Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 180 male rats (190-220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1-G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2-G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4-G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically.@*RESULTS@#The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α- and β-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts, while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group. β-Globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide. Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats. Moreover, propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.

Black and white teas as potential agents to combine with amphotericin B and protect red blood cells from amphotericin B-mediated toxicity

Abstract Amphotericin B is a fungicidal substance that is treatment of choice for most systemic fungal infections affecting immunocompromised patients. However, severe side effects have limited the utility of this drug. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effect of the combination of amphotericin B with black tea or white tea and protective of citotoxic effect. The present study shows that white and black teas have additive effects with amphotericin B against some species Candida. In addition, the combination of white and black tea with amphotericin B may reduce the toxicity of amphotericin B to red blood cells. Our results suggest that white and black tea is a potential agent to combine with amphotericin for antifungal efficacy and to reduce the amphotericin dose to lessen side effects.

Resumo A anfotericina B é o tratamento de escolha para a maioria das infecções fúngicas sistémicas que afetam os doentes imunocomprometidos. No entanto, efeitos secundários graves têm limitado a utilidade desta droga. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito antifúngico da combinação de anfotericina B com chá preto ou chá branco, bem como o efeito citotóxico desta combinação sobre hemáceas. O presente estudo demonstra que o chá branco e preto de Camellia sinensis têm efeitos aditivos com anfotericina B contra algumas espécies de Candida sp. Além disso, a combinação de chá branco e preto com anfotericina B pode reduzir a toxicidade da anfotericina B em hemáceas. Nossos resultados sugerem que o chá branco e preto são agentes potenciais para associação com anfotericina B contribuindo para eficácia antifúngica, bem como redução de toxicidade.

Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

Objectives To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. Methods A total of 180 male rats (190–220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1–G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2–G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4–G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically. Results The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α

Management of punctal occlusion post - viral conjunctivitis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

?AlM: To evaluate the effect of different methods in managing punctual and canalicular stenosis as a complication of viral conjunctivitis. ?METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, including 35 cases of punctal stenosis post-viral conjunctivitis. Cases were diagnosed clinically and treated after 4wk of complete remission from epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Patients were treated with mechanical dilatation, insertion of perforated silicon punctual plugs or the use of Mini-Monoka stent. ?RESULTS: Six out of 35 ( 17. 14%) had a satisfactory outcome by punctal dilatation alone. Punctal dilatation with insertion of perforated punctal plugs was done in 20 cases ( 57. 14%). Nine cases ( 25. 71%) had punctal dilatation with Mini - Monoka tube insertion. Disease severity and the use of Mini-Monoka silicon tube did not correlate with bilateral eye involvement or involvement of both upper and lower punctum. ?CONCLUSlON: Management of punctal occlusion post viral conjunctivitis may be treated easily using perforated punctal plugs. Silicon intubation with Mini-Monoka might be needed to manage resistant cases.

serum levels of zinc in school children: a crosstalk with stunting and giardiasis

Zinc deficiency is an increasing public health problem. It may be related to compromised neurobehavioral function in children and adolescents. An association between giardiasis and zinc levels in human hosts had been reported. The occurrence of recurrent intestinal infection by Giardia lamblia may reflect a failure to correct an undefined specific nutrient deficiency, for example, the need for adequate zinc repletion. This study estimated the level of serum zinc in a sample of primary school children and to study the associations between it and height for age and giardiasis. A cross section study was carried out on randomly selected primary schools in Dubai and Ajman. They were 500 school children with age range from 6-12 years in Dubai and Ajman. The level of serum zinc, height for age and giardia infection were estimated. The results showed that the prevalence of zinc deficiency was 23% with no relationship to age or gender. The low serum zinc was significantly associated with stunting and giardiasis. Regression analysis showed that stunting and giardiasis were significant predictors for low serum zinc [Beta = 0.365, 0.684 respectively]

Interferon gamma release assays [IGRA] in the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest diseases over the world. Diagnosis of pulmonary- TB depends on combination various parameters. IGRA measure T cell release of IFN-gamma in response to M.TB antigen. WHO policy statement on IGRA use in low and middle countries is not established yet. The present study aimed to compare between tuberculin skin test [TST] and interferon gamma release assay [IGRA] in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis infection and study the effect of 3 months of first line of anti-TB therapy on the positivity of the IGRA test. 40 Egyptian patients were included in the study, and assigned as two groups; Group I comprised 20 patients with negative sputum for AFB by Ziehl-Neelsen stains with positive sputum culture for M.TB and Group II [IIa and lIb] that included 20 patients with positive sputum and Ziehl-Neelsen for AFB before and after 3 months of first line of anti-TB therapy. All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, X- ray chest, lab investigations, ESR measurements, microbiological tests and EL1SA measurement of Quantiferon-TB Gold. Lower significant values were found in group IIb than group IIa as regarding clinical parameters and 1[st] and 2[nd] hours ESR. IGRA test and TST showed sensitivity [91.18%, 76.4%], specificity [83.33%, 66.67%], positive predictive value [96.88%, 92.86%], negative predictive value [62.5%, 33.3%] and accuracy of [90%, 75%] respectively. IGRA results had no statistical significant differences between the studied groups with poor agreement with TST [[k]= 0.025].1GRAS test had high sensitivity' and specificity in diagnosis of active TB. More studies are needed to evaluate the effect of anti-TB therapy on IGRA level

Study of benefits and hazards of Ranitidine on patients admitted in Pediatricm Intensive Care Unit

Objectives: Patients admitted in intensive care unit [ICU] are at high risk of developing stress gastric ulceration and so are liable to be exposed to ulcer prophylaxis drugs side effects. The aim of the present study was to study the benefits and possible side effects of Ranitidine as acid suppressive drug used in pediatric ICU [PICU]

Methods: This study was carried out on forty patients admitted in PICU at Alexandria University Children's Hospital [AUCH]. patients were divided into 2 groups each was 20 in number, Ranitidine was given only to one group. Both were subjected to full clinical evaluation. Duodenal aspirate was obtained via upper gastrointestinal [GI] endoscopy and examined for bacterial overgrowth in patients received Ranitidine. Stool was examined for occult blood to detect possible mucosal injury for all patients in both groups

Results: Out of 20 children received Ranitidine 9 [45%] showed bacterial colonization in their duodenal aspirate. Fifty five percent of cases who did not receive Ranitidine suffered from stress gastric injury in our study. Mechanical ventilation and shock are possible risk factors for stress gastric injury

Conclusion: Patients admitted to PICU are at high risk to develop stress gastric injury, so acid suppressive therapy is needed. Ranitidine is a good prophylactic drug against stress gastritis with possibility to develop small intestinal bacterial overgrowth [SIBO]

Diagnostic values of gene expression of cytokeratin - 19 mrna and mammaglobin mrna in breast cancer patients using real-time polymerase chain reaction

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women. It constitutes almost 20% of all malignancies in women. Currently it affects approximately 6% of the female population. Even before clinical detection of a primary tumour, cancer cells can invade the adjacent structures from where they travel through lymphatic and blood vessels as circulating tumour cells [CTCs]. CTCs colonize distant organ sites as disseminated tumour cells [DTCs] and eventually form microscopic deposits [micrometastasis < 2 mm in diameter], which may remain dormant, but then ultimately lead to an overt metastatic disease. Cytokeratins [CKs] have become the most widely accepted protein markers for the detection of epithelial tumour cells in mesenchymal tissues, BM, blood and lymph nodes. Based on its breast cancer-association and somewhat unique breast-specific pattern of expression, mammaglobin was believed to be an excellent candidate for a novel and clinically useful breast tumor marker, especially in detecting micrometastasis. This study was performed on one hundred female Individuals. They classified into: Group I: 20 apparently healthy females as control group. Group II: 20 females with stage I breast cancer . Group HI: 20 females with stage II breast cancer. Group IV: 20 females with stage III breast cancer. Group V: 20 females with stage IV breast cancer. The following specific investigations were done for all the studied persons:-Cancer Antigen 15-3 [CA15-3] and Carcinoembryonic Antigen [CEA] using chemilmnmescent immunometric assay [IMMULITE 1000 Analyzer]. Cytokeratin-19 mRNA [CK-19] mRNA and mammaglobin mRNA by Real-time polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]. In group I [control group]: All the 20 healthy control females had low expression values for CK-19 and Mammaglobin. In group 2 [stage I breast cancer]: 35% of patients had over expression values for CK-19 and 20% had over expression values for Mammaglobin. In group 3[stage II breast cancer]: 47.4% of patients had over expression values for CK-19 and 47.4% had over expression values for Mammaglobin. In group 4 [stage III breast cancer] 68.4% of patients had over expression values for CK-19 and 73.7% had over expression values for Mammaglobin. In group 5 [stage IV breast cancer]: 95% of patients had over expression values for CK-19 and 95% had over expression values for Mammaglobin. Our findings support that all patients with breast cancer should be evaluated by CK-19 and Mammaglobin as a regular laboratory assessment beside the routine tumour markers specially in early stages of breast cancer to detect CTCs at the time of diagnosis

Semi-empirical correlation for binary interaction parameters of the Peng-Robinson equation of state with the van der Waals mixing rules for the prediction of high-pressure vapor-liquid equilibrium

Peng-Robinson equation of state is widely used with the classical van der Waals mixing rules to predict vapor liquid equilibria for systems containing hydrocarbons and related compounds. This model requires good values of the binary interaction parameter k[ij]. In this work, we developed a semi-empirical correlation for k[ij] partly based on the Huron-Vidal mixing rules. We obtained values for the adjustable parameters of the developed formula for over 60 binary systems and over 10 categories of components. The predictions of the new equation system were slightly better than the constant-k[ij] model in most cases, except for 10 systems whose predictions were considerably improved with the new correlation

value of use of amino-terminal brain naturitic peptide as marker in cases of pleural effusion of different etiologies

Background: The criteria of Light et al. have been used to make the differentiation between transudate and exudate effusion for the past 25 years. The main problem with those criteria is that although they identify nearly all exudates correctly, they misidentify about 20-25% of transudates as exudates. The plasma NT-proBNP level is a sensitive marker of cardiac dysfunction and has proved to be a useful tool for the identification and management of systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction

Objective: The aim of this work was to study the value of pleural NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of pleural effusion of different causes in comparison to the conventional diagnostic procedures in cases of pleural effusion

Subjects and methods: The present study was conducted on 32 patients who suffered from pleural effusion, they were classified according to Light's criteria into two groups namely transudate, exudate, and the third group of 10 normal healthy subjects as control group

Results: The levels of both serum and pleural fluid pro-BNP in group I patients with transudate effusion were significantly higher than group II patients with exudate effusion [P > 0.001, 0.003] respectively

Conclusion: The results support the feasibility of using the pleural fluid amino terminal proBNP measurement in thoracentesis that would enhance discrimination among the different causes of pleural effusion especially for heart failure patients. Serum and pleural fluid levels of NT-pro BNP were closely correlated and measurement of NT-pro BNP in serum showed equally good diagnostic properties

Effect of prenatal counselling on compliance and outcomes of teenage pregnancy

To evaluate the effect of prenatal counselling on compliance for health promotion and pregnancy outcomes we conducted an experimental randomized control study on a sample of 86 teenage pregnant women attending the maternal and child health centre in Elkhosos village, Egypt. Data were collected pre-counselling, post-counselling and after delivery. At the post test, women in the study [counseling] group showed statistically significantly greater knowledge and compliance of health promotion [P < 0.001] than women in the control group. In the study group, 90.7% were full term at labour compared with 41.9% in the control group; 88.4% of the women in the study group had normal vaginal delivery compared with 76.7% of those in the control group. The health condition in 90.7% of the study group neonates was classified as good compared with only 46.5% in the control group. Only 9.3% of the study group babies had low birth weight compared with 32.6% of the control group babies [P = 0.008]

Consensus recommendation for meningococcal disease prevention for Hajj and Umra pilgrimage/travel medicine

The Islamic Hajj to Makkah [Mecca] has been associated with outbreaks of invasive meningpcoccal disease and the global spread of Neisseria Heningitidis serogroup W-135. For Hajj pilgrims the quadrivalent vaccination against serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y is a mandatory requirement. Novel conjugate vaccines may provide benefits for the community by reduction of carriage. With the introduction of the new generation of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines [Menveo, Menactra, and other pending license] and their recent implementation in Saudi Arabia, experts from 11 countries in the Middle East region met at a Meningococcal Leadership Forum [MLF], in Dubai in May 2010 to exchange opinions on meningococcal disease and prevention strategies. These experts discussed the importance of introducing conjugate vaccines for pilgrims and travellers, and elaborated a consensus recommendation to support healthcare professionals and decision-makers

Knowledge and attitude of health professionals in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, toward complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] is a popular treatment option for many populations. The present work is aimed at studying the knowledge and attitude of health professionals in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, toward CAM. In this cross-sectional survey, a multistage random sample was taken from health professionals working in hospitals in Riyadh city and surrounding governorates. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, from 306 health professionals working in 19 hospitals, on socio-demographic data, knowledge about CAM and their sources, and attitudes toward CAM practices. Of the participants, 88.9% had some knowledge about CAM. Respondents with a doctorate degree [94.74%] and 92.53% of those with a bachelor's degree had significantly higher knowledge of CAM than subjects with a diploma, a fellowship, or a master's degree [68.75%, 76.67%, and 85.41%, respectively, P = 0.004]. Mass media represented 60.1% of sources of the knowledge of CAM followed by family, relatives, and friends [29.08%] and health educational organizations [14.71%]. Participants estimated that prophetic medicine including prayer, honey and bee products, medical herbs, Hijama, nutrition and nutritional supplements, cauterization, and camel milk and urine were the most commonly used CAM practices [90.5%, 85%, 76.9%, 70.6%, 61.4%, 55.9%, and 52.5%, respectively] in addition to medical massage [61.8%] and acupuncture [55%]. One hundred and fifteen [80%] physicians were ready to talk with their patients on CAM. The willingness to improve knowledge and create a positive attitude in health professionals toward CAM has increased. Religious practices, especially those related to prophetic medicine, are more common in the region. Health educational organizations have to play a greater role by being the source of evidence-based knowledge of CAM. Talking on CAM with patients should be improved by rooting them on evidence-based practices

Role of multislice computed tomography in patients presenting with hemoptysis

We described the role of MDCT with its new applications for determining the cause and site of bleeding, and to determine the additional benefit of MDCT angiographic technique in identifying the site of bleeding and its vascular origin. 50 patients suffering from hemoptysis were evaluated by MDCT with its new applications and MDCT angiographic technique. MDCT revealed excellent diagnostic method for hemoptysis. MDCT is considered a primary noninvasive imaging modality in the evaluation of patients with hemoptysis. It also serves as a guide for other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures

Zoonotic brucellosis: an underestimated or misdiagnosed disease in Egypt

Over six months, 329 suggestive consecutive brucellosis human cases were diagnosed in attending the out-patients clinics of Al Azhar and Ain Shams Universities Hospitals and Giza Governorate Farmers. They were 100 females and 229 males with ages ranged between 15-65 years old. A total of 213 [64.75%] were working in dairy farm and/or consumed raw milk, 16 [14.85%] used home slaughtering of sheep, and 100 [30.4%] were working in Giza Government slaughter-house. Clinically and by ELISA-IgM 259 out of 329 the subjects were proven brucellosis patients [77.8%]. Besides, other patients had toxoplasmosis, or Schistosomiasis mansoni or fascioliasis. Double infection was encountered with toxoplasmosis and either schistosomiasis or fascioliasis. The causes of endemic liver parasitosis that may give false-clinical diagnosis were excluded. Signs and symptoms of brucellosis patients were fever [91.5%], chills [84.1%], Myalgia [69.5%], headache [58.2%], fatigue [77.2%], anorexia [54.1%], tachycardia [38.6%], hepato-and/or splenomegaly [46.2%], lymphadenopaqthy [19.6%] lower back abdominal pain [8.8%] and/or constitutive symptoms [13.1%]

Trypanosoma evansi in dromedary camel: with a case report of zoonosis in greater Cairo, Egypt

Trypanosoma evansi [Steel, 1885] Balbiani, is the cause of trypanosomiasis [Surra] which multiples in the blood and body fluids. The incubation period varies from 7-15 days. The mortality rate was up to 20% and fatality rate may reach up to 100% in untreated camels. Three hundred randomly selected camels were 200 males 4-6 years old and 100 females 10-15 years. They were examined clinically and diagnosed by Giemsa stained blood smear, anti-trypanosomiasis-antibodies by ELISA and urine Thymol turbidity test for natural infection with T. evani [Surra]. The results showed that camels were naturally infected with T. evansi as indicated by stained blood film examination and/or ELISA. Infection in males was 6.0% [stained blood smears], 8.0% [ELISA] and 5.0% [urine thymol turbidity test]. In females the infection rate was 9.0%, 24.0% and 12% respectively. By correlation with suggestive clinical manifestations, ELISA proved to be more sensitive and specific [13.3%] than stained blood films [10.0%] and urine Thymol turbidity test [7.3%]. Regarding humans, one out of 30 was positive as indicated by ELISA and stained blood smear but was negative by urine thymol turbidity test. The human case was successfully treated as indicated clinically, parasitologically and serologically. This is the first reported Egyptian human case of trypanosomiasis evansi, a neglected zoonosis

Babesiosis in an Egyptian boy aquired from pet dog, and a general review

Human babesiosis has been documented in many countries. It is a zoonotic protozoan disease of medical, veterinary and economic importance. In this study, a twelve years old boy was referred to the hospital with intermittent fever of unknown origin. On clinical, parasitological and serological bases the case proved to be babesiosis. The boy acquired the infection from his pet dog which was heavily infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and suffered a mild feature of animal babesiosis. The patient was successfully treated with Atovaquone plus Azithromycin without relapse for one month follow up. The pet dog was sent to Governmental Veterinary Hospital at Abbassia for treatment from babesiosis and tick infestation

Prognostic significance of P27 [Kip 1] and MUC1 in papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

To examine p27 [Kip 1] and MUC1 expression in specimens of papillary transitional cell carcinoma [PTCC] of the urinary bladder and to correlate their expression with the tumor grades,stages and outcome. Paraffin sections from previously diagnosed PTCC bladder were graded, staged and the patients were followed up for 5 years. Ten non-neoplastic urological lesions diagnosed as polypoid cystitis were taken as control. Three sections of 4 um thickness were obtained from every case. One was hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] stained for diagnosis, reviewing and confirmation. The other two sections were immunohistochemically stained for both p27and MUC1. The data of immunohistochemical results were correlated with the following conventional prognostic variables: tumor grade, stage, distant metastasis and 5 year survival. The results showed a highly significant and an insignificant relationship between p27 expression and tumor grade and stage [P<0.01 and P>0.05], respectively. Correlating p27 expression with distant metastasis and overall survival showed a significant relationship with distant metastasis [P<0.05] and a highly significant one with overall survival [P<0.01]. The results showed also a significant relationship between MUC1 expression and both tumor grade [P<0.01] and overall survival [P<0.05]. p27 and MUC1 immunohistochemistry augment the classic histochemistry for the prognosis of PTCC of the bladder as well as improving the prediction of the patient outcome and survival

Relationship between obesity and other risk factors and skin disease among adult Saudi population

Obesity is accused for a wide spectrum of dermatologic diseases; no previous follow-up study has been conducted to investigate these conditions in adult male and female Saudi population. To describe obesity pattern using BMI and to assess the association between obesity and certain skin diseases among adult Saudi population. A retrospective cohort study of 2-year duration was conducted. The study sample was randomly selected from dermatology clinics at Qassim. Male cohorts were 61 obese adults and 48 nonobese adults. Female cohorts were 32 obese adults and 36 nonobese adults. Measurement of BMI, waist-hip ratio, fasting glucose, blood pressure, and dermatological examination was performed. Skin disease incidence was significantly increased among exposed rather than nonexposed cohorts with a relative risk of 2.3 in male cohort and 2.3 in female cohort. Acanthosis nigricans and striae distensae incidence increased in exposed men and women with highly significant difference from nonexposed groups. Skin tag incidence significantly increased in the exposed male cohorts only but not the female cohort. Hirsutism, dry skin, pruritis, and planter keratosis all showed nonsignificant differences. The most frequently reported infections in obese men were tinea pedis [18%], intertrigo [14.7%], and bacterial folliculitis [13.1%] with significant difference. BMI was the only risk factor that regresses on skin disease occurrence in study groups. Our study linked incidence of acanthosis nigricans and striae distensae to obesity in both female and male adult population but showed sex difference for other skin diseases, which raised many questions and requires further longer duration follow-up studies

Aedes aegypti re-emerging in Egypt: a review and what should be done?

Mosquitoes are main vectors of varieties of pathogenic agents affecting man and animals. There-emergencein Aswan and approach of Aedesaegypti, the vector of the Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Yellow fever and Chikungunya fever, which are encountered in Africa, needs to alert for this public health threat. The presence of Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia is another issue