Neurobehavioral and Menstrual Disorders among Adolescent Females Environmentally Exposed to Pesticides, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent females living in agricultural areas where crops are routinely sprayed by pesticides are expected to be environmentally exposed to pesticides' health hazards partially as those occupationally exposed. OBJECTIVE: to assess menstrual and neurobehavioral disorders among adolescent females environmentally exposed to pesticides. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 pesticide exposed adolescent females who had one or more of family members are pesticides' seasonal applicators and 50 non- exposed adolescent females matched for age and education, served as controls at Menoufia governorate, Egypt during the period of pesticide application season of cotton crop from the first days of May to the end of September 2017. A self-administered and a series of neurobehavioral tests were administered and serum Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was assessed. RESULTS: A significant lower AChE activity levels were found in the exposed group than controls (Mean±SD=238.49± 23.83 vs 303.35±78.54 IU/L; respectively). There were significant higher mean scores of trail making test (parts 1 and 2) and significant lower mean scores of (similarities test, Benton visual retention test, block design test, Santa Ana dexterity test (dominant and non-dominant hands) and Beery visuo-motor imitation test in the exposed group than the controls (P<0.05). Also, the exposed group reported more prevalent irregular menstrual cycle (26.8%) and intermenstrual bleeding (28.2%) compared to the control participants (8.1% and 8.1%; respectively). CONCLUSION: Adolescent females living in agricultural areas and from families whose one or more members are pesticides' applicators have significantly lower neurobehavioral performance, report more prevalent menstrual irregularities and have lower levels of serum AChE compared to a control group. The neurobehavioral deficits demonstrated a dose-response relationship AChE levels in the exposed participants. This necessitates the need for implementation of health education programs to prevent or reduce health effects associated with pesticide exposure to adolescent females.

Therapeutic effect of ozone and rutin on adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity in an experimental rat model.

To evaluate the cytoprotective effects of rutin, ozone and their combination on adriamycin (ADR)-induced testicular toxicity, 50 male albino rats were classified into five groups of ten animals each as follows: placebo group; ADR group; ADR + rutin group; ADR + ozone group and ADR + rutin + ozone group. Sperm functions, testosterone (T), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular enzymes, oxidant/antioxidant status, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant proteins-1 and leukotriene B4 were determined. After ADR injection, a decline in sperm functions was observed. FSH and LH levels were increased, T level and testicular enzymes were decreased, significant enhancement in oxidative stress with subsequent depletion in antioxidants was detected and inflammatory markers were significantly elevated. Treatment with rutin and/or ozone, however, improved the aforementioned parameters. Ozone therapy alone almost completely reversed the toxic effects of ADR and restored all parameters to normal levels.

Efficacy of laparoscopically assisted high ligation of patent processus vaginalis in children.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic hernia repairs have been proven to be efficient and safe for children, despite the slightly higher recurrence rate compared with the classic surgical repair. They have the advantage of easy and precise identification of the type of defect and its correction, both in ipsilateral and contralateral sides. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy, safety and outcome of the laparoscopically assisted piecemeal high ligation of a patent processus vaginalis (PPV) in children. METHODS: A total of 40 children were enrolled into this prospective study; they were aged ≥ 6 months and had an inguinal hernia. The peritoneal cavity, including the contralateral side, was inspected for the possibility of bilateral hernias using a 3-mm 30° telescope. Another 3-mm port was introduced through the same infra-umbilical incision. The hernia was manually reduced or with the aid of a working infra-umbilical grasper. A prolene or vicryl 2/0 or 3/0 suture on a curved semicircle round-bodied taper-ended 25-30 mm needle was introduced through a very small inguinal skin-crease incision. It was passed through the abdominal wall layers to the peritoneum and was manipulated by the laparoscopic grasper to pick up the peritoneum in piecemeal all around the internal ring. The needle was then pushed to the outside near to the entrance site, thus forming a semicircle around the internal ring. The suture was then tied and the knot was subcutaneously buried. The primary outcome of the procedure was the incidence of intraoperative diagnosis and surgical repair of contralateral hernias in pre-operatively diagnosed unilateral cases. The secondary outcomes were defined as the incidence of complications and hernia recurrence. DISCUSSION: The exploratory laparoscopy found contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) with a detection rate of 28.1%. Chan et al., Esposito et al., Toufique et al. and Niyogi et al. reported similar figures for laparoscopic contralateral hernia detection rates of 28%, 39%, 39.7% and 29.2%, respectively. The limitations of this study were the small sample size, plus the risk factors and clinical significance for CPPV. CONCLUSION: Laparascopically assisted piecemeal closure of the internal inguinal ring in children is a safe and effective procedure. It helps in detecting a contralateral hernia without prolonging the operative time.

Pesticide exposure as a risk factor for lymphoproliferative disorders in adults.

In view of the widespread use of pesticides in Egypt and the increasing incidence of leukaemia and lymphoma we aimed to assess pesticide exposure and other selected variables as risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders (leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). In a hospital-based, retrospective, case-control study in 2011-2012, adult cases of lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 130) were recruited from outpatient clinics in Menoufia, Egypt, while controls (n = 130) were age- and sex-matched fracture patients. Family history of cancer, exposure to X-rays, smoking and use of hair dyes were not risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders in univariate analysis. History of exposure to pesticides and HCV infection were significant risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders in multivariate analysis (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.22-4.11 and OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.50-4.80 respectively). The risk was significant for cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma but not chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Pesticide exposure as a risk factor for lymphoproliferative disorders in adults

في ضوء الاستعمال الواسع النطاق لمبيدات الهوام في مصر، ومع ازدياد معدلات ابيضاض الدم واللمفوما، استهدف الباحثون تقييم التعرض لمبيدات الهوام مع متغرات متنوعة باعتبارها عوامل اختطار منتقاة لاضطرابات التكاثر اللمفاوي [الابيضاض واللمفوما اللاهودجكينية]، وأجرى الباحثون دراسة استعادية ترتكز على المستشفى للحالات والشواهد في عامي 2011 - 2012، شملت 130 حالة من البالغين المصابين باضطرابات التكاثر اللمفاوي ممن يراجعون العيادات الخارجية في المنوفية، مصر، مع 130 من الشواهد من المرضى الآخرين الذين يماثلون الحالات من حيث الجنس والعمر. واتضح للباحثين أن كلا من السوابق الأسرية للإصابة بالسرطان، والتعرض للأشعة السينية، والتدخين، واستخدام أصبغة الشعر ليست من عوامل اختطار الإصابة باضطرابات التكاثر اللمفاوي، وذلك وفق التحليل الوحيد المتغايرات. أما سوابق التعرض لمبيدات الهوام والعدوى بفيروس الالتهاب الكبدي سي فكانت من عوامل الاختطار المهمة التي يعتد بها إحصائيا لاضطرابات التكاثر اللمفاوي وفق التحليل المتعدد المتغايرات [معدل الأرجحية 2.24 ، بفاصلة ثقة 95 % مع تراوح النتائج بين 1.22 و 4.11 بالنسبة للتعرض لمبيدات الهوام ومعدل الأرجحية 2.67 بفاصلة ثقة 95 % مع تراوح النتائج بين 1.50 و 4.80 بالنسبة للعدوى بفيروس الالتهاب الكبدي سي]. وكان الاختطار ذا أهمية يعتد بها إحصائيا بالنسبة للمفوما اللاهودجكينية، ولكنه ليس كذلك بالنسبة للابيضاض اللمفاوي المزمن

ABSTRACT In view of the widespread use of pesticides in Egypt and the increasing incidence of leukaemia and lymphoma we aimed to assess pesticide exposure and other selected variables as risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders (leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). In a hospital-based, retrospective, case–control study in 2011–2012, adult cases of lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 130) were recruited from outpatient clinics in Menoufia, Egypt, while controls (n = 130) were age- and sex-matched fracture patients. Family history of cancer, exposure to X-rays, smoking and use of hair dyes were not risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders in univariate analysis. History of exposure to pesticides and HCV infection were significant risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders in multivariate analysis (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.22–4.11 and OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.50–4.80 respectively). The risk was significant for cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma but not chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

RÉSUMÉ Étant donné l'utilisation largement répandue des pesticides en Égypte et l'incidence croissante de la leucémie et du lymphome, nous avons tenté d'évaluer l'exposition aux pesticides et d'autres variables sélectionnées en tant que facteurs de risque des maladies lymphoprolifératives (leucémie et lymphome non-hodgkinien). Dans une étude cas-témoins rétrospective menée en milieu hospitalier en 2011–2012, des adultes atteints de maladies lymphoprolifératives (n = 130) ont été recrutés dans des services de consultations externes à Menoufia (Égypte), tandis que les témoins appariés pour l'âge et le sexe (n = 130) recrutés souffraient de fractures. Des antécédents familiaux de cancer, d'exposition aux rayons-X, de consommation de tabac et d'utilisation de teintures capillaires ne constituaient pas des facteurs de risque des maladies lymphoprolifératives selon une analyse univariée. Des antécédents d'exposition aux pesticides et d'infection par le virus de l'hépatite C étaient des facteurs de risque importants de certaines maladies lymphoprolifératives à l'analyse multivariée (OR = 2,24 ; IC à 95 % : 1,22–4,11 etOR = 2,67 ; IC à 95 % : 1,50–4,80 respectivement). Le risque était significatif pour les cas de lymphome non-hodgkinien mais non significatif pour la leucémie lymphocytaire chronique.

Formation of unique vacuoles in tenotomized rat soleus muscle fibers.

The formation of unique vacuoles in tenotomized rat soleus muscle fibers was examined by light and electron microscopy. After tenotomy at both proximal and distal tendons, virtually all muscle fibers underwent characteristic degenerative changes with a disorganization of myofibrils called the central core lesion, but eventually recovered. At 3 days after tenotomy, some muscle fibers showed small vacuoles in the sarcoplasm of the end segments, which were larger in diameter and paler in staining than those of the control fibers in light microscopy. At 5 days, more fibers formed larger vacuoles together with the extensive disorganization of myofibrils. Such vacuole formation was more conspicuous in the distal end than in the proximal end. At 1 week the myofibrillar disorganization was most extensive in the central areas, and vacuoles were considerably enlarged in some fibers to occupy most of the sarcoplasm near the fiber ends. Vacuoles decreased in number and size with time and could rarely be seen at 4 weeks postoperative. In thin-section electron microscopy, the early forms of vacuoles were often connected with the T-system tubules. The limiting membrane of such vacuoles possessed many caveolae, some of which appeared to be continuous with the T-system networks. The vacuole membrane was closely associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum to form dyadic connections. In later stages, the vacuole membrane was lined in part with the basal lamina. From these findings, it can be concluded that the vacuoles are sarcolemmal in nature and derived from the T-system. The significances of the vacuole formation are discussed with special reference to the mechanism and fate of the vacuoles and their clinical implications.

Morphological changes and recovery process in the tenotomized soleus muscles of the rat.

Tenotomized soleus muscles of adult rats were analyzed morphologically and biochemically with special reference to the recovery process. Light microscopic observations of semi-thin sections showed that the characteristic central core lesion was most extensive at 1 week after tenotomy and began to diminish in extent at 2 weeks until no trace of lesion could be seen by 6th week, as confirmed by thin-section electron microscopy. Three phases of changes in the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers after tenotomy were demonstrated by morphometry: phase I designated as the initial increase up to the 3rd day, phase II as the progressive decrease until the 4th week, and phase III as the recovery to normal or even hypertrophy. In electron microscopy, the earliest alteration of myofibrils was recognized at 3 days after tenotomy. The Z discs showed a wavy or zigzag profile with frequent longitudinal splitting of myofibrils. From the 2nd week on, muscle fibers underwent a process of recovery, replacing the central core lesion with new myofibrils in which a reassembly of thick filaments into bundles of thin filaments took place, with Z discs being aligned adjacent to the peripheral complete myofibrils. In SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the molar ratio of myosin to actin diminished markedly as the central core lesion developed and gradually returned to normal with time, correlating well with the loss and subsequent reassembly of thick filaments.

Early morphological changes in the rat soleus muscle induced by tenotomy and denervation.

Early morphological changes of the rat soleus muscle induced by tenotomy were examined by scanning and thin-section electron microscopy. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) and collagenase treatment was successfully used to remove extracellular materials and to examine the surface of muscle fibres with a scanning electron microscope. Morphological changes in the fibre surface appeared as early as 12 h after tenotomy, showing wrinkling of the sarcolemma in localized areas. At 24 h post-operative, transverse folds and grooves were conspicuous along the entire length of muscle fibres. Tenotomized muscles which were denervated simultaneously or within 24 h of tenotomy did not show any appreciable changes in the fibre surface. Thin-section electron microscopy revealed that the earliest change inside muscle fibres was the occurrence of focal or segmental areas of an irregular alignment of myofibrils representing myofibril disorganization with occasional disintegrated Z lines at 24 h after tenotomy. Segmental myofibril breakdown was occasionally found to extend obliquely from the fibre periphery to the central area. Such myofibril disorganization became more conspicuous along muscle fibres, especially in the central area, at 2 days after tenotomy, showing the loss of thick filaments within myofibrils and the disintegration of Z lines. Such myofibrillar disorganization can be correlated with the morphological changes in the fibre surface in view of the clinical implication.

A study on Demodex folliculorum in rosacea.

A random sample of 16 female patients suffering from papulopustular rosacea (PPR) as well as (16) normal female healthy subjects as control group were adopted in this study to assess of Demodex folliculorum pathogenesis. It was done through determination of mite density using a standard skin surface biopsy 10.5 cm2 from different designated 6 areas on the face, and scanning electron microscopic study (SEM) as well as total IgE estimation. A trial of treatment using Crotamiton 10% cream with special program was also attempted. All subjects ranged between 35-55 years old. All patients with rosacea and 15 of the control group i.e. 75.93% were found to harbour mites. The mean mite counts by site distribution were 28.6 & 6.9 on the cheeks, followed by 14.5 & 3.0 on the forehead and lastly 6.8 & 0.8 on the chin in PPR and control groups respectively. The total mean mite count in patients was 49.9 initially and 7.9 after treatment. In the control group it was 10.7 & 10.6 respectively. The mean total IgE was 169.4 & 168.4 and 96.3 & 98.4 in PPR and control groups respectively Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed that all mites were pointing in one direction. Some of them were containing bacteria inside their gut and on their skin. After treatment 3 cases (18.75%) were completely cured, 10 cases (62.5%) gave moderate response while 3 cases (18.75) have no response. In conclusion, this study supports the pathogenic role of D. folliculorum in rosacea.

Effect of profenofos feeding on biochemical changes in chicken.

The disruption of transaminases and phosphatases from the normal values denotes biochemical impairment and lesions of tissues and cellular function because they are involved in the detoxification process, metabolism and biosynthesis of energetic macromolecules for different essential function. The results of the present study revealed that feeding chicken in profenofos contaminated feed at levels of 50, 100 and 200 ppm for three weeks, resulted in a significant increase in the values of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), Alkaline phosphatase (A.P.) and cholesterol, especially at levels of 100 and 200 ppm. Upon return of normal feed free from profenofos for 10 days, these values decreased gradually but not to normal and the decreases were not significant.

Ultrastructural changes of myotendinous junctions in tenotomized soleus muscles of the rat.

The effects of tenotomy on the ultrastructure of myotendinous junctions in the rat soleus muscle were studied by thin-section electron microscopy. When the soleus muscle was tenotomized at both distal and proximal ends, virtually all muscle fibers showed a characteristic alteration called central core lesion in their middle portions. The similar alteration was also found in the end portions of each muscle fiber. As early as 5 days after tenotomy, myofibrils at the fiber end were extensively disoriented and disintegrated with thickening of the Z-discs. The surface specializations, sarcoplasmic processes and invaginations of the fiber end were also altered in such a way that the sarcoplasmic processes retracted. The disintegration of myofibrils was most extensive at one week after tenotomy, often losing their association with the sarcolemma. The thickening and rod formation of the Z-discs at the fiber ends were prominent at 1 and 2 weeks. The thickened Z-discs and rod structures were never closely associated with the sarcolemmal undercoats, which were not significantly thickened. This suggests that the Z-disc and the sarcolemmal undercoat are discrete entities. Interestingly, the basal laminae were frequently seen to be separated from the sarcolemma forming free sheets, as the sarcoplasmic processes retracted. In the space surrounded by such free basal lamina were seen many vesicular or granular materials. At 3 and 4 weeks the fiber end showed a recovery process forming new myofibrils, as the sarcoplasmic processes grew long. Thus, the surface specializations of the fiber end were much more elaborate than those in the control muscle. At 5 and 6 weeks the myotendinous junctions returned to normal ultrastructure except that the surface specializations were still elaborated. These findings demonstrated that the myotendinous junction underwent a series of characteristic alterations and recovery of the surface specializations as well as myofibrils.

Scanning electron microscopy of tenotomized soleus muscles of the rat.

The effects of tenotomy on the surface morphology of muscle fibers including myotendinous junctions in the rat soleus muscle were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and collagenase, the extracellular materials were successfully removed to expose the surface of muscle fibers. When the soleus muscle was tenotomized at both proximal and distal ends, virtually all muscle fibers showed marked alterations of the fiber surface characterized by the formation of numerous transverse grooves and folds along their length. Narrow longitudinal grooves and folds of the sarcolemma were also observed. At myotendinous junctions, the fiber ends showed an over-all rounded shape with several short sarcoplasmic processes, indicating that the processes were significantly retracted. These changes were clearly recognizable at 5 days after tenotomy, and most apparent at one week. Thin-section electron microscopy of the same SEM samples demonstrated that such folding of the sarcolemma was not directly related to the sarcomere pattern of the underlying myofibrils, suggesting that, once formed, the folds and grooves were retained for a certain period of time. At 2 and 3 weeks the surface morphology of the fibers underwent a recovery process of restoring the smooth surface on which the cross-striations of the underlying myofibrils were seen. At the fiber ends, sarcoplasmic processes regrew into slender, wavy and short forms. Such sarcoplasmic processes were greater in number and more elaborate than those in the control muscle. At 5 and 6 weeks the fiber surface resumed an almost normal morphology, except that the sarcoplasmic processes at the fiber end were still shorter and more numerous than those in the control. These observations support our previous results obtained by thin-section electron microscopy that the myotendinous junction undergoes a series of morphological changes of collapse and regrowth of the sarcoplasmic processes, reflecting changes in the underlying myofibrils. In conclusion, the changes in the surface morphology of tenotomized muscle fibers were well correlated chronologically to those of myofibrils such as the central core lesion.