Incidental parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices: a retrospective analysis

Numerous parasitic infections can cause inflammation of the appendix and can mimic appendicitis clinically. The diagnosis is generally achieved only after surgery. However early diagnosis through stool examination may prevent life-threatening complications. This study investigated the presence of parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices as an etiology of acute appendicitis. A retrospective study included patients who had undergone surgery for acute appendicitis over a period of three years from Jan 2012 to Dec 2014. Demographic data, laboratory investigations, operative data and pathological findings, presence and type of parasites were retrieved. The results showed that out of 1536 patients with appendectomy done, 938 [61.1%] were males and 598 [38.9%] were females. Parasitic infection was demonstrated only in 0.4% [6 patients]. Mean average age of these patients was 12 years. Enterobius vermicularis was present in 4 patients [66% of the parasitic affection] and Schistosoma mansoni in 2 patients [34% of the parasitic affection]. Other etiologies were acute suppurative appendicitis [94.1%], chronic appendicitis [3.1%], tumors [0.3%], tuberculosis [0.2%] and actinomycosis [0.1%]. Appendix was found normal in 2% of patients underwent appendectomy

Study of the possible cardioprotective effects of insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible protective effects of insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine on cardiac dysfunction in experimental isoproterenol [ISO]-induced myocardial infarction [MI], aiming at achieving useful means for protection and therapy against MI. Wistar rats of both sexes were allocated into five groups: the control group, the untreated MI group, and MI groups treated with insulin, ATP, or [L]-arginine. All rats were subjected to ECG recording, and plasma levels of troponin I and triglycerides were determined. The isolated perfused hearts, according to Langendorff's preparation, were studied; the left ventricular weight [LV] was determined, and the LV per body weight ratio [LV/BW] was calculated. The percentage mortality and total arrhythmia were significantly reduced upon treatment with ATP and [L]-arginine. The ST segment elevation was significantly reduced in insulin-treated rats. The QRS duration and QT[o] intervals were significantly decreased in ATP-treated and [L]-arginine-treated rats, and the QT[c] interval was significantly shortened in all three treated groups. The levels of plasma triglycerides significantly reduced on treatment with insulin and ATP. In the three treated groups, the peak developed tension baseline value and maximal response were significantly increased when compared with the untreated group. In addition, the half-relaxation time baseline value was significantly decreased in the treated groups when compared with the control group. The myocardial flow rate baseline value and maximal response were significantly increased on [L]-arginine treatment. The LV weights and LV/BW ratios were significantly increased in all three treated groups. Insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine were variably effective in partially modifying the ISO-induced MI insults and offered partial protection against ISO-induced myocardial damage

Effect of oxytocin on duodenal motility in female rats

Reports on the effect of oxytocin on intestinal motility have shown controversial results in human and animal studies. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of oxytocin on duodenal motility in normal female Wistar rats in vivo and in vitro. A total of 30 adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: the control group; the oxytocin-treated group [5 microg/kg body weight injected intraperitoneally for 7 days]; and the in-vitro oxytocin group, in which the effect of four doses of oxytocin [0.022, 0.11, 0.22, and 1.1 mg/bath] added to the organ bath was studied. The isometric contractile response of isolated segments of duodenum was recorded with respect to the frequency of contraction, the average duration of contraction, the average force of contraction, and the motility index. Oxytocin-treated rats showed a significant increase in the duodenum average force of contraction [P<0.05] and motility index [P<0.01] and a decrease in the frequency of contraction [P<0.05] as compared with the control group. Low doses of oxytocin administered in vitro [0.022 and 0.11 microg/bath] resulted in a significant increase in the duodenum average force of contraction [P<0.05] and motility index [P<0.05] when compared with their respective baseline values, whereas higher doses caused either insignificant changes in the motility parameters at a dose of 0.22 microg/bath or a significant decrease in the duodenum average force of contraction [P<0.01] and motility index [P<0.01] at a dose of 1.1 microg/bath when compared with their baseline values. Oxytocin treatment enhanced duodenal motility in adult female Wistar rats. Higher doses of oxytocin inhibit duodenal motility, which may be explained by an indirect mechanism

Intestinal motility in acute uremia and effects of erythropoietin

To investigate intestinal motility changes due to uremia, and the effect of pretreatment with erythropoietin. This randomized control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt from September 2010 to July 2011. Forty adult female Wistar albino rats were allocated into 3 groups: control group, gentamicin-treated group, receiving intraperitoneal gentamicin sulphate [100 mg/kg for 5 days], and erythropoietin-gentamicin-treated group, receiving subcutaneous erythropoietin [1000 IU/kg for 3 days] prior to gentamicin injection. Isolated segments of duodenum and descending colon was subjected to in vitro motility study. Plasma creatinine and urea were assayed. Induction of acute renal failure by gentamicin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in frequency of contraction of the duodenum and descending colon, an increase in the average duration of contraction of the duodenum, and a significant decrease in the average force of contraction in the descending colon. Moreover, the average force of contraction in response to acetylcholine was significantly decreased in the duodenum. The erythropoietin-gentamicin-treated group revealed a significant decrease in plasma creatinine and urea, and a significant increase in the duodenal average force of contraction and motility index, and colonic frequency. The duodenal absolute and average forces of contraction after acetylcholine increased significantly. Acute uremia impairs small and large intestinal motility, probably due to uremic toxins and autonomic dysfunction. Erythropoietin pretreatment protected against intestinal dysmotility through the improvement of renal function and its neurotropic action.

Metabolic effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in ovarectomized rats

Little information is available about how the changes that occur around the time of menopause might affect management of diabetes mellitus .The present study investigates the metabolic consequences of estrogen deficiency with streptozotocin induced-diabetes. The study was performed on 130 female Wistar rats, allocated into 4 groups: control [Sham]; diabetic [STZ]; ovarectomized [OVX] and ovarectomized diabetic [OVX-STZ] .Rats were subjected to determination of body weight and body mass index [BMI]. Estimation of blood glucose, plasma levels of insulin, estradiol, leptin, malondialdehyde, lipids, atherogenic index as well as in vitro diaphragmatic glucose uptake and renal glucose output. OVX- STZ rats showed significantly lower body weight and BMI than OVX rats. Blood glucose level was significantly higher than Sham, STZ and OVX groups. Diaphragmatic glucose uptake significantly decreased, while renal glucose output significantly increased compared to OVX and Sham groups .Plasma lipid profile in OVX-STZ rats was worse than Sham, STZ and OVX groups as indicated by the significant increase in plasma triglycerides, total plasma cholesterol and LDL-c. Atherogenic index was significantly higher than Sham and OVX rats. Similarly, lipid peroxidation was significantly higher than Sham, STZ and OVX groups. Plasma insulin decreased significantly compared to Sham, STZ and OVX groups, while the decrease in plasma leptin was significant when compared to Sham group. The present study demonstrates that metabolic derangements of combined insulin and estrogen deficiency overweigh the derangement of either hormone deficiency in postmenopausal period

Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in a rural population in Egypt, and its relation to socio-demographic characteristics

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a village in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt where the majority of people had individual trenches in the houses for sewage disposal with absence of public sewage system. Out of 2292 stool samples 47.8% had at least a single infection. Multiple infections occurred in 14.9%. Entamoeba histolytica was 20%, E. coli 10%, Giardia lamblia 10%, Ascaris lumbricoides 27.31%, Hymenolepis nana 2.96%, Schistosoma mansoni 2.45% and Ancylostoma duodenale 2.23%. Males were significantly infected with S. mansoni than females. Younger age groups were significantly infected by H. nana than older ones. Working in agriculture was significantly at risk with S. mansoni and A. duodenale infections. On multiple logistic regression analysis; the risk factor most strongly associated with infection was the presence of another infected family member

Role of nitric oxide in deranged carbohydrate metabolism in chronic renal failure in wistar rats

Chronic renal failure is associated with a range of metabolic abnormalities that perturb glucose homeostasis. The present work was planned to investigate the glycemic effects of chronic renal failure in an attempt to explore the possible role of nitric oxide in these responses. Rats in this study were allocated into 6 groups: 5/6 nephrectomy group for 2 weeks and its shamoperated control, 5/6 nephrectomy group for 4 weeks and its sham-operated control and L-arginine-treated 5/6 nephrectomy groups for 2 and 4 weeks. Plasma levels of creatinine, urea, glucose, insulin and nitrate as well as in vitro glucose uptake by diaphragm, following one hour of i.p. glucose load, were measured in all rats. The results showed significant increase in plasma glucose level and insulin/glucose ratio, significant decrease in glucose uptake by diaphragm and insignificant change in plasma insulin together with significant reduction in plasma nitrate level in 4 weeks 5/6 nephrectomy group, effects that were absent in 2 weeks 5/6 nephrectomy group. L-arginine-treated 4 weeks 5/6 nephrectomy group demonstrated significant elevation of nitrate level, significant decline in plasma creatinine and glucose levels and significant increase in glucose uptake by the diaphragm. In 5/6 nephrectomy rats and L-arginine-treated 5/6 nephrectomy rats, plasma nitrate level was inversely correlated with plasma creatinine and glucose and positively correlated with glucose uptake. It could be concluded that prolongation of chronic renal failure leads to impairment of nitric oxide [NO] bioavailability, associated with rise in plasma glucose and insulin resistance. Elevation of NO in uremia by L-arginine administration could improve glucose homeostasis by its beneficial effect on kidney function and stimulating glucose transport in muscle

new modified technique for concentrating intestinal parasites

The present study evaluated the diagnostic performance of a modification of the formol ethyl acetate concentration technique, with the addition of 25% acetic acid as compared with formol ethyl acetate concentration technique [FEA] and fecal parasite concentrator kit Fresh fecal material, free of ova and parasites, was pooled in a ratio of 1:4 with 10% buffered formalin to prepare a standardized specimen. Sufficient volumes of formalin-fixed suspension of Giardia lamblia cysts, Entamoeba histolytica cysts, Cryptosporidium oocysts; Ascaris lumbricoides ova, Necator americanus, Taenia spp. and Hymenolepis nana were used to seed individually 3-ml portions of the fecal specimen. The 3-ml samples were split in three parts, one processed by FEA, a second part with FPC and the third part by the modified FAEA; six smears from each sediment were examined by light microscopy. FAEA technique gave the clearest sediments and the highest numbers in most of the parasites. FAEA resulted in a higher percent-tage of H. nana, Taenia spp., N. americanus, and G. lamblia per one ml of stool compared with FEA method. When compared with FPC, the same results were achieved in addition to E. histolytica

Detection of molecular markers of toxoplasmosis among Egyptian patients with miscarriage using avidity IGG-ELISA and western blotting

A total of 54 miscarriage patients were divided into 3 groups. GI: 10 toxoplasmosis patients with +ve IgM-ELISA; GII 24 toxoplasmosis patients with +ve IgG-ELISA, and G III: 20 non-toxoplasmosis cross-matched females as a control. All groups were subjected to IgG-avidity ELISA and IgG-avidity immunoblotting. Avidity Indices [AI] by ELISA ranged from 22.6% to 73.3% in GI and from 9.6%-75.6% in GII AI were high [>40%] in 3 [30%] patients in G I and in 8 [33.3%] patients in G II. Sera of GI recognized the 20, 28,32,60,93 and l00 Kda bands with 55% reduction in the 38 and 60 Kda bands after treatment with 6 M urea solutions. Sera of G II recognized the 20, 28, 32, 38, 45, 95-97 and 106 Kda bands. There was 12.5%, 16.6% and 16.7% reduction in the 20, 32, and 106 Kda bands, respectively, after urea. The 38 and 60 Kda bands were identified as good diagnostic markers for the recent toxoplasmosis infection [GI]. The 20, 32 and 106 Kda bands were good markers of high avidity antibodies during the chronic toxoplasmosis [GIl]

single-step immunochromatographic lateral-flow assay for detection of giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium parvum antigens in human fecal samples

REDA Quick immunochromatographic lateral-flow assay was evaluated for diagnosis of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis as compared to the [gold standard] stool examination. Of the 300 specimens were examined by microscopy of direct wet films, concentrated sediments, modified trichrome and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained slides, 35 samples of Giardia, ten Cryptosporidium, 35 of other parasites, and 20 negative controls were selected for RIDA Quick test examination. All the samples that gave discrepancy results were retested by the centrifugation prior to preparation for the permanent stained smear. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV] and negative predictive value [NPV] of RIDA quick test for Giardia were 91.6%, 98.4%, 97% and 95.4% respectively, while that of the microscopic stool examination were 94.5%, 100%, 100% and 96.9%: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of RIDA quick test for Cryptosporidium was 91.6%, 100%, 100% and 98.8% respectively, while that of the microscopic stool examination were 83.3%, 100%, 100% and 97.7%

Effect of selenium supplementation on age-related changes in body defense function

In the present work, agerelated changes in some body defense functions, namely total and differential leucocytic counts, and neutrophil phagocytic activity as well as the serum TNF-a level, plasma nitrate concentration [which reflects NO level] and plasma malondialdehyde [MDA] level, were studied. The effect of selenium supplementation in modulating these changes was also investigated, seeking for a beneficial tool that can help in maintenance of the well-being of aged individuals. The study comprised 62 albino rats that were allocated into 2 main groups: Group I, consisting of control rats, that were further subdivided according to their ages into three subgroups: adult, old and senescent groups; and Group II, consisting of selenium-treated rats that were, also, subdivided into three subgroups matching tile control subgroups. Selenium- treated rats received daily i.p. injection of sodium selenite, 20 micro g/kg b.w., 6 days/week for 4 weeks. Results encountered revealed significant decrease in the lytic index of neutrophils with insignificant decrease in the phagocytic index, accompanied by significant elevation in serum TNF-a level and plasma MDA level, and significant decrease in plasma nitrate concentration in both the old anti senescent rats. The total and differential leucocytic counts were insignificantly different in all age groups. Selenium administration resulted in significant increase in the phagocytic and lytic activities of neutrophils in the old and senescent groups, together with significant decrease in both serum TNF-a and plasma MDA levels. Plasma nitrate concentration was significantly elevated in the adult, old and senescent groups following selenium supplementation. It was, thus, concluded that aging is associated with reduced phagocytic activity of neutrophils and a proinflammatory state, together with enhanced pro-oxidant activity. Selenium, through its action as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as its role in promoting nitric oxide release, ameliorated these age-related changes

Prevalence of S. mansoni and intestinal parasites in a rural population in Egypt, and its relation to socio-demographic characteristics

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a village in Menoufia Governorate in Egypt where the majority of people had individual trenches in the houses for sewage disposal with absence of public sewage system. Out of 2292 stool samples 47.8% had at least a single infection. Multiple infections occurred in 14.9%. Entamoeba histolytica was 20%, E. coli 10%, Giardia lamblia 10%, Ascaris lumbricoides 27.31%, Hymenolepis nana 2.96%, Schistosoma mansoni 2.45% and Ancylostoma duodenale 2.23%. Males were significantly infected with S. mansoni than females. Younger age groups were significantly infected by H. nana than older ones. Working in agriculture was significantly at risk with S. mansoni and A. duodenale infections. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the risk factor most strongly associated with infection was the presence of another infected family member. We recommend screening all family members of positive cases

Molecular characterization of Egyptian human and animal echinococcus granulosus isolates by Rapd-PCR technique

Five primers of known, but arbitrary nucleotide sequence [OPH-03, OPH-05, OPH-12, OPH-15 and OPH-18] were used to detect the genetic variability in the Egyptian human, camel and pig E. Granulosus isolates. OPH-03, OPH-05 and OPH-15 proved to be useful genetic markers of strain variation; while, OPH-12 and OPH-18 allowed the distinction at the genus level, i.e. diversified from Cysticercus tenuicollis. OPH-03 was the most effective, giving sharp distinct banding pattern and the least values of similarity coefficients. Some variations were detected within E. granulosus isolates from the same host. The level of heterogeneity was low in three of the human isolates, camel and pig strains. An individual variation was detectable within other three human isolates. Human and camel isolates were the most related pair, having similar patterns and the highest similarity coefficients. The study implied that human cases in Egypt are of the camel/dog strain and camels are important hosts for the transmission of human hydatidosis

Association of some HLA-DRB1 antigens with echinococcus granulosus specific humoral immune response

In this study, an ELISA system using crude camel hydatid fluid antigen was used to detect specific IgG and IgG1 in the sera of 35 cystic echinococcosis [CE] patients, in whom the distribution of class II HLA-DR3 anti HLA-DR11 was determined. The recorded sensitivities were 88.6% and 94.35% for IgG and IgG1, respectively. In patients with a high humoral immune response, a statistically highly significant increased frequency of HLA-DR3 was recorded for IgG with a high relative risk value [RR = 3.2] and a reasonable etiologic fraction [EF = 0.3], while HLA-DR11 recorded RR = 2.6 and EF = 0.2. For IgG1, both antigens showed a significant increased frequency [RR = 2.95 and 2.79, respectively, and EF = 0.28 and 0.23, respectively]. HLA-DR3 was highly significantly associated with complicated cases [RR = 4.36 and EF = 0.4], in whom the mean antibody units for both IgG and IgG1 were significantly raised. It was advisable to rely on IgG1 for the diagnosis of CE and to consider the genetic disposition of the patient as an important criterion in the outcome of infection

Age related changes of intestinal motility in rats

The pattern of intestinal motility in different segments of the small and large intestine as well as plasma VIP level were studied in young, adult, old and senescent male albino rats. Results obtained in this study showed that aging has a suppressive effect on the different intestinal motility parameters and this intestinal motility dysfunction was more manifest in the senescent rats than in the old ones. The frequency of contractions of the duodenum and descending colon was significantly reduced with marked prolongation in the average duration of contractions in old and senescent rats compared to the young rats. Regarding the motility index in the duodenum, ileum and descending colon, it was reduced in old and senescent rats compared to the adults. This decrease was more pronounced and statistically significant in the senescent group. There was. Insignificant decrease in the plasma VIP levels with the advance of age and it was not related to the dysmotility of aging. Intramuscular injection of vitamin E for two successive months significantly increased the average force of contraction and motility index of both the small and large intestinal regions especially the caecum and descending colon. This improvement was more evident in senescent than old rats

Reduction of vinyl mercurials with hydrazine hydrate A new pathway

It is known that organomercury compounds can be symmetrized or fully reduced by hydrazine hydrate. Trials to reduce the vinyl mercurials with hydrazine hydrate shows that besides the reduction of carbon mercury bond and the separation of mercury metal, also the nitrogen attacks the vinylic carbon atom with the final formation of methyl phenylazine according to the following scheme