Influence of the probiotic pediococcus acidilactici on chromosomal aberrations, clinicopathological alterations and immunological changes in aflatoxicated rabbits

The present work was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici in alleviating the toxicity of aflatoxin B[1] [AFB[1]] in male New-Zealand white rabbits. Twenty four male New Zealand white rabbits, 800-1000 g body weight were used in the present work. Rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups: Group [1] served as a control group. Group [2] was fed on crushed pellet diet mixed with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici at a dose of l00g/ton feed for six successive weeks. Group [3] was fed on crushed pellet diet artificially contaminated with 60 ug of AFB[1]/kg of diet for six successive weeks while Group [4] was fed on crushed pellet diet mixed with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici [the same dose mentioned in G2] and artificially contaminated with 60 ug of AFB[1]/kg of diet for six successive weeks. Evaluations were made for chromosomal aberrations, hemato-biochemical parameters, immunological changes as well as histopathological alterations. Our results showed that AFB[1] possesses a mutagenic effect. It significantly increases the frequency of chromosomal aberrations. AFB[1]induced significant decrease in the total leukocytic count associated with lympopenia. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant elevation in ALT, AST, GGT activities and BUN concentration with a marked decline in total proteins, albumin and globulins concentration. Significant decrease was recorded in the phagocytic percent and phagocytic index of neutrophils of aflatoxicated rabbits. Supplementation of the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici to the aflatoxicated diet inhibited the mutagenic effect of AFB[1] as it significantly decreased the frequency of chromosonial aberrations. Furthermore, Pediococcus acidilactic improved the hemato-biochemical alterations and nullified the phagocytic percent and phagocytic index of neutrophils of aflatoxicateci rabbits

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of lead on development of testis in albino rat and role of zinc supplementation

Lead as a toxic heavy metal is known to exert pathological on almost all tissues including the male reproductive organs. The present study was designed to elucidate the effect of pre-and lead exposure on the development of testis in rat offspring and the possible protective role of zinc supplementation concerning the histological and immunuhistochemical aspects. Twenty pregnant albino rats were used in the present study. They were divided into four groups [ten animals for each]. Group I [control] was administered 1 ml distilled water orally daily. Group II, received zinc sulphate orally, in a dose of 1 mg / kg b.w. / day. Group III, received lead acetate orally, in a dose of 50 mg / kg b.w. / day [1 / 200 of LD 50]. Group IV, received both lead acetate and zinc sulphate in the same routes and doses mentioned before. The duration of treatment was from the start of pregnancy and continued after parturition until weaning time. Offsprings were scarified one day, one week, two weeks three weeks and six weeks postnatally. Sections from the testes were stained by H and E for routine histological examination, methyle green pyronin for nucleic acids and immunohistochemical labeling of apoptosis using Fas-ligand antibody. The results of the present study revealed that exposure to lead markedly influences the testis of offspring at all age groups and affects the cells included in the process of spermatogenesis up to the spermatids. In early ages, lead causes delayed development of germinal epithelial with vacuolization of the cytoplasm of the cells in the seminiferous follicles. In older ages, it causes decreased stratification with distortion of the lining epithelium. The early spermatids did not developed and most of cells of the germinal epithelium showed apoptotic changes revealed by strong immunoreactivity for Fas-ligand antibody. In contrast, with zinc supplementation the testis retains the normal spermatogenic process with few apoptotic changes. From the present study, it could be concluded that lead has degenerative changes on the developing testis and zinc supplementation ameliorates lead - induced testicular damage and retains the normal spermatogenesis process

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of doxorubicin on the heart of adult albino rat and the possible protective role of an antioxidant

Doxorubicin is one of the first anthracyclines in clinical use and has a broad anti-tumor spectrum. With the increasing use of anthracycline antibiotic, acute and cumulative dose-related cardiotoxicity have been recognized. This work was undertaken with the aim of studying the histological, Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical changes in the myocardium of albino rats following doxorubicin administration and the possible protective role of an antioxidant [probucol]. Sixty adult albino rats of both sexes weighing 200 - 250 gms, were used in this study. They were divided into four groups: a control group [group I] composed of 30 rats and three treated groups [10 rats for each]. Probucol treated group [group II], were injected intraperitoneally [IP] with probucol in a dose of 10 mg / kg b. w every other day for four weeks. Doxorubicin treated group [group III], were injected [IP] with doxorubicin in a dose of 2.5 mg / kg b. w. every other day for two weeks. Probucol and doxorubicin treated group [group IV], were injected [IP] with probucol for two weeks followed by probucl plus doxorubicin for another two weeks with the same doses and ways mentioned before. The control animals were divided into three subgroups [10 rats for each], [group la], were injected [IP] with 1ml corn oil [solvent for probucol]. [group Ib] were injected [IP] with 1ml physiological saline [solvent for doxorubicin]. [group Ic] were injected [IP] with 1ml physiological saline and 1 ml corn oil by the same ways and durations mentioned before with treated animals. Heart specimens were taken two and four weeks after the last injection and processed for histological, Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies. Light microscopic studies revealed many degenerative changes that were time-dependent varying from vacuolation to myocytolysis and loss of myofibrils. Evidences of apoptosis were detected in the form of cytoplasmic eosinophilia and the nuclei varying from peripheral margination of chromatin up to pyknosis, confirmed immunohistochemically with positive reaction for caspase-3 activity that was increased in a time-dependent manner to reach up to four times of the control level four weeks after doxorubicin treatment, as detected by image analysis. Ultrastructural examination showed extensive degeneration of the muscle fibers with marked loss and even complete disappearance of myofibrils, there was dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, increased amount of glycogen granules and mitochondriosis, with degeneration and moth-eaten appearance of many mitochondria. The nucleus appeared hyperchromatic with peripherally clumped chromatin. The above mentioned toxic effects of doxorubicin on the myocardium were markedly attenuated by probucol administration before and in combination with doxorubicin injections. From this study, it was concluded that, probucol markedly attenuated doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathic changes which is time- dependent

Histological and genetic studies on the effect of dexamethasone on the thymus gland of adult male albino rat

Despite of Glucocorticoids have a well known immunosuppressive action, a little is known about its induction of lymphoid cell death through activation of programmed-cell death known as apoptosis. This work was undertaken with the aim of studying the histological and genetic changes in the thymus gland of albino rats following dexamethasone administration and withdrawal using different doses. Thirty-six adult male albino rats weighting 180-200 gm were used in the present study. The rats were divided into three equal groups [12 animals for each]. Group I [control], injected daily intraperitoneally [IP] with 1ml distilled water. Group H, injected daily [IP] with low dose of dexamathazone [1 gm / Kg b.w.] for seven days and group III, injected daily [IP] with high dose of dexamathazon [2 gm / Kg b.w.] for seven days. Specimens were taken one day after the 1st, 3[rd] and 7[th] injection and three animals from each group were left for recovery and sacrificed seven days after stoppage of treatment. From each specimen, a part was taken for histological, and immunohistochemical studies under light microscopy and the other part was processed for gel electrophoresis. Histological results demonstrated apoptotic changes in thymocytes after a single dose of dexamethasone, more pronounced with the high dose. Aggregation of apoptotic lymphocytes and many large macrophages engulfing apoptotic materials were seen in the cortex. The apoptotic changes were confirmed with positive reaction for Fas-ligand immune activity after a single dose of dexamethasone injection. Severe atrophy of the gland was seen more with high dose where the cortex appeared depleted from lymphocytes. Withdrawal of the drug revealed considerable degree of resolution. The lymphocytes appeared morphologically normal with dispersion of their nuclear chromatin. Our results were confirmed by the results obtained by gel electrophoresis which showed DNA ladders after one day of injection in both low and high doses and complete disappearance of ladders after seven days of medication and in recovered animals. From this study, it was concluded that dexamethasone induced apoptotic changes in thymocytes early after a short period of adminestratione and these changes were timed and dose-dependant with recovery periods proportional to the dose

Prognostic significance of MRD [minimal residual disease] quantification by PCR in childhood acute leukaemia

Twenty five cases with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were included in this study. They received induction, intensification and maintenance chemotherapy [Modified Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster BMP 76/79 Protocol], plus prophylactic cranial irradiation to a total dose of 1800 cGy/ 2 weeks/ 10 fractions. MRD quantification was done using real-time PCR. It was found that patients with negative MRD had much better overall and relapse-free survivals than those with positive one, 100% versus 20% and 100% versus 25% at the end of 24 months follow-up. Again, it was found that PCR-MRD levels > 0.01 or more can predict the relapse and the prognosis of those cases was much worse than those with lower levels

Study of autoantibodies in alopecia areata

Alopecia areata [AA] is suspected as one of the autoimmune disease. There are conflicting results about the presence of autoantibodies in patients with AA. Forty patients with AA and other thirty normal subjects as a control were studied for the presence of autoantibodies such as antinuclear [ANA], anti- smooth muscle [ASMA] and antimitochondrial [AMA] antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence technique. Autoantibodies were found in [55.5%] of patients and [20%] of the control this difference was statistically significant P< 0.001 ; the commonest was The ASMA that was present in [37.5%], followed by ANA [25%] of the patients; while AMA was detected in [5%]. A family history of AA was reported [20%] of the patients, while [25%] of the patients has a family history of atopy. There was no significant difference between female and male patients in the presence of different studied autoantibodies. From these results we recommend the investigation of cases of AA specially those with more than 3 months duration for autoantibodies to modify the line of treatment of autoimmune disease

Colonization by methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus among health care workers in intensive care units

Intensive care units [ICUs] are important breading ground for the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The risk of exposure for health care workers [HCWs] to a specific pathogen is probably related to the prevalence of the implicated pathogen in patient population or the environment. This study aimed to describe the pattern of colonization with MRSA among HCWs in several ICUs of Suez Canal University Hospital [SCUH]; and search for finding any correlation between available infection control measures; the carriage rate of MRSA and testing the sensitivity of MRSA by cefoxitin disc against PCR method. The study involved 40 HCWs in four ICUs [Neonatal, Chest, Burn, Medical] of SCUH. They were Doctors 5 [12.5%], Nurses 25 [62.5%] and Workers 10 [25%]. Each participant completed a questionnaire and check list form. These showed suboptimal application of the infection control program and lapses in aspesis due to workload and limited resources. To detect MRSA colonization both nasal and nail bed swabs were collected from HCWs and inoculated on to Blood and Mannitol Salt Agar media. Testing for sensitivity to methicillin were performed by cefoxitin disc diffusion method [30 micro g] and by PCR method [gold standard for detection of MRSA]. The results of the two methods were the same and reflected that S. aureus isolated from 18[45%] HCWs 12[66.6%] were MRSA strains. The over all MRSA carriage rate was 30% [25% Nasal 5% Nail bed]. Highest rate was in burn ICU followed by chest, medical and neonatal ICUs [44.4%, 33.3%, 25% and 14% respectively]. There was no correlation between infection control training, antibiotic intake, duration of work of HCWs and carriage rate of MRSA [P >0.5]. to conclude, the present study revealed that cefoxitin disc diffusion test was 100% sensitive and specific for detection of MRSA like PCR method and the initial education programs need to be followed by reinforcement and infection control staff showed evaluate intrahospital compliance

Autistic Traits in individuals with normal intellectual level and associated psychological distress: a pilot study in an arabic culture

The advances in the concept of Autism are among the most significant developments in the recent history of psychiatry. Psychiatric literature in the Arab world needs to put more emphasis and to encourage the local research in this area. This pilot study is adopting the wider concept of the Autistic Spectrum Disorders [ASD]. This study aims to introduce a new questionnaire i.e. The Autistic-Spectrum Quotient Questionnaire [AQ] to the psychiatric literature in the Arab World. The [AQ] questionnaire has been translated to Arabic and used on Egyptian participants. The questionnaire could not be formally validated as this is beyond the scope of this pilot study. The study has also been designed to find out if highly functioning Egyptian students could have some autistic traits and if these traits are of any clinical significance. 202 students from different colleges at Zagazig University in Egypt have fully completed the Autistic-Spectrum Quotient Questionnaire [AQ]. The students have also completed the Arabic version of the General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-30] as a measure of any associated psychological distresses. The average Autistic-Spectrum Quotient [AQ] total score is 22.72 [SD 4.44] which followed normal distribution. The General health Questionnaire [GHQ] average total score is 34.43 [SD 13.09]. A positive correlation has been found between the AQ total scores and GHQ total scores [Pearson's correlation one tailed test: P = 0.036]. Results suggest that autistic traits as expressed by the score of AQ do present in a differed range in Egyptian students not dissimilar from the British and the Japanese studies

fungi recorded in imported feed samples with reference to control of T-2 toxicosis by antioxidant substances in chicks

Fifty samples of imported animal feed were evaluated for fungi and their toxins contamination. Nine genera and eight species of mould were isolated. The genus Mucor and Penicillium [66% and 65%] were predominantly isolated, followed by Aspergillus [40%]. Fusarium [20%] and Cladosporium [14%]. Belonging to genus Aspergillus, A. flavus was frequently isolated [28%] but F. graminearium was obtained only from 10% of Samples. Species of Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis and Alternaria were yielded from 4, 2 and 2% of samples respectively, T2-toxin [member of trichothecene] was detected in 30% of these samples with the mean amount of 60 ppb and aflatoxin in 20% with the mean amount of 3, 4 ppb, whereas ochratoxin A was gained from 14% of samples with mean level of 2.2 ppb, but Zearalenon and Fumonisin B[1] toxins were found in 6 and 2% with mean level of 22 and 70 ppb respectively. The induction of T-2 toxicosis in the broiler chickens and their elimination by dietary Vitamin E and/or selenium revealed that T-2 toxicosis significantly decreased the concentration of serum total protein, albumin and beta globulin and increased alpha and lambda globulins. Levels of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and copper were significantly increased and levels of zinc, vitamin A and E were decreased. The groups of chicks given vitamin E and/or selenium in the T-2 toxic diet showed general improvement in most of biochemical findings which were altered due to T-2 toxicosis, where the levels of alpha, beta and lambda globulin were increased and a significant decrease in levels of total lipid, triglycerides and cholesterol were obtained. Also, the treatment of toxicated chicks with selenium and/or Vit. E produced significant alteration in levels of Vit. A and E, copper, zinc and sodium. The antioxidant effect of Vit. E and/ or selenium reduced the toxic effect of T-2 toxin but not inhibit it

Subclinical cardiac dysfunction in children with vitamin D deficiency rickets: biochemical and echocardiographic study

Twenty-four children with a clinical evidence of moderately severe vitamin D deficiency rickets and ten healthy children of matched age and sex, as a control group, were included in this study. Serum profile of vitamin D status was studied. Echocardiographic assay of fractional shortening [FS] and right ventricular systolic time interval [RPEP/RVET] were done for all cases and controls. Regression analysis revealed that low serum magnesium and high LDH were the predictors of decreased left ventricular systolic function

Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in obese subjects: an echo-doppler study

Thirty asymptomatic normotensive obese subjects, body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m[2] [14 +/- 46.7%] males, 16 [53.3%] females, mean age 32.9 +/- 6.5 years] and 20 well matched healthy lean control subjects [9]45%] males, 11[55%] females, mean age 31.3 +/- 5.2 years] underwent an echo-Doppler study to evaluate the effects of obesity on systolic as well as on diastolic function. There was no significant difference in heart rate [HR], systolic or diastolic blood pressure [SBP.DBP] between both groups [P=NS]. When compared with the lean group, the obese group exhibited a significantly greater end-diastolic diameter [EDD] [4.9 +/- 0.2 Vs 4.4 +/- 0.3, P<0.01]. end diastolic volume [EDV] [125.5 +/- 28Vs 92.5 +/- 27 P<0.01], stroke volume [SV] [83.4 +/- 19 VS 59.6 +/- 17. P<0.01].Cardiac output [CO] [5.9 +/- 1.1 VS 4. 1 +/- 0.9 P<0.01]. left atrial diameter [LA] [3.7 +/- 3.1Vs 3.2 +/- 2.8.P<0.01]. posterior wall thickness [PWT] [1.1 +/- 0.7Vs 0.81 +/- 0.6. P<0.01] and left ventricular mass index [LVMI] [153 +/- 24Vs94 +/- 26, P<0.01]. There was no significant difference in end-systolic diameter [ESD], end-systolic volume [ESV], septal wall thickness [SWT], percentage of fibre shortening [FS] and ejection fraction [EF] between both groups [P=NS]. Pulsed wave Doppler echocardiographic filling indices were used to evaluate left ventricular [LV] diastolic filling. The obese group had a significantly higher peak velocity of atrial filling [A velocity] [57 +/- 14 Vs 49 +/- 13, P< 0.01], early / atrial filling velocity ratio [E/A ratio] [1.21 +/- 0.25 Vs 1.46 +/- 0.21. P<0.01] time velocity integral of atrial filling velocity [Ai] [4.6 +/- 1.7Vs 3.2 +/- 1.1 P<0.01] and percentage of atrial contribution to total ventricular filling [%AC] [33 +/- 6 Vs 24 +/- 3 P<0.01] Peak early filling velocity [E- velocity] was insignificantly lower in the obese group than the control group [P=NS]. insignificant prolongation of the deceleration time of peak early filling velocity [E-dec.] [P=NS] and insignificantly higher time velocity integral of early filling velocity [Ei] and total time velocity integral [Tvi] [P=NS]. Correlation studies revealed that the BMI was significantly correlated with Ai and% AC [r=0.62. p<0.05] and [r=0.48.P<0.01] respectively

Microbial hazard or salted om El-Kholoul [Wedge shell-donax trunculus]

Sixty samples of salted Om El-Kholoul were collected from different localities in Giza, Alexandria and Ismailia. Collected samples were examined organoleptically and subjected to bacteriological examination for enumeration of aerobic, enterobacteriaceae, Staph. aureus, enterococci counts as well as isolation and identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The mean counts/gm of Aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, Staph. aureus, Strept. faecalis and Strept. faecum were 4.9 x 15[5], 4.8 x 10[4], 1.9x10[5], 1.5 x 10[5], and 8 x 10[2], respectively. V. Parahaemolyticus could be isolated from all examined samples. The weight, pH and sodium chloride percent of samples were estimated and the inhibitory effect of lemon juice [Citrus aurantifolia] on the microbial load of such samples was noticed

Electron microscopic study on the pancrease of albino rat after bilateral vagotomy

Thirty adult male albino rats were included in this study and divided into six equal groups. Bilateral vagotomy was done in four groups, while the other two groups were used as control animals. Generalized swelling of mitochondria of acinar, insular and ductular cells as well as of the nerve terminals appeared by the third day after operation. These changes were more apparent by the 7th, 15th and 30th days with vascular congestion, hemorrhage and cellular infiltration. The early changes were first within the limits of the physiological parameters and destructive process soon occurred

Immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein the postnatal developing cornea of the rat

S-100 protein belongs to the family of ca-binding binding proteins such as calmodulin and troponin C- and had been considered to be specific for glial and Schwann cells. Recent immunohistochemical studies, however, have revealed the extensive localization of S-100 protein in a variety of cell types of neuroectodermal origin. In the present immunohistochemical study the localization of S-100 protein in the postnatal developing cornea of the rat was studied using a specific polycolonal antibody directed against S-100 protein in immunoperoxidase labelling experiments. S-100 protein was detected in the corneal epithelium, fibroblasts of substantia propria and the endothelium at the age of 10th postnatal day to the adult age. It did not give any activity before the age of 10 days. These results showed that S-100 protein was distributed in both ectodermal tissues [corneal epithelium] and mesodermal tissues [substantia propria and endothelium]. Also, this study suggests that S-100 protein could be expressed in the albino rat cornea just after its maturation and plays an important role in the corneal functions. Further investigations are, however, necessary to clarify the exact role played by S-100 protein in the cornea

Sedimentation rate [a new equation] for airborne fungi in a libyan abattoir

A total of 80 air samples from different compartments of Slaughter House Shahaat [A Libyan abattoir] were examined mycologically. A number of 360 mould strains were recovered, at the top were dark moulds [87.22%], Aspergillus [6.67%], Penicillium [2.22%], Fusarium [1.94%]. Mucor and Absidia were also isolated. Sedimentation rate of cfu of moulds on 1 cm 2 was calculated

Incidence of some zoonotic agents and tuberculosis in slaughtered buffaloes [bubalus bubalis]

A total of 6000 buffalos [Bubalus bubalis] slaughtered for meat production at Cairo Abattoir were examined at post mortem during 1991-1992 for the presence of Cysticercus bovis, sarcosporidia, hydatid cysts, liver flukes and tuberculosis. The incidence rate was 0.32%, 0.88%, 0.60%, 8.44%, 4.96% for those affections respectively. Fascioliasis constituted nearly 80% of the parasitic affections. The lungs showed tuberculous nodules in 70.41% of the cases. Suggestive measures for control of such affections were mentioned

Mycoflora of imported frozen beef

A total of 95 cartons containing imported frozen beef cuts [21 forequarter, 29 flank and brisket, 37 hindquarter and 8 different cuts] were examined for the presence of mycoflora. A total of 125 moulds could be isolated and identified. The most frequent moulds were Aspergillus, 53 [42.4%], Dematiaceous moulds 30 [24%], Penicillium 22 [17.6%] and Trichoderma 5 [4%]. Significance of these moulds was discussed