Antimicrobial activity for excretion and secretion of the greenbottle fly larvae lucilia sericata [meigen] [diptera: calliphoridae]

Sterile larval excretion/secretion [ES] exhibited antibacterial activity against some species of bacteria. They were shown to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and Fungi Geotricum candidum and Aspergillus fumigatus thus exhibited limited inhibitory effect towards Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram-negative Proteous vulgaris and Fungi Syncephalastrum racemosum, Candida albicans, that effect was slowed down when challenged with secretion on a solid media but no zone of complete inhibition was detected. Growth inhibiting activity was determined in liquid growth media using the Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacterial and fungal strains as indicator organisms

Co-application of corticosterone and growth hormone upregulates nr2b protein and increases the nr2b:nr2a ratio and synaptic transmission in the hippocampus

This in vitro study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the protective effect of growth hormone [GH] on hippocampal function during periods of heightened glucocorticoid exposure. This study was conducted between January and June 2005 at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, in Huntington, West Virginia, USA. The effects of the co-application of GH and corticosterone [CORT] were tested at different concentrations on the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials [fEPSPs] of the hippocampal slices of rats in two different age groups. Changes in the protein expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [NMDAR] subunits NR1, NR2B and NR2A were measured in hippocampal brain slices treated with either artificial cerebrospinal fluid [ACSF], low doses of CORT alone or both CORT and GH for three hours. The co-application of CORT and GH was found to have an additive effect on hippocampal synaptic transmission compared to either drug alone. Furthermore, the combined use of low concentrations of GH and CORT was found to have significantly higher effects on the enhancement of fEPSPs in older rats compared to young ones. Both GH and CORT enhanced the protein expression of the NR2A subunit. Simultaneous exposure to low concentrations of GH and CORT significantly enhanced NR2B expression and increased the NR2B:NR2A ratio. In contrast, perfusion with CORT alone caused significant suppression in the NR1 and NR2B protein expression and a decrease in the NR2B:NR2A ratio. These results suggest that NMDARs provide a potential target for mediating the GH potential protective effect against stress and age-related memory and cognitive impairment

Relation between smoking and cognition in egyptian elderly

In spite of numerous studies published in the past few years on the topic, the effectof smoking on Alzheimer's disease and dementia remains uncertain. Case-control studies havelargely suggested that smoking lowers the risk of AD, whereas prospective studies have shownthat smoking increases this risk or has no effect on the probability of developing AD. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of Smoking in elderly withcognitive impairment and elderly with non-cognitive impairment. A Case control 88 participants aged 60 years and above. They wereselected from Ain Shams University Hospital from inpatient wards and outpatient clinics. Thestudied sample was divided into 3 groups: Group A [32 elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease],Group B [32 elderly patients with Mild cognitive impairment] and Group C [24 controls withnormal cognitive function].Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including detailed history, physicalexamination, and also cognitive assessment using Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MOCA] andMini mental status examination [MMSE].As regards smoking there was a highly statistical significant difference between the 3groups as non-smokers were more prevalent in Alzheimer's diseaseand Mild cognitiveimpairment groups in comparison to control group with [p-value= 0.001]. There was a highly significant negative association between smoking and cognitiveimpairment

Ameliorative effect of vitamin C on nicotine-induced changes in the liver and the kidney of the adult male albino rat

Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that may antagonize the deleterious effects of smoking. While previous literature indicated the role of cigarette smoking in exacerbation of chronic renal and hepatic diseases, its impact on the healthy kidney and liver tissues needs to be elucidated. To evaluate the effects of administration of high dose of nicotine alone for three weeks or combined with vitamin C on the antioxidant defense status, functional, histological changes, and immunohistochemical demonstration of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] expression in the liver and kidney tissues of the rat. Twenty four adult male albino rats were used. They were divided equally into four groups. Group I was the control group, Group II was given vitamin C only [300mg/kg i.p.], Group III was given nicotine only [5mg/kg i.p.] all were for 3 weeks. Group IV was given vitamin C for 3 days prior to nicotine injection then for 3 weeks with nicotine and for 2 days thereafter. Nicotine exposure caused significant reductions in the total body weight, relative liver and kidney weights, and significant elevations of oxidative stress marker; malondialdehyde in liver and kidney. In addition, in group III the levels of liver alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased compared to other groups. The liver and kidney of group III showed marked structural changes with epithelial shedding and cellular necrosis of parts of proximal and distal convoluted tubules, with partial loss of the brush border. The liver showed vacuolated hepatocytes cytoplasm, lipofuscin granules, peroxisomes, mitochondrial destruction, with dilated central vein and sinusoids. Dense PCNA immunostaining was detected in the liver and the kidney of group III Concomitant administration of vitamin C with nicotine revealed a noticeable amelioration of these structural and .functional changes. Vitamin C exerted a protective effect against nicotine-induced liver and kidney damage

Effects of tramadol versus indomethacin on gastric mucosa in rat model of nociception: a structural, immunohistochemical and hormonal study

Background: Tramadol is centrally acting analgesic that is frequently used clinically but its mechanism of action is still unclear

Aim of work: To evaluate tramadol analgesic activity, and its effect on gastric mucosa and hormones

Material and Methods: Thirty two adult male albino rats were used. Rats were divided into three groups: group [I] was injected with 3 doses of physiological saline [2ml kg[-1] every 12 h, i.p.], served as control; group [II] was injected with 3 doses of indomethacin [10 mg kg[-1] every 12 h, i.p.]; and group [III] was injected with 3 doses of tramadol [10 m kg[-1] every 12 h, i.p.]. 30 min after the first dose of injections, all groups were given 10 ml k[-1] of 1% acetic acid-saline i.p. to induce writhing. After 10 min following acetic acid injection, writhes numbers were counted over 20 min. Gastric mucosa was examined macroscopically and microscopically. Gastrin expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Serum prostaglandin [PG], E2, ghrelin, and histamine concentrations were measured using ELISA kits

Results: Tramadol has lower analgesic effect compared to indomethacin. The gastric ulcer index was significantly lower in tramadol- versus indomethacin-treated group [P <0.0001]. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated higher gastrin immunoreactivity in indomethacin- and tramadol-treated groups versus control. Ghrelin serum levels were significantly suppressed by tramadol and indomethacin versus control that were coincident with gastric mucosal lesions. No significant changes in serum levels of PGE2 and histamine were obtained

Conclusion: Our results suggested that tramadol-induced gastric lesions are probably mediated by reduction of ghrelin and increase in gastrin expression. The antinociceptive and gastric effects of tramadol suggest that tramadol is relatively safe clinically in pain therapy

Relation between frailty and common geriatric problems in elderly

There is a high prevalence of common geriatric problems [falls, urinary incontinence, visual and hearing impairment] among frail elderly leading to more disability and functional impairment. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of common geriatric problems between frail and non-frail elderly. A Case control study. 90 participants aged 60 years and above. They were selected from Ain Shams University Hospital from inpatient wards and outpatient clinics. The studied sample was divided into 2 groups: Group A [30 frail elderly females and 30 frail elderly males] and Group B [30 healthy elderly subjects; 15 males and 15 females]. Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including detailed history of common geriatric problems as mentioned above, physical examination, and also assessment of frailty using modified Fried criteria]. Hearing impairment, incontinence and falls were more prevalent in frail elderly with a highly difference between the two groups, with p values< [0.001,0.009,0.006] consequently, visual impairment was statistically significant in cases more than controls with p value [0.012]. There is a significant positive relationship and high prevalence of common geriatric problems especially falls, urinary incontinence, visual and hearing impairment among frail elderly

Drug resistance evaluation of some commonly used anti-coccidial drugs in broiler chickens

The study investigated some anticoccidial resistance for Amprol, Toltrazuril and sulfaclozine in experimental infected broiler. Eimeria identification depended on necropsy and coproscopic examination. 140 day-old chicks allotted into 7 groups and infected with Eimeria in 2[nd] day of age. G1: neither infected nor treated [negative control], G2: infected but not treated [positive control], Infected and treated with toltrazuril [G3], or with Amprol+Allicin [G4], or with Amprol+ethobabate [G5], or with Amprol [G6] or with Sulfaclozine [G7]. Eimeria infection caused decrease in body gain, total protein, albumin but increase in FCR, ALT, AST, Uric acid, Creatinine. Treatment decreased the harmful effect of infection but some significant differences were between infected treated groups and non infected non-treated one

Experimental studies on cortical bone xenografts clinical and radiographical assessment

An autoclaved cortical bone xenografts of goat cadavers [ACXG] as well as fresh cortical autograft [control FCAG] were successfully used in reconstruction of an experimentally induced segmental femoral defect in canine model. Clinical and radiological assessments were carried out at different periods post-operatively. The obtained results were encouraging and very promising in terms of early return to full limb function at 4-6 weeks post-operatively, cortical union with remodeling were completed at 6 months post-operatively and complete acceptance and incorporation of the graft into the host bone was recorded at 12 months post-operatively. Hence the autoclaved cortical bone xenografts of goat cadavers can offer a worthwhile alternative fo fresh cortical autografts to veterinary orthopedists

Evaluation of Gastric myoelectrical activity and emptying in geriatrics by electrogastrography and ultrasonography

Elderly people frequently have symptoms of fullness and appetite loss due to impaired gastric motor activity. These symptoms may cause malnutrition, immunosuppression and other complications. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of aging and gender differences on gastric motility and gastric emptying in the healthy elderly subjects. In a comparative study of the myoelectrical activity by ctaneous electrogastrography [EGG] and ultrasonographic [US] findings for 60 healthy elderly volunteers was done. The subjects were 28 males and 32 females over 60 years old [60-70 and >/= years], ages ranged 60-84 years with mean of 66.1 +/- 5.54 years old. Full history and clinical examination with biochemical investigations, pelviabdominal ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after a written consent were done, and revealed no abnormalities. Gastric emptying of liquids by US after overnight fasting and after drinking 500ml/fluid at 37 degree for half and full emptying time, and fasting EGG for one hour followed by another one hour postprandial after a test meal were recorded. Variables assessed by EGG included, incidence 3 cycle per minute [CPM], percentage power at 3 CPM and power at DF, pre and postprandial and dominant frequency [DF] and power ratio [PR]. Among healthy elderly the US half [12.1 +/- 4.4] and full [28.1 +/- 7.75] gastric emptying times were not statistically significant correlated to ages or genders. Different EGG parameters were statistically non significant correlated to half and full emptying times of liquids by US except that half emptying time was significant inversely correlated to% 3 CPM postprandial [p>0.01]. Ages and genders were non significant affected by some EGG parameters,% 3 CPM and% power at 3 CPM, pre and postprandial and PR [p>0.05]. Conversely elderly aged >/= 70 years old showed significant decrease DF postprandial [2.2 +/- 0.1 CPM] [p<0.05], and significant increase of power at DF [p<0.05] pre and postprandial than those aged 60-d70 years old with predominant females [53.4%] in both ages postprandial than males [23.3%]. In conclusion, there was limited correlation between US and EGG parameters while ages and genders can affect EGG parameters. DF [ratio of the incidence of the 3CPM wave-gastric intrinsic frequency] was diminished postprandial with aging process resulting in delayed gastric peristalsis and emptying time, indicating reduction in gastric motor activity with sense of early satiety and anorexia. The pre and postprandial contractile peak were high [power at DF] in aged females postprandial more aging elderly [males and females] pre and postprandial, which may indicate gastric distension. These data allow easy monitoring of gastrointestinal motor activity in order to screen healthy elderly. Thus we suggest [1] More comparative studies in multi-centers considering body mass on large number of healthy elderly to establish normal values [2] to study the effect of diseases and medications on EGG parameters, [3] Application of GG in disease diagnosis and follow up

Serum interleukins and urinary microglobulin in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

We studied 60 children affected with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome [INS] plus 20 age and sex matched controls. The children with INS were divided into 3 groups of 20: first presentation, remission and relapse. A complete blood picture and complete urinalysis were done. Serum interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor [TNF] and quantitative urinary beta-2-microglobulin [beta-2-m] excretion were estimated. IL-1beta and IL-6 were significantly higher in the study groups, the first presentation and relapse groups having the highest concentrations. Serum TNF concentration and urinary beta-2-m excretion were significantly higher in the first presentation and relapse groups. Serum IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF concentrations were able to select positively [100%] the first presentation and relapse groups, while these plus urinary beta-2-m excretion selected negatively [100%] the control group

Localization of TGF-beta receptors [type II] in the adult rat muscles

To date, signal transduction of transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-beta] members is well known to occur through three main identified types of protein receptors. Type II receptors [T beta R-II] were found to be prime movers of the signaling process of TGF-beta candidates. Because TGF-beta 2 localizes a neuromuscular junctions [nmjs] of the adult Wistar rats, it would be expectable accumulation of TGF-beta receptors at the same location, i.e. nmjs. Two groups of six Wistar rats were subject to both confocal immunohistochemistry and immunoelectronmicroscopy studies. The main objective of this study was to localize T beta R-II particularly at the nmjs. The results do not prove a clear-cut evidence of T beta R-II accumulation at the nmjs. The receptors would rather scatter near and around the intracellular organelles such as mitochondria in a variable manner. Several assumptions were put forward to explain such variability

Schwann cells of peripheral motor nerve endings undergoing early apoptosis after a brief period of ischemia / reperfusion in wistar rats

Apoptosis is a gene-based programmed death of cells during physiological conditions such as development and aging. Also, apoptotic pathways can be activated in different kinds of tissues under different pathological background such as hormonal changes, toxic agents, or ischemia / reperfusion injury. In this study we tested the effect of ischemia / reperfusion injury for a brief period on terminal Schwann cells of peripheral motor nerve endings. We hypothesize that terminal Schwann cells are sensitive and undergo apoptotic changes under ischemic insult. Therefore, we subjected 8 Wistar rat left legs to 30 min ischemia followed by 15 min reperfusion. The right legs were used as controls. Extensor digitorum longus muscles were dissected and processed for transmission electron microscopic study. Results demonstrated apoptotic changes in terminal Schwann cells and disappearance of basal lamina of neuromuscular junctions. In contrast, muscle fibers did not show any concurrent pathological changes. This indicates that apoptotic changes in Schwann cells would trigger delayed pathological response in muscle fibers. Therefore, more attention would be paid to motor axon terminals as a starting point for pathogenesis and perhaps therapy of motoneuron and neuromuscular diseases

Persistent ectopic pregnancy

One hundred and eighty six women who received surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy were selected for this study Of the 73 women [93.2%] who had conservative tubal surgery seven women [9.5%] were diagnosed as having persistent ectopic pregnancy diagnosed by elevated serum beta- hCG The incidence was no higher after laparoscopy than after laparotomy Five women only developed intraabdominal haemorrhage of required laparotomy. It was concluded that use of post operative serial beta-hCG titers might facilitate recognition of this complication in time to prevent further tubal damage. Second look laparoscopy should be based on the presence of symptoms rather than changes in hCG values

Colour doppler evaluation of fetal hemodynamics in spontaneous versus prostaglandin E[2]-versus prostaglandin E[1] induced active Labor

To evaluate fetal hemodynamic changes before and during active labor, either spontaneous or prostaglandin E[2], [PGE[2]]-versus prostaglandin E[1] [PGE[1]] induced labor, one hundred and twenty healthy women at 37-41+ weeks gestation without signs of maternal medical problem and Fetal distress were investigated before and during labor. Group I [.40 women] had spontaneous active labor, Group II [40 women] were in active labor induced by intra-vaginal PGE[2] [1.5-3mg], Group III [40 women] were in active labor by oral PGE[1] [50-100 micro g]. Blood flow waveforms indices [systolic/diastolic ratio [S/D ratio], resistant index [RI] and pulsatility index [PI] were assessed by pulsed color Doppler from the umbilical artery [UA] and fetal middle cerebral artery [MCA] before and during labor. The groups were compared for the waveform indices, progress of labor and perinatal outcome including: birth weight, umbilical artery pH at delivery. Apgar's score and neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admission. It was found that, in group I, the S/D ratio, RI and PI became significantly decreased in the UA and MCA compared with those measured before labor [P < 0.05]. In group II, there were no significant changes in the waveform indices in the UA and MCA. While, in group III. all the waveform indices in MCA and the SID ratio in UA were significantly decreased [P <0.05] but the umbilical artery RI and PI were not significantly changed [P >0.05]. The incidence of UA Ph[<7.1] was significantly more in group II than group III and I[25%, 10%, and 5%], respectively [P < 0.05]. No other significant adverse perinatal outcomes were observed in the three groups. It was concluded that decreasing impedance in both the UA and MCA during spontaneous labor is a physiological fetal adaptation to labor to prevent fetal cerebral hypoxia by maintaining adequate brain blood flow during normal parturition. This fetal adaptation phenomenon was observed in the group I and III but not observed in group II which might explain the higher incidence of UA pH [<7.1] in group II, than that in group I and III

Comparative study of apoproteins A and B in diabetic and nondiabetic elderly

A clinical thesis was done to study the effect of diabetes mellitus on lipid profile of the elderly particularly apoprotein Al, being the major apoprotein of HDL, and apoprotein B, being the major apoprotein of LDL. The outpatient clinic of Geriatric department of Ain Shams University hospitals was chosen as a scene for this thesis. The lipid profile in diabetic elderly shown by this study is,. increase in cholesterol level, increase in triglyceride level, low HDL level, high LDL, low apo-Al level and increase in apoB as compared to non diabetic elderly. 25% of the diabetics in this study have high cholesterol level as compared to 10% in non diabetics. 15% of the diabetics have high level of'triglycerides as compared to only 5% of the non diabetics. 35% of diabetics have low HDL as compared to 10% in nondiabetics. As for LDL, 15% of the diabetics have high LDL level as comnpared to 5% of non diabetics, 20% of the diabetics tend to have low apo-Al level as compared to only 5% of the non diabetics. As for apoprotein B, 85% of the diabetics have normal level of apo-B, with only 10% of the diabetics having low level of apo-B as compared to 15% of non diabetics. However the mean level of apo-B among diabetics 96.4mg/dl was greater than among non diabetics 78. 7 mg/dl. There were sex variations of the lipid profile of both groups with the females having higher cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and apo-Al levels and lower LDL and apo-B levels than males

Cellular dynamics of transforming growth factor beta-2 [TGF-beta [2]] in the postnatal developing rat muscles

Transforming growth factor beta-2 [TGF-beta2] is a multifunctional superfamily. TGF-beta2 has been found to be involved in multiple cellular functions including; cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and death. However, the specific function of muscle-derived TGF-beta2 has not been determined. The localization as well as the study of time course of muscle-derived TGF-beta2 is a crucial step towards understanding the role of TGF-beta in the postnatal developing skeletal muscle. Extensor digitorum longus muscles of Wistar rats at ages 0,2,4,7,13,16,19,21,42 and 90 postnatal days were used. The muscles were processed for double labeling immunohistochemistry and confocal examination. Anti-TGF-beta2 antibodies and alpha-bungarotoxin were used to localize TGF-beta 2 in the muscle fibers of the different age groups. The results showed that TGF-beta2 localizes at the mature neuromuscular junction [nmj] after being diffuse throughout the immature muscle cell. The time curse of muscle derived TGF-beta2 can be divided into 3 phases; the first plateau phase, second fluctuant phase and third plateau phase. The second phase demonstrated a sudden increase of muscle derived TGF-beta2 ratio at the nmj coinciding with the timing of synaptic eliminate on phenomenon of the muscle fibers

Comparative study between clinical assessment, laboratory markers, synovial fluid analysis and thermography in joint inflammation of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

In this study the thermographic index [TI] of the knee joint was compared with the other parameters of joint inflammation of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA]. Twenty patients with JRA were included in the study [70% females and 30% males]. The mean age of our patients was 9.9 +/- 2.5 years. Ten healthy children matching our cases as regard; sex, age and weight served as a control group. All the patients were subjected to clinical assessment [joint score], laboratory investigations [ESR, CRF, HB%], synovial fluid analysis [TLC and glucose] and TI measurement. A significant correlation was observed between the joint score, ESR, HB% and TLC of the synovial fluid Insignificant correlations were reported between the joint score and CRP and between the TLC, CRP and HB%. The glucose level in the synovial fluid insignificantly correlated with all the other clinical and laboratory variables. The TI was found to be significantly correlated with the joint score, ESR, HB% and TLC of the synovial fluid while, it was found to be insignificantly correlated with the CRP and the glucose level of the synovial fluid. It is concluded that the TI is a good index for the assessment of joint activity in JRA with an equivalent efficacy to the other clinical and laboratory parameters of joint inflammation