A correlation between BCL-2 modifying factor, p53 and livin gene expressions in cancer colon patients.

Accumulating evidence has revealed that livin gene and BCL-2 modifying factor (BMF) gene are closely associated with the initiation and progression of colon carcinoma by activating or suppressing multiple malignant processes. Those genes that can detect colon - cancer are a promising approach for cancer screening and diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate correlation between livin, BMF and p53 genes expression in colon cancer tissues of patients included in the study, and their relationship with clinicopathological features and survival outcome in those patients. In this study, 50 pathologically diagnosed early cancer colon patients included and their tissue biopsy with 50 matched adjacent normal tissue, and 50 adenoma tissue specimens were analyzed for livin gene and BMF gene expressions using real time PCR. The relationship of those genes expressions with clinicopathological features, tumor markers, Time to Progression and overall survival for those patients were correlated in cancer colon group. In this study, there was a significant a reciprocal relationship between over expression of livin gene and down regulation of BMF and p53 genes in colon cancer cells. Livin mRNA was significantly higher, while BMF and p53 mRNA were significantly lower in colorectal cancer tissue compared to benign and normal colon tissue specimens (P < 0.001), however, this finding was absent between colon adenomas and normal mucosa. There was a significant association between up regulation of livin and down regulation of BMF and p53 expressions with more aggressive tumor (advanced TNM stage), rapid progression with metastasis and decreased overall survival in cancer colon patients, hence these genes can serve as significant prognostic markers of poor outcome in colon cancer patients. This work highlights the role of livin, BMF and p53 genes in colorectal tumorigenesis and the applicability of using those genes as a diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients with colon carcinoma and as a good target for cancer colon treatment in the future.

Role of 11ß HSD 1, rs12086634, and rs846910 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in metabolic-related skin diseases: a clinical, biochemical, and genetic study.

BACKGROUND: 11ß HSD1 generates cortisol from cortisone. 11ß HSD1 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with metabolic syndrome (MeTS). Although the relation of acne vulgaris (AV) and skin tags (STs) with MeTS has been reported, the relationship between 11ß HSD 1 SNP and cortisol activity in those patients has not studied till now. AIMS: To investigate, two 11ß-HSD1 SNPs (rs846910 and rs12086634), serum lipid profile and cortisol levels in patients with AV and STs in an Egyptian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 50 patients having STs and 50 complaining of AV and 50 sex- and age-matched controls. We searched for serum lipid profile, cortisol levels, and 11ß-HSD1 rs846910 and rs12086634 SNPs using real time-PCR. RESULTS: Compared to controls,11ß-HSD1 rs846910 GA genotype carriers had significantly higher risks for developing AV and STs by 3.4- and 4.9-fold, respectively, and its A allele increases these risks by 3.1 and 4.4 times, respectively. Also, 11ß-HSD1 rs12086634 TG genotype increases the risk of AV by 3.2-fold, as well as STs by 3.5-fold, and its G allele increases the risk of AV by 3.2-fold and STs by 7-fold. In AV and ST patients, rs846910 GA genotype demonstrated significant associations with elevated body mass index (BMI), and cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), cortisol, and decreased high density lipoprotein serum levels, respectively. However, rs12086634 GG genotype was significantly associated with increased BMI, cholesterol, and LDL serum levels in patients with AV and STs, in addition to the number of STs and serum cortisol levels in ST patients. CONCLUSION: 11ß-HSD1 rs846910 and rs12086634 gene polymorphisms may contribute to AV and STs pathogenesis, that may be mediated through enhancing the enzymatic activity (increasing cortisol levels). AV and STs are associated with obesity and atherogenic lipid profile. Diagnosis of AV and STs may play a role in early detection of the MeTS.

Experimental determination of moisture distributions in fired clay brick using a 252Cf source: a neutron transmission study.

A neutron transmission method was proposed to study liquid transport in porous media. It was applied to study water penetration into two kinds of fired clay bricks. The results showed that the diffusion processes in the investigated samples are different. Water diffusivities and capillary absorption coefficients characterizing both the flow process and the brick samples were determined and compared. The proposed method is simple, accurate and reliable in studying water diffusion in porous media, in real time.

Stunting is a major risk factor for overweight: results from national surveys in 5 Arab countries.

We analysed data on overweight and stunting from large national surveys performed between 2001 and 2004 in 5 Arab countries (Djibouti, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen). Overweight and stunting were defined according to new WHO growth standards. Overweight ranged from 8.9% in Yemen to 20.2% in Syrian Arab Republic. The risk ratio (RR) for overweight in stunted children ranged from 2.14 in Djibouti to 3.85 in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. RR ranged from 0.76 in mildly stunted children of Yemen to 7.15 in severely stunted children in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Etiological fraction in the population ranged from 7.49% to 69.76%.

Single puncture percutaneous nephrolithomy for management of complex renal stones.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this report is to assess the safety and efficacy of single lower pole access for multiple and branched renal calculi. A prospective non randomized clinical study included 26 patients with complex renal stones (9 patients had branched renal stones and the other 17 had multiple renal stones) in the period from May 2003 to May 2004. Mean patient age was 42 years +/- 13.2 (range 18 to 67 years). All patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) via a single lower calyceal puncture. Small stones were intactly extracted by a range of stone graspers while large stones (smallest diameter more than 1 cm) were disintegrated using either the pneumatic EMS Swiss lithoclast or Holmium YAG laser. Flexible nephroscope was used for stones inaccessible by the rigid instruments. FINDINGS: Overall stone-free rate was 74.8%. Patients with residual stones were managed by one session of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Mean operative time was (80 minutes +/- 27.4) for branched stones and (49.1 minutes +/- 15.9) for multiple stones. No significant blood loss reported. Perforation of pelvicalyceal system occurred in 2 patients (11.5%) with no serious sequelae. Only 1 patient developed secondary hemorrhage which necessitated blood transfusion and selective angio-embolization. CONCLUSION: In our hands, the efficacy and safety of single lower calyceal puncture PCNL in management of complex renal stones are comparable to those of the general procedure stated in literature.

Stunting is a major risk factor for overweight: results from national surveys in 5 Arab countries

We analysed data on overweight and stunting from large national surveys performed between 2001 and 2004 in 5 Arab countries [Djibouti, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen]. Overweight and stunting were defined according to new WHO growth standards. Overweight ranged from 8.9% in Yemen to 20.2% in Syrian Arab Republic. The risk ratio [RR] for overweight in stunted children ranged from 2.14 in Djibouti to 3.85 in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. RR ranged from 0.76 in mildly stunted children of Yemen to 7.15 in severely stunted children in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Etiological fraction in the population ranged from 7.49% to 69.76%

Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children in Libya : a National Population-Based Survey

Aim: To describe the nutritional status of children under-five years of age in Libya. Population and methods: A secondary analysis of data of 5348 children taken from a national representative; two-stage; cluster-sample survey that was performed in 1995. Results: Prevalence rates of underweight; wasting; stunting; and overweight were determined using standard definitions in reference to newly established WHO growth charts. The study revealed that 4.3of children were underweight; 3.7wasted; 20.7stunted; and 16.2overweight. Seventy percent of children had normal weight. Undernutrition was more likely to be found in males; in rural areas; and in under- privileged groups. Overweight was more likely found in urban; privileged groups. Wasting was more common in arid regions; stunting was more common in mountainous regions of Al- Akhdar; Al-Gharbi; and in Sirt. Al-Akhdar had the highest prevalence of overweight. Conclusion: The country had a low prevalence of underweight and wasting; moderate prevalence of stunting; and high prevalence of overweight. The country is in the early stages of transition with evidence of dual-burden in some regions. Similar surveys are needed to verify secular trends of these nutritional problems; particularly overweight

Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Libya: a National Population-based Survey

Aim: To describe the nutritional status of children under-five years of age in Libya. Population and methods: A secondary analysis of data of 5348 children taken from a national representative; two-stage; cluster-sample survey that was performed in 1995. Results: Prevalence rates of underweight; wasting; stunting; and overweight were determined using standard definitions in reference to newly established WHO growth charts. The study revealed that 4.3of children were underweight; 3.7wasted; 20.7stunted; and 16.2overweight. Seventy percent of children had normal weight. Undernutrition was more likely to be found in males; in rural areas; and in underprivileged groups. Overweight was more likely found in urban; privileged groups. Wasting was more common in arid regions; stunting was more common in mountainous regions of Al-Akhdar; Al-Gharbi; and in Sirt. Al-Akhdar had the highest prevalence of overweight.Conclusion: The country had a low prevalence of underweight and wasting; moderate prevalence of stunting; and high prevalence of overweight. The country is in the early stages of transition with evidence of dual-burden in some regions. Similar surveys are needed to verify secular trends of these nutritional problems; particularly overweight

Purification and characterization of a glutathione S-transferase from Mucor mucedo.

An intracellular glutathione transferase was purified to homogenity from the fungus, Mucor mucedo, using DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange and glutathione affinity chromatography. Gel filtration chromatography and SDS-PAGE revealed that the purified GST is a homodimer with approximate native and subunit molecular mass of 53 kDa and 23.4 kDa, respectively. The enzyme has a pI value of 4.8, a pH optimum at pH 8.0 and apparent activation energy (Ea) of 1.42 kcal mol(-1). The purified GST acts readily on CDNB with almost negligible peroxidase activity and the activity was inhibited by Cibacron Blue (IC50 0.252 microM) and hematin (IC50 3.55 microM). M. mucedo GST displayed a non-Michaelian behavior. At low (0.1-0.3 mM) and high (0.3-2 mM) substrate concentration, Km (GSH) was calculated to be 0.179 and 0.65 mM, whereas Km(CDNB) was 0.531 and 11 mM and k(cat) was 39.8 and 552 s(-1), respectively. The enzyme showed apparent pKa values of 6-6.5 and 8.0.

Pharmacokinetic profile and placental transfer of a single intravenous injection of [(14)C]chlorpyrifos in pregnant rats.

The pharmacokinetics and placental transfer of a single intravenous dose of 5.0 mg/kg (10 micro Ci/kg) ring-labeled [(14)C]chlorpyrifos were investigated in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at 11-13 days of gestation. Three rats were killed at 5, 15 or 30 min, or 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 or 96 h after dosing. Radioactivity and 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP) were detected in all tissues 5 min after dosing. Chlorpyrifos was only found in maternal plasma and liver. Peak maternal plasma concentration of radioactivity ( micro g chlorpyrifos equivalents/ml) was 157 at 5 min, compared with 1.9 for fetal plasma at 15 min. The maximum concentrations of radioactivity ( micro g chlorpyrifos equivalents/g), detected in most tissues within 12 h of dosing, were, in descending order: liver (30), brain (29), placenta (21), and fetus (2). All peaks occurred at 5 min except for fetus and fetal plasma, which were at 15 min. TCP was detected by HPLC as the major compound identified in plasma and tissues. The maximum concentration detected was in plasma, at 12.4 micro g/ml, and for the following tissues was: liver 4.3 ng/g fresh tissue, fetus 4 ng/g, placenta 2.97 ng/g, brain 1.68 ng/g, and fetal plasma 0.52 ng/g. All TCP peaks occurred at 5 min except for fetus at 30 min and fetal plasma at 15 min. Parent chlorpyrifos was detected in maternal plasma and liver at maximum concentrations of 5.1 micro g/ml and 0.40 micro g/g, respectively, at 5 min. Chlorpyrifos was detectable in maternal plasma up to 36 h after dosing, and in liver up to 24 h after dosing. Pharmacokinetic analysis best described radioactivity, chlorpyrifos, and TCP as disappearing biexponentially from plasma and tissues. The terminal elimination half-lives of radioactivity, chlorpyrifos and TCP from maternal plasma were 16, 18, and 16 h, respectively. The results indicate that (1). chlorpyrifos undergoes a rapid metabolism to its major metabolites (TCP); (2). chlorpyrifos and its metabolites are distributed to all maternal and fetal tissues and plasma; and (3). the elimination of chlorpyrifos and TCP is slow, with redistribution from lipid stores a likely determinant of elimination rates.

Anti-androgens in treatment of acne vulgaris.

Seventy-five women suffering from acne vulgaris classified into three groups according to the grade of the disease. Anti-androgenic tablets cyproterone acetate (CPA), were given in three cycles. The total number of patients whose condition improved was 52% after the first cycle, 55% after the second cycle, and 81.3% after the third cycle. No serious side effects were encountered. CPA is a suitable therapeutic modility for AV in women who use contraceptives.