Interleukin-27 and its relation to disease parameters in SLE patients

IL-27 exerts profound anti-inflammatory effects in several experimental autoimmune models, suggesting that it may be therapeutically relevant in SLE. To evaluate IL-27 level in SLE patients and its association to clinical manifestations, disease activity parameters and management strategy. We studied 80 SLE patients and 50 controls in a cross sectional study. Demographic, clinical and serological data were evaluated. Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [SLEDAI] and Systemic Lupus International Collaboration Clinics/ACR damage index [SLICC] were assessed. Serum IL-27 was measured by ELISA. There was statistically significant difference in IL-27 level in SLE patients and healthy controls [9.7 +/- 21.9 pg/ml vs 20.2 +/- 47.3 pg/ml in SLE vs controls, respectively] [p = 0.04], also it was found that IL-27 level was statistically significantly lower in SLE patients with lupus nephritis [p = 0.02] and cerebritis [p = 0.03]. Interleukin 27 level had a statistically significant negative correlation with the cumulative dose of hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine [r = -0.3, p = 0.03 and r = -0.3 and p = 0.04, respectively]. IL-27 has anti-inflammatory effect in SLE patients especially those without nephritis or cerebritis and can be therapeutically relevant in SLE. To confirm our results we propose larger scale, multicentre studies with longer evaluation periods

Enteropathogenic bacteria in some poultry meat products

A total of 100 random samples of poultry meat products 25 of each [chicken, frankfurter, chicken luncheon, chicken fillet and chicken giblets] were collected from different supermarkets and retailing shops in Alexandria province. The samples were taken to lab of meat hygiene department as quickly as possible and examined bacteriologically for determination of total Enterobacteriaceae count; Total coli form count, isolation and identification of Salmonellae, E.coli, Yersinia and Campylobacter species. Salmonella, E. coli, Yersinia and Campylobacter species were isolated from chicken frankfurter, chicken luncheon, chicken fillet and chicken giblets with the following percentages; 16%, 20%, 36% and 52% and 16%, 24%, 32% and 20% and 12%, 24%, 16% and 32%, respectively. While Campylobacter jejuni could not be isolated from chicken luncheon and isolated from chicken frankfurter, chicken fillet and chicken giblets with percentage of 8%, 12% and 20% respectively. The obtained results were discussed

educational programme on dengue fever prevention and control for females in Jeddah high schools

A mass communication campaign was conducted at 20 randomly selected female high schools and 2 school supervision centres in Jeddah to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices of students, teachers and supervisors about dengue fever. A total of 5977 pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were completed and the intervention was conducted using lectures and audiovisual aids. A marked improvement in all areas of knowledge, attitudes and practices was observed after the programme in all groups. Students obtained the highest improvement in mean knowledge scores after the programme compared to the other 2 groups. There is a need to expand such programmes to all Jeddah schools

Prevalence of mould and yeast in some dairy products sold in Menofia Governorate

A total of one hundred samples [25 each] of milk powder, yogurt, cheddar cheese and Ras cheese were collected from dairy shops and super markets in Menofia Governorate. Each sample was divided into two parts, one part for mycological studies and the other part for aflatoxins. Our results revealed that, the mould and yeast could be detected in all examined samples of milk powder, yoghurt, cheddar cheese and Ras cheese with mean count values of 8.3x 10[2] +/- 0.2xl0[2], 6.9x10 +/- 0.4x 10, 5.3x 10[3] +/- 2.3x10[2 and 4.1x10[3] +/- l.6x10[2] for mould and 0.5x 10[2] +/- 1.1x10, l.4x10[2] +/- 0.5x 10[2], 6.5x10[4]0 +/- .4x10[4] and 5.4x 10[3] 1 +/- .1xl0[3] for yeasts respectively. Mould and yeast were isolated at varying percentages from all examined samples The mould genera were, Asprigallus spp, Alternana spp, Penicilhum spp, Cladosporium spp, Mucor spp and Rhizopus spp. While yeast genera were Candida spp, Rhodotorula spp, Saccharomyces spp and Torulopsis. Aflatoxin M1 residues were detected in 16%, 16%, 32% and 44% of examined milk powder, yoghurt, cheddar cheese and Ras cheese samples respectively. Aflatoxin B1 residues were detected in 12%, 52% and 48% of examined milk powder, cheddar cheese and Ras cheese samples respectively. On the other hand, Aflatoxin B2 were detected in 12%, 24% and 12% of examined milk powder, cheddar cheese and Ras cheese samples respectively. From the present investigation it could be concluded that, feeding of dairy animals with aflatoxins free feedstuff, using high quality raw milk strict hygienic measures during manufacture, packing and distribution, proper personal hygiene, adequate cleaning and sanitation of dairy equipments and proper refrigeration are vital elements in the production of high quality dairy products

In vitro culture of Gypsophila paniculata L. and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of the propagated plants

A protocol is established for regeneration of the economically important cut flower plant, Gypsophila paniculata L. using shoot tips explants. Multiple shoots were obtained on MS-medium fortified with 0.5 mg/l each of NAA and BA. Addition of 10 g/l agar promoted shoot proliferation and reduced the degree of shoot vitrification. Transfer to 3 mg/l IBA containing medium produced optimum root initiation and development. The produced plants as well as intact plants were subjected to the random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD] analysis. Using 9 primers, the total number of amplification products generated by PCR amplification was 142 bands [15.7 bands per primer], of which 7.74% showed polymorphism. The analysis of bands recorded, showed 92.25% similarity. The results indicated that variation at time DNA level has occurred during in vitro culture of Gypsophila but in a very low level

Patient satisfaction with primary health care services in two districts in Lower and Upper Egypt

This study compares patient satisfaction with primary health care services and identifies factors associated with patient satisfaction in two health districts in Egypt where a project for upgrading primary health care services had been running for three years. An exit interview was conducted for 1108 patients using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that most clients using primary health care services were females. Patient satisfaction was high for accessibility, waiting area conditions and performance of doctors and nurses. The main complaints centred on the availability of prescribed drugs and laboratory investigations. Additionally, level of privacy in the consultation room was described as unsatisfactory by 33% of patients. There was no association between overall patient satisfaction and age, gender, education level or type of service received

Relation of environmental occupational stress factors and lipid profile as a risk factors of ischemic heart disease

The present study analysed the relationship between some environmental occupational stress Factors in terms of decision latitude, demand context, perceived strain during work and blood lipids as a risk factor of ischaemic heart disease [IHD], in terms of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, Apolipoprotein, A[I], Apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein [a]. The study was carried out in one of the factories in the tenth of Ramadan and included a cross sectional samples of 105 male workers aged 35-50 years, employed in jobs with regular mental tasks and a certain degree of responsibility for more than 10 years duration. The participants were interviewed and personal, occupational and medical data were collected and biochemical blood investigations were done. The study showed significant higher serum cholesterol in the group of disturbed relations at work. Serum levels of LDL-C was significantly higher in some groups of occupational stress, while serum HDL-C was significantly lower. Serum triglycerides was significantly increased in two groups. There was a significant association between lower serum levels apo-[I] and some of the occupational stress factors. Low decision latitude was the only stress factor which showed a significant correlation with high levels of lipoprotein [a]