Isolation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria species from human breast milk

Bacterial colonization of the infant gut is a gradual process that exerts a strong influence on the health status of the host. The source of bacterial diversity in breast fed babies remains unclear. For many decades, breast milk has been regarded as a sterile body fluid which exerts its influence on the infant's microbiota environment via presenting only some growth factors and optimal conditions for helping the growth of bacteria. However, in recent years, breast milk has been hypothesized to be a source of commensal bacteria for the infant gut. This study aimed at searching for bacteria in breast milk to assess the role of breast milk as their probable source. Samples of breast milk were obtained from 50 lactating women and were tested for the presence of different bacteria, using specific media and specific biochemical reactions. Culture of the 50 breast milk specimens showed growth of different species of lactobacilli in 100% of the specimens and bifidobacteria in the milk of 14 mothers [28%]. Breast milk can be a source of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria for the infants

Isolation of enterococci and streptococci species from human breast milk

Bacterial colonization of the infant gut is a gradual process that exerts a strong influence on the health status of the host. The source of bacterial diversity in breast fed babies remains unclear. For many decades, breast milk has been regarded as a sterile body fluid which exerts its influence on the infant's microbiota environment via presenting only some growth factors and optimal conditions for helping the growth of bacteria. However, in recent years, breast milk has been hypothesized to be a source of commensal bacteria for the infant gut. This study aimed at searching for bacteria in breast milk to assess the role of breast milk as their probable source. Samples of breast milk were obtained from 50 lactating women and were tested for the presence of different bacteria, using specific media and specific biochemical reactions. Culture of the 50 breast milk specimens showed growth of different species of enterococci and streptococci in 60% and 84% of the specimens; respectively. Breast milk can be a source of enterococci and streptococci for the infants

Protein C, protein S and antithrombin III assessment in Egyptian thalassemic children

Enhanced years of survival have led to the unmasking of management related complications with the recognition of the existence of a chronic hypercoagulable state in thalassemic patients. This study aims at determining the levels of the three main antithrombophilic factors namely protein C, protein S and antithrombin III in Egyptian children with beta thalassemia major. Sixty children with beta thalassemia major with a mean age of 12.2 +/- 1.88 years and male: female ratio 1.7: 1 were enrolled in the study. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations including levels of ferritin by IRMA, protein C, protein S, and antithromobin III by ELISA. Protein C was deficient in 16 [26.7%] of cases, protein S was deficient in 8 [13.3%] of cases while none had deficiency of antithrombin III. None of our cases had a history of thromboembolic events. These abnormalities were not related to the state of HCV infection or to the type of chelation whether oral or subcutaneous. Protein C deficiency was present more in older patients. Abnormalities in protein C, protein S are frequently observed even without manifesting hypercoagulable states in our studied thalassemia major children

Histological evaluation of local verapamil hydrochloride injection in the prevention of keloid recurrence after excision

Keloids occur as the result of an exaggerated wound healing of skin following various types of injury. In addition to presenting a cosmetic concern, they are extremely difficult to treat. The aim of the present work was to assess histologically the efficacy of verapamil hydrochloride [a calcium channel blocker] local injection on prevention of recurrence of surgically excised keloid. 40 keloid subjects divided into two equal groups: Group I; subjected to only surgical excision of their keloids. Group II; subjected to intradermal verapamil injection for 2 months after surgical excision of keloid. Skin biopsies from the healed wound of both experimental groups were taken after 3 months [subgroups Ib, IIb] and 6 months [subgroups Ib, IIb] postoperatively. Tissue specimens were also collected from the excised keloids. Informed consents were taken from subjects of both groups including all steps of the study. The obtained specimens were further processed for light microscopic study by haematoxylin and eosin [H and E] and trichrome stains. Semithin sections and electron microscopic examination were also done. Examination of the healed skin after keloid surgical excision [group Ia. Ib], showed prominent neutrophils and mast cells. Large spindle- shaped fibroblasts with dilated cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum were frequently encountered among coarse collagen bundles denoting accelerated rate of collagen production. This appearance may point to local histological recurrence of keloid. On the other hand, verapamil- injected skin after keloid excision [verapamil- injected group IIa, IIb] revealed little collagen in the dermal interstitium forming thin dispersed fibrils. Ultrastructuraly, the dermal fibroblasts of this group exhibited oval to rounded outlines and showed few narrow cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. The verapamil- induced cell rounding is related to the calcium- dependent change in the cytoskeleton of fibroblasts. This appearance is associated with decreased synthesis and secretion of the extracellular matrix. Verapamil injection provided a satisfactory tool for prevention of recurrence of surgically excised keloid

Prevalence study of conduct disorder and comorbid attention deficit hyper active disorder

Prevalence estimated of conduct disorder, one of the most frequent diagnosed psychiatric conditions in children, vary widely from 0.2% to 8.7%. To find out the prevalence of conduct disorder and its comorbid ADHD in schoolchildren in Bahrain and Saudi. A total 180 students selected randomly were subjected to Conduct disorder scale, demographic questioners, ADHD scale and smi structure interview with the parents. Conduct disorder was found in 4.58 ; the ratio of boys to girls being 4,5:1childhood onset was found in 73% and adolescents onset in 27% mild CD was found in 36%, moderate in 64% and sever conduct disorder in none Comorbid attention deficit disorder was found in 36% hyperactive- impulsive being predominant. The prevalence of CD was 4058% more common in boys, the majority have childhood onset, and one third had comorbid ADRD

Epidemiological, clinical and prognostic profile of acute bacterial meningitis among children in Alexandria, Egypt.

PURPOSE: To address the epidemiological characteristics and clinical indices that may predict the prognostic profile of meningitis among children. METHODS: Children admitted to Alexandria fever hospital with clinical diagnosis of meningitis/meningoencephalitis during the period 2002-2003 were recruited for the study. They were subjected to clinical examination as well as CSF bacteriological and serological investigations. RESULTS: Three hundred and ten patients (195 males and 115 females) were included. About 65.2% of them were infected with acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) and 34.8% were infected with aseptic meningitis. In this study, ABM was caused by Haemophilus influenzae (21%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (13.9%), Neisseria meningitidis (14.2%) and other undetermined bacteria (16.1%). ABM showed significant association with age group 1-9 years (66.3%), low socio-economic class (96%), working mother (83.2%), more than two smokers in the family (62.9%) and cold seasons (fall 35.1% and winter 48.5%). Aseptic meningitis showed significant association with age group 3-15 months (100%) and previous immunization (81.5%). The overall case fatality rate was 10.3%; 13.9% for ABM and 3.4% for aseptic meningitis. 7.1% of all survivors developed epileptic attacks. Predictors for death or epilepsy events were high WHO meningitis score (>or=9), decreased CSF glucose level (<10 mg/dL), more smokers in the family, generalised seizures, infancy (<1 year of age) and working mothers. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of several predictors of the outcome of meningitis in children. It is concluded that quick and simple scoring scales, such as the WHO scale, are not only applicable but valuable prognostic tools for meningitis in children.

Effect of nutritional regimen for moderate burn patients on graft take

Early and individually estimated nutritional care plan is considered to be an important component of therapy for burn healing and graft take. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutritional regimen for moderate burn patients on graft take. It was carried out at the Burns Units of the Main University Hospital in Alexandria. Fifty recent moderate burned patients within 12 hours post burn were included. Included patients were divided sequentially into a control [n=30] and an experimental [n=20] groups and they were uncomplicated with any condition or disease that recommends special dietary regimen. Four tools were developed and used for data collection. A nutritional assessment sheet, food intake record, graft checklist, and dietary plans were done individually for the experimental group. Weekly modifications were done as required. Calculations of caloric requirements were based on Curreri formula [25 Kcal x weight [Kg]] + [40 Kcal x% TBSA]. Adequate level of caloric intake was attained by all patients of the experimental group versus only 20% of patients of the control group. Half of the control group reached the satisfactory level, however the intake of the rest percentage [30%] was unsatisfactory. The majority of both control and experimental groups [90% and 100%] respectively reached the adequate level of fat intake. Unsatisfactory level of fat intake was recorded by only 10% of the patients of control group. Adequate level of food intake-especially calories and proteins, showed significant relationship with graft take among burned patients despite the deterioration which was noticed in the nutritional indicators as anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations

Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric determination of prazosin

Three simple and accurate methods have been developed for the determination of prazosin in tablets.the first method is based on the formation of anion-pair salt between the drug and bromocresol purple with subse quent absorbance measurements at 410 nm.the second depends on the reaction of prazosin with mercurochrome [mer] in aqueous alkaline medium to give an antense red color measured at 562 nm.the third method is based on the fluorescence quenching of mer in an aqueos neutral buffered medium. The decrease in mer intensity was directly proportional to prazosin concentration. The different experimental parameters were carefully studied and incorporated into the procedure. Under the described condition ranges of 2-10, 5-10 and 0.05-0.2 micro gml-l for the three methods, in order

Microbiological study of eikenella corrodens isolated from patients and healthy individuals

A total of 99 strains of E. corrodens were isolated in this research. Seventy strains were isolated as flora from 392 normal individuals [17.85%] and 29 strains from 539 in pure form in 2 of the 29 clinical specimens [6.8%], otherwise It was mixed with other bacteria. Most of the isolations were from the mouth [74] but the organism was also recovered from 11 wounds, 7 abscesses and 7 samples of sputum, fluid and transtracheal aspirate. The most common form of E. corrodens infection was the clenched first injuries [33.3%] followed by human bite wounds [20%] and periodontitis [20%]. It is found that colonies of only 71.7% of our isolates were pitting the surface. A comparative growth was studied on 10 media incubated in 3 atmospheres. Chocolate and blood agar found to be the best media using 5% CO[2], Fifty strains tested for 9 biochemical reactions, gave typical results as found by other authors. MIC has been done for 20 strains by the agar dilation and microtiter broth dilution methos E. corrodens found highly susceptible to penicillin and cefoxitin but fairly resistant to clindamycin

New staining mount versus KOH mount in direct examination of clinical specimens for dermatophytes by modified phase contrast microscopy

This study is based on the use of phase contrast [PC] objective 40X aligned with the light annulus of turret condenser for 100X instead of 40X. This procedure has been resulted in an improved visualization of dermatophytic elements in skin scrapings and hair specimens in the form of 3-dimensional image. Consequently, different fungal elements and confusing artefacts could be easlly verified owing to good delineation of surface variations of such structures. Two preparations for each specimen have been examined; one as KOH mount and second with the new staining mount formulated by the author. Cultures have been done for all specimens. Seventy cases were studied; 16 hair and 54 skin scales specimens. Out of 16 hair specimens, by KOH mount, 8 cases of endothrix type of hair invasion and 4 cases of ectothrix have been observed by the modified phase contrast [MPC] microscopy compared with 9 cases of endothrix and 3 cases of ectothrix observed by the brightfield [BF] and phase contrast [PC] microscopy. After staining, 8 endothrix and 4 ectothrix cases have been noted by BF, PC and MPC. Culture results found correlated more with results of MPC and staining. Out of 54 skin specimens, after KOH mount, 53.7%found positive for dermatophytes by MPC as compared with 50% by BF and PC. After use of the staining mount, positivity was increased up to 64.8% by MPC as compared with 51.9% by BF and 53.7% by PC

One step differential [OSD] stain for fungal elements

This stain have been invented by the author after many trials over two years to get a stain that allows clear study of microscopic structures of fungi. The stain is applied directly on fungal structures placed on the slide with no need for fixation; viz; can be used as a mount. Also, the stain has the ability to differentiate between various internal structures without a decolourization step. The viable structures and fresh cultures take the blue colour while other structures stain faint reddish to faint blue or greenish

Experimental association of infection by salmonella and schistosoma mansoni in Swiss Albino mice

Sixty swiss males albino mice from the same breed, were used in this study. They were classified into four groups [I] normal non-infected control group [10 mice][II] control group infected by Salmonella typimurium organism [10 mice][III] control group infested by Sch. mansoni [20 mice] and [IV] a study group infected by both Sch. mansoni and Salmonella typimurium [20 mice] The relation between schistosomiasis and salmonella organism was evaluated by egg-count per gram stool and per gram liver tissue and by studying the worm load by worm perfusion method. The relation was also evaluated by a histopathological study for the liver, spleen and intestine and by a bacteriological study including culture of the perfused worms, liver and spleen. The study demonstrated: 0.99% reduction of egg-count per gram stool and 0.61% reduction of egg-count per gram liver tissue in the group [IV] compared to the third one. Histo pathological study revealed reduction of bilharzial granulomas in the liver of group [IV] compared to the third group. Regarding the bacteriological study, the most important result was the presence of salmonella growth in 60% of cultures of perfused worms from group [IV]

prevalence of vaginal candidiasis with different methods of contraception

This study included 110 women classified into 3 groups; 30 using oral pills, 40 using intrauterine device [lUD] and 40 using no method of contraception as a control group. High vaginal swabs were taken; smears prepared, stained with gram and cultures made on Sabouraud Dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. Isolated yeast colonies were identified by germ tube formation test, API-20 c system and morphology on cornmeal tween 80 agar. Candida species have been isolated in 22. 5% of IUD users group, 20% in pins users group and 15% in the control group. Candida albicans could be isolated in 68.2% out of 22 isolates from all cases, C. glabrata in 27.3% and C. krusei in 4.5%. Candida albicans found to be the most prevalent species in the studied groups of women

Incidence of Oral Candida in Children under corticosteroid therapy and the use of chlorhexidine mouth wash as a preventive measure

In this study 60 children indicated for corticosteroid therapy were classified according to the mouth wash into: Group [I]: Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouth wash [30 cases] Group [II]: Saline mouth wash [30 cases]. Further subdivision was done according to mode of corticosteroid administration; 20 cases in each group under systemic therapy while 10 cases in each group under inhaled therapy. Cases were examined clinically for signs and symptoms of oral candidiasis. Microbiological examination included mucosal smear, culture, viable candidal count and identification of Candida albicans by germ tube and morphology on cornmeal tween 80.There is one case under systemic steroid therapy and using chlorhexidine mouth wash that developed clinical signs and symptoms of candidiasis compared to two cases under the same therapy but using saline as a mouth wash. No manifestations found in cases under inhaled steroid therapy either using chlorhexidine or saline. There was no increase of positive culture in patients under inhaled therapy using chlorhexidine or chlorhexidine or saline. While in patients under systemic steroid it increased to reach 65% with chlorhexidine and 85% with saline mouth wash. Incidence of Candida albicans infection was high [ranged from 75-100% of positive cultures] compared with other Candida species [0-25%]. There is an increase in the incidence of carrier and diseased patients according to the viable candidal count ranging from 10% to 45%

Detection of interleukin 8 and auto antibodies to interleukin 8 in the serum of patients with lichen planus

An enzyme linked immunosorbant assay ELISA was used to determine the serum concentration of interleukin 8 and auto antibodies to interleukin 8 in fifteen patients with oral lichen planus only, seven patients with oral and skin lichen planus as well as ten healthy control subjects. Interleukin 8 was detectable in the serum of eleven of fifteen patients with lichen planus and five of seven patients with oral and skin lichen planus but none of the healthy controls showed detectable serum interleukin 8. Significantly, elevated auto antibodies to interleukin 8 were detected in two patients groups. However, their values did not correlate significantly with clinical condition of the disease including affected side; distribution and the duration. The results of this work may [lend] support the role of immune mechanism in the etiopathogenesis of oral lichen planus

Role of T and B lymphocytes in spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation in chronic inflammatory periodontal disease

Spontaneous lymphocyte responses of whole mononuclear cells [MNCs, T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocyte in patients with periodontal disease and theircontrols were studied in this work utilizing the tritiated thymidine uptakeassay. The periodontitis patients exhibited lower lymphoproliferativeresponse of MNCs compared with the controls. However, theB-lymphoproliferative response of patients showed the highest proliferativeresponse compared with that of all cell types studied. This finding maysuggest that the elimination of T-cell affects the hyperresponsiveness ofB-lymphocyte state