Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking analysis of some novel quinazolin derivatives as antitumor agents

Different acid chlorides [2a-d] reacted with anthranilic acid to produce 2-substituted-3, 1-benzoxazin-4-one [3a-d] which was used as starting material to synthesize some condensed and non-condensed heterocyclic compounds by reaction with nitrogen nucleophiles e.g., hydrazine hydrate, and formamide. Some of the newly synthesized analogues were chosen to evaluate their cytotoxic activity against human liver carcinoma cell lines [HePG2- MCF7- A549]. The docking and the cytotoxic activity results revealed that nearly all of the compounds containing N-phenyl aniline showed signifcant inhibition for the three cell lines

Using of polypropylene mesh for hernioplasty in calves

In this study polypropylene mesh was used to facilitate reconstruction of large tissue defects by tension-free repair in 5 crossbred calves with hernial ring sizes ranging from 4-9 cm. The mesh was anchored subcutaneously to strong supportive musculature with interrupted pattern using No. 3 polypropylene sutures. The results revealed that polypropylene mesh proved alternative for hernial repair when fixed subcutaneous in large hernial ring in male and female calves without complications. Therefore, prosthetic mesh represents a safely procedure in large hernial ring to avoid over-stretching on the edges of the wound which hinders wound healing

Surgical managment of foreign bodies in stomach and intestine of some foreign breed dogs

The present study aimed to throw a light on presence of foreign bodies in some foreign breed dogs, under Egyption condition, with special reference to their diagnosis and treatement. The study is carried out on 53 dogs of Rotwieller, German sheepared and Golden retriver breeds. The weights ranged from 15-85 kgs and age ranged from 1-5 years. All dogs were subjected to thorough clinical examination including recording heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature, beside abdominal palpation to detect the site of foreign bodies [when possible]. Radiographic examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Higher incidence of foreign bodies in stomach and intestine was observed in stomach [41.51%] and jejunium [33.97%]. Types of foreign bodies included; stones [38.30%], rubber object [15.09%], plastic objects [11.32%] and metal objects [11.32%]. The mortality rate due to foreign bodies in dogs proved higher in old dogs and in female than male dogs. The best method for treatment of foreign bodies in dogs was the surgical interference. The intestinal intussusception and perforation were surgically treated through end to end anastomosis after resection of the necrotic part

Characterization and kinetics study for rhamnolipids produced by an environmental pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces glycolipidic surface-active molecules [rhamnolipids] which have potential biotechnological applications. A previously identified biosurfactants-producing environmental isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 6 [Ps. 6] was selected. Comparing the kinetics of cell growth and biosurfactants production by Ps. 6 in bioreactor with that of shake flask, the bioreactor was characterized by about 35% higher cell density than that of shake flask. However, the production of rhamnolipids was higher in shake flask culture than in bioreactor culture, where their minimum surface tension values obtained were 12 mN/m and 13.9 mN/m, respectively

The biosurfactants solution produced by Ps. 6 was stable to all tested temperatures and pH range 2-14. However, the surface tension of the biosurfactants solution increased with increasing salinity. Moreover, its emulsiflcation indexes EI24 varied from 33.3% to 58%. It was also demonstrated that this biosurfactants solution form water in oil emulsion. Furthermore, the biosurfactants had greater antimicrobial activity against Bacillus spp. than S. aureus and M. flavus with undetectable activity against Gram negative bacteria and an experiment was done to know whether rhamnolipids act on the lipid part of cell membrane or the outer protein. On testing the efficiency of the biosurfactant solution as preservative using challenge test, it was found that <0.3 g% of the crude biosurfactants solution was not sufficient for preservation up to I month. Finally, the anti-biofllm activity of the produced biosurfactants reduced the biofilm formation ofS. aureus ATCC 6538p by more than 2 log units

Study of silent myocardial ischemia in type 2 diabetic males

Patients with diabetes have two to four folds greater risk of death from coronary artery disease than age-matched non diabetic individuals. Accelerated coronary and peripheral vascular atherosclerosis is one of the most common and chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. A recent aspect of coronary artery disease in this condition is its silent nature. Is to detect the prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia [SMI] in type 2 diabetic males in our locality and to select male diabetic population who should be screened for SMI. This study included 100 type 2 diabetic male patients with negative history of angina or anginal equivalent symptoms and thirty apparently healthy males as a control group. All subjects were studied as regard age, duration of DM, type of diabetic therapy, smoking, family history of IHD, blood pressure estimation, body mass index [BMI], fundus examination and presence of peripheral arterial disease. Laboratory estimation of fasting and post prandial blood glucose level, lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin [HbA[1c]], microalbuminurea, and C-reactive protein was done for all participants. Non invasive tests [NITs] including 12 leads resting ECG, trans-thoracic echocardiography, treadmill exercise ECG, myocardial perfusion imaging were done for all participants and patients positive for one or more N1Ts were subjected for coronary angiography. Twenty nine patients [29%] were positive for one or more NITs in the patients group compared to only one case [3.3%] in the control group. After the results of coronary angiography, 20 patients were positive for significant coronary artery stenosis in one or more vessels in the patients group while it was refused to be done by the patient in the control group. There was statistically significant difference as regard family history of DM and IHD, hypertension, and obesity with higher levels of microalbuminurea, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in the patients group than in the control. The patient group was subdivided into two subgroups according to the results of coronary angiography, 20 patients positive for SMI [positive for coronary angiography] and 80 patients negative for SMI [negative for coronary angiography]. Smoking, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and family history of IHD were significantly higher in the diabetic subgroup positive for SMI compared to those negative for SMI. Most of the patients positive for SMI had have DM for more than 5 years duration. Type 2 diabetic male patients should be screened for detection of SMI when age above 50 years old, diabetes duration is more than 5 years [particularly if uncontrolled], presence of two or more cardiac risk factors and/or patients suffering from one or more of the chronic diabetic complications

Hypertension; ecological factors, control and complication in Urban Sohag, Upper Egypt

Because of the associated morbidity, mortality and the cost to societies, hypertension is an important public health challenge being the most common worldwide disease-affecting human. To study the clinical characteristics, therapeutic regimens, compliance with treatment, risk factors and target organ damage of hypertensive patients among people > 35 years old. A cross sectional study; conducted in Sohag city; it involved 520 patients; males [45.7%] and females [54.3%]. Their ages were 35 to 85 years. Hypertension presented more between non-smokers [72.55%], females [54.3%], educated patients [50.99%] and patients with low SES [54.9%]. ECG of hypertensive patients showed that ischemia presented in [51.63%] of patients, while their laboratory investigations showed that hyperglycemia presented in [28.7%], anemia in [18.3%], high serum creatinine level presented in [8.49%] and proteinuria in [10.45%] of patient. Adequate BP control was found to be achieved in [49.67%]; older patients had lower adequacy of BP control in spite of the extensive use of multiple-drug therapy and of appropriate drug choice. This is probably due to high prevalence of a difficult to control form of hypertension and poor compliance with the multiple-drug regimen. Most hypertensive patients had more than one coexistent CV risk factor. Aging, being a female [54.3%], diabetes, family history of hypertension [28.7%], smoking [27.45%], family history of coronary heart disease [25.4%], and obesity [10%] were of the contributing risk factors .About 72% had target organ damage. Heart involvement was the most frequent finding [63.39%]; coronary heart disease was the most common heart damage [51.63%]. ACE-inhibitors were prescribed in [58.16%]; mostly capotril and zestril. Beta-blockers were used in [34.64%] of the patients, Ateno is the drug mostly used in this group. Monotherapy was prescribed for [41.17%] only of the patients. Fortunately [75.81%] of patients showed regular use of their drug regimens. It was observed that [49.67%] only of patients had their condition under control, the number of drugs was inversely related to BP control. Hypertensive patients in Sohag city had a profile of high CV risks, target organs damage and poor blood pressure control particularly in the elderly. Great efforts towards improving the compliance of both service providers with guidelines and patients with treatment must be done. A multidisciplinary approach for routine clinical check up, follow-up, training, prescribing simple once-daily regimens and encourage life style modifications; all to optimize patient outcomes and prevent disease

Synthesis of some new 2-[[E]-2-furan-2-yl-vinyl]- 3H- quinazolin-4-one derivatives of expected biological activity

A new series of 2-[[E]-2-furan-2-yl-vinyl]-3H-quinazolin-4-ones incorporated into diverse N, O and S heterocyclic moieties of bioavailability as.5-oxo-4,5-dihydropyrazole 4, 3,5-dimethylpyrazole 5, 5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole 6, substituted thiazolidinones 8 and 1,3,4-thiadiazole 10, were synthesized by cyclization of the starting quinazolinone acid hydrazide 3 or the acid hydrazide Schiff bases 7 using ethyl acetoacetate, acety I acetone, ammoniumthiocyanate, thioglycolic acid and/or phosphorus pentasulphide, respectively. Other related derivatives such as quinazoline thiosemi - carbazides II and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles 12 were also synthesized. The acid hydrazide 3 showed moderate antimicrobial activity While the starting benzoic acid ethyl ester 2 showed promising anti-inflammatory activity but has no effect on liver carcinoma [HePG2] or brain carcinoma [U251] cell lines

Comparative study between marsh salt and salines salt from physical and chemical aspect

This study was conducted to evaluate the hygienic quality of the salt obtained from marshes [El-sayahat] and that from salines .The salt produced from saline was much better than that from marshes for the following reasons. March salt had inferior taste and colour quality compared with saline salt. The sodium chloride content in marsh salt reached up to 73%, while that from salines reached up to 97%. The iron content in march salt reached up to 2.270 ppm while that from salines reached up to 0.004 ppm. The copper content reached up to 1.385 ppm in salt produced from marsh while it was 0.292 ppm from salines. The cadmium content in marsh salt reached up to 0.135 ppm while it was 0.001ppm in salts from salines. The lead content in marsh salt reached up to 1.200 ppm while it was 0.001 in salt from salines. Sulfur pesticides residues in marshes salt ranged from 0.41 to 3.3 mg/kg. The authors recommended that mass media should educate the public about the deleterious effect of salt produced from marches on human health and legal actions have to be under taken against those who still produce salt from marshes

Quality assessment of milk in Alexandria

The nutrient value, the chemical, and the microbiological quality of packaged, raw and powder milk samples were assessed. Data were obtained for fat, solid not fat, protein, and calcium contents of milk. Ash percentage, lead, and cadmium concentrations, in addition to possible microbial contamination were also determined. Results showed compliance of long life sterilized packaged milk with Egyptian standards for most of samples, especially in fat and solid not fat contents. These ranged from 3.1 0-3.80% and 8.24-9.07%, respectively. Lead content ranged from 0.03-0.55 ppm in liquid milk whereas cadmium ranged from 0.002-0.03 ppm. Protein and calcium contents varied [insignificantly and significantly, respectively] among different milk producing companies. Many [76.00%] had total bacterial count in milk higher than Egyptian Standards [<10 cfu/ml]. Buffalo raw milk, and milk powder were complying with Egyptian Standards concerning their nutrient values, however the former had high total bacterial count [4.97x10[6] cfu/ml] in addition Staphylococcus aureus was detected

Quality of bottled water brands in Egypt part I: physico-chemical analyses

Consumers are reacting to the water quality problems by buying bottled water which is an expensive solution and only partially addresses the problem. Subsequently, sales of bottled water have increased dramatically in the last ten years. To assess the quality of bottled water in Egypt, samples of 14 Egyptian brands of uncarbonated natural bottled water were evaluated within 6 months. Physico-chemical parameters of a total of 84 samples were tested using standard methods comparing them with those reported on their manufacturer's labeling and/or with government-issued production licenses. A comparison between the water composition and the maximum contaminant levels imposed by the Egyptian standards and several other international guidelines for all parameters was reported and discussed. They varied in composition among the brands and from lot to lot for a particular brand. The results obtained showed that a significant number of bottled water brands contain some elements [e.g. fluoride and several heavy metals] above the maximum concentration allowed for bottled waters by the Egyptian standards and several other international organizations. These results suggest the need for more stringent standardization of the bottled water market, with particular attention to quality control, labeling, and continuous monitoring

Quality of bottled water brands in Egypt part II: Biological water examination

People can survive several days without food, but just a few days without water. People buy bottled water for a variety of reasons, including convenience, fashion, and taste or because they think it is safer than tap water. The taste of the water has to do with the way it is treated and the quality of its source, including its natural mineral content. However, taste does not always indicate safeness. Refrigeration has a significant effect on the bacteriological quality of the purchased bottle. To asses the quality of bottled water in Egypt, samples of 14 Egyptian brands of uncarbonated natural bottled water were evaluated within 6 months. Biological examinations of a total of 84 samples were carried out using standard methods comparing them with the Egyptian standards No. 1589/2005. Also bacteriological examinations of 56 samples were carried out after "1-3" months and "3-6" months storage time at room temperature to detect the effect of storage on their quality. More than half [54.8%] of biological parameters were violated the Egyptian standards. A percentage of 28.6% of all bottled water samples were contaminated with coliform, but surprisingly fecal coliforms and E.coli were not detected. Moreover, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from 5.95% and 3.6%, respectively of all samples. Giardia lamblia cysts has been found in 2.4% of samples, while absence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in all samples was reported. More than half [52%] of the unrefrigerated samples were unacceptable compared to only 19.4% of the refrigerated bottles. These results suggest the need for continuous monitoring for evidence of contamination at source or during the bottling process

Viral hepatitis c infectivity of nasal secretion: PCR evaluation

The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection in nasal lavage [NL] fluid of patients had no history of previous HCV infection. The study was designed as a 2-arm screening study: Group N included 200 randomly chosen patients and started by testing NL fluid for presence of anti-HCV antibodies [anti-HCV Ab] and those with positive result underwent determination of sero-positivity. The other arm consisted of another patients' group [Group S; n=200] underwent determination of sero-positivity, and those proved positive underwent determination of positivity of their NL fluid for anti-HCV Ab. PCR identification of HCV RNA was conducted for all positive sera and NL fluid. Anti-HCV Ab were detected in NL fluid of 7 patients with detection rate of 3.8% and in serum samples of 10 patients with a detection rate of 5% and an overall detection rate of patients with anti-HCV positive of 4.4%. The 7 patients with anti-HCV Ab positive NL fluid were sero-positive; while only 6 of the 10 sero-positive patients had anti-HCV Ab positive NL fluid, thus, determination of anti-HCV Ab in NL fluid could detect sero-positive patients with sensitivity rate of 76.4%. Qualitative PCR detection of HCV-RNA identified viral RNA in 14 serum samples; 13 samples were sero-positive and NL fluid positive and one was sero-positive but NL fluid negative, while the other 3 sero-positive samples were free of viral RNA. Thus, NL fluid anti-HCV Ab positivity could identify patients with viremia with sensitivity and accuracy rates of 92.8% and 94.1%, respectively and could exclude the presence of viremia with a negative predictive value of 75%. Using ROC curve analysis, defined determination of positivity of NL fluid as specific predictor for the presence of viremia with AUC=0.673, while sero-positivity showed AUC=0.500. To evaluate the infectivity of NL fluid, PCR identification of HCV viral R1VA in NL fluid was conducted for all NL fluid samples proved positive for antibodies and could detect HCV-RNA in 3 samples with infectivity rate of 17.6%.. It could be concluded that positivity for anti-HCV Ab was detected in 4.4% of the studied population supposed to be free of HCV infection and anti-HCV Ab determination in NL fluid could predict viremia with accuracy rate of 94.1% and could be considered as specific predictor with AUC=0.673 with an infectivity rate of NL fluid was 17.6%

Handling of infant milk formulas and it impact on their microbiological quality during bottle feeding

Fifty mothers with their infants were interviewed at the National Nutrition Institute, Cairo to assess their handling practices of infant formulae during bottle feeding. The majority of the interviewed mothers [96%] started to bottle feed their infants during the first six months after delivery, moreover, more than half of them [52%] blamed milk insufficiency for starting the bottle feeding. Half of infants of the interviewed mothers were attacked 1-5 times with gastrointestinal disturbances during the period of bottle feeding. Microbiological analysis of 100 samples of infant milk formulas collected from the markets revealed their compliance with the Egyptian Standards. Unfortunately, the microbiological quality of infant formulas worsens during their home preparation where the mean aerobic mesophilic, Staphylococci as well as mold and yeast counts increased from<100 CFU/g in those collected from the markets to reach 2.6x10[4], 3.9 x10[2] and 2.9 x10[4] CFU/ml; respectively. Completing a pre-designed questionnaire showed that most of the interviewed mothers [72%] used to wash their children bottles using hot water, whereas only three mothers [6%] used to properly wash the bottles [using detergent then rinsing and washing with hot water]. Prepared formulas collected from the bottles of infants whose mothers were used to wash bottles properly had better microbiological quality than those washing with either tap water or hot water alone. Prepared formulae collected from those used to store them between feedings at room temperature [62% of the interviewed mothers] had a worse microbiological quality than those used to prepare formulas for one feeding or store in the refrigerator. Forty percent of the interviewed mothers were used to reheat leftover prepared formulas by adding hot water. Prepared formulae collected from these mothers had a worse microbiological quality than those belonging to mothers who used not to reheat. Education of mothers in food safety principles, especially for weaning foods, must receive high priority from the responsible authorities and concerned organizations

Furlow's double Z-plasty is a convenient procedure for cleft palate repair

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the surgical outcome of Von Langenbeck and Furlow's procedures for repair of primary cleft palate. The study included 22 children with mean age of 16.5 +/- 3.1 months allocated into 2 equal groups: Group A underwent Von Langenbeck procedure and Group B underwent Furlow's procedure. Von Langenbeck palatoplasty involved elevation of large mucoperiosteal flaps from the hard palate and side-to-side approximation of the cleft margins of both soft and hard palates with detachment of the levator muscles from their bony insertions and the use of long relaxing lateral incisions without lengthening maneuver. Furlow's procedure involved Z-plasty incision with the cleft is the central limb, lateral limbs end over the hamuli, transposition of the posteriorly based nasal Z-plasty flap brings the palatal muscle posteriorly and across the cleft, insetting the anteriorly based Z-plasty flap closes the front of the soft and hard palates. Then, oral Z-plasty flaps were transposed to overlap the palatal muscles creating a palatal muscle sling. The cleft width, length increase in the soft palate, length of Z-plasty, the frequency of the need for hamulus fracture, duration of surgery and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The postoperative distance between last molar tooth and the uvula was determined and compared versus preoperative one. Both procedures provided a significant increase of the length of distance between last molar and uvula, with a significant increase of length in group B compared to group A. All patients in group A required relaxing incision irrespective of the preoperative cleft width; while only 2 of patients in group B [18.2%] required relaxing incision with a significant difference in favor of group B. Mean length of Z-plasty incision required in group B was 1.5 +/- 0.17; range: 1.1-1.7 cm. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in group A [76.8 +/- 10.6 min] compared to group B [91.8 +/- 13.1 min] and Furlow's procedure was associated with significantly more blood loss compared to Von Langenbeck procedure. One patient [9.1%] in group B had small fistula, but no patient had wound dehiscence; while in group A, one patient had wound dehiscence and another had oronasal fistula with a postoperative complication rate of 18.2%. It could be concluded that Furlow's palatoplasty improves the outcome of cleft palate repair irrespective of the width of the cleft with acceptable complication rate and significant lengthening of the uvula

Evaluation of protein efficiency in three types of bread and possible contamination of some heavy metals

Wheat in the form of bread is by far the most common cereal product consumed. The present study aimed to detennine the protein and crude fiber in white, balady and Tortilla bread [tortilla bread made of corn only] and to evaluate their content of heavy metal, and study contamination with cadmium and lead. Biological evaluation and protein efficiency ratio [PER] values were evaluated. Results showed that the weight gained in rats after the consumption of white bread was lower significantly that after the feeding on the other types of bread. On the other hand, the weight gained in rats after the consumption of Tortilla bread was higher significantly than after the consumption of white and balady bread [14.04, P< 0.05]. As well as, cadmium and lead in balady bread were higher than other breads and the levels of cadmium and lead in Egypt were higher than levels reported in other countries

Microbial contamination and levels of heavy metals in packaged and loose varieties of some herbs sold in the markets

Sixty samples of six different herbs were collected from several markets in Cairo. They were subjected to microbiological analysis. It revealed that most of the loose varieties have worse microbiological quality than packaged except in case of coliform count in chamomile where both varieties revealed similar values [1500 MPN/g]. And in case of Aerobic Mesophilic Count of peppermint, packaged varieties revealed non significantly higher count [l.0xl0[5] compared to 3.9xl0[4] CFU/g in loose peppermint]. Among the thirty loose herbs samples, only a caraway sample was complying with Egyptian Standards regarding Aerobic Mesophilic Count; while seventeen out of the thirty packaged samples [56.6%] were complying with the standard. Despite contamination of all loose herbs varieties with both coliforms and fecal coliforms, the packaged varieties were contaminated only with coliforms and none of them were contaminated with fecal coliforms. Although coagulase positive Staphylococci were detected in all loose herbs varieties none of the packaged varieties were contaminated. All loose herbs varieties were contaminated with mold and yeast, counts were much higher than those encountered in the packaged varieties. Analysis of heavy metals revealed that all loose herbs samples showed significantly higher contamination with arsenic, lead and mercury levels than packaged varieties except in case of mercury in caraway. Heavy metals contents of both packaged and loose peppermint were complying with the Egyptian Standards. Moisture contents of loose herbs were significantly higher than that of the corresponding packaged varieties of the same herb except in case of anise where the difference was not statistically significant, moreover, packaged and loose varieties of cinnamon showed similar mean moisture content [9.0%]. Loose varieties showed significantly higher ash contents than that in the packaged varieties except in tilio. Moreover, packaged and loose chamomile showed more or less similar ash values [9.09 and 9.03%; respectively]. Moisture and ash levels of most samples of both packaged and loose varieties were complying with the Egyptian Standards

Non-cancerous thyroid lesions: immunologic and surgical evaluation

The present study was designed to determine T helper-l/T helper-2 [Th[1]/Th[2]] pattern in patients with Graves' disease [GD], benign multinodular goiter [MNG] and Hashimoto thyroiditis [HT] and evaluate the applicability of near-total thyroidectomy as a therapeutic strategy for surgical interference. The study included 75 patients [56 females and 19 males; with mean age of 43.8 +/- 8.2 years] with thyroid swelling and 15 healthy volunteers [control group]. Patients underwent clinical examination including direct laryngoscopy using fiberoptic endoscopy, laboratory investigations and ultrasonographic and [99m] Tc pertechnetate scintigraphy for establishment of diagnosis. Patients with HT received medical treatment and were followed-up, while patients with GD and MNG underwent near-total thyroidectomy. Preoperative blood samples were collected from patients and control subjects for ELISA estimation of serum levels of interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-18, IL-4 and IL-5. Patients were observed for appearance of postoperative manifestations of recurrent laryngeal nerve [RLN] palsy and/or hypoparathyroidism. Mean operative time, duration of wound drainage and hospital stay were recorded. The study included 43 patients with GD [8 of them had thyroid orbitopathy], 17 patients had MNG and the remaining 15 patients had HT. All patients had smooth intraoperative course and no patient had permanent RLN palsy, but 4 [6.7%] patients had transient unilateral RLN palsies that recovered spontaneously after a mean duration of 24.5 +/- 11.6 days. Temporary hypocalcaemia occurred in 9 patients [15%] and permanent hypoparathyroidism resulted in one [1.7%]. All patients developed wound edema, 7 patients had wound seroma and 2 patients had wound infection. Mean serum levels of lL-2, IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly higher in patients compared to control levels irrespective of the type of thyroid lesion. Mean serum levels of IL-18 were significantly higher in patients with HT and MNG disease and non-significantly higher in patients with GD compared to control levels. Moreover, mean serum levels of IL-2 and IL-18 were significantly higher and mean serum levels of IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly lower in patients with HT and MNG disease compared to those with GD and in MNG patients compared to those with HT. The percentage of postoperative increase of serum IL-2 and IL-18 levels relative to the median control level were significantly higher in patients with HT than in patients with GD or MNG with a significantly higher percentage of increase in patients with MNG compared to those with GD. On the other hand, the percentages of increase of IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly higher in patients with GD compared to patients with HT or MNG with a significantly but non-significantly higher percentage of increase of IL-5 and IL-4, respectively, in patients with MNG compared to those with HT. It could be concluded that there was a disturbed pattern of Th[1]/Th[2] cytokines in patients with non-cancerous thyroid lesion in favor of humoral pattern of immune response in GD with predominance of Th[2] cytokines and a Th[1]-pattern of immune response characteristic of cellular immunity is dominant in HT. Also, near total thyroidectomy was found appropriate therapeutic modality with transient minimal complications for patients with MNG or GD

Application of hazerd analysis and critical control point [HACCP] system on tortillas production

Fifty three samples were collected during tortillas Processing [corn bread] produced at Food Technology Research Institute. Twenty-four samples were collected from the different steps before and so forth after application of HACCP system. The other five samples from final product considered as verification procedures. The samples were examined for the presence of total bacterial count [T.B.C.], Coliform, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and mold and yeast [M and Y]. The obtained results indicated that, the microbial load of samples before HACCP application system were higher than 25 24 that after HACCP application steps. Its ranged between 10[2] to 10[5] cfu/gm and 10[2] to 10[4] cfu/gm before HACCP and < 30 to 10[3] cfu/gm and < 30 to 10[2] cfu/gm after HACCP respectively. Also the results showed that the final product was free from microbial and physical hazards after HACCP system application

Development of sensory scoring schemes for farm-raised fish [tilapia nilotica and Bagrus bayad]

The aim of the present investigation is to establish a guide for the post-mortem changes in sensory characteristics of farm-raised Tilapia nilotica [T. nilotica] and Bagrus bayad [B. bayad] which are among the most popular Egyptian freshwater fishes. Fish under experiment were kept in crushedice and the changes in the different sensory criteria were followed during storage by sensory evaluation of the skin surface, gills, eyes, smell and muscles stiffness of raw fish, as well as the eating quality criteria [odor, flavor and texture] for cooked samples. Numerical schemes using simplified descriptive terms were developed to make sensory evaluation more reliable and facilitate its application in industrial field. The scales were constructed into many features and the final judgement was performed according to summation of all investigated characteristics. The quality grades of raw examined samples of T.nilotica and B. bayad were categorized as excellent [grade A=10 marks] for samples stored for first three days, very good [grade B=8 marks] for samples stored for 7days, good [grade C=6 marks] for samples stored for 9 days, acceptable [grade C=4 marks] for samples stored for thirteen days, while samples stored for more than thirteen days in crushed ice were considered rejected [grade E=2 marks]

Functional cardiac abnormalities in cirrhotic patients with and without ascitis

Abnormalities in cardiac function have been reported in patients with liver cirrhosis, suggesting latent cardiomyopathic changes in these patients. In this study we investigated cardiac function and morphology in patients with liver cirrhosis with and without ascites. A total of 60 patients with liver cirrhosis [divided into three groups each with 20 patient; group I without ascitis, group II with mild and moderate ascitis and group III with tense ascitis] and 20 normal healthy control subjects were studied by two dimensional Doppler echocardiography. Cardiac dimensions and left and right ventricular systolic [ejection fraction, isovolumic contraction time and peak flow velocity of the aortic and pulmonary flow] and diastolic [the peak flow velocity in early diastole E cm/sec, the peak flow velocity in late diastole A cm/sec, and the E/A ratio and the deceleration time of the E wave, the isovolume relaxation time of the left ventricle] functions were evaluated. Our study showed that the EF is significantly low in all patient groups versus the control subjects and in the ascitic patients versus the non-ascitic group [P<0.01] but no significant difference between the patients with mild and moderate ascitis versus the nonascitic patients. The LVET was significantly shorter in patients with tense ascitis [G.3] as compared to non-ascitic patients[G.1] [P0.04]. also the IVCTL/LVET was significantly lower in all patient groups compared to the controls [P<0.006], and in ascitic patients versus non-ascitics[P<0.02]. For the right ventricular systolic function; the VmaxR was significantly decreased in nonascitic patients compared to controls [P<0.03], the RVET was significantly shorter in all patients groups compared to controls [P<0.004]. The E/A ratio was significantly decreased in ascitic patients versus controls [P<0.001 and in ascitics versus nonascitics [P<0.002]. The deceleration time of the E wave was significantly prolonged in ascitic versus controls [P<0.001] and in ascitics versus non-ascitics [P<0.01]. Also, the IVRT was significantly prolonged in all patient groups versus the controls. Both atria and right ventricle were significantly enlarged in cirrhotic patients versus controls and in cirrhotics with ascitis versus those without ascitis. Liver cirrhosis is associated with enlarged right cardiac chambers. Systolic and diastolic dysfunction were evident in cirrhotic patients and more in those with ascites. Our data confirm the presence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy rather than secondary cardiac adaptation to circulatory changes in liver cirrhosis