Efficacy of volatile oils [curzerene, furanoeudesma-1, 3-diene and lindestrene] on avian coccidiosis under laboratory conditions

The coccidicidal efficacy of volatile oils [curzerene, furanoeudesma-1, 3- diene and lindestrene] against unsporulated and sporulated chicken Eimeria species oocysts was tested in three concentrations: 1, 2 and 3 micro g/ml. Marked reduction in the number of living oocysts was recorded in exposed groups. The concentration of 3 micro g/ml volatile oils induced the highest destructive effect. 58.1% of viable unsporulated oocysts were destroyed. A mean number of 153,800 oocysts was the difference between the total number of the produced oocysts per gram faeces in the group infected with exposed oocysts and that of the group infected with nonexposed oocysts being less in the exposed group with more reduction in the vitality of shedding oocysts in the former group. At the meantime, the postmortem and histopathological microscopical examination of the intestine and caecum of' the tested group revealed a reduction in the intestinal lesions in the group infected with the exposed oocysts

Study of some immunological markers in acute cerebrovascular ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity in the world. Several mechanisms for neuroprotection against ischemia have been studied and included inflammatory mediators and apoptotic inducers and suppressors. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of some immunological markers [TNF-alpha, sFas and BCL-2] in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia and to relate their levels to the size of brain infarction and prognostic outcome of ischemic stroke. This study was done on 60 patients suffering from acute cerebrovascular ischemic stroke [40 males and 20 females] with age ranged from 45-70 years and 15 healthy subjects as a control group. History taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations were performed to all subjects and CT scan brain was done for patients. There was a highly significant statistical difference between the patients and control group as regard the level of the immunological markers and there was a direct relationship between risk factors as TIAs and TNF-alpha level and sFas level among the patients with increased level of these 2 markers in comparison to those with normal level. On the other hand, there was an inverse positive relationship between presence of hypertension, diabetes and TIAs and BCL-2 level among the patients with decreased level of BCL-2 in comparison with those with normal level. Also, there was a highly significant positive correlation between both of TNF-alpha level and sFas level and signs of inflammation as fever, elevated ESR and leukocytosis in the patients and a significant positive correlation with the NIH-NINDS score of stroke. While there was a highly significant negative correlation between BCL-2 level and WBCs, ESR and NIH-NINDS score. There was a direct positive relationship between both of TNF-alpha level and sFas level and size of brain infarction and presence and degree of brain oedema among the patients while an inverse positive relationship was found between these CT parameters and BCL-2 level. There was a significant statistical difference between survived and died groups of patients as regard BCL-2 level and qualitative presence of CRP+. Neuronal death in acute ischemic stroke is attributed in part to inflammation and apoptosis

Mirazid [commiphora molmol] in treatment of human heterophyiasis

A total of 3278 patients attended Mansoura University Hospitals' Clinics with gastrointestinal troubles suggesting parasitosis were examined by direct smear and by Kato-Katz methods for parasites especially Heterophyes heterophyes. Fifty clinically and parasitologically proved pure heterophyiasis patients were given Mirazid as two capsules for 9 successive days on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast. All the cases were subjected to history taking and clinical examination before treatment and were followed-up for four weeks post-treatment. There was an overt clinical and parasitological improvement. A total of 47 out of 50 [94%] were cured. Another course was given to the three patients who were still positive, but only two of them were cured [66.7%]. The overall cure rate was 49/50 [98%] and none had any side effect. The history and treatment of this zoonotic parasite was critically discussed

Commiphora molmol extracts as plant molluscicide against iymnaea natalensis

Two extracts from the herbal plant, Commiphora molmol showed a high molluscicidal effect against Lymnaea natalensis. The oil extract was more potent than the oleoresin. A concentration of 10 ppm of the oil extract killed 100% of L. natalensis after 5[th] day, but the oleoresin extract killed 100% of them at a concentration 20 ppm after 5[th] day

Mirazid in treatment of human Hymenolepiasis

The efficacy and safety of Mirazid in treatment of human hymenolepiosis were carried out in a rural village in Talkha Center [Dakahlia G.]. Kato thick smear stool examination showed 51 cases of Hymenolepis nana [9 of them had concomitant parasitosis], two cases of H. diminuta. Mirazid was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg/d for nine consecutive days an hour before breakfast for hymenolepiosis cases, as capsule for adults and suppository for children. All cases were subjected to history taking before treatment and six weeks post-treatment and stool examination was repeated as well weekly for six weeks post-treatment. There was overt clinical improvement. Side effects were negligible. Parasitologic cure rate was 40/41 or 95.2% for H. nana one week post-treatment, and 100% for H. diminuta one week post-treatment, up to six weeks follow-up for all treated patients. Two unresponded H. nana patients were cured by another Mirazid course

Effect of mirazid [commiphora molmol] on experimental heterophyidiasis

Mirazid [MZ], an oleo-resin extract derived from Myrrh was reported in several experimental and clinical trails to be safe and effective against other trematodes like schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. This experimental work aimed at investigating the possible efficacy of MZ against heterophyids [Pygidiopsis genata], using praziquantel as a therapeutic control. Results showed that MZ in emulsion form is a promising drug for the treatment of heterophyidiasis, as proved by significant reduction of worm count, overt surface tegumental changes like deformity and erosion of tegumental spines observed by scanning electron microscope [SEM]. The effective dose regimen was 500 mg/kg/d for 3 successive days, produced 100% reduction in worm load. The proved efficacy of the drug, together with reported low toxicity, relative to praziquantel, favours its use as a natural new alternative therapy for the treatment of human heterophyidiasis

Dementtia and apoptotic marker soluble CD 95

The study was done on 40 patients suffering from dementia diagnosed according to the criteria of DSMIV and two control groups one with 15 cases [normal subjects] and the other with 13 cases with chronic cerebrovascular stroke matched for age and sex All cases were subjected to full neuropsychiatric history and examination, psychometric studies including the Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE] and the Cambridge Assessment Cognitive functions [CAMCOG] both with the arabic version to obtain a coagnitive profile for the patients, complete laboratory investigations, CT scan brain and estimation of the serum level of soluble Fas by ELISA technique

In vitro effect of mirazid on schistosoma mansoni worms

Measuring mirazid ability for contracting the worm muscle and its effect on the worm surface ultrastructure can be used to monitor the in vitro effect of any drug. This study aimed to investigate the actual effect of mirazid [a new schistosomicide, purified oleo-resin extract of myrrh, derived from Commiphora molmol plant] on S. Mansoni worms by detecting its in vitro effect. Three groups of white albino mice [five mice in each group] were infected by 100 cercariae for each mouse. The 3rd group served as a control group. Seven weeks post- infection, the mice were sacrificed, perfused and worms were collected. Muscle tension of the worms collected from the first group of mice was assayed in response to mirazid in rising concentrations of 100, 200, 300 and 400 nM. The in vitro effect of mirazid on the muscle tension of single S. Mansoni worm was determined using a special device to determine the percentage of change in work length [% shortening]

Biochemical changes of culex pipiens larvae treated with oil and oleo-resin extracts of myrrh commiphora molmol

The mosquitocidal plant extracts of the myrrh Commiphora molmol; namely, oil and oleoresin demonstrated larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens larvae. Oleoresin induced a significant higher toxic action than oil. Solvent did not perform any toxic activity. The impact of both oleoresin and oil extracts on the protein profile of the treated larvae was evaluated in order to explain their mode of action. Electrophoretic analysis of total proteins, lipoproteins and glycoproteins revealed an inhibitory action of the used plant extracts on the protein contents. Larvicidal activity of the oleoresin and oil was related to the loss of certain enzymes inhibited by these extracts which affected the metabolic processes

Esophageal strictures following injection sclerotherapy: risk factors and management

Injection sclerotherapy has become an effective modality for treatment of bleeding esophageal varices inspite of advancement in equipment, sclerosant solutions, and techniques. Injection sclerotherapy induced esophageal strictures remain a significant cause of patient morbidity. To evaluate the risk factors and prognosis, the records of 80 patients who underwent injection sclerotherapy over a 3 year period were reviewed. In all cases a free hand injection technique, flexible endoscopes and sodium morrhuate were used. Multiple risk factors were studied including patient age, Child's classification, previous bleeding attacks, aetiology of varices, amount of sclerosant used, and number of injection. During a mean follow up period 200 days, 25 patients [50 percent] died and 8 patients [16 percent] developed symptomatic strictures. The cumulative amount of sclerosant used [9 +/- 80m]] and the number of injection sclerotherapy [1 +/- 7] required in the stricture group was significantly greater than with the nonstricture group [2 +/- 45 and 4.0 +/- 2] respectively. The risk of stricture formation did not correlate to volume of sclerosant injected per treatment, cause of varices, number of previous bleeds or Child's class. Dilations was recurred for treatment of established stricture. Six patients [75 percent] required repeated dilations for four times or less. It is concluded that the risk of injection sclerotherapy can be predicted from the number of injection sclerotherapy and the cumulative volume of sclerosant required to obliterate the varices, management of strictures usually requires repeated dilations. The high mortality rate in these patients appears to reflect the severity of liver disease as 12/16 [75 percent] of deaths occurred in Child's C patients

Comparative study between different schedules for sclerosing oesophageal varices

There were no significant difference between the one-week and the 2-week interval groups with regard to total number of sclerotherapy sessions, total volume of the sclerosant used [5% ethanolamine oleate] or rate of complications, such as pyrexia, stricture ulcer and/or slough formation. Neither early nor recurrent bleeding occurred in any patient in the two groups. Eradication of varices in the 2-week interval group was achieved significantly earlier [P <0.05] than in the one-week interval group

Hepatitis D anti-bodies in some HBs Ag positive in Saudis at Riyadh

This study was done on 212 male and female Saudi blood donors and those visiting the Outpatient Clinics in Al Ali General Hospital during the years 1987 to 1990. None of them had history of hepatitis and all were clinically free. The prevalence of anti-Delta Ab in hepatitis B surface antigen [HBs Ag] carriers was 17.6%. The existence of closely linked family ties and joint family systems, result in close contact between patients and other members of the family and hence the high prevalence rate in normal population [8%]. Vaccination against Hepatitis B virus may be particularly necessary

Chlamydial infection in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sera of patients attending a genitourinary clinic, gynaecological clinic in Al Ali General Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and from males and females without overt genital diseases were tested for the presence of antichlamydial antibodies using an immuno-fluorescence test. Antibodies for Chlamydia trachomatis were found in 66 [46%] of 145 male patients and 72 [35%] of 200 female patients attending a genitourinary clinic and gynaecological clinic respectively and in two [2%] of 100 men and in none of 100 women without genital diseases. These results suggest that the prevalence of chlamydial infection in Saudi Arabia among both men and women is high. Since serious complications can follow chlamydial genital infection, further work has to be done in this field

Effects of maternal sickle cell haemoglobinopahty on pregnancy

In order to determine the significant factors which may contribute to complications in pregnant mothers with sickle cell haemoglobinopathy, a study was considered on 100 mothers [35 SS and 65 AS] and the results were compared with 20 control women with normal haemoglobin electrophoretic pattern. The incidence of vaso-occlusive was significant in mothers with sickle cell disease. Furthermore, it was observed that high levels of fetal haemoglobin did not have any beneficial effect in patients with sickle disease during vaso-occlusive episodes

Specific rubella virus IgG and IgM in umbilical cord sera in Saudi Arabia

The sensitive ELISA assay was used to measure the specific rubella virus IgG and IgM, and also the total IgM in the umbilical cord sera taken from 182 Saudi. mothers during delivery in the Maternity Department at Al Ali General Hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nearly 84.6% [154 out of 182] Saudi women tested were found to be immune to rubella virus. The evidence was the significant rise of the specific rubella virus IgG which is an indication of maternal antigen experience rather than foetal infection. This is based on the fact that maternal IgG mainly crosses the placenta to provide the newborn with passive immunity [Brombell, 1966]. Of 30 [16.5%] elevated IgM cord sera screened for specific IgM rubella antibody, only 5 [2.7%] sera were found to be seropositive. Except in one case where maternal exposure at eight [8] weeks gestation was documented, maternal infection was generally subclinical. Although sensitive ELISA assay are available to aid diagnosis, Saudi mothers do not generally accept therapeutic abortion on religious grounds. As seronegative mothers are still at risk, they must be identified and vaccinated. The mandatory screening of all girls at puberty prior to marriage must be practised. Rubella is a preventable disease. The cost of primary prevention is very small compared with the expense and effort of caring for a patient with congenital rubella syndrome

Incidence of hepatitis D infection among acute virus hepatitis

In 166 patients presented at the Liver Institute, University of Menofeya with acute virus hepatitis, routine liver function tests were performed. In addition, a wide scale serological study was performed. This includes detection of IgM antibody against cytomegalovirus and Ebstein-Barr virus and also detection of virus hepatitis markers [IgM antibody against hepatitis A, hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody, hepatitis B "e" antigen and antibody, hepatitis B core antibodies "IgM and IgG" and delta antibodies "IgM and IgG". Results showed that the incidence of delta hepatitis is 7% in delta co-infection and 15% in delta superinfection with no significant difference between males and females. Results of the present study confirm that delta virus is endemic in Egypt

Histochemical and morphological studies on adipocytes in cases of endemic hepatosplenomegaly

The peripheral actions of insulin were assessed using histochemical techniques on adipocytes in cases of endemic hepatosplenomegaly in a trial to identify the mechanism of carbohydrate intolerance in these cases. The study subjects included 15 cases of endemic hepatosplenomegaly with compensated liver [Group I], 15 cases of endemic hepatosplenomegaly with decompensated liver [Group II] and 15 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from cases and controls for determination of glycogen content by Periodic Acid Schiff reaction [PAS], hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase activity and for measurement of adipocyte diameter. A highly significant reduction in glycogen content was observed in Group I and II compared to controls [P < 0.001]. No significant difference was found between the three groups regarding hormone-sensitive lipase activity [P > 0.05]. Mean adipocyte diameters were significantly reduced in groups I and II compared to controls [P < 0.001]. We conclude that there is impairment in cellular carbohydrate utilization in cases with endemic hepatosplenomegaly. The metabolic abnormality responsible for this impairment does not appear to have caused a decrease in glucose utilization via the lipogenesis pathway in adipose tissue. This impairment may be due to receptor and/or postreceptor defects. Changes in membrane integrity of adipocytes in the present study supports this hypothesis

Acute phase proteins in endemic chronic liver diseases

Forty patients with chronic liver disease and ten normal controls were investigated for acute phase proteins. Mixed schistosomal cases with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis showed more marked changes, while pure schistosomal group showed serum levels closer to normal values. This could be a differentiating point between the two categories. Also the more significant changes in the mixed groups indicate more involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of those groups

Natural schistosoma mansoni infection in arvicanthis niloticus in Ismailia, Egypt

In a Survey for Zoonotic helminthic infection in rodents Schistosoma mansoni eggs were detected in the large intestin and liver of Arvicanthis niloticus

Evaluation of gastric carcinoembryonic antigen in endemic schistosomal hepatosplenomegaly

In endemic hepatosplenomegaly with histopathologically proved atrophic gastritis, the gastric juice carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA] showed significant increase. Comparing this group of patients with histopathologically proved gastric neoplasia the levels were significantly higher in the later group. The level of [CEA] was only increased in 75% of cases with endemic hepatosplenomegaly and atrophic gastritis opposite to 100% of cases with gastric neoplasia. The level of serum [CEA] was also studied in patients and control groups. In patients with endemic hepatosplenomegaly and atrophic gastritis the level was insignificantly higher than the control group and significantly lower than the group with gastric neoplasia