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1.
SAR QSAR Environ Res ; 35(5): 391-410, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38769919

ABSTRACT

Alpinia officinarum is a commonly used spice with proven folk uses in various traditional medicines. In the current study, six compounds were isolated from its rhizomes, compounds 1-3 were identified as diarylheptanoids, while 4-6 were identified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The isolated compounds were subjected to virtual screening against α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes to evaluate their potential antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer's activities. Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that 3 exhibited a strong binding affinity to human a α- glucosidase crystal structure compared to acarbose. Furthermore, 2 and 5 demonstrated high potency against AChE. The virtual screening results were further supported by in vitro assays, which assessed the compounds' effects on α-glucosidase, cholinesterases, and their antioxidant activities. 5-Hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylheptan-3-one (2) showed potent antioxidant effect in both ABTs and ORAC assays, while p-hydroxy cinnamic acid (6) was the most potent in the ORAC assay. In contrary, kaempferide (4) and galangin (5) showed the most potent effect in metal chelation assay. 5-Hydroxy-1,7-diphenylhepta-4,6-dien-3-one (3) and 6 revealed the most potent effect as α-glucosidase inhibitors where compound 3 showed more potent effect compared to acarbose. Galangin (5) revealed a higher selectivity to BChE, while 2 showed the most potent activity to (AChE).


Subject(s)
Acetylcholinesterase , Alpinia , Antioxidants , Butyrylcholinesterase , Cholinesterase Inhibitors , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors , Molecular Docking Simulation , Rhizome , Alpinia/chemistry , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemistry , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Rhizome/chemistry , Butyrylcholinesterase/metabolism , Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism , alpha-Glucosidases/metabolism , Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship , Flavonoids/chemistry , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Flavonoids/isolation & purification , Hydroxybenzoates/pharmacology , Hydroxybenzoates/chemistry , Hydroxybenzoates/isolation & purification , Humans
2.
J Wildl Dis ; 57(1): 205-210, 2021 01 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33635977

ABSTRACT

We describe a case of systemic toxoplasmosis in a female adult narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) found in May 2018 inside a gillnet set in the Ariake Sound, southern Japan. The main lesions observed were lymphoplasmacytic and focally necrotizing encephalitis, necrotizing to granulomatous adrenalitis, myocarditis, and inflammation in the intestinal wall, associated with protozoal tissue cysts and tachyzoites. Additionally, the individual had a 5.6 mm (crown-rump length) early-stage embryo in the left uterine horn, which had multifocal necrotizing lesions with intralesional tissue cysts and tachyzoites in the parenchyma. Immunohistochemistry and PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 region confirmed a Toxoplasma gondii infection. Further genotyping revealed an atypical type II genotype with a type I pattern for the Apico locus. Narrow-ridged finless porpoises are an endangered coastal species already facing various anthropogenic threats. Toxoplasmosis, especially with its ability to transmit to an early-stage embryo, should be considered an emerging threat to this vulnerable species.


Subject(s)
Embryo, Mammalian/parasitology , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/veterinary , Porpoises/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Animals , Female , Porpoises/embryology , Pregnancy , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/pathology
3.
Parasitol Int ; 68(1): 79-86, 2019 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30347233

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes fatal disease in New World monkeys. Several reports have described outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in squirrel monkeys. Here, we report the death of four squirrel monkeys in a captive colony from acute toxoplasmosis, one of which developed toxoplasmosis about 1 year after the initial outbreak. Serum anti-T. gondii antibody was detected by a latex agglutination test in the animals, and one presented seropositive before clinical signs were observed. Macroscopically, the lungs were severely affected and three animals showed pulmonary edema. Microscopically, interstitial pneumonia was observed in all animals. In the liver and heart, multifocal mononuclear cell infiltration with necrosis was detected. Parasite loading tended to be higher in the lungs, liver and heart than in the spleen, kidney and brain. The parasite was isolated from the brain of one animal and this isolate showed type II restriction patterns in the SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2 and PK1 genes of T. gondii and type I restriction patterns in the L358 and Apico genes by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis. The clinical signs were reduced in mice infected with this isolate compared with those infected with reference type II strain PLK in a bioassay. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation of the parasite from squirrel monkeys in Japan and offers the opportunity for genomic and pathogenic analyses to aid our understanding of acute toxoplasmosis.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Monkey Diseases/epidemiology , Pulmonary Edema/veterinary , Saimiri/parasitology , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Acute Disease/epidemiology , Acute Disease/mortality , Animals , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Genotype , Heart/parasitology , Liver/parasitology , Liver/pathology , Monkey Diseases/blood , Monkey Diseases/immunology , Monkey Diseases/parasitology , Necrosis , Parasite Load , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length , Pulmonary Edema/epidemiology , Pulmonary Edema/etiology , Pulmonary Edema/parasitology , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/immunology , Toxoplasma/pathogenicity , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/complications , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/mortality , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology
4.
Microsc Res Tech ; 81(1): 64-73, 2018 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29027720

ABSTRACT

Samples of polyglycolic acid PGA/polycaprolactone PCL copolymer absorbable suture materials, which is called Poliglecaprone PGC copolymer suture, were thermally treated by two different processes. The first method is the direct heat exposure, from 20 to 38 °C, in the surrounding medium. Which is an environmental study. The other method is the annealing process at temperatures ranged from 65, 80, 100, 120, and 140 °C, for two different duration periods 60 and 120 min. This is an extensive technical study. The refractive indices of thermally treated PGA/PCL copolymer sutures were measured using multiple-beam Fizeau fringes. The birefringence profiles across the suture cross-sections were studied for different annealing conditions. The effect of heat on the polarizabilty per unit volume, dielectric properties, and suture diameter were investigated. The activation energy for the heating processes was calculated using Arrhenius equation. Microinterferograms are given for illustration.


Subject(s)
Hot Temperature , Materials Testing/methods , Polyesters/chemistry , Polyglycolic Acid/chemistry , Sutures/standards , Absorbable Implants/standards , Birefringence , Polyesters/standards , Polyglycolic Acid/standards , Refractometry , Tensile Strength
5.
SAR QSAR Environ Res ; 28(2): 165-177, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28235390

ABSTRACT

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is prevalent in African countries, covering 37 countries, mostly sub-Saharan. A limited number of drugs are available to cure this neglected disease. In the present work, quantitative structure-activity (toxicity) relationships (QSA(T)R) analysis has been performed for a dataset of 54 6-arylpyrazine-2-carboxamides as Trypanosoma brucei inhibitors to identify the important structural features required for future optimization of lead candidates. The QSA(T)R models satisfy OECD guidelines and have high statistical robustness. The QSA(T)R models are based on easily interpretable molecular descriptors. The QSA(T)R models indicate that Trypanosoma brucei inhibitory activity of 6-arylpyrazine-2-carboxamides has correlation with the presence of N-sec-butylformamide and substituted benzene. The results could be beneficial for further optimization of 6-arylpyrazine-2-carboxamides as Trypanosoma brucei inhibitors. Some potential candidate molecules have been proposed.


Subject(s)
Antiprotozoal Agents/chemistry , Antiprotozoal Agents/pharmacology , Pyrazines/chemistry , Pyrazines/pharmacology , Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/drug effects , Models, Molecular , Molecular Structure
6.
Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci ; 79(2): 129-44, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26084091

ABSTRACT

The present study is carried out to evaluate the toxic efficiency and delayed effects of five botanical oils on the greasy cut worm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as a trial for the attainment of a possible use of an alternative safe and effective phytochemicals against the insect-pest. So as to minimize or prevent the repeated usage of conventional insecticides, then reduce the environmental pollution as well as the occurring hazards to man and domestic animal due to the use of the pesticides alone. Four tested concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.5% v/v) from each of camphor, red basil, menthol, rose and anise oils, were bioassayed by treating the offered castor oil bean leaves, to the 4th instar larvae along 48h, under the laboratory higrothermic conditions of 25±2 °C and 65±5% R.H. The obtained results showed that the five tested oils were found to have more or less toxic activity and drastic effects on the inspected parameters of fitness components of the treated parent generation of the insect, in particular, pupae, emerged adult moths and laid eggs/female. In this respect camphor and red basil oils were highly effective, followed by menthol oil, anise oil and the least effective one was rose oil. Moreover, the assessed unprofitable delayed effects on the going on of the biological performance within the treated insects showed the adverse effects on the fitness components of the consequent generations (fs) post (p) one treatment with each of the bioassyed oils. The prevalence of adverse effects and disturbance in the going on biological performance through the period of (p) generation; which is followed by the distinct failure of insect development in (f1) generation were recorded for each of the tested menthol oil at 0.5 and 1.5% (v/v); camphor oil at 1.5 and 2.5% and red basil oil at 2.5% (v/v). While anise and rose oils were somewhat less efficient causing the distinct failure of the following generations up to the 3rd and/or the 6th ones. That observed distinct failure of the insect development could be attributed to the rapid or/and slow cumulative effect of the induced recessive lethal genes in both influenced sexes along the interval of the following developed generations (fs) after (p) one treatment, causing apparent adverse disturbance of the normal biological performance, which finally appears at the beginning of the failed generation.


Subject(s)
Insecticides/toxicity , Moths/drug effects , Ocimum basilicum/chemistry , Pest Control, Biological/methods , Pimpinella/chemistry , Plant Oils/toxicity , Rosa/chemistry , Animals , Female , Insecticides/chemistry , Larva/drug effects , Larva/growth & development , Male , Moths/growth & development , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Oils, Volatile/toxicity , Plant Oils/chemistry , Pupa/drug effects , Pupa/growth & development
7.
East Mediterr Health J ; 19(3): 234-41, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23879074

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional, community-based, household survey was carried out in Gaza City, Palestine during the first half of 2009 to study the nutritional status of Palestinian preschool children aged 2-5 years under blockade. The response rate was 95.2% from a total sample of 770. The majority (94.4%) of households faced difficulties accessing food, the main cause was the siege and the shortage of food products; and the majority (85.5%) were food insecure households. Just over 50% of the preschoolers were anaemic, 26.8% of those who had a stool test had parasitic infections, and 15.0 were stunted. Food insecurity was the first predictor of stunting andd underweight, and malnutrition indicators indicate the worst situation in the Gaza Strip for several decades.


Subject(s)
Arabs/statistics & numerical data , Food Supply/statistics & numerical data , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/ethnology , Malnutrition/ethnology , Anemia/economics , Anemia/ethnology , Anemia/etiology , Anthropometry , Child, Preschool , Cluster Analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Food Supply/economics , Humans , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/economics , Israel/epidemiology , Male , Malnutrition/complications , Malnutrition/economics , Middle East/ethnology , Multivariate Analysis , Nutritional Status , Politics , Poverty/ethnology , Wasting Syndrome/economics , Wasting Syndrome/ethnology , Wasting Syndrome/etiology
8.
(East. Mediterr. health j).
in English | WHO IRIS | ID: who-118406

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional, community-based, household survey was carried out in Gaza City, Palestine during the first half of 2009 to study the nutritional status of Palestinian preschool children aged 2-5 years under blockade. The response rate was 95.2% from a total sample of 770. The majority [94.4%] of households faced difficulties accessing food, the main cause was the siege and the shortage of food products; and the majority [85.5%] were food insecure households. Just over 50% of the preschoolers were anaemic, 26.8% of those who had a stool test had parasitic infections, and 15.0 were stunted. Food insecurity was the first predictor of stunting and underweight, and malnutrition indicators indicate the worst situation in the Gaza Strip for several decades


Subject(s)
Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Family Characteristics , Food , Food Supply , Anemia , Anthropometry , Prevalence , Malnutrition , Thinness , Nutritional Status
9.
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis ; 16(10): 1412-7, 2012 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22863614

ABSTRACT

SETTING: A smoke-free law was passed in Egypt in 2007. In 2010 a bylaw was issued, leading to a drive by the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) to launch a smoke-free initiative in Alexandria, the second largest city. OBJECTIVE: To assess public opinion with regard to 100% smoke-free legislation and its implementation in the Alexandria governorate. DESIGN: The Union Middle-East Office, in collaboration with the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics and the MOHP, conducted a cross-sectional survey among 427 randomly selected adults (206 males and 221 females), covering the seven major districts of the Alexandria governorate. RESULTS: The majority of the interviewed subjects (98%) expressed support of the government in enacting 100% smoke-free indoor legislation in all public places and public transport. Respondents endorsed the government plan to implement legislation imposing 100% smoke-free public places. More than one third (33.5%) of all respondents indicated that they would increase visits to restaurants if they were smoke-free, and 63% indicated no impact at all. CONCLUSION: The results of the poll clearly support results from different countries worldwide that smoke-free policies are popular and supported by the public.


Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Health Policy/legislation & jurisprudence , Public Opinion , Smoke-Free Policy , Smoking Cessation/legislation & jurisprudence , Smoking/legislation & jurisprudence , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Egypt/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Restaurants/legislation & jurisprudence , Smoking/epidemiology , Smoking Cessation/methods , Smoking Prevention , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & control , Workplace/legislation & jurisprudence
10.
Parasite Immunol ; 34(2-3): 72-9, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22132795

ABSTRACT

The decoding of the Tritryp reference genomes nearly 7 years ago provided a first peek into the biology of pathogenic trypanosomatids and a blueprint that has paved the way for genome-wide studies. Although 60-70% of the predicted protein coding genes in Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania major remain unannotated, the functional genomics landscape is rapidly changing. Facilitated by the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, improved structural and functional annotation and genes and their products are emerging. Information is also growing for the interactions between cellular components as transcriptomes, regulatory networks and metabolomes are characterized, ushering in a new era of systems biology. Simultaneously, the launch of comparative sequencing of multiple strains of kinetoplastids will finally lead to the investigation of a vast, yet to be explored, evolutionary and pathogenomic space.


Subject(s)
Genome, Protozoan , Genomics/methods , Trypanosomatina/genetics , Trypanosomatina/metabolism , Animals , Genome, Protozoan/genetics , Humans , Proteome , Protozoan Proteins/genetics , Protozoan Proteins/metabolism , Transcriptome , Trypanosomatina/classification
11.
J Infect Dis ; 204 Suppl 1: S318-24, 2011 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21666180

ABSTRACT

Measles and rubella were common infectious diseases in Egypt during the prevaccine era. Monovalent measles vaccine was introduced in 1977, and measles vaccination coverage increased from <50% to >90% from 1980 to 1999; however, measles outbreaks continued to occur at 2- to 4-year intervals during this period. After the introduction of a second routine dose of measles vaccine as a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in 1999 and the implementation of measles immunization campaigns targeting 6- to 16-year-old children during 2000-2003, reported measles cases dramatically decreased by 2003. In 2002, Egypt established a goal to eliminate measles and rubella and to prevent congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) by 2010. Large-scale rubella and measles outbreaks in 2005-2007, however, led to a revision of the plan of action to achieve the 2010 goals. A nation-wide measles-rubella immunization campaign, targeting children, adolescents, and young adults 2-20 years old, was conducted in 2 phases during 2008-2009 and achieved coverage >95%. With the decrease to record low levels of cases of measles and rubella in 2009 and 2010, Egypt should achieve measles and rubella elimination in the near future, but high coverage(>95%) with 2 doses of measles-rubella vaccine needs to be maintained, measles-rubella surveillance strengthened, and CRS surveillance developed.


Subject(s)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine/administration & dosage , Measles/epidemiology , Measles/prevention & control , Rubella/epidemiology , Rubella/prevention & control , Adolescent , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Child , Child, Preschool , Disease Outbreaks , Egypt/epidemiology , Humans , Immunization Programs/organization & administration , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine/adverse effects , National Health Programs , Population Surveillance , Rubella Syndrome, Congenital/prevention & control , Time Factors , Vaccination , Young Adult
12.
Trop Med Int Health ; 15(11): 1395-400, 2010 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20955500

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of polio detection and notification by front-line clinicians in Egypt. METHODS: This study examines clinicians' knowledge and awareness of polio detection and notification using a multiple-choice questionnaire (maximum score=43) in three large health care centres in central Cairo (n=52). RESULTS: The results reveal a significant variation of knowledge amongst doctors, with junior and senior house officers scoring an average of 30.6 (95% CI: 29.5-31.7), specialist registrars and consultant paediatricians 30.3 (CI 28.9-31.7), and public health doctors 35.4 (CI 32.9-36.8). Mean total scores of public health doctors were significantly higher than those of other clinicians. Senior paediatricians performed no better than newly qualified doctors. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is a need for more clinical teaching and training amongst junior doctors as well as senior clinicians and consultants. Appropriate knowledge of diagnosing AFP and of the correct protocol amongst clinicians is essential to maintain the high quality of the WHO programme in Egypt.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , Paralysis/virology , Poliomyelitis/diagnosis , Acute Disease , Egypt , Humans , Medical Staff, Hospital/standards , Muscle Hypotonia/virology , Poliomyelitis/complications , Population Surveillance , Public Health/standards
13.
East Mediterr Health J ; 16(2): 134-40, 2010 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20799563

ABSTRACT

Viral hepatitis is a major problem in Egypt. To define the epidemiology of the disease, sentinel surveillance was established in 5 hospitals in diverse areas of the country in 2001. Data were completed for patients meeting the case definition for viral hepatitis. Of a total of 5909 patients evaluated, 4189 (70.9%) showed positive antibody markers for hepatitis. Out of those, 40.2% had evidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, 30.0% hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 29.8% hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This surveillance system was useful in identifying the variable endemicity of acute HAV infection in different regions and for better understanding the epidemiology of HBV and HCV infection.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis A/epidemiology , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Sentinel Surveillance , Acute Disease , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Child , Child, Preschool , Egypt/epidemiology , Endemic Diseases/statistics & numerical data , Female , Hepatitis A/diagnosis , Hepatitis A/transmission , Hepatitis B/diagnosis , Hepatitis B/transmission , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Hepatitis C/transmission , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Residence Characteristics , Risk Factors , Seasons , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sex Distribution
14.
East Mediterr Health J ; 16(1): 4-9, 2010 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20214150

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant health problem in Egypt. To better define risk factors associated with HBV transmission, we conducted a case-control study among patients admitted with acute hepatitis to an infectious disease hospital in Cairo. A total of 60 cases and 120 controls were interviewed about various exposures within 6 months prior to admission. Univariate analysis revealed HBV case-patients were more likely to report providing injections to relatives or friends, injecting drug use, exposure to a household contact with hepatitis, exposure to invasive medical procedures and being in the military. Efforts should be made to implement strict infection control standards in Egypt.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis B/transmission , Acute Disease , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Case-Control Studies , Child , Child, Preschool , Egypt/epidemiology , Family Characteristics , Female , Hepatitis B/etiology , Humans , Injections/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Military Personnel , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Transfusion Reaction , Unsafe Sex , Young Adult
15.
(East. Mediterr. health j).
in English | WHO IRIS | ID: who-117830

ABSTRACT

Viral hepatitis is a major problem in Egypt. To define the epidemiology of the disease, sentinel surveillance was established in 5 hospitals in diverse areas of the country in 2001. Data were completed for patients meeting the case definition for viral hepatitis. Of a total of 5909 patients evaluated, 4189 [70.9%] showed positive antibody markers for hepatitis. Out of those, 40.2% had evidence of hepatitis A virus [HAV] infection, 30.0% hepatitis B virus [HBV] and 29.8% hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. This surveillance system was useful in identifying the variable endemicity of acute HAV infection in different regions and for better understanding the epidemiology of HBV and HCV infection


Subject(s)
Hepatitis, Viral, Human , Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B , Hepatitis C , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
16.
(East. Mediterr. health j).
in English | WHO IRIS | ID: who-117808

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection is a significant health problem in Egypt. To better define risk factors associated with HBV transmission, we conducted a case-control study among patients admitted with acute hepatitis to an infectious disease hospital in Cairo. A total of 60 cases and 120 controls were interviewed about various exposures within 6 months prior to admission. Univariate analysis revealed HBV case-patients were more likely to report providing injections to relatives or friends, injecting drug use, exposure to a household contact with hepatitis, exposure to invasive medical procedures and being in the military. Efforts should be made to implement strict infection control standards in Egypt


Subject(s)
Risk Factors , Case-Control Studies , Hepatitis B
17.
Drug Discov Ther ; 3(6): 307-15, 2009 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22495665

ABSTRACT

Deposition of ß-amyloid in brain is one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that is often associated with inflammatory response. Much evidence also points to a link between the renin-angiotensin system, hypertension and dementia. Accordingly, the potential use of anti-inflammatory and antihypertensives might be beneficial agents in AD therapy. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms of Celecoxib (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor), Perindopril (angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor) and their combination in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of AD. Mice were injected with LPS (0.8 mg/ kg, i.p.) once then divided into three groups: the first was treated with Celecoxib (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.), the second with Perindopril (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and the last group with a combination of both drugs. Learning and memory function were tested using a Y-maze and locomotor activity was assessed using an open-field test. Cerebral specimens were subjected to histopathological studies. Brain tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-1ß levels were measured. LPS decreased locomotor activity and percentage of correct choices in the Y-maze test. It also produced a significant increase in the percentage area of vascular angiopathy, area of lamellated plaques, and apoptotic index. These were associated with increased TNF-α and IL-1ß. Administration of either Celecoxib or Perindopril partially improved cognitive impairment, decreased inflammatory cytokines and amyloid deposition. Combined therapy of both drugs completely prevented LPS induced neurodegenerative and cognitive changes. In conclusion, these findings establish a link between COX-2, ACE activity and cognitive impairment in AD and provided a promising strategy for the complete cure of AD.

18.
Exp Parasitol ; 120(4): 357-63, 2008 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18822286

ABSTRACT

Schistosoma mansoni is a digenetic trematode and a human parasite responsible for high social and economic impact. Although some authors have studied the effect of host hormones on parasites, not much is known about the effects of host sex on gene expression in Schistosomes. In order to study gene transcripts associated with the host sex, we compared the gene expression profiles of both male and female unisexual adult S. mansoni parasites raised on either male or female hosts, using DNA microarrays. Our results show that host sex caused differential expression of at least 11 genes in female parasites and of 134 in male parasites. Of the differentially expressed genes in female worms, 10 were preferentially expressed in female worms from male mice, while of the 134 differentially expressed genes in male parasites, 79 (59%) were preferentially expressed in worms from female mice. Further investigation of the role of each of those genes will help understand better their importance in the pathogenesis of Schistosomiasis.


Subject(s)
Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , RNA, Helminth/genetics , Schistosoma mansoni/genetics , Schistosomiasis mansoni/parasitology , Animals , Biomphalaria , Female , Gene Expression , Host-Parasite Interactions , Male , Mice , RNA, Helminth/isolation & purification , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sex Factors
19.
East Mediterr Health J ; 13(2): 392-407, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17684860

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was made in 32 haemodialysis units in the the Nile delta, Egypt to evaluate knowledge and practices towards risk of HIV infection by 317 health care workers. Exposure to needle-stick injury was reported by 48.6% in the previous year. Significantly more workers in government units than in private units had good knowledge of bloodborne infections, universal blood precautions and safe disposal of contaminated items, and recognized asymptomatic HIV patients as a risk. Previous training, but not years of experience, influenced knowledge. Despite good knowledge, the performance of health workers was poor for universal blood precautions, and was worse in private haemodialysis units.


Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Infection Control/methods , Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/prevention & control , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Chi-Square Distribution , Cross-Sectional Studies , Egypt/epidemiology , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/etiology , HIV Infections/transmission , Humans , Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/methods , Male , Medical Staff, Hospital/education , Medical Staff, Hospital/psychology , Medical Waste Disposal/methods , Middle Aged , Needlestick Injuries/complications , Needlestick Injuries/prevention & control , Nursing Staff, Hospital/education , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , Occupational Health , Qualitative Research , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Statistics, Nonparametric , Surveys and Questionnaires , Universal Precautions
20.
East Mediterr Health J ; 13(6): 1405-16, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18341190

ABSTRACT

We conducted a cross-sectional study on a randomly selected sample of 2304 males aged 15-49 years from 4 governorates in Lower Egypt to assess their condom use and knowledge and attitudes towards condom use. Condoms were considered an effective method of contraception and prevention of transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 60.5% and 60.0% respectively. Only 23.9% had ever used condoms, mainly for contraception, but 26.8% would consider using them in the future. A quarter reported knowing how to use condoms properly. Obstacles to condom use included perceived lack of need (75.7%), rejection by partner (57.6%) and hazards of condoms (31.9%). The majority knew about HIV/AIDS (90.8%) but a few felt at risk of STIs (11.2%) or HIV infection (10.3%).


Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Condoms/statistics & numerical data , Contraception Behavior , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Men/psychology , Safe Sex , Adolescent , Adult , Attitude to Health/ethnology , Chi-Square Distribution , Contraception/methods , Contraception/psychology , Contraception/statistics & numerical data , Contraception Behavior/ethnology , Contraception Behavior/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Egypt/epidemiology , Family Planning Services , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , Male , Marital Status/statistics & numerical data , Men/education , Middle Aged , Motivation , Occupations/statistics & numerical data , Residence Characteristics/statistics & numerical data , Risk-Taking , Safe Sex/ethnology , Safe Sex/statistics & numerical data , Sexual Partners/psychology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/ethnology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Surveys and Questionnaires
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