Pattern of community and hospital acquired pneumonia in Egyptian military hospitals

AbstractBackgroundCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common infectious diseases addressed by clinicians. CAP is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide.Aim of the workThe aim of this study was to identify the causative bacteria, antibiotic sensitivity and antibiotic resistance of community and hospital acquired pneumonia in a group of Egyptian military hospitals.Patients and methodsThis study included 239 patients who were admitted to five major Egyptian Military Hospitals (Kobbry El kobba, El-Maadi, Masr Elgadida, El-Galaa and Ghamra) during the period from March 2012 to August 2012 and were selected due to suspicion of developing pneumonia either community or acquired due to hospital stay according to clinical, laboratory and/or radiological evidence.ResultsThis study consists of (239) patients, (187) patients were CAP and (52) patients were HAP divided in five hospitals. The obtained results showed insignificant relationship between type of organisms and concomitant illness of these patients with the highest incidence in patients below 60years (71.6% in CAP and 44.2% in HAP), patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs (40.1% in CAP and 22.3% in HAP) and diabetics (40.4% in CAP and 40.3% in HAP).ConclusionOur study showed that Gram positive organisms were the most prevalent in CAP especially Streptococcus pneumonia followed by Staphylococcus aureus, while Klebsiella was the most prevalent Gram negative organism. On the other hand our study showed that Gram negative organisms were the most prevalent in HAP especially Klebsiella followed by Pseudomonas aerginosa, while Staphylococcus haemolyticus was the most prevalent Gram positive organism

ASSESSMENT OF SAPONIN RICH FRACTION FROM BALANITES AEGYPTIACA (L.) FRUITS AS ANTI SCHISTOMIASIS, ANTI-OXIDANT, ANTIMUTAGENIC AGENTS AND IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF SAPONINS FOR DRUG MANUFACTURE

Saponin rich fraction of Balanites fruits (SRF) was administered orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg to schistosoma infected mice. Treatment with SRF showed amelioration signs in all biomarkers that confirmed by significant reduction in oogram, ova count and worm burden. Histopathological examination showed extensive reduction in granuloma sizes after 6 weeks treatment. Our results showed time dependant inhibition in the DNA damage induced in infected mice after treatment. Saponins were also successfully synthesized by callus cultures using Murashige and Skoog media. NMR analysis illustrated the presence of 4 major saponins of furostanol type from both fruits of natural plant and calli. Thus, SRF of B.aegyptiaca fruits possesses antischistomiasis activity. Antioxidant and antimutagenic activities could be considered as possible mechanisms of action. Additionally, Balanites aegyptiaca saponins could be produced in continuous manner using in vitro cultures as future vision for drug production to overcome scarce of active metabolites and endangered plant

Using probiotics to improve the utilization of chopped dried date palm leaves as a feed in diets of growing Farafra lambs

The study determined the ability of three probiotics to improve the nutritional value of date palm leaves in diets of growing lambs. Twenty male Farafra lambs (26 ± 0.33 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four treatments (n = 6) and fed: a control or basal diet (C; 70% concentrate + 30% date palm leaves without additives) and supplemented with Bacillofort containing 2 × 1011 CFU of Bacillus subtilis/g (BAC treatment), Lacotpro containing 1 × 1012 CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus/g (LAC treatment) or ZAD containing 6 × 108 CFU of R. albus/g (ZAD treatment) at 4 g of all additives for 150 days. As a result of this study, LAC improved (P < 0.05) growth performance and feed efficiency compared to control. Additives increased (P = 0.001) concentrations of albumin, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine, hemoglobin concentration and red blood cells and decreased (P = 0.001) globulin and urea-N. Additives increased hot carcass (P = 0.040) while BAC increased Longissimus dorsi, meat and fat without affecting water holding capacity compared to other treatments. In the metabolism experiment, BAC increased the digestibility of crude protein, while BAC and ZAD increased the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber. Additives did not affect nitrogen (N) intake and urinary N; however, decreased fecal N and increased N balance compared to the control. BAC and ZAD increased ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration compared to the control. Based on our results, Lacotpro could be used to improve growth performance and feed efficiency, while Bacillofort could be used to improve meat quality of in lambs

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Role of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) causes profound functional limitations and poor quality of life. Advances in clearly defined therapies for PH explored other treatment options aimed at improving the outcomes. Objective The aim was to assess the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients and methods Twenty patients with PAH (based on their right-heart catheter) on stable disease-targeted medication received a 12-week rehabilitation program at the pulmonary rehabilitation center in Military chest hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Efficacy parameters [arterial blood gases (ABG), 6-min walk test (6MWT), dyspnea score according to Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, and spirometry] have been evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results The patients included in this study were 14 female patients and 6 male patients. All the twenty cases were idiopathic PAH. There was a highly statistical significant improvement after a 12-week rehabilitation program, as regards (6MWT) from 374.80±104.61 to 415.80±109.27 meters, P=0.000. Oxygen saturation (SaO2) (with a P<0.01) and spirometric functions as regards FVC% and FEV1% (with P=0.010 and 0.042, respectively) had also improved. Dsypnea score had significantly improved after the rehabilitation program from 2.50 to 1.00, P=0.000. No adverse events were noted during the training sessions. Conclusion Pulmonary rehabilitation as an add-on to medical treatment may improve exercise capacity and the quality of life in patients with PAH. The 6MWT is a reliable and objective measurement of functional capacity and a good indicator of improvement in follow-up patients with PAH

Modulatory Effect of Green Tea against Genotoxicity of Hydrocortisone in Mice

Natural compounds are known to possess protective effects against the genotoxicity of drugs and chemicals. Green tea is the most widely used beverage in the world, contains bioactive compounds. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid hormonal drug widely used for treatment of a variety of inflammatory, asthma, allergic and immune diseases. The widespread use of this drug is of great concern to human health problems. Therefore, the genotoxic potential of hydrocortisone was evaluated using different mutagenic endpoints including sister chromatid exchanges (SCE′s) in bone marrow cells and chromosomal aberrations in mouse spermatocytes. The modulatory effect of the methanol extract of green tea (MEGT) was also studied. Hydrocortisone was given intraperitoneally (i.p) at three doses 26, 39 and 52 mg/kg b.w. MEGT was given orally at dose 390 mg/kg. Mice were simultaneously treated with hydrocortisone and MEGT in single treatment and repeated treatment. The results showed that all doses of hydrocortisone induced significant increase in the frequency of SCE′s with a dose dependent manner. Both Single and repeated treatment of hydrocortisone induced a statistically significant in the incidence of chromosomal aberration in mouse spermatocytes excepting  the dose 26 mg∕ kg b.wt in single treatment regimen. These findings suggested that hydrocortisone has genotoxic activity in bone marrow and spermatocytes. On the other hand, MEGT suppressed the frequency of SCE′s and chromosomal aberrations induced by hydrocortisone however such suppression was not reached to the normal control values

Cymbopogon citratus essential oil has hepato/renal protection and anti-genotoxicity against carbon tetrachloride

Nowadays, there is an increasing trend to use aromatherapy for treatment of various diseases. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) is one of many plants which have been reported to employ&nbsp;successfully in aromatherapy. Herein we decided to explore the protective role of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (CCEO) against hepato/renal damage and genotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the relation of this bioactivity with its chemical constituents. Six main groups of mice (five/each) were examined: I- represents negative control group, II and III- mice received oral treatment with CCl4 (1mL/kg, positive control) and CCEO (0.3 mL/kg, control plant) respectively for five consecutive days and IV-VI- represent groups of mice treated with CCEO at the three concentrations 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mL/kg plus CCl4 (five consecutive&nbsp;days treatment). Remarkable adverse effects of CCl4 in all the tested parameters were recorded. These effects were distinguished as an increment in the level of all liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT), blood urea, and creatinine. Also the oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione-transferase GST were affected after CCl4 treatment. Regarding to the genotoxic effect of CCl4, the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow and spermatocyte cells was elevated (p&lt; 0.05) compared with the negative control. Notable antioxidant, hepato/renal protection and anti-mutagenic potency of CCEO against CCl4 were demonstrated with a dose-related relationship. GC/MS analysis demonstrated the presence of 12 phytochemical constituents which in combination play a critical role in its antioxidant/antigenotoxic efficacy. The major components exist were E. Citral (35.13%) and Geraniol (32.83%).(five consecutive&nbsp;days treatment). Remarkable adverse effects of CCl4 in all the tested parameters were recorded. These effects were distinguished as an increment in the level of all liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT), blood urea, and creatinine. Also the oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione-transferase GST were affected after CCl4 treatment. Regarding to the genotoxic effect of CCl4, the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow and spermatocyte cells was elevated (p&lt; 0.05) compared with the negative control. Notable antioxidant, hepato/renal protection and anti-mutagenic potency of CCEO against CCl4 were demonstrated with a dose-related relationship. GC/MS analysis demonstrated the presence of 12 phytochemical constituents which in combination play a critical role in its antioxidant/antigenotoxic efficacy. The major components exist were E. Citral (35.13%) and Geraniol (32.83%)

A Cost-Effective Method to Assemble Biomimetic 3D Cell Culture Platforms.

METHODS:We utilized the hAM to provide the biological and the three dimensional (3D) topographic components of the prototype. The 3D nano-roughness of the hAM was characterized using surface electron microscopy and surface image analysis (ImageJ and SurfaceJ). We developed additional macro-scale and micro-scale versions of the platform which provided additional shear stress factors to simulate the fluid dynamics of the in vivo extracellular fluids. RESULTS:Three models of varying complexities of the prototype were assembled. A well-defined 3D surface modulation of the hAM in comparable to commercial 3D biomaterial culture substrates was achieved without complex fabrication and with significantly lower cost. Performance of the prototype was demonstrated through culture of primary human umbilical cord mononuclear blood cells (MNCs), human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell line (hBMSC), and human breast cancer tissue. CONCLUSION:This study presents methods of assembling an integrated, flexible and low cost biomimetic cell culture platform for diverse cell culture applications