Estimation of some heavy metal residues in beef and poultry meat in Elgiza province

A total of 120 random samples of beef and poultry samples [60 of each]. The beef samples were beef meat, liver and kidney [20 of each] and the poultry samples were poultry meat, liver and kidney [20 of each] were randomly collected from butcher's and poultry shops at El.Giza province. The samples were transferred to the laboratory for estimation of lead, cadmium and arsenic residues by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The obtained results revealed that the mean values of lead, cadmium and arsenic residues in beef meat were 1.745 +/- 0.61 ppm, 0.93 +/- 0.05ppm and 53.1 +/- 3.4ppm [part per million], while the mean values of lead, cadmium and Arsenic residues in poultry meat [cuts] were 4.15 +/- 1.15ppm, 0.31 +/- 0.58ppm and 47.6 +/- 0.15ppm respectively. Also the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined beef livers were 3.15 +/- 1.08ppm, 0.95 +/- 0.15 ppm and 60.5 +/- 1.5 ppm respectively, while the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined poultry livers were 3.95 +/- 1.15ppm, 1.16 +/- 0.16ppm and 43.5 +/- 3.2ppm respectively. As well as the mean values of pb, cd and As examined beef kidney were 2.7 +/- 1.15ppm, 0.64 +/- 0.09ppm and 43.7 +/- 0.15ppm respectively. While the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined poultry kidney were 4.1 +/- 1.53ppm, 0.41 +/- 0.1ppm and 37.9 +/- 1.14ppm respectively. The public health significance and the prophylactic measures to avoid such residues were discussed

Endoscope-assisted inlay butterfly cartilage myringoplasty

Myringoplasty is one of the most common forms of surgery in otology. It yields very satisfying results for both to the patient and the surgeon. Popular myringoplasty techniques include either an underlay or an onlay approach using tissues such as temporalis fascia or perichondrium as grafts. In 1998, Eavey described an inlay tympanoplasty technique in children using a cartilage graft which resembled butterfly wings. This technique was effective for closure of tympanic membrane perforations, while being more rapid for the surgeon and more comfortable for the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of using middle ear endoscopy for doing inlay butterfly cartilage myringoplasty. Between December 2008 and December 2010, Twenty one consecutive patients between age group of 16-50 years with persistent tympanic membrane perforation were included in this study. All patients underwent Endoscope-assisted Inlay Butterfly Cartilage [Eavey Technique] myringoplasty [EAIBCM]. The overall success rate of the graft uptake and improvement in conductive deafness as air-bone gap closure was achieved in above 80 percent of cases. tympanoscopy, with its visualisation of hidden corners, justifies Butterfly inlay myringoplasty via a tympanic membrane perforation. Furthermore, the cost of the endoscope is much less than the operating microscope and the endoscope is portable tool thus it is more cost-effective, especially in developing countries. Combining butterfly inlay tympanoplasty technique with the middle ear endoscopy as a tool carries definitive advantages of less operative time, day care surgery, minimal scarring and hence can be accepted as a routine procedure in day-to-day practice.

insight on the prevalence of body weight disturbance among children with otitis media with effusion

To evaluate the frequency of variant constitutional parameters among children of primary school age and had otitis media with effusion [OME]. The present study was assigned to include 100 children of primary school age with manifestations of OME and underwent myringotomy and insertion of Grommet's tube for middle ear aeration. All patients underwent preoperative determination of age, gender, weight [kg] and height [cm] and body mass index [BMI]. Obesity was defined according to the percentile of BMI adjusted for age and gender and for comparative purposes; enrolled patients were stratified according to BMI percentile strata within each age-stratum and gender frequencies. The study included 100 patients; 54 males and 46 females with a mean age of 8.7 +/- 1.8; range: 6-12 years and mean BMI of 27.2 +/- 4.5; range: 17.7-35.5 kg/m2. Twenty-six patients had average healthy weight, 20 patients were at risk of being over-weight, 23 patients were over-weight and 31 were obese. Twenty-three of patients aged 6-8 years [57.5%], 17 patients aged >8-10 years [47.5%] and 11 patients older than >10 years [57.2%] were average weight or at risk of being over-weight with non-significant between age strata. Similarly, the percentages of over-weight and obese patients showed nonsignificant difference between age strata. Patients' distribution according to gender showed significantly higher percentage of females in obese patients compared to those had average weight or at risk of being over-weight and non-significantly compared to over-weight patients. Average weight patients showed higher percentage of males that was significant compared to over-weight patients and non-significant compared to those at risk of being over-weight. There is a relationship between obesity and OME in children of primary school age and this was age or sex-independent and could be attributed to obesity-associated disturbed immune milieu or to affection of taste sensation

Heavy metal residues in some fresh Egyptian fishes

A total of one hundred and twenty fresh fish samples were randomely collected from Giza and Cairo markets [60 of each; 20 of Tilapis nilotica, Mugil cephalus and Bagrus bayed] to estimate the concentration of Mercury [Hg], lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd], and zinc [Zn]. Residues in flesh of the above mentioned fresh water fishes were estimated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer [AAS]. The obtained results indicated that the mean values +/- S.E of Hg in examined Tilapia nilotica, Mugil cephalus and Bagrus bayed were [2.2 +/- 0.26 and 2.1 +/- 0.92, 2.01 +/- 0.71 and 1.1 +/- 0.88, 0.115 +/- 0.015 and 0.021 +/- 0.042 ppm] in Giza and Cairo Governorates respectively. Also Pb residues were [1.015 +/- 0.5 and 1.1 +/- 0.84, 1.8 +/- 0.61 and 1.9 +/- 1.01, 1.12 +/- 0 .13 and 0.321 +/- 0.14 ppm] respectively. While the Cd values were [0.85 +/- 0.11 and 1.09 +/- 0.416, 3.1 +/- 0.72 and 2 +/- 0.92 .2.51 +/- 1.51 and 0.62 +/- 0.32 ppm] respectively. Concerning Zn values, they were [12.72 +/- 1.21 and 10.2 +/- 0.51, 12.05 +/- 1.15 and 10.7 +/- 0.63, 11.02 +/- 0.5 and 10.86 +/- 0.119 ppm] respectively. The obtained data were evaluated according to the permissible limits of FAO/WHO [1992] and E.S.S No. 2360 issued by Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control [EOSQC] [1993]. The public health significance and suggested precautions for minimizing the level of such heavy metals in food were discussed

Chain-breaking antioxidants, ascorbic acid and vitamin E, in reseponse to cattle theileriosis [with 2 tables and 2 figures]

The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of cattle theileriosis on blood serum ascorbic acid and vitamin E levels as a model for studying the blood oxidative status in parasitized cattle. A total number of 18 Holstein cows were subjected to the study. All animals were examined clinically and blood samples were collected for evaluation of blood parasite, hemogram picture and vitamin E and ascorbic acid levels. Out of the examined number, 8 cattle were found infested with ticks and showed clinical manifestation of blood parasite infection, which were confirmed by the positive blood film for Theileria infection. The rest of the animals were proved healthy and used as control group for the study. The results of the evaluation study of the chain-breaking antioxidants, vitamin E and Ascorbic acid, in the diseased group as compared to the control group revealed significant decrease in blood serum ascorbic acid [p< 0.01] and vitamin E [p< 0.01] levels. The hematological picture revealed significant decrease in total erythrocytes count, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume%. The over all results suggest the presence of an increased oxidative stress in Theileria-infected cattle which was manifested by the reduction of the chain-breaking antioxidants levels, ascorbic acid and vitamin E in the blood of parasitized animals. The results of the study recommend the supplementation of Theileria-infected cattle with sources of vitamin C and vitamin E in addition to traditional treatment to overcome the oxidative stress associating the infection and to avoid the possible complications of secondary vitamin deficiency

IgA/transferrin ratio for the early prediction of latent liver cirrhosis

The B.C of our study was to assess the level of IgA and transferrin of patients with liver cirrhosis to determine the relation between liver cirrhosis and IgA/transferrin ratio. The study involved 32 subjects classified into patients without liver cirrhosis [n=12], and patients with liver cirrhosis [n=10] as well as a group of normal healthy subjects [n=10] for comparison. In all of these subjects, serum alanine [ALT] and aspartate [AST] aminotransferase activity as well as serum IgA and transferrin level were determined. Our results revealed that the mean values of both ALT and AST activities were significantly high in both groups of patients without liver cirrhosis and with liver cirrhosis [P<0.05], although the activity of both enzymes was relatively higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than in those without liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, the amount of IgA immunoglobulin showed very highly significant decreased values in patients without liver cirrhosis while very highly significant increased values were obtained in cirrhotic patients as compared to their corresponding values in normal group. The concentration of serum transferrin showed insignificant values in cases without liver cirrhosis whereas these values showed moderately significant decreased level in cases of liver cirrhosis. It is of interest that the values of IgA/transferrin ratio, although showed insignificant values in patients without liver cirrhosis these values were significantly high in cirrhotic patients. In addition, it has been found that in liver cirrhotic patients the mean values of IgA/transferrin ratio were nearly 2.5 times as compared to the ratios in normal or non-cirrhotic patients. From the present study, the determination of IgA and transferrin in serum or plasma may open up a very simple and safe way for the early detection of latent cirrhosis. IgA/transferrin>2.5 ratio was found to be significantly increased in latent cirrhosis as compared to patients without cirrhosis or normal subjects. This value can be considered as an indicator of latent cirrhosis in children associated with liver diseases

Immunization of mice with crud extract of saccharomyces boulardii yeast induces cross-reactive immune responses with antigenic preparations from different develop-mental stages of the schistosoma mansoni and reduces the parasite worm burden

Immunization of mice with Saccharomyces boulardii crude extract caused a significant reduction in Schistosoma mansoni worm burden [23.7%; P = 0.02] in comparison to control mice. Mice sera collected after the 1st immunization showed a significant increase [P < 0.05] in both IgM and IgG against parasite soluble cercarial antigenic preparation [CAP] than unimmunized mice sera [UMS]. Upon 2nd immunization, sera from yeast extract immunized mice [YIM] showed increase of IgM and IgG [1.6 and 1 fold] against CAP than UMS. Sera collected 2, 4 and 6 weeks [W] after infection of YIM with S. mansoni cercariae showed higher 1gM [1.4, 1.5 and 1 folds] and IgG [0.9, 1.2 and 1.1 folds] levels against CAP than sera of infected UM [IUM]. When compared to sera from UM, a week post lst and 2nd immunization sera showed a significant elevation [P < 0.05] of both IgM and IgG to parasite soluble adult worm antigenic preparation [SWAP]. Sera collected at 2, 4 and 6W after infection of YIM with parasite cercariae showed higher 1gM [11, 1.3 and 1.2 folds] and IgG [1.2, 1.1 and1.3 folds] reactivities against SWAP than sera of IUM. One week post 1t and 2 immunization with the yeast extract, sera showed a significant increase [P < 0.05] of both 1gM and IgG levels against parasite soluble egg antigen when compared with sera from UM. At 2 and 4W post infection, sera from immunized infected mice showed a significant decrease in IgM [P < 0.05] but the decrease of IgG [0.7 fold] was not significant when compared to IUM. Six weeks post infection the decrease in both antibodies remained but it was significant for IgG [P < 0.05] but not for IgM [2.1 folds] when compared with IUM. Immunization with S. boulardii extract caused a non-significant increase [1.2 folds] in mesenteric lymph node [MLN]-CD4+T cells, significant elevation of MLN-CD8+T cells [P < 0.05] and a non-significant increase [0.9 folds] of B-cells when compared to that of UM. Also, Immunization with S. boulardii extract caused 1 fold elevation in both CD4+ and CD8 +/- T lymphocytes in thymus of YIM when compared with their counts in thymus of UM

Effect of immunization against oestradiol-17 beta on some biochemical parameters and reproductive performance in barki ewes

The present study was carried out on 14 Barki ewes raised at the National Research Centre Farm. Ewes were either treated with a mixture of saline and Freund's complete adjuvant [FCA, control group, n=6] or oestradiol-17beta-6-BSA conjugated with FCA [immunized group, n=8]. Ewes were mated after the booster injection. Blood samples were collected to determine lipids, proteins and their fractions. The reproductive efficiency of ewes were recorded. Results revealed no significant changes in plasma lipids, proteins and their fractions between control and immunized groups. Twinning rate increased in immunized [75%] than in control [0%] groups. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in gestation length, pregnancy rate, lambing rate and lamb birth weight between both groups. It is concluded that active immunization of Barki ewes against oestradiol-17beta-6-BSA increased twinning rate [75%]

Effect of active immunization against estradiol-17 beta on plasma antibody titer and steroids levels in Barki Ewes

The present study was carried out on 14 Barki ewes raised at The National Research Centre Experimental Farm. Animals were treated either with a mixture of saline and Freund's complete adjuvant [FCA] and served as control [n=6] or conjugated estradiol-17beta and served as treated group [n=8]. Ewes were mated after the booster immunization. Blood samples were collected during the different reproductive stages to determine plasma anti-estradiol liters [ELISA] as well as progesterone and estradiol-17beta [RIA] levels. Results indicated that immunized ewes were capable of eliciting antibodies specific to the steroid moiety and titer was detected during the different reproductive stages. Moreover, hormone levels during cyclic, pregnancy and perilambing periods revealed similar pattern in both groups but in variable levels and were significantly higher in immunized than the control group it is concluded that barki ewes responded well to immunization against estadiol-17beta by producing considerable amount of antibody titer

relation between histamine and serotonin plasma levels and renal diseases in children

Plasma histamine and serotonin concentrations were measured using fluorimetric assay in 40 children with renal diseases, minimal change nephrotic syndrome, focal segmental go-merulosclerosis and acute poststreptococcal glomerulo-nephritis to determine the relation between plasma level of histamine and serotonin and these various types of renal diseases in children. Plasma histamine level was significantly increased in group of children with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis Plasma serotonin levels were significantly increased in all 3 groups of patients when compared with those of controls. Raised plasma hisiamine in acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis group may be evidence of the acute immu-nological inflammation and defective renal excretion due to mild renal impairment in these children. Raised plasma serotonin in all 3 groups of patients may be due to diminished uptake and release of serotonin from platelets in children with nephrotic syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and due to defective renal excretion in children with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Platelet aggregation and von willebrand factor in children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus represent the most serious complications that burden normal life in insulin dependent diabetic patients. It has been speculated that platelet activation and von Willebrand factor [vWF] activity might contribute to the evolution of microvascular complications in patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]. In this study, platelet aggregation [in response to ADP and ristocetin] and vWF activity were measured in 20 children with IDDM who were clinically free from demonstrable microvascular complications, and in 10 normal healthy children of matched age and sex served as control group. The results showed an abnormal platelet behavior in diabetic children that was characterized by irreversible aggregation with low dose of ADP and significant increase in peak wave length of platelet aggregation with both ADP and ristocetin. Also the activity of vWF which is a marker of endothelial cell function was significantly higher in diabetic children compared to control group. The studied parameters, were compared with the state of metabolic control, namely glycemic control by measurement of glycated haemoglobin [Hb A1c] and the lipidemic state assessed by serum total cholesterol levels. Platelet aggregation was positively correlated with the serum cholesterol level while vWF was positively correlated with the level of glycated haemoglobin. Meanwhile vWF activity was positively correlated with platelet aggregation. To conclude; the results of this study suggest that diabetic children who are clinically free from detectable microvascular complications might be at the onset of preclinical microangiopathy manifesting itself by the enhanced platelet aggregation and endothelial cell dysfunction [high vWF activity]. Both the glycemic and lipidemic states seem to affect the enhanced platelet activation and increased vWF

Management of pilonidal sinus by exision and primary closure with transposition rhomboid flap

The pilonidal disease is an acquired condition caused by foreign body reaction to hairs embeded in the skin or due to occlusion of the hair follicles by keratin which become inflamed and rupture into the surrounding fat. This paper emphazise some details of technique of exision and primary closure with a transposition rhomboid flap to ensure a successful outcome. This work was done in Zagazig University Hospital where as twenty eight patients were included in this study. The advantages of this technique were less bleeding, less wound breakdown, lower infection, reduced wound pain, shorter time off work, faster healing time, simple to perform by general surgeon, short hospital stay, rapid return to the work with full activities and good primary healing

Giant prosthetic repair for complex recurrent inguinal hernia

The management of recurrent inguinal hernia by giant prosthetic mesh in the preperitoneal space were evaluated.From Octoper 1995 to April 1997, 25 patients with 42 hernias [11 primary and 31 recurrent] were operated using a technique based on Stoppa's preperitoneal mesh repair. All patients were at high risk for recurrence. 8 patients had unilateral recurrent hernias, 6 patients had bilateral recurrent hernia and 11 patients had recurrent hernias on one side and primary hernias on the other side. All patients were subjected to a pre-operative physical examination and follow up: 2 weeks, one month; six months and one year post operatively. There were no major complications.Minor to moderate infection that healed without removing the mesh occured in 4 patients. No recurrence was detected during the period of follow up.Because of the excellent results and the low complications rate, giant prosthetic reinforcement of the visceral sac is the operation of choice for any recurrent inguinal hernia

Development of immuno sorbent agglutination assay [ISAGA] for determination of speeifie antihouse dust mite IGE

Atopy poses a world wide health problem to large segments of population and is relevant from early childhood to adulthood. Diagnosis of atopy is simply based on skin tests which must be avoided in many occasions, or on total Ig[E] estimation which may be misleading. Other tests to detect serum specific Ig[E] are expensive and need special instrumentation. This study presented a less expensive modification of ISAGA to detect specific Ig[E] antibodies of 180 asthmatic children and 89 healthy children control evaluated clinically and by pulmonary function. 137 children were proved to be asthmatic 59 [43.1%] of cases and 8 [8.9%] gave SPT and intradermal positive tests to house dust mite [HDM] allergen extract. Collection of the mite D-pteronyssinus from houses of all asthmatic cases and control detected high infestation rate in all houses [94.9 - 93.5% respectively]. Agglutination score [of three wells] encountered by different serial dilution among 59 atopic children with +ve SPT to HDM allergens showed that 1/25 serum dilution is effective to perform ISAGA test. Correlation of ISAGA with skin tests showed that the sensitivity of the test is 100% [67 positive by the test of 67 true positive] the test was [98.4%] specific [one false positive case out of 61 true negative]. The test also prooved to be reproducible. Application of the test showed that 76.1% of asthmatic patients had specific Ig[E], the test also correlates well with the intensity of the skin reaction. Such findings accomodate it as a test for atopy among asthmatics

Electron microscopic study on the skin of electrocuted albino rat

Adult albino rats were injured by a continuous electric current of 220 volts for 2 seconds. Samples were collected from the skin at the site of injury immediately after injury and after 24 hours, processed and examined by the transmission electron microscope. It was found that electric injury caused marked skin distruction immediately after injury, the keratin layer became very thin, the epidermal reduced contained few cells without special arrangement, ill distinct boundaries and degenerated cytoplasmic organelles. The basal lamina detached with vacuolation in the dermis replacing the dermal collagen fibers. One day post-injury, the skin appeared regained nearly its normal architecture. The epidermal cells increased with distinct boundaries and recognizable organelles. Also, the dermo-epidermal junction and basal regained their normal appearance

Simple method for the estimation of 2-keto-3-deoxy aldonic acids formed by fungi

A simplified colorimetric procedure has been developed for 2-keto- 3-deoxy aldonic acids on the base of previously reported methods using periodate oxidation. The periodate oxidation product is coupled with thiobarbituric acid to form a chromogen whose absorption maximum is at 545 to 550 nm. Cell-free extracts of six Penicillia were analyzed for their ability to degrade D-gluconate and L-arabonate. The formed 2-keto-3-deoxy-D-gluconate [KDG] and 2-keto-3-deoxy-L-arabonate [KDA] were estimated by this method. High yield of KDG was observed in case of Penicillium citrinum, P. Funiculosum and P. Chrysogenum, but a considerable amount of KDA was detected. KDG and KDA were also estimated as a product of C3 + C3 and C3 + C2 reverse reactions of aldolases, respectively. This method is unique in that it can be applied to a large number of microorganisms as a metabolic marker for taxonomic purposes