Sex Assessment Using Clavicle Measurements in Egyptian Population

In many studies various skeletal remains have been used for identification but different accuracy of sex determination has been reported with clavicle. For determining the sex of adult human clavicles in Egyptian population. Methods: Length and mid-clavicular circumference were measured and weight was taken of 105 clavicles (50 males and 55 females). The data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: By taking only length of the clavicle into consideration, sex could be determined correctly in 62.4% right male, 54.3% left male, 25.6% right female and 42.1% left female. Similarly from mid-clavicular circumference of bone sex could be estimated in 78.7% right male, 67.2% left male, 41.3% right female and 40.6% left female clavicles. On the basis of weight alone sex could be determined in 68.4% right male, 59.8% left male, 63.1% right female and 45.8% left female clavicles. Conclusion: The length of the adult left clavicle was more than that of the right side. The mid clavicular circumference was the best measurement for the identification of sex of female clavicles in Egyptian population.

Reference Dosimetry according to the New German Protocol DIN 6800-2 and Comparison with IAEA TRS 398 and AAPM TG 51*

The preceding DIN 6800-2 (1997) protocol has been revised by a German task group and its latest version was published in March 2008 as the national standard dosimetry protocol DIN 6800-2 (2008 March). Since then, in Germany the determination of absorbed dose to water for high-energy photon and electron beams has to be performed according to this new German dosimetry protocol. The IAEA Code of Practice TRS 398 (2000) and the AAPM TG-51 are the two main protocols applied internationally. The new German version has widely adapted the methodology and dosimetric data of TRS-398. This paper investigates systematically the DIN 6800-2 protocol and compares it with the procedures and results obtained by using the international protocols. The investigation was performed with 6 MV and 18 MV photon beams as well as with electron beams from 5 MeV to 21 MeV. While only cylindrical chambers were used for photon beams, the measurements of electron beams were performed by using cylindrical and plane-parallel chambers. It was found that the discrepancies in the determination of absorbed dose to water among the three protocols were 0.23% for photon beams and 1.2% for electron beams. The determination of water absorbed dose was also checked by a national audit procedure using TLDs. The comparison between the measurements following the DIN 6800-2 protocol and the TLD audit-procedure confirmed a difference of less than 2%. The advantage of the new German protocol DIN 6800-2 lies in the renouncement on the cross calibration procedure as well as its clear presentation of formulas and parameters. In the past, the different protocols evoluted differently from time to time. Fortunately today, a good convergence has been obtained in concepts and methods.

Effect of anticancer drugs on genomic DNA and chromosomes in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing female mice

The antioxidant activity, DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations were studied under the effect of cis-diaminedichloro platinum [CDDP] and vinblastine sulphate [VLB] in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing female mice. The two doses of CDDP and VLB were found to decrease the hepatic glutahione [GSH] content and total protein. Lipid peroxidation [MDA] increased significantly in the first and second weeks of administration compared to the control. Also, losses in body and liver weights were observed. Genomic DNA concentration was decreased by CDDP and VLB to 15.0%, 32.0%, 22.0% and 43.5%, respectively, DNA banding pattern of liver tissue on agarose gel [1.3%] electrophoresis was found compared to control. Serum protein banding pattern under the effect of the two drugs SDS-PAGE was observed clearly after 2 weeks of administration, but not after the first week. The percentage of total chromosomal numerical aberrations of bone marrow cells were significantly increased for CDDP and VLB to 304.8%, 457.1%, 238.1% and 290.5%, respectively. Also the percentages of total chromosomal structural aberrations of bone marrow cells were significantly increased to 372.7%, 581.8%, 101.0% and 150.0%, respectively in the second week. The effect of these drugs was dose-dependant. It is concluded that these anticancer drugs are harmful and precaution should be considered when administrated in human

Multiparametric flow cytometric analysis of estrogen receptor: a study on Egyptian breast cancer patients

Precise prognostication of breast cancer based on immunohistochemical features is a challenging assay. Thus, there is a need for more sophisticated prognostic determinants. This work aims to investigate the sensitivity of flow cytometry for the accurate evaluation of steroid receptor positive, tumor cells in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections. These sections from forty breast cancer patients were subjected to multiparametric flow cytometric analysis for simultaneous assessment of estrogen receptor and DNA content analysis as well as immunohistochemical staining for steroid receptors. Moreover, tumor markers were estimated in the preoperable sera of these patients. About fifty seven percent of tumors were aneuploid. Seven tumors were interpreted positive for ER by FCM and negative by IHC. Flow cytometric results were confirmed by the traditional prognostic factors. Higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 occurred predominantly in aneuploid tumors with lymph nodal metastasis and positively immunostained for both estrogen and progesterone receptors. Multiparametric flow cytometric analysis may allows the detection of specific subset of patients that would otherwise escapes detection

Practices related to kitchen hygiene and food handling and preparation among the women in Bahrain

Food contamination considered one of the major public health problems in the Arab countries. Unsound food practices related to handling and preparation of food are the main factors responsible for this disease. The aim of this study, therefore, to assess some of practices related to kitchen hygiene and preparation of foods by women in Bahrain. Women were interviewed using specially design and pretested questionnaire from 6 health centers in Bahrain. The total sample was 372 women aged between 20 to 60 years. The finding reveled that 76% of women cleanup the refrigerator using water and soap. The using of cleaning agents, either for the refrigerator or the ground or the wall of kitchen was higher by highly and middle education women than low education women; but the difference was not statistically significant. The low education women were more likely to clean the refrigerator frequently per month [more than 7 time per month] compared to middle and high education women [34%, 36% and 29% respectively]. Similar trends was observed regarding frequently of cleaning walls or ground of the kitchen. It was found that 98% of women divided the food according to this needs, before they freez it. There was a significant association between the education and method of thawing frozen foods, as low education women were more likely to the Frozen foods in hot water, compared to middle and high education woman. Also education had a positive impact an removing the accessalrries from hands before preparation the food. Surprisingly, it was found that 29% of women rise a pet at their house. It can be concluded that there are some unhygienic practices by Bahraini women at although they education has appositive impact on reducing such practices. Their is an need for food hygiene education programme for women and the public

Some toxic effects of molybdenum in adult male albino rats

Ammonium molybdate is an essential trace element in plants, animals and humans, as it is present as a cofactor for some enzymes; also, it is an environmental pollutant. Thirty adult male albino rats were used to investigate the adverse effects of ammonium molybdate on the liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs of adult male albino rats. Therty adult male rats were equally divided into 3 groups. The rats of the 1[st] group were left without treatment and used as a negative control group for measuring the basic parameters. The rats of the 2[nd] group were daily intragastrically administered 2 ml normal saline [vehicle of molybdenum] for each rat for 30 days and were used as a positive control group. The rats of the 3rd group were daily intragastrically administered ammonium molybdate in a dose of 136 mg /kg body weight in 2 ml of normal saline [1/5 of the LD50] for each rat for 30 days. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital plexus of each anethetized rat in all groups for measuring levels of liver enzymes [ALT, AST, Aikaline phosphatase], total bilirubin, urea and createnine; then the rats were sacrificed, and specimens from the livers kidneys, spleens and lungs of all rats were collected for histopathological examination. The levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, urea and createnine of the rats of the 3[rd] group [ammonium molybdate group] were statistically significantly elevated compared to those of the negative control group [P <0.001]. Histopathological examination of the rats of the 3rd group showed, moderate liver damage consisting of scattered necrotic areas, inflammatory infiltrates and congested central vein, In the Kidneys, there were degeneration of the epithelium of the convoluted tubules appeared as cloudy swelling and congestion. There were also cellular infiltrates. Histopathological examination of the spleen showed reactive follicular hyperplasia with areas of necrosis and congestion reflecting congested splenomegally. The lungs revealed diffuse haemorrhage and mononuclear inflammatory cellular infiltration in the interstitial tissue with congested dilated vessels. It can be concluded that ammonium molybdate could produce toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs of adult male albino rats

Skeletal anomalies of gabapentin in pregnant female albino rats

Gabapentin is one of the new antiepileptic drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal anomalies of gabapentin in pregnant female albino rats. Thirty virgin female albino rats were used and classified into three equal groups each consisted of 10 rats. The first group received nothing except regular diet and tap water and considered as negative control. The second group received 1 ml saline daily orally from the 1st day till the 20th day of gestation. The third group received gabapentin in a single dose of 324 mg/kg body weight in 1 ml saline orally daily from the 1st day to the 20th day of gestation. On the 20th day of pregnancy, rats were sacrificed and the uterine horns promptly exposed, the number of alive fetuses was detected as well as the number of fetal resorptions. Individual fetal weight, crown- rump length [CRL] and bipareital diameter were recorded. Then fetuses were eviscerated and placed into alizarin red stain for detection of osseous skeleton. The numbers of fetal resorptions in the negative and positive control rats were 5% and 4.6% respectively. The number of fetal resorptions in gabapentin treated dams was 42%. The numbers of examined alive fetuses were 85, 82, and 28 in negative control, positive control and gabapentin treated rats respectively. There were significant decrease in the weight, CRL and bipareital diameter measures in fetuses of third group [gabapentin treated] compared to those in the first group [negative control]. Fetuses stained with alizarin stain of dams treated with gabapentin revealed incomplete ossification of skull bones as parietal, interpareital, occipital, frontal, lacrimal and occipital bones. Also, there were incomplete ossifications of vertebral, metacarpal and metatarsal bones. It can be concluded that gabapentin is experimentally a teratogenic drug. It can be recommended that further studies must be done to evaluate teratogenicity of gabapentin in humans. Mothers taking it during pregnancy have to check regularly their fetuses till the end of pregnancy. But it is preferred that those women should be advised to use a contraceptive method during treatment with this drug to avoid its teratogenic effect

Nephrotoxic effects of celecoxib on adult male albino rats

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used for a variety of indications, including acute pain, arthritic pain, and headache. The long-term use of these agents is often limited by unwanted adverse effects, such as gastritis and renal dysfunction. In an effort to decrease the adverse effects while retaining pain-relieving properties, the selective cyclo-oxygenase [COX]-2 inhibitors were developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nephrotoxic hazards of celecoxib and also to evaluate the extent of recovery that occur after discontinuation of this drug during a follow up period .The study was conducted on 50 adult male albino rats weighing approximately [150-200 gm] and divided into 3 groups; group I [negative control group]: consisted of 15 rats, each rat was given no medications to evaluate the basic parameters; group II [positive control group [Gum acacia group]]: consisted of 15 rats, each rat was gavaged with 2 mL of Gum acacia suspension once daily for 6 weeks and group III [celecoxib group]: consisted of 20 rats, each rat was gavaged with 14,4 mg celecoxib/rat once daily for 6 weeks. Twenty four hours after the last dose of celecoxib, 15 rats from each control group and 10 rats from the celecoxib group were used. The kidneys of the rats of these groups were investigated histopathologically by light microscope and biochemically by measuring blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, sodium and potassium levels. The remaining rats of celecoxib group were left for another 6 weeks without drug, administration for follow up. At the end of this period the. rats were examined as mentioned above. The main findings of the present study were as follow: group 1 [negative control group], and group II [positive control group], showed no abnormal findings without a statistically significant difference between them so we used the results of the negative control group to compare it with those of celecoxib group. As regard biochemical changes, there was an increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, sodium and potassium levels in the rats of celecoxib group with a statistically significant difference when compared with the negative control group [P<0.001]. Six weeks after discontinuation of celecoxib administration, the above mentioned biochemical changes improved and showed a statistically significant difference when compared with the results obtained 24 hours after the last dose of celecoxib, but the level of improvement didn't reach to the control level and gave a significant difference when compared with the negative control group. This means that, these parameters improved but didn't return to the level' of the control, which was supported by the histopathological results. As regard histopathological study of celecoxib group, microscopical examination of the kidneys showed severe affection of the kidneys in the form of renal papillary necrosis and acute and chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis with interstitial oedema and inflammatory cell infiltrate. After 6 weeks of follow-up, histopathological examination of the kidney in the celecoxib group showed incomplete recovery. It could, be concluded that celecoxib is nephrotoxic and its toxic effects were partially reversible after its discontinuation

Evaluation of progress of labor using ultrasonographic measurement of uterine wall thickness

During labor, the uterus is transformed into two distinct segment. The active upper segment which becomes thick and the relatively passive lower segment which becomes thin with the progress of labor. The ratio between both segments used to indicate the progress of labor and imminent delivery. The safety of vaginal delivery depends mainly on the thickness of the lower uterine segment especially in patients with previous uterine scare or high risk pregnancy. Evaluation of progress of labor by measurement of the uterine wall thickness sonographyically to identify the safety of vaginal delivery in the our aim. 43 full term pregnant women early in labor mean age 24.93, DS 4.03 years, 10 primigravida and 33 multigravida [Parity < 3] vertex presention, with no risk factors or uterine scar. Repeted measurement of upper and lower uterine segments thickness sonographically were done in relation to cervical dilation which also measured. The result shows a statistically significant progressive increase in upper uterine segment wall thickness in relation to cervical dilatation and the lower uterine segment shows progressive thinning, the ratio was 1.05 in late pregnancy, 1.37 at the beginning of active phase of labor and 9.03 at full cervical dilator. We conclude that labor is imminent when the mean lower uterine segment thickness was < 0.35 cm and mean upper uterine segment thickness > 3.0 cm this should be considered in high risk pregnancies when digital examination carries the risk of ascending infection in cases of PROM or ante partum hemorrhage

use of doppler flow velocity wave form of uterine and umbilical arteries as a method of fetal surveillance during progress of labor

Doppler velocimetry is a noninvasive, inexpensive technique which has a place in obstetric practice through early detection of fetal compromise and reduction of fetal morbidity and mortality via proper intervention. 43 full term pregnant women early in labor 10 primigravid and 33 multigravid [Parity < 3] vertux presention, which no major risk factor or previous uterine scar and normal CT or at the beginning of labour. Mean age 24.93 Y, SD 4.03 years. Measurements of uterine and umbilical arteries wave from through labour in relation to cervical dilatation were done and RI, PI, S/D were calculated. Shows changes in the mean uterine and umbilical arteries flow velocity waveform indices [RI, PI and S/D ratio] during peak uterine contraction which shows a progressive increase in all indices as the cervical dilation progressed. The results were statistically significant as P value were 0.000 for all three indices. Assessment of uterine and umbilical arteries Doppler should be an integral part of routine examination of high risk patient during labor

Colorectal cancer in Mosul province how does it present

Although colonic cancer incidence in Mosul province is uncommon compared to other countries, but still we see more patients mainly of the young age group with the majority of victims presented acutely with advanced stage, to prove that we must continue to rely on clinical findings for detecting this cancer, to keep colorectal cancer on the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms and still careful history and proper physical examination are the usual methods for suspecting colorectal cancer

Methods: a retrospective study of patients with colorectal cancer treated in Mosul hospitals between January 1981 to December 2000 clinical data were carefully analyzed with special attention to clinical presention, management and the characteristics of the cancer

Results: 279 patients with colorectal tumors, included in this study, male patients 169[60.4%], female patients were 110[39.4%], male to female ratio were 1.5411, male patients predominating in all age groups, 193 [69.2%] of patients were below 60 [sixty] years of age, and more than 50% of cancer located distal to splenic flexure. The most common clinical presentation were, abdominal pains, intestinal obstruction, and palpable mass [40. 5%], [32.2%], [26. 5%] respectively. Sixty-eight percent of patients presented with Duke. C [50. 2%], while D [18. 3%], this means late presentation

Conclusion: one third of patient presented acutely as intestinal obstruction and more than two third, in advanced stage, there were definite delays in early detection of colorectal cancer and we must continue to rely on clinical findings at presentation and to keep colorectal cancer on the differential diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms

Laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube for ocular surgery; effects on intraocular pressure

This study was done to evaluate the intraocular pressure [IOP] and haemodynamic changes [heart rate [HR], mean arterial pressure [MAP]] subsequent to insertion and removal of laryngeal mask airway [LMA] and tracheal tube [TT]. The study was coducted on 40 patients divided into two equal groups, they received standarized general anaesthesia with either LMA [group I] or TT [group II]. IOP, HR and MAP were measured at preinduction of anaesthesia and pre removal of LMA or TT. Also one and two minutes after insertion and removal of LMA or TT. A statistically significant rise in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and intraocular pressure was seen in both the groups subsequent to insertion of laryngeal mask airway or tracheal tube, but after 2 minutes HR and MAP decreased significantly throughout the study in LMA group. However, IOP decreased after two minutes and become significantly lower at preremoval and after removal of LMA. Mean maximum increase was statistically more after endotracheal intubation than after laryngeal mask airway insertion. The duration of statistically significant pressure responses was also longer after tracheal intubation. Cough and breath holding ocured more significantly in TT group compared with LMA group. [LMA] is an acceptable alternative technique in intraocular surgery, offering advantages in cases of perforated globe, glucomatous patients and hemodynamically unstable cardiovascular or cardiac patients compared to tracheal intubation

Sevoflurane versus propofol anaesthesia; characteristics of induction, maintainance and emeregence

This study was designed to compare the induction, maintenance, emergence and safety characteristics of sevoflurane anesthesia compared with those of propofol We conducted a randomized double blind comparative study of induction, maintenance and recovery characteristics between sevoflurane and propofol in 20 ASA class I and II patients undergoing elective body surface surgery. Group I [n =10] patients received sevoflurane-nitrous oxide for both induction and maintenance while group 2 [n = 10] patients received propofol nitrous oxide anesthesia. No premedications were given. Induction and laryngeal mask application times were significantly shorter with propofol [63 +/- 11 sees, 132 +/- 11 sees, respectively] than with sevoflurane [91 +/- 25 sees, 180 +/- 12 sees, respectively] but was associated with a higher incidence ofapnea [40%]. Induction of anesthesia was associated with a lower MAP in propofol group than in sevoflurane group [81.7 +/- 2.54 mmHg versus 86.7 +/- 3.3 mmHg] but returned to normal within 5 minutes [88.6 +/- 3.22 versus 86.6 +/- 3.1 mmHg]. Over all frequency of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups during induction, maintenance and recovery of anesthesia. The time to laryngeal mask removal, command response time and orientation time were significantly shorter in sevoflurane group [181 +/- 11 sees, 660 +/- 11 sees, and 900 +/- 20 sees respectively] than the propofol group [580 +/- 10 sees, 870 +/- 15 sees, and 1200 +/- 20 sees respectively]. Patients in the sevoflurane group were more oriented but requested postoperative analgesia earlier than propofol group [40 min, 60 min respectively]. Also incidence of nausea and vomiting were less in the propofol group compared to sevojlurane group. sevoflurane seems to be a comparable agent offering several objective advantages comparable with propofol in patients undergoing body surface surgery. Sevoflurane is considered as an acceptable anaesthetic agent for patients who dislike injections, while propofol is considered as a good anaesthetic agent for patients who dislike inhalational anaesthesia

Calcium regulating hormones in children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]

Recent studies have revealed that altered mineral metabolism is observed in diabetic patients with the complication of osteopenia. In order to elucidate the role of calcium regulating hormones on calcium homeostasis and whether they are linked to glycemic control, we have designed this study. The study included 20 children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] aged from 5.8 - 13 years and 20 age and sex matched normal children who served as control. Serum level of parathyroid hormone, 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D, calcitonin, serum total and ionized calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were measured. The study included also measurement of biochemical bone remodeling markers [serum alkaline phophatase and osteocalcin]. Glycemic control was assessed in diabetic children by measurement of fasting blood sugar level and glycosylated hemoglobin. The levels of serum calcium, and magnesium were significantly lower in diabetic patients than control and they were significantly correlated with the fasting blood sugar level. In parallel, significant lower levels of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D were observed in diabetic patients than control group and were significantly correlated to glycosylated hemoglobin This may indicate that poor control of diabetes significantly affects the level of this active metabolite of Vitamin D. Serum level of calcitonin was slightly higher in diabetic children than control but this was not statistically significant. The levels of serum osteocalcin were significantly lower in diabetic patients than control and they were significantly correlated with the level of glycosylated hemoglobin This may indicate that the degree of metabolic control and duration of disease affected it. It was concluded that, in IDDM, an osteoblastic deficit appears to exist with decreased bone turnover and increased bone resorption. This deficit is aggravated by lower level of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D, increased levels of calcitonin and failure of activation of parathyroid hormone. Glucosuric induced osmotic diuresis may also be responsible for the negative calcium balance observed in these patients

Relative concentrations of endotoxin binding proteins in body fluids in children during pyogenic infection

The serum protein lipopolysaccharide-binding protein [LBP] binds to the lipid A component of bacterial endotoxin and facilitates its delivery to the CD 14 antigen on the macrophages, where proinflammatory cytokines are released and a cascade of host mediators is initiated. The neutrophil granular protein bactericidal/ permeability-increasing progein [B P1] competes with LBP for endotoxin binding and functions as a molecular antagonist of LBP-endotoxin interactions. We have measured concentrations of BPI and LBP in abscess cavities, enclosed infected body fluids, and non-infected body fluids from 36 children whose age ranged between 2 to 12 years [21 males and 15 females]. The mean values +/- SD of BPI/LBP in different body fluids were 12.12 +/- 5.11 in abscess cavities, 0.778 +/- 0.104 in infected body fluids, and 0.022 +/- 0.0624 in non-infected body fluids. The differences in BPI/LBP ratio between the three types of body fluids were highly significant [P < 0.0001]. The mean BPI concentrations was higher in the 8 abscess cavities that contained gram negative organisms than in the 8 with gram positive or no organisms [P<0.005]. BPI concentrations were directly correlated with the quantity of neutrophils within abscess fluids [rs = 0.844, P<0.001] and in infected body fluids [rs = 0.484, P<0.05]. In conclusion, BPI is available in sufficient quantities within abscess cavities for effective competition with LBP for endotoxin. BPI may attenuate the local inflammatory response and the systemic toxicity of endotoxin release during gram-negative infections

Ultrasonographic study for evaluation of changes in intra-abdominal structures in enteric fever diagnosed by the conventional microbiological methods utilizing a new rapid [MUCAP] test

Out of 78 patients clinically suspected to suffer from enteric fever, 40 cases have been proved to be real cases by microbiological methods. The study included also 20 control cases having fevers due to causes other than salmonella infection. Ultrasonography for abdominal structures have been done to the 40 as well as the control group. The sonogram could reveal, in the enteric cases, a significant increase in: splenic size, subcostal extension of the liver in the mid clavicular line, portal vein diameter and in renal parenchymal thickness. As regard microbiological study: I] blood culture was positive in 5 cases and all isolates were S. typhi. II] Stool culture was positive in 17 cases including 8 strains of S. typhi, 6 strains of S. paratyphi A and 3 strains of S. paratyphi B. III] widal test was positive in 18 cases that were culture negative. In this work, MUCAP test found to be rapid and reliable test if combined with slide agglutination using salmonella antisera. The test was clearly positive in the 22 culture positive cases. The test was also clearly negative when applied to colonies of yersinia enterocolitica isolated from the blood of 2 cases of the studied patients

Relative concentratiions of endotoxin-binding proteins in body fluids in children during infection

The serum protein lipopolysaccharide-binding protein [LBP] binds to the lipid A component of bacterial endotoxin and facilitates its delivery to the CD 14 antigen on the macrophages, where proinflammatory cytokines are released and a cascade of host mediators is initiated. The neutrophil granular protein bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein [BPI] competes with LBP for endotoxin binding and functions as a molecular antagonist of LBP-endotoxin interactions. We have measured concentrations of BPI and LBP in abscess cavities, enclosed infected body fluids, and non-infected body fluids from 36 children whose age ranged between 2 to 12 years [21 males and 15 females]. The mean values +/- SD of BPI/LBP in different body fluids were 12.12 +/- 5.11 in abscess cavities, 0.778 +/- 0.104 in infected body fluids, and 0.022 0.0624 in non-infected body fluids. The differences in BPI/LBP ratio between the three types of body fluids were highly significant [P<0.0001]. The mean BPI concentrations was higher in the 8 abscess cavities that contained gram negative organisms than in the 8 with gram positive or no organisms [P<0.005]. BPI concentrations were directly correlated with the quantity of neutrophils within abscess fluids [r[s] = 0.844, P< 0.001] and in infected body fluids [r[s] = 0.484, P<0.05]. In conclusion, BPI is available in sufficient quantities within abscess cavities for effective competition with LBP for endotoxin. BPI may attenuate the local inflammatory response and the systemic toxicity of endotoxin release during gram-negative infections

C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and interleukin-6 as markers for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

C-reactive protein [CRP] is the most common marker used for neonatal bacterial sepsis [NBS]. Because of a delay in levels increase, a sequential determination is necessary. Procalcitonin [PCT] and interleukin-6 [IL 6] have been proposed for NBS diagnosis. We measured CRP, PCT, and IL 6 concentrations on admission and after 24 hours in neonates with bacterial sepsis [group A, 20 neonates], probable infection with or without colonization [group B, 20 neonates], and healthy neonates [group C, 20 neonates]. The cutoff values were: CRP >/= 10mg/l; PCT > 3 micro g/ml; and IL 6 > 100 pg/ml. The sensitivity for dosages 1 and 2 were respectively [group A versus group C]: CRP 75% and 80%, PCT 100%, and 95%, IL 6 100%, and 85%. Specificity: CRP 100% and 100%, PCT 90% and 90%, IL 6 95% and 90%. CRP is a useful marker of NBS but PCT and IL 6 have better sensitivities indicating an earlier response. PCT and IL 6 are complementary markers of NBS

Effect of caffeine on base-pair substitution and frameshift mutagenesis induced in salmonella typhimurium

The mutagenicity of caffeine was studied by using 2 different Ames Salmonellamutagenicity tester strains. Three short-term assays [plate incorporation,preincubation and the Ames-fluctuation test] were carried out to evaluate thegenotoxicity of caffeine. The effect of some extracts of the culturalfiltrate of Alternaria eichhorniae on the original strains and theirrevertants was also examined. Mutagenicity data for caffeine demonstrated adose-response at levels that are not excessively toxic to bacteria. In allcases, the addition of preincubation resulted in greater sensitivity thanplate incorporation. Testing conducted with strains that carry the base- pairsubstitutions and frame-shift mutations in different repair backgroundsindicated that the presence of pKM101 and the deletion of the uvr B genefacilitate the detection of caffeine as mutagen. The mutagenic activity ofcaffeine determined by employing Salmonella typhimurium mutagenesis assay[TA1535 and TA97] revealed the mutagenic potency of base-pair substitutions andframe-shift mutations in all assays, without any need for metabolicactivation, indicating the presence of direct-action mutagen

Respiratory health among wheat workers

160 workers in a wheat grinding mill, together with 60 other male workers not exposed to dust, as a control group, were examined to find the effect of grain dust on their health. All workers were interviewed using the MRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Clinical examination of chest, heart and skin was done. Blood film for eosinophil count and stool sample for parasitic infestation was done. Pulmonary function tests were done before and after shift mainly FEV/FVC%, FVC/PVC%, PEFR/Predicted%. An environmental study to measure the level of suspended dust in the different departments of the mill was carried out. A significant prevalence of chest symptoms [cough, phlegm, wheeze, tightness] was found in the exposed group. Skin irritation, rhinitis and eye irritation were also higher. Chronic bronchitis was found in 26.25% and asthma in 17.5%. Eosinophilic count was high in 63.4% of the asthmatic subjects. There was a significant decrease in the FEV/FVC% and PEFR/Predicted%. Also, a significant decrease across the shift was reported. No effect of duration of exposure but a dose response relationship was demonstrated between dust level and symptoms as well as between dust level and lung functions