Effect of magnetized water on blood indices and histomorphometric parameters of intestinal sections of Japanese quail.

A two-way experimental design was used to demonstrate the physiological effects of magnetized water and sex on blood indices and histomorphometric parameters of Japanese quail intestine sections. Red blood cell count (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), thrombocytes, white blood cell count (WBCs), and WBC differentiation were investigated. A total of 450 unsexed Japanese quail were randomized into three groups (45/replicate; 3 replicates; 135/group). As a monitoring group, the first group was given untreated tap water to drink. The two others were consumed magnetized water that were subjected to an electrical magnetic field with a power of 1 Tesla (10,000 Gauss) and 2 Tesla (20,000 Gauss), respectively. The treatments had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on thrombocytes and Hb. Sex showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences for RBCs and PCV at 42 days of age. At different ages, significant effects were observed on histomorphometric parameters of the Japanese quail intestinal tract. It may be inferred that the influence of magnetized water, up to 1 Tesla, was positive on the haematological and histomorphometric parameters of the Japanese quail intestinal tract by augmenting the haematological measurements, which were within a normal range and increasing the surface area of the villus.

Increased caspase-3 and altered expression of apoptosis-associated proteins, Bcl-2 and Bax in lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of probable immune-based aetiology. The pathogenesis of LP is unclear, but apoptotic changes in epidermal (epithelial) cells have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate apoptosis in LP through studying caspase-3 expression and to determine whether the apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2 and Bax are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of LP. METHODS: In total, 25 lesional biopsy specimens [15 cutaneous LP (CLP) and 10 oral LP (OLP)] and 10 control specimens [5 normal skin and 5 normal oral mucosa] were studied using immunochemical methods for the expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. RESULTS: Compared with controls, a significant increase in caspase-3 and Bax protein expressions were found in LP lesions. Basal cell expression of caspase-3 was positive in 14 cases (56%), and 12 cases (48%) showed mild expression. Caspase-3 expression in inflammatory infiltrate was positive in 13 cases (52%). Of these, 12 cases (48%) showed mild positivity. Bax was localized mostly to the upper prickle layer. Basal cell expression of Bcl-2 was negative in 18 (72%) cases, with no significant difference between patients with LP and controls. Bcl-2 was expressed in the inflammatory infiltrate in 15 cases of LP (60%), showing mild expression in 12 cases (48%). Compared with CLP, there was a significant increase in caspase-3 expression in OLP, despite the nonsignificant difference in Bcl-2 and Bax protein expressions by the epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Increased caspase-3 and altered expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were found in LP, indicating the possible involvement of these proteins in the pathogenesis of the disease. The observed increase in apoptosis in OLP compared with CLP might explain the difference in clinical behaviour that distinguishes these LP variants.

Pattern of primary nocturnal enuresis in primary school children (first grade) in assiut city

Objectives :To assess the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in primary school children; first grade (6-7 years old) in Assiut City and study its pattern and risk factors. Patients and Methods: A random cross-sectional study including 1519 children was conducted in 10 primary schools in Assiut City throughout a period of six months. A self-administered questionnaire was completed voluntarily by the parents. Children reporting two or more incidences of nocturnal enuresis per month during the past year were considered positive repliers and were subjected to further evaluation. The control group consisting of 100 age-matched non-enuretic children presenting for other urologic or non-urologic problems mandating a plain abdominal X-ray was subjected to the same evaluation. In these children the possible detection of spina bifida was the point of concern. Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 79. The prevalence of enuresis was 20.2. Out of the enuretic children; 87.6complained of nocturnal enuresis only; 72.3of them were primary enuretics. Monosymptomatic enuresis was observed in 46.3of the cases. Marked enuresis (every night) affected 53.7of the total number of enuretic children. Statistically significant risk factors were deep sleep and a high educational level of the parents. Primary nocturnal enuresis was insignificantly associated with a positive family history; family size or birth rank. In primary nocturnal enuretics the results of the urogenital and neurological examinations were normal in 90.5and 80.6; respectively; and only 4received a specific treatment. A large amount of post-void residual urine was observed in 7.4. Spina bifida occulta was observed in 10.8of primary nocturnal enuretics and in 11 of the control group. Conclusions: This is the first large population-based study of the prevalence of age-related enuresis in Assiut; but it does not differ much from those reported in other parts of the world. Enuretic children and their parents are mildly concerned about enuresis. Investigations for monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis are not of considerable diagnostic value or cost effectiveness