Predicting the Fragility of Renal Calculi in Response to Shock Wave Lithotripsy through their Radiographic Appearance

Objectives To evaluate the radiological characteristics of renal stones on plain X-ray film of the kidneys; ureters and bladder (KUB) area as predictors of stone fragility during shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Patients and Methods This prospective study included 336 patients who had a single renal pelvic stone =20 mm and were managed by SWL at 3 different centers. The patients were classified according to the radiological appearance of the stone on KUB film in terms of homogeneity; smoothness of the outline; and radiodensity in comparison to the last rib. The primary endpoint was the stone-free rate (SFR) within 3 months post-SWL. Multivariate regression analysis was used to compare the results. Results The overall SFR was 71.43. SFR was significantly higher in heterogeneous compared with homogenous stones (86vs. 53; p0.01) and in rough compared with smooth surface calculi (77vs. 61; p0.01). SFRs for stones with density less than; similar to or higher than that of the last rib were 82; 69and 56; respectively (p0.01). Multivariate analysis showed a positive proportional relationship between stone fragility (SWL outcome) and one or more favorable radiological criteria. Conclusion The radiological characteristics of renal calculi could predict their fragility after SWL. Stones which were heterogeneous; rough; or less dense than the last rib on KUB film were more likely to disintegrate during SWL

Chronic subdural hematoma associated with voiding dysfunction.

We report the case of a 73-year-old male who presented with a chronic subdural hematoma that compressed the frontal lobe, an area known to be active in detrusor control, and caused contralateral hemiparesis and urgency incontinence. Urodynamically, he had a small bladder capacity and high amplitude overactive detrusor contractions with an intact sphincteric response. We concluded that the effect of intracranial lesions on voiding depends upon the site rather than the type of the pathology. Further in-depth studies are needed to clarify the effect of intracranial lesions, and accordingly the function of different brain regions and their influence on voiding.

Epidemiology and risk factors of brucellosis in Alexandria governorate

This study aimed to describe the trend and to identify possible risk factors for brucellosis in Alexandria in northern Egypt. We enrolled 72 confirmed cases of brucellosis and 144 age-matched controls in this study. Participants were interviewed at home using a structured questionnaire. Working with animals, breeding goats and eating ice cream bought from street vendors were significantly associated [P < 0.05] with brucellosis by univariate and multivariate analysis. Contact with infected animals and their products was the most important method of transmission

New paeonilactone-A adducts formed by anaerobic incubation of paeoniflorin with Lactobacillus brevis in the presence of arylthiols.

During the course of preparing anticonvulsant paeonimetabolin-I adducts, new paeonilactone-A adducts: 9-phenylthiopaeonilactone-A, 9-(o-tolylthio)paeonilactone-A, 9-(m-tolylthio)paeonilactone-A, 9-(p-tolylthio)-paeonilactone-A and 9-(2-naphthylthio)paeonilactone-A, were obtained along with expected paeonimetabolin-I adducts by anaerobic incubation of paeoniflorin from peony roots with Lactobacillus brevis in the presence of the aromatic thiols, phenylthiol, o-tolylthiol, m-tolylthiol, p-tolylthiol and 2-naphthylthiol. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods including two dimensional (2D) NMR.

Anticonvulsant activity of paeonimetabolin-I adducts obtained by incubation of paeoniflorin and thiol compounds with Lactobacillus brevis.

Seventeen thiopaeonimetabolin-I adducts were obtained as mixtures of diastereoisomers after incubation of paeoniflorin with Lactobacillus brevis in the presence of various thiols. The anticonvulsant activity of the adducts was investigated in mice using the maximal subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol seizure test and sodium valproate (1.5 mmol/kg) as a positive control. Thirteen adducts showed dose-dependent prolongation of latencies of clonic and tonic convulsions. Maximal protection against convulsions was effectively demonstrated by 8-(n-hexylthio)paeonimetabolin I (8) and 8-benzoylthiopaeonimetabolin I (18) at doses of 0.125 and 0.25 mmol/kg, respectively, while 100% protection was only achieved at 0.5 mmol/kg of 8-cyclopentylthiopaeonimetabolin I and 8-(p-tolylthio)paeonimetabolin I. The principal anticonvulsant activity of the diastereoisomers of 8 and 18 was attributed to their 7S-isomers [ED50 values of 0.09 and 0.12 mmol/kg, and protective indices of 5.0 and 4.0 for 8 (7S) and 18 (7S), respectively], while the 7R counterparts [8 (7R) and 18 (7R)] showed a muscle relaxation effect.

Effects of paeoniflorin derivatives on scopolamine-induced amnesia using a passive avoidance task in mice; structure-activity relationship.

Paeoniflorin (1) and its derivatives having in common a cage-like pinane skeleton with hemiketal-acetal system, were evaluated for their effects on memory impairment induced by scopolamine in mice using a step-down type passive avoidance task. In the test session, 1 and its derivatives were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered at doses of 0.002, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.2 mmol/kg, and 30 min later (15 min before the experiment), scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was given. These compounds showed dose-dependent attenuation in a dose range of 0.002-0.02 mmol/kg and also enhancement of scopolamine-induced decrease in step-down latency. The effects of these compounds, except that of 2',3',4',5'-O-tetraacetyl-3-O-methylpaeoniflorin (8), followed a bell-shaped dose response profile. 8-Debenzoyl-6-deglucosyl-3-O-methylpaeoniflorin (6) showed no significant increase in the step-down latency at all tested doses. Maximum step-down latency was obtained by 3-O-methylpaeoniflorin (3) and 2',3,3',4',5'-penta-O-methylpaeoniflorin (7) (the minimal effective dose was 0.002 mmol/kg). Relative to 3, debenzoylation, as in 8-debenzoyl-3-O-methylpaeoniflorin (4), slightly increased the latency, while deglucosylation, as in 6-deglucosyl-3-O-methylpaeoniflorin (5), significantly reduced the prolongation of latency. Removal of both glucose and benzoyl moieties resulted in the loss of activity as seen in 6. These results revealed that, in addition to the cage-like pinane skeleton, the benzoyl and the glucosyl moieties are important structural elements of the paeoniflorin skeleton as its effects on scopolamine-induced amnesia.

Potent anticonvulsant paeonimetabolin-I derivatives obtained by incubation of paeoniflorin and thiol compounds with Lactobacillus brevis.

Seventeen thiopaeonimetabolin-I adducts were obtained as mixtures of diastereoisomers after incubation of paeoniflorin with Lactobacillus brevis in the presence of various thiols. Four compounds, 8-(n-hexylthio)- (8), 8-cyclopentylthio-, 8-(p-tolyl)thio- and 8-benzoylthio- (18) paeonimetabolins, showed 100% protection against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions at doses of 0.125, 0.25, or 0.50 mmol/kg, relative to valproic acid (100% protection at 1.5 mmol/kg). For 8 and 18, the principle anticonvulsant activity resided in the (7S)-isomers while (7R)-isomers showed muscle relaxation effects.

Effect of the plant Azolla pinnata on survival, growth rate, fecundity and hatchability of egg-masses of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails.

Data indicated that Azolla pinnata plants variously reduce the growth rate of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails expressed as net increase in shell diameter (direct or indirect exposure). The plant density played an important role in this respect. The higher the plant density was the lower the growth rate and vice versa. Too, indirect exposure of newly hatched B. alexandrina resulted from exposed treated eggs reduced the growth rate of these snails. Data revealed that direct and/or indirect exposure to the abnormal high density (50,000 plants/L) resulted in complete kill of B. alexandrina snails after two weeks from continuous exposure. Snails exposed directly to Azolla at 50,000 and 25,000 plants/L failed to lay eggs. On the other hand, sanils exposed to 10,000 plants/L laid few eggs, resulted in low reproductive rate (57.94) compared with unexposed ones (110.6). The same trend of results was recorded with hatchability of Biomphalaria eggs.

Mycoflora and mycotoxin of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) and walnut (Juglans regia L.) seeds in Egypt.

Fifty-one species and 3 varieties appertaining to 20 genera were collected from 20 samples of each of hazelnut and walnut seeds on glucose- and 40% (W/V) sucrose-Czapek's agar at 25 degrees C and 45 degrees C with the most common mesophiles were Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. citrinum and P. oxalicum. Fusarium (represented by F. equiseti, F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum) was recovered from walnut seeds in moderate frequency (on glucose-Czapek's agar). Eurotium (E. amstelodami, E. chevalieri, E. repens and E. rubrum) was completely absent on glucose agar, but it was isolated in high frequency from the two types of seeds on 40% sucrose-Czapek's agar. Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizomucor pusillus were the most common thermophilic fungi in hazelnut and walnut seeds on glucose agar at 45 degrees C. Humicola grisea var. themoidae and Thermoascus aurantiacus were encountered rarely from walnuts. The nuts samples were assayed for natural occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, citrinin, ochratoxin A, patulin, sterigmatocystin, zearalenone, T-2 toxin and diacetoxyscirpenol by thin layer chromatography analysis. Aflatoxin was detected in 90% of hazelnut samples (25-175 micrograms/kg) and 75% of walnut samples (15-25 micrograms/kg). Zearalenone was detected in one sample of walnut (125 micrograms/kg). This is the first report for the presence of zearalenone in walnut. The other mycotoxins were not detected.

Nitriles in heterocyclic synthesis. Part III: New sulpha drugs related to cyanopyridine derivatives.

4-Hydroxyacetophenone (1) was reacted with cinnamonitrile derivatives (2-6) to give 3-cyano-4-(substituted phenyl)-6-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridines (7-11). Interaction of compounds 7-9 with 4'-substituted heterocyclo-benzenesulphonyl diazonium chloride gave the corresponding 3-cyano-4-(substituted phenyl)-6-(3'-azobenzene sulphonamido-4'-hydroxyphenyl) pyridines (12-29). The corresponding iron (III) copper (II) and mercury (II) chelates were also prepared in a 1:2 metal-to-ligand ratio. All the synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of microanalysis, IR and 1H-NMR spectrometry.

Survey of keratinophilic and saprobic fungi in the cloven-hooves and horns of goats and sheep from Egypt.

Seventy-six species belonging to 29 genera were collected from 320 samples of cloven-hooves and horns of goats and sheep. Chrysosporium was the most common genus on the various substrates and comprehended the following species: C. asperatum, Chrysosporium anamorph of Arthroderma cuniculi, Chrysosporium anamorph of Arthroderma curreyi, C. georgii, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, C. lobatum, C. lucknowense, C. pannicola, C. pseudomerdarium, C. queenslandicum, Chrysosporium state of Thielavia sepedonium and C. tropicum. Some interesting fungi were isolated: Myceliophthora anamorph of Arthroderma tuberculatum, Myceliophthora anamorph of Corynoascus novoguineensis, Myceliophthora anamorph of Ctenomyces serratus, Trichosporon cutaneum, Trichophyton terrestre and T. verrucosum. Also, several saprobic filamentous fungi tolerating high levels of cycloheximide were isolated of which numerous members of Acremonium, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Penicillium, Scopulariopsis and several others.

Keratinophilic and saprophytic fungi isolated from students' nails in Egypt.

In order to determine the presence of dermatophytes and saprophytes in healthy toe and finger nails, 120 students (60 male and 60 female) from preparatory schools at Sohag Governorate (Upper Egypt) were studied. 54 species in addition to 3 varieties belonging to 17 genera were isolated. Six species of true dermatophytes were collected: Microsporum audouinii var. rivalieri, M. cookei, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. simii, T. terrestre and T. verrucosum. Chrysosporium, a well-known keratinophilic genus, was prevalent and represented by 7 species (C. asperatum, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, C. luteum, C. pannorum, C. tropicum and Chrysosporium state of Thielavia sepedonium). The commonest saprophytes in order of frequency were members of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Scopulariopsis, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Chaetomium, Syncephalastrum, Mucor, Rhizopus and Acremonium.

The occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in sewage sludge from Egypt.

The keratinophilic fungi of 40 sewage sludge samples from Upper Egypt were studied using a goat hair-baiting technique. 43 species representing 22 genera were isolated, 17 species of which were dermatophytes and closely related fungi: Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum, C. asperatum, C. georgii, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, C. pseudomerdarium, C. queenslandicum, Chrysosporium state of Thielavia sepedonium, C. tropicum, Microsporum cookei, M. gypseum, Myceliophthora anamorph of Corynascus novoguineensis, M. vellerea and Trichophyton terrestre. 26 species of cycloheximide resistant fungi were collected and these included members of Acremonium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Cunninghamella, Emericella, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Penicillium and others.

Mycoflora of anise and fennel seeds in Egypt.

Using four medium types (glucose-, cellulose-, 50% sucrose- and 10% NaCl-Czapek's agar), it was possible to isolate 15 fungal genera, 78 species and 6 varieties. The collective fungal spectrum varied from one medium to another where the highest number of species (57 species/1000 seeds) was obtained on glucose- and the lowest (31 species/1000 seeds) on 10% NaCl-Czapek's agar. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and sometimes Rhizopus and Chaetomium were the most common genera on the different medium types. The most common fungal species especially on glucose- and cellulose-Czapek's agar were, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. ochraceus, A. fumigatus, A. flavus var. columnaris, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Chaetomium globosum. Members of A. glaucus group were more frequently recovered on 10% NaCl- and 50% sucrose-Czapek's agar.

Some transition metal chelates of 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonamides as possible drugs.

Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), and Ni(II) chelates with three quinolinol sulfonamides have been prepared and characterized. Characterization of the solids so obtained was accomplished by elemental analysis, electronic and ir spectra, and conductivity measurements. It was found that the sulfonamide ligands act as monobasic bidentate ON donors. The bonding sites are ascertained, and the complexes were all six-coordinate assuming a distorted octahedral geometry. It was identified that the metal chelates possess enhanced antibacterial and antifungal activities relative to the free ligands.

Mycoflora and mycotoxin-producing fungi of air-dust particles from Egypt.

Using the dilution-plate method, 27 genera and 64 species were collected from 20 air-dust samples on glucose - (24 genera and 57 species) and cellulose - (21 genera and 45 species) Czapek's agar at 28 degrees C. There are basic similarities between the mycoflora of air-dust on the two media and the most prevalent species were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. ochraceus, A. terreus, A. versicolor, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. funiculosum, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma viride. Chaetomium globosum, Stachybotrys chartarum, Humicola grisea and Arthrobotrys oligospora were common only on cellulose agar plates. Extracts of mycelium from 25 isolates were tested with brine schrimp (Artemia salina); of these 23 displayed varying degrees of toxicity. Thin layer chromatographic analysis of 12 isolates of Aspergillus flavus revealed that 4 strains were producing detectable aflatoxin. Zearalenone production was noted for 3 out of 5 strains of Fusarium oxysporum and 2 out of 5 strains of F. solani.

Phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in burns.

The phagocytic function of neutrophils has been studied in 50 Egyptians of both sexes and of various ages, suffering from burns of different depths and extents, and the results compared with data from 50 normal persons of similar sex and age. The nitro blue tetrazolium test (Gifford and Malawista, 1970), and the bacterial killing test (Quie et al., 1967), have been used during the first 24 hours, and then repeated at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. The phagocytic power showed no change during the study except in two patients with extensive burns during fatal septicaemia. The bactericidal capacity, and the formazan cell formation showed similar changes with a steady decrease from the first to the third weeks, followed by a rise during the fourth week. Similar changes were noticed in the serum albumin levels. The decline was more marked in burns of more than 50 per cent of the body surface area and during severe sepsis. Improvement coincided with healing.

[Lesions of the aortic arch in Recklinghausen's disease]. / Lésions de l'arche aortique dans la maladie de Recklinghausen.

Two young patients with Von Recklinghausen's disease developed an obstructive aortic arch syndrome. Follow-up over several years showed progressive changes in the clinical signs with no development of symptoms. Angiography demonstrated great changes in the anatomical relationship of the supraaortic trunks which lead to surgical repair. In one case, the histology of operative biopsies established a relation between the neurofibromatous and the arterial lesions. Modern investigative procedures and therapeutic possibilities are reviewed in the light of these two cases. These two patients seem to be the first reported cases of neurofibromatosis causing the aortic arch syndrome.