Health-related quality of life of chronic hepatitis c patients attending the outpatient clinics of Assiut University Hospital

Kgypl has possibly the highest chronic hepatitis C [CMC] prevalence in the world, which has been associated with decreased health-related quality of life [HRQoL]. Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify the most important predictors of HRQoL of CMC patients attending the outpatient clinics in Assiut city. HRQoL of 200 CMC patients and 200 age-and sex-matched normal subjects, was assessed by the validated Arabic version of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36]. All patients were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess the factors that could affect their HRQoL. Validated reliable instruments were used lo assess depression, illness-related stigma and disease related worries. HKQoL scores of CMC patients [age 40.43 +/- 12.11, 82.5% males] were significantly lower than age and sex matched controls. The most important predictors of the physical summary score of SF-36 were; depression [beta = 0.611, P = 0.000] and the presence of co-morbidities [beta =- 0.218, P - 0.000].while for the menial summary score, the most important predictors were; depression [beta =- 0,651. P=0.000] and illness-related stigma [beta= 0.222, P = 0.000]. Other factors such as age. Sexual dysfunction, interferon therapy and work affection by CMC illness showed a weaker, but nevertheless statistically significant relationship with HRQoL of CHC patients. The study found that patients with chronic hepatitis C had lower HRQoL than the healthy controls, and, depression, co-morbiditics, illness-related stigma were the most important predictors of their iower HRQoL. The results its of this study would assist healthcare personnel to introduce modifications in patient care protocols with relevance to patient needs

Effect of curcumin on aspergillus parasiticus growth and expression of major genes involved in the early and late stages of aflatoxin biosynthesis

The effect of curcumin as a natural safe compound with different biological activities was examined on fungal growth and aflatoxin production in Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999. The fungus was cultured in presence of serial two-fold concentrations of curcumin [125-2000 micro g/ml] in yeast extract sucrose broth for 3 days at 28°C. Mycelia dry weight was determined as an index of fungal growth, while aflatoxin production was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. The expression of ver-1, nor-1, pksA, omtA and aflR genes in aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway was evaluated by real time PCR. Curcumin strongly inhibited aflatoxin B1 production in the range of 26.6 to 94.9% by serial two-fold concentrations from 125 to 2000 micro g/ml. Fungal growth was also inhibited by the compound in the range of 34.0 to 60.8%. Analysis of the expression of aflatoxin pathway genes by real time PCR showed that curcumin inhibited the expression of ver-1, nor-1, pksA, omtA and aflR genes at concentrations of 250 and 1000 micro g/ml. In concentration of 1000 micro g/ml, gene expression was reduced by 31.3%, 44.6%, 57.1% 110.9% and 286.7% accordingly. Reduction in the expression of aflatoxin biosynthesis genes was significant only for aflR. In ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP] assay, curcumin showed strong antioxidant activity at all concentrations tested. Curcumin may be employed successfully as a good candidate in controlling of toxigenic fungal growth on food and feed and subsequent contamination with aflatoxins in practice

Molecular identification of antagonistic bacteria from Tehran soils and evaluation of their inhibitory activities toward pathogenic fungi

To find antagonistic bacteria with potential antifungal activity against some pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium moniliforme and Penicillium marneffei, a total of 148 agricultural soil samples from different sites of Tehran were examined. Antagonistic soils were selected by screening against A niger on glucose-yeast extract [GY] agar using a visual agar plate assay method. All growing bacteria were examined for antifungal activity, and antagonistic bacteria identified based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Among a total number of 97 bacteria isolated form inhibitory soils [36 samples], 16 bacteria were reported as strong growth inhibitors in co-cultures on GY agar with all tested fungi at variable degrees. Fungal growth inhibitory bacteria were cultured against all fungi and growth inhibition was measured and analyzed between test and control groups by statistical analysis [ANOVA]. Molecular identification of antagonistic bacteria indicated that most bacterial isolates belonged to the genus Bacillus [81.25%], including B. subtilis [5 isolates], B. amyloliquefaciens [6 isolates] and B. valismortis [2 isolates], followed by one isolate [6.25%] from each Streptomyces sp., Pseudomonas chlororaphis and Acinetobacter baumannii. Based on the visual plate assay results, total fungal growth inhibition of all bacteria was reported in the range of 13.2 to 68.3%. P. chlororaphis SI 05 was reported as the most potent antagonistic bacterium which inhibited the growth of A. niger by 68.3%, followed by F. moniliforme [66.4%], A. flavus [64.7%] mdR marneffei [57.1%].P. chlororaphis and some other inhibitory bacteria reported in the present study, they may be considered not only as a rich source of useful metabolites with potential application in antifungal drug discovery, but also as potential candidates for biological control programs

[Using the social marketing model to reduce risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers in Tehran]

In social marketing, the common techniques of commercial marketing are used to increase the chances of acceptability of an idea or action by the target group. In this study, we determined the impact of an intervention based on social marketing to reduce risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers in Tehran. This was a quasi-experimental study, consisting of a quantitative and a qualitative part, on taxi-drivers in 2 regions [an intervention and a control groups] in the City of Tehran. Based on a formative research approach, the components of social marketing, namely, the product [reminder message for concentrating on avoidance of two target behaviors, tailgating and not driving between lines], price, place and promotion were determined. An 8-week educational program was implemented, the components being installation of stickers before the driver's eyes, distributing a pamphlet, and transferring messages through taxi route supervisors as opinion leaders. After six weeks, risky driving behaviors were assessed by checklists and compared. The intervention resulted in statistically significant reductions in the two target behaviors in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Furthermore, logistic regression showed that the odds ratio for avoiding both behaviors increased significantly in the intervention group. Determining specific target groups, designing interventions based on actual needs and wants of the target group, and focusing on the factors influencing the behavior market are the basic elements of social marketing. Due consideration of these elements when designing behavioral interventions would lead to reductions in risky driving behaviors

[Antifungal activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil against clinical isolates of aspergillus]

Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal disease caused by different species of aspergillus. Clinical manifestation and severity of disease related to physiological conditions of host, involved organs and aspergillus species. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is an evergreen tree 10-15 meter length and belongs to Lauraceae family. It grows in Srilanka. Its essential oil has antimicrobial activity. Study of Antifungal activity of this essential oil against clinical isolates of aspergillus and determination of MIC. Broth microdilution method was used in this research .Essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum was extracted by means of Clevenger apparatus then its MICs on clinical isolates of Aspergillus were calculated by broth microdilution method. Number of samples was twenty seven. MICs are: eight isolates: 1.18 micro g/ml, six isolates: 0.59 micro g/ml, four isolates: 0.29 micro g/ml, five isolates: 0.14 micro g/ml and four isolates: 0.07 micro g/ml. In view of the fact that Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil was effective against all isolates in this research, we recommend the investigation of its antifungal properties Invivo

[Survey of optimal methods for the control of cockroaches in sewers of Qom city]

Domestic sewers and wastewater treatment plants are suitable places for the growth of some types of Cockroaches. Annually the water and wastewater company of Qom city make considerable attempts to overwhelm the problem. The current study is aimed to determine types of Cockroaches and select the optimal methods for their control. In this study, 120 manholes are selected in different locations of Qom city, the numbers of Cockroaches are counted and the Cockroaches are classified into different groups. Then, each group are faced to different insecticides Including Simperator, Diazinon, Dursban Ec, Faikam, Sipermetrin, Icon, Deltametrina and Sulfac. One group of manholes was considered as blank sample during one month. Counting and determination of Cockroaches in these manholes conducted before using insecticides and also five months after it. the study showed that all sewers were 100% polluted by Cockroaches. The number of Cockroaches in manholes range from minimum 4 to maximum 3600 in each manhole. The applied of insecticides including Dursban Ec, Simperator, Sulfac, Dursban, and Deltametrina are used 2 gr in 100 square meter of area of each sewer. The Cockroaches population reduced to approximately zero after application of these insecticides. Spraying sewers by Simperator controlled 100% of Cockroaches. the most effective method for the control of Cockroaches was usage of 2 gr of Dursban [Ec] in squaremeter of area in the beginning of warmseason.If we use 1-1/5months interval between the time of spraying insecticide in selected wells, with using simperator and dursban [Ec] we can overwhelm Cockroaches using Simperator and Dursban Ec. The results of statistical analysis show that reduction of number of coackroaches in one month after using poison is significant [P-value<0.05]. But after 5months it lose meaningful in all of them.Also, reduction of number of coackroaches in blank manholes was not statistically significant

Comparison of tonsillectomy by standard dissection/snare technique and KTP laser method: a pilot study

A pilot study compared the post-operative morbidity following tonsillectomy by potassium-titanyl Phosphate laser [KTP/532] and standard dissection/snare methods. Twenty one consecutive patients over the age of 12 years had the tonsil on one side removed by standard dissection and that on the other side by KTP/532 laser. The intra-operative blood loss was greater in male and older patients [p=0.01] and significantly less on the KTP laser side [9.8 +/- 5.2 ml] than the dissection side [40.5 +/- 12.2 ml]; p = 0.001. During the first two days following surgery; 71.4% of patients experienced more pain on the laser side. By the first week 76.2% of patients felt both side of the throat were equally painful. At the end of second week 6 1.9% of patients had more persistent pain on the laser side compared to the dissection side. After four weeks all patients had recovered fully. This pilot study showed KTP/laser tonsillectomy had reduced intra-operative blood loss but there was more pain and increased risk of secondary hemorrhage compared to the side of standard dissection. Based on our initial results, we suggest a larger prospective randomized controlled study to compare both methods of tonsillectomy and to determine the potential to perform laser tonsillectomy as a day care procedure

Serum folate and vitamin B[12] status in healthy Iranian adults

To assess the serum folate and vitamin B[12] status in healthy Iranian adults, we designed a population-based cross-sectional study of 1200 individuals aged 20-80 years. Finally 984 participants [507 men and 477 women] were assessed. The mean serum folate was 4.61 [SD 2.40] ng/mL and the mean serum vitamin B[12] level was 265.6 [SD 170.9] pg/mL. Overall 1.0% were folate deficient and 25.8% had low vitamin B[12] levels according to the manufacturer's reference ranges [folate < 1.5 ng/mL and vitamin B[12] < 160 pg/mL]. The mean serum folate and vitamin B[12] levels were significantly lower in men. The prevalence of vitamin B[12] deficiency was considerably higher than folate deficiency. Implementation of preventive measures seems to be necessary

Application of PCR-RFLP to rapid identification of the main pathogenic dermatophytes from clinical specimens

In the present study, a PCR-RFLP based molecular technique was designed to rapid identification of dermatophytes in clinical specimens. Skin scrapings obtained from human cases suspected to dermatophytosis were studied in order to identify involved etiological fungi. In this experimental study, the specimens [skin scrapings] of patients referred to Mycology Department of Pasteur Institute of Iran were inoculated on Petri dishes contained selective agar for pathogenic fungi [SAPF] and incubated at 25°C until visible growth of fungal colonies. The colonies were examined for standard morphological characteristics after visible growth on the agar medium. A small portion of each fungal colony was further studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] analysis of the PCR-amplified internal transcribed spacer [ITS] region of ribosomal DNA [rDNA]. PCR amplicons were electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel after digesting by different restriction enzymes including MvaI, HinfI and Hae III. Among 160 clinical samples examined, 6 dermatophyte species including Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. verrucosum, T. tonsurans, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum were finally identified based on the colony morphology and microscopic criteria. Specific PCR products and RFLP patterns for MvaI, HinfI and Hae III enzymes allowed the rapid identification and reliable differentiation of isolated dermatophytes at the genus or species level for 5-10 day-old colonies. The results showed that PCR-RFLP analysis of the ITS region of rDNA is a rapid and reliable tool which allows identification of major pathogenic dermatophytes isolated in this study at species level in young 5-10 day-old colonies

Investigation of the biological significance of p53 tumor suppressor gene and Ki-67 in colorectal carcinoma resected from Saudi patients: An immunohistochemical analysis

p53 protein accumulation has been shown to be an unfavorable prognostic parameter in many human cancers, but findings in colorectal carcinoma [CRC] are equivocal. The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of p53 and Ki-67 as prognostic markers in patients with colorectal carcinoma. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 56 colorectal cancer specimens resected at King Abdulaziz university hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia [40 cases of left colon and 16 from right colon]. Immunohistochemistry [IHC] was performed on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue using the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method. Antibodies to p53 [DO7] and Ki-67 were used. This was correlated with the following clinicopathologic parameters: patient sex, age and survival; pathological stage, and grade of the tumors. Among the 56 cases of colorectal cancer [male/female=1.3; mean age 54.9 years, range 30-80 years], 85.7% [n=48] of tumors were positive for p13 IHC. Ki-67 was positive in 94% [n=53]. The p53 positivity in different stages was as follows [2/2 stage A, 23/28 stage B, 15/18 stage C and 8/8 stage D]. The positivity of p53 according to tumor differentiation was as follows: [well differentiated 6/6, moderately differentiated 38/45, poorly differentiated 4/5]. P53 was positive in 34/40 of left colon [including rectosigmoid] and in 14/16 of right colon carcinoma. Imunoreactivity for p53 was seen in adenomatous epithelium only in 8/22 cases. Although p53 and Ki-67 expression expresse4 strongly in cancer compared to normal tissue [p<0.05], there was no relation with survival, grade or Dukes' stage of the tumor. P53 cannot be considered as independent prognostic marker in colorectal carcinoma

Association between liver fibrosis and glucose intolerance in HCV-infected patients by measuring insulin sensitivity and B-cell function

HCV mainly affects the liver, but also several tissues outside the liver have been reported to be involved, resulting in a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations. Several clinical studies have suggested a possible link between chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis C [HCV] and the development of diabetes mellitus. We investigated the association between liver fibrosis and glucose intolerance in HCV-infected patients by measuring insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. Untreated 38 chronic HCV-infected nondiabetic patients were recruited into this study [anti-HCV+]. Eighteen patients with chronic hepatitis other than HCV infection served as the control group [anti-HCV-]. We evaluated insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function of all patients in a fasting state [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-R] and homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function [HOMA-beta]] and after an oral load of 75g glucose [whole -body insulin sensitivity index [WBISI] and delta-insulin/ delta-glucose 30]. For all included patients; histopathological changes in liver biopsies were evaluated. Severe fibrosis was a main factor associated with insulin resistance. There were significant differences in both HOMA-R [P< 0.01] and WBISI [P<0.05] between patients with mild fibrosis [N=17] and those with severe fibrosis [N=21]. Although HOMA-beta was increased significantly in the subjects with severe fibrosis compared with those with mild fibrosis [P<0.05], delta-insulin/ delta-glucose 30 showed no significant difference in stage of liver fibrosis. Last results suggest an uncertain association between liver fibrosis and beta cell function. Our findings suggest that the development of liver fibrosis is associated with insulin resistance in HCV-infected patients

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and its clinicopathological relations

Cyclooxygenase [COX]-2 is involved in the genesis of many tumors; multiple lines of evidence suggested that selective inhibitors of [COX-2] are a novel class of therapeutic and chemopreventive agents for epithelial malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of COX-2 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] of the uterine cervix and its association with Clinicopathological parameters. Twenty one patients with stage I-IV SCC of the cervix, another 21 patients with CIN I-III and 6 patients with histologically normal cervices were included in this study. Patients in the SCC group were treated with radical hysterectomy plus pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy or anterior pelvic exentration. Immunohistochemical study was performed on paraffin embedded tissue sections with COX-2 antibody. Expression of COX-2 was demonstrated in SCC and CIN groups, while it was undetectable in normal cervices. In this study, the prevalence of positive COX-2 expression in SCC group was significantly higher than its prevalence in CIN group [66.7% Vs. 38.1%, p=0.03]. Significantly higher expression of COX-2 was reported in patients with FIGO stage II-IV compared to patients with FIGO stage I [83.3% Vs. 44.4%, p=0.05]. Additionally, patients with parametrial invasion had significantly higher COX-2 expression than patients without [90.0% Vs. 45.5%, p=0.04]. Furthermore, there was significant relationship with respect to COX-2 expression and lymph node involvement [p=0.04]. Regarding the relation between COX-2 expression in both tumor cells and tumor associated tissue eosinophils [TATE], statistically significant inverse relation was reported [p=0.03]. However, the statistical evaluation of COX-2 expression according to age, tumor size, histological type, lymphovascular space invasion [LVSI] and grade of differentiation demonstrated no significant relationship. Our results suggested that, COX-2 expression may have a role in the development and progression of CIN. COX-2 expression is related to most of clinicopathologic and prognostic variables of cervical carcinoma and may be incorporated into the criteria for determination of tumor aggressiveness. The role of COX-2 expression in cancer development and progression makes it a good target for therapy and selective COX-2 inhibitors may be a promising strategy not only for chemoprevention but also for therapeutic approaches in SCC of the uterine cervix

[ effects of sodium benzoate [C[6]h[5]COONa] on ovaries and its hormones and gonadotropins on female balb/C mice]

Sodium benzoate [C[6]H[5]COONa] is used as a disinfectant against microorganisms existing in healthy foods and drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sodium benzoate on ovaries and its hormones and gonadotrophins on balb/C mice. Eighteen adult female mice [balb/c] were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Two groups of animals were treated with 280 or 560mg/kg/day sodium benzoate for 60 days [Group II and III, respectively]. Animals of group I were administrated water without sodium benzoate for 60 days and served as the controls. On the 61st between 08:00 to 10:00, blood samples were collected from the left ventricle after anesthesia with diethyl ether. After that the mice were killed following ethical procedure, the ovaries were dissected out, then, it was immediately fixed in formalin 10% and embedded in paraffin. Sections of 5 micro m thickness were taken from the mid portion of each ovary. Plasma levels of FSH and LH were significantly decreased in group III compared to control group [P<0.0001]. Plasma level of progesterone was significantly decreased in treatment groups compared to control group [P<0.001]. Decrease of oogenes and disorganization of ovaries in electron microscopy investigation determined. The results of present study indicate that sodium benzoate affect and decrease the oogenesis and reduce of follicles and corpus luteum. Thus, it is suggested to replace it if necessity

Nitric oxide synthasis implication in indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesion in albino rats: Immunohistochemical study

Eighty adult male albino rats weighing from 150-250 gm. were used in this study. They were divided into four groups: Group I [control group]: eight rats given distilled water 35 mg/kg subcutaneously. Group II [Indomethacin treated group]: twenty-four rats received indomethacin subcutaneously as a single dose of 35-mg/kg body. Group III [Indomethacin and L-NAME treated rats]: twenty-four rats received L-NAME [NG -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester] intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg half an hour before giving the indomethacin intake. Group IV [Indomethacin and L-N treated rats]: twenty-four rats were given L-NIL [N6-[iminoethyl]-L-lysin] intraperitoneally at a dose of 3 mg/k half an hour before giving the indomethacin injection. At the assigned time [after 6, 24 48 and 72 hours], the animals were sacrificed. The stomach was removed. The specimens were processed for paraffin sections at 4 microns and stained by immunohistochemical staining for eNOS and iNOS. Immunohistochemically stained sections were submitted for the image analysis to detect the optical densities of immunoreactivity of eNOS and iNOS in the specimens of studied groups. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS of the control group revealed the presence of immunoreactivity in the form of brown deposits of variable intensities in blood vessels of the lamina propria and in the deep half of the gastric glands. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS of the control group revealed immunoreactivity mainly in the cells of the lamina propria and in cells of gastric glands especially at the bases of the glands. Expression of iNOS was less prominent than with eNOS in normal gastric mucosa. In indomethacin-administration rats immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS revealed that the level of expression of eNOS was significantly increased after ulcer induction reaching its maximum level at 24 hours then, declined then, started to increase again on the 72 hours group. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS revealed that there was increase in the level of expression of iNOS reaching its maximum on the 72 hours group. Expression of both iNOS and eNOS was significantly high on the third day Statistical results revealed that expression of iNOS was more than eNOS. In indomethacin and LNAME treated rats, immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS revealed decrease in eNOS immunoreactivity from 6 hours until 72 hours reaching its minimum level on the third day. It was also observed that expression of eNOS was less than that in indomethacin only administration group on the 24 and 72 hours but higher than the control. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS revealed increase in iNOS immunoreactivity from 6 hours until 72 hours reaching its maximum level on the third day. Expression of iNOS was more than that in indomethacin given group or control group. It was observed that iNOS immunoreactivity was higher than eNOS immunoreactivity in this group. In indomethacin and L NIL treated rats, immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS revealed increase in eNOS immunoreactivity reaching its maximum level on 48 hours and 72 hours as compared with animals received indomethacin only or received indomethacin and L-NAME Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS revealed decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity reaching its minimum level on the third day as compared with indomethacin and L-NAME given group but higher than the control group, also expression of iNOS was more in 6, 24, 48 hours groups but less in 72 hours group as compared with indomethacin only given group. The eNOS immunoreactivity was higher than iNOS immunoreactivity in this group. The present data suggested that eNOS-derived NO is the most important in terms of affects on the healing process, most likely through its effects on angiogenesis. It could be concluded that inhibition of NOS could have either beneficial or deleterious effects on gastric injury, depending on which isoforrn is being inhibited

role of Nitric Oxide synthases inhibitors in indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesion in albino rat

The present work was undertaken to explore the role of nitric oxide synthases [NOSs] inhibitors L-NAME [non-selective constitutive NOS and inducible NOS inhibitor] and L-NIL [selective inducible NOS inhibitor] in the pathogenesis of indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesions in the early stage of ulcer development and healing [0-3 days]. Eighty adult male albino rats weighing from 150-250 gm. were used in this study. They were divided into four groups: Group I [control group]: eight rats given distilled water 35 mg/kg subcutaneously. Group II [Indomethacin treated group]: twenty-four rats received indomethacin subcutaneously as a single dose of 35-mg/kg body. Group III [Indomethacin and L-NAME treated rats]: twenty-four rats received L-Name [NG initro-L-arginine methyl ester] intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg half an hour before giving the indomethacin Group IV [Indomethacin and L-NIL treated rats]: twenty-four rats were given L-NIL [N6- [iminoethyl]-L-lysine] intraperitoneally at a dose of 3 mg/kg half an hour before giving the indomethacin. At the assigned time [after 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours] the animals were sacrificed. The stomach was removed and dissected along the greater curvature. The macroscopic lesions in obtained specimens were assessed by magnifying lens and dissecting microscope The numerical data obtained from macroscopic studies of stomach sections were statistically analyzed to obtain the mean ulcer index. The specimens were processed for paraffin sections at 6 microns and stained by haematoxylin and eosin stain; and examined histologically. In the control group, macroscopic and histological examination revealed normal appearance of the gastric mucosa. In indomethacin-administrated group, macroscopic and histological examination revealed time-dependent occurrence of damage in the stomach from 6 hours up to 72 hours reaching maximum damage at 72 hours. After 72 hours, there was evidence of healing process. In indomethacin and L-NAME administrated group, it was observed that pre-treatment with L-NAME significantly enhanced gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin. Macroscopic and histologieal examination revealed significant increase in the mean ulcer index in the mucosa of the stomach as compared with indomethacin only given rats reaching its maximum effect on the third day. No or little evidence of regenerating epithelium on the third day was observed. In indomethacin and L-NIL administrated group, it was observed that pre-treatment with L-NIL significantly reduced but not prevented gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin. Macroscopic and histological examination revealed time-dependent occurrence of damage in the stomach from 6 hours up to 48 hours reaching maximum damage at 48 hours then ulcer index began to decrease on 72 hours. There was decrease in the mean ulcer index as compared with rats given either indomethacin and L-NAME or indomethacin only. Evidence of healing was observed in 48 hours and 72 hours groups. The results of the present study confirmed the importance of NOS inhibitors in the modulation of gastric ulcer healing in early stage of ulcer development [0-3] days. The present data suggested that eNOS-derived NO is the most important in terms of effects on the healing process, most likely through its effects on angiogenesis

Bcl-2 expression is a cell lineage dependent and p53 independent event in urinary bladder carcinoma

To evaluate the expression of bcl-2 and p53 onco-proteins in normal, hyperplastic, metaplastic, dysplastic and malignant urothelium and their relationship to cell lineage and histopathological parameters. Forty one formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded blocks were included, thirty six were urinary bladder carcinomas and five cystoscopic normal urinary bladder mucosa. Cases of urinary bladder carcinomas were assessed for grade, stage, nodal metastasis, and presence of hyperplasia, metaplasia, and dysplasia in adjacent mucosa. There were 26 squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], 10 transitional cell carcinoma [TCC], 5 epithelial hyperplasia, 13 squamous metaplasia, 3 glandular metaplasia and 6 focal dysplastic changes. Sections were stained immunohistochemically for the expression of bcl-2 and p53. bcl-2 protein was expressed in basal cells of the normal and hyperplastic urothelium, whereas p53 was not detected. Also bcl-2 was detected in all three cases of glandular metaplasia but p53 was negative. Immunoreactivity for bcl-2 was present in eight of 36 cases [22.2%] [four SCC and four TCC]. Nuclear staining for p53 was observed in sixteen of 36 cases [44.4%] of urinary bladder carcinoma, including 11 of 26 [42.3%] SCC and 5 of 10 [50%] TCC. The expression of bcl-2 and p53 oncoprotein is not correlated with histopathological parameters regarding tumor grade, stage and nodal metastasis in urinary bladder carcinoma. Our results also do not indicate inverse relationship of p53 and bcl-2 immunoreactivity. We suggested that bcl-2 expression was cell lineage dependent as evident by [100%] positively in glandular metaplasia and two foci of adenocarcinoma and significantly high prevalence in TCC [40%] than SCC [15.4%]

Epidemiology of gastro-oesphageal reflux disease [symptom-based criteria] in a rural area in Assiut governorate

GERD is one of the commonest upper gastrointestinal disorders. When defined as at least weekly heartburn and / or acid regurgitation, the prevalence in the western world generally ranges between 10% and 20% whereas in Asia the prevalence is reported to be less than 5%. There is a trend for the prevalence in North America to be higher than that in Europe, and a trend is also suggested for a higher prevalence in Northern over Southern Europe. The situation in Africa is unclear, so we designed this epidemiological study in a rural area of Assiut governorate, Egypt. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of GERD symptoms and related risk factors. A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out in Ezbet Fath El-Bab, Mankabad village. A total of at least 300 houses were visited A well designed questionnaire was used for data collections, 393 persons [197 males and 196 females] were included in the study. The prevalence of at least weekly heartburn was 7.12% and the prevalence of weekly acid regurgitation was 2.03%. 58.8% of subjects with heartburn were males, while 44.7% of subjects with acid regurgitation were males. Logistic regression analysis for risk factors related to heartburn revealed that only smoking [P< 0.001] and psychosomatic condition [P< 0.001] were significantly related Logistic regression analysis for risk factors related to regurgitation revealed that only psychosomatic condition was significantly related From this study, we concluded that the prevalence of GERD symptoms in Egypt is less than that reported in western world and is in accordance to that reported in China and Asia. Smoking and the psychosomatic condition were significantly related to heartburn while psychosomatic condition only was significantly related to acid regurgitation

epidemiological study of nosocomial infections in surgical departments in Assiut University Hospitals

Nosocomical infection is a localized of systemic condition that results from adverse reactions to the presence of an infectious agents[s] or its toxin[s] that was not present or incubating at the time of admission to the hospital [CDS, 2003]. Nosocomial infection usually appears three days after a patient is admitted to a hospital or other health-cure facility. One third of all nosocomial infections are preventable. We determine the incidence of nosocomial infection among the studied patients and the risk factors of nosocomial infection among them. The study was a hospital-based prospective study conducted for one year in Neurosurgery Department and unit Cl from General Surgery Department at Assiut University Hospitals. The total number of patients that was enrolled in the study 1377 patients. Data collection through personal interviews with all patients admitted in the selected departments immediately after admission. Daily follow up of these patients to detect the development of nosocomial infection. The incidence rate of nosocomial infection was 15% Nosocomial infection was higher among rural than urban residents with significant difference. According to the wards, unit Cl, Neurosurgery Department and Neurosurgery ICU, it was 48.5%, 29.4%, 22.2% respectively. 94.7% of patients undergo operations, 99.5% of patients exposed to invasive devices and 61.0% of patients with contaminated wounds acquired infection. The incidence of nosocomial infection increased significantly with those exposed to general anesthesia, trauma, multiple procedures, implants and complicated surgery. As regard the type of organisms, Klebsiella was the most common organism followed by E.coli and Enterococci then proteus [28.0%, 16.0% and 14.0%] respectively

mylius thermometric technique. A review of a simple corrosion testing method of wide potentialities

Mylius' thermometric technique was developed in 1922 to assess the corrodability of aluminium alloys. Strips of the metals were made to react with known volumes of HCI solutions and the variation of the temperature of the system was followed with time. Following an induction period, the temperature rose to reach a maximum value. The corrodability of the metal was expressed in terms of the integral rate of temperature rise per minute. The Mylius test attracted little attention for almost 40 years. It was revived in the author's laboratory, where it was proposed as a rapid method for evaluating corrosion inhibitors. Since then, the technique underwent rapid development and wide expansion. It was applied to study the dissolution of zinc, iron, copper, nickel, tin and lead in a variety of attacking media. Equi-molar solutions of strong mineral acids do not attack metals to the same extent and this was attributed to anion adsorption on the metal surface. The abnormally high dissolution rate of metals in HNO[3] solutions was attributed to an auto-catalytic process involving the formation of HNO[2]. Substances known to destroy HNO[2] reduced corrosion. The Mylius thermometric technique was successfully applied to study the dissolution of a number of copper-base alloys, and its suitability for the determination of the thickness of zinc and tin coats on the surface of steel was proven. The method proved also to be of value in the study of galvanic [bimetallic] corrosion. The chemical oxidation of organic compounds is mostly an exothermic reaction. Here, too, the Mylius technique proved to be instrumental in elucidating the kinetics of the process. Only two examples are found in the literature describing this type of studies. The field is, however, wide open to examine other types of reaction. The dissolution of iron under conditions of the reaction Fe + 2Fe[3+] = 3Fe[2+] was studied in detail by the Mylius technique, and the results were confirmed potentiometrically and gravimetrically. The above reaction is both thermodynamically and kinetically more feasible than the discharge of protons from acid solutions. Mathematical treatment of the results allowed the conversion of the thermometric data into calorimetric ones, thus allowing thermodynamical computations to be carried out. Finally, suggestions are presented for the automation and computerization of the technique, which allow the simulation compensation of heat losses during measurements