Efficacy of amitriptyline, pizotifen and propranolol in the prevention of migraine

This intervention study conducted in the Neurology outpatient Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) from January 2006 to December 2007 to compare efficacy of amitriptyline, pizotifen and propranolol in the prophylaxis of migraine. Ninety cases were selected following certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result showed that the differences in duration, frequency and severity of attack were reduced in all groups but the differences among the groups were not significant (p>0.05). However, compared with amitriptyline and pizotifen, the propranolol group needed tablet paracetamol as abortive therapy less frequently which was statistically significant (p<0.05). All the drugs were well tolerated with minimum adverse effects.

Freeman Sheldon syndrome with marked kyphoscoliosis at birth: a case report

Freeman sheldon syndrome or Whistling face syndrome is a disorder involving face and the musculoskeletal system. There are three basic abnormalities like microstomia with pouting lips, camptodactyly with ulnar deviation of the fingers and talipes equinovarus. Other associated less specific abnormalities are short broad neck, kyphoscoliosis. Most of the features are due to increased muscle tone. Here we are presenting a newborn with multiple congenital anomaly like microstomia with pouting lips, H like dimple of the chin, hypoplastic alae nasi, plug like nostrils, short and broad neck. Bilateral talipes equinovarus, gibbus, contracture of both upper and lower limbs with ulnar deviation of the fingers of the hand was noted. On radiological evaluation kyphoscoliosis and oar blade shaped ribs arranged in centrifugal fashion was found. The patient was diagnosed as a case of Freeman Sheldon syndrome (whistling face syndrome) on the basis of minimal diagnostic criteria, unique clinical and radiological features. She received both medical and orthopaedic management and improved.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship study of 2-(substituted benzylidene)-7-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(furan-2-yl)-2H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-3(7H)-one derivatives as anticancer agents

The synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of a series of 2-(substituted benzylidene)-7-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(furan-2-yl)-2H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-3(7H)-one (4a-4j) derivatives as anticancer agents are described. This series of thiazolopyrimidines were synthesized by the reaction of 7-(4-fluoro phenyl)-5-(furan-2-yl)-2H-thiazolo[3,2-a] pyrimidin-3(7H)-one (3) with appropriate substituted aldehydes in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate and glacial acetic acid. Their structures were confirmed by IR, (1)H-NMR, mass, and elemental analyses. These novel thiazolopyrimidine derivatives were screened for their anticancer activity on the U937 human histocytic lymphoma cell line by 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. The comparison of anticancer activity of thiazolopyrimidine was performed considering their structures. This study was done using 2-(substituted benzylidene)-7-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(furan-2-yl)-2H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-3(7H)-one (4a-4j) as a basic model, showing that i) presence of a hydrogen donor/acceptor domain [thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-3(7H)-one] on the thiazolopyrimidine ring; ii) presence of a hydrophobic [(4-fluorophenyl)] aryl ring system on the thiazolopyrimidine ring; iii) presence of an electron donor moiety [5-(furan-2-yl)] on the thiazolopyrimidine ring; iv) ortho and para substitution of the distal aryl ring [2-(substituted benzylidene)] function strongly influenced anticancer activity. Among these compounds (4a-4j) para substituted derivatives 4c, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, and 4j showed significant anticancer activity.

Gaucher disease

A 14 months old boy of consanguineous parent presented with hepatosplenomegaly with delayed mile stones of development. He is till unable to walk. He was moderately anemic. Moderately wasted and stunted. Neurological examination was normal except subnormal intelligence. This subnormal intelligence and delayed milestone possibly may be due to secondary effect of growth retardation. Musculo-skeletal system examination revealed no abnormality. Diagnosis was supported by typical bone involvement in X-ray film (Thin cortex in Limb bone) and Gaucher cell in the splenic aspiration. There are three sub-types Type I: Non neuropathic form. Type II: Acute neuropathic form. Type III: Chronic neuropathic form. However, some cases do not fit precisely into one of these categories. All forms of Gaucher disease are autosomal recessively inherited. So, this patient more or less correlates with Gaucher disease type I. Treatment option for type I and III include medicine and enzyme replacement therapy, which is usually very effective.

In-hospital outcome of patients with acute STEMI with impaired renal function

Effective risk stratification is integral to the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes. This prospective study was done to evaluate the association between on-admission renal function and in-hospital outcome of patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study was carried out in the department of cardiology, NICVD, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from January 2004 to December 2004. Total 90 patients with first episode of acute STEMI were grouped according to renal function. Group I patients had normal renal function and Group II patients had renal impairment. Among group I patients, only 3.7% had Killip class IV heart failure, whereas among group II patients, 19% had Killip class II and 6.3% had Killip class IV heart failure (p<0.001). Mean percent of LVEF was significantly higher in Group I patients (52.0±5.2 vs. 47.9±6.3, p<0.01). Ventricular tachycardia occurred in significantly higher proportion in group II patients (7.4% vs. 63.5%, p<0.001). It was concluded that some in-hospital complications of acute STEMI were significantly higher and others were more prevalent in patients who had associated renal impairment compared to those who had normal renal function. This study can develop a clinical prognostic tool, which is simple, cheap and easily be applied at bedside. Concentrating on aggressive management of such patients may reduce their morbidity and mortality.

Relationship between serum IgE and frequent relapse idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

This prospective case control study was carried out in Renal and Dialysis Unit of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Bangladesh from January 2004 to December 2004 to determine serum IgE level in frequent relapse Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and to evaluate any role of IgE in the rate of relapse. Thirty cases of frequent relapse (FR) Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) were considered as cases and thirty cases of infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) were considered as control. Serum IgE level was measured in all patients at the time of relapse and again four weeks after steroid treatment when patient was in remission. The test statistics used to analyses the data were descriptive statistics, Chi-square probability test, Student's "t"-Test, Mann Whitney test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Majority of the patients' age in both the groups was between 2-6 years. The male female ratio in FR group was 2:1, while that in IR group was 3:2. Forty percent of the frequent relapsers and 30% of infrequent relapsers were found to possess the history of atopy. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean serum albumin in FR was observed to be significantly lower (13.73±0.59 gm/L) than that in IR (15.73±0.67 gm/L) (p<0.05). Mean serum IgE at the time of relapse in FR (1791±95 IU/mL) was found to be more than 3 times higher than that in IR (560±50 IU/mL) (p<0.001). Serum IgE level at the time of remission has decreased to almost normal in IR group (204±21 IU/mL) but it was still found 5 times higher in FR group (1086±79 IU/mL) (p<0.001). Serum IgE level is high in both FR and IR groups of nephrotic syndrome at the time of relapse. It reverts back to normal in IRNS but persistently and significantly high in FR group in both relapse and remission. Level of the serum IgE can be used as a predictor of FRNS.

Presence of enteric hepatitis viruses in the sewage and population of Greater Cairo

In Egypt, the disease burden of viral hepatitis is one of the heaviest worldwide. We conducted a survey of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in patients and sewage in Cairo. Our data showed that HAV (genotype IB) was predominant over HEV (genotype 3) and was circulating in the population and the environment.

Morbidity pattern and mortality of neonates admitted in a tertiary level teaching hospital in Bangladesh

This retrospective study was conducted to determine the morbidity and mortality pattern of neonates admitted in to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH). A total of 4826 neonates were admitted and reviewed during the period January 2003 to December 2003 in MMCH. Neonatal admission comprises 31.6% of total paediatric admission. Majority of the patients were 1 to 3 days of age and male. The top five causes for neonatal admission in MMCH were perinatal asphyxia (38.7%), low birth weight (25.7%), septicemia (19.2%), neonatal jaundice (5.9%), meconium aspiration syndrome (2.9%). The death rate of neonatal admission was 20.6%. The mortality was found among the neonates admitted with low birth weight (28.1%), perinatal asphyxia (22.8%), septicemia (18.9%). The average duration of hospital stay was higher among the septicemia patients than neonates suffering from other diseases. The finding of this study could be used by professionals, managers and policy makers to design neonatal health programmes to achieve millennium development goal (MDG) by the year 2015.

Phytochemical investigation and medicinal evaluation of fixed oil of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits (Balantiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Balanites aegyptiaca (Balantiaceae), mainly the fruit, is used by traditional healers and herbalists for treating many diseases in Africa and Asia.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigation of fixed oil composition of fruits and evaluation of its biological activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oil content was identified using GC and GC/MS. In vitro examination of the oil biological activity (including cytotoxicity, antimutagenicity, antiparasitic, antiviral and antimicrobial activities) was performed.

RESULTS

The oil contained 54.53% unsaturated fatty acids and 1.14% sterols. The oil exhibited anticancer activity against lung, liver and brain human carcinoma cell lines. It also had antimutagenic activity against Fasciola gigantica induced mutagenicity besides anthelmintic activity against hepatic worms (Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola gigantica). Preliminary screening showed that the oil had antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus. It also had antimicrobial activity against selected strains of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and Candida.

CONCLUSION

The results showed remarkable biological activity of Balanites aegyptiaca fixed oil and proved its importance as natural bioactive source.

Influence of nickel stress on growth and some important physiological/biochemical attributes in some diverse canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars

To assess the effect of nickel on six canola cultivars a series of experiments were conducted. On the basis of shoot dry weight cvs. Shiralee and Range found to be nickel tolerant, Dunkeld and Ester as nickel sensitive, while the remaining cultivars intermediate. Nickel accumulation in shoots was lower in the nickel sensitive cultivars followed by that in the tolerant ones. Leaf water and osmotic potentials decreased significantly due to high concentration of Ni(2+). Decrease in osmotic potential was positively associated with accumulation of total free amino acids. By comparing accumulation of individual amino acids, pattern of accumulation of the amino acids was different in different cultivars. However, only histidine, serine and cysteine increased in appreciable amount in the xylem sap of different canola cultivars. Overall, nickel tolerant cultivars Shiralee and Range showed higher levels of histidine, serine and cysteine under varying levels of nickel than the others. This higher accumulation of histidine, serine and cysteine was positively related to nickel tolerance in all canola cultivars. Thus, differential nickel tolerance in canola cultivars proposed to be associated with relative detoxification of Ni by developing complexes with histidine, serine and cysteine and can be used as potential indicators of nickel tolerance in canola.

Pinus pinaster seedlings and their fungal symbionts show high plasticity in phosphorus acquisition in acidic soils

Young seedlings of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Soland in Aït.) were grown in rhizoboxes using intact spodosol soil samples from the southwest of France, in Landes of Gascogne, presenting a large variation of phosphorus (P) availability. Soils were collected from a 93-year-old unfertilized stand and a 13-year-old P. pinaster stand with regular annual fertilization of either only P or P and nitrogen (N). After 6 months of culture in controlled conditions, different morphotypes of ectomycorrhiza (ECM) were used for the measurements of acid phosphatase activity and molecular identification of fungal species using amplification of the ITS region. Total biomass, N and P contents were measured in roots and shoots of plants. Bicarbonate- and NaOH-available inorganic P (Pi), organic P (Po) and ergosterol concentrations were measured in bulk and rhizosphere soil. The results showed that bulk soil from the 93-year-old forest stand presented the highest Po levels, but relatively higher bicarbonate-extractable Pi levels compared to 13-year-old unfertilized stand. Fertilizers significantly increased the concentrations of inorganic P fractions in bulk soil. Ergosterol contents in rhizosphere soil were increased by fertilizer application. The dominant fungal species was Rhizopogon luteolus forming 66.6% of analysed ECM tips. Acid phosphatase activity was highly variable and varied inversely with bicarbonate-extractable Pi levels in the rhizosphere soil. Total P or total N in plants was linearly correlated with total plant biomass, but the slope was steep only between total P and biomass in fertilized soil samples. In spite of high phosphatase activity in ECM tips, P availability remained a limiting nutrient in soil samples from unfertilized stands. Nevertheless young P. pinaster seedlings showed a high plasticity for biomass production at low P availability in soils.

Evidence of the co-circulation of enteric viruses in sewage and in the population of Greater Cairo

AIMS

To characterize major enteric viruses (enterovirus, rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus and adenovirus) in the sewage of Greater Cairo and to compare the results with clinical data collected during the same period.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-two sewage samples from two waste water treatment plants were collected from April 2006 through February 2007. Enteroviruses, noroviruses (NoVs) and rotaviruses (RVs) were detected by RT-PCR in 22%, 18% and 8.3% of the samples, respectively. No adenovirus and astrovirus was detected. G2P[8], G9P[8], G1P[8], G2P[4] and rare G12 RV isolates were detected in the environment as well as a bovine RV. The environmental NoV strains mostly belonged to genogroup I (84%). Rotaviruses and some of the NoVs were similar to those found in the clinical samples at the same time.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison of environmental and clinical data suggests that similar RV and NoV isolates were circulating in the environment and in the population during the same period.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Few studies have investigated the prevalence and the epidemiology of RVs and NoVs in Cairo. This work is the first to establish a correlation between viral gastroenteritis and the concomitant presence of enteric viruses in the environment for Greater Cairo where combined environmental and clinical surveys should help to prevent infections caused by these major pathogens.

Morbidity pattern and hospital outcome of neonates admitted in secondary care level hospital in Bangladesh

This retrospective study in pediatric ward of general hospital, which is a secondary care level hospital having 100 beds. Study period was six months, from 1st July 2006 to 31st December 2006. Records of all admitted patients was meticulously reviewed and analyzed. During this period 11,580 patients were admitted in the hospital of which 2638(22.86%) were pediatric patients. Among the pediatric patient 909(34.46%) were neonate. These 909 neonates were enrolled in this study. The top three neonatal diseases were perinatal asphyxia (57.2%), neonatal septicemia (18.5%) low birth weight including very low birth weight (8.91%). Among admitted patient 70% were out born. Most of the neonatal disease were male predominant. Most of the death was due to perinatal asphyxia (63.06%) then septicemia (17.88%) and preterm low birth weight including very low birth weight babies (8.99%). Death among low birth weight babies were higher (35.58%) than normal birth weight babies (27.29%). Death also was common in preterm babies (43.70%) than term babies (16.8%). Association of septicemia and death among low birth weight babies were higher than normal birth weight babies. Association of septicemia among low birth weight babies was 33.06% and among normal birth weight babies were 12.87%. Death among low birth weight babies was 23.1% and among normal birth weight babies were 16.87%. Total death rate among admitted patients was 20.79%.

Severity of asthma: the role of CD25+, CD30+, NF-kappaB, and apoptotic markers

OBJECTIVES

We studied the role of the regulatory T cells CD4+CD25+ (Treg) and activated CD4+CD30+ cells in the pathogenesis of asthma and their association with apoptosis and NF-kappaB in patients with mild intermittent asthma (MA), severe persistent asthma (SA), and healthy volunteers (HV).

METHODS

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were extracted from asthmatic patients during exacerbations, and CD4+ cells were separated using Dynal beads. Immunostaining of whole PBL for NF-kappaB, Bax, and Bcl-2, and immunostaining of CD4+ cells for CD25+ and CD30+ cells were performed using immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

Treg cells were expressed at higher levels in MA than in HV and SA (P < .05), while CD30+ T cells were expressed at higher levels in both SA and MA than in HV (P < .05), although there was no remarkable difference between SA and MA (P>.05). Levels of NF-kappaB, Bcl-2, and Bcl-2/Bax increased, whereas those of Bax decreased, progressively, from MA to SA (P < .05). NF-kappaB levels correlated directly with the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and with CD4+CD30+ cells in SA and MA, whereas CD4+CD30+ cells correlated inversely with the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Unregulated Treg cells probably return inflammatory responses to normal values during exacerbations in MA; however, expression of Treg cells was extensively diminished in SA, leading to probable loss of suppressive control over underlying immune reactions. CD4+CD30+ cells were associated with the pathogenesis of asthma but not with severity. NF-kappaB seems to be the central inflammatory factor in SA, with a remarkable loss of PBL apoptosis, diminished Treg levels, and high CD30+ cell levels that probably induce NF-kappaB, which in turn blocks the proapoptotic potential of CD30 induction itself.

Comparison of haematological values among different groups of low birth weight babies and normal birth weight babies

This prospective cross sectional study was carried out in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. This study was undertaken to compare the haematological value (reference range) among Small for gestational age-low birth weight (SGA-LBW), Appropriate for gestational age-low birth weight (AGA-LBW) and Normal birth weight (NBW) babies. Total 90 (ninety) newborn babies were enrolled in this study. They were ultimately divided into three groups as a) Group I (SGA-LBW), b) Group II (AGA-LBW), c) Group III (NBW). Study period was one year (December 2003 to December 2004), Relevant informations were collected from the guardian of the babies before inclusion in the study. In group I, 19(63.3%) were preterm and 11(36.7%) were term. In group II, 30(100%) were preterm and in group III, 30(100%) were term. Mean Hb, and HCT levels were highest in group I (SGA-LBW) and the value was 17.14+/-1.41 gm/dl (Hb) and 0.51+/-0.04 (HCT) respectively. Mean Hb and HCT value were lowest in group II (AGA-LBW) and the value was 14.57+/-1.78 gm/dl (Hb) and 0.43+/-0.05 (HCT) respectively. In between value was found in group III (NBW) and the value was 16.14+/-1.09 gm/dl (Hb) and 0.48+/-0.04 (HCT) respectively. Differences were statistically significant. On the contrary, MCV Values were highest in group II (AGA-LBW) and the value was 103.23+/-4.99 (fl). Lowest MCV value was in group III (NBW) and the value was 98.13+/-3.93 (fl). In between result of MCV value was found in group I (SGA-LBW) and the value was 99.27+/-10.73 (fl). Differences were also statistically significant. MCH and MCHC level was also highest in group I (SGA-LBW). Difference was also statistically significant. No significant differences of TC of WBC and platelet counts were not found among different groups. Hb and HCT level had significant positive correlation with gestational age. Other parameters had no Positive correlation with gestational age.

Four new species of Ceratomyxa Thelohan 1892 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Ceratomyxidae) infecting the gallbladder of some Red Sea fishes

Four new Ceratomyxa species were described from the gallbladder of four Red Sea fishes at Suez and Hurghada, Egypt. These species are Ceratomyxa bassoni sp. n. from Plectorhinchus gaterinus (Forsskal 1775) at Suez and Hurghada, Ceratomyxa entzerothi sp. n. from Valamugil seheli (Forsskal 1775) at Suez and Hurghada, Ceratomyxa swaisi sp. n. from Saurida undosquamis (Richardson 1848) at Suez only and Ceratomyxa hurghadensis sp. n. from Fistularia commersonii Ruppell 1838 at Hurghada only. Their taxonomic affinities to other species are discussed.

Zschokkella helmii n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), a new parasite of marbled spinefoot Siganus rivulatus (Forsskal 1775), Red Sea, Egypt: light and transmission electron microscopy

Zschokkella helmii n. sp., a new parasite of Siganus rivulatus from the Red Sea, Egypt, was described using light and transmission electron microscopy. However, the infection was severe; single "histozoic" plasmodium was encountered in the gallbladder wall. Spores are ellipsoid with 9-11 valvar striations. Spore mean length is 10.8 microm (10.0-11.0), while the spore mean width is 7.5 microm (7.0-8.0). Polar capsules are nearly round with a diameter of 2.2 microm (2.0-3.0) and have five filaments. Ultrastructure of the plasmodial wall and sporogenesis of the present species followed the usual pattern valid for most studied myxosporean species.

Gastric Sarcoidosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement in sarcoidosis is rare. Gastric sarcoidosis, particularly involving the antrum, affects approximately 10% of patients with systemic disease. GI sarcoidosis commonly occurs subclinically, with clinical manifestations present in only 0.1 to 0.9% of patients with the disease. This is a rare case report of an individual with symptomatic gastric sarcoidosis. The patient presented with weight loss, nausea, and early satiety. An EGD and colonoscopy were performed and were grossly normal. However, biopsies of the gastric antrum revealed noncaseating granulomatous inflammation involving the gastric mucosa. Corticosteroid therapy was started and the symptoms abated almost immediately. We also offer a review of the literature.

Extension of the intensive phase reduces unfavourable outcomes with the 8-month thioacetazone regimen

SETTING

Damien Foundation tuberculosis (TB) control projects in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of a 1-month extension of the intensive phase for smear-positives at 2 months of an 8-month regimen with a continuation phase consisting of isoniazid (INH) and thioacetazone (Th).

DESIGN

A prospective study of two cohorts of newly registered smear-positive cases, with extension of the intensive phase for the control cohort, but not for the study cohort. Culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) of smear-defined failures and relapses and of random samples of new cases.

RESULTS

Among 8230 study patients (86.7% 2-month conversion) and 7206 controls (83.4% conversion), smear-defined failure or relapse outcome was 3.0% for 2-month smear-negatives vs. 3.1% for 2-month smear-positives with extension (non-significant, NS), and 8.2% for 2-month smear-positives with no extension (P < 0.00001). Culture-confirmed failure and relapse reached 1.9% in 2-month smear-negatives and 1.6% (NS) in 2-month smear-positives with vs. 3.7% (P < 0.001) in 2-month smear-positives with no extension. The relative risk (RR) of non-extension in 2-month smear-positives was 2.4 (cultures) to 2.7 (smears). The same RR and borderline significance was found for non-extension of patients with pan-susceptible strains.

CONCLUSIONS

Extension of the intensive phase considerably reduces failures and relapses with a weaker regimen in patients smear-positive at 2 months. Its effectiveness may vary with extent of initial drug resistance vs. power of the regimen.

Myxobolus lubati n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae), a new parasite of haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara (Forsskal, 1775), Red Sea, Egypt: a light and transmission electron microscopy

A new myxosporean parasite, Myxobolus lubati n. sp., was described from the wall of the intestine of haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara (Forsskal 1775), Red Sea, Egypt. Macroscopic plasmodia of about 300 mum diameter were located in the circular muscle layer of the intestine. The spores were ovoid and sometimes ellipsoid and measured 9.8 x 7.2 mum. The shell wall of the spore was thickened at the posterior end and marked with 5-7 sutural markings. Polar capsules were equal and pyriform with three polar filament turns situated in the posterior half of the polar capsule. Polar capsules measured 4.2 x 1.6 mum. Histological evaluation of the infection revealed a slight distention of the intestinal layer of muscularis. Ultrastructure of the plasmodial wall and sporogenesis of the present species followed the usual pattern valid for most studied myxosporean species.

QT dispersion in dynamic and static group of athletes

Measurement of QT dispersion as calculated from the 12-lead ECG has emerged as a non-invasive assessment for degree of myocardial inhomogeneity. Increased QT dispersion predicts sudden cardiac death in variety of disease states such as acute myocardial infarction and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. To improve identification of athletes at high risk of sudden death, resting electrocardiograms were performed on 100 dynamic athletes (sprinters, middle and long distance runners), 50 static athletes (Hammer throwers, Weight lifters) and 100-matched control group. QT dispersion was defined as maximum QT interval minus minimum QT interval in a lead. The correlation between QT dispersion and the athletes demographic characteristics revealed that significant correlations existed between QT dispersion and age, SBP, DBP, MBP, body temperature and duration of athletic activity (DAA) [P < 0.05]. Similarly, no significant correlation existed between QT dispersion and Heart rate, height, weight and body mass index (BMI). This showed that increased QT dispersion is found in Dynamic and Static group of athletes and is significantly related to duration of athletic activity. This finding could be used for the identification of athletes at high risk of sudden death.

Effect of fast green dye on some biophysical properties of thymocytes and splenocytes of albino mice

Although fast green (FG) is widely used as food colorant by the cosmetics and drug industries, there is no evidence about whether FG affects leukocytes. The aim was to investigate the effect of FG on leukocytes. Male albino mice were subdivided into five equal groups: four of them were given 125, 250, 375 and 500 mg kg(-1) bw day(-1) FG in drinking water for 44 days. The fifth (control group) was given pure water only. During the experimental period changes in body weight, lymphoid organs weight (absolute and relative) as well as the total count and viability of lymphoid cells for the treated groups showed that FG was an immunotoxic agent. The structural effects induced by FG on thymocytes and splenocytes were investigated through measurements of their dielectric spectra in the frequency range 20-100,000 Hz. The estimated dielectric parameters of the treated groups reflected the changes occurring to lymphocytes by FG administration and indicated that FG dye is an immunotoxic agent. It is shown that the dielectric methodology can be used for the identification of lymphocyte modification induced by food colorants.

Synthesis and antiviral screening of some thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine nucleosides

Some cyclic and acyclic nucleosides of thieno[2,3-d]-pyrimidine derivatives were synthesized via the reaction of compounds 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 with 2-chloroethyl methyl ether or 2,3,4, 6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl bromide. Nucleosides 9, 10, 15, and 16 were tested as antiviral agents against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and hepatitis-A virus (HAV). Compound 15 showed the highest effect on HSV-1 than the other three compounds, while the four tested compounds did not show any activity against HAV.