The superior efficacy of chloroquine over buparvaquone in reducing the chronic cerebral Toxoplasma gondii cysts load and improving the ultrastructural pathology in an immunocompromised murine model.

Toxoplasma gondii, the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, infects about 30 - 50% of the world population. The currently available anti-Toxoplasma agents have serious limitations. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two antimalarials; buparvaquone (BPQ) and chloroquine (CQ), on immunocompromised mice with chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis, using spiramycin as a reference drug. The assessed parameters included the estimation of mortality rates (MR) among mice of the different study groups, in addition to the examination of the ultrastructural changes in the brain tissues by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that only CQ treatment could decrease the MR significantly with zero deaths, while both spiramycin and BPQ caused an insignificant reduction of MR compared to the infected non-treated group. All the used drugs decreased the number of mature ruptured cysts significantly compared to the infected non-treated group, while only CQ increased the number of atrophic and necrotic cysts significantly. Furthermore, both spiramycin and BPQ improved the microvasculopathy and neurodegeneration accompanying the infection with different degrees of reactive astrocytosis and neuronal damage with the best results regarding the repair of the microvascular damage with less active glial cells, and normal neurons in the CQ-treated group. In conclusion, this study sheds light on CQ and its excellent impact on treating chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis in an immunocompromised mouse model.

The superior efficacy of chloroquine over buparvaquone in reducing the chronic cerebral Toxoplasma gondii cysts load and improving the ultrastructural pathology in an immunocompromised murine model

@#Toxoplasma gondii, the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, infects about 30 – 50% of the world population. The currently available anti-Toxoplasma agents have serious limitations. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two antimalarials; buparvaquone (BPQ) and chloroquine (CQ), on immunocompromised mice with chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis, using spiramycin as a reference drug. The assessed parameters included the estimation of mortality rates (MR) among mice of the different study groups, in addition to the examination of the ultrastructural changes in the brain tissues by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that only CQ treatment could decrease the MR significantly with zero deaths, while both spiramycin and BPQ caused an insignificant reduction of MR compared to the infected non-treated group. All the used drugs decreased the number of mature ruptured cysts significantly compared to the infected non-treated group, while only CQ increased the number of atrophic and necrotic cysts significantly. Furthermore, both spiramycin and BPQ improved the microvasculopathy and neurodegeneration accompanying the infection with different degrees of reactive astrocytosis and neuronal damage with the best results regarding the repair of the microvascular damage with less active glial cells, and normal neurons in the CQ-treated group. In conclusion, this study sheds light on CQ and its excellent impact on treating chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis in an immunocompromised mouse model.

Role of HFE gene mutations on developing iron overload in beta thalassaemia carriers in Egypt

A case-control study aimed to determine the prevalence of C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations of the HFE gene in beta thalassaemia carriers and investigate their influence on iron absorption. A total of 41 beta-thalassaemia carriers and 40 control subjects without haemoglobinopathies were screened for the C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism. The iron status in these subjects was studied and correlated with the HFE gene mutations. H63D, S65C and C282Y allele frequencies were 30.5%, 13.4% and 7.3% respectively in [3-thalassaemia carriers and 10.0%, 2.5% and 0.0% respectively in the control group. Compound heterozygosis was found in 10 carriers [24.4%]. The transferrin saturation level was high in compound heterozygote cases. Our study has shown that the HFE gene mutations are common in Egypt among beta-thalassaemia carriers compared with normal controls

Removal of some heavy metal cations by synthetic resin purolite C100.

The discharge of heavy metals into aquatic ecosystems has become a matter of concern over the last few decades. These pollutants are introduced into the aquatic systems significantly as a result of various industrial operations. This paper describes the adsorption behaviour of cation exchange resin purolite C100 with respect to Ce(4+), Fe(3+) and Pb(2+) in order to consider its application to purify metal finishing wastewaters. The batch method has been employed, using metal concentrations in solution ranging from 2.65 to 265mg/L. The adsorption percentages (%) and distribution coefficient (K(d)) were determined for the adsorption system in the aqueous media as a function of sorbate concentration. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich (DKR) equations. It was found that the adsorption phenomena depend on charge density and hydrated ion diameter. According to the equilibrium studies, the metal ions sequence can be given as Ce(4+)>Fe(3+)>Pb(2+). These results show that cation exchange resin purolite C100 holds great potential to remove cationic heavy metal species from polluted wastewater.

Chromatographic separations and recovery of lead ions from a synthetic binary mixtures of some heavy metal using cation exchange resin.

A simple solid phase extraction procedure on cation exchange resin Purolite C100 is presented. The procedure based on a column technique for separation and recovery of lead ions from synthetic binary mixtures. Equilibrium distribution coefficient, k(d) for the different metal ions such as Al(III), Fe(III), Ba(II) and Pb(II) in the presence of nitric acid and ammonium acetate solutions of variable concentrations was determined at 25 degrees C. The values of separation factor, alpha were evaluated. Quantitative separation of lead ions from a synthetic binary mixtures are based on the fact that ammonium acetate is a good elute for lead ions but fails to elute the other cations.

Sol-Gel and Thermally Evaporated Nanostructured Thin ZnO Films for Photocatalytic Degradation of Trichlorophenol.

In the present work, thermal evaporation and sol-gel coating techniques were applied to fabricate nanostructured thin ZnO films. The phase structure and surface morphology of the obtained films were investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The topography and 2D profile of the thin ZnO films prepared by both techniques were studied by optical profiler. The results revealed that the thermally evaporated thin film has a comparatively smoother surface of hexagonal wurtzite structure with grain size 12 nm and 51 m(2)/g. On the other hand, sol-gel films exhibited rough surface with a strong preferred orientation of 25 nm grain size and 27 m(2)/g surface area. Following deposition process, the obtained films were applied for the photodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) in water in presence of UV irradiation. The concentrations of TCP and its intermediates produced in the solution during the photodegradation were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at defined irradiation times. Complete decay of TCP and its intermediates was observed after 60 min when the thermal evaporated photocatalyst was applied. However, by operating sol-gel catalyst, the concentration of intermediates initially increased and then remained constant with irradiation time. Although the degradation of TCP followed first-order kinetic for both catalysts, higher photocatalytic activity was exhibited by the thermally evaporated ZnO thin film in comparison with sol-gel one.

Residual behaviour of profenofos on some field-grown vegetables and its removal using various washing solutions and household processing.

Profenofos (Selecron 72% EC), was sprayed on field-grown pepper and eggplant at the recommended rate of 1.28 kg a,i/ha. Fruit samples were collected at 1 h to 14 days after application and analysed to determine the content and dissipation rate of profenofos. The effect of different washing solutions and some household processing on the removal of such residues from treated vegetables were also investigated. Profenofos residues were quantified by using gas chromatography. The results showed that the consumable safety time were found to be 10 days on sweet pepper and 14 days on hot pepper and eggplant fruits. The initial disappearance of profenofos appeared to follow first order kinetics with different rates of reaction of 0.38, 0.40 and 0.35 day(-1) for hot pepper, sweet pepper and eggplant, respectively. The corresponding half-lives (t1/2) were 1.84, 1.74 and 1.96 days. Also, the results indicated that tap water, potassium permenganate and acetic acid solution gave high percent removal of profenofos residues from hot and sweet pepper fruits, while no detectable residues was found in eggplant fruit after washing with soap and acetic acid solutions. In general, all tested washing solutions gave higher percent removal of profenofos residues from eggplant fruit than the two other pepper fruits. Blanching and frying of pepper and eggplant fruits resulted in great reduction to almost completely removed (approximately 100%) of the deposited profenofos. In addition, pickling process removed 92.58 and 95.61% from hot pepper fruit after one week and after two weeks, respectively.

Dynamic three-dimensional spiral computed tomographic cysto-urethrography: a novel technique for evaluating post-traumatic posterior urethral defects.

OBJECTIVE: To present a new method of identifying the anatomy of posterior urethral distraction defects (PUDDs) using three-dimensional spiral computed tomography/cysto-urethrography (CTCUG), as conventional two-dimensional CUG can give a false interpretation of the exact anatomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients presenting with a PUDD were assessed between February 2001 and October 2002. All patients initially underwent combined ascending and micturating CUG (ACUG), followed by CTCUG analysed using special software. In this technique all soft-tissue densities were subtracted from the volume of interest leaving only high-density images, i.e. pelvic bony structure and the contrast medium-filled bladder and urethra. The images were taken over a sequence and 36 different images viewed by 'roll and spin' techniques, each of which had a different plane of vision. Images were supplied as static CT films and as a movie on a compact disk using a computer program. RESULTS: The technique allows one CT image to be viewed from 36 different angles both dynamically and statically, allowing the surgeon the unique opportunity to view the PUDD through several planes and precisely identify its anatomy. By comparing the data obtained with this technique to those obtained by conventional ACUG, and each in relation to the operative findings, the following aspects could be more thoroughly evaluated by CTCUG: the location of the distraction injury, the length of the distraction defect, the degree and direction of urethral end-alignment, the relation of the ectopic bony fragments and bone callus to the urethra, and the presence of various pathological defects, e.g. fistulae, false passages and diverticulae. CONCLUSION: With CTCUG, both static and dynamic images can be obtained, allowing the easier staging of a PUDD and thus better surgical planning and consequently better results from reconstruction.

Arthroscopy alone or in association with open cystectomy: in treatment of lateral meniscal cysts.

We retrospectively the results in 27 knees (26 patients) with cysts of the lateral meniscus. All patients had a meniscal tear (20 horizontal, 7 transverse) and pain over the lateral joint line with a palpable mass. The pathology was in the middle or anterior one-third of the meniscus. Arthroscopic surgery was performed in 22 knees, consisting of partial excision of meniscal tear, leaving a peripheral rim, coupled with débridement of the cyst; open cystectomy was performed in the remaining 5 knees. Average follow-up was 58 months (range 9-110). All patients but two were satisfied with the results.

Congenital penile curvature with orthotopic meatus : a report on the management of 62 cases following a systematic approach

Objectives We are presenting our experience with a systematic approach in the management of congenital penile curvature (CPC). Patients and Methods Between 1993 and 2000; 62 cases of CPC were treated. Ten of 34 cases (30) presenting with ventral curvature were corrected via excision of the dysgenetic tissue and complete mobilization of the corpus spongiosum only. Two cases (6) had a minimal corporeal disproportion that required a ventral longitudinal deep intercorporeal incision. Six cases (18) were managed with Nesbit's procedure; and tunica albuginea plication (TAP) was done in 8 cases (24). These cases required mobilization of the neurovascular bundle (NVB). Four patients (12) had a small phallus and required ventral grafts (dermal in two and venous grafts in another two). The remaining four patients (12) had a short urethra and were managed by excision of the tethering corpus urethrae and neourethral reconstruction. Cases presenting with lateral curvature (14 patients) were managed by a lateral longitudinal incision at the point of maximum curvature followed by TAP in 10 cases (71) and Nesbit's procedure in four (29). Dorsal curvatures (6 cases) were managed by ventral Nesbit in four (67) and ventral TAP in the remaining two cases (33). Patients with a complex curvature (8 cases) were managed by sequential TAP on an individual basis according to the results of intraoperative artificial erection in 5 cases (63) and by complete penile disassembly: The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years; and the results were satisfactory in the majority of patients. None of our patients developed impotence. Penile haematoma occurred in 6.4and penile numbness in 19(persistent in 3); while foreign body sensation was felt in 8. None of our patients experienced painful erections beyond three months after operation. A residual curvature was noticed in 9.6; and it required a second step Nesbit's procedure in only 3. Conclusion Management of CPC can result in a very high success rate as long as a systematic stepwise approach is applied with an appropriate preoperative patients counseling. We recommend the limited use of Nesbit's procedure (unless TAP fails to correct the curvature) together with a gentle handling of the NVB

Locked plate fixation for femoral shaft fractures.

Fifteen patients with a mean age of 31 years, who had sustained different types of femoral shaft fracture, were treated by locked plate fixation using standard AO dynamic compression plates (DCP). The fracture was open in five patients and ten had other significant injuries. Thirteen patients were available for follow-up at a mean period of 5 months (range, 3-10 months). All fractures united and the mean time to full weight bearing was 8 weeks. Screw failures, with breakage or bending, occurred in five patients and resulted in loss of alignment of the fracture in one. Nine patients regained a full active range of movement of the knee, two had an extension lag of 10 degrees and two had restricted flexion. The strength of the quadriceps muscle was grade 4 to 5 in ten patients and grade 3 in the remaining three. At the end of the study period ten patients had returned to their normal activities, one used a walking stick and two remained under a rehabilitation programme. Our preliminary results suggest that locked plates may offer a useful alternative technique for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures.

[Treatment of stenoses of the penile urethra by urethroplasty with dorsal pedicled patch: roofing urethroplasty]. / Traitement des sténoses de l'urètre pénien par urétroplastie avec patch pédiculé dorsal: "Urétroplastie en toit".

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of long or multiple anterior urethral stricture(s) when Monseur technique is not applicable. Our technique entails augmentation of the dorsally slit open stenosed urethra using pedicled non-hair bearing penile skin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 1991 and May 1996, 26 men (median age 34 years) with anterior urethral strictures underwent roofing urethroplasty. Nine patients had long stricture (average 3.2 cm) and 17 had multiple short segment strictures (average 7 cm). All patients were circumcised, and dorsal urethral augmentation was performed using transversely oriented non-hair bearing penile skin pedicled flap. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 38 months (range 3-50). A successful outcome with no recurrent stricture as evidenced by normal retrograde urethrography and voiding history was achieved in 23 of 26 men (88%). Two patients had fistula in early postoperative period; one of them needed surgical closure. CONCLUSION: Roofing urethroplasty is a practical alternative for repair of long anterior urethral stricture(s) when Monseur technique cannot be applied.

Protective effect of cyclosporine A (CyA) against the hepatic injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion.

The putative hepatoprotective effect of cyclosporine A (CyA) against the hepatic injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion was studied in rats after a two-thirds hepatectomy following a 60-minute period of ischemia of the unresected liver. Animals were divided into three distinct groups of 10 rats each Group 1 (controls) received 0.5 ml saline solution intravenously (i.v.) while group 2 animals were injected with CyA (5 mg/kg) i.v., 24 hours before the induction of hepatic ischemia. The hepatic ATP content and serum levels of ALT and LDH were determined in each animal. Rats in group 3 were subjected to two-thirds hepatectomy only without the induction of ischemia. All controls died within 72 hours (group 1). Pretreatment of CyA improved the 7-day survival to 60% (p < 0.01). All group 3 animals survived through seven days. The improved survival seen in CyA pretreated animals as compared to controls was reflected by a restoration of hepatic ATP content and reduction in the serum levels of ALT and LDH postoperatively. Based on these results, it may be concluded that CyA ameliorates the hepatic injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion and allows the liver to recover and regenerate. Subsequently, survival is enhanced.

Serum copper, iron and zinc in cases of acne vulgaris.

Serum copper, iron and zinc were estimated in 30 individuals complaining of moderate acne vulgaris, grade II. The results obtained were compared with those obtained from a normal control group. The results revealed changes in the copper and iron content of the sera, although they were statistically not significant. The zinc content showed no changes compared to the control group.

A study on beta-adrenergic receptors in children with asthmatic bronchitis.

The function of beta-adrenergic receptors was assessed in 50 children with asthmatic bronchitis and 45 healthy controls by the hyperglycemic, eosinopenic and platelet aggregation responses to epinephrine. The results showed evidence of beta-adrenergic blockade in children with asthmatic bronchitis. It is suggested that this blockade may reflect a functional and/or a structural immaturity of the beta receptors in these children.