Vol.4 No.4 – 13 : Effect of Different Stocking Density of Catfish on Microalgal species composition and Diversity Indices under Varying Weather Conditions

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By: Manthaka Weeraphong1, Hishamuddin Omar1*, Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli1 and Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai1

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang Selangor Malaysia

Abstract

The threat of climate change, rising human population and food security are some of the issues that need to be addressed urgently. Therefore the objective of this study is to document species composition of microalgae and its diversity in different stocking density of catfish in varying weather conditions to minimize water usage and maximize production. Clarias gariepinus with size 10±0.2 cm and 18.5±0.3 g were placed in polytank of 300L under sheltered transparent roofing. The experimental set up comprising of control tank with 25 fishes and covered to prevent microalgal growth, 10, 15, 20 and 25 fishes for treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.  Microalgae were sampled every 2 days; different mean light intensity and temperature represent different weather conditions were recorded. The totals of 29 genera 77 species of microalgae within 5 divisions were identified. The most abundant taxa were Chlorophyta (90%). The common genus in all weather conditions were Chlorella, Desmodesmus, Scenedesmus and Selenastrum. Shannon diversity index (H’), Simpson index, evenness and species richness were diversity indices that ranged from 0.59-2.82, 0.21-0.97, to 0.52-1.04 and 2.01-5.36, respectively. The highest stocking density of catfish (25 catfish; T4) under dry weather conditions also produce highest diversity indices.

Effect of Different Stocking Density of Catfish on Microalgal species composition and Diversity Indices under Varying Weather Conditions f-converted

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Vol.4 No.4 – 12 : IL‑17F and IL- 23 gene polymorphism in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, an Egyptian study.

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By : 

*Aml S Nasr(M.D)1, Hoda M El Azizy (M.D) 2, Noha M  El Husseiny(M.D) 3 ,Samar S Youssef (PhD)4

1 Clinical Pathology Department , Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

2 Medical biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

3  Internal medicine Department , Cairo University, Egypt.

4Microbial biotechnology Department, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly fatal  disease occurring due to  proliferation  and accumulation of myeloid progenitor cells. Th17 cells had been claimed by many studies to play a role in the development  of AML. Aim Of work: This work aimed to detect possible role of IL 17 F and IL 23  gene polymorphisms in pathogensis of AML ,relation to prognosis and response to treatment. Subjects , materials and methods: This study was done on 68 patients with newly diagnosed AML (as a patient group) ,together with  56 matched healthy volunteers( control group). IL 17 F and IL 23  gene polymorphisms were genotyped by real time polymerase chain reaction(Real time PCR). Results: No significant differences were detected between patients and controls in respect to   IL 17 genotype distribution , there was statistically significant differences  between patients and controls regarding  IL 23 genotype distribution. No statistically significant relation was found beween interleukin 17 and interleukin 23  and any  of the bad prognostic markers. Conclusion: We concluded that IL23 gene polymorphism could be considered as independent risk factor  in the pathogenesis of AML ,while  we could not prove that IL 17 gene polymorphism has a role in the development of AML.

IL‑17F and IL- 23 gene polymorphism in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, an Egyptian study (1)

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Vol.4 No.4 – 11 : Comparison between glypican-3 and alpha-fetoprotein in discrimination of hepatocellular carcinoma from cirrhotic patients

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By: Abdelfattah Mohamed Attallah*1, Mohamed Abd El-Hafez El-Far 2, Mohamed Mostafa Omran3, Aya Mohamed Saeed1, Mohamed Sayed Elbendary1, Kareem Abdelfattah Attallah1, Khaled Farid Mari4

1* Research & Development Department, Biotechnology Research Center, New Damietta City, Egypt

2 Chemistry department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

3 Chemistry department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt

4 Tropical medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis progression could be a consequence for developing HCC. Although alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely used as, a marker for detection of HCC, but it has poor sensitivity. Objective: Evaluate the diagnostic power of serum AFP and Glypican-3 (GPC3) as biomarkers of development of HCC. Subjects and Methods: A total of 182 patients, 110 patients with HCC and 72 patients with liver cirrhosis were included. AFP and GPC3 were determined using ELISA. The diagnostic power was evaluated using Area under Roc curve (AUC). Results: levels of AFP and GPC3 in sera of HCC patients were higher than in those with liver cirrhosis (p < 0.0001). AFP had Area under curve (AUC) = 0.772 with sensitivity 39.1%, specificity 97.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) 97.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) 34.3% and efficiency 53.4% while GPC3 had AUC=0.841 yielded sensitivity 76.4%, specificity 86.1%, PPV 94.4%, NPV 64.3% and efficiency 78.8%. There was significant weak correlation (r = 0.241; P < 0.001) between AFP and GPC3. Conclusions: GPC3 is good marker for HCC diagnosis. Therefore, GPC3 may be more useful than AFP in differentiating HCC from cirrhotic patients.

Comparison between glypican-3 and alpha-fetoprotein in discrimination of hepatocellular carcinoma from cirrhotic patients-converted

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Vol.4 No.4 – 10 : Breast cancer risk associated with genotype polymorphism of COMT gene in young women

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By : Abbas Ch. Mraissl

Pathology /Biology Department ,Education College , Missan University, Iraq

 

Abstract

O- methelation mediated by COMT enzyme  is an important mechanism for in activating Catechole Estrone (CE) which including 2- HE and 4- HE and transform it to 2-ME and 4-ME which act as anti- tumor genesis . Aim of this study was investigation  the association between the polymorphism in COMT genotype and the breast cancer risk in (40) young  patient’s women aged between (20-39) years were diagnosed and confirmed with breast carcinoma at AL- Sadder hospital in Missan, and (40) healthy control women aged between (18-39) years in period  between     September -2009 to April -2010 Odds ratios(OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated in level significant   P < 0.05. The statistical analysis showed no association between the breast cancer risk in young women and homozygous wild (Met/Met) genotype with an OR of 0.63(95%CI= 0.248 – 0.552 ), also with heterozygous  (Val/Met) genotype with an OR of 0.93 (95%CI= 0.155 – 0.44  ), and when a combination (Met/Met + Met/Val) genotype with an OR of 0.78(95%CI= 0.559-0.841), compared to homozygous mutant  (Val/Val) genotype. No significant differences in frequency of low activity alleles between cases and controls, indicating the polymorphism as a single factor may not contribute to breast carcinogenesis in young women.

Breast cancer risk associated with genotype polymorphism of COMT gene in young women-converted

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Vol.4 No.4 – 9 : The Prevalence of Pediculosis and Treatment Needs among the School Children of Age 8-12 Years in Selected Rural Schools of Indore with a View to Develop Health Education Module

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By : Dr.Jinu K Rajan

Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences,

Majmaah University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Head and body lice (pediculus humans) are similar in appearance, but head louse is often smaller in size. While, pubic lice (pthirus pubis), are quite distinctive. They have shorter bodies and a pincher-like claw, which makes them look like crabs. However, most common symptom of lice infestation is itching. Materials and Methods. Study originated with a sample of 150 children for explicating prevalence and knowledge of pediculosis among school children with age from 8-12 years. The study objectives were: – 1- assessing the school children knowledge regarding pediculosis. 2- Determining the scalp status for prevalence of pediculosis among studied subjects . 3-Determine the association between pediculosis and studied subjects demographic variables. 4- Determine the treatment needed for pediculosis. 5- Developing a health education module needed . This is a descriptive survey approach and design was descriptive cross sectional study. Which found to be appropriate for assessing pediculosis prevalence and knowledge among the studied subjects, with utilizing stratified random sampling technique. Study was conducted in selected schools of Indore. All children within age between 8-12 years from selected area of Indore constitute target population for the study. Results: Current results showed that, mean of knowledge among studied children was 57.2%. As well as it was detected that, moderate knowledge regarding pediculosis and there is significant association between pediculosis knowledge with studied children’s age. Prevalence of pediculosis was noticed among 54.6% and this put a flash light regarding treatment needs among children school. The treatment proportion needs identified among studied children was 20.7% for scalp hygiene, 67.1% for recommendation of OTC and 12.2% for special treatments. Conclusion: it can concluded that, clearly depicted that, school childrens were having moderate knowledge about pediculosis prevention. As well as based on the findings, health education module was developed to enhance the children awareness about pediculosis.

THE PREVALENCE OF PEDICULOSIS AND TREATMENT NEEDS AMONG THE SCHOOL CHILDREN OF AGE 8-12 YEARS IN SELECTED RURAL SCHOOLS OF INDORE WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOP HEALTH EDUCATION MODULE

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Vol.4 No.4 – 8 : Procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis

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By : Omar A. K. Al-azaowi1, Samir A. Abd El-kaream2, Gihan Hosny1*

1Environmental Health Division, Dept. of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies & Research, Alexandria University, Egypt.

2Dept. of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background : Sepsis is the most common cause of neonatal mortality. Isolation of bacteria from blood is the most specific and standard method used to diagnose neonatal sepsis. The drawback of culture-based diagnosis is the 24–48 hour assay time. Procalcitonin (PCT) has high specificity and positive predictive values. Thus, the current study was undertaken to investigate the released serum-procalcitonin as a biomarker for predicting neonatal sepsis among newly born infants.  Subjects and Methods: A case-control study design was set in order to perform the underlying work. Forty five neonates were included in this study. Blood samples were collected and processed for laboratory investigations and culture.  Laboratory investigations included complete blood picture, blood culture and PCT. Results: Positive blood cultures were detected in all cases of confirmed sepsis group (100%) and in 66.66% of cases of suspected sepsis group. The ROC curve analysis, used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin depending on the area under the curves (AUC), showed very high AUC (91.7%) corresponds to a better diagnostic test. The optimum cut off value of PCT (<0.05 ng/ml) was with a corresponding sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83.33%, a positive predictive value (100%), and a negative predictive value (74.99%). Conclusion: The current findings showed high sensitivity and specificity of PCT test for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The results so far are very encouraging and may suggest that in the near future the PCT may be used routinely for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and can provide a life-saving approach for newborns.

Procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis-converted (1)

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Vol.4 No.4 – 7 : Factors attributing to obesity among working adults in Egypt

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By ; Mai Sabry Saleh, Eman Essam Shaban, and Nagat Amer

Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Egypt  

Abstract

Obesity is a growing epidemic problem. Many environmental factors at the work place like occupational stress and job satisfaction attribute to obesity either as  cause or consequence. Other seriously contributing factors are of socio-demographic and health-related nature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between some environmental and health related variables and obesity in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI) among working adults in Egypt. A cross sectional study was carried on a convenient sample of 86 males and females working at the public sector. All participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Falsification of Type quiz, Andrews and Withey test for Job Satisfaction and a sheet for socio-demographic, health and work-related data. Blood samples were obtained and assessments of cortisol, C-reactive protein, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and total thyroxin were done using ELISA technique. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed colorimetrical. BMI and W/H were calculated. Pearson correlation test was performed for statistical analysis. Advanced age, female gender, presence of chronic diseases, presence of mental health problems, increased level of CRP and decreased level of DHEA-S were factors showing significant correlation with increased BMI. In conclusion, extensive study of predictors of obesity is a crucial need among working adults in Egypt.

Factors attributing to obesity among working adults in Egypt-converted (1)

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Vol.4 No.4 – 6 : Biochemical and immunocytochemical studies of the testicular alteration caused by Amitriptyline in adult male rat

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By : Ehab Tousson, Somia Zaki, Ezar Hafez, Amani Gad

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

Abstract

Amitriptyline is one of the first reference tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) with sedative and analgesic properties. This study aimed to investigate the testicular indices that influenced by amitriptyline treatment and examined it by biochemical, histological and Immunohistochemical methods. A total of 20 male albino rats were equally divided into two groups: the first was control and the second was amitriptyline intoxicated group. The results of this study showed that amitriptyline consumption significant decrease hormones parameters, increase sperms abnormalities, decrease sperm numbers, induced testicular tissue damage and P53 alterations.

Biochemical and immunocytochemical studies of the testicular alteration caused by Amitriptyline in adult male rat-converted

 

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Vol.4 No.4 – 5 : Qualitative and quantitative characterization of biologically active compounds of red grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds Extract

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 By : Maha Abdulrahman Aldubayan

Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Qassim University, KSA

Abstract

Grape seeds are waste products of the winery and grape juice and are good sources of phytochemicals. The present study aimed to investigate the qualitative and quantitative characterization of Egyptian grape seeds by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS). According to the data compiled, grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds sample presented the highest levels in flavonoids and other compounds such as Carnosol, rosmaridiphenol, rosmadial, rosmarinic acid, and carnosic acid. On the other hand, higher contents in triterpenes were found in the extracts of rosemary. The current results indicate that the ethanolic extract from Egyptian grape seeds possessed radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities where about 17.442 mg GAE/g of total phenols, 6.687 mg CE/g of total flavonoids and 81.506 mg TE/g DPPH as antioxidants activity in grape seeds. grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds is very rich sources of flavonoids and typical compounds of grape seeds, such as Catachine, Gallic acid, Protochatchuic acid and Syrngic acid which are compounds with many biological properties, especially antioxidant. On the other hand, the Qurecetin were highly represented that indicate the anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of grape seeds. This aspect should be studied in depth in future research.  

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of biologically active compounds of red grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds Extract-converted

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Vol.4 No.4 – 4 : TM6SF2 and NCAN polymorphism impact on HCV in North African Egyptian patients

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By : Samar Samir Youssef1, Eman Abd El Razek1, Reem Ezzat Mahdy2, Sameh Seif3,Mohamed El Kassas4

1.Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt

2.Assuit university hospital, Assuit, Egypt.

3.National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt.

4.Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University.

Abstract

Background: TM6SF2 and NCAN are genes known to be related to fibrosis and steatosis but are not thoroughly investigated in case of chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) in Egyptians.  Aim: this study is carried to investigate the role of TM6SF2 and NCAN in chronic HCV Egyptian patients. Methods: this retrospective study was carried on 165 patients with chronic HCV who received treatment for it. Results: TM6SF2 showed statistical significance with viral load with p value of 0.02 but no statistical significance with fibrosis or activity. NCAN showed statistical significance with activity with p value of 0.011. Conclusion: this is the first work recording the prevalence of TM6SF2 (rs58542926) and NCAN (rs2228603) polymorphism in upper African HCV patients. TM6SF2 is not associated with fibrosis or activity in Egyptian patients infected with chronic hepatitis C but associated with high viral load. On the other side, NCAN is associated with severity of activity in the same studied group but no relation with the viral load. These results explain their additive effect exerted during HCV infection which should be further extensively studied.

TM6SF2 and NCAN polymorphism impact on HCV course in North African Egyptian patients f-converted
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