An antimicrobial activity of oil extracted from Saara hardwickii / Atividade antimicrobiana do óleo extraído de Saara hardwickii

Present research work represents antiviral and antibacterial value of body fat of Saara hardwickii commonly called as spiny tailed lizard. Oil was extracted from body fats located in the ventral region of this animal using hydrocarbons e.g., n-hexane, methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of lizard oil was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines ofEscherichia coli, Styphalococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris alone and with antibiotic ampicillin. For antibacterial potential, Ethyl acetate and Butanol solvent extract showed best zone of inhibition (7mm) with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. For antiviral potential, Butanol and Methanol extract showed best HA (Hemagglutination) titer of 04 with NDV and IBV viral strain respectively. It is concluded that lizard oil has antimicrobial potential against different pathogens strains (virus, bacteria).

O presente trabalho de pesquisa apresenta a importância antiviral e antibacteriana da gordura corporal de Saara hardwickii, comumente chamado de lagarto de cauda espinhosa. O óleo foi extraído de gorduras corporais localizadas na região ventral desse animal usando hidrocarbonetos, por exemplo, n-hexano, metanol, butanol e acetato de etila, como solvente. A atividade antibacteriana do óleo do lagarto foi testada em linhagens padrão e multirresistentes de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Proteus vulgaris, de forma isolada e com antibiótico ampicilina. Para o potencial antibacteriano, acetato de etila e extrato de butanol apresentaram melhor zona de inibição (7 mm) com P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, respectivamente. Para o potencial antiviral, o extrato de butanol e o extrato de metanol apresentaram melhor título de hemaglutinação de 4 com as cepas virais NDV e IBV, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o óleo do lagarto possui potencial antimicrobiano contra diferentes cepas de patógenos (vírus e bactérias).

An antimicrobial activity of oil extracted from Saara hardwickii

Abstract Present research work represents antiviral and antibacterial value of body fat of Saara hardwickii commonly called as spiny tailed lizard. Oil was extracted from body fats located in the ventral region of this animal using hydrocarbons e.g., n-hexane, methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of lizard oil was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines ofEscherichia coli, Styphalococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris alone and with antibiotic ampicillin. For antibacterial potential, Ethyl acetate and Butanol solvent extract showed best zone of inhibition (7mm) with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. For antiviral potential, Butanol and Methanol extract showed best HA (Hemagglutination) titer of 04 with NDV and IBV viral strain respectively. It is concluded that lizard oil has antimicrobial potential against different pathogens strains (virus, bacteria).

Resumo O presente trabalho de pesquisa apresenta a importância antiviral e antibacteriana da gordura corporal de Saara hardwickii, comumente chamado de lagarto de cauda espinhosa. O óleo foi extraído de gorduras corporais localizadas na região ventral desse animal usando hidrocarbonetos, por exemplo, n-hexano, metanol, butanol e acetato de etila, como solvente. A atividade antibacteriana do óleo do lagarto foi testada em linhagens padrão e multirresistentes de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Proteus vulgaris, de forma isolada e com antibiótico ampicilina. Para o potencial antibacteriano, acetato de etila e extrato de butanol apresentaram melhor zona de inibição (7 mm) com P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, respectivamente. Para o potencial antiviral, o extrato de butanol e o extrato de metanol apresentaram melhor título de hemaglutinação de 4 com as cepas virais NDV e IBV, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o óleo do lagarto possui potencial antimicrobiano contra diferentes cepas de patógenos (vírus e bactérias).

Antioxidant, antimicrobial activities of flavonoids glycoside from Leucaena leucocephala leaves.

The study aimed to identify the chemical constituents of Leucaeana leucocephala leaves and evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extract and compounds. An acylated flavanol glycoside, quercetin - 3-O-(2''-trans-p-coumaryl)-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1'''→6'')-β-glucopyranoside (1) in addition to quercetin-3-O-α- rhamnopyranosyl-(1'''→2'')-β–glucopyranoside (2), quercetin-7-O-α–rhamnopyranosyl-(1'''→2'')-β-glucopyrano side(3), quercetin-3-O-α- rhamnopyranoside(4), quercetin-3-O-β–glucopyranoside (5), isovitexin( 6), vitexin (7) and quercetin (8) were isolated for the first time from the Leucaeana leucocephala. The antioxidant activity of the extract and the isolated compounds 1, 3 & 4 were evaluated by Reducing Power, FRAP, DPPH, Metal chelating and ABTS assays. Compound (3) recorded the highest antioxidant activity in comparison with the extract and other compounds. The extract and compound 1, 2, 3 and 5 were studied for their antimicrobial activity. Both the extract and compound 1 have significant activity against gm-ve bacteria, moderate to gm +ve and Candida and inactive towards fungi. The structures of compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. L. leucocephala possess good antioxidant, antibacterial properties and could serve as free radical inhibitors or scavengers, acting possibly as primary antioxidants and have to be investigated for antiinflammatory and anticancer activities.

Maternal MTHFR C677T genotype and septal defects in offspring with Down syndrome: a pilot study

While abnormal folate/homocysteine metabolism has been implicated as an etiology for the development of both CHD and DS, recent studies and meta-analyses did not consider MTHFR C677T genotype as a maternal risk factor for either of these conditions alone. To investigate if methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] C677T genotype is a maternal risk factor for the development of congenital heart disease [CHD] only in children with Down syndrome [DS]. Molecular analysis of MTHFR C677T and serum folic acid was done for sixty-one consecutive mothers of children with CHD in the form of septal defects [26 with DS and 35 without DS] and another 61 mothers of apparently healthy children [without DS or CHD]. The frequency of CT genotype was significantly higher in mothers of children with AV canal [whether in DS or non-DS] when compared to ASD and in mothers of DS with AV canal when compared to controls. The frequency of TT genotype was higher in mothers of DS with ASD than controls but statistically insignificant. In non-DS mothers, the distribution of the genotypes did not differ in relation to the type of CHD. The mean folic acid level did not differ between different study groups. MTHFR 677CT genotype could be implicated as a maternal risk factor for septal defects especially in children with DS. Carriers of this genotype may have more risk of development of AV canal in their children. A major limitations of this study was the small sample size and so further studies on a larger sample of patients and their mothers in addition to measurement of homocysteine level in this population is needed to investigate this theory and to clarify the actual role of MTHFR polymorphism and the risk of development of CHD in DS

Effect of exposure to electromagnetic field on some aspects of hepatic function in rats

Exposure to electromagnetic fields [EMF] may pose health risks and cell damage in various tissues, among the most susceptible tissues to EMF exposure being the liver. It was, thus, intriguing to investigate the possible effect of whole body exposure to EMF of mobile phones on some parameters reflecting the liver function. This study was performed on 111 albino rats of both sexes. Rats were divided into 2 main groups: 4 weeks exposure group [group I] and 8 weeks exposure group [group II]. Rats in each group were further subdivided into 4 subgroups, namely; rats not exposed to EMF of mobile phone [control groups, Ic and IIc], rats exposed to EMF of mobile phone for 1 hour/day [groups I[1] and II[1]], for 2 hours/day [groups I[2] and II[2]] and for 3 hours/day [groups I[3] and II[3]]. Exposure to EMF did not result in any significant change in plasma activities of both alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] in all exposed rats compared with their matched control. However, there was significant prolongation of both prothrombin time [PT] and activated partial thromboplastin time [PTT] accompained by significant elevation of hepatic malondialdehyde [MDA] content and reduction of nitric oxide [NO] content in hepatic tissue, the changes being more marked with increase in the duration of exposure. Microscopic examination of the liver tissue showed hepatocytic vacuolizations, irregular diameters of sinusoidal lumens, inflammatory cellular infiltrations and reduced glycogen content, the changes becoming intense with prolongation of the EMF exposure period. Exposure to EMF of mobile phones poses a risk factor for liver dysfunction, and, therefore, long term or excessive use of mobile phones better be avoided

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

values of serum and ascetic fluid tumor necrosis factor-Alpha [TNF-alpha], TNF-receptor 1 and C-reactive protein [CRP] in patients with cirrhotic ascites

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] is defined as an infection of initially sterile ascitic fluid [AF] without a detectable, surgically treatable source of infection. It is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic ascites. Because of the high morbidity and mortality of SBP, the rapid and accurate diagnosis is required. The present study aimed to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], tumor necrosis factor receptor [TNF-r p55] and C-reactive protein [CRP] in both ascetic fluid and serum of patients with sterile and infected cirrhotic ascites to show their diagnostic values as compared to ascitic fluid culture and polymorphnuclear leukocyte [PMN] count. TNF-alpha, TNF-r p55 and CRP were measured in both ascetic fluid and serum of 20 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP], in addition to 22 patients with sterile cirrhotic ascites. The results of clinical examination showed a significant difference as regard abdominal pain, fever jaundice, upper GIT bleedings, encephalopathy and Sclerotherapy among both groups. The serum levels of CRP and TNF-alpha were significantly higher in patients with SBP as comparing to patients have sterile ascites, but TNF-r p55 serum level showed no significant difference. On evaluation of ascetic fluid parameters, total leucocytic count [TLC], plymorphnuclear [PMN] count, CRP, TNF-alpha, TNF-r p55 are significantly higher in SBP patient group than group of sterile ascites. Sensitivity and specificity of ascitic fluid PMN [cut-off value >250 cells/ mm[3]] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 70% and 86.4%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of ascitic fluid CRP [cut-off value >1.0 mg/dL] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 85% and 72.7%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of ascitic fluid TNF-alpha [cut off value >12 pg/ml] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 80% and 63.6%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of TNF-r p55 [cut-off value >6.2 pg/ml] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 75% and 68.2%, respectively. We concluded that, the elevated serum and ascetic fluid levels of CRP, TNF-alpha and TNF-r may suggest their role in the pathogenesis of ascetic fluid infection and their higher sensitivity and specificity make them to be good discriminators in ascetic fluid infection [especially a cheap and easy ascitic fluid CRP levels]. Thus may help in rapid diagnosis and early start empirical antibiotic therapy without waiting the culture results

Mothers' care of children suffering from acute - leukemia undergoing chemotherapy at home in Benha city

The aim of the present study is to assess mothers' knowledge and practices regarding care of their children suffering from acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy, establish and implement a health educational program for mothers based on their needs, data obtained and reviewing literature and evaluate the outcome of the health educational program directed towards the mothers of acute leukemia children undergoing chemotherapy. The study conducted at the pediatric oncology out patient clinics at the waiting areas in the specialized pediatric hospital in Benha city, which this is the only established known place in kalubyia governorate that provides care to such children. A quasi experimental design was utilized to conduct the study. The study involved [53] children suffering from acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy and accompanying their mothers and attending the out patients clinics for follow up and treatment. Two tools were used for data collection an interviewing questionnaire to assess the children's and their mothers' socio-demographic data, also the mothers' knowledge and an observation checklists to assess the mothers' practices towards care of their acute leukemic children undergoing chemotherapy. The findings showed that after the program implementation there was a significant improvement of mothers' knowledge and practices regarding care of their acute leukemic children undergoing chemotherapy. The study recommended that, continuous health education for mothers caring of acute leukemic children at home based on their needs and teaching them the principles of care for problems emerged as a result of their children disease and its related therapy

Assessment of the effect of lipoic acid administration on hemostatic and lipid parameters in ovariectomized rats

Adverse thrombotic cardiovascular events increase in women coincident with the onset of menopause. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of lipoic acid administration on hemostatic and lipid parameters, pertinent to thrombotic cardiovascular tendency in ovariectomized rats. Mature female rats were allocated into three groups namely; sham-operated, ovariectomized and lipoic acid-treated ovariectomized rats. Lipoic acid administration started 8 weeks after ovariectomy, and lasted for 3 weeks, in a dose of 100mg/kg body weight, on daily basis. All ovariectomized rats, whether treated or not, were sacrificed 11 weeks after ovariectomy. Various hemostatic and lipid parameters were evaluated, in addition to body mass index, body fat weight as well as malondialdehyde level and red blood cell profile. Compared with their non-treated ovariectomized littermates, lipoic acid-treated ovariectomized rats showed increased platelet count and decreased platelet aggregation, together with reduced fibrinogen level, body mass index and fat weight to body weight ratio, as well as the malondialdehyde level. Lipoic acid also ameliorated the increment in triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and atherogenic index detected in the ovariectomized group. Lipoic acid treatment also caused reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin level and hematocrit value. The encountered data showed that the administration of lipoic acid may have favorable effects on females after menopause by mitigating some hemostatic and lipid parameters, together with control of body weight and body fat weight. The present findings indicate potential antiobesity, antiplatelet aggregation, antilipedemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of lipoic acid

Evaluating the impact of health promoting school initiative on dietary habits and BMI of students in Oman

This study aimed at evaluating health promoting schools [HPS] initiative carried out on a sample of schools from all regions in Oman. The evaluation sought to assess the impact of the initiative on students' dietary behavior and body mass index [BMI]. The static group comparison design was employed. The study was conducted in 15 health promoting schools comprising grades eight and nine and 15 matching conventional schools [CS]. A total sample of 1535 students [752 intervention group-HPS, 783 comparison group-CS] participated in the study. The self administered questionnaire directed to students was used to collect data. Weight and height of each student were measured and BMI was calculated. Male students in HPS showed significant favorable behavior than those in CS regarding eating fruits, consuming fast food and soft drinks. On the other hand, female students in HPS showed significant favorable behavior than those in CS regarding eating breakfast and vegetables. Male and female students in HPS showed significantly higher mean total dietary behavior score than male and female students in CS. Lower percentage of HPS male students were underweight and obese compared to students from CS with significant difference. Positive changes in students' dietary behaviors were achieved by adopting the health promoting school initiatives with obvious difference between male and female students. Expansion of HPS initiative to other schools in Oman is recommended. Innovative nutrition program need to be developed and implemented by HPS to further impact eating behaviors and nutritional status of school chi1dren Given the differences in the effectiveness of HPS initiative between male and female students, there is a need to develop and evaluate separate interventions for each of them

study of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors in falls among the elderly

The aim of this study is to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors involved in falls in elderly focusing on the kinematic, temporal and phasic characteristics of gait using the 2-dimentional motion analysis system. One hundred elderly fallers, 100 elderly non fallers matched for age and sex and 50 apparently healthy young individuals were subjected to the following to achieve the purpose of the study: a questionnaire which was developed to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with falls, clinical evaluation of neuromuscular system, functional performance tests, visual examinations, routine laboratory investigations, radiological investigations and two dimensional gait analysis. There was a significant difference as regard the time of fall in favor of daytime [P<0.001]. Higher frequency of falls in elderly with neurological insult, impaired cognitive functions, multiorgan affection and those receiving higher number of medications [P<0.001]. All members of both elderly groups complaining from osteoarthritis [OA] knees, there was a significantly higher number of fallers in higher grades of radiological severity [P<0.001]. Also, higher incidence of knee and ankle joint synovitis in fallers [P<0.001] As regard the antigravity muscle power, there was a highly significant [P<0.001] weakness in four groups tested in fallers. There were highly significant differences [P<0.001] as regard heel rise, toe rise and timed up and go tests of functional performance, denoting the possibility of using these tests as screening for predilection of falls. As regard the visual parameters, there was a significantly higher incidence [P<0.001] of poor vision, cataractus lenses and constricted field of vision in fallers group. Examination of averaged hip, knee and ankle joints kinematics showed significant differences [P<0.001], [P<0.05] between groups, except for knee joint extension at terminal stance [P>0.05]. There was insignificant difference [P>0.05] between non fallers and fallers elderly groups except for hip joint extension at terminal stance, knee joint flexion at initial swing and ankle joint planter flexion at preswing [P<0.05]. As regard the results of general phasic and temporal gait parameters among the three groups, showed highly significant difference of all parameters [P<0.001]. From these results we can concluded that, most of the falls occur at the daytime while the elderly is moving and for those receiving higher numbers of medications. Elderly complaining from neurological, visual, musculoskeletal and multiorgan disorders are more prone to fall. Timed up and go [TUG], heel rise and toe rise tests are advisable as screening tools to predict falls in elderly. Limited hip extension at terminal stance, limited knee flexion at initial swing, limited ankle planter flexion at preswing, increased temporal parameters and decreased stride length, step length, cadence and velocity have a significant role in fall in elderly

Study of some immunological markers in acute cerebrovascular ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity in the world. Several mechanisms for neuroprotection against ischemia have been studied and included inflammatory mediators and apoptotic inducers and suppressors. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of some immunological markers [TNF-alpha, sFas and BCL-2] in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia and to relate their levels to the size of brain infarction and prognostic outcome of ischemic stroke. This study was done on 60 patients suffering from acute cerebrovascular ischemic stroke [40 males and 20 females] with age ranged from 45-70 years and 15 healthy subjects as a control group. History taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations were performed to all subjects and CT scan brain was done for patients. There was a highly significant statistical difference between the patients and control group as regard the level of the immunological markers and there was a direct relationship between risk factors as TIAs and TNF-alpha level and sFas level among the patients with increased level of these 2 markers in comparison to those with normal level. On the other hand, there was an inverse positive relationship between presence of hypertension, diabetes and TIAs and BCL-2 level among the patients with decreased level of BCL-2 in comparison with those with normal level. Also, there was a highly significant positive correlation between both of TNF-alpha level and sFas level and signs of inflammation as fever, elevated ESR and leukocytosis in the patients and a significant positive correlation with the NIH-NINDS score of stroke. While there was a highly significant negative correlation between BCL-2 level and WBCs, ESR and NIH-NINDS score. There was a direct positive relationship between both of TNF-alpha level and sFas level and size of brain infarction and presence and degree of brain oedema among the patients while an inverse positive relationship was found between these CT parameters and BCL-2 level. There was a significant statistical difference between survived and died groups of patients as regard BCL-2 level and qualitative presence of CRP+. Neuronal death in acute ischemic stroke is attributed in part to inflammation and apoptosis

Effect of medical ozone therapy on diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction

Diabetic metabolic dysregulation is accompanied by oxidative stress that could possibly lead to dysfunction in cardiac myocytes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of controlled medical ozone therapy to diabetic rats on ischemia reperfusion insult in isolated rat hearts. Both long-term [12 weeks duration] and short-term [20 days duration] treatment were investigated. Rats of each duration were divided into non-diabetic control group and streptozotocin-induced diabetic group, the latter group being further divided into two subgroups, namely, a group receiving medical ozone and the other remaining untreated. Long-term groups were studied for the cardiac responses before and after ischemia reperfusion. Short-term groups were used to assess the degree of leukocytic adhesion to coronary endothelium. In both durations, serum levels of CPK and TNF-alpha were determined. Long-term ozone therapy to diabetic rats improved myocardial depression before and after ischemia reperfusion, with reduction in ischemia reperfusion injury. Short-term therapy resulted in an attenuating effect on leukocyte adherence to coronary vascular endothelial cells after ischemia-reperfusion. The present data show the cardioprotective effect of medical ozone therapy on ischemia reperfusion injury in diabetic rats. The reduction in TNF-alpha may represent a mechanism for such protection. Prohibiting leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and transmigration may be useful in decreasing leukocyte-dependent post-reperfusion injury

Effects of ovariectomy and thyroidectomy on course and outcome of Trichinella spiralis infection in rat

Physiological hormones modulate immune responses and implicate in associated susceptibilities to infections. To clarify these endocrinological effects, the influence of estrogen and thyroid deficiency, due to ovariectomy and thyroidectomy, respectively, on course and outcome of Trichinella spiralis infection in rats was studied. While in ovariectomized rats there was significant increase in both adult and muscle larval counts as compared to intact infected rats, in thyroidectomized rats there was a significant increase in larval but not in adult count. Combined ovariectomy and thyroidectomy resulted in significant increase in both adult and larval counts. Serum CPK and blood glucose were significantly elevated in ovariectomized and/or thyroidectomized rats as compared to intact infected one. The deficiency of female sex hormones, and/or thyroid hormones in T. spiralis infected rats affected the host resistance to infection by increasing parasite burden influencing the course and outcome of parasitic infection

Study of the genotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide on albino mice bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes -and the protective effect of captopril

Cyclophosphamide [CYP] is widely used as an antineoplastic and an immunosuppressive drug. However, it has been found to cause DNA damage in normal tissues as well. Captopril [CAP], an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, was reported to have a potential protective effect on the genotoxic effect of CYP possibly through its antioxidant effect. The aim of the present work is to experimentally detect the genotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide using in vivo micronuclei assay in albino mice bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes and to test the protective effect of captopril on reducing the genotoxicity of CYP. In the present study thirty adult male albino mice were equally divided into six groups. Group I [control group] animals received single physiological saline, group II mice received single injection of captopril [CAP] [50mg/kg], group III animals received single injection of 25mg/kg cyclophosphamide [CYP] dissolved in physiological saline, group IV mice received single injection of 50 mg/kg CYP dissolved in physiological saline, and groups V and VI were the same as group III and IV but CYP injection was preceded by CAP [50mg/kg] injection. The number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes [MNPCEs] was determined in 1000 polychromatic cells from bone marrow smears obtained after sacrificing the animals 24 hrs from exposure to CYP or the control substance. Statistical comparison of the different groups showed that the difference between group I and II was not statistically significant [P=0.106], indicating that CAP does not induce genotoxicity. Whereas, comparing Groups III, IV to group I showed that the difference was statistically significant [P=0.013, 0.00021] It was observed that CYP increased the number of MNPCEs in a dose dependent way. Comparison of groups V and Vito groups III and IV respectively showed a significantly lower number of MNPCEs confirming a protective effect of CAP when administered prior to CYP. The results of the present study confirm a protective role of CAP and support the possibility of administration of captopril prior to cyclophosphamide to ameliorate its genotoxic effect and the possibility to develop secondary cancers

Efficacy of medical ozone in attenuation of murine schistosomiasis mansoni infection morbidity

Mice were divided into 3 groups: non-infected control, S. mansoni infected non-treated for 10 weeks and group receiving ozone intra-peritoneally for 21 days 10 weeks postinfection. Results showed that ozone therapy in chronic schistosomiasis mansoni decreased worm burden, increased number of dead eggs, decreased both mature and immature eggs, increased RBC count, improved hemoglobin concentration with reduced reticulocytes%, as well as increased lymphocyte%, decreased neutrophil% and markedly increased eosinophil%. Platelet count was increased and bleeding time was markedly shortened, markers for hepatic function were improved, and malondialdehyde concentration decreased in liver and spleen but increased in intestine. Reduction of associated hepato-splenomegaly was noticed, with reduction in number and size of hepatic and intestinal granulomas, collagen area% and number of macrophages, with preservation of hepatic and intestinal histological profile in almost all areas. The results point to medical ozone as a promising agent to complement schistosomiasis mansoni specific treatment, helping to attenuate infection morbidity

Biological and biochemical studies on pollen grains date palm adding to rats diet

The present study was conducted on experimental animals show the effect of different levels [14%, 20% and 30%] of pollen grains of date palm on food intake, feed efficiency, serum lipid profile, serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT], serum urea and createnin. Twenty eight male albino rats sprague Dawley strain weighing [95-110g] ten weeks old. They were divided into 4 groups [7 rats each], the rats of the control group were fed on standard diet, and the other 3 groups were fed standard diet plus 14%, 20% and 30% of pollen grains respectively. Food and water were provided ad-libitam for 4 weeks, at the end of experiment blood sample was taken and organs were removed. Serum was separated and kept at -20C degree until analysis. The result showed that: Weight gain was highly significant in group [2] which received 14% pollen grains when compared to the control group. Higher values of food intake and feed efficiency ratio in group [2] and [3] compared to the control group. Significant decrease of serum triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL-c] in all treatment groups when compared to the control group. Significant decrease of low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] in forth group which received 30% of pollen grains and significant increase of high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] in the same group when compared to control group. Significant decrease in serum glucose were among treatments compared to control group. Significant decrease in AST in group [4]. which received 30% of pollen grains, while there was a significant decrease in ALT in all treatment groups when compared to control group. Finally, there was a significant decrease in serum urea in both group 2 and 3 when compared to control group

clinical significance of real-time PCR for rapid diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumoniae in respiratory tract infection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae [M. pneumoniae] is a common cause of respiratory tract infections [RTIs]. Diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection relies mainly on laboratory tests, as the clinical presentation is not significantly different from that seen with other pathogens causing RTI. Diagnosis has traditionally been obtained by serological diagnosis, but increasingly, molecular techniques have been applied. However, the number of studies actually comparing these assays is limited. The Real Time PCR [RT-PCR] assay for detection of M. pneumoniae was used and comparing with a conventional PCR assay, and with serology using IgM Immunofluorescence assay [IFA]. The study included: 70 adult patients with manifestations of RTIs and 20 age matched healthy controls. All patients and controls subjected to the following: thorough history and clinical examination, routine investigations as complete blood count [CBC], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP], and chest-X-ray, blood samples were collected for serological testing [IgM-IFA]. nasopharyngeal swabs were done for PCR assays and for culture techniques. Diagnosis of M. pneumoniae was made on the basis of tbe conventional PCR results. The conventional PCR was positive for M. pneumoniae in 18 patients [25.7%] out of overall 70 patients and all the 18 patients positive by conventional PCR were also positive by RT-PCR. While, all controls were PCR negative by both techniques. The nasopharyngeal swab culture for M. pneumoniae was positive in 10[14.3%] out of 70 patients and negative in all 20 healthy controls. However, the M. pneumoniae IgM-IFA was positive for 21 [30%] out of 70 patients. So IgM IFA was positive in 3 patients with negative PCR, However, one case was positive for IgM- IFA among healthy controls. Comparing to conventional PCR, the RT-PCR gives 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 100% accuracy for diagnosis of M. pneumoniae, followed by IgM- IFA that give a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 94.2% and accuracy of 95.7%, and the culture of M. pneumoniae gives 55.6% for sensitivity, 100% for specificity and 88.5% for diagnostic accuracy. The comparison of clinical data of patients diagnosed with M. pneumoniae infection [+ve PCR] and those who were M. pneumoniae negative [-ye PCR] revealed that no significant difference was reported as regard age or disease duration between the two groups of patients, while rhinitis was significantly more prevalent in the Mycoplasma-negative patients [p<0.01]. No significant difference was seen between the two groups regarding headache, malaise, sore throat, vomiting, fever, wheeze, or chest radiographic infiltrate [p>0.05]. Also, WBC counts, CRP levels and ESR values were significantly increased in PCR positive group as comparing to PCR negative group [p<0.05]. The molecular methods are superior for diagnosis of M. pneumoniae regarding accuracy, and providing more rapid diagnosis. In addition, using Real-Time PCR assay involves less hands, short time for diagnosis and meanwhile, rapid treatment and monitoring therapy

X-linked disorders among patients with suspected genetic disorders attending the genetic clinic in Alexandria

A total of 1825 patients referred to the Genetics Clinic, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University were assessed to determine the frequency of X-linked disorders. It was found that 3.0% [55/1825 cases; 52 males and 3 females] had X-linked disorders; 31.0% [17/55] had fragile X-syndrome 21.8% [12/55] had androgen insensitivity syndrome, 14.5% [8/55] had muscular dystrophy, 14.5% [8/55] had biochemical disorders and 18.2% [10/55] had X-linked syndromes. The frequency of consanguinity among parents of cases with X-linked disorders was 29.1%. Positive family history was detected in 29.1% of cases. These findings are crucial for geneticists and genetic counsellers in their evaluation, diagnosis, counseling and management of patients

Neutrophil granule products in identification of subclinical chorioamnionitis in patients with premature rupture of membrane

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of neutrophil granule products compared to WBC's and CRP in identification of sub clinical chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membrane [PROM]. Twenty five patients between 26-30 week gestations suffered from preterm PROM were included as a study group. The control group contained 25 apparently healthy pregnant women with matched gestational age. Blood samples were collected through latency period and at delivery for estimation of plasma defensin and lactoferrin and serum C - reactive protein CRP levels in addition to WBC's determination. After delivery the placenta of the study patients were examined histologically for evidence of chorioamnionitis. The fetal birth weight, Apgar score and any neonatal complications were recorded. At admission defensin level was significantly higher in patients with developed chorioamnionitis compared to patients without histological findings and controls [6583.1 vs 722.36 and 714.5 ng/ml respectively, p < 0.05]. WBC's were higher in patients with developed chrioamnionitis [p< 0.05]. lactoferrin and CRP didn't show the same relation. At delivery defensin, WBC's and CRP have demonstrated significantly increased levels in patients with developed chorioamnionitis compared to subjects who didn't develop chorioamionitis. Correlation coefficient of different studied lab tests demonstrated significant positive correlation between defensin, WBC's and CRP. In conclusion maternal plasma defensin level may serve as a good promising predictor for development of chorioamnionitis in patients with preterm PROM