Study of serum soluble transferrin receptors and Reticulocyte Hemoglobin content in patients with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of serum soluble transferrin receptors [sTfR] and reticulocyte hemoglobin content [CHr] in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis [JIA] attending the pediatric rheumatology outpatient clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital [AUCH]

Study design: Forty three JIA patients whose age ranged from 3 to 16 years were enrolled in the study as well as 20 healthy children of matched age and sex as a control group. Complete blood count with CHr, iron profile, acute phase response parameters and sTfR levels were done in all patients and controls

Results: From the total 43 patients with JIA, 22 patients [51.2%] were anemic and 21 [48.8%] were non anemic. Hemoglobin level had negative correlation with illness duration in the anemic group [p=0.007]. No significant difference was found between these 2 groups as regards to any of the medications taken, The anemic group had significantly higher levels of CBC parameters of inflammation, acute phase response parameters and disease activity score than the non-anemic group [p=<0.001]. In the non-anemic group, these parameters showed no significant difference from the controls. Anemic group had significantly higher ferritin level and sTfR. than the non anemic and the controls [p.0.001]. CHr was significantly lower in anemic group than the other 2 groups [p=0.001]

Conclusion: Anemia in JIA is associated with high levels of ferritin and sTfR. with lower CHr. Serum ferritin, being an acute phase reactant, is not reliable in diagnosing anemia in case of chronic disease necessitating the use of other markers as: sTfR. and CHr

Retrospective study of teat surgical affections in dairy farms of Armed Forces and their treatment

A survey study was done during the period between September 2010 and December 2012 on 2580 Friesian cows and heifers distributed in four armed forces farms.This work revealed that, teat wounds represent the higher acquired teat affections [28.16%] while teat papilloma represents the lowest affection [1.65%]. The supernumerary teat represents the higher congenital teat abnormalities [36.8%] while the lower was incompetent teat [1.5%].The present study revealed that the prevalence of acquired teat affections were in November, December, January, and February, whenever the weather is cold and rainy and stables are muddy and the accidental injuries during milking, feeding or even laying were predominant and predictable

Effect of Pedicoccus acidilactici on immunity, production and lipid profile in broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Pedicoccus acidi lacti supplementation to the ration of broiler chicks on growth performance, survival rate, immunity, hematological studied, serum biochemistry, response to NDV and its protective effect against artificial infection with S. enteritidis . One hundred and twenty day-old broiler chicks were allotted into four equal groups: group one fed on non- supplemented ration and not infected, group two fed on ration contain Pedicoccus acidi lacti 100 mg/kg ration and not infected, group three fed on non- supplemented ration and infected and group four fed on ration contain Pedicoccus acidi lacti 100 mg/kg ration and infected with salmonella. The results indicated that Pedicoccus acidi lacti supplementation improved the body weight and FCR in comparison to control group during the first two weeks [pre-infection], After infection the results indicated that the Pedicoccus acidi lacti supplementation protect chickens against bad effect of salmonella infection where both parameter [FCR and Body weights] still superior till 5th week. Also the addition of probiotics improved lipid profile and CBC. In the same time. It was evident that addition of Pedicoccus acidi lacti improved immune response to ND

[Malnutrition in patients with chronic respiratory failure]

The chronic respiratory failure is a common clinical status in most countries and it associates with malnutrition due to several factors and it has been termed "pulmonary cachexia syndrome" this syndrome is associated with an acclerated decline in functional status and is an independent predicator of mortality. This syndrome can affect all types of chronic respiratory diseases, although it is best studied and described in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases "COPD" so we will focus on patients with COPD. To evaluate the nutritional status in patients with COPD and the effects of malnutrition on the patient status and prognosis. This study was performed on [70] patients with COPD during 2009 in Al-Assad university hospital in Damascus and Lattakia where the nutritional status was evaluated to the patients according to a group of global criteria and the effect of malnutrition on the patient status. Malnutrition is common in patients with copd and it's due to several factors and it causes several bad effects on the patient and on his ability to resist the respiratory disease because it increases times of hospitalization and it is an independent predicator of mortality. We must care of nutrition in patients with copd so the nutritional support should be a part of an integrated program to respiratory recorrection for them to improve their life style and survival rate.

Laparoscopic reconstruction of the ureter: a survival canine study

Laparoscopic reconstruction of the ureter is a rarely visited domain in literature. Such reconstructive procedures, performed via conventional surgery, are common in our practice for management of Bilharzial and Tuberculous ureteric strictures, congenital malformations and iatrogenic trauma to the ureter. Ureteroneocystostomy, Boari flap and ileal replacement of the ureter are the procedures of choice in management of the whole spectrum of ureteral defects with high success rates for the open surgical procedures. To present our initial experience with experimental laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy, Boari flap and ileal replacement of the ureter aiming at evaluation of such procedure and gaining experience prior to clinical application. Twelve healthy Mongrel dogs stratified into three groups. Each dog was subjected to one of three different levels of ureteric obstruction for one renal unit. Group 1 included 4 females for which juxtavesical obstruction of one ureter was done, Group 2 included 4 females for which obstruction was made at the lower part of the lumbar ureter and Group 3 which included 3 males and 1 female for which high lumbar obstruction was performed. Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy was performed for group I dogs, laparoscopic Boari flap for group 2 and laparoscopic ileal replacement of the ureter for group 3. All dogs survived the procedures, operative time ranged from 140 to 360 minutes [mean 253 +/- 70 minutes] and overall success rate was 83.33% as one renal unit lost function and one dog died on the second postoperative day. Laparoscopic reconstruction of the ureter with simple or complex procedures is technically feasible and safe. Standard laparoscopic armamentarium is quite sufficient for such procedures. Further experimentation is needed to outline the learning curve and to evaluate more techniques. Owing to our initial experience, we can conclude that clinical application of such procedures would be an achievable target in the hands of devoted laparoscopic surgeons who have good experience with reconstructive laparoscopic surgery

Zoonotic impact of toxoplasma gondii sero-prevalance in naturally infected Egyptian kittens

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular coccidian that infects human being, warm blooded animals and birds. The life cycle cannot be completed without passing in the feline species which shed millions of un-sporulated oocysts. The oocysts become infectious after sporulation 2-5 days later and contaminate the surrounding environment with subsequent oral infection of final and intermediate hosts. The hazard played by kittens was evaluated by detecting the cats infected percent as bio-indicator to what extent the degree of Egyptian environmental contamination by T. gondii oocysts occurs. A total number of ninety seven kittens, 34 and 63 stray and house-hold cats respectively were collected from different regions of Giza, Cairo and Kalubia Governorates. All cats were assayed serologically by using Latex agglutination test [LAT] and Sabin Feldman Dye Test [SFDT]. The results were re-tabled after cats were reclassified to 72 and 25 un-weaned and weaned kittens respectively. Sero-positive percent of naturally infected Egyptian kittens was 70.6 and 50.8% while the shedding percent was 4.17 and 0% in un-weaned and weaned kittens respectively. Sero-negative kittens were better shedders [11.34%] than sero-positive ones [3.09%]. Significant difference was also recorded between stray vs house hold vs female's kittens. Oocysts environmental contaminations maximize the incidence of human toxoplasmosis through the infection of slaughtered food animals which harboring tissue cysts. This necessitates control of urban outdoor cats inhabitants to reduce the risk of infection to human and animals

Renal dysplasia with extrarenal calyces

We describe a case of simple renal dysplasia with extrarenal calyces of the left kidney in a 2-year-old boy. Other anomalies also included pelviureteral junction obstruction and ectopic ureterocele on the same side, as well as grade V vesicoureteral reflux on the opposite side

Comparative study on the activity of 5'-nucleotidase 5-nt and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] in some tissues of donkeys, calves and goats [the effect of freezing and thawing] [with one table and 2 figures]

5'-nucleotidase [5'-NT] and Gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] activity was measured in the tissues of four 2-6 years old donkeys; four 6-9 month old castrated male goats and four 6-9 month old male calves. In donkeys the lung is the richest source of the enzyme 5'-NT, whereas in goats the liver contains a higher activity of the enzyme compared with other species. Generally the values of 5'-NT activities in tissues of calves and goats are higher than those of donkeys. GGT is mainly located in the kidneys, pancreas and liver of all the species studied. 20-25% loss in activity of GGT occurred after thawing and freezing of tissues for 2 weeks whereas more than 50% loss in activity of the enzyme occurred in four weeks period. The fall in the activity of 5'-NT in tissues was not consistent in all tissues during the first two weeks, but after four weeks period 50% loss of activity was observed

Effect of the tetracyclic antidepressant maprotiline ongastric secretion and ethanol induced ulcer in rats

The effect of maprotiline [a tetracyclic antidepressant] in a dose of 5 mg/kg, orally for 21 days on gastric secretions and ethanol induced gastric ulcer was tested in rats. Maprotiline decreased the volume, free and total HCI acid concentration and peptic activity. While it produced an increase in mucin content as compared with the control group. Moreover, Maprotiline pretreatment [5 mg/kg, daily for 21 days orally] decreased the ulcer index of ethanol induced ulcer by 59.2%. The data suggest that Maprotiline in the tested dose had acid-pepsin antisecretory effect and ulcer protective activity against ethanol induced ulcer. These effects may be mediated through anticholinergic, antihistaminergic and the possible antidopaminergic effects of Maprotiline

Effect of ascardia galli infestation on growth rate of local and foreign chicken breeds I. growth

One hundred and twenty chickens [60 Hypeco and 60 Fayoumi chicken] were studied in this experiment to observe the impact of Ascaridia galli infestation on some productive characters under Egyptian environmental conditions. The chickens used were experimentally infested with 300 embryonated Ascaridia galli eggs at ages of 15, 30 and 45 days old. Ascaridia galli was proved to affect growth rate, feed conversion and feed utilization. The economic evaluation of local and foreign poultry breeds in meat production and feed consumption indicated serious losses due to Ascaridia galli infestation in Hypeco and Fayoumi breeds

Effect of ascaridia galli infestation on local and foreign chicken breeds II physio-pathological status

One hundred and twenty Hypeco and Fayoumi chicken breeds were used in this experiment. Chickens were experimentally infected with embryonated Ascaridia galli at different ages and were slaughtered during the 2 phases of infection: Tissue phase, 20 days post infection and during the intestinal phase, 40 days post infection. The blood of each chicken was calculated and the macro- and microelements as well as the total protein, albumin and globulin were estimated. Physiological status was affected especially macro [inorganic phosphorus [Pi]] and microelements; zinc [Zn] concentration decreased significantly. Also, copper [Cu] was affected. Total plasma protein and globulin level increased significantly

Effect of cardamom oil on gastric secretions, gastric mucosa and induced contractions in rat stomach fundus

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the effect of cardamom oil on gastric secretions, gastric mucosa and induced contractionsin rat stomach fundus. This study was carried out on 40 rats divided into five groups each of 8 rats: Group 1: Control group. Group 2: Received a single dose of cardamom oil [5 ul Kg orally] Group 3: Received a single dose of cardamom oil [50 ul Kg orally] Group 4: Pretreated with cimetidine before cardamom administration. Group 5: Pretreated with atropine before cardamom oil. In all groups the gastric secretion was collected by pyloric ligation, for estimation of HCL concentration, mucin content and peptic activity. Furthermore. isolated stomach fundus strips were used for demonstration of cardamom oil effect on induced gastric contractions. The oil produced a dose dependent increase in both free and total gastric acidity as well as peptic activity. It also produced a slight increase in gastric mucin content. The oil at a dose of 5 ul/kg produced gastric hyperemia in 50% of rats, while a dose of 50 ul/kg produced mild gastric erosinos in 75% of the tested rats. Pretreatment with cimetidine [50 mg/kg] before administration of cardamom oil resulted in a significant reduction in both free and total gastric acidity as compared to that of the untreated animals. Moreover, pretreatment with atropine [1 mg/kg] before administration of cardamom Oil also produced a significant reduction in free and total gastric acidity as compared to that of the untreated animals. Additionally, the oil inhibited the histamine induced stomach fundus contractions on one hand and enhanced that induced by acetylcholine on the other. Cardamom oil has a stimulatory effect on gastric secretion

Colorimetric and titrimetric determination of cefotaxime sodium in bulk powder and pharmaceutical formulations

Two procedures were adopted for determination of cefotaxime sodium in its pure and dosage forms. In the first procedure cefotaxime sodium was treated with sodium nitrite [1%, 1 ml] in the presence of hydrochloric acid [0.5%, 1 ml]. The developed red color exhibits an absorption maximum at 505 nm. Linear correlations were obtained between the absorbance of nitroso product and drug concentration over the range 80-240 mug ml-1. Upon rendered the medium alkaline with sodium hydroxide solution [1%, 1 ml], the red color was changed into violet color. The produced violet color has an absorption maximum at 563 nm and linearity in the range 80-160 mug ml-1 of cefotaxime sodium. In the second method, the utility of N-bromosuccinimide [NBS] and N-chlorosuccinimide [NCS] in estimation of cefotaxime sodium has been investigated. The study of reaction conditions revealed that, l mole of cefotaxime sodium reacts with 3 moles of NBS or NCS. The optimum time for complete the reaction was found to be 20 minutes. The method permits the determination of 1.5913 mg of cefotaxime sodium

Prevalence, impact and risk factors of hepatitis C infection

The present study was designed to investigate the status of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection and associated risk factors among Egyptian military recruits. The impact of HCV infection on liver function was also assessed. The sera of 726 military recruits were tested for HCV antibodies using second generation ELISA technique [Ortho]. The overall prevalence was 330.4%. Considering the presence of hepatitis B and/or schistosomiasis infection, HCV antibodies were detected in 30.0% of HBsAg carriers, 36.8% of bilharzial patients and 48.8% of those with concomitant infections. Among individuals without schistosomiasis or HBV infection, the rate decreased to 22.5% positive with HCV. The present study indicated that parenteral exposure to the virus might be the most important route for acquiring infections while blood transfusion had a very minor role. The study of the impact of HCV on liver functions revealed that a single infection with HCV only was associated with almost normal liver function tests. However, infection with more than one hepatitis virus revealed a greater impact on the liver function. Morbidity also increased when schistosomiasis infection was superimposed

effects of praziquantel administration on the course of hepatitis B among cases with concomitant schistosome infection

The present work was designed to study the course of HB virus infection among bilharzial and non-bilharzial patients and to assess the therapeutic effect of praziguantel administration on subsequent course of HB among individuals with concomitant infections. This study included 26 bilharzial. cases, 14 cases with HB and 40 cases with both infections [HB and schistosomiasis]. Praziquantel was administered to all bilharzial positive cases. Sera were Collected from all groups prior to antibilharzial chemotherapy, and then later at three and six months post treatment. The results show improvement of both liver function tests and cell mediated immunity as estimated by increased mean value of CD[3], CD[4], helper/suppressor ratio among individuals who received praziquantel in the two groups with schistoscmiasis and concomitant infection. Furthermore the individuals who lost their HB surface antigenaemia were found to have a higher mean pan T cells, CD[4] values, normal helper/suppressor ratio and absence of C1C in their sera than those who retained their carrier state. The follow up of HB carriers demonstrated a higher cure rate [clearance of HBsAg] among the group with concomitant infection as compared to the group with virus hepatitis only. RBV type two infection was common among the study population accounting for 25.9% of HBsAg positive cases. 42.9% of them cleared their antigeneamia after treatment with praziquantel

Granular cell tumor of the larynx

Five cases [3 males and 2 females] of granular cell tumor of the larynx were encountered during the last 5 years. Their ages ranged between 32 and 56 years. The main presenting symptoms were dysphonia and globulus feeling in the throat. A history of prolonged and excessive voice use was present in all cases. Three cases had a positive history of smoking. Histological examination of the removed lesions showed pseudoepitheliomatous invasion of the lamina propria due to exaggerated reaction of the overlying epithelium to chronic irritation. Intracellular examination showed the characteristic pale granular cytoplasmic appearance with no atypia or mitotic figures. This study highlights the need of a critical histopathological examination of laryngeal lesions by an experienced pathologist who has special interest in laryngeal pathology. This is important to avoid false interpretation of these lesions as carcinogenic. Electron microscopic and neuro-ectodermal stains of such lesions are recommended

Evaluation of surface roughness of resin veneers finished and polished by different techniques

Four different resin veneers and composite resins were evaluated for surface roughness after finishing and polishing. The resins were prepared against celluloid strip and finished then polished by four different methods imitating the clinical methods. The surface roughness of these resins was evaluated using surface profile tester. The results of this study showed resin veneers prepared against celluloid strip has the highly polished surface. Finishing and polishing veneers in the oral cavity should be done using white flexible disk or rubber abrasive point with polishing gel to get highly polished surface comparable to that obtained using celluloid strip

Effect of DIE spacer on the retention of crowns using a new adhesive resin cement

This study investigates the effect of die spacer on the retention of crowns using three different luting adhesive resins. Thirty casted metal crowns were constructed on prepared human central incisors. Half of the casted crowns were prepared using die spacer relief. A group of 10 crowns were used for each cement with the two techniques. All the crowns were dislodged using Instron testing machine. The results showed that die spacer technique decrease the retention of the crowns between 24-33%. Panavia Excement have a superior retention compared to the other cement used

Scanning electron microscopic study of acid and laser etched enamel and dentin

Specimens of human dental enamel and dentin were topically etched with two acid etching solutions including 37% phosphoric acid and 10% maleic acid. While another group of specimens were exposed to laser irradiation for etching at different exposure times. All the specimens were studied using SEM for evaluation and comparison. The results showed that 10% maleic acid produce mild etching to both enamel and dentin and it can be used as a universal etchant. Application of Nd: YAG laser to enamel caused etching with some cracking and voids to the depth comparable to that achieved with phosphoric acid etching. Lasing dentine causes melting of dentine and closure of exposed dentinal tubules while three minutes laser etching exposed dentinal tubules again

Evaluation of some properties of acid etching composite cements

A study was conducted to evaluate the strength properties and bond strength ofseven composite adhesive resin cements to enamel, chromium cobalt and nickelchromium. The cements were bonded to etched enamel, sandblasted chromiumcobalt and nickel chromium. Panavia Ex cement showed a highly significantbond strength than the six other cements. The coefficient of correlationbetween both strength properties and bond strength was 0.78. It was concludedthat Panavia Ex cement was superior for strength properties and bonding toetched enamel, chromium cobalt, and nickel chromium and this work suggestsusing this type of cement for cementing Maryland bridges