Indeterminate cell tumor [histiocytosis]

Indeterminate cell tumor [ICT; histiocytosis] is a rare disorder characterized by accumulation of histiocytes that do not fulfill the phenotypic criteria designated for Langerhans cells [LC]. The cells classified as "indeterminate" exhibit overlapping features between dendritic cells and histiocytic cells by showing variable reactivity for CD1a and positivity for S-100 protein and CD68. Ultrastructurally, absence of Birbeck granules, a feature consistent with LC, epitomizes the lesional cells. Herein, we report a case of ICT in a new born emphasizing its histogenesis and clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features

Role of the quantiferon-TB gold in tube in ruling out tuberculosis in end stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis

It is difficult to diagnose tuberculosis [TB] in dialysis patients because of the high rate of extrapulmonary TB in these patients compared with the general population. Recently, a new diagnostic test called QuantiFERON[QFT] has been developed and shown promise as a diagnostic tool for active TB diseases and latent TB infection. The aim of the present study was to analyze the performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold in tube [QFT-G] in end stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis. QuantiFERON Gold in tube [QFT-GIT] were prospectively performed in 50 end stage renal disease [ESRD] cases undergoing hemodialysis [HD], including 6 patients with active TB and evaluated the utility of this test in dialysis patients. Among 50 dialysis patients, positive QFT results occurred in 10 [20%], negative QFT results occurred in 25 [50%] and indeterminate QFT results occurred in 15 [30%]. All six active TB patients had positive QFT results, and none of the 25 patients with negative results had active TB. Among 7 patients with a history of active TB, 2 [28.5%] had positive results. Although the indeterminate rate was relatively high, no patient with an indeterminate result had active TB. Among 30 cases after excluding the patients with previous TB and indeterminate results, the sensitivity of the QFT is 100% [6 of 6] and the specificity is 91.6% [22 of 24 cases]. Our data suggest that the QFT test is a useful supplementary tool for the diagnosis of active TB even in dialysis patients. Negative and indeterminate results on this test may be used to exclude the presence of active TB

Functional change of dextran-modified alpha-amylase from bacillus acidocaldarius

ALPHA-AMYLASE from Bacillus acidocaldarius was modified by covalent coupling to activated dextran with retained activity of 77.7%. After conjugation, the enzyme was stable within a broader pH range than the native enzyme and its optimum temperature increased by 10°C compared to the native enzyme. The conjugated a amylase exhibited a higher K[m] [Michaelis constant], lower V[max] [maximal reaction rate] and lower E[A] [activation energy] than the native enzyme. Covalent attachment of alpha- amylase to activated dextran protected the enzyme against heat inactivation. In the presence of the substrate, the conjugated enzyme retained 68.2% of its original activity after incubation at 70°C for 30 min which was more than that retained by the native enzyme [50.3%] under the same conditions. The calculated t[1/2] [half-life time] values of heat inactivation energy at 50, 60°C were 89 and 56 mm, respectively for the conjugated enzyme, whereas at these temperatures the native enzyme was less stable [t[1/2] 60 and 47 min, respectively]. The deactivation rate constant at 80°C for the conjugated a-amylase is about 11.9x10[-3]/ min, which is lower than that of the native enzyme [14.8x10[-3]/ min]. Conjugated a-amylase was more stable against chemical denaturation than the native enzyme, and retained 70.6% of its activity in presence of CuSO[4] [10 mM] while the native form of retained only 34.1%

Molecular characterizaton of mycoplasma gallisepticum isolated from chicken and turkey

Mycoplasma gallisepticum [MG] infection in chicken and turkey is still one of the important reasons causing economic losses in poultry. The current study concerned with rapid detection and molecular characterization of MG isolates. The all samples positive by culture were positive by PCR and rt- PCR. Five isolated [four from chicken and one from turkey] were sequenced for mgc2 gene. The present molecular study proved that four wild-type MG strains. [Eis 3- C-10, Eis 4- C-10, Eis 5- C-10 were recovered from chicken and one [Eis 6-T-10] was recovered from turkey. While Eis 7-C-10 [vaccinal F-strain] was isolated from commercial layer flock vaccinated with F- strain vaccine. We concluded that mgc2 gene was able to distinguish between MG wild - type and vaccinal strains

Advanced studies on Mycoplasma mastitis in Egyptian cattle and buffaloes

Mycoplasma mastitis has been seen in Egypt which is characterized by abnormal secretion followed by marked agalactiae which did not respond to treatment with antibiotics. Therefore, this study concerned with detection of mycoplasma mastitis in dairy cattle and buffaloes in six governorates using culture and molecular characterization. The highest prevalence was detected in cattle suffered from clinical mastitis at Menofia [73%], followed by Behera [50%], while Ismailia was the least [28.6%]. In the buffaloes isolation was from Menofia [100%] and Behera [60%]. The isolation rate from subclinical mastitis in cattle ranged from [0-12.4%] and from buffaloes [0-54.5%]. One hundred and twelve out of 151 isolates were identified as M. bovis, while only seven strains were M. bovirhinis and six M. arginini. On the other hand, 26 isolates were Acholeplasma species. The polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique was used for the detection of M. bovis variable surface protein A gene [Vsp A gene] in dairy cattle and buffaloes suffered from mastitis. All positive samples by culture were positive by PCR. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene of M. arginini isolate gave 99% homology with the reference strain [G 230]. Comparing of M. bovis isolates [Vsp gene] with the reference strain [PG 45] cleared the identity of 96-98% while the identity was 94-100% when compared with the Italian M. bovis field strain [Sar I]

Effect of stress during handling, seawater acclimation, confinement, and induced spawning on plasma ion levels and somatolactin immunoreactivity in mature female thin -lipped gray mullet, Liza ramada

Understanding the physiological picture of fish during the reproductive cycle, seawater acclimation, and induced spawning is of essential value to know the possible reasons of preoviposition mortality and to develop successful hatchery technology. Determination of the effect of different stress factors on hydro-mineral balance as well as changes in somatolactin [SL] immunoreactive cells in mature Liza ramada females. Water chemistry and the different plasma ion levels were measured. Immunocytochemical staining for the sections of the pituitary gland was performed to describe the activity of SL immunoreactive cells. The plasma levels of PO[3-4], Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], and Mg[2+] showed a slight increase during transportation without anesthesia. The concentrations of these minerals returned to the initial levels by using clove oil [5 mg/I] as anesthetic. However, their levels decreased during seawater acclimation and gradually increased with confinement to reach the initial values. Furthermore, the levels of PO[3-4], Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], and Mg[2+] were significantly [P

Effect of tobacco smoking on tissue protein citrullination and disease progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of tobacco smoking on disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients and its relation to anti-cyclical citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP] antibodies. The study included 54 patients; 20 non-smokers, 9 ex-smokers, 14 mild to moderate smokers and 11 heavy smokers. Fifteen normal volunteers were also studied as controls. Disease stage was clinically and radiologically determined, rheumatoid factor [RF] and anti-CCP antibodies were measured in serum. Higher percentage of severe disease [stage III] was seen in heavy smokers patients than mild to moderate smokers [54.6% versus 35.7%] and in moderate smokers than ex-smokers [35.7% versus 33.6%]. Lowest percentage of severe disease was seen in non-smokers [15%]. RF and anti-CCP were significantly higher in smoker than non-smoker and in heavy than mild to moderate smoker patients [p<0.01, p<0.05 and p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively]. In smoker patients, both RF and anti-CCP antibodies correlated significantly and positively with smoking index [r= 0.581, p<0.001; r= 0.661, p<0.001]. Also, smoking index and anti-CCP correlated significantly and positively with disease stage [r=0.424, p<0.05; r=0.523, p<0.01]. It appears from our results that, tobacco smoking mostly play a role progression of rheumatoid arthritis through tissue protein citrullination. So all rheumatoid arthritis patients must quit completely to achieve a good control

[Assosiation study between IL1RA gene polymorphism with febrile convulsion in Shahrekord children]

Now a days, fever and seizure are the most reasons for admitting children in hospitals. Due to influence of genetic factors, some children undergo to the fever less than others. In addition, recent studeis have shown a positive correlation between family history for febrile convulsion [type and age of onset in child] and predisposition to this disease. Therefore, this study was performed to study the assosiation between IL1RA gene polymorphism and predisposition to the disease. In this case-control study, 100 patients affected by febrile convulsion who were referred to pediateric and emergency department of Hajar hospital were selected as case group and the control group was consisted of 130 healthy children. Peripheral blood sample [1.5 ml] was collected from the patients and DNA was extracted by standard phenol-chloroform method. Classic PCR was performed using one set primers designed for Inter Luekine 1 receptor antagonist and in the next step PCR products were analysed by PAGE [Poly Acryle Amid Gele Electrophoresis] and finally results were analysed by comparision of segments size. The average age of the patient group was 3.4 +/- 1.4 years and the average age of the control group was 3.4 +/- 1.2 years old. A positive history for febrile convulsion was detected for 44 cases of the patient group. The genotypic frequencies of the IL1RA gene allele1 and 2 in the patient group were 56% and 10%, respectively and for the control group were 55.4% and 6.9% respectively. Considering P=0.93 for allele 1 and P=0.401 for allele 2, no significance difference was found between two groups. Based on the Chi square test, there was no correlation between IL1RA polymorphism and predisposition to disease

Frequent inadequate supply of micronutrients in fast food induces oxidative stress and inflammation in testicular tissues of weanling male rats

Fast food has increasingly become a prominent feature of the diet of children, throughout the world. It is high in energy density and low in essential micronutrient density. One of the most essential biological elements for male reproductive tissue is zinc [Zn] of known antioxidant dependent processes. The aim of the present work was to test the hypothesis that frequent fast food consumption could induce oxidative damage associated with inflammation in weanling male rats in relevance to Zn deprivation that can adversely affect testis function. Twenty male wistar rats [50 +/- 10 gm] were used in the present study. Ten rats were placed on a typical fast food while the other ten rats were fed normal chow diet [controls]. Zn and iron [in plasma and testicular tissue], plasma antioxidant vitamins [A, E, and C], as well as testicular superoxide dismutase [SOD] and reduced glutathione [GSH], lipid peroxidation indexes [TBARS and lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility [LOS]], and inflammatory markers [plasma CRP and testicular TNF-alpha] were determined. Serum testosterone in addition to histological examination of testis was also performed. We found severe decrease in antioxidant vitamins, and Zn with concomitant iron accumulation. Simultaneous TBARS and LOS increase with SOD and GSH decrease demonstrated enhanced oxidative stress and consequently regulation of the proinflammatory mediators; CRP and TNF-alpha, therefore testosterone level was significantly reduced. Microscope examination showed damage in seminiferous tubules and cellular infiltrate in interstitial regions. We conclude that frequent fast food supply in weanling male rats enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation in testicular tissue in relevance to micronutrients deficiency especially Zn, in turn leading to the underdevelopment of the testis and the abnormal level of testosterone hormone

Serum resistin level in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its relation to liver disease severity

Resitin is a hormone linked to the development of insulin resistance but direct relation of resistin levels in humans with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and its effect on the histological severity of NAFLD is lacking. Blood samples were collected from 30 consecutive patients with liver-biopsy-proven NAFLD and 30 subjects as controls. Serum resistin levels were measured, Body mass index [BMI] was calculated for all subjects and serum insulin, C-peptide and lipoprotein levels were also detected. Mean serum resistin level and BMI in the NAFLD group were significantly higher than in the controls [both p< 0.001]. Both men and women in the NAFLD group had higher mean serum resistin levels than did the men and women in the control group [all p>0.001]. Multivariate analysis showed that the percentage of hepatocyte steatosis, sex, BMI and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMAIR] were related to serum resistin levels. These data report increased resistin in NAFUD patients which is related to histological severity of the disease and support the link between resistin and insulin resistance and BMI in these patients

Teenage cigarette smokers with schistosoma mansoni: Effect of multifacet management on hepatic and bronchio-alveolar disposition

Schitosomiasis and cigarette smoking are among the common health hazards in young Egyptians worthy of concern. The present study aims to investigate the influence of cigarette smoking and management strategy on serum and branchioalveolar lavage [BAL] parameters in teenage male cases with and without S.mansoni. Certain indices of immuno-inflammatory response, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, vasoactive mechanisms and anti-oxidant defense capacity would be evaluated. The study included forty selected cigarette smoker male cases [mean age 15.9 +/- 2.6 years] who were sub-classified equally into two groups involving cases with S.mansoni [G I] and without S.mansoni [G II]. Ten age-matched non Schistosomal individuals non-smokers were included as a control [G Ill]. Biochemical assessment of serum and BAL included the evaluation of cotinine, total thiols, ceruloplasmin, uric acid, lipid peroxidation product, interleukin-5, eotaxin, RANTES, surfactant proteins A and D, procollagen Ill, trace elements and hepatocyte growth factor. Management strategy was evaluated after six months of quitting smoking and treatment with praziquantel, Nigella sativa, Garlic extract and antioxidants. The result showed that alterations in assessed parameters were greatly influenced by cigarette smoking more profoundly in cases with S mansoni. The management strategy identified the alleviation of reactive oxygen species [ROS] determinants on immuno-inflammatory response with beneficial outcome in assessed parameters. In conclusion, the proposed strategy for management of smoking in teenagers especially those with liver disposition was effective and identified the greater benefits of early intervention alongside smoking cessation

Simultaneous determination of intact lomefloxacin and ciprofloxacin in the presence of their acid degradation products

A reversed phase HPLC method was developed for the determination of lomefloxacin and its degradation product. In addition, two other methods have been developed for the determination of lomefloxacin hydrochloride [LF.HCl] and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride [CF.HCl] in presence of their acid induced degradation products. For the reversed phase HPLC method [determination of LF.HCl], the mobile phase used was a mixture of water: acetonitrile: triethylamine [80:20:0.6, v/v/v] adjusted to pH 3.0 with o-phosphoric acid. The flow rate was 1.5 ml/min. and the detection was carried out at 328 nm. The linearity range was found to be 0.5-6 micro g / 20 micro l for LF.HCl. The limits of detection and quantification [LOD and LOQ] were 0.22 micro g / 20 micro l and 0.74 micro g / 20 microl respectively. The second method was densitometric method for the determination of both LF.HCl and CF.HCl, the developing system used was a mixture of methanol and ammonia buffer [80:20, v/v]. Detection was carried out at 288 nm and 279 nm. for intact LF.HCl and CF.HCl respectively. The linearity ranges were found to be 1-6 micro g / 10 microl and 0.25-2.5 micro g / 10 microl for intact LF.HCl and CF.HCl respectively. LOD and LOQ were 0.1, 0.34 micro g/10 microl and 0.05, 0.18 micro g /10 microl for both drugs, respectively. The third method was derivative spectrophotometric method for the determination of [LF.HCl] and [CF.HCL]. The linearity ranges were found to be 2-8 micro g/ml and 5-12 micro g/ml for LF.HCl and CF.HCl respectively. LOD and LOQ were 0.39 micro g, 1.29 micro g/ml and 1.03, 3.45 micro g/ml for LF.HCl and CF.HCl respectively. Separation and identification of the acid degradation products of lomefloxacin hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride were carried out. The three described methods proved to be sensitive, precise and applicable to both dosage forms and laboratory prepared mixtures of the intact drugs and their acid degradation products

Nuclear factor kappa B plays a pivotal role in renal protection against apoptosis during unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats

Obstructive nephropathy constitutes a major cause of renal impairment in children. Unilateral ureteral obstruction [UUO] model of renal injury in rat is characterized by interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, nuclear factor kappa b [NF-kappa B] activation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Curcumin, the major component found in turmeric spice has been reported to provide protection against the renal interstitial inflammation and fibrosis elicited by UUO in addition to renal tubular cell apoptosis. The present work study examined the effect of curcumin-rich diet [5% w/w] on the apoptotic pathway induced by UUO in rats after 30 days of legation. 30 male Wistar rats were subjected to UUO. The animals were treated with curcumin rich diet. Obstructed and contralateral kidneys were collected at the day 30, post-surgery and analyzed for inflammatory change 409s and apoptosis-related markers. Kidney functions [serum creatinine and urea], mRNA expressions of TNF- alpha, NF-kappa B and caspase 8, histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory Trichrome were carried out. Ureteral obstruction was associated with increase in serum creatinine, and urea. mRNA expression of TNF- alpha and caspase 8 in obstructed kidney as well as NF-kappa B in both kidneys were also increased in comparison to sham-operated rats [p<0.05]. Histological examination showed absence of renal tubules, medulla, and damaged cortex glomeruli. Curcumin-rich diet administration demonstrated significant decrease [p<0.05] in all the previous biochemical and molecular parameters except NF-kappa B expression. These changes may attributed to the protective role of curcumin-rich diet as revealed by the reappearance of large numbers of cortex glomeruli and some renal tubules and delaying of the apoptotic stage till fibrosis. The curcumin-rich diet administration can delay apoptosis without modulating NF-kappa B which may protect the mesingial cells from the apoptotic stimuli TNF-alpha

Obesity increases transcription of heme oxygenase-1 gene and synergistically stimulates angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in rats

Angiogenesis plays an important role in obesity; heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1] has been implicated in the process of angiogenesis. To investigate the effect of obesity on transcription of HO-1 gene and to study the relation between elevated HO-1 and other angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 [PAI-1] which are though to play an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Obesity was induced in 15 albino rats by feeding high fat diet for 3 months to establish diet-induced obesity. Another 15 rats were used as control. Blood samples were collected from tail vein; plasma PAI-1, lipid profile, free fatty acids [FFA], leptin and VEGF were measured. RNA was extracted from liver of obese and normal rats and RT-PCR was done, beta-actin mRNA expression for each sample was used as internal control. In rats fed high fat diets for 3 months, the total body weight were significantly increased [247.0 +/- 14.66g] compared to control group [126.37 +/- 23.26 g]. Obese rats showed a significant increase in serum triacylglycerol [TAC], total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoproteins-cholesterol [LDL-C], leptin and plasma free fatty acids, while serum high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol [HDL-C] was significantly decreased. HO-1-mRNA was increased in liver homogenates of obese rats compared to non-obese rats. These results indicate that the body response to obesity by elevating the expression of the stress gene HO-I. Angiogenic factors VEGF and PAI-I were significantly increased in obese compared to non-obese rats. Our findings suggest that HO-I and angiogenic factors [VEGF and PAI-I] play an important role in pathogenesis of obesity

[Effect of allium sativum extract on acid and pepsin secretion in basal condition and stimulated with pentagastrin in rat]

Allium Sativum [garlic] is used widely in the world and especially in Iran. This plant is used in cooking food as an odorant. In Iran it is believed that it is useful for gastrointestinal disorders. So in this study the effect of Allium Sativumextract on acid and pepsin secretion in rat is investigated. This experimental study is performed on two groups of rats [12 in each group: control group and allium sativum group]. After anesthesia with nesdonal [50 mg/kg, ip], rats had gone under surgical tracheotomy, laparatomy and gasterodeodenostomy. In garlic group Allium Sativum extract [100mg/kg] was introduced into the stomach by gasterodeodenostomy canula. In order to stimulation of acid and pepsin secretion, Pentagastrin was used [25mcg/kg, ip]. Stomach secretion was washed out and acid was measured using titerimetery and pepsin using Anson method. Data was analyzed using T test. Allium Sativum caused a meaningful increase in acid and pepsin secretion in garlic group comparing to control group [p<0.001]. Pentagastrin also increased acid and pepsin secretion in control group [p<0.001]. Using garlic in nutritional regimen causes an increase in acid and pepsin secretion in those using this plant

Effect of lyophilization on the characteristics and stability of melanin loaded liposomes

The present study was directed to optimize the stability of melanin liposomes utilizing the technique of lyophilization. Two types of cryoprotectants; sucrose and lactose, each in two concentrations of 5% and 10% were used. Lyophilized liposomes [10% lactose] either fresh or stored for one year at 5°C showed no significant changes [P>0.05] in the phase transition temperatures [Tc], structure and shape, and size distribution of the fresh unlyophilized liposomes. The fresh unlyophilized liposomes were unilamellar with Tc of 41.6°C and an average size of 5.21 micro m. The stored unlyophilized liposomes showed a significant [P<0.05] decrease in Tc [32.8°C] and increase in the average size [15.6 micro m] with the formation of onion- like multilamellar vesicles compared with the fresh unlyophilized ones. Lyophilization of melanin liposomes with different cryoprotectants significantly [P<0.001] decreased the rate of leakage of entrapped melanin from the liposomal structure compared with the unlyophilized ones. This cryoprotection effect was significantly [P<0.05] increased by the use of lactose and by increasing the cryoprotectant concentration. The entrapped melanin in lyophilized liposomes with 10% lactose was chemically stable for six months at 5°C as evaluated by mass spectroscopic analysis. As a conclusion, lyophilization with 10% lactose maintained the chemical stability of melanin and significantly improved the physical stability of melanin liposomes

Microbial profile of weaning foods, infant milk and drinking water in infant feeding bottles at pediatric hospital and nursery in Cairo

The microbiological profile of 280 weaning food, infant milk and drinking water samples in infant feeding bottles, belonging to infants up to 18 months approximately, brought to either the outpatient clinic of Abo El-Reash pediatrics hospital of Cairo University or a private nursery located in Cairo was assessed by collecting feeding samples prepared at home following interview with some mothers as much as possible. Bacterial contamination was found in all of 280 samples of weaning food, infant milk and drinking water with higher load in the samples collected from the pediatrics hospital more than those collected from the private nursery. Mean microbial counts of aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and yeast and mould in this study were similar to those reported in weaning food, infant milk and drinking water in other developing countries, and were over internationally recommended safe levels. Most of the samples had microbial load greater than the Egyptian government limited number. The incidence percentages of microbial counts were higher in the samples belonging to low income families more than those of moderate or high income families. Many factors like unsafe water, mishandling of feed or bottle, storage of food at ambient temperature for a long time, poor personal hygiene and domestic sanitation may have contributed for the gross contamination of the samples in this study, especially by enteropathogens. This calls for educating the human society on the relationship between contamination of weaning food, infant milk and drinking water and diarrhoeal diseases. The government and nongovernment organizations should play a role seriously to treatment the problem of children food contamination in view of the fact that WHO offers technical assistance in this field to any member government

Chemical and microbiological evaluation of camel milk in Egypt

Studies on camel milk concentration of chemical and trace elements or its microbiological view are limited especially here in Egypt, and warrants further investigation. Camel milk is gaining more popularity. Most camel milk is consumed fresh. To determine chemical and mineral composition; and microbiological quality of Egyptian camel milk, as well aflatoxin M[1] detection. One hundred and eight camel milk samples were obtained at random from camels all over the country. Protein, fat, carbohydrates, moisture, ash and lactose were determined. Minerals as calcium [Ca], iron [Fe], Zinc [Zn], sodium [Na], potassium [K], magnesium [Mg], copper [Cu], phosphorous [P] and manganese [Mn] were measured in the ash. Twenty-one samples of camel milk were investigated for their microbiological quality. Also 21 samples from lactating mothers were collected for their microbiological assay. Proximate analyses indicated that Egyptian camel milk contain 4.26% fat, 3.27% protein, 4.31% lactose, 12.95% total solids, 0.75% ash, and 87.05% water. Lactose is the main component of Egyptian camel milk. It comprises 92.37% of the carbohydrate. Proximate analyses indicated that mineral composition [mg/100 gm] of Egyptian camel milk was: 111.36 Ca; 81.17 P; 0.23 Fe; 0.51 Zn; 57.84 Na; 156.2 K; 6.70 Mg; 0.061; Cu; and 0.0127 Mn. Human milk was free from any microbes while some camel milk are contaminated and had bacterial load above the permitted level. Both human and camel milk are free of Aflatoxin M[1]. The major components of mature camel milk differs from those reported previously for camels' milk. Protein, ash [mineral] contents of camel milk are higher than human beings; energy yield and fat, moisture, and total solids are similar to human milk. Camel milk is low in carbohydrates or lactose content relevant to human milk. Mineral content of camel milk agree with some reports and disagree with others on comparing with other camels' milk. Mineral content of camel milk are higher than that of human milk. The increase range from approximately 2 folds for Mg or Cu to approximately 18 folds for Mn. On the other hand, disregard of sanitary practices will result in heavily contaminated milk that spoils rapidly. However, milking performed under hygienic conditions with strict attention to sanitary practices will result in a product with low bacterial load and good keeping quality. Camel milk could be used as supplements in infant feeding but can not replace mothers milk

Effect of cynara scolymus L. [Artichoke] and its extract on liver cirrhosis of male rats

Cynara scolynius L. [Artichoke] grows in Egypt and other countries. Its green leaves and head are edible parts and used as foods due to their high nutritive value and medical properties. To study the effect of Cynara scolymus L. [balady artichoke] and its extract on liver cirrhosis of male rats. Sixty-four male albino rats, Sprague Dawley strain, weighing [200 +/- 10g] were housed in well-aerated wire cages. Induction of cirrhosis was carried out on rats except negative control group by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride [CCI[4]] that is diluted by paraffin oil [1:1] in a dose of 2ml/kg of body weight of rat twice in the week during the experimental feeding period. The rats [64] were divided into 8 groups [8 rats each], the first 1[st] and 2[nd] groups as control positive and negative groups [each 8 rats], the second main group [48 rat] was divided into six subgroups as follow: the 1[st] and 2[nd] subgroup fed on basal diet supplemented with powdered artichoke leaves in a dose of 15% and 30% respectively; the 3[rd] and 4[th] subgroups fed on basal diet supplemented with powdered artichoke heads in a dose of 15% and 30% respectively; the 5[th] and 6[th] subgroups fed on basal diet supplemented with artichoke extract in a dose of 3% and 6% respectively. At the end of the experimental period [two months] rats were fasted over night before sacrificing, blood was collected, centrifuged; serum was stored at-20°C until analysis. Total protein, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], Creatinine, urea and uric acid were estimated in serum. The results revealed that induction of cirrhosis results in significant decrease in serum level of total protein and a significant increase in AST. ALT, urea, creatinine and uric acid. The inclusion of leaves, heads and extracts of artichoke in the diet of cirrhotic rats lead to significant decrease of the significant increased level of AST, ALT, urea. creatinine, sometimes it might reached the normal level but for uric acid it has no decreasing effect on it, it continue to rise [>3 times]. For protein it increased the already decreased level. Carbon tetrachloride has direct toxic effect, which is clear by the presence of severe biochemical abnormalities in liver and kidney function. The natural antioxidant from artichoke improves these abnormalities

Evaluation of changes in plasma homocysteine in ischemic stroke paients

Background and purpose-Elevated plasma homocysteine [Hcy] has considered a causal risk factor for atherosclerosis and has been associated with an increased risk of stroke. We measured fasting plasma Hcy concentrations in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and in the convalescent phase to determine the changes in its level. Methods-Plasma Hcy concentrations were measured in the acute phase [on the 3rd day] in 20 first-ever stroke patients [11 females and 9 males] with age between 52 and 80 years and in 6 subjects serving as controls [4 females and 2 males] with age between 55 and 74 years with re-evaluation of Hey level after 2 months for both groups. Plasma Hcy concentrations were measured by direct chemiluminescence technology. Results-The patient and control groups did not differ significantly in mean Hcy level at the acute stage: 12.02 [range, 9.9 to 13.7 umol/L] versus 10.95 [range, 8.7 to 12.2 umol/L] respectively [p > 0.05]. With highly significant difference on re-evaluation of both groups 2 months later: 15.13 [range, 11.2 to 17.6 umol/L] for patient group and 11.4 [range, 9.4 to 12.6 umol/L] for control group [p < 0.001]. Conclusion-Homocysteine concentrations are not elevated in the acute phase of ischemic stroke but rise in the convalescent phase. These data do not support the hypothesis that raised plasma Hcy concentrations predate the onset of stroke. Instead, they suggest that elevated Hcy levels may be caused by the disease process itself and so evaluation of plasma Hey after stroke represents a secondary marker of risk in survivors