Mast cell and atopy

Egypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011;9(2):55-6

EFFECT OF SEASONAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION ON THE PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS

Abstract: Seasonal and geographical variations have impact on secondary plant metabolites in medicinal plants. In the present study an attempt was made to evaluate the phytochemical variation and its effect on the medicinal properties of Tribulus terrestris which was collected from two different seasons (Summer and winter) and from two different geographical regions i.e. Rafha, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (hot desert climate) and Bangalore, India (tropical savanna climate).The amount of Phenolic acids and flavonoids was evaluated by Folin ciocalteu method and Aluminum chloride colorimetric method respectively. Anti-oxidant activity was carried out for all the extracts by the DPPH method .The results revealed that the amount of phenolic acid and flavonoid was found to be higher i.e. 428 μgm and 295 μgm respectively in TT1-S which was in the sample collected during summer from the Rafha region. To further investigate the best season of collection of samples in Rafha, HPLC analysis was carried out for TT1-S and TT1 –W extracts using rutin and gallic acid as the standards; the amount of rutin and gallic acid was found to be higher in TT1-S. Furthermore analgesic activity was carried out for these extracts and the sample collected during summer exhibited significant activity when compared to the sample collected during winter. The results of this study give evidence that the season and geographical variations bring about a change in the plant metabolites which in turn affect the medicinal properties .From the results it is evident that the best season to collect the plant is during summer in Rafha as the amount of phytoconstituents is found to be more during this season Key words: Tribulus terrestris, seasonal, geographical, phytoconstituents, medicinal propertie

Heat shock protein 60 and chromatin assembly factor-1 mRNA levels in hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and clinical significance

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Heat Shock protein 60 (HSP60), a mitochondrial chaperone, is overexpressed in diverse malignant cells. Chromatin Assembly Factor-1 (CAF-1), a histone chaperone, is down-regulated in quiescent non-proliferating human cells. We aimed to clarify the role of HSP60 and CAF-1 mRNA expression in diagnosis of HCC post-HCV infection.Methods: HSP60 and CAF-1 mRNA levels in urine and blood were quantified by Taqman real-time PCR in 49 subjects; 25 cirrhotic with HCV-related HCC, 12 cirrhotic without HCC and 12 healthy controls.Results: HSP60 and CAF-1 mRNA levels in urine and blood were significantly higher in HCC versus cirrhosis and controls, and in cirrhosis versus controls. Their levels in HCC were significantly increased by advancement of HCC BCLC staging system. HSP60 in urine had 85% sensitivity and 66% specificity at cut off 258354 RU and 85% sensitivity and 60 % specificity at cut off 37576 RU in blood for HCC diagnosis. CAF-1 in urine had 81% sensitivity and 66% specificity at cut off 137756 RU and 77% sensitivity and 64% specificity at cut off 49726 RU in blood for HCC diagnosis. HSP60/CAF-1 sensitivity and specificity in urine and blood were better than either marker alone, with better results in urine (91% and 73%, respectively) than blood (88% and 66%, respectively).Conclusions: HSP60 and CAF-1 in urine and blood may be useful HCC diagnostic markers that were correlated with advancement of HCC with better combined marker sensitivity and specificity than either marker alone especially for urine

OPTIMIZATION THE PARAMETER PROCESS OF SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION TO PRODUCE THE FUNGAL Α-AMYLASE ON AGRO-INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS

The present work is concerned with optimization the process parameter of the production of fungal α-amylase enzyme by Aspergillus niger ATCC 102 and Aspergillus oryzae NRRL 6270 using solid-state fermentation (SSF) process on two agro-industrial by-products. Different cultural parameter and conditions such as moisture content of prepared agro-industrial by-product (30 to 70%), fermentation period (12 to 120 h.) and incubation temperature (25-35°C) were optimized to obtain the maximum yield of α-amylase activity. The study is concerned to produce fungal αamylase on agro-industrial by-products such as inner layers of sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum) (SCB) and corn gluten meal (Zea mays) after addition of germ cake and corn steep liquor (CGM ) were used as solid substrates. The optimum conditions for SSF as follows temperature at 30°C and two moisture content level (60 - 30%) for SCB by Aspergillus niger and CGM after addition of germ cake and corn steep liquor by two fungal strains, respectively and incubation period of 72, 48, 24 hours for SCB by Aspergills niger, CGM by two fungal strains, respectively and SCB by Aspergillus oryzae, producing α-amylase activity 3.49U/g (solid substrate) with SCB by SSF after 24 hours by Aspergillus niger, whereas 3.78U/g (solid substrate) by Aspergillus oryzae after 48 hours. The highest record of amylase activity was obtained on SCB by SSF 3.49U/g (solid substrate) after 24 hours by Aspergillus niger, whereas 3.78U/g (solid substrate) by Aspergillus oryzae  after 48 hours. Optimum α-amylase enzyme activity was observed at 30°C. Utilization of agroindustrial by-product provides an alternative method and value-addition in cost effectiveness of bioprocess. The obtained results demonstrated that, the potential application of the used strategy for αamylase enzyme production from agro-industrial by-products

Microbial Infections in Immunodeficient Children in Qena University Hospital with Special Reference to DNA Damage in Peripheral Blood Leucocytes

Background: Immunodeficiency disorders involve malfunction of the immune system, resulting in infections that develop and recur more frequently, are more severe, and last longer than usual, Impair the immune system's ability to defend the body against foreign or abnormal cells that invade or attack it (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells). As a result, unusual bacterial, viral, or fungal infections or lymphomas or other cancers may develop. Patients and methods: A study to detect blood stream infections was done using 100 blood cultures obtained from 100 immunocompromised children. Results and conclusions: The most commonly isolated are bacterial organism (40 %)the most common bacterial isolates are klebsiella species (17 | 40 ,42.5%). Estimation of DNA damage was done for 40 patients and 10 apparently healthy children as control subjects. The DNA damage was detected has took the smear shape on gel electrophoresis. This was found in (12|40, 30%), (P value < 0.001) with significant difference

Addressing Climate Change Impacts on Health

Climate change is a global health emergency, with impacts felt most acutely by vulnerable populations and communities. This paper explores health risks from climate change in a global context, setting out key risks and actions towards addressing these. In the context of COP27, it draws in a focus on Egypt as a case study throughout to exemplify the risks faced by countries which are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. This policy working paper has been produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in Egypt, with contributions from the UK Universities Climate Network, through an academic collaboration ahead of COP27 in Egypt in 2022

Factors Affecting Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection among Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Single Center, Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: COVID-19 infection and the factors affecting it are major concerns worldwide. This retrospective study aimed to investigate clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics associated with disease severity and hospitalization among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) with COVID-19. Materials and methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted to review the records of older adults with T2D infected with COVID-19. Sociodemographic, COVID-19-related data, laboratory tests at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis and CT findings were collected. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were done to determine the predictors of the studied outcome, either hospitalization or complete recovery. Results: A total of 343 patients’ records were reviewed, with a mean age of 73.6 ± 6.4 years. Most of patients had fever and cough at the time of diagnosis and ground glass opacities was found on CT in 62.1% of patients. Hospitalized patients had higher duration of diabetes, suffered more from dyspnea, body aches and chest pain, had higher HbA1c, CRP and ferritin and lower lymphocytes and hemoglobin. Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c positively affected the duration from onset of symptoms till resolution, while hemoglobin level negatively affected it. Logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of diabetes, HbA1c, ferritin and dyspnea were significant predictors of hospitalization. Conclusions: Among older adults with T2D infected with COVID-19, poor glycemic control is associated with higher risk of hospitalization and longer duration till recovery of symptoms. Longer duration of diabetes, high serum ferritin and the presence of dyspnea are associated with higher risk for hospitalization among these patients

Using systematic data categorisation to quantify the types of data collected in clinical trials: the DataCat project.

BACKGROUND: Data collection consumes a large proportion of clinical trial resources. Each data item requires time and effort for collection, processing and quality control procedures. In general, more data equals a heavier burden for trial staff and participants. It is also likely to increase costs. Knowing the types of data being collected, and in what proportion, will be helpful to ensure that limited trial resources and participant goodwill are used wisely. AIM: The aim of this study is to categorise the types of data collected across a broad range of trials and assess what proportion of collected data each category represents. METHODS: We developed a standard operating procedure to categorise data into primary outcome, secondary outcome and 15 other categories. We categorised all variables collected on trial data collection forms from 18, mainly publicly funded, randomised superiority trials, including trials of an investigational medicinal product and complex interventions. Categorisation was done independently in pairs: one person having in-depth knowledge of the trial, the other independent of the trial. Disagreement was resolved through reference to the trial protocol and discussion, with the project team being consulted if necessary. KEY RESULTS: Primary outcome data accounted for 5.0% (median)/11.2% (mean) of all data items collected. Secondary outcomes accounted for 39.9% (median)/42.5% (mean) of all data items. Non-outcome data such as participant identifiers and demographic data represented 32.4% (median)/36.5% (mean) of all data items collected. CONCLUSION: A small proportion of the data collected in our sample of 18 trials was related to the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes accounted for eight times the volume of data as the primary outcome. A substantial amount of data collection is not related to trial outcomes. Trialists should work to make sure that the data they collect are only those essential to support the health and treatment decisions of those whom the trial is designed to inform

Natural Radionuclide Concentrations by γ-Ray Spectrometry in Granitic Rocks of the Sol Hamed Area, Southeastern Desert of Egypt, and Their Radiological Implications

The occurrence of heavy radioactive minerals in construction supplies such as granite has drawn attention to the extraction of heavy radioactive minerals. Granitic rocks were identified to serve an essential economic role in the study area’s surrounding locations. As a result, the current study attempted to detect the activity concentrations of238 U,232 Th, and40 K in the granitic rock samples tested and estimate the radiological dangers associated with these rocks. The obtained data on activity concentrations for238 U (610 ± 1730 Bq kg−1 ),232 Th (110 ± 69 Bq kg−1 ) and40 K (1157 ± 467 Bq kg−1 ) in the granitic samples (GR) were higher than the recommended worldwide average. The radioactive levels found in the samples were caused by radioactive materials being altered and trapped inside granite faults. The exposure to gamma radiation from the granitic rocks were assessed via various radiological parameters, such as radium equivalent content (856 Bq kg−1 ), absorbed dose rate (Dair) in the air (396 nGy/h), and annual effective dose for either outdoor (0.48 mSv y−1 ) or indoor (1.9 mSv y−1 ). Statistical analysis was performed to detect the correlations between radioactive concentrations and radiological parameters. The radioactive effects contributed by the uranium minerals were associated with the granitic rocks. Based on the analysis, the radioactive levels in the examined granitic surpassed the acceptable limits; therefore, they are not safe to use in building and infrastructure applications and may cause adverse health effects. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.This research project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University (KKU) (no. RGP.1/213/42)

A calcineurin–Hoxb13 axis regulates growth mode of mammalian cardiomyocytes

10.1038/s41586-020-2228-6Nature5827811271-27