Insights into the use of two novel supramolecular compounds as corrosion inhibitors for stainless steel in a chloride environment: experimental as well as theoretical investigation

Novel supramolecular (SCPs) compounds such as: {[Ni (EIN)4(NCS)2]}, SCP1 and {[Co (EIN)4 (NCS)2]}, SCP2 have been studied using weight loss (WL) and electrochemical tests on the corrosion performance of stainless steel 304 (SS304) in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. The experimental results revealed that inhibition efficacy (η%) rises with increasing concentrations of SCPs and reached 92.3% and 89.6% at 16 × 10-6 M, 25 °C, from the WL method for SCP1 and SCP2, respectively. However, by raising the temperature, η% was reduced. Polarization measurements (PDP) showed that the SCPs molecules represent a mixed-type. The SCPs were adsorbed on a SS304 surface physically, and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to govern the adsorption process. The determination of thermodynamic parameters was carried out at various temperatures. Quantum chemical calculations were calculated to prove the adsorption process of SCP components, using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and electron density map. The inhibition performance of SCPs for SS304 dissolution in an acidic medium was proved to be excellent through FT-IR and AFM analysis. The results obtained from all measurements exhibit a high level of agreement with each other.

Effects of aflatoxin B1 on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells: cytotoxicity, oxidative damage, metabolic, and immune-modulatory transcriptomic changes

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent mycotoxin that is commonly produced by molds such as Aspergillus (A.) flavus and A. parasiticus. AFB1 is associated with several health adverse effects in humans including mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Aflatoxin is commonly secreted in the milk leading to deleterious effects on breast tissue and potential nursing infants. However, the effects of aflatoxins, particularly AFB1, on the breast cells are less investigated. In this study, AFB1-associated effects on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were investigated. AFB1 caused significant cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells. Such cytotoxicity had a positive correlation with the induction of oxidative stress. In addition, AFB1 caused significant transcriptomic alterations in xenobiotics and drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and antioxidant enzymes. Besides, AFB1 upregulated pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α and cyclooxygenase-2 with a significant reduction of mRNA expressions of the immunity-related genes including interleukins 8 and 10.

Structural, molecular and functional characterization of the aorta in HCM

Introduction

Changes in the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is thought to involve the myocardium as well as extracardiac tissues. The extent and significance of extra-myocardial changes has not been adequately studied.

Purpose

To describe the structural, molecular, and functional changes in the aorta of HOCM patients.

Methods

The structural and molecular changes in the aortic wall were studied in a cohort of 102 consecutive patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing myectomy. The biopsies were examined histologically, immunohistochemically and by Electron microscopy. The findings were compared to 10 normal controls obtained from the homograft bank of the Harefield hospital, following IRB guidelines. Changes in expression were quantified using morphometry and western blotting. For aortic stiffness, pulse wave velocity [PWV] was measured using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR), in the 102 HCM patients as well as age-matched 166 normal controls.

Results

Specimens from HCM aortas showed a misalignment in collagen and elastin fibres. There was a significant reduction in smooth muscle cells [SMCs] markers; integrin beta1 and smooth muscle actin, and an increase in an apoptosis marker, Caspase3. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the number of lamellae and an increase in the interlamellar distance in HCM aortas. FBLNs 1, 2 and 5 showed a reduction in expression in tunica intima and tunica media of HCM biopsies. PWV was significantly higher in HCM patients compared to healthy controls with the highest levels in patients with LV fibrosis.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the link between functional abnormalities in the aorta of HCM patients with structural and molecular changes. These findings can have a potential value in risk stratification and identify new therapeutic targets in HCM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): STDF-EgyptMagdi Yacoub Foundation

Content of total aflatoxin, lead, and cadmium in the bovine meat and edible offal: study of their human dietary intake, health risk assessment, and molecular biomarkers

The objectives of the present study were first to determine the residual contents of total aflatoxins (AFTs), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in the edible tissues of the cattle reared in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahsa is the largest governorate in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The two main economic activities of Al-Ahsa are oil production (industrial) and agriculture. Besides, dietary intake and possible health risks for Saudi population were further calculated. In order to establish potential molecular biomarkers for xenobiotic exposure in cattle, the mRNA expression of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) including cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1), metallothionein (MT) 1A, and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 was investigated in the different tissues of the cattle. The tested XMEs were selected because of their specific roles in the metabolism and detoxification of AFTs, Pb, and Cd. The obtained results revealed that the liver had significantly the highest AFT content, while all examined muscle samples had no AFT residues. Consumption of the bovine liver and kidneys represents the highest source for the dietary exposure to total AFTs (0.05-0.98 μg/kg/day), Pb (0.06-0.19 mg/kg/day), and Cd (0.08-0.19 mg/kg/day) among the examined tissues. Therefore, excessive intake of such organs might pose a public health concern, particularly among children. Significant upregulation of mRNA expressions of CYP1A1, NQO1, MT1A, and HSP70 was observed in the different tissues of the cattle in comparison with the muscle. This upregulation had significant positive correlation with the accumulated AFTs, Pb, and Cd. This indicates the possible use of CYP1A1, NQO1, MT1A, and HSP70 as potential biomarkers for the exposure of the cattle to AFTs, Pb, and Cd.

Three species of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato infect camels on the Arabian Peninsula

We report on the genetic identity of 36 Echinococcus cysts that were collected during a recent slaughterhouse survey of 810 locally bred camels (dromedaries) in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Analysis of a partial nad1 gene sequence showed that the majority (n = 29) belonged to E. granulosus sensu stricto, four to E. canadensis G6/7, and three to E. ortleppi. Eight of the 29 E. granulosus s.s. cysts contained protoscoleces; all other cysts were calcified and non-viable. This is the first report of the presence E. ortleppi from the Arabian Peninsula, a parasite that is typically transmitted via cattle. The results indicate widespread infection of camels with CE in eastern Saudi Arabia and an active role of camels in the lifecycles of at least E. granulosus s.s.. Complete cox1 haplotype analysis of 21 E. granulosus s.s. isolates shows that the majority of variants circulating in eastern Saudi Arabia is distinct from but closely related to haplotypes from neighboring countries in the Middle East, which indicates the presence of this parasite in KSA for a longer period of time. All isolates of E. granulosus s.s. in this study belonged to the G1 cluster, although the G3 genotype has previously also been reported from the Middle East.

Molecular characterization of fowl aviadenoviruses species D and E associated with inclusion body hepatitis in chickens and falcons indicates possible cross-species transmission

During the period from 2015 to 2017, frequent outbreaks of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) were observed in broiler chickens and falcons in Saudi Arabia. Fifty samples were collected from both species. The histopathological examination and polymerase chain reaction confirmed the IBH infection in eight samples (five samples from chickens and three samples from falcons). The genomic sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Saudi strains, reference fowl aviadenoviruses (FAdVs) and field viruses available in Genbank revealed that all investigated FAdVs clustered into FAdV-2 (species D) and FAdV-6 (species E). The host-dependent characterization revealed that falcon origin strains showed low identity (∼35%) with falcon adenoviruses isolated from USA, which clustered into a separate group. The identification of FAdV-D and FAdV-E in diseased falcons and chickens indicates cross-species transmission although falcons and chickens are phylogenetically different. The control of IBH infection in falcons and chickens should be based on the separation of carriers and susceptible chickens as well as falcons to prevent cross-species contact. Vaccination is an important method for prevention of IBH. The characterization of newly emerging FAdV strains provides valuable information for the development of an efficacious control strategy based on the molecular structure of current circulating FAdV strains in different species of birds.

Differential Responding to Positive and Negative Items: The Case of a Negative Item in a Questionnaire for Course and Faculty Evaluation

Previous factor-analytic studies of self-rating scales have yielded a factor on which negatively worded items loaded separately. The present study investigated the existence for such a factor in a questionnaire for course and teacher evaluation which included one negative item. The questionnaire was administered in 1,095 university classes Two factors emerged, an exclusively positive-item factor and another factor on which the single negative item and one positive item loaded It was suggested that both items of Factor 2 were ambiguous and may identify tendencies such as acquiescence, random responding, and response sets.

Adnexal mass vascularity assessed by 3-dimensional power Doppler: does it add to the risk of malignancy index in prediction of ovarian malignancy?: four hundred-case study

The Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) is used for the prediction of ovarian malignancy. It includes menopausal status, carbohydrate antigen 125 serum levels, and ultrasound criteria. Three-dimensional power Doppler (3-DPD) is a reproducible investigation for assessment of tumor vascularity, classifying vascularity to avascular, parallel, and chaotic patterns. In this study; 3-DPD was added to RMI for prediction of malignancy in 400 cases of ovarian masses. Sensitivity of RMI for prediction of malignancy was 88%, with a cutoff value of 202.5 at 95% confidence interval. Sensitivity of 3-DPD for prediction of malignancy was 75%, adding 3-DPD to RMI increased its sensitivity to 99%. Considering the pilot nature of the study, further studies are needed to corroborate such findings.

Preoperative breast ultrasound and Doppler velocimetric findings in patients with breast cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of ultrasound and Doppler velocimetry in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

METHODS

Thirty breast cancer patients, diagnosed by clinical examination, mammography and fine needle aspiration, or trucut biopsy were assessed by breast ultrasound including Doppler velocimetry to evaluate blood flow in the axillary and lateral thoracic arteries. Postoperative histopathological examination proved malignancy in all cases. This cohort was compared to another group of 30 patients with proven benign breast disease and a cross-matched control group of 30 asymptomatic women with no breast disease.

RESULTS

In the 30 cancer patients, the size of masses ranged from 1-4 cm (2.51 +/- 1.13), the mean axillary artery resistance index (RI) ranged from 0.8-0.88 (0.84 +/- 0.03), and the lateral thoracic artery RI ranged from 0.45-0.59 (0.55 +/- 0.106). However, power Doppler did not detect any increased perfusion. In the benign group, the lateral thoracic artery RI ranged from 0.78-0.86 (0.85 +/- 0.8) and the axillary artery RI ranged from 0.81-0.89 (0.81 +/- 0.05), while in the control group, the mean lateral thoracic artery RI ranged from 0.85 to 0.89 (0.87 +/- 0.082), and the axillary artery RI ranged from 0.84-0.9 (0.88 +/- 0.16). Statistical analysis revealed only a high statistical significance (p < 0.01) for the lateral thoracic artery indices between the malignant group as compared to the benign and normal groups. There was no statistical significant difference in the axillary artery RI between the three groups.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that a marked decrease in the lateral thoracic artery RI with a cut-off value less than 0.6 is highly suggestive of malignancy. Taking the pilot nature of the results, further studies with much larger numbers are needed to corroborate such findings.

Cystic echinococcosis of livestock and humans in central Sudan

New information was collected on cystic echinococcosis in livestock (camels, cattle and sheep) and humans in the central region of Sudan. The livestock data were collected in abattoir-based surveys in the towns of Omdurman, Tamboul and Wad Madani, between 1998 and 2001, and covered a total of 8205 animals. The highest prevalence of infection was found in the camels (44.6% of 242 infected), followed by the sheep (6.9% of 5595) and cattle (3.0% of 2368). Records were made of the sizes of the 1320 hydatid cysts detected in the livestock (907 in sheep, 71 in cattle, and 342 in camels), whether or not each cyst was fertile, and where it occurred in the body of the host. Cysts collected from cattle and camels where much more likely to be fertile (22% and 24%, respectively) than those from sheep (1%). Camels and cattle therefore appear to be the principal intermediate hosts for Echinococcus granulosus in central Sudan, whereas sheep apparently play a marginal role in transmission. In 2002, as a preliminary assessment of the public-health impact of the disease, 300 residents of a rural village 60 km west of Wad Madani were surveyed using a portable ultrasound scanner. Only one (0.33%) of the villagers investigated was found infected. The implications of these finding are discussed in terms of the various strains of E. granulosus and the role of each in human disease.

Efficacy of Sulphadoxine and Pyrimethamine, Doxycycline and their combination in the treatment of chloroquine resistant Falciparum Malaria

OBJECTIVE

The present in vivo study evaluates the efficacy of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine, doxycycline and their combination in the treatment of Sudanese patients infected by chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria.

METHODS

Febrile patients with positive blood smears of Plasmodium falciparum were given chloroquine 25mg-base/kg body weight and followed up for 3 days. Patients with recrudescence due to chloroquine resistance were readmitted for test treatment. Using simple number randomization patients were divided into groups, A, B and C. These were treated with doxycycline, sulphadoxine/ pyrimethamine and a combination therapy of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine plus doxycycline. Doxycycline was initially administered as a single dose of 200mg followed by 100mg daily for 6 days whereas sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine was given as a single dose of sulphadoxine 1500mg and pyrimethamine 75mg. Patients of group C received the combination therapy of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine and doxycycline. Clinical observations and examination of blood films were carried out for each patient daily for 6 days and thereafter weekly for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A high level of chloroquine resistance (75%) was documented amongst 280 patients (age 15-53 years) visiting Omdurman Hospital of Endemic Diseases during 1996-1998. The study demonstrated that only 46% and 78% of the patients were cured after 4 days of treatment by doxycycline and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine. Patients treated with sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine in combination with doxycycline had a cure rate of 90% and 100% after 3-4 days of treatment, a single recrudescent case was detected on day 6. No relapses occurred during the follow up period. All patients were successfully treated by all regimens with the exception of one case treated by doxycycline. All treatments were well tolerated but a few cases had complaints of nausea.

CONCLUSION

The combination therapy of doxycycline/sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine appeared to be significantly effective in the treatment of patients with chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria without causing any serious side effects. Such a combination regimen has the advantages of being available at a reasonable cost and less prone to development of resistance.

Effect of combined praziquantel and recombinant glutathione S-transferase on resistance to reinfection in murine Schistosomiasis mansoni

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of recombinant Schistosoma mansoni-26 Glutathione S-transferase (rSm 26 GST) or soluble egg antigen (SEA) alone and in addition to praziquantel (PZQ) on the state of resistance to S. mansoni reinfection. The associated changes in the immune responses were evaluated. The experimental group of mice were injected intravenously before S. mansoni infection (80 cercariae/mouse) either with rSm26 GST (1 microgx4) or SEA (10 microgx4) in addition to PZQ (2x500 mg/kg) administered 6 weeks post-infection. Seven control groups were used, three of them were the infected (80 cercariae/mouse), the challenged (240 cercariae/mouse) and the infected challenged controls (80+240 cercariae/mouse). The rest of the four groups were the treated controls receiving: the GST-Lyzate, rSmGST, SEA and PZQ in the same doses and at the same timings. Challenge infection was conducted for all the groups 8 weeks post-infection. Animals were sacrificed 3 weeks post-challenge. After sacrifice animals were perfused and percentage resistance to reinfection was calculated. Immune responses were assessed by the measurement of hepatic granuloma diameter, intralesional T-cell phenotypes and serum immunoglobulin isotypes. The highest percentage of resistance to reinfection was observed in rGST-treated group while the lowest percentage of resistance was detected in PZQ-treated group. Whereas in mice receiving combined rGST or SEA and PZQ, percentage resistance to reinfection was significantly higher than that in PZQ treated mice. The remarkable reduction in granuloma diameter in rGST-treated group with or without PZQ was associated with decrease in the intralesional L(3)T(4)(+) and increase in Lyt(2)(+) T-cell phenotypes. However, no special relationship was observed between the percentage of resistance and the changes in granuloma diameter or intralesional T-cell phenotypes. The increase in percentage resistance to reinfection was found accompanied by increased anti SWAP IgE. Combined rGST and PZQ provided the complementary goals of improved state of resistance to reinfection 'which was compromized after cure with PZQ' and the maximal reduction in granuloma diameter.

Involvement of the cavernous sinus by malignant (extracranial) tumour: palliation in six cases without surgery

Involvement of the cavernous sinus region due to haematogenous spread or by local extension of a malignant head and neck tumour does not occur frequently. Six patients were treated by external beam radiation with (n=3) or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy between December 1989 and February 1996. Manifestations of the condition mainly consisted of fifth and sixth cranial nerve deficits (n=4). Complete resolution of cranial nerve deficits after therapy occurred in two of the four patients with only three individuals having been evaluable. Three of the six patients survived for more than 3 years. Thus, palliation can be achieved by chemoradiation or radiotherapy alone, and long term survival is not precluded.

Ketotifen in treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria

OBJECTIVE

The present in vivo study evaluates the potential use of ketotifen, a tricyclic antihistaminic drug, in treatment of Sudanese patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (19-38 years).

METHODS

Four groups of patients (each has 15) were randomly selected and treated by chloroquine (25mg/kg wt) in comparison with regimen combinations of ketotifen (0.13 mg/kg body wt) with chloroquine, ketotifen with Fansidar (33.3mg/kg body wt) and ketotifen with both chloroquine and Fansidar.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment all patients had a parasite density that varied from 1 x 10(3)-3.46 x 10(4)/mL blood. On day 2, the highest level of parasitaemia was recorded in patients treated with chloroquine only. Other patients had a significantly lower parasitaemia (P<0.05) with an average range of 111-243 parasites/300 leucocytes. On day 3 no parasites were detected in groups treated by ketotifen and Fansidar or by ketotifen in combination with Fansidar and chloroquine. The mean time of parasite clearance was minimum (<32 h) amongst patients that had chloroquine administered with ketotifen alone or with both Fansidar and ketotifen. The cumulative percentage of cases with recrudescence was >39% in groups that had the chloroquine regimen alone or the combination of chloroquine with ketotifen. A single case of recrudescence was also diagnosed on day 28 in the group treated with ketotifen plus fansidar but no recrudescence occurred in the group treated with the combination of the three drugs.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates the possible role of ketotifen in treatment for falciparum malaria particularly when administered in combination with chloroquine and fansidar.

Effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on offsprings born from infected mothers

Offsprings C57BL/6 mice (4 weeks old) coming from either moderately infected (40 S. mansoni cercariae) or heavily infected (100 S. mansoni cerariae) mothers, were exposed to 40 S. mansoni cercariae each. Seven weeks post infection (P.I.), Offsprings were sacrificed. In both groups there was significant reduction in the worm load, both hepatic and intestinal tissue egg count. The oogram profile was not altered. Humoral immune response as regards the level of anti S. mansoni SEA Ab was elevated in both groups in comparison to their parallel controls at 2 weeks post delivery and 7 weeks P.I. The level of antibodies was significantly higher in heavily infected Offsprings than that present in offsprings coming from moderately infected mothers. Delayed footpad swelling and hepatic granuloma size were significantly reduced in both groups comparing with their corresponding controls.

Mutual effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection and pregnancy in experimental C57 BL/6 black mice

Sixty female C57BL/6 mice were infected with 40 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae each. Seven weeks later, they were mated with normal syngeneic males. Uninfected mice (30) were bred in parallel, and both groups were bred several more times with daily records of pregnancy, delivery and number of offsprings. The number of pregnancy was 146, with 50 survived infants (34.2%) in contrast to 121 pregnancy with 93 survived infants (76.8%) in controls. The outcome of pregnancy was 13% abortion, 10.9% maternal death and 41.7% infanticide. The weight of offspring at 2 and 4 weeks of age was significantly less than in controls (P < 0.01). Again, C57BL/6 (40) female mice were mated, then infected with 100 S. mansoni cercariae each. The results showed that, pregnancy had no effect on bilharzial infection as the total worm burden and distribution, hepatic and intestinal tissue egg count and the oogram profile, were not significantly differ from that in the control group (20). Besides, the immediate footpad swelling was significantly higher but the delayed footpad swelling and the level of antibodies against S. mansoni soluble egg antigen were insignificantly differ from that present in the parallel control (infected but not pregnant). As regards histopathological parameters, although there was insignificant difference in the size of hepatic granuloma, yet there was more collagenous fibrous tissue deposition distributed in-between inflammatory cells specially at the periphery of the granuloma.

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein in lung: cellular and subcellular localization

Determination of the cellular distribution of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein in rat lung by immunocytochemistry revealed that the protein is more readily observed in the nonciliated bronchial epithelial cells (Clara cells) than in other lung cells. By light microscopy, the phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PtdIns-TP) was localized to the dome-shaped apical region of Clara cells that were identified by staining with an antibody to Clara cell protein. Further investigation by electron microscopy revealed that the PtdIns-TP accumulated at the limiting membrane surrounding secretory granules and at the apical plasma membrane. This localization is compatible with the proposed roles for PtdIns-TP in formation of vesicles and exocytosis of secretory granules and, when considered in the context of the proposed role of PtdIns-TP in phosphatidylinositide metabolism, suggests that phosphatidylinositides may be involved in the mechanisms regulating Clara cell secretion.

Gender aspects and women's participation in the control and management of malaria in central Sudan

This work was designed to study the contribution of women in central Sudan in the control and management of malaria with particular emphasis on gender-related aspects that define women's role and participation. The Blue Nile Health Project (BNHP 1980-1990) was launched in 1980 mainly for control of water associated diseases in central Sudan. The BNHP model was chosen to conduct this work. The study showed that women were actively involved in the implementation of the BNHP strategies as health instructors (murshidat) who constituted 75% of the staff of BNHP unit of health education, as members of village health committees (VHC) where they constituted 40% of the VHC members and also as recipients of the project services. All murshidat were interviewed whereas multistage random sampling for VHC members and recipient women in 40 villages was used to select a sample which was interviewed. The results showed that the murshidat and VHC women members played a major role in the motivation, organization and health education of local communities prior to campaigns of environmental sanitation and vector control. Household commitments and difficulties in communication with the public were the main gender-related factors that contributed negatively to women's activities. Cases of malaria have more considerable socio-economic impact than other common diseases, especially with regard to women's household commitments and work. Recipient women were more concerned with aspects of self protection, management of family cases of malaria and health education programmes. They were less involved in drying mosquito breeding sites and spraying activities of insecticides which had been reluctantly accepted because of allergy and bad odour. Although the majority of women considered antimalarials to be less harmful than effects of malaria itself on pregnancy, they did not realize the role of malaria chemoprophylaxis during pregnancy. This needs more health education. The study showed that the BNHP programme was very successful in recruiting women in control and management programmes. Therefore, health planners are urged to persuade the subordinated communities of women in many African countries like Sudan to play a more active role in the health programmes and welfare of their communities.

The karyotypes of Calicophoron microbothrium and Carmyerius gregarius from Egyptian ruminants

The karotypes of the two amphistomes Calicophoron microbothrium Fischoeder, 1901 and Carmyerius gregarius (Looss, 1896), Stiles & Goldberger, 1910 from Egyptian ruminants were studied using the air drying technique. The two species have similar number of chromosomes (n = 9), but differ in chromosome morphology. All the chromosomes of C. microbothrium are subtelocentric, except the first and the fifth are metacentric, whereas the chromosomes of C. gregarius are submetacentric, subtelocentric and acrocentric. Some cells in the two species showed tetraploidy. The results are discussed in terms of the phylogenetic relationship of different amphistomes.

Marine algae that display anti-tumorigenic activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Thirty-five extracts representing different seasonal growths of 17 marine algal species collected from the Alexandria coast were tested for anti-tumorigenic activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens galls on potato discs. Eleven extracts (nine species) displayed > 20% inhibition of tumor initiation, with three of these (Codium tomentosum, winter; Jania rubens, summer; Padina pavonia, winter) displaying relatively high activity. Bacterial viability tests showed that the inhibitory effects were directly due to anti-tumorigenesis rather than an indirect result of anti-bacterial activity.

Oxazole, pyrazole and piperidine derivatives having an o-hydroxyaryl moiety with anticipated molluscicidal activity

The condensation reactions of hippuric acid and its furyl derivative with salicylaldehydes or that of salicylhippuric acid analogues with furaldehyde led to the corresponding oxazoles. These were subsequently treated with hydrazine hydrate, hydroxylamine or subjected to alkaline hydrolysis to yield new o-hydroxyaryl or salicyl containing derivatives. 5-Substituted salicylanilides were treated with piperidine and formaldehyde in a Mannich type reaction affording the corresponding 3-(N-piperidinomethyl) salicylanilides. It was noticed that the presence of an electron donating group in position 3 in the salicylanilide moiety decreases the molluscicidal activity.

Assessment of chloroquine resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in children of Wad Medani (Central Sudan)

The study reports on chloroquine resistance of Plasmodium falciparum among Sudanese children (6 month to 16 years) living at Wad Medani, Central Sudan. All RI-III levels of resistant response were confirmed, while in vitro sensitivity test indicated that 25 per cent of P. falciparum isolates examined had exhibited maturation of schizonts at CQ level greater than or equal to 1.6 pmol/microliters blood. CQ was sufficiently retained for 7 days after drug administration whereas an average peak level of CQ in blood (348 ng/ml) was recorded on day 1. Patients were successfully treated by an age-measured dose of parenteral quinine (10 mg/kg).

Effect of the organophosphorous insecticide, chlorpyrifos (Dursban), on growth, fecundity and mortality of Biomphalaria alexandrina and on the production of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae in the snail

Exposure of Biomphalaria alexandrina to sublethal concentrations (0.125, 0.25 and 0.05 ppm) of the organophosphorous insecticide, chlorpyrifos (Dursban), induced a reduction in egg production and egg hatchability. Exposure of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia to the insecticide (60 min, 0.50 ppm) prior to infection of B. alexandrina did not affect the subsequent production of cercariae. However, exposure of S. mansoni-infected snails to the insecticide until day 55, from day 20 to day 62 and from day 35 to 62 following infection resulted in blockage of cercarial shedding. Cercarial shedding commenced in some snails when the treatment stopped. Exposure to the insecticide in concentrations of 0.125 and 0.25 ppm during the first 20 days following infection did not affect the subsequent production of cercariae, but exposure to 0.5 ppm during the first 20 days affected markedly the production of cercariae due to a high snail mortality. The findings indicate that the cercaria is the target stage for the activity of chlorpyrifos on the intramolluscan larval development. It is suggested that S. mansoni cercarial production in B. alexandrina may be a useful system for monitoring the effect of low concentrations of pesticides on the aquatic environment, and that the ability by chemical means to interrupt the cercarial production might be a useful tool in further analyses of important aspects of the snail/parasite relationship.

Tuberculosis in patients with malignant disease

Of 2,143 biopsy proven cancer patients seen at our hospital over a six year period, 4 (0.19%) patients developed active tuberculosis (TB) during anticancer therapy or shortly after its completion. The cancer diagnoses of those patients were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and astrocytoma. Institution of antituberculous therapy was successful in three patients, however, the TB course was rapidly fatal in the fourth patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma despite therapy. The association between TB and neoplasia is emphasized. TB complicating malignant disorders represents complex problem regarding its early recognition and its managements.

A study of the relationship between the energy contents of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and their death during penetration of mammalian host skin

Immersion of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in 1.5% glucose solution showed that the snails did not absorb any glucose during the first six hours but that almost 30% of the glucose was absorbed after 24 hours. The glycogen content of such "glucose-fed" snails was much higher than that of control normal snails. Cercariae of S. mansoni collected from the former snails exhibited a much lower level of death (20%), during penetration of mouse skin, than that of control normal cercariae (36%). It is suggested that death of S. mansoni cercariae during penetration of mammalian host skin is probably due to exhaustion of their energy reserves.

Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) in Egypt immunological changes of salivary protein in PCM

Whole saliva protein as well as the separated protein components were estimated in normal and malnourished Egyptian infants and young children. In normal, 8 protein components (Albumin, alpha1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, beta2-lipoprotein, transferrin, IgA, IgM and IgG) were detected, while in PCM cases two more components (prealbumin and alpha2-macroglobulin) were found. The results also showed that the level of salivary protein components are markedly increased in edematous cases. In non-edeomatous ones, the level of these constituents are slightly increased in 3rd marasmus, but diminished in 2nd grade. It is concluded that the elevation of protein components in saliva of edematous cases could be a result of severe glandular tissue involvement as compared to controls and non-edematous cases. The value of IgA immunoglobulin as specific antibody originated from blood plasma and/or salivary glands may be used to reflect the extent of tissue affection in salivary glands of malnourished cases.

Diagnostic and prognostic significance of serum and urinary enzymes in nephropathies among Egyptian children

Study of serum and urinary enzyme pattern in nephropathies revealed that before treatment, cases of both acute nephritis and nephrotic syndrome were found to have an increased activity of the three enzymes studied in both serum and urine (Alkaline and acid phosphatases and Lactic dehydrogenase). However, there was no constant correlation between the level of serum and urinary enzyme activities. Distorted pattern of the enzymes has a more protracted course in nephrotics. After treatment, serum and urinary enzymes tended to normalise in cases of acute glomerulonephritis. However, urinary alkaline phosphatase remained high nephrotics after clinical remission. In some cases of acute nephritis, a persistently high level of serum enzyme may indicate an incipient nephrotic element. Nephrotics not responding to the four weeks course of corticosteroid therapy have persistently high serum and urinary enzyme activities. Thus, estimation of serum and urinary enzyme pattern in nephropathies may be of diagnostic and prognostic value.

On Allocreadium sudanensis sp. nov. (Trematoda: Digenea) from a freshwater fish in the Sudan

Allocreadium sudanensissp. nov. is described from a cyprinid fish (Barbus bynni) from the White Nile in the Sudan. The new species is compared with other related species ofAllocreadium.

A key for identification of five African species of the genusAllocreadiumis given.

The present material was collected by the senior author in January, 1969 from the intestine of a cyprinid fish,Barbus bynni(Forskal), caught from the White Nile at Rabag near Kosti (about 200 miles to the south of Khartoum) in the Sudan. Eighteen trematodes, collected from a single infected fish, were fixed in hot 70% alcohol. Examination of these specimens in whole mounts stained in aceto-alum carmine and in sectioned material revealed that they belong to a hitherto unknown species of trematodes belonging to the genusAllocreadium, Looss (1900) which is described here asAllocreadium sudanensissp.