High resolution multi-detector row computed tomography in imaging of interstitial lung diseases

To test the role of multi-detector row computed tomography [MDCT] in the imaging of interstitial lung diseases [ILDs]. The present study included 28 patients with ILDs. The diagnosis was based on clinical background, restrictive pulmonary defect and conclusive radiographic or histopathologic findings. All patients were studied using 16-slice MDCT. Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias [IIPs] was the diagnosis in 13 patients, sarcoidosis in 7 patients, Langerhans' cell histiocytosis [LCH] in 2 patients, extrinsic allergic alveolitis [EAA] in 2 patients, scleroderma in 2 patients, lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM] in one patient and lymphangitis carcinomatosis in one patient. MDCT findings included the pattern of parenchymal abnormalities [ground glass opacities, reticular and linear opacities, cystic lesions, honeycombing, bronchial wall thickening, traction bronchiectasis, nodular opacities, and consolidation], anatomical distribution, and associated findings. MDCT of the chest helps better detection, assessment of distribution, evaluation of extent, and characterization of different findings in ILDs, hence increasing the confidence in the diagnosis

Evaluation of 32 F5 families derived from two interspecific Cotton crosses for late planting

32 F 5 Families derived from two interspecific cotton crosses, three parental lines and two check varieties were evaluated in season 2003 under three planting dates March 24, April 22 and May 20 at the Experimental Farm of the National Research Centre at Shalakan, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt. This was done in an attempt to; select short season cotton genotypes suitable for late cultivation after winter crops [such as bean or wheat] in Southern Delta and Upper Egypt and, to study the association between all studied traits and to identify the superior genotypes using classical selection index. Results obtained indicated that planting dates mean squares were found to be highly significant for all traits studied except position of first fruiting node. Genotypes mean squares were found to be highly significant for all traits evaluated under the three sowing dates and combined data. Combined analysis over three planting dates revealed highly significant genotypes x environment interactions for all traits except position of the first fruiting node. The average number of days to first flower for all populations studied were significantly decreased as planting date was delayed.Correlation coefficients between all possible pairs of traits studied were different in magnitudes from one planting date to another, also, the genotypic correlations were mostly higher in magnitudes than the phenotypic correlations. Path analysis revealed that boll number / plant had the highest direct effect on seed cotton yield followed by boll weight at the three sowing dates. Estimated value of selection index indicated that the ranking of cotton genotypes are not identical in the three sowing dates. It could be concluded that four lines [1,7, 14 and 27] selected in the late planting date may be exploited in breeding early cotton genotypes which tolerate heat stress in squaring, flowering and boll formation periods

In vitro and in vivo comparative studies on the efficacy of some aflatoxin-detoxifying agents

In vitro comparative efficacy studies on the addition of 3 different levels of each of aluminum oxide, antitox plus, charcoal, fix-a-tox and florisil as detoxifying agents to sorghum containing 46 ppm aflatoxin were carried out. The 0.1% level gave the most constant pattern with aflatoxin reductions of 42.8, 61.6, 36.9, 27.2 and 25.2% for the above agents, respectively. Raising the level to 0.5% of each agent resulted in reduction of 0.0, 77.8, 44.1, 1.8 and 40.5%. The highest tested level [1%] gave only reduction of 41.3, 30.2, 32.0, 18.2 and 18.3%

Histopathological studies on mycotoxicoses in broiler chicks

The histopathological examination of various organs of chicks fed mycotoxins contaminated food revealed the severe toxic effect of ingestion of different mycotoxins combination [aflatoxin B[1] 100 ppb+sterigmatocystin 350 ppb;aflatoxin B[1] 100 ppb+patulin 100 ppb; aflatoxin B[1] 100 ppb+penicillinic acid 850 ppb; or aflatoxins B[2] a 0.9 ppb+G2a 25 ppb+MI 0.9 ppb+M21.0 ppb], Even in low contamination levels of mycotoxins, remarkable pathological alterations were produced in different organs of birds. The liver showed diffuse ballooning of hepatocytes, central zonal congestion, necrosis and cellular infiltration. The kidney was the seat of marked cloudy swelling of the proximal convuluted tubules and minute foci of tubular necrosis. The severity of toxicity of the contaminants combination of each of the last three diets was similar; but each of them was more toxic than the first contaminated diet [aflatoxin BI+sterigmatocytins]. The recovery period of four weeks [during which the birds were fed on mycotoxins free diet] was not enough to remove the histopathological abnormalities but only led to alleviation of the lesions