.05], but in combination of PZQ with meloxicam or pyocyanin no significant difference as compared to the infected untreated group. The neutrophil was the main cell affected in groups treated with neither meloxicam nor pyocyanin alone with significant decrease [P < 0.05], but with significant increase [P < 0.05] in combination with PZQ as compared to the infected untreated group. Those treated with PZQ plus meloxicam showed significant increase as compared to that plus pyocyanin. Eosinophil count showed significant decrease [P < 0.05] in all treated groups as compared to the infected untreated group. Inverse correlation between serum level of sFas and peripheral neutrophil count was detected. Ultrastructural study of the bone marrow explained the results as groups treated with meloxicam revealed dissociation between nuclear and cytoplasmic development in the neutophils with cytoplasm maintaining primitive appearance despite maturation of the nucleus that is manifested by the persistent production of immature granules and the still orientation of Golgi cternae and the centriole around the nucleus. Groups treated with pyocyanin pigment revealed many abnormalities in neutophils as hypogranularity or early apoptotic morphology changes as intense pen- nuclear chromatin aggregation or nucleus fragmentation.In peripheral blood apoptotic morphology changes was detected in both groups treated with meloxicam or pyocyanin while most of cells of mice treated with PZQ were in an active state. Consequently, it is preferable to give meloxicam with PZQ for a short period of time [less side-effect] to eradicate S. mansoni worm completely but with continuous observation of the peripheral neutrophil count and function

Enhancing some performance properties of ester crosslinked cotton fabric by pre-quaternization

Finishing of cotton fabrics with polycarboxylic acids results in yellowness and loss in mechanical properties. To minimize these disadvantages, four sets of cotton fabrics were quaternized, using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, at four levels of nitrogen contents [ranging from 0.0373 to 0.2767%] followed by esterification with different concentrations of citric acid. These obtained fabrics have both ester and ionic crosslinks which appreciably enhances resiliency; however their mechanical properties were little enhanced. Factors affecting the ester crosslinking of quaternized samples indicated that sodium hypophosphite / citric acid molar ratio of I and curing temperature of 180°C for 90 sec were the optimum conditions to achieve the best performance properties. 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxyiic acid results in higher extents of resiliency, whiteness index, carboxyl content and dyeability but lower mechanical properties compared to citric acid crosslinking. Succinic acid can esterify the quaternized cotto via an ester link on one side and form only ionic crosslinking

Preparation of polyacrylic acid / pyrodextrins adducts and utilization in cotton sizing

Extremely high concentrated aqueous solutions of acrylic acid [AA] were polymerized in presence of British Gum [BG] using ammonium persulfate initiator. The reaction was carried out at different ammonium persulfate concentration [9.5x10[-3]- 38.1x10[-3] mol/l], temperature [65-95°C], degree of neutralization of AA [Na-form] [0-20%], and LR [0.6-3.6 l/k]. At optimal reaction conditions, the reaction was extended to include other pyrodextrins [PDs], namely Dexy 84 [D84] and Dexy 85 [D85] to prepare three polyacrylic acid [PAA/PD] adducts, namely PAA/BG, PAA/D84 and PAA/D85 adducts. These adducts were found to compose mainly of PAA-g- PDs and ungrafted PD with small amounts of PAA homopolymer and a very slight amount of AA. Rheological properties of aqueous solutions [8% w/v] of these adducts at 75 +/- 0.1°C showed that all were characterized by a non- Newtonian thixotropic flow. 15% and 100% neutralized [Na-form] adducts were utilized in sizing of gauzy cotton fabric. It was found that PAA/BG [100% neutralization] is the best amongst adduct studied in improving the mechanical properties of sized samples. Complete removal of size was observed upon using all adducts at a 100% degree of neutralization

Evaluation of selective oestrogen receptor modulators [raloxifene] on bone mineral density, serum lipids and uterine endometrium in early postmenopausal women

This study was to evaluate the effect of the second generation selective oestrogen receptor modulator [SERMs], raloxifene, on bone mineral density, serum lipid concentrations, and endometrial thickness in 100 postmenopausal women. The women were divided into two equal groups of 50 women each, and were randomly assigned to receive 60 mg of raloxifene or placebo daily for 24 months. This study revealed that women receiving [SERMs], raloxifene had significant increases from base-line values in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, hip, and. total body, whereas those receiving placebo had decreases in bone mineral density. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in the raloxifene group, whereas serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides did not change. Endometrial thickness were comparable in the raloxifene and placebo groups at all times during the study. The proportion of women receiving raloxifene who reported hot flashes or vaginal bleeding were not different from that in women receiving placebo. Selective oestrogen receptor modulator [SERMs] Raloxifen at a dose 60mg per/day increases bone mineral density, lowers serum concentration of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while has no effect on the endometrium or the breast

Synthesis of some new indole derivatives of possible antimicrobial activity

A series of indolyl arylidene hydrazones 2 [c,d], indolylamidothiazolidin-4-ones 3 [a-d], pyrazoline [4], pyrazolidin- dione [5], pyrazolone [6], 3-[3-cyano-4-aryl-2-imino [1H]-pyridin-6-yl]-indoles 8 [a-g] and 3-[3-cyano-4-aryl-2-thioxo [1H]-pyridin-6-yl]-indoles 9 [a-e] were synthesized. Some of the new compounds showed considerable antimicrobial activity against Gram +ve bacteria, yeast and fungi

Synthesis of some new quinoline derivatives of potential antimicrobial activity

A series of quinolinoxy methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles [2 and 3], N-imido derivatives [5,6], pyrazole [7], pyrazolone [8], pyrazolidindione [9], Schiff bases [10a-f] and 8-O [2-oxo-3-indolinylidene] acetic acid hydrazido] 5,7 diiodoquinoline [4] was prepared. Some of the new compounds showed considerable antimicrobial activity against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria, yeast and fungi

effect of xerostomia on healing of extraction wounds in rats

The present study was conducted to study the histologic alterations taking place during healing of the extraction wound in normal and desalivated rat's oral mucosa. Twenty healthy adult male rats, within average body weight of about 200-300 g were randomly divided into experimental [15 rats] and control [5 rats] groups. The experimental rats underwent sialadenectomy of the submandibular and sublingual glands and ligation of the parotid ducts. The mandibular first molars were extracted in both groups. The wounds were left undressed. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days interval after the tooth extraction. Specimens of extraction wound tissues were taken from each rat and prepared for light microscopic examination. For the histological studies, the samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed by the conventional methods and stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson's trichrome. For the histochemical investigations, frozen sections were used for the demonstration of alkaline phosphatase and alpha esterase. Generally, a delay in the socket healing in desalivated rats was found when compared to the normal extraction wound healing. Though epithelization of the extraction wound was complete in both control and experimental animals

Synthesis of some new benzimidazole derivatives with evaluation of their antimicrobial activity

A series of N1-p-[2-benzimidazoylamino] benzoyl] N2-arylidene hydrazine [3a-e], pyrazolone 4 pyrazole 5, carbothioamide 6a-c, 1,3,4-thiadiazol 7 and 1,3,4-triazoles 8 were prepared. Some of the new compounds showed considerable antimicrobial activity against Gram +ve, Gram -ve bacteria, yeast and fungi