Preparation, Characterization of New Antimicrobial Antitumor Hybrid Semi-Organic Single Crystals of Proline Amino Acid Doped by Silver Nanoparticles.

Proline is water soluble amino acid extensively used in drug delivery systems. Compounds of cobalt (Co) transition metal have potent antimicrobial and anticancer activities. However, a drug delivery system combining proline cobalt is not reported yet. For the first time, new hybrid semi-organic single crystals of proline cobalt chloride (PCC) are prepared. The novelty of the article is also that single crystal proline cobalt chloride showed potent antimicrobial and antitumor activity. Doping of PCC by Ag0NPs significantly increased these biological activities. The anisotropic magnetic properties of single crystals can mitigate the cytotoxicity of Ag0NPs on normal cells. Silver nanoparticles (Ag0NPs) improved the crystal habits and physicochemical properties. Ag0NPs showed the best performance, paramagnetic materials n-type semiconductors due to delocalized excess electrons of Ag0NPs incorporated in the crystal lattice interstitially. Crystals have high absorptivity for UV-radiation electromagnetic radiation. Ag0NPs enhanced AC electrical conductivity up to 2.3 × 104 Ω cm-1 due to high electron density. Proline doped crystals are obtained in good purity as triclinic unit cell with having anisotropic magnetism. PCCAg0NPs crystal exhibited: high antimicrobial activities to various bacterial and fungal species, inhibition zone (mm): 21, 25, 24, 26, 30, 28, 12, and 46 for S. aureus, E. faecalis, S. typhi, E. coli, P. aerugino, K. pneumoniae, A. braselienses, and C. albicans, respectively, in comparison to ciprofloxacin antibiotic (23, 0, 26, 26, 25, 0, 0, 0) for the same tested species, respectively; higher cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (IC50 22.1 µM) than the reference drug cisplatin (IC50 11.7 µM); and lower cytotoxicity to normal healthy lung cells MRC-5, (IC50 145.5 µM) than cisplatin (IC50 30.2 µM). Hence, this crystal is a candidate for chemotherapy of breast cancer.

A potential role of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood in ameliorating psoriasis-like skin lesion in the rats.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common autoimmune inflammatory skin disease, with no clear cause, treated with topical agents and phototherapy, conventional immunosuppressant drugs and biologic agents. Stem cell therapy has generated significant interest in regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to use mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy compared to the topical application of the standard conventional corticosteroid cream. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male adult albino rats were used, divided into four groups, 10 rats each: group I (control), group II (psoriasis-like lesions induced by usage of Aldara cream), group III (treated with betamethasone) and group IV (treated with MSCs). Specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, immune-histochemical technique for CD4, CD8 and CD31. Ultra-sections were prepared for transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination. RESULTS: Mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated efficacy in reduction of disease severity in the form of uniform epidermal thickness covered by a very thin keratin layer. Normally arranged layers of epidermal layers, with a clear border demarcation, were seen between the epidermis and the dermis with apparently intact basement membrane. TEM showed absence of gaps between the tightly connected cells of the basal layer and the resting basement membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Application of MSCs raises hope for developing a new, safe and effective therapy for psoriatic patients, avoiding the side effects of betamethasone.

Mutations in LAMB2 causing a severe form of synaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We describe a severe form of congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) associated with congenital nephrosis and ocular malformations caused by two truncating mutations in the gene encoding the laminin beta2 subunit (LAMB2). METHODS AND RESULTS: Mutational analysis in the affected patient, who has a history of a serious untoward reaction to treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibition, revealed two frame-shifting heteroallelic mutations, a maternally inherited 1478delG and a paternally inherited 4804delC. An anconeus muscle biopsy demonstrated a profound distortion of the architecture and function of the neuromuscular junction, which was strikingly similar to that seen in mice lacking laminin beta2 subunit. The findings included: pronounced reduction of the axon terminal size with encasement of the nerve endings by Schwann cells, severe widening of the primary synaptic cleft and invasion of the synaptic space by the processes of Schwann cells, and moderate simplification of postsynaptic folds and intact expression of the endplate acetylcholinesterase. The endplate potential quantal content was notably reduced, while the frequencies and amplitudes of miniature endplate potentials were only moderately diminished and the decay phases of miniature endplate potentials were normal. Western blot analysis of muscle and kidney tissue and immunohistochemistry of kidney tissue showed no laminin beta2 expression. CONCLUSION: This case, which represents a new type of synaptic CMS, exemplifies the wide variability of phenotypes associated with LAMB2 mutations and underscores the fundamental role that laminin beta2 plays in the development of the human neuromuscular junction.

Novel regioselective formation of S- and N-hydroxyl-alkyls of 5-(3-chlorobenzo[b]thien-2-yl)-3-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazole and a facile synthesis of triazolo-thiazoles and thiazolo-triazoles. Role of catalyst and microwave.

Regioselective alkylation of 5-(3-chlorobenzo[b]thien-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (1) with hydroxy alkylating agents 2, 3, 13, and the 2,3-O-isopropylidene-1-O-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-glycerol (10) afforded the corresponding S-alkylated derivatives 6, 7, 11, and 14 under both conventional and microwave irradiation conditions; bentonite as a solid support gave better results, with no change in regioselectivity. A facile intramolecular dehydrative ring closure of 6, 7, 11, and 14 using K(2)CO(3) in DMF afforded the corresponding fused triazolo-thiazines and thiazolo-triazole 17-19. The isopropylidenes and acetyl derivatives of the products were prepared.

Microwave-assisted organic synthesis of 3-(D-Gluco-pentitol-1-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole.

The condensation of D-glucono- and D-galactono-1,5-lactone and thiocarbohydrazide to give 3-(D-alditol-1-yl)-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles 4 and 5 is accelerated by the use of microwave-assisted organic reaction (MAOS). The deamination and dethiolation of compound 4 to give 6 was also accelerated by the use of MAOS. Condensation of 4 and 5 with p-nitrobenzaldehyde afforded Schiff bases 8 and 9, respectively, within 4 min under microwave irradiation (MWI), whereas with ethyl chloroacetate the thioalkylated products 14 and 15 were obtained in 8 min. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 2D NMR, and mass spectra.

Microwave irradiation for accelerating the synthesis of acyclonucleosides of 1,2,4-triazole.

The 3-(D-alditol-1-yl)-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles 4 and 5 can be successfully prepared using microwave irradiation. Condensation of 4 and 5 with p-nitrobenzaldehyde afforded Schiff bases 6 and 7, respectively. Reaction 4 and 5 with ethylchloroacetate gave the corresponding alkylated products 10 and 11. Better yields and much less time were the characteristic features of using the microwave heating over the conventional one. The structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed by 1H-NMR, 2D-NMR and mass spectra.

Influence of free radicals on cardiovascular risk due to occupational exposure to mercury.

This study was designed to investigate the relation between occupational exposure to mercury and cardiovascular risk, as well as free radicals. The study subjects included 30 male workers exposed to mercury from a fluorescent lamp plant in Alexandria after exclusion of 12 workers with conditions that may bias the results. A matched control group of 20 male subjects were selected from a food industrial plant. The participants were subjected to interview, clinical examination, electrocardiography and R-R deep breathing variability test as a measure of cardiac autonomic function. Spot urine and venous blood samples were collected to measure mercury levels. Free radicals related markers were measured in serum namely lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase activity and glutathione S-transferase. Results showed significant longer electrocardiographic Q-Tc interval, which is corrected to heart rate, in exposed workers than in controls (p=0.002). The R-R deep breathing variability indices were significantly increased among exposed workers in comparison to controls (maximal variation (MV) ratio, p=0.024 & MV rate, p=0.019). The mercury levels in both urine and blood of exposed workers were significantly higher than controls (p<0.0001), with mean levels exceeding the permissible limits. Free radicals related markers revealed significant higher level of lipid peroxide, as well as significant lower levels of SOD activity, catalase activity and glutathione S-transferase among exposed workers than among controls (p<0.0001 for all). Independent relations were observed between Q-Tc and lipid peroxide, and between MV rate and SOD and catalase activities among exposed workers after adjustment for the confounders by multivariate regression analyses. These findings may suspect a cardiac autonomic dysfunction probably related to free radicals in mercury exposed workers. Also, it may through light on some preventive implications.

Study of some biological markers of stress in nail industry.

The aim of this study was to investigate the different markers of stress in nail industry. Blood and urine biological samples were collected from 30 exposed workers and 30 age and sex matched control subjects from the administrative department of the same factory. The total antioxidant activity (Dmax) and lipid peroxidation was analyzed in blood. The level of catecholamines in the urine was also determined The median level of Dmaxwas significantly lower in the exposed workers (87.12) compared with that of the control (115.85) (p < 0.01). Also the level of lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in the exposed workers (44.5) compared with that of the control (74.0) (p < 0.01). The median level of urinary catecholamines was significantly higher in the exposed workers (295) compared with that of controls (37.5). Attention should be paid to the necessity of the application of the different biological markers of stress in different sectors of industry especially in nail industry.

Respiratory enzymatic changes among workers in glue industries.

The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory enzymatic changes among workers in glue industries. Blood and urine samples were collected from 30 exposed workers and 30 age and sex matched control subject from the administrative department of the same factory. Different respiratory enzymes were analyzed in blood. The level of urinary phenol was also determined. The median level of different respiratory enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and carbonic unhydrase) were significantly higher in the exposed workers compared to control subjects. Also the median level of urinary phenol was significantly higher in exposed workers compared with that of controls. Attention should be paid to the different occupational health hazard, existing in different types of glue industries.

Assessment of antisperm antibody in sera of mercury and lead exposed workers.

Occupational exposure to lead or mercury was found to make protein better antigens. The production of autoantibodies to nervous system protein is one example of such effect. The present study aims to detect the possibility of induction of antisperm autoantibodies due to occupational exposure to lead or mercury. Male workers exposed to lead (n = 50) or to mercury (n = 39) were selected for this purpose and compared to a matched control group (n = 39). A negative control consisting of 17 females was also included. All subjects had two or more children. Blood samples were collected and the ELISA technique was applied to detect antisperm antibodies. Also, the levels of lead in blood and mercury in urine were determined as biological indices of exposure. Antisperm antibodies were detected in 90% of workers exposed to lead with the predominance of the IgG type and 84.6% of workers exposed to mercury with the predominance of the IgM type. Although the results did not correlate with the biological indices of exposure, it seems advisable to use the detection of sperm antibodies of sera of workers exposed to metals as a biological monitoring tool.

Evaluation of cDNA libraries from different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni for production of expressed sequence tags (ESTs).

A comparative study of the gene expression profile in different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni has been initiated based on the expressed sequence tag (EST) approach. A total of 1401 ESTs were generated from seven different cDNA libraries constructed from four distinct stages of the parasite life cycle. The libraries were first evaluated for their quality for a large-scale cDNA sequencing program. Most of them were shown to have less than 20% useless clones and more than 50% new genes. The redundancy of each library was also analyzed, showing that one adult worm cDNA library was composed of a small number of highly frequent genes. When comparing ESTs from distinct libraries, we could detect that most genes were present only in a single library, but others were expressed in more than one developmental stage and may represent housekeeping genes in the parasite. When considering only once the genes present in more than one library, a total of 466 unique genes were obtained, corresponding to 427 new S. mansoni genes. From the total of unique genes, 20.2% were identified based on homology with genes from other organisms, 8.3% matched S. mansoni characterized genes and 71.5% represent unknown genes.

Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to benzene and toluene.

This study was carried out to evaluate the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to benzene and toluene in a total number of 31 male exposed workers and 30 control subjects. The present study showed a statistically significant higher level of biological indices of exposure (p < 0.01) of phenol and hippuric acid in urine of workers exposed to benzene and toluene than control subjects. Significant changes (p < 0.05, 0.01) in the levels of hematological and biochemical findings have been observed among exposed workers and control group. In addition, statistically significant higher levels of Mg, Mn and Ca were found among workers exposed to benzene and toluene while statistically significant lower levels of serum iron (p < 0.05) have been observed. No significant variations could be detected in the level of Zn and Cu between exposed and control subjects.

Teratogenic effect of diphenylhydantoin and/or fluphenazine in mice.

Diphenylhydantoin and fluphenazine are two drugs that act on the central nervous system. Many patients are taking these two drugs together and sometimes during pregnancy. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the safety or the teratogenic effect of these two drugs alone or in combination. Pregnant mice were administered diphenylhydantoin at 50 mg kg-1 body wt. and/or fluphenazine at 1 mg kg-1 body wt. by gavage. The control group was administered the vehicle of diphenylhydantoin (water containing 0.6% alcohol). All pregnant animals were treated from day 6 to day 15 of gestation. The females were sacrificed on day 18. A significant reduction of fetal weight and length was found in all treatment groups when compared to the control. As regards to skeletal anomalies, it was found that the incidence of incomplete ossification of sternebrae and skull bones was significantly increased in the combination group when compared to the control group. Examination of visceral anomalies showed that dilated cerebral ventricles were observed in the fluphenazine-treated group, with the incidence of these malformations increasing significantly when diphenylhydantoin was administered in combination with fluphenazine. In summary, the administration of diphenylhydantoin and fluphenazine in combination was shown to be more teratogenic than each drug alone.

The value of combined use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and ethanolamine oleate in the management of bleeding esophagogastric varices.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Recently, tissue adhesive material has been used to improve the initial control of bleeding from huge esophagogastric varices, and to prevent them from rebleeding, in contrast to the conventional sclerotherapy. The present study assessed the value of the combined use of the tissue adhesive substance: N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and ethanolamine oleate 5% for management of bleeding esophagogastric varices. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fourteen patients with documented active variceal bleeding at the time of endoscopy were alternatively randomized into two groups. The combined therapy group included 58 patients who underwent injection using both cyanoacrylate for large esophageal and gastric varices and a sclerosant agent for remaining varices. The sclerosis, or control, group included 56 patients, who underwent injection with ethanolamine oleate. RESULTS: This study proved the value of the combined therapy for the initial control of all bleeders (the follow-up period ranged from 12 to 32 months). In the sclerosis group, failure of the initial control of bleeding was reported in two cases (3.6%). Recurrent bleeding occurred in 8.6% in the combined therapy group compared to 25% in the sclerosis group (p < 0.01). Two months of therapy was required to achieve complete eradication of varices in 56.5% and 21.4% in the combined therapy and the sclerosis group, respectively. The mean number of sessions needed until the time of evaluation was 2.4 +/- 1.1 in the combined therapy group versus 5.1 +/- 2.3 sessions in the sclerosis group. The difference showed high statistical significance (p < 0.01). Minor complications occurred less frequently in the combined therapy group. Only one patient in the combined therapy group developed portal pyemia after extension of the tissue adhesive material from the site of injection into the portal vein. This patient died of hepatic failure. The mortality in the combined therapy group was lower than that in the sclerosis group (3.5% and 8.8% respectively, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined use of tissue adhesive and sclerosant materials seems to be the best plan for rapid eradication of esophagogastric varices within a short time, requiring the lowest number of injection sessions and involving minor complications and low mortality.

Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to electrophilic compounds.

Electrophilic compounds are widely used in industry. Plastic and dyeing industries are foremost examples of sites where workers are exposed to electrophilic compounds. Besides their immediate effect on different body systems, electrophilic compounds include most mutagenic and carcinogenic substances. The present study was carried out to elucidate the possibility of using nonselective assays in the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to electrophilic compounds. The study included a total number of 225 workers selected from the Plastic and Battery Company where workers are exposed to styrene (n = 70), and the Kafr El Dawar chemical and Dyeing Company where workers are exposed to aniline (n = 60) and benzidine (n = 25). Workers exposed to diesel engine exhaust were selected from a bus garage in Smoha (n = 70). A comparison group consisting of 141 subjects was selected from the administrative departments of the selected factories. The biochemical tests carried out on each subject included: (1) estimation of the biological indices of exposure: urinary mandelic acid and benzidine, blood methemoglobin, and carboxyhemoglobin, (2) liver and kidney function tests; and (3) nonselective biochemical parameters of early detection of carcinogenic and mutagenic risk: urinary thioether levels, urinary RNase and alpha esterase activities. The study revealed that two out of three nonselective assays have been affected by occupational exposure to electrophilic compounds. These were the urinary thioethers and RNase levels. Their determination is recommended in the biological monitoring of workers exposed to such agents especially in developing countries.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of expectant mothers in relation to antenatal care in Assiut governorate.

This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of expectant mothers in relation to ante-natal care in Assiut and to find out factors affecting their knowledge. Attitudes and practices. The present study was carried out in the ante-natal clinic at Assiut General Hospital and three Maternal and Child Health Centers in Assiut. Fifty women were selected from each of the previously mentioned settings. A specially designed interview sheet was used to collect the necessary data. It was consisted of four parts. The first part included questions related to individual features of women, the second part included questions related to their family features, the third part concerned with previous obstetrical history of women and their acceptance of pregnancy and the fourth part included questions related to knowledge, attitudes and practices of expectant mother in relation to ante-natal care. The findings of the present study revealed that one quarter of the study sample (25.5%) lacked basic and essential knowledge about ante-natal care, most of older women (88.2%) were more likely to have poor knowledge in relation to ante-natal care, the higher educated women (66.7%) were more likely to have good knowledge about ante-natal care compared to 33.5% of lower educated women. It was also observed that the majority of working women (90%) were more likely to have good ante-natal care knowledge compared to housewives (10%). Most of the primigravida women (88.2%) were more likely to have poor knowledge in relation to ante-natal care compared to 11.8% of women whose gravidity was less than 5.

PIP: In Assiut governate, Egypt, interviews were conducted with 200 randomly selected pregnant women attending prenatal clinics at the maternal and child health (MCH) centers in Kolta, Gharb El-Balad, and Arnoub and at Assiut General Hospital to determine their knowledge, attitudes, and practices as they relate to prenatal care. 30.5% reported prenatal care to be important for health promotion for mother and fetus. 20% did not know that prenatal care is important to maternal and fetal well-being. Time of first prenatal visit was for 21% the 1st trimester, for 35% the 2nd trimester, and for 33.5% the 3rd trimester. 34.5% attended 1 prenatal visit each month. 52% had less than 8 visits during their pregnancy. 13.5% had more than 8 visits. 25.5% knew little about the significance of prenatal care. Only 17.5% knew the significance of a well-balanced diet during pregnancy. 42% added some foods to their diet and increased their food intake. 39.5% eliminated fatty, greasy, and highly spiced foods from their diet. 32.5% understood the objectives and reasons for bathing during pregnancy. 50% considered a daily bath to be essential during pregnancy. Only 18% understood the objectives of breast care during pregnancy. 65% did not seek dental care during pregnancy. Factors associated with seeking prenatal care included: younger than 30, higher education, gravidity less than 5 and greater than 0, and working outside the home (p 0.05 for each factor). Recommended ways nurses can encourage pregnant women to seek prenatal care include education via mass media, home visits, improved quality of prenatal care, screening for high-risk women, increased number of MCH centers and prenatal clinics in rural areas, and adequate supply of medication, supplies, and equipment in these facilities.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the female bony pelvis: MRI pelvimetry.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for the evaluation of the bony pelvis in 4 pregnant and 10 non-pregnant women. The anatomical details and shape of the bony pelvis were easily examined and the main pelvic measurements were estimated on the sections and programs. The end points were easily demonstrated. There was no need to correct for magnification. The study confirmed that MRI is a very valuable technique for assessment of the pelvis. Although it is expensive, it overcomes the technical difficulty of the other methods used for pelvimetry.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abnormal uterine masses.

Sixteen women with clinically diagnosed uterine masses were studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pelvic study was carried out in the coronal, sagittal and axial planes. Uterine leiomyomas were detected in 12 cases, while the remaining cases were one each of uterine sarcoma, invasive molar pregnancy, cervical malignancy with pyometra and haematometra with congenital cervical stenosis. The uterine origin of the masses could be clearly detected in all patients, as well as the nature of the masses, the presence of degenerative or malignant changes and the nature of the intrauterine fluid. MRI characteristic findings of the studied masses are presented and discussed.