Role of pH on antioxidants production by Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis

Abstract Algae can tolerate a broad range of growing conditions but extreme conditions may lead to the generation of highly dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may cause the deterioration of cell metabolism and damage cellular components. The antioxidants produced by algae alleviate the harmful effects of ROS. While the enhancement of antioxidant production in blue green algae under stress has been reported, the antioxidant response to changes in pH levels requires further investigation. This study presents the effect of pH changes on the antioxidant activity and productivity of the blue green alga Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis. The algal dry weight (DW) was greatly enhanced at pH 9.0. The highest content of chlorophyll a and carotenoids (10.6 and 2.4 mg/g DW, respectively) was recorded at pH 8.5. The highest phenolic content (12.1 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW) was recorded at pH 9.5. The maximum production of total phycobiliprotein (159 mg/g DW) was obtained at pH 9.0. The antioxidant activities of radical scavenging activity, reducing power and chelating activity were highest at pH 9.0 with an increase of 567, 250 and 206% compared to the positive control, respectively. Variation in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was also reported. While the high alkaline pH may favor the overproduction of antioxidants, normal cell metabolism and membrane function is unaffected, as shown by growth and chlorophyll content, which suggests that these conditions are suitable for further studies on the harvest of antioxidants from S. platensis.

Comparison between quantiferon-TB-gold test and tuberculin skin testing in diagnosis of both latent and active tuberculosis infections

Introduction: Tuberculosis [TB] is an infectious disease affecting mostly the respiratory system with or without affection of other organ-systems caused mainly by infection with Mycobaterial tuberculosis [MTB]. However, not all cases of infection with any of the TB bacilli are converted to active or manifested infection and most cases are called latent tuberculosis infection [LTBI] which can be later on converted to active infection. There are several factors that underline the conversion from latent to active TB infections. Previously LTBIs was diagnosed by tuberculin skin testing [TST] but now there is new test formats which measures the released interferon-y [INF-y] after stimulation ofT-cells contained in whole patient blood by specific antigens obtained from MTB. These tests are called interferon gamma release assays [IGRAs] which are more sensitive and specific than TST one of these tests is the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube [QFT-G] which measures the released IFN-y by ELISA method

Aim of study: The aim of the current study was to compare the TST and QFT-G in diagnosing LTBIs in some groups of participants including TB contacts, HIVpatients, HCWs, prisoners in comparison to patients with active TB infection

Materials and methods: the study included 163 of close contacts to household TB cases, 32 healthcare workers in King Saud Chest hospital, 52 prisoners from Riyadh region, 25 HIVpatients, and 158 patients with active TB as a control group. History and general examination was done to all participants. Then TST was done using 2 IV by intradermal injection using Mantoux technique. Whole blood samples were taken for measuring the released interferon y using Quantiferon TB Gold In Tube [QFT-G] method

Results: TST was positive in 52.8% of TB contacts, 21.9% of HCWs, 34.6% of prisoners, 28% in HIV patients and in 97.5% of active TB patients, while QFT-G was positive in 56.4%, 12.5%, 57.7%, 24%, and 98.7% in previous groups respectively. The overall mean results for QFT-G [67%] were higher than that for TST [63.3%] with statistically insignificant results

Conclusion: QFT-G is more sensitive than TST in diagnosing LTBIs and further studies upon larger population number is need to investigate it specificity

Evaluation of the resistive index of prostatic blood flow in benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to study the resistive index (RI) of prostatic blood flow by transrectal power Doppler sonography in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to determine its correlation with other parameters of BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two male patients aged 52-86 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH were included in the study. Patients with prostate cancer, neurogenic bladder, or with other pathology (e.g. prostatitis, bladder stone) were excluded from the study. All patients were evaluated by full history including Internatinoal Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), general and local examination (DRE), neurologic examination, uroflowmetry, laboratory investigations including urine analysis, routine laboratory tests and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). Transrectal ultrasonography was used to calculate the total prostatic volume. Transrectal Power Doppler Ultrasound (PUD) was used to identify the capsular and urethral arteries of the prostate and to measures the RI value. RESULTS: The mean prostate volume was 75.1 ± 44.7 g. The mean RI of the right and left capsular arteries were 0.76 ± 0.06 and 0.76 ± 0.07, respectively. The mean RI of the urethral arteries was 0.76 ± 0.08. There was a high significative correlation between the increase of the RI of the right and left capsular and urethral arteries and the degree of obstruction (P value < 0.001), severity of symptoms (P value < 0.001) and also the prostatic volume (P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Resistive index of the prostatic blood flow can be applied as an easy and non-invasive tool to evaluate the lower urinary tract obstruction due to BPH.

Ultrastructural changes induced by formaldehyde inhalation during pregnancy on liver of neonate rats

Occupational exposure to formaldehyde inhalation is seen commonly among anatomists. Most of the previous studies were devoted to study the effect of formaldehyde on upper respiratory tract. Little attention was paid to the effect of that chemical agent on the liver. Therefore, the aim. Of this work was to study the effects of formaldehyde inhalation during pregnancy on the ultrastructure of the liver of neonate rats. In the present study, a group of 30 healthy pregnant female rats and their offsprings were divided into 2 main groups:Group [A]: included the offspring of 10 pregnant rats [36 neonate rats] as control group. The mothers were kept in an ordinary room in a clean properly ventilated cages and were fed on a similar commercial laboratorydiet. Group [B]: Consisted of the offspring of 20 pregnant rats [42 neonate rats]. The mothers of this group were kept in stainless steel cages in the dissection room. They were exposed to formaldehyde vapour in the usual concentration present in the dissection rooms for six hours I day five days/week during the whole pregnancy period [twenty one days]. Group[B] was again subdivided into 3 subgroups: B1, B2 and B3 [each contained 14 neonate rats]. They were killed at the 1[st], 7[th] and 30[th] post-natal day respectively. During the period of study, all rats were observed daily for general conditions. The electron microscopic examination of the liver of subgroup Bi showed the following changes in hepatocytes: regarding the nuclei, some of them showed destruction and irregularity of the nuclear membrane, others showed darkening of their nudeoplasm with increased peripheral condensation of chromatin. The mitochondrial changes were variable, some appeared dense pleomorphic and others appeared swollen with complete destruction of their cristae and membrane as well as loss of matrix leaving marked vacuoles of different sizes and shN?pes. There were proliferation of sER and dilatation of rER especially in the perinudlear area with mild increase in free ribosomes. Most of the cytoplasm showed apparent vesiculations and cavities of different sizes and multiple lipid droplets. The cellular cytoplasm showed electron dark particles and deposition of collagen fibrils. Infiltrating inflammatory cells were present within the portal tract. Glycogen granules were seen in the form of rosettes [cx granules] and single minute particles [beta granules]. Electron dark particles and fragmented microvilli were present in the dilated bile canaliculi. Lysosomal elements were also observed. Regarding subgroupB2, nucleoplasm showed mild darkening and aggregating masses of chromatin at nuclear periphary and its center. The cytoplasm showed variation in its density where most of the cell space had dark cytoplasm with dark mitochondria while theJemaining parts of cell space appeared of light density. Mitochondria showed swelling, partial destructed cristae and loss of matrix. Partial improvement on rough endoplasmic reticulum [rER] was noted. Glycogen rosettes were also seen in the cytoplasm. The subgroup 83 showed the smooth rounded nuclear contour with evident nucleolus and nearly normal dispersed nuclear chromatin was observed The nucleoplasm appeared of moderate electron denisty. Partial return of mitochondrial cristae was noted and their membrane was also more distinict than control group. Rough endoplasmic reticulum appeared nearly normal. Bile canaliculi still showed dilatation and fragmented microvilli

Sub-tenon's block; effect of addition of fentanyl to local anesthetic for quality of block and postoperative analgesia

The "perfect" regional anesthetic technique involves "painless application, hundred percent anesthesia, hundred percent akinesia, and risk free". The quality of perioperative analgesia and intraoperative akinesia are the main aims of ophthalmic regional anesthesia. Sub-Tenon's local anesthesia becomes an accepted technique for posterior segment eye surgery. It is a safe, quick, and effective method of local anesthesia. However, it requires a certain amount of skill for dissection into the sub-Tenon's space. Fentanyl is powerful opioid analgesic drug used in neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, this study aimed at evaluating whether fentanyl has contributed to blockade quality and postoperative analgesia in sub-Tenon's local anesthesia. This study included fifty eyes of patients in a randomized, prospective clinical study undergoing vitreoretinal surgery under sub-Tenon's local anesthesia. After departmental approval and informed consent was obtained from all patients, fifty patients of both gender, 20-75 years old, ASA physical status I-III, participated in this study, the patients were distributed into two groups [1] Control group: 6 ml a mixture of lidocaine 2%, bupivacaine 0.5% in equal proportion, and hyaluronidase 25 IU.ml[-1]; [2] Fentanyl group: 6 ml of the same mixture associated with 25 micro g fentanyl. Blockade quality was evaluated according to the following parameters: intraoperative pain, eyelid and/or eyeball movement, quality of akinesia, postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction of blockade, Results showed that fentanyl has significantly improved blockade quality of analgesia intraoperatively [with fentanyl 100%; without fentanyl 74% p value 0.008] and has highly significant efficient postoperative analgesics at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hrs postoperatively [with fentanyl 72%; without fentanyl 16% P value 0.001]. Concomitant use of fentanyl with local anesthetics in Sub-Tenon's block is a safe and effective method to improve quality, reduce intraoperative local anesthetics and analgesics, and finally enhance postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery

Complications and functional results of standard orthotopic diversion: studer`s pouch

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early and late complications, reservoir functional outcome, continence status and upper tract functional throughout the follow up after Studer ileal neobladder

Patients and methods: Thirty two patients were included in this study and followed at a regular interval of three months for one year postoperatively. Early and late complications, urinary continence and upper tract configuration and function were evaluated. Patients were assessed by interviews and history taking, voiding diary, continence questionnaire, abdominopelvic ultrasound, IVU and urodynamic study

Results: No postoperative mortality. Early and late postoperative complications rates were 28.1% and 12.5% respectively. Out of 32 patients, febrile urinary tract infection occurred in 4 patients, prolonged urinary leakeage in 2 patients, unilateral hydronephrosis in 3 patients, urethroileal stricture in 3 patients, and metabolic acidosis in one patient. The mean functional pouch capacity increased over time from 298 +/- 65ml at 3month postoperatively to 423 +/- 93 at 9 month of follow up and became fixed thereafter. The mean post voiding residual urine estimated by ultrasound was 46 +/- 18 at 6 month of follow up. All patients underwent urodynamic evaluation at 6 and 12 month postoperative. The maximal pouch capacity was 395 +/- 75 ml with the pouch pressure at maximal capacity was 30 +/- 6 cm water at 6 month postoperative with similar value at 12 month and thereafter. Continence status improved over time, meanwhile the night time continence rate was lower than daytime, unsatisfactory night continence who need more than one pad per night was recorded in 12.5% then reduced to 3.1% at 6 month and 12 month postoperative respectively .IVU at 6 month show no upper tract ectasia or dilatation in all patients through out next follow up period

Conclusion: Studer ileal neobladder is easy and satisfactory surgical technique of orthotropic urinary diversion. It provides an acceptable rate of postoperative complications with good functional reservoir outcome and continence status while preserving upper tract function

Biochemical study of duchenne muscle dystrophy

The present work aimed to study dystrophin gene mutations in DMD patients and to investigate some of the biochemical mechanisms that might be involved in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting in this disease. The present study was conducted on 40 male subjects divided into two groups: Group 1: included 30 patients with the firm diagnosis of DMD as confirmed by negative immunohistochemical staining of muscle biopsies for dystrophin protein. Group 2 included 10 healthy male volunteers of matched age. All individuals were subjected to measurements of serum creatine kinase [CK], RANTES, and MDA. A soleus muscle biopsy was taken from every individual and was subjected to measurement of intracellular Ca[2+]concentration [[Ca2+]i], and assays of PLA[2], calpain, calpastatin, and caspase-3 activities in muscle tissue homogenates. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and exons 19, 44, and 50 were amplified by isolated polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique. The amplified exons were then subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis for detection of exon mutations. The present study showed that 7/30 of the DMD patients had mutations in the form of exon deletions. Exon 50 showed the highest frequency of deletions [4/30]. The study also showed that 5/30 of the patients had deletions of only one exon, whereas 2/30 of them had combined 2 exon deletions. None of the patients had combined 3 exon deletions. The present study also revealed significant increase in serum levels of CK, RANTES, and MDA in DMD patients as compared to the control. It also revealed significant increase in soleus muscle [Ca2+]i], in the activities of PLA[2], calpain, and caspase-3 in muscle tissue homogenates, and in the ratio of calpain/calpastatin activities in the DMD patients as compared to the control group. On the contrary, this study showed a significant decrease in calpastatin activity in DMD patients in comparison to the control group. From the present work it could be concluded that DMD is a complex disease and that dystrophin deficiency is necessary, but not sufficient on its own to fully account for the pathophysiology of the disease which entails the interplay of several factors and mechanisms. Accordingly, secondary modifiers must play an important role in determining the ultimate fate of dystrophin-deficient fibers e.g. cytosolic calcium overload, increased activities of PLA[2] and of the calpain system, and enhanced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, the inflammatory response within the diseased muscle is one likely candidate among potential disease-modifying factors. Therefore, although there is currently no effective therapy for this fatal muscle disease, various strategies should be developed driven by the increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of muscle wasting. These strategies should include the use of membrane stabilizing agents, Ca[2+] channel blockers, PLA[2] inhibitors, calpain inhibitors, anticaspases, and ROS scavengers

Molecular detection of human retrovirus [HRV-5] in common rheumatic disorders

HRV-5 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of autoimmune diseases. This study aimed at assessing the role of HRV-5 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and osteoarthritis [OA]. The study was conducted on 25 female SLE patients with mean age of 35.8 +/- 7.4 years and 25 female RA patients with mean age of 48 +/- 13.4 years, as well as, 25 female OA patients with mean age of 51 +/- 14.5 years, in addition to 25 age-matched apparently healthy female controls. All participants were subjected to detailed clinical assessment and laboratory investigations. HRV-5 proviral DNA was detected with nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and positive results were confirmed with DNA sequencing. The frequency of detection of HRV-5 proviral DNA was 8%, 12% and 4% in our RA, SLE and OA patients, respectively. Sequence analysis of the amplified viral segment showed genetic variation between samples with maintenance of the open reading frame, typical of a replicating infectious retrovirus. Our results support the hypothesis that HRV-5 may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of both SLE and RA, but further investigations are needed to confirm its role

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: is it an alternative technique replacing open surgery

To assess and evaluate the technique as a replacement to open surgical uretero-lithotomy. Fifteen patients with failed either ESWL or endoscopy and large calculi at the upper ureter were included in this study for performing transperitoneal laparoscopic uneterolithotomy Mean age was 47.2 7 +/- 9.32SD. 9 patients had right sided stones and 6 were left sided. Stone size range was 10-20 mm with mean 14.67 +/- 2.89 SD. 14 cases the stones were in the lumbar region and only 1 case at the iliac region. Successful laparoscopic stone removal were in 13 out of 15 [86.6%]. Two operative conversion to open surgery due to migration of stone in one case and in other conversion is due to injury of left common iliac artery. Operative times was 119.3 +/- 38.03 SD minutes [60-180min] estimated blood loss 62.3 +/- 11.6 [30-100] cc.. mean drain removal time was 3.4 days. mean post operative parentral analgesia was 150 mg of diclofenac sodium [75-300mg], mean hospital stay was 4.3 [3-8days] and mean resuming normal activity was 11.6[8-21 days]. Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a safe technique with a shorter hospital stay and rapid return to normal activity and offers an alternative modality than open surgery after treatment failure [ESWL, endoscopy] or for large size calculi. Open surgery has a role for managing laparoscopic converted cases

Comparative study of in-vitro and in-vivo antibiotics used for treating acute attacks of recurrent tonsillitis in children

The often-indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents has led to increased bacterial resistance over the past years. This phenomenon is not only evident in nosocomial environments but also at a community level. It is therefore important that, in addition to the rational use of antibiotics, an accurate prophylaxis is performed which includes the correct use of disinfectants or antimicrobials. This study was done [1]. To determine the frequency of occurrence of different organisms causing recurrent tonsillitis among children aged up to 10 years old, and [2]. To compare the efficacy of new antimicrobials [in-vivo and in-vitro] for treatment of recurrent tonsillitis. Forty Children aged up to 10 years old, with a history of recurrent attacks of tonsillitis were chosen among preschool children and from different primary school grades and were classified according to the frequency of occurrence of tonsillitis/ year into the following groups: Group 1, 20 children with a history of recurrent tonsillitis less than 4 attacks per year and group 2, 20 children with a history of recurrent tonsillitis, 4 attacks or more per year. Blood samples were taken from each child for leukocytic count and measurement of erythrocytic sedimentation rate [ESR], antistreptolysin 0 titer [ASO], and C-reactive protein [CRP]. Throat swabs for microbiological examination were inoculated on nutrient agar, blood agar, chocolate agar, MacConkey agar and Sabouraud's agar and were incubated aerobically and anaerobically using a candle jar for 24 hours at 37°C. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done on Mueller Hinton agar plates using the Oxoid antimicrobials [cefazolin, cephradine, cefotaxime, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin-sulbactam [Unasyn] gentamicin, ampicillin-cloxacillin 1:1, [Ampiclox], amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 2:1, cefuroxime and erythromycin]. The types of organisms isolated from group 1 were: Streptococcus pyogenes [50%], Staphylococcus aureus [15%], Hemophilus influenzae [15%], Staphylococcus epidermidis [10%], Streptococcus agalactiae [5%] and Streptococcus pneumoniae [5%]. The organisms isolated from group 2 patients were Streptococcus pyogenes [15%], Staphylococcus aureus [20%], Neisseria and Streptococcus agalactiae [each 5%]. Mixed infection with Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae constituted the majority of isolations among group 2 children [11 children, 55%]. This is in contrast to group 1 where mixed infection was not reported at all. This difference was statistically significant. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups as regards the type of antibiotic used by each group where group 1 used all types of antibiotics. The use of antibiotic for the first time was also different where group 1 used more antibiotics than group 2. It was concluded that only few children harbored similar microorganisms and that the type of antimicrobials used for treating recurrent tonsillitis should be assigned only after antibiotic sensitivity testing. Antibiotics for recurrent tonsillitis should not to be given blindly even if this would delay the start of the antibiotic course by 24 hours. This policy it is safe, it saves money, and it decreases the occurrence of microbial resistance to antibiotics

infection control measures in Mansoura dental clinics

This study was undertaken to determine current infection control measures of 55 dental clinics in Mansoura Urban district [23 private and 32 non-private]. The result of this study showed that the infection control measures were followed more properly in private than non-private clinics; Other than gloving many recommended infection control measures, masking, wearing protactive eyewear, hepatitis-B immunization and proper handling of sharps were not recorded as recommended by substantial number of dental clinics. The vast magority [100% p and 97% np] were taking steps to protect their patients from cross-infection by blood-born viruses, by using autoclave or dry heat sterilizers. Finding from this study, appear to indicate the infection control measures in the dental clinics [Mansoura Urban District] have been inadequate to respond safely and appropriately to oral health needs of all patients. Dentists in the private dental clinics were found to be more aware of treating known infectious patient than non-private dentists