Circulating cell free DNA as a predictor of systemic lupus erythematosus severity and monitoring of therapy

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is the most heterogeneous chronic autoimmune disease; it is characterized by the presence of auto reactive B and T cells, responsible for the aberrant production of a broad and heterogeneous group of autoantibodies. Recent studies using various detection methods have demonstrated the elevations of circulating DNA in SLE patients

Aim of the study: The current study aimed to measure cell-free DNA [cf-DNA] in SLE patients as a potential tool to predict disease activity and treatment follow up

Subjects and methods: 52 of SLE patients with age ranging from 10 to 48 years were randomly selected and 25 healthy subjects with age and gender matched with the patients were included as a control group. Thorough clinical examination stressing on the central nervous system, vascular, renal, rash, musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous manifestations, and fever was done for patients. The following investigations were done: Complete blood count [CBC], kidney function tests, C-reactive protein [CRP], routine autoantibodies for autoimmune diseases, complements [C3 and C4], anti-nucleosome antibodies and cf-DNA by real time PCR [RT-PCR]

Results: The levels of anti-double stranded DNA [anti-dsDNA], anti-nucleosome Ab, and cf-DNA were significantly increased in SLE patients compared to controls. The cf-DNA level was correlated to markers of disease severity namely CRP and anti-nucleosome. A significant reduction in levels of cf-DNA, anti-nucleosome Ab and anti-dsDNA was noticed after therapy

Conclusion: Our findings support that the measurement of cf-DNA appears to be a useful marker in addition to laboratory tests used in SLE diagnosis. High correlation with markers of disease severity suggesting its role in disease pathogenesis and decreasing its level after therapy makes it to be a marker of treatment follow-up

Soluble CD14-subtype [prespsin] and hepcidin as diagnostic and prognostic markers in early onset neonatal sepsis

The clinical picture and laboratory markers of Early-onset neonatal sepsis [EONS] are nonspecific, however a variety of different molecules have been suggested as clinical biomarkers in sepsis. Presepsin [soluble CD14-subtype] has been identified as a protein whose level increases significantly in the blood of septic patients. Hepcidin, an iron homeostasis regulator, it can be used in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of new markers namely presepsin and hepcidin in diagnosis of EONS compared to CRP before and after antibiotic therapy. The study enrolled 62 neonates, 28 of them fulfilled the criteria of EONS, and 34 healthy neonates as a control group. Serum levels of presepsin, hepcidin, CRP, complete blood picture, blood gases, and serum iron parameters for all neonates and blood cultures were done for 28 of neonates with clinical picture of sepsis. Serum levels of presepsin, hepcidin, and CRP were significantly higher in neonates with sepsis than in healthy neonates. The presepsin was more sensitive and specific than hepcidin and CRP for diagnosis of EONS. After antibiotic therapy, the serum level of presepsin was dramatically decreased as compared to its pretreatment level. The same results was noted, but to a lesser degree for hepcidin and CRP. Additionally, the presepsin level was significantly correlated to blood culture results and CRP levels. Presepsin is considered a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of EONS with higher sensitivity and specificity rather than hepcidin and CRP. Its correlation to sepsis markers and response to treatment is more informative. Future large scale studies are needed to understand the role of hepcidin and presepsin in development of sepsis in other pediatric age groups

GC-MS analysis and biological evaluation of essential oil of zanthoxylum rhesta [roxb.] DC pericarp

The present study reports the chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiarrheal as well as the spasmolytic activity of Zanthoxylum rhetsa [DC] essential oil, fractionated oil and its principal constituent [Terpinen-4-ol]. The constituents of essential oil were characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS. The pharmacological and biological activities of oil, its fraction and principal constituent were carried out in-vivo and in-vitro. The oil was rich in a group of monoterpene family, constituted mainly of terpinen-4-ol [25.43%], sabinene [16.50%], beta-pinene [10.4%], alpha-Terpineol [7.63%], gamma-Terpinene [5.64%], alpha-pinene [4.33%], and linalool [3.25%]. The antioxidant capacities of the oil, fractions and terpinen-4-ol were assessed by using spectrophotometry to measure free radical scavenger 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH]. Furthermore, the oil, its fractions and terpinen-4-ol exhibited appreciable antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiarrheal and non-selective spasmolytic activity. The study suggests that the oil and its main active constituent [terpinen-4-ol] of the studied plant would have high potential in the treatment of stress and gastrointestinal diseases

Reproductive and non-reproductive health status of women aged 15 years and above in southern Jordan

Failure to address women's health, including their reproductive health needs, increases health care costs and social inequity. This descriptive study assessed the reproductive and non-reproductive health status of women over 15 years old in poverty pockets in the southern region of Jordan. Two villages were selected using purposive sampling and all women in the villages were invited to participate in a [healthy family week]: 259 responded to the invitation. Although 49.4% of the surveyed women were overweight or obese, only 8.5% had high blood pressure. Reproductive health concerns included the high proportions of women married at an early age [15-20 years] [76,8%], having 5+ children [43.1%] and with haemoglobin level < 12 g/dL, indicating anaemia [55.5%]. Urinary tract infection was the most common health problem [29.0%], Health care providers should be sensitized to the health needs of Jordanian women in general and those living in disadvantaged areas in particular

Development and validation of an RP-HPLC method for simultaneous analysis of ofloxacin and ornidazole in tablets

A simple, sensitive, and inexpensive high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for simultaneous determination of ofloxacin and ornidazole in pharmaceutical formulations. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a BDS-C[18]-Hypersil column [250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 10 microm]. Mobile phase was 80% water [containing 0.55 ml/L of triethylamine as peak modifier] and 20% acetonitrile; final pH was adjusted to 3.0 with orthophosphoric acid. Detection was done at 284 nm. Response was a linear function of concentration in the range 1-20 micro g/ml for ofloxacin and 2.5-50 microg/ml for ornidazole; the correlation coefficients were 0.9998 and 0.9995, respectively. The limit of detection were 0.01 and 0.02 microg/ml for ofloxacin and ornidazole respectively, where as limit of quantitation were 0.05 and 0.1 micro g/ml. The accuracy result for ofloxacin and ornidazole at eighty percent drug [80%], hundred percent [100%], and one hundred and twenty percent [120%] were ranged from 99.6-100.9%. The inter- and intra-day precision was less than 1%. Total elution time for the two components was less than 9 min

Computerized Clinical Decision Support Systems and their clinical application in health care delivery system

Computerized Clinical Decision Support Systems [CDSSs] are defined as computer-based tools using scientific knowledge to generate patient specific advice or interpretation to help health professionals in making clinical decisions. The use of computers have been driven not only by the increasing need to manage large amounts of information, but also by the imperative to make evidence-based and cost-effective decisions on a daily basis. Computer aided medical tools address the growing information needs of the busy health care provider, decrease medical errors and improve healthcare processes as well as patients outcomes. So this paper aimed at presenting different issues related to application, benefits and recent advances of CDSSs within the health care delivery system

Developmental toxicity evaluation of oral aluminum in rats

The present study was designed to elucidate the adverse effects of the orally administered aluminum [Al] on the growing fetus and consequently on the animal wealth in our country. This aim has been achieved by studying the teratogenic, perinatal and postnatal effects of aluminum chloride when administered orally at 345 mg/kg body weight to female rats during organogenesis, fetal and/ or lactation periods. The results showed that Al chloride exposure on days 6-15 of gestation produced a significantly higher percentage of postimplantation death, resorptions, morphological, visceral and skeletal anomalies in the obtained fetuses compared to the control group. In addition, the live fetuses' percentage, mean fetal body weight and placental weights were significantly decreased. The obtained data revealed also that Al chloride exposure on 6[th] day of gestation till weaning induced significant increase in the percentage of dams showed delayed birth date and signs of dystocia. In addition, it induced a significant increase in the percentage of postimplantation loss, dead fetuses; fetuses showing neurobehavioral and respiratory symptoms and those born with morphological abnormalities. Moreover, it decreased the live/ birth, survival and viability indices and weight gain of these fetuses compared with control. The Al- induced effects on the obtained fetuses from Al chloride treated dams through lactation period included significant increase in the percentage of postnatal deaths, fetal stunted growth with a significantly increased percentage of nervous and respiratory symptoms prior to death. Consequently, the survival and viability indices were reduced. Moreover, the weight gain during lactation was significantly reduced. Brain examination of the obtained fetuses from all exposed dams throughout this study showed different histopathological changes. It can be concluded that Al chloride exposure of female rats during gestation and/ or lactation periods caused teratogenic, perinatal and postnatal adverse effects on their progeny

Lead poisoning during development: effect on some antioxidant enzymes, residual level and histopathological changes in rats

Pregnant, pregnant and lactating and/or lactating groups of female rats were exposed to lead in the form of lead acetate in the drinking water at a dose level of 200 mg/L for periods of gestation only [GI], gestation and lactation [GII] and lactation only [GIII]. Blood samples, liver, brain and mammary gland were taken from the treated dams as well as brain tissue samples from their babies at the end of each exposure period. Lipid peroxidation and the activity of both reduced glutathione [GSH] and catalase enzymes were evaluated in liver and brain tissues of dams as well as in the brain tissue of babies. Determination of the residual level of lead was carried out in serum, liver and brain tissue of the dams. Histopathological examination was performed in the liver, brain and mammary gland tissues of treated dams. Our results revealed that exposure to lead induced oxidative tissue damage, which was reflected by significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde [MDA] and decreased activities of GSH and CAT in tissues of dams and babies. Residual concentrations of lead were significantly increased in brain, serum and liver in comparison to control group. The histopathological examination revealed marked histological alterations in the liver, brain and mammary gland of treated dams. This investigation indicated that the effect of lead was more obvious in gestation and lactation period [GII] than the other two periods [gestation only [GI] and lactation only [GIII]]. Also, it denoted that the brain is the primary target organ of lead poisoning

Community structure of the family labridae along the Jordanian Coast, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

The spatial distribution and community structure of the family Labridae were studied at different depths and sites along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba in the seagrass and coral reef habitats. A total of 44 species of labrid fish were observed during the 187 visual census performed in seventeen sites. Out of the 44 labrid fish species encountered, 4 species including Paracheilinus octotaenia, Thalassoma rueppellii, Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis and Coris caudimaculata accounted for 64% of all individuals counted. Fishes were more abundant at 12 m depth in coral dominated sites, while a lower abundance was found in reef flat and seagrass sites. This was attributed to a higher shelter, structural complexity and food availability in the coral reef sites. The coral reef habitat had significantly higher species richness than the seagrass habitat at 6 and 12 m depths combined [p<0.0001]. Within coral reef sites, the deeper transects had significantly higher species richness than those on the reef flat. It was concluded that differences among reefs and habitats were the most important components of variability in the abundance and species richness of the family Labridae along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba

Toxicological deterioration of some plant extracts on Fannia canicularis [diptera: muscidae]

The early third in star larvae of Fannia canicularis were treated with various concentrations of Rumex dentatus, Protulaca deracea and Piper cubebae extracts. The Rimes dentatus was more toxic than Protulaca deracea and Piper cubebae. The extract mixture of Rumex dentatus and Piper induced a high synergistic action against the treated larvae, but the mixture of Protulaca deracea and Piper cubebae indicated an antagonistic effect. The reproductive potential of treated insects together with the biochemistry of their ovaries and testes were determined. The results indicated that the tested mixtures had delayed effects represented by the decrease of the ovarian and testicular protein and the disturbance of their amino acid contents. This might be due in part to the interference of these mixtures with gonadal development, which affected negatively the fecundity and fertility of adults

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To investigate the role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetic retinopathy. The serum malondialdehyde [MDA] as an index of lipid peroxidation, the erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase [GPX] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity, were measured in 15 healthy control subjects and 30 diabetic patients [15 without retinopathy and 15 with diabetic retinopathy]. Serum MDA levels, erythrocytes GPX and SOD activity were estimated by specific colourimetric assays. Serum MDA levels were significantly elevated in diabetic patients compared with those in control subjects. Significant reduction in the activity of GPX was detected in diabetic patients when compared with control subjects. Patients with diabetic retinopathy showed a significant higher MDA level and lower GPX activity when compared with diabetics without retinopathy. Significant reduction in SOD activity was detected only in diabetic patients with retinopathy when compared with control subjects. Free radicals formation in diabetes mellitus which increases over time may play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy, which is an important complication of the disease

Improving organ donation in central Saudi Arabia

Organ transplantation is successful. The main challenge in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] and elsewhere continues to be organ shortage. This shortage was not resolved by utilization of living donors. Previous studies indicate that there is underreporting of brain death cases, lack of completion of documentation process, poor medical care in some instances and finally high refusal rate for consent. In order to put this problem in perspective and find a solution, we initiated a collaborative project between 4 hospitals in Riyadh, KSA and The Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation. The initial result of this project is presented in this article. A donor team was formed to deal and facilitate the logistical aspect of donation in the 3 main Ministry of Health hospitals in Riyadh. Data with regard to the number of donors reported, documentation and success rate were recorded over 3-months [October 2003 to December 2003] and compared with the preceding 9 months. During the period from January 2003 to September 2003, the total number of case reported to the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation in Riyadh region, was 94. Only 53% were fully documented. Families were approached in 45 of these 50 cases in terms of donation and consent was obtained in 15. However, the number harvested was only 10 [11% yield from total number reported]. During the period from October 2003 until the end of December 2003, the total number of cases reported from 3 hospitals was 19. Seventeen [90%] of them were documented. The families were approached in 16 cases and consent was obtained in 6. All 6 [32%] donors were harvested. The above result clearly indicates that a donor team supporting the intensive care unit [ICU] can improve the donation. It is expected that application of a similar project to more ICUs in KSA will have a substantial positive impact on the rate of organ donation

Nutrients requirements for Trichoderma reesei and Sclerotium cepivorum as effective factors on value adding wastes

The Trichoderma reesei and Sclerotium cepivorum requirements for cellulases production from beet pulp and olive cake were investigated with respect to their affinity to cellulases activities. The appreciated nutrients were [NH4]2 So4 [1.6 g/l] KH2 P04 [4.0 g/l], Ca CL2 [0.4 g/l], Mg So4 [0.6 g/l], and Tween 80 [2.0 g/l] for T. reesei. However, these concentrations, in the same order, were 1.4, 3.0, 0.3, 0.3, and 2.0 g/l for S. cepivorum with substitution of [NH4]2SO4 by NH4 H2 PO4. Vitamin B mixture seemed to be more suitable for T. reesei, whereas, sodium acetate was the best for S. cepivorum. Addition of 5.0% filter paper in the presence of 2.0% beet pulp resulted in the highest values of cellulase enzymes production and activities for both organisms

Cellulases production from wastes under different conditions

The optimal conditions were tested to achieve the highest enzymes production by fermentation. Beet pulp and olive cake, some of the predominant waste materials in Egypt, were checked as base media with respect to cellulases production. The maximum enzyme activities of cellulases produced by Trichoderma reesei and Sclerotium cepivorum were estimated to verify the optimal conditions. The optimal conditions were, 12 day of incubation period, 30 degree C as optimum temperature, 5.0 as pH value and 4% as inoculum size, for T. reesei. The corresponding values for S. cepivorum were 16 days, 21 degree C, 4.5 and 2%. The optimum shaking rate for T. reesei was 200 rpm

Toxicological efficacy of some indigenous dill compounds against the flesh fly, parasarcophaga dux thomson

In this study, the effect of the LC50 of the three isolated compounds [apiol, myristicin and d-carvone] from dill, Anethum graveolens, on the growth and reproduction of Parasarcophaga dux showed that the three compounds, especially apiol, caused a significant reduction in the percentage of adults emergence and females fecundity. The temperature toxicity relation shape of the three compounds and five insect growth regulations [methoprene, hydroprene, teflubenzuron, chlorfluazuron and precocene I] alone or in combination against P. dux was studied and discussed

Enzyme activity in the flesh fly parasarcophaga dux thomson influenced by dill compounds, myristicin and apiol

In this study, the newly emerged adults of Parasarcophaga dux were treated topically with various doses of myristicin and apiol isolated from roots of dill plant, Anethum graveolens. The compounds toxicity and the dehydrogenase activities of the treated stage and its subsequent developmental stages were studied. The results indicated that apiol is more toxic than myristicin. The spectrophotometric evaluation exhibited changes in the dehydrogenase activities after treatments. Compounds increased the activities of both alpha- glycerophosphate [GPDH] and malate dehydrogenase [MDH] in first half of metamorphosis [immature stages]. But, the level of malic enzyme [ME] activities of the various stages was obviously decreased

Prevalence of rheumatic fever in school children aged 6-12 years old in Fayoum Governorate

To study the prevalence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease [RHD], this cross sectional study was carried out on school children aged 6-12 years old during 1999 in Fayoum Governorate as a sample of Upper Egypt governorates. The results have shown that the prevalence of rheumatic fever was 1.8/1000 and the prevalence of RHD was 1/1000. Isolated rheumatic arthritis was diagnosed in three cases out of nine rheumatic fever patients and rheumatic chorea was diagnosed in one case only. There were no recorded cases of erythema marginatum or subcutaneous nodules

effect of soli treatment with bassamid [dazomet] on orobanche crenata and cuscuta planiflora

In greenhouse trials, basamid was applied to pots filled with alluvial soil at a rate of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 g/4000 cm3 soil infested with the seeds of either Orobanche crenata or Cuscuta planiflora to study the efficiency of this compound in controlling Orobanche crenata parasitism in bean plants and Cuscuta planiflora in clover. Soil moisture was maintained at 60 - 70% water holding capacity for 10 days before planting Vicia faba cv. Giza 3 or Trifolium alexandrinum cv. Sakha I. All concentrations of basamid prevented completely the infestation of Vicia faba by Orobanche crenata, however, only the highest rate [1.2 g] gave complete control of dodder. No harmful effects or abnormalities were observed on bean or clover growth

First-year heart surgery

In 12-month period this study performed 60 cases of various open cardiac surgical procedures. The preoperative diagnosis was mitral valve disease in 35 patients [58%], aortic valve disease in 7 patients [11.7%], atrial septal defect in 7 patients [11.7%], ventricular septal defect in 5 patients [8.3%], congenital pulmonary stenosis in 3 patients [5%], and subaortic membrane in 3 patients [5%]. Mild aortic valve lesion was present in 7 cases, mild mitral lesion in 4 cases, tricuspid regurge in 11, and left atrial thrombus in 8 cases. There were 7 cases with previous cardiac surgery, 6 previous closed mitral commissurotomy and one mitral valve repair complicated by endocarditis. There were 9 operative deaths [15%], 7 [11.6%] following mitral valve surgery, one [1.7%] following closure of VSD, and one [1.7%] following pulmonary valvotomy. There was one late death, sudden unexplained. Postoperative complications occurred in 9 cases [15%], 2 cases had difficult weaning from CPB, excessive bleeding in one case, severe mitral regurge following open mitral commissurotomy in one case, early onset of infective endocarditis in 2 cases and sternotomy infection in 3 cases

Effect of some environmental and nutritional factors on the production of zearalenone of Fusarium species

Fusairum graminearum; Fusarium sambucinum: Fusairum roseum; Fusarium moniliforme; Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum were isolated from wheat grains and used for studies on the production of Zearalenone toxin under different cultures conditions; temperature and pH values. F. graminearum; F. sambucinum; F. roseum and F. moniliforme had the ability to produce Zearalenone on Czapek's medium containing 3% glucose or 0.5% peptones at 25 degree C and pH 5. F. solani and F. oxysporum did not produce zearalenone. All studied Fusarium spp. Were not able to produce Zearalenone at 30 degree C; pH 3 and 8