Survey of skin disorders in newborns: clinical observation in an Egyptian medical centre nursery

The frequency of neonatal skin disorders has not been well studied in Egypt. Our aim was to address patterns of dermatologicaf changes in a sample of Egyptian newborns. In a descriptive prospective cohort study 600 newborns in Sohag University hospital nursery were dermatologically examined within the first 5 days of birth. Skin disorders were detected in 240 neonates [40.0%]. Birthmarks were found in 100 neonates [16.7%], mainly melanocytic type [mongolian spots in 11.7% and congenital melanocytic naevi in 2.7%]. Fungal skin infections, including oral moniliasis, fungal infection in the napkin area or candidal intertrigo, were detected in 13.3% and bacterial infections in 1.3% of neonates. Comparisons with other studies worldwide indicated a higher rate of fungal infections and lower rate of birthmarks in our study. Routine neonatal dermatological evaluation is recommended, especially in view of the high rate of fungal skin infections

Anodically deposited Mn-Mo-o electrodes by direct and pulse current as novel anode materials for hydrogen production during seawater electrolysis

Hydrogen is currently well recognized as a future fuel. Its production from seawater electrolysis using electroactive anode is presented in this study. Mn-Mo-O which is known for its efficiency as well as environmentally benign nature is used in this work. Direct and pulse electro-deposition methods were applied for preparation of the Mn-Mo-O electrode. Variation of both direct and pulse current. using sulfuric MnSO4-Na2MoO4 electrolyte solutions were the basis of the experiments. The electrodes were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction [XRD], Scanning Electron Microscopy [SEM] and electrochemical measurements. The performance of the electrodes were evaluated in 0.5M NaC1 electrolyte solution by electrolysis at 1000 Am[-2]. The findings indicated that pulse electrodeposition provide anode materials with better activity and durability as compared to direct electrodeposition method. The results are discussed in terms of structure, composition and mechanical properties of the anodes

Effect of blood transfusion versus erythropoietin injection on peripheral erythropoietin response in burnt patients

Twenty-seven adult burned patients [burn size 20-40% of total body surface area] were included in this study. The studied patients were blindly and randomly assigned into two groups: Group A [15 patients] received blood transfusion according to their need, while group B [12 patients] received 4000 units of r-HuEPO twice weekly for one month. Blood transfusion was given to both groups when haemoglobin level decreased to less than 8 g/dl. The effect of administered blood transfusion or r-HuEPO was evaluated through clinical response, blood count, reticulocytic count, serum iron and transferrin and erythropoietin level. The mean values of hemoglobin, packed red cell volume and RBCs count of both groups were progressively decreased, especially in the 3rd post burn day. Despite the progressive decrease of all the previous hematological values in both groups, they had elevated serum erythropoietin level allover the post burn period, which was significantly higher in group B. Moreover, significant reticulocytosis was observed, especially in group B. Before the administration of either blood transfusion or r-HuEPO, iron levels were within the normal range, then rapidly reached extremely low levels and remained low throughout the study periods in group B. On the contrary, in group A, serum iron levels were rapidly increased and reached high levels and remained high throughout the study periods. Moreover, serum ferritin levels were rapidly reaching supernormal values and remained higher allover the study, but the level of transferrin was low in the follow up period compared with that of the first days. The study concluded that recombinant human erythropoietin [r-HuEPO] is capable of enhancing erythropoiesis and has lower risk of iron overload than frequent blood transfusions in burned patients