Iron profile and dietary pattern of primary school obese Egyptian children

Poor iron status affects billions of people worldwide. The prevalence of obesity continues to rise in both the developed and developing nations. An association between iron status and obesity has been described in children and adults. The aim of the study was to assess the iron profile and dietary pattern in primary school-aged obese Egyptian children. A case-control study was conducted on 120 children, both obese [n=60] and control group [n=60], recruited from three primary governmental schools located in Dokki Sector, El-Giza Governorate, Egypt. Their ages ranged from 6 to 12 years. All children were subjected to full medical and dietetic history, anthropometric measurements, thorough clinical examination, and determination of complete blood count, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation [TS], and ferritin. Despite similar dietary iron intake in the two groups, obese children showed highly significantly decreased hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, serum iron, and TS, and increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and total iron-binding capacity when compared with the nonobese group. The obese group showed a highly significant increased rate of iron deficiency [ID] [TS<15% or mean corpuscular volume<76 fl] when compared with the nonobese group. Obesity was a significant risk factor for the development of ID [odds ratio: 7.09, 95% confidence interval: 3.16-15.92]. The association between ID and obesity may have important public health and clinical implications. For primary school children with elevated BMIs, screening for ID should be considered. Increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity and carrying out nutritional education programs are required

Serum levels of angiopoietin-2 and C-reactive protein in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients: relation to different phases of the disease

Serum levels of Angiopoietin-2 [Ang-2] and C-reactive protein [CRP] were measured in 50 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia [CML] [30 patients in chronic phase [group A] and 20 patients in advanced phase [group B]] and 15 healthy age and sex matched subjects as a control group, to investigate their relation to different phases of the disease. Serum levels of both Ang-2 and CRP were significantly higher [p <0.05] in patients group compared to controls, and in advanced stage compared to chronic phase. Furthermore a significant positive correlation was detected between Ang-2 and CRP in the whole patients group which could support the hypothesis that CRP might play a role in modulating angiogenesis. The present data suggest that both Ang-2 and CRP could play a role in the leukemic process. Understanding their roles may help in follow-up care and in designing new therapeutic strategies for CML. Furthermore the role of CRP in modulating angiogenesis should not be underestimated

Survival of 2 extreme pretrem neonates with cardiac tamponade as a complication of percutaneous central venous catheterization

We report 2 extreme preterm neonates who developed cardiac tamponade secondary to perforation of the myocardium by the percutaneous silastic central venous catheters, which were inserted for parental nutrition. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed and pericardial effusion was aspirated, later proved by analysis to be total parental nutrition. The lines were removed and the patients successfully resuscitated and survived, both were sent home in good condition

One stage trans anal endorectal coloanal anastomosis for extended forms of hirschsprung's disease

Hirschsprungs disease is a congenital disorder characterized by the presence of aganglionic segment in the distal bowel which results in functional obstruction commonly manifests in neonatal period. Over the past few years, number of studies described one stage perineal trans anal approach where its safety and efficiency had been proved In this series of 14 patients most of them below 6 month of age at operation and 40% had extended form of the disease [beyond rectosegmoid segment]. The feasibility of this approach for this group of patients was confirmed and it was proved that the addition of mini laparotomy or laparoscopy did not violate the minimal invasive nature of the trans anal pull through approach. Also it described the peculiar problems of this type of surgery in the neonatal period. The methods available for preoperative assessment of the transition zone especially in the neonatal age group are inaccurate, so confirming this by intraoperative colonic biopsy may be needed even in apparently rectosegmoid disease. Refining the technique of trans anal dissection with short submucosal dissection and muscular cuff can have direct impact on the long term outcome of this operation. Also there is a need for more sensitive test for intrauperative identification of normally innervated segment of colon to be pulled through and not just the identification of presence or absence of ganglion cells eg rapid ACHE test. Tans anal pull through indications may be extended to redo cases though the long term effects of this approach is waited to be validated

Anorectal anomalies associated with down's syndrome. a distinct entity

Cases of anorectal anomalies associated with Downs syndrome are distinct entity where there is no genitourinary or perineal fistula, this defect should not be considered as a trivial low anomaly. This study document our experience in a group of cases of anorectal anomalies and Downts syndrome, identifying incidence and type of the anomalies, other associated congenital anomalies and lessons learned from their management. 5 cases identified with ARM among a cohort of 34 cases of Downs syndrome all were without fistula, treated through perineal approach in the neonatal period without colostomy, cross table lateral film was not accurate method investigating these cases, constipation is a prominent feature in this group of patients, though histopathological examination was positive for ganglion cells. Cases of ARM and Downs syndrome are a unique group of patients for studying the genetic background of cases of ARM

Mould infection, immunological tests and ventilatory lung function among cotton dust exposed workers

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Shartex spinning and weaving company at Sharkia Governorate to determine the respiratory effect of cotton exposure. Seventy three cotton-exposed workers and 50 healthy workers [control group] were studied. Respiratory symptoms, ventilatory function tests, mycological examination of sputum and immunological examination for fungal reaction against different moulds and cotton extracts were assessed. Respiratory symptoms were frequently reported by exposed workers compared with controls. Among exposed workers, 11 [15.1%] had symptoms of byssinosis and 26 [35.6%] chronic bronchitis. This work has documented reduced lung function associated with work place exposure to cotton dust. Those workers with respiratory symptoms had significantly impaired lung function compared with asymptomatic workers Mould were significantly isolated from exposed workers than control group [P<0.001]. Different mould were isolated as Asp. niger, Cladosporium, Alternaria and others but only Asp. niger was the most significant isolate [P<0.01]. Also, exposed workers were more liable to develop immediate skin hypersensitivity reaction to specific cotton extracts [15.1%] and fungal antibodies [10.9%]. However, none of the control subjects gave either skin positive test to cotton extract or positive precipitin reaction. On regression analysis: both smoking and current exposure to cotton dust were the most significant risk factors of byssinosis, chronic bronchitis and impairment of both FEV1 and FVC.Also, duration of cotton exposure and increasing age were significant indicators for loss of FEV1 and FVC respectively.While, current cotton exposure was the only risk factor associated with frequent isolation of mould.In conclusion, workers exposed to cotton dust had increased respiratory symptoms and significant reduction in ventilatory capacity, also they develop immediate skin hypersensitivity reaction to cotton extract, fungal antibodies with more positive sputum culture for fungi than non exposed controls.So, it is recommended that lung function tests should be performed and can be used for routine medical surveillance. Also, anti-smoking programme must be applied

Exclusive breast feeding among a group of working mothers

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to explore how maternal employment affect breastfeeding experiences during the first six months of life with special interest on the factors that influencing continuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Three hundred and twelve working mothers whose infants at six months of age were included in the study. They were interviewed and asked using a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and antenatal information and work characteristics. The results revealed that initation of breastfeeding among working mothers was frequently high [96.5%]. Also, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding was [71%] in the first month. With return to work, the rate decreased to 20% at 6 months. However, the rate of food supplementing remained relatively stable at 25% and 34% at one and three months respectively. Thereafter, the rate increased to 64% at six months.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that possible accomodation at work, being of 25 years and older, being returned to work not less than 3 months and worked no more than 30 hours per week are the most significant indicators of successful continuation of exclusive breastfeeding.In conclusion, maternal employment has no effect on initiation of breastfeeding. However, returing to work is associated with earlier discontinuation. Possible accomodation at the worksite, time of return to work and number of hours worked per week may be contributing factors. So, provision of facilities to support breastfeeding in the workplace should be encouraged. This necessitates allocating suitable place for milk expression and providing of work nursery. Mothers should have the opportunity to return to work on part-time basis. Work legislations has to reconsider the maternity leave especially for women in private sectors

Chronic bronchitis, work - related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function among a group of welders in Zagazig area

A cross - sectional study was conducted to determine the respiratory effects of welding exposure. Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory functions were studied in 79 welders exposed to welding fumes and 90 non - welders as a control group. Both groups were matched for age, sex, height and smoking habits. Response to a standardized respiratory symptoms questionnaire, spirometry and across-shift changes in ventilatory function were compared. The results showed that, chronic bronchitis was more frequent in welders [21.5%] than in non - welders [6.7%]. Multivariate analysis revealed that current smoking as well as exposure to welding fumes for more than ten years were likely to be associated with chronic bronchitis. The report of any work-related respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, phlegm production, chest wheeze, dyspnea and chest tightness was significantly higher in welders [48.1%] when compared with non - welders [11.1%]. Multivariate analysis identified only long duration of welding exposure as the main risk factor for reporting these symptoms. Ventilatory lung function testing demonstrated significantly diminished forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV[1]] and mid - expiratory flow rate [MEFR] compared with control values. In the across - shift study. FEV[1] was significantly declined over the work exposure to welding fumes. In conclusion, this study indicates that exposure to welding fumes was associated with chronic bronchitis, work-related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function impairment. These manifistations mostly related to cigarette smoking and long duration of exposure. So. more efforts should be done to persuade welders to stop smoking. Improving the work environment and proper use of respiratory protective devices can reduce the respiratory health hazards of occupational exposure to welding fumes

relationship between eye discomfort symptoms and work with video display terminals among a group of computerists

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of subjective eye discomfort symptoms due to visual display terminal work, and its association with some confounding factors as age, sex, and daily work time. 93 computerists representing the exposed group and 78 office employees not using VDTs [referent group], were matched for age, sex and duration of employment All participants were interviewed and subjected to a pre-constructed, questionnaire inquiring on personal, occupational and medical histories, also questions asking about the occurrence of certain specific eight eye adverse symptoms were included. The results indicated that VDT workers, in computer and data processing services reported a statistically significant higher prevalence of eye discomfort symptoms compared with that of referents and the women suffered from significant more eye complaints than men. That prevalence was significantly associated with the increase in daily time of VDT use. We strongly recommend that VDT workers should be encouraged to have their vision tested and corrected for specific occupational tasks at regular intervals. Reducing the number of daily hours of VDT Use to 3 hours or fewer via increased rest breaks or scheduled ulternative work was also strongly advised

Laboratory and field evaluation of certain rodenticides against the Egyptian spiny mouse, acomias chirismus

The exposure of the Egyptian spiny mouse A. Cahirinus to certain rodenticides anticoagulants and acute poisons were investigated in laboratory no-choice feeding tests. The 2 most toxic compounds of each anticoagulant, Actosin "C" and acute poisons were chosen for field trials. In the laboratory feeding tests, nearly complete mortality occurred when mice were fed for 4 days on bait containing actosin "C". When bromadiolone was offered for the same period, mortality ranged between 88% and 94%. With acute poisons, thallium sulfate and crimidin caused the same mortality which ranged between 92%-96% after feeding for one day. In the field trials, with actosin "C" effective control was achieved of Acomys populations an 9-11 days but bromadiolone was needed for 15-28 days. The foregoing results indicated that Actosin "C" was effective against A. cahirinus than the other anticoagulant and acute poison compounds because the effect of the antibactriocide sulfachinoxaline

New natural public health insecticide from salvia officinalis L'

5-hydroxy 6,7,3,4-tetramethoxy flavone, the toxic nature plant compound, was isolated from Salvia officinalis and tried against 7 insect species hazardous to public health. The LD50 values indicated that isolated flavone was toxic to house flies than American cockroaches, while it was non-toxic to German cockroaches. But for the LC50 culex adults and human head lice were most susceptible followed by human fleas and bed bugs. A direct parallel relation was found between toxicity and rate of penetration

Efficacy of two first generation anticoagulants against rats in doha sea port

The effectiveness of 2 first generation anticoa tested gulant rodenticides, coumatetralyl and chlorophacinone with sulfaquinoxaline have been in the laboratory against Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus in Qatar. All animals died in 8 days when the 2 species of rats were fed for 4 successive days in the laboratory on bait containing 0.041245% coumatetralyl and after only 6 days when the bait contained 0.005% chlorophacinone + 0.019 sulfaquinoxaline. A field trial against R. norvegicus for 25 days with bait containing 0.04125% coumatetralyl lead to reduction of 93.6%, 92.9% and 90.2% of marks on rat tracking patches, active burrows, trapped rats and unpoisoned bait consumption, respectively. These values were 94.7%, 93.3%, 93.1% and 92.6% when infestation blocks were treated with 0.006% chlorophacinone + 0.019% sulfaquinoxaline. Similar results were achieved against R. rattus fed on coumatetralyl at 0.04125% for the same period, which realized percentage reductions of 91.9, 92.1 and 89.7 in foot prints, trapped rats and food consumption, respectively. These percentage reductions were 93.4, 93.1 and 90.5 when the infestation blocks treated with chlorophacinone 0.006% + sulfaquinoxaline 0.019%

Prevalence and sequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among a group of dentists

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and sequences of musculo-skeletal symptoms among dentists. Sixty one active dentists and equal number of physicians answered a standardized Nordic questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. The dentists showed a significant higher prevalence of neck, shoulder, lower back, pelvis and foot symptoms. Dentists had an increased risk for back pain lasting more than 30 days [OR 5.78] when compared with physicians. Lower back and shoulder symptoms had caused more troubles for the dentists and had reduced their daily and Leisure activities. Ergonomic education and work organization are needed in dentistry work to overcome the occurrence and consequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists

Field toxicity of anticoagulant rodenticides against the commensal rodents Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus and Acomys cahirinus in Egyptian villages.

The present investigation was conducted to study the effectiveness of three anticoagulants, bromadiolone as a second generation and chlorophacinone as a first generation which was activated by adding antibacterial sulfaquinoxaline, as well as tracking powder coumachlor against three commensal rodents in Egyptian villages. Bait containing 0.005% bromadiolone achieved complete control against Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus in 19 days and 13 days, respectively, but it was ineffective against Acomys cahirinus. Baiting with 0.006% chlorophacinone plus 0.019% sulfaquinoxaline achieved complete control against R. rattus, R. norvegicus and A. cahirinus in range 11-15, 8-10 days and 15-20 days and 15-20 days, respectively. About 81% control was achieved by 1% coumachlor against R. norvegicus, but about 63% against A. cahirinus

post-antibiotic effect of ceftizoxime monotherapy and combination studies

The post-antibiotic effect [PAE] of ceftizoxime was measured alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin and pipracillin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Ceftizoxime alone had no PAE [0.75 h] against Ps. aeruginosa, also pipracillin showed no PAE [0.62] against E. coli. Ciprofloxacin showed the highest PAEs against the tested bacteria [3-3.8 h]. Combination of ceftizoxime with ciprofloxacin and pipracillin showed longer PAEs against Ps. aeruginosa [PAE = 6.07 and 5.02 h, respectively], whereas E. coli was not affected [PAE = 1.06 and 0.06 h, respectively]. The addition of ceftizoxime during the post-antibiotic phase of the other antibiotics and vice versa showed that ceftizoxime with ciprofloxacin was the only combination with consistent bactericidal activity. These in vitro results suggested that the combination of ceftizoxime with ciprofloxacin is likely to be the most effective of the tested drugs and should be further evaluated in clinical trials

Study of the cardiovascular effects of the H2-blocker ranitidine HCl, in experimental animals

Ranitidine Hcl was tested on arterial blood pressure of anaesthetised cats and on isolated perfused Rabbit's heart, aorta and spontaneously beating atrium, to assess its cardio-vascular effects. On blood pressure, ranitidine produced rise and potentiation of adrenaline effect that were abolished in reserpinized animals, which may suggest that ranitidine releases catecholamine stores. Also, ranitidine reversed the hypotensive action of histamine on blood pressure in presence and absence of mepyramine. This indicated that drop of blood pressure is mediated by H[2] receptors or an interaction of H[1] and H[2] receptors. On isolated tissues, ranitidine produced no direct action on rabbit's heart, atrium or aorta, but it potentiated the stimulant action of adrenaline and histamine on both heart and atrium of rabbit. On the rabbit aorta, ranitidine potentiated adrenaline also, but decreased the response to histamine which was potentiated in presence of Mepyramine with ranitidine. Further studies on human vascular tissues and dynamics are required for accurate correlation of C.V. actions of ranitidine and its effective control of haematemesis

In vitro interaction of kanamycin with cefotaxime

A study was conducted to investigate the in vitro interaction between kanamycin and cefotaxime. Three aqueous concentrations of kanamycin [5, 15 and 20 ug/m1] and four concentrations of cefotaxime [100, 200, 400 and 600 ug/m1] were incubated alone and in mixtures for a period of 3 days at 37C. Samples were taken every 12 hours and analyzed for each antibiotic activity. Degradation of kanamycin in presence of different concentrations of cefotaxime was significantly greater than kanamycin alone. However, no significant difference could be traced between cefotaxime concentration and the extend of kanamycin degradation was not significantly altered in presence of kanamycin. The abovementioned findings were related to the fact that the used concentration of cefotaxime for exceeded those of kanamycin

Antibacterial activity of cefoperazone alone and in combination with aminoglycoside antibiotics

The in-vitro antibacterial activities of cefoperazone [Cef], amikacin [Am], tobramycin [Nn] and gentamicin [Gm] as well as the combinations of cefoperazone with the three aminoglycoside antibiotics were tested againts five strains of each of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the checkerboard agar dilution method. All antimicrobial combinations demonstrated some synergy and no antagonism was observed. A synergistic effect was observed with the combinations of cefoperazone plus amikacin, cefoperazone plus tobramycin and cefoperazone plus gentamicin against four of five and three of five of the tested clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli respectively. Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates exhibit an additive or indifferent effect towards all tested combinations. No antagonistic activities were found with any of the strains using such combinations

Production of aminoglycoside inactivating enzymes by pseudomonas aeruginosa

Thirty strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from urinary tract infections, burns and osteomyelitis [10 strains from each clinical source]. The aminoglycoside resistance patterns [markers] were determined by the disc agar diffusion technique using the aminoglycoside antibiotic discs [micro g/disc]; amikacin [Am,30], gentamicin [Gm. 10], kanamycin [Km. 30], tobramycin [Nn, 10], streptomycin [Sm. 10], and neomycin [Nm. 30]. The crude enzymes obtained by sonication of the cells of the isolated strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa largely inactivated the used aminoglycosides in the presence of adenosine triphosphate [ATP] or acetyl Co-A as cofactors. The three inactivation mechanisms were detected, kanamycin phosphotransferase and streptomycin adenyltransferase were predominant among 90% or more of the strains, however, gentamicin adenyltransferase was limited. There were only two acetylating enzymes; kanamycin acetyltransferase [produced by 60% of the tested strains] and gentamicin acetyltransferase which was produced by only 11 strains [36.7%]. The aminoglycoside resistance pattern was correlated to some extent, with the production of the aminoglycoside inactivating enzymes

Synthesis of biologically active 3 bromo-1: 8-naphthalylamino acid dipeptide derivatives

Synthesis of a series of 3-bromo-l: 8-naphthalylamino acids [II-VIII] and their corresponding methyl esters [IX-XIII]is described. Coupling of 3-bromo-l: 8-naphthalylamino acids with amino acid methyl ester hydrochlorides [or urea or 2-amino-pyridine] in dioxane-DMF-Et, N medium using DCC method, furnishes the desired 3-bromo-l: 8-naphthalyldipeptides[XIV-XXVIII]. All 3-bromo-l-8-naphthalyl derivatives of L-valine, L-leucine, DL-phenylalamtie and [S-alanine and their methyl esters and most dipeptide derivatives were found to possess high antimicrobial activities towards different microorganisms