Mitochondrial DNA [MTDNA] alterations and dysfunctions in presbyacusis

The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA] alterations and mitochondrial metabolic dysfunctions in patients with presbyacusis, and also to discover correlations between presbyacusis and eventually the degree of hearing loss and mitochondrial damage. Seventy patients with presbyacusis were examined, including forty Egyptian patients and thirty Italian patients. Forty eight normal persons were included as control group, including twenty four Egyptian persons and twenty four Italian persons. No common point mutation; A1555G, A3243G, A7445G were detected in all patients and controls. Haplogroup U was significantly common in patients in comparison to controls. Mutation of antioxidant genes [GSTT1,GSTM1] were significantly detected in only Italian patients in comparison to Italian controls

Echinochasmus aspinuosa as a new record species in Egyptian heron

This paper reported a new Egyptian of Echinochasmus aspinuosa in herons trapped in Giza and Sharkia Governorates. The detailed morphology was given and illustrated. The zoonotic importance of this digenetic trematode was discussed

Role of periodontitis in hospital-acquired pneumonia

This study evaluated the role of periodontal pathogens in 50 hospitalized patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia compared with 30 healthy controls. Specimens of oropharyngeal aspirate, dental plaque, bronchoalveolar lavage and blood cultured 1 or more pathogens in around 80% of patients, predominately Staphylococcus aureus, followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns showed concordance of bacterial cultures from dental plaque and oropharyngeal cavity in 13 patients. C-reactive protein [CRP] levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls and there was a significant correlation between serum and salivary CRP levels. Dental plaque biofilm may promote oral and oropharyngeal colonization of respiratory pathogens in hospitalized subjects

suggested algorithm for using serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C virus infection [HCV] is endemic in Egypt. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis and staging of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. However, it is invasive, associated with sampling error and poses potential complications. A non-invasive alternative is needed. This assessed the accuracy of certain biochemical markers and ultaronography in predicting the stage of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. Sixty five patients with chronic HCV were enrolled. Ultrasonographic examination, complete blood count and liver function tests were done. Serum levels of hyaluronic acid [HA] and YKL-40 [a 40-kDa glycoprotein produced by stellate cells] were determined. Liver biopsy was done. Fibrosis was correlated with biochemical markers and ultrasonographic findings. Histopathological examination showed that 39 patients [60%] had F1, nine [14%] had F2, 17 [26%] had F3 and none had F0 or F4 scores. A value of alanine aminotransferase [ALT] index <0.38, HA <9.7 ng - ml[-1] or portal vein [PV] cross-sectional area <25.8 mm[2] excluded significant fibroses [>/= F2]. A value of aspartate aminotransferase [AST] + ALT<39.5 or ratio of AST index to the platelet count [APRI] <0.235 or HA x 100 per platelet [Plt] < 9.534 excluded the presence of advanced fibrosis with 100% negative predictive value [NPV]. Using these values, advanced fibrosis could be excluded in 72% of our patients. An APRI value of >/= 1.1 can diagnose advanced fibrosis with 100% positive predictive value [PPV] in 10%of our patients. Hence, only 18% of our patients in whom liver biopsy was recommended were not classified by these parameters. YKL-40 did not help in the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis. Applying a simple algorithm based on ALT, AST, platelet count, PV cross-sectional area, in addition to HA level may eliminate the need for liver biopsies in more than 80% of chronic HCV patients

Psychiatric profiles in patients with liver cirrhosis

Psychiatric disorders are common comorbidities in patients with liver cirrhosis that may impair patients' quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the common psychiatric disorders in cirrhotic patients in our locality. Subjects and Psychiatric disorders were prospectively assessed by administration of Symptom Checklist-90 revised [SCL-90-R], Hamilton anxiety rating scale, and Hamilton Checklist of Symptoms of depressive illness to 200 patients with liver cirrhosis and 200 control volunteers of matched age. In addition, clinical data, abdominal ultrasonography and laboratory data [liver function tests for patients] were collected. Results. Compared with controls, cirrhotic patients were significantly more likely to have depression [43.5% versus 14%, P< 0.001], anxiety [16.5% versus 5.5% P< 0.001] and increased mean scores of SCL-90-R subscales ['e.g. somatizalion, depression and hostility,]. Increasing severity of liver cirrhosis [based on the Child-Pugh score] was associated with increased frequency of Psychiatric disorders. Compared with the control group, patients with liver cirrhosis showed significantly higher frequency of comorbid psychiatric disorders which is increased by worsening disease severity

Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: potential biomarkers

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] occurs in 60% -95% of people with obesity. Understanding the pathogenesis of NAFLD is of great importance in ultimately finding a treatment, cure or prevention of this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the role of adipocytokines [leptin and adiponectin] in NAFLD and correlate them with different anthropometric and clinical variables as well as to investigate the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] and NAFLD. Thirty patients [9 males and 21 females] with NAFLD [their diagnosis was based on ultrasonographic finding of bright liver]. Their age was [Mean +/- SD] 38.00 +/- 10.42 years. A control group included fifteen healthy volunteers, who was gender, age and BMI matched. Serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, [hs- CRP], and lipid profile were assayed. NAFLD patients showed significantly higher BMI, AST/ALT ratio, serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, serum NEFFA levels, serum hs-CRP levels and significantly lower serum HDL-C and adiponectin levels in comparison to controls. Among NAFLD patients; these changes were significantly high in females than male patients. Serum leptin levels showed no significant difference between patients and controls. NAFLD patients with BMI >/= 30 and those with AST/ALT ratio >/= 1 showed significantly higher serum levels of NEFFA, leptin, hs-CRP and significantly lower serum levels of adiponectin in comparison to those with BMI<30 and AST/ALT ratio <1. To date adiponectin and hs-CRP has yielded the most promising results. Serum leptin has contradictory results so can not be used as a marker of NAFLD

Non small cell lung cancer molecular biomarkers in blood

Several studies have reported significant correlations between individual telomerase activity and apoptosis in malignant tumours including lung cancer. Such studies were carried out on tissue biopsies from the malignant tissue. The aim of the present study was to determine molecular biological parameters that can he used for early biological predisposition for lung cancer. Telomerase activity and Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein in circulating lymphocytes, plasma nitric oxide. epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth 'actor receptor were measured in the blood of 25 non small cell lung cancer [NSCLC] patients amid in 20 normal age and socio-economic matching controls, Results revealed significant increase in telomerase activity [53 +/- 8.2 vs. 19.5 +/- 4.8. p<0.0001] between cancer patients and normal controls, significant lower levels of Bcl-2 [7 2 +/- 1,5 vs. 10.4 +/- 1.4 micro g/ml, t 7.3. p<0.0000001] among cancer patients compared to normal controls, However, there were significantly higher levels of epidermal growth factors [6.2 +/- 2 05 vs 0.2 +/- 0.01 pg/ml], epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR [134 +/- 4.7 vs. 102 +/- 2.2 fmol/ml] and plasma nitrate/nitrite [18.8 +/- 4.7 vs. 12.5 +/- 5 micro g/ml. 1=-5.25. p<0.0001] in lung cancer patients compared to controls. This study reveals that Bcl-2 levels in circulating peripheral blood are weak biomarkers for lung cancer, while increase in plasma telomerase activity, NO and EGF levels can he used as reliable biomarkers for cancer prognosis

Propofol pharmacokinetics in infants

Infant and children differ markedly from adult patients. Since the production of propofol, it has gained popularity as an agent for both induction and maintenance of anaesthesia for adults and children. There has been a lack of pharmacokinetic studies in children less than 3 years. Was to determine the complete pharmacokinetic profile of propofol in infants [2-24 months]. Forty eight patients were randomly assigned into 4 groups, each group has 12 patients. They were scheduled to undergo superficial body surgery of I hour expected duration. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed used high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC].Non linear mixed effects modelling [NONMEM] software program was used to analyze the pharmacokinetic data. The pharmacokinetic of propofol in infants followed two compartement model with systemic clearance -[Cl] 29.77 +/- 9.46 ml kg[-1] min[-1], central volume of distribution [Vc] 0.62 +/- 0.24 l kg[-1], and the volume at steady state [Vss] 1.67 +/- 0.26 l kg[-1]. The context sensitive half life [HL] was 0.24 +/- 0.02 h. The infants have a larger volume of distribution and a higher clearance of propofol. Therefore, the induction and maintenance doses should be increased in this young age with using population based pharmacokinetic parameters for accurate propofol dosing strategy

Screening for human brucellosis in Sohag farms

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that exists worldwide. Several studies were conducted in different governorates, e.g. Menofia, Dakahlia, Giza, Assiut, to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis, but little is known about the problem in Sohag Governorate. The aim was to estimate the frequency of brucellosis in farm workers in Sohag Governorate using ELISA test and to treat positive cases. This study involved 141 persons [91 persons from three farms in Sohag Governorate [high risk group] and 50 persons, who have no contact to animals [control]]. Through this study complete clinical examination, ultrasound examination and complete blood count and ELISA test for brucellosis were done to all persons. The results revealed that the frequency of seropositivity to brucellosis was found to be 12% in the three farms as a whole [13.5% in Faculty of Agriculture Farm, 13% in El-Dyabat Farm and 0% in Shandaweel]. It was concluded that brucellosis is not uncommon among farm workers in Sohag Governorate. Animal vaccination and regular examination for detection of diseased animals was recommended. Health education of workers is of great importance to minimize the transmission of the disease

Detection of microdeletions involving the DAZ locus in idiopathic male infertility

Deletions of the AZFc [azoospermic factor c] region of the Y chromosome including DAZ gene are the most common known cause of spermatogenic failure. This study was conducted with the aim of detecting Y chromosome microdeletions involving the DAZ locus in idiopathic male infertility to allow rapid and accurate diagnosis required for proper genetic counseling. The study included 30 male patients with idiopathic azoospermia [24/30] or oligozoospermia [6/30]. A control group consisted of 10 normal fertile males and 5 females. All cases were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination, assessment of testicular volume, semen analysis, serum hormonal profile [FSH, LH, testosterone], testicular biopsy, chromosome analysis, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] amplification of two specific loci of the DAZ gene on the Y chromosome [sY254 and sY255], single strand conformations polymorphism analysis [SSCP]. The result of the study revealed that deletions involving the sY245 and sY255 DAZ loci were found in 4 cases [4/30; 13.3%]; 3 azoospermic patients and one with severe oligozoospermia. All four cases with microdeletions had decreased testicular volume, normal serum LH and T, serum FSH was elevated in 3 of them and normal in one. The two loci were amplified normally in the male control group and failed to amplify in the female control group. SSCP analysis failed to find any point mutations in sY254 and sY255 in patients with absence of microdeletions of DAZ gene. In conclusion, the estimated frequency of microdeletions involving the DAZ locus is 13.3% in azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic Egyptian men with idiopathic infertility. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the DAZ locus is a rapid and accurate method for the diagnosis of microdeletions of the Y chromosome in patients with idiopathic infertility especially those seeking micromanipulation assisted reproduction

Modified interface between pediatric ventilator and Ayre's T-piece for use in neonates

The lowest tidal volume delivered by most at the pediatric anesthesia ventilators could be large for neonates, and may generate unacceptably high peak airway pressures. The effective tidal volume can however be reduced by connection of a small rubber bag between the ventilator and the expiratory limb of the Ayre's T-piece circuit to divide the delivered gas mixture between the added bag and the neonate's lungs. The delivered tidal volume by the ventilator can then he manipulated to achieve the desired peak inspiratory pressure; 18-20cm H[2]O in neonates with normal lung compliance. The modification was found to be simple, safe and convenient

Nifedipine versus fentanyl to prevent the pressor response to tracheal intubation

Thirty six patients ASA 1 or 2, undergoing surgery that required tracheal intubation, were allocated randomly into three groups of twelve each. Before induction of anesthesia, they received either saline, 10 mg, nifedipine sublingual, or fentanyl 1.5 micro g. kg [-1] IV. Heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SAP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], and mean blood pressure [MAP], were recorded automatically every minute for 5 minutes before induction of anesthesia, and for 5 minutes after intubation. Nifedipine was better than fentanyl in blocking the pressor response. The fentanyl dose was too small to abolish this response completely. The increase in HR and blood pressure were most evident in the control group, followed by fentanyl, and the least increase was seen with nifedipine

Evaluation of urinalysis reagent strips versus microscopical examination of urine for schistosoma haematobium

Out of 222 students from primary and secondary rural schools, 191 were S. haematobium and 59 were parasitologically negative. A total of 135 students had a count of less than 50 eggs/10 ml urine and 56 had more than 50 eggs/10 ml urine. The sensitivity of reagent strips in detecting hematuria was 10% and 36% for the groups with less than and more than 50 eggs/10 ml of urine, respectively. The correspondent microscope figures were 42% and 93%, respectively. Proteinuria was detected in 11% and 29% of urines from the groups with less than and more than 50 eggs/10 ml, respectively. The specificity of strips and microscopical examination in detection of hematuria was 100%, while that for proteinuria was 97% as detected by strips. The results showed that urinalysis strips cannot be used as an alternative to microscopic examination of urine for the presence of S. haematobium eggs

Closed circuit coasting from high flow isoflurane anesthesia

Closed circuit coasting after high flow isoflurane- N [2] 0 anesthesia was used in 30 patients undergoing operations expected to last more than one hour. Near the end of the operation, the circuit was closed by shutting off anesthetics and reducing oxygen flow to that necessary to maintain constant end-tidal circuit volume throughout the duration of coasting [Tc]. End-tidal isoflurane concentration of 0.5% was a safe target for coasting. Good correlation was found between Tc and anesthetic delivery duration [T [AD]]. An adequate Tc for the first hour of T [AD] was 15 minutes followed by 11 minutes more for each subsequent hour of T [AD]. The technique is safe, simple, economic, predictable and practical

Inhalational anesthetics and liver mitochondria

The effects of exposure to anesthetic concentrations and repeated exposure to subanesthetic concentrations of halothane and enflurane on liver mitochondria were studied in rats. Halothane and enflurane stimulated mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase [ATPase] activity, a feature of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Halothane in anesthetic concentrations increased in the amount of mitochondrial proteins [cytochromes and flavoproteins], enflurane did not change it, while each in subanesthetic concentrations decreased it, indicating different effects on cellular respiration. Halothane and enflurane in anesthetic and subanesthetic concentrations caused alterations in mitochondrial sodium and potassium with loss of mitochondrial ability to maintain concentration gradients. Mitochondrial membrane permeability was maintained as mitochondrial swelling ratio was not changed

Nifedipine versus fentanyl to prevent the pressor response to tracheal intubation

Thirty six patients, ASA I or II, undergoing surgery that required tracheal intubation, were allocated randomly into three groups of twelve. Before induction of anesthesia, they received either saline, nifedipine sublingual 10 mg or fentanyl 1.5 micro g. kg [-1] i. v. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mesn blood pressure [MAP] were recorded automatically every minute for 5 minutes before induction of anesthesia, and for 5 minutes after intubation. Nifedipine was better than fentanyl in blocking the pressor response to intunbation. The fentanyl dose was too small to abolish this response completely. The increase in HR and blood pressure were most evident in the control group, followed by fentanyl, at least increase was seen with nifedipine

Dysrhythmias during oral surgery

In two groups, each of 50 patients undergoing pulpectomy or multiple extractions, effects of combining xylocaine nerve block with halothane general anesthesia were studied. Local blockade of surgical stimuli reduced markedly the incidence of dysrhythmias occurring during halothane anesthesia. Recovery was faster and postoperative analgesia was enhanced

Modified sampling connection for sidestream end tidal CO2 monitoring during pediatric anaesthesia

A modification to the sampling connection of Ohmeda 5200 CO2 monitor was done to abolish the increase in apparatus dead space induced by the patient circuit adapter. The modified and the original sampling connections [MSC and OSC] were compared regarding their effects on end tidal CO2 [P[E]CO2], during surgery in 12 anesthetized spontaneously breathing infants and children. The MSC maintained normal P[E]CO2, while it was significantly higher using the OSC