Effect of Pre-Designed Instructions for Mothers of Children with Hypospadias on Reducing Postoperative Complications

Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly with a prevalence estimated to be as high as 1 in 125 live male births. Complications after surgical procedures are possible. The incidence of complications can be reduced by meticulous preoperative planning, and judicious postoperative care. So the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pre-designed instructions for mothers of children with hypospadias on reducing postoperative complications. A convenient sample consists of 60 mothers of children with hypospadias were included in the study. The sample was divided into 2 equal groups; the control group and the study group. Pre-post quasi experimental design was utilized to perform the aim of the study. The study was conducted in the pediatric surgical department and urology outpatient clinic at one Pediatric Hospital in Cairo. Three tools were carried out; first a questionnaire sheet (pre-post test) to assess mothers' knowledge about hypospadias, and includes also demographic data, second tool; observational checklist to evaluate mothers’ practices regarding hypospadias, third tool, postoperative complications assessment sheet, which was examined occurrence of early postoperative complications. And pre-designed instructions were provided for those mothers preoperatively. The study results revealed that a highly significant difference was present between the control and the study group regarding mothers' knowledge in post-test. The majority of mothers in the control group and the study group had inadequate level of knowledge about hypospadias in pre-test. While more than two fifth of mothers in the study group had adequate level of knowledge in post-test. The results proved that the mothers' practices in post-test were increased more than in pre-test, less than half of the mothers in pre-test were not satisfied about performing diaper care correctly, however in post-test more than three quarters of those mothers were performed this procedure correctly, and there were highly statistical significant difference between pre and post-test. Regarding early postoperative complications; the results demonstrated that more than two thirds of children in pre-test, while less than two fifth in post-test suffering from postoperative complications as; infection, urinary tract obstruction and bleeding. The difference between pre and post-test was significant. The current study concluded that the pre-designed instructions for mothers of children with hypospadias were efficient by means of marked improvement of the knowledge and practices of the study group, which support the research hypotheses. So the results indicated that children with hypospadias were fewer early postoperative complications in the study group than the control group. The study recommended that important of pre-designed instructions for mothers of children with hypospadias for reducing postoperative complications. Also highlighting additional researches about assessment of mothers' knowledge and practice in relation to care provided to their children with hypospadias. In addition to a longer follow-up is necessary to monitor the late post operative complications. Keywords: Hypospadias, children, preoperative, pre-designed instructions, postoperative complications, mothers' knowledge, practices

2,4-CYCLOADDITION REACTIONS: PREPARATION AND CYTOTOXICITY OF NOVEL QUINOLINE AND PYRROLO [3,4-f] QUINOLINE DERIVATIVES

Objective: the present work aimed to synthesize novel quinoline and pyrroloquinoline derivatives and study their cytotoxic activity.Methods: Diels–Alder reaction (4+2) was used for the synthesis of new quinolone and pyrrolo quinoline derivatives via the reactions of compound 1 with N-maleimide (4a-d) derivatives, ethyl acrylate (6) methylmethacrylate (8) and acetylene dicarboxylic acid (10). The synthesized compounds were characterized by NMR and Mass spectral data. Some of the synthesized compounds were screened for their antitumor activity against three different cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2 and HCT).Results: The tested compounds exhibited antiproliferative activity against the three different cell lines, especially against MCF-7.Conclusion: New quinoline and pyrroloquinoline derivatives were synthesized starting with 6-methyl-4-phenyl-2-thioxo-5-(4-methylphenylthio)-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile. Two new compounds 3 and 5a were tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against MCF-7, HepG2 and HCT cancer cell lines. The result showed that compound 3 exhibited more potent antiproliferative activity than compound 5a in case of MCF-7 and HCT cell lines.Â

Levels of certain tumor markers as differential factors between bilharzial and non-biharzial bladder cancer among Egyptian patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background/Objective</p> <p>Bladder cancer is the commonest type of malignant tumors as a result of schistosomaisis which is a major healthy problem in many subtropical developing countries. The aim of this study is to comparatively elucidate the underlying biochemical tumor markers in schistosomal bladder cancer versus non-schistosomal bladder cancer when compared to normal healthy ones.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This work was performed on tissue specimens from total 25 patients and serum samples from total 30 patients versus ten healthy individuals served as control. The investigated parameters in serum are: xanthine oxidase (XO), fructosamine, lactate dehydrogense (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total proteins, essential and non- essential amino acids profile, hydroxyproline, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-<it>α</it>). In addition, the current investigation also extended to study some markers in tumor bladder tissues including, pyruvate kinase enzyme (PK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results showed that biharzial bladder cancer patients recored more significant elevation in serum XO, fructosamine, LDH, AST, ALT, hydroxyproline, IgE and TNF-<it>α </it>than in bladder cancer patients when compared to control ones. While, in tissues there were significant increase in PK, LDH, AST & ALT activities of schistosomal bladder cancer than in bladder cancer as compared to control healthy patients.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>It could be concluded that, bilharzial and non-bilharzial bladder cancer showed distinct biochemical profile of tumor development and progression which can be taken into consideration in diagnosis of bladder cancer.</p

Nano-encapsulation of a novel anti-Ran-GTPase peptide for blockade of regulator of chromosome condensation (RCC1) function in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Ran is a small ras-related GTPase and is highly expressed in aggressive breast carcinoma. Overexpression induces malignant transformation and drives metastatic growth. We have designed a novel series of anti-Ran-GTPase peptides, which prevents Ran hydrolysis and activation, and although they display effectiveness in silico, peptide activity is suboptimal in vitro due to reduced bioavailability and poor delivery. To overcome this drawback, we delivered an anti-Ran-GTPase peptide using encapsulation in PLGA-based nanoparticles (NP). Formulation variables within a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique were controlled to optimise physicochemical properties. NP were spherical and negatively charged with a mean diameter of 182–277 nm. Peptide integrity and stability were maintained after encapsulation and release kinetics followed a sustained profile. We were interested in the relationship between cellular uptake and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in the NP matrix, with results showing enhanced in vitro uptake with increasing PEG content. Peptide-loaded, pegylated (10% PEG)-PLGA NP induced significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, with no evidence of similar effects in cells pulsed with free peptide. Western blot analysis showed that encapsulated peptide interfered with the proposed signal transduction pathway of the Ran gene. Our novel blockade peptide prevented Ran activation by blockage of regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1) following peptide release directly in the cytoplasm once endocytosis of the peptide-loaded nanoparticle has occurred. RCC1 blockage was effective only when a nanoparticulate delivery approach was adopted

Evaluation of the Native Killer Yeasts against the Postharvest Phytopathogenic mould of Balady Orange Fruits

Yeasts are some of the most important postharvest biocontrol agents (BCAs). Postharvest oranges frequently deteriorate due to green and blue moulds, leading to significant economic losses. The purposes of the present study were to isolate blue and green moulds from infected orange fruits, to assess the ability of killer yeasts isolated from healthy orange fruits and leaves from orange orchards to control blue and green moulds and to evaluate the additive effect of BCAs in combination with 2% sodium bicarbonate (SBC), 2%, sodium benzoate (SB), 2% calcium chloride, 0.2% salicylic acid (SA) or 0.5% chitosan. Among eight fungi isolated from orange fruits showing symptoms of green and blue mulds infection, two were identified as P. digitatum and P. italicum and selected for in vitro assays. Twenty eight yeast isolates were obtained from orange leaves and from the surface of fruits. All yeasts exhibited high killer activity. Twelve yeasts reduced 22.5 –70% of P. digitatum growth while seven isolates reduced 21.1- 68.5% of P. italicum growth. The most potent yeast isolates were identified as Candida pseudotropicalis, Candida salmanticensis, Candida membranifaciens and Pichia guilliermondii. Combination of the BCAs, C. pseudotropicalis, C. salmanticensis and P. guilliermondii with SBC, CaCl2 or chitosan increased their effectiveness against P. digitatum. While combination of C. pseudotropicalis, C. membranifaciens and P. guilliermondii with these natural compounds decreased their effectiveness against P. italicum. Combination of C. membranifaciens with SA increased its effectiveness against P. digitatum. Sodium benzoate has additive effect on C. pseudotropicalis against P. digitatum and C. pseudotropicalis and P. guilliermondii against P. italicum

BIOINFORMATICS: INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES AND ATTENUATION OF DIABETES HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA-INDUCED RENAL INJURY USING MORNING GLORY AND NECKLACE POD EXTRACTS

  Objective: The present research in bioinformatics focuses on pharmacological effects of morning glory and necklace pod ethanolic extracts (MGE and NPE) on some biochemical parameters in high fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in rats.Methods: Compared to atorvastatin; an anti-hypercholesterolemic (HC) and glibenclamide; an antidiabetic drug. Endothelium activation markers of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Creatinine, urea, and inflammatory biomarkers; C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-10 levels were also measured in serum of different therapeutic groups.Results: Significant decrease in ICAM-1 level with MGE and NPE supplemented to normal rats as compared to untreated control with percentages decrease 17.80 and 12.00% was observed. Insignificant change was detected in VCAM-1 level. Profound amelioration in CRP, total urea and creatinine levels by NPE treatment. Creatinine, urea, CRP, and TNF-α level were significantly increased in hyperglycemic (HG)-HC rats. However, IL-10 level showed a significant decrease. Meanwhile, histopathological investigation of the kidney and heart was carried out. Image recognition system for kidney and heart images was developed to diagnose their diseases. Tested extract attenuated creatinine, urea, CRP, and TNF-α level. Hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia linked kidney disorders were relieved.Conclusion: In vivo oral administration with each extract declared suppression of cytokines mediated inflammation, vascular function leading to infiltration reduction of renal macrophage together with lowering in kidney indices and ameliorate renal tissues architectures in HG-HC rats

Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Dairy Cattle in Khartoum State, Sudan

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic wasting disease mainly of domestic and wild ruminants. It occurs worldwide, causing significant economic losses through decreased productivity, low fertility, increased cull rates and mortality. It is listed by the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) as a disease of concern to trade in animals. Prevalence of this disease can be studied by detecting anti-MAP antibodies by Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The aim of this study was to investigate the current prevalence of MAP infection in cattle in Khartoum State. The overall apparent prevalence of MAP infection was found to be 6.3% and 18.9% at animal and herd levels, respectively. All seropositive animals were cross-bred females of good body condition; most of them (>90%) were >3 years old and >50% were from medium-sized herds in Omdurman. No significant association (p > 0.05) was found between seropositivity and animal herd size. The prevalence of MAP infection in Khartoum State is still low to medium compared to other parts of the world, but it is comparable to those reported from other African countries. Further studies with the view of designing nationwide surveys in domestic ruminants and camels in other states of the country are needed for establishing control programmes

Serum soluble receptor of advanced glycation end products and risk of metabolic syndrome in Egyptian obese women

Obesity is one of the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome (MS). It is correlated with insulin resistance (IR) and high vascular risk as well. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE) play an important role in abnormal metabolic components in obese women. This study aimed to explore the serum levels of sRAGE in Egyptian obese women and compare with healthy non-obese controls and investigate the relationship between serum sRAGE, metabolic parameters, and obesity complications. The soluble form of receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), anthropometry, metabolic and biochemical biomarkers were measured in 100 obese women and 100 age-matched healthy control non-obese women. The homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) has been determined from serum insulin and glucose values. Serum sRAGE levels were significantly lower in obese cases than controls and inversely correlated with obesity and metabolic parameters. Results of univariate and multivariate analyses for determinants of serum sRAGE levels in obese cases showed that parameters statistically and significantly related were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), LDL-C, TG, BP, HOMA-IR, ALT and AST. sRAGE is a novel biomarker for metabolic dysfunction in Egyptian obese women and might predict the future cardio-metabolic events