Nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished children detected by Screening Tool for Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatric: Urban versus rural settings

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition presents a major global health burden. In Egypt, it remains an important issue in children under 5 years especially in rural communities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to screen 2-5 years old children enrolled from Egyptian hospitals in rural and urban areas for the risk of malnutrition using Screening Tool for Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatric (STAMP) and to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional intervention programs.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 patients recruited from two hospitals in urban and rural Cairo, Dietary history and anthropometric measurements were assessed. Patients at intermediate and severe risk of malnutrition according to STAMP were given tailored nutritional programs.

RESULTS

In the rural hospital, 4.4% of the screened children were underweight, 22.2% were marginally underweight, and 73.3% had normal weight. Regarding the urban hospital, 15.6% were marginally underweight, 84.4% had normal weight and no underweight patients. Among the rural group 35.6% were at high risk according to STAMP score results compared to 20% in the urban group. Nevertheless, the only significant differences were the more stunting and higher BMI in rural hospital patients. After nutritional intervention, high-risk category patients decreased in both groups coupled by significant improvement in the anthropometric parameters and nutrition data with no significant differences between them.

CONCLUSION

Nutritional education and prompt implementation of nutritional rehabilitation program for malnourished children detected by screening tools result in improvement in their nutritional status disregards their location whether urban or rural.

Endothelial Insulin Resistance Exacerbates Experimental Periodontitis

Epidemiological studies suggest that the severity of periodontitis is higher in people with diabetes than in healthy individuals. Insulin resistance might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiple diabetic complications and is reportedly induced in the gingiva of rodents with type 2 diabetes; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetes-related periodontitis remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether endothelial insulin resistance in the gingiva may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis as well as elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. We demonstrated that insulin treatment downregulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced VCAM1 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) via the PI3K/Akt activating pathway, resulting in reduced cellular adhesion between ECs and leukocytes. Hyperglycemia-induced selective insulin resistance in ECs diminished the effect of insulin on LPS- or TNFα-stimulated VCAM1 expression. Vascular endothelial cell-specific insulin receptor knockout (VEIRKO) mice exhibited selective inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the gingiva and advanced experimental periodontitis-induced alveolar bone loss via upregulation of Vcam1, Tnfα, Mcp-1, Rankl, and neutrophil migration into the gingiva compared with that in the wild-type (WT) mice despite being free from diabetes. We also observed that insulin-mediated activation of FoxO1, a downstream target of Akt, was suppressed in the gingiva of VEIRKO and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, hyperglycemia-treated ECs, and primary ECs from VEIRKO. Further analysis using ECs transfected with intact and mutated FoxO1, with mutations at 3 insulin-mediated phosphorylation sites (T24A, S256D, S316A), suggested that insulin-mediated regulation of VCAM1 expression and cellular adhesion of ECs with leukocytes was attenuated by mutated FoxO1 overexpression. These results suggest that insulin resistance in ECs may contribute to the progression of periodontitis via dysregulated VCAM1 expression and cellular adhesion with leukocytes, resulting from reduced activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 axis.

Storage Mite Infestation of Dry-Stored Food Products and Its Relation to Human Intestinal Acariasis in the City of Minia, Egypt

Initial data on the prevalence of storage mites in dry-stored food products and estimates of the presence of mites in human stool in the city of Minia, Egypt are provided. In total, 847 samples were collected randomly from houses and retail stores between March 2017 and February 2018. In addition, 1,000 human stool samples were collected for the detection of the presence of mites. Mites were extracted from 285 of 840 (33.9%) samples, and mite contamination was found to be most prevalent in wheat flour (73.3%). In total, 11 mite species belonging to six families were identified, with the pest species Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) (TP) being the most prevalent (91.2% of samples). The seasonal density distribution showed the highest storage mite density in March-April, followed by October, and the lowest in January. In addition, mites were detected in 87 (8.7%) human stool samples, with significant associations between certain occupations and some personal characteristics. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to intestinal acariasis arising from mite infestation of dry-stored food products.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from humans by nested polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (nPCR-RFLP) analysis in Egypt

ryptosporidium species is a group of protozoan parasites recognized as a cause of diarrhea with significant morbidity and mortality in industrialized and developing countries. Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum seem to be the most common causes of human cryptosporiodosis, however, other species are also found. Hence, the present study aimed to determine Cryptosporidium spp. infecting humans by nested PCR-RFLP targeting 18 sRNA gene in Minia Governorate, Egypt. A total of 300 diarrheic stool samples have been collected from inpatient and outpatient clinics of University Hospitals and Tropical Hospital, Minia Governorate, Egypt. One hundred twelve positive samples for Cryptosporidium infection (37.3%) were detected by nPCR while, 60 positive samples (20%) were detected by routine microscopy (p-value <= 0.0004). The one hundred twelve positive samples detected by nested PCR were processed to RFLP. The RFLP yielded a typical restriction patterns for C. hominis in 73 (65.2%) cases, C. parvum in 25 (22.3%) cases, and C. meleagridis in 14 (12.5%) cases. C. hominis was more prevalent among cases of urban areas with negative history of animal contact in comparison to cases of rural areas (95.5% vs. 21.7%; p-value <= 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant association between C. hominis infection and drinking tap water. C. parvum was more prevalent among cases of rural areas than among those of urban areas (47.8% vs. 4.5%; p-value <= 0.001) While C. meleagridis was only present among cases live in rural areas (30.4%; p-value <= 0.001).

Natural History of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Adults: Serial Evaluation with High-Resolution CISS

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a well-accepted treatment choice for hydrocephalus and is used most frequently with a known impediment to CSF flow between the third ventricle and basal cisterns. However, there are scarce data on the imaging evolution of the defect in the floor of the third ventricle and how this affects patency rates and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether, and how, the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect changes in size with time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All high-resolution endoscopic third ventriculostomy protocol MRIs performed between 2009 through 2014 were retrospectively identified. Two fellowship-trained neuroradiologists, blinded to clinical information, independently reviewed all retrospective cases.

RESULTS

A total of 98 imaging studies were included from 34 patients. The average change in the area throughout the studied period was 0.02 mm²/day (7.5 mm²/year), with a higher increase in size noted in the first 3 postsurgical months, with a gradual decrease in the degree of defect-size change. Use of the NICO Myriad device was correlated with the area of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect on the last follow-up, demonstrating a larger final defect size in patients in whom the surgical technique included debridement of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect walls with the NICO Myriad device (28.21 versus 11.25 mm, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution MR imaging with sagittal CISS images is useful in the postoperative evaluation of endoscopic third ventriculostomies. Such findings may prove useful in determining the optimal duration of follow-up with MR imaging of patients who have undergone endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Does the Presence or Absence of DESH Predict Outcomes in Adult Hydrocephalus?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The DESH (disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid-space hydrocephalus) pattern of "tight high-convexity and medial subarachnoid spaces, and enlarged Sylvian fissures with ventriculomegaly" is used to determine which patients undergo an operation for adult hydrocephalus at many centers. Our aim was to review adult hydrocephalus cases when DESH has not been a criterion for an operation to determine the prevalence of DESH among the cohort and compare the surgical outcomes in the presence or absence of DESH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution (Johns Hopkins Hospital) to include patients surgically treated for adult hydrocephalus between 2003 and 2014 drawn from a data base of patients who had undergone standardized hydrocephalus protocol MR imaging. Preoperative imaging was reviewed by 2 blinded neuroradiologists to characterize the presence of DESH. Preoperative and postoperative clinical symptomatology was recorded. Frequencies were compared using the Fisher exact test, and nonparametric means were compared using the Mann-Whitney U Test.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-three subjects were identified and included (96 DESH absent, 37 DESH present). Shunting led to significant improvement in gait and urinary and cognitive symptoms for the overall cohort and for patients with and without DESH (P < .05). The Fisher exact test did not demonstrate any significant differences in either gait or urinary or cognitive symptom improvement between patients with or without DESH (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated symptom improvement in patients with adult hydrocephalus following shunting, with no significant differences between subjects with and without DESH. Thus, shunt insertion for patients with adult hydrocephalus should not rely solely on the presence of preoperative DESH findings.

Ischemia reperfusion-facilitated sinusoidal endothelial cell injury in liver transplantation and the resulting impact of extravasated platelet aggregation

Background

The exact sequence of events leading to ultimate hepatocellular damage following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is incompletely understood. In this article, we review a mechanism of organ dysfunction after hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment, in addition to the potential of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) protection and antiplatelet treatment for the suppression of hepatocellular damage.

Methods

A review of the literature, utilizing PubMed-NCBI, was used to provide information on the components necessary for the development of hepatocellular damage following I/R.

Results

It is well-established that LSECs damage following hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment followed by extravasated platelet aggregation (EPA) is the root cause of organ dysfunction in liver transplantation. We have classified three phases, from LSECs damage to organ dysfunction, utilizing the predicted pathogenic mechanism of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. The first phase is detachment of LSECs and sinusoidal wall destruction after LSECs injury by hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment. The second phase is EPA, accomplished by sinusoidal wall destruction. The various growth factors, including thromboxane A2, serotonin, transforming growth factor-beta and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, released by EPA in the Disse’s space of zone three, induce portal hypertension and the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The third phase is organ dysfunction following portal hypertension, hepatic fibrosis, and suppressed liver regeneration through various growth factors secreted by EPA.

Conclusion

We suggest that EPA in the space of Disse, initiated by LSECs damage due to hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment, and activated platelets may primarily contribute to liver damage in liver transplantation. Endothelial protective therapy or antiplatelet treatment may be useful in the treatment of hepatic I/R following EPA.

Assessment of awareness, perception and utilization of health services among patients attending clinic at the Muslim Ummah Hospital, Kisi, South-west, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Health has been a prime concern of humanity since the dawn of history. People aspire to improve their health and also that of their household and communities. Healthcare utilization by the community is greatly influenced by their awareness and perception.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive study of the Awareness, Perception and Utilization of the Muslim Ummah Hospital, Kisi was carried out using a structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Three hundred and eighty (380) participated in the study. A systematic sampling technique was utilized in sample selection.

RESULT

The mean age of respondent was 36.9 + 2.95 years. Female respondents constituted 58.92% while the male counterpart were 41.08%. Awareness among the respondents is quite encouraging, as 198 (52%) of women respondents showed knowledge of the presence of the health center. A total of 38.1% (145) believed the service is very good while only 6.5% (25) considered it to be poor. On utilization profile 56.7% (215) had one time or the other attended the Outpatient Department; 43 (11.3%) for General Surgery, 7.4% (28) immunization, 15.4% (59) Delivery service and 9.2% (35) for Antenatal care.

CONCLUSION

Health service utilization of the Muslim Ummah Comprehensive Hospital was shown to be greatly influenced by the community awareness of the service provided and their perception of the quality of service.

High-density substrate mapping in Brugada syndrome: combined role of conduction and repolarization heterogeneities in arrhythmogenesis

BACKGROUND

Two principal mechanisms are thought to be responsible for Brugada syndrome (BS): (1) right ventricular (RV) conduction delay and (2) RV subepicardial action potential shortening. This in vivo high-density mapping study evaluated the conduction and repolarization properties of the RV in BS subjects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A noncontact mapping array was positioned in the RV of 18 BS patients and 20 controls. Using a standard S(1)-S(2) protocol, restitution curves of local activation time and activation recovery interval were constructed to determine local maximal restitution slopes. Significant regional conduction delays in the anterolateral free wall of the RV outflow tract of BS patients were identified. The mean increase in delay was 3-fold greater in this region than in control (P=0<0.001). Local activation gradient was also maximally reduced in this area: 0.33+/-0.1 (mean+/-SD) mm/ms in BS patients versus 0.51+/-0.15 mm/ms in controls (P<0.0005). The uniformity of wavefront propagation as measured by the square of the correlation coefficient, r(2), was greater in BS patients versus controls (0.94+/-0.04 versus 0.89+/-0.09 [mean+/-SD]; P<0.05). The odds ratio of BS hearts having any RV segment with maximal restitution slope >1 was 3.86 versus controls. Five episodes of provoked ventricular tachycardia arose from wave breaks originating from RV outflow tract slow-conduction zones in 5 BS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Marked regional endocardial conduction delay and heterogeneities in repolarization exist in BS. Wave break in areas of maximal conduction delay appears to be critical in the initiation and maintenance of ventricular tachycardia. These data indicate that further studies of mapping BS to identify slow-conduction zones should be considered to determine their role in spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias.

Localization of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in experimental progressive kidney scarring

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is in a continual state of turnover with homeostasis maintained by balancing synthesis and degradation rates. During progressive kidney scarring an imbalance occurs leading to ECM accumulation. Reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is believed to central to this imbalance. However, most of the data relating to MMPs and their natural inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)) is based on homogenate studies where in situ compartmentalization is lost and thus changes in MMP activity may be artificial. To address this we have developed a sensitive, high-resolution in situ zymography technique and applied it, along with immunohistochemistry, to the 5/6th subtotal nephrectomy model of kidney scarring. ECM proteolytic activity in kidney homogenates progressively declined post-SNx against both gelatin (-82%) and collagen I (-78%) substrates. In situ zymography revealed higher activity with both substrates within the cytoplasm of normal tubular cells compared to the SNx. In contrast, there was 96% greater activity in the SNx glomeruli than normal. Immunohistochemistry confirmed a predominantly intracellular tubular location of all MMPs and TIMPs. Tubules showed reduced MMP-3 and elevated TIMP-2, whereas MMP-1 increased significantly in the glomeruli, especially in the mesangial matrix. TIMP-1 showed a fourfold increase in the remnant kidney by Western blot analysis, but could not be localized. Lowered MMP activity in homogenates results from reduced intracellular activity in the tubules, indicating that reduced MMP activity may not play a direct role in the expansion of the tubular ECM in scarring. However, elevated MMP-1 activity in the glomeruli may play a significant role in initiating glomerular remodelling.

Pedicled scrotal island skin flap in the treatment of anal basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma of the anus is extremely rare, accounting for only 0.1% of anorectal malignancies. We report the reconstruction of the anus with a biaxial pedicled scrotal island myofasciocutaneous flap following excision of an anal basal cell carcinoma, and conclude that this technique may be valuable in the reconstruction of the anal region.

Light and electron microscope studies of Hepatozoon mehlhorni, Bashtar et al., 1991 (Adeleina, Eucoccidiida) naturally infecting the viper Echis carinatus

Light and electron microscopy have been used to study blood stages of H. mehlhorni as well as different developmental stages of the parasite within lung tissues of the naturally infected vipers Echis carinats captured from Siwah Oases, Egypt. A natural infection rate of 60% was recorded among vipers. Two types of meronts were observed within the endothelial cells of the viper's lung. The first type is the small one, produced 6-15 merozoites. The second type is the large one, produced 20-40 merozoites. In both types of meronts, merozoites were developed through an ectomerogenous manner. The erythrocytic parasites and the merozoites within the endothelial cells of the viper's lung sharing all general architecture of the apicomplexa. Moreover, evident peculiarities of haemogregarines were recorded, such as the presence of micronemes and rhoptries on both sides of the parasite nucleus, and the presence of large number (up to 100) of subpellicular microtubules and micronemes (up to 150).

Exposures from indoor spraying of chlorpyrifos pose greater health risks to children than currently estimated

Recent findings of indoor exposure studies of chlorpyrifos indicate that young children are at higher risks to the semivolatile pesticide than had been previously estimated [Gurunathan et al., Environ Health Perspect 106:9-16 (1998)]. The study showed that after a single broadcast use of the pesticide by certified applicators in apartment rooms, chlorpyrifos continued to accumulate on children's toys and hard surfaces 2 weeks after spraying. Based on the findings of this and other research studies, the estimated chlorpyrifos exposure levels from indoor spraying for children are approximately 21-119 times above the current recommended reference dose of 3 microg/kg/day from all sources. A joint agreement reached between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the registrants of chlorpyrifos-based products will phase out a number of indoor uses of the pesticide, including broadcast spraying and direct uses on pets. While crack and crevice treatment of insects (such as cockroaches and termites) by chlorpyrifos will still continue, it appears prudent to explore other insect control options, including the use of baits, traps, and insect sterilants and growth regulators. To ensure global protection, adequate dissemination of appropriate safety and regulatory information to developing regions of the world is critical, where importation and local production of chlorpyrifos-based products for indoor uses may be significant.

Exposures from indoor spraying of chlorpyrifos pose greater health risks to children than currently estimated

Recent findings of indoor exposure studies of chlorpyrifos indicate that young children are at higher risks to the semivolatile pesticide than had been previously estimated [Gurunathan et al., Environ Health Perspect 106:9-16 (1998)]. The study showed that after a single broadcast use of the pesticide by certified applicators in apartment rooms, chlorpyrifos continued to accumulate on children's toys and hard surfaces 2 weeks after spraying. Based on the findings of this and other research studies, the estimated chlorpyrifos exposure levels from indoor spraying for children are approximately 21-119 times above the current recommended reference dose of 3 microg/kg/day from all sources. A joint agreement reached between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the registrants of chlorpyrifos-based products will phase out a number of indoor uses of the pesticide, including broadcast spraying and direct uses on pets. While crack and crevice treatment of insects (such as cockroaches and termites) by chlorpyrifos will still continue, it appears prudent to explore other insect control options, including the use of baits, traps, and insect sterilants and growth regulators. To ensure global protection, adequate dissemination of appropriate safety and regulatory information to developing regions of the world is critical, where importation and local production of chlorpyrifos-based products for indoor uses may be significant.

Retrograde fluorescent double-labeling study of bilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cells in albino rats at different stages of development

Injection of the fluorescent tracers 10% Evans blue (EB) and 4% fluoro-gold (FG) into the right and the left dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, respectively, of albino rats at different stages of development demonstrated the presence of double-labeled retinal ganglion cells that projected bilaterally into both the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei (dLGN). Findings confirmed that the distribution of these double-labeled cells was gradually reduced after birth, being confined to the peripheral temporoventral quarter (temporal-ventral crescent) of the retina after postnatal day 15. We estimated the proportion of double-labeled cells to total labeled cells in the same area at different stages of development (0-90 days); values ranged from 35.3% in the neonate to 5.27% in the adult rat which suggests that the majority of double-labeled cells and/or their axons were lost early in development. That a small number of ganglion cells were observed to project bilaterally in the adult rats suggested that these cells conduct the same visual information to both hemispheres throughout the animal's life.

A retrograde fluorescent-labeling study of direct relationship between the limbic (anterodorsal and anteroventral thalamic nuclei) and the visual system in the albino rat

Injecting different fluorescent tracers into the right anterodorsal (AD)/anteroventral (AV) or AD/AV and the primary visual nuclei of dorsal lateral geniculate (dLGN) or superior colliculus (SC), a direct projection from the left retina to these anterior thalamic nuclei was ascertained in the central part of ventro-nasal retinal quadrant. Single-labeled cells were of small type. No double-labeled cells were demonstrated.

Correlation between different types of retinal ganglion cells and their projection pattern in the albino rat

Injecting Fluoro-Gold (FG) and Evans-Blue (EB) into the right dLGN and SC in the adult albino rat, ipsilaterally projecting double-labeled retinal ganglion cells were mainly seen in the ventrotemporal crescent. They were mainly large sized cells. The ipsilaterally projecting double-labeled cells tended to have larger somata than the single- and double-labeled cells projecting to the contralateral superior colliculus and/or dorsal nucleus of the lateral geniculate body.

Bifurcated projections of retinal ganglion cells bilaterally innervate the lateral geniculate nuclei in the cat

Cats were injected with the fluorescent retrograde tracers, Fluoro-Gold (FG) and Evans Blue (EB), into the left and right lateral geniculate nuclei (LGN), respectively. About 4.56% of the ganglion cells in the temporal retina were double-labeled by these dyes. 4.7% of these cells were of the large type, 30.3% were of the medium type, and 65% were classified as cells of the small type. These results indicate that members of all three ganglion cell size classes, mainly those of small type, bilaterally innervate the LGN via axonal bifurcation.

Bifurcating projections from the retinal ganglion cells to the primary visual targets (SC and LGN) in the cat

Bifurcating projections of retinal ganglion cells to the primary visual targets were studied in the cat using a retrograde fluorescent double-labeling technique with Fluoro-Gold (FG) and Evans Blue (EB) as the tracers. Following injections of FG and EB into the left and right lateral geniculate nuclei (LGN), or into the left and right superior colliculi (SC), or LGN and SC on the same side, 4.56% of the single-labeled cells with one tracer were simultaneously labeled by the other tracer injected contralaterally in bilateral LGN-injection group; 12.18% of the single-labeled cells were further labeled by the other tracer injected contralaterally in bilateral SC injection-group; and 8.95% of the single-labeled cells in the ipsilateral retina, 10.94% of the single-labeled cells in the contralateral retina by the tracer injected into the LGN were labeled by the other tracer injected into the SC on the same side. All three retinal ganglion cell classes by size demonstrated double-labeled cell bodies. In the bilateral LGN- and bilateral SC-injection groups, the double-labeled cells were mainly of the small type (65% and 82.8%, respectively), while in the group of the injections into the LGN and SC on the same side, double-labeled cells were predominantly of the large type (55.45%). These results indicate that single ganglion cells of the retina send bifurcated projections to the bilateral LGN, bilateral SC, or unilateral LGN and SC, via axonal collaterals. These bifurcated axons can be regarded as an important way by which the information of the single ganglion cells can be conducted to the same primary visual targets on both sides, and two different optic centers on the same side of the brain.

Afferent projections to the cingulate cortex in albino rats: a study with a retrograde labeling method using fluoro-gold

We studied the neuronal populations that project their axons to the cingulate cortex in albino rats using the retrograde fluorescent dye of 4% Fluoro-Gold injected into the anterior, middle and posterior portions of the cingulate cortex. The result showed that the following ipsilateral structures are sending fibers to these three portions: the prefrontal cortex, frontoparietal motor cortex, indusium griseum, dorsal endopiriform nucleus, lateral part of medial mammillary nucleus, nuclei of diagonal band of Broca, anterior pretectum, anterior part of caudate-putamen, hippocampal formation, anteroventral, anteromedial, lateroposterior, ventroposterior and dorsomedial thalamic nuclei. The anterior portion of the cingulate cortex receives inputs from the following ipsi- and contralateral structures: the accessory olfactory bulbs, anterior olfactory nuclei, middle and posterior portions of the cingulate cortex. The middle cingulate cortex receives fibers only from the ipsilateral dorsal part of the lateral septal nucleus in addition from the ipsi- and contralateral anterior and posterior portions of the cingulate cortex. While the posterior portion of the cingulate cortex receives separate inputs from the following ipsilateral structures: anterodorsal thalamic nucleus, temporal cortex, entorhinal cortex, areas 17 and 18, as well as from the ipsi- and contralateral anterior and middle portions of the cingulate cortex. The present study shows that the cingulate cortex receives various kinds of inputs from the other parts of the brain which are involved in emotion, memory, vision and motion, and also suggests that there are differences in afferent projections among the anterior, middle and posterior portions of the cingulate cortex.

Projections from the lateral mammillary nucleus to the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus in the rat

There has been an abundance of research on the connections of the mammillary bodies but the projections from the lateral mammillary nucleus to the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus has remained a gray area due to a dearth of material which directly addresses the details of this pathway. This study seeks to further define the nature of this particular nerve connection within the mammillothalmic tract. The technique employed is fluorescent nerve tract tracing using two fluorescent tracers implanted separately into each anterodorsal thalamic nucleus then followed retrogradely to the soma of the neurons in the lateral mammillary nucleus. Fluorescent photomicrography allowed us to document the single and double labeled cells of the lateral mammillary nucleus. The single labeled cells can be categorized into ipsilaterally projecting neurons and contralaterally projecting neurons. About half of all labeled cells were bilaterally projecting double-labeled, a third was ipsilaterally projecting single-labeled and the remainder were contralaterally projecting single labeled-cells. There were no labeled cells traced to the medial mamillary nucleus. The mammillary bodies play an important role in the limbic circuitry and a part of the so-called "Papez Circuit". The pathway by which the mammillary body projects to the other structures of the limbic system and the way it connects the limbic system to other parts of the brain like the tegmentum is not fully understood. This clarification of the connection between the lateral mammilary nucleus and the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus is but one of the contemplated pathways.

A retrograde double-labelling study of retinal ganglion cells that project ipsilaterally to vLGN and LPN rather than dLGN and SC, in albino rat

We studied ipsilaterally projecting, double-labeled retinal ganglion cells that have bifurcating axons by retrograde fluorescent double-labeling in albino rats. Ten albino (Wistar, Japan Ceca) rats of either sex, weighing 350-400 g were used. With the rats in a state of deep anesthesia, we pressure-injected 0.02 microliter of 15% Evans blue (EB) into the right ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), and 4% Fluoro-gold (FG) iontophoretically into the right posterior lateral thalamic nucleus (LP). The animals were perfused with formol-saline 48-72 h later and both the brain and eyes were exercised. The brain was sectioned coronally, and each retina was removed and mounted flat on a glass slide. Double-labeled cells were found in the ventral temporal crescent of the retina. In one animal and total number of ipsilaterally labeled cells was 566, and the percentage of double-labeled vLGN and LP projecting cells, single-labeled vLGN projecting cells, and single-labeled LP projecting cells were 29.8, 58.8 and 11.3, respectively.

A study of double-labeled retinal ganglion cells from the superior colliculus in the developing albino rat

We studied the distribution pattern and percentage of bilaterally projecting, double-labeled retinal ganglion cells in the albino rat by the retrograde fluorescent double labeling. Forty-five albino (Wistar, Japan Clea) rats of either sex and of different stage of development ranging in age from the day of birth (Day 0) to Day 30, were used. With the rats under deep anesthesia, we pressure injected 0.02 microliter of 15% Evans blue (EB) and 0.02 microliter of 4% Fluoro-gold (FG) into the right and left superior colliculi, respectively; for rats older than 5 days, the volume of each tracer was 0.04 microliter. The animals were perfused with formol-saline 48 to 72 h later and the brain and eyeballs were excised and sectioned. Double-labeled cells were found over almost the entire retina, with the concentration in the lower temporal crescent in rats up to day 1; concentration gradually shifted to the ventral half between days 5 and 10. After day 15, double-labeled cells were found only in the ventral-temporal crescent of the retina, which is the pattern in the adult rats. The percentages of retinal ganglion cells that were double-labeled at days 0, 1, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 were 60.2, 51.6, 60.5, 57.6, 62.2, 60.7, 55.7, 45.2, and 39.1, respectively. After day 10, the percentage of such cells decreased steadily.

Fine structure studies of microgametogenesis of Eimeria adenoeides (Eimeriidae, Sporozoa) infecting turkeys in Egypt

The Ultrastructure of microgametogenesis of Eimeria adenoeides was studied in the intestinal epithelium of experimentally infected turkeys' Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo. Microgamonts were recognizable by the presence of peripherally arranged nuclei and the presence of two centrioles between each nucleus and the limiting membrane of the gamont. A nuclear spindle apparatus and an intranuclear centrocone directed toward the centriole were observed. Each young microgamont was surrounded by a very narrow parasitophorous vacuole which widened during development and contained a few intravacuolar folds. Differentiation of the microgamete began when elevations of the limiting membrane appeared above the centrioles. This event was accompanied by the segregation of nuclear content into a dense osmiophilic portion and an electron-pale portion. A gradual protrusion of the dense portion of the nucleus and developing flagella into the parasitophorous vacuole was proceeded. Microgametes had an anterior perforatorium, a dense elongate nucleus, with an anteriorly positioned mitochondrion in a small groove of the nucleus. Usually two flagella could be detected per each mature microgamete.

Isospora solimanae sp. nov. from the Egyptian hoopoe (Upupa epops major)

Isospora solimanae (sp. nov.) is recorded for the first time infecting the Egyptian hoopoe (Upupa epops major). Unsporulated as well as sporulated oocysts were studied, photographed and compared with other isosporan infections of related birds. Site of infection and invasion limits were determined among naturally infected hoopoes and represented diagramatically. The rate of infection was congruent to 37.5%, and its severity considered to be non-pathogenic, since no remarkable lesions were observed. No extra-intestinal site of parasite development was recorded.

Studies on Eimeria species naturally infecting Gerbillus pyramidum (1) Exogenous stages

Exogenous stages of two new Eimerian species, naturally infecting the Egyptian gerbil Gerbillus pyramidum were described and diagnosed in the present study. (1) The subspherical type of oocysts was 20 x 17 microns (length x width) in average. These are colourless and enveloped within an even double-layered oocyst wall. Sporulated oocysts containing four sporocysts each averaged in 10 x 8 microns, and a small spherical oocyst residual body was also observed. This type is termed Eimeria pyramidi after the species name of its host. (2) The second type of oocysts was elongated in shape measured congruent to 21 x 16 microns. These are colourless and enclosed within smooth double layered oocyst wall. Sporulated oocysts of this type were lacking oocyst residual bodies. This type is termed Eimeria gerbilli after the generic name of its host. Both types of described oocysts lack micropyle and polar cap.

Electron microscopic study on macrogametogenesis of Eimeria labbeana infecting the Egyptian wild doves and host-parasite relationship

The development of macrogametes of Eimeria labbeana was studied by electron microscopy in the epithelial cells of the villi at 96 hrs. post-infection. Appearance of young macrogamonts was characterized by the loss of the architecture of the apicomplexa (polar ring, rhoptries, micronemes, conoid, subpellicular microtubules), while the pellicle became only one unit membrane. This was associated by the formation of wall forming bodies II then I. Moreover, the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi were increased in the cytoplasm. Amylopectin granules as well as lipid globules were greatly increased in mature macrogametes. Host cell reaction due to infection included enlargement and deformation of infected cells, hypertrophy of their nuclei, swollen and degeneration of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and vacuolation of ground cytoplasm. These changes occur in both cells with and without parasite.

Modelling of the control of heart rate by breathing using a kernel method

The process of the breathing (input) to the heart rate (output) of man is considered for system identification by the input-output relationship, using a mathematical model expressed as integral equations. The integral equation is considered and fixed so that the identification method reduces to the determination of the values within the integral, called kernels, resulting in an integral equation whose input-output behaviour is nearly identical to that of the system. This paper uses an algorithm of kernel identification of the Volterra series which greatly reduces the computational burden and eliminates the restriction of using white Gaussian input as a test signal. A second-order model is the most appropriate for a good estimate of the system dynamics. The model contains the linear part (first-order kernel) and quadratic part (second-order kernel) in parallel, and so allows for the possibility of separation between the linear and non-linear elements of the process. The response of the linear term exhibits the oscillatory input and underdamped nature of the system. The application of breathing as input to the system produces an oscillatory term which may be attributed to the nature of sinus node of the heart being sensitive to the modulating signal the breathing wave. The negative-on diagonal seems to cause the dynamic asymmetry of the total response of the system which opposes the oscillatory nature of the first kernel related to the restraining force present in the respiratory heart rate system. The presence of the positive-off diagonal of the second-order kernel of respiratory control of heart rate is an indication of an escape-like phenomenon in the system.

Application of orthogonal functions to the spectrophotometric determination of phenytoin in pharmaceutical preparations

A simple ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for the determination of phenytoin in pharmaceutical preparations has been developed. The mean was 100.9% (6 determinations) and the coefficient of variation was 1.2%. The method was applied successfully to the determination of phenytoin in capsules and suspensions.

Protein thiol-disulfide interchange and interfacing with biological systems

Disulfide-containing proteins offer unique advantages for mechanistic studies of the formation of native three-dimensional structure from unordered, reduced precursors. The main advantage is that covalent intermediates are formed; by characterizing these intermediates, one obtains substantial information about the reaction pathway. Thiol-disulfide interchange is a major component of most oxidative mechanisms carrying thiol to disulfide; thus, it required some attention in its own right. Afinsen's descriptions of a "shuffle-ase" enzyme led us to examine the rates of the uncatalyzed exchange under physiologically plausible conditions. Somewhat surprisingly, we found that the rates for formation of several native proteins in uncatalyzed systems containing GSSG and GSH are as great as with the "shuffle-ase" enzyme, suggesting that a substantial portion of biological thiol oxidations proceed by uncatalyzed exchange. While thiol-disulfide exchange of course results in no net change in the oxidation level of a system, catalytic linkage of thiol or disulfide to other redox systems provides a mechanism for achieving net changes.

Salt effects in the glutathione-facilitated reactivation of reduced bovine pancreatic ribonuclease

The rate of regeneration of reduced RNase by glutathione was examined in the presence of several added substances: substrate, phospholipid, other proteins, bacterial ribosomes, and neutral salts. Of these, only neutral salts showed substantial effects. K2HOP4 and (NH4)2SO4 strongly accelerated regeneration, the alkali chlorides showed moderate acceleration or inhibition, while LiBr and KSCN strongly inhibited. The t1/2 for regeneration in 1 M Pi is 4 min compared to 75 min in the absence of Pi; in 0.5 M KSCN t1/2 greater than 100 min. The pattern of specific salt effects is similar to a Hofmeister series. There is a strong parallel between the pattern of specific salt effects on the kinetics of RNase regeneration and the pattern of effects of the same salts on the equilibrium stability of biopolymers. This suggests that the role of salts in the regeneration is to stabilize or destabilize rate-limiting folding intermediates. Pi-accelerated glutathione regenerations showed a broad temperature optimum from 30-37 degrees. In strong contrast with the virtual concentration independence of the Pi-free controls, with Pi = 1 M, both rates and yields of RNase activity were decreased markedly at [RNase] greater than 2 x 10(-6) M. Phosphate and pyrophosphate showed additive, and in some cases, synergistic accelerations. These results suggest that specific ion binding occurs in addition to general solvent effects.

Nonenzymic reactivation of reduced bovine pancreatic ribonuclease by air oxidation and by glutathione oxidoreduction buffers

With the glutathione system that leads to rapid regeneration of reduced lysozyme (Saxena, V. P., and Wetlaufer, D. B. (1971) Biochemistry 9, 5015), reduced pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase) regenerated activity in high yield (greater than 90%) but at a considerably lower rate (t1/2 approximately 75 min). Systematic examination of the effects upon regeneration of the concentrations and ratios of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) showed the same broad optima for RNase as were earlier found for lysozyme: [GSSG] = 5 X 10(-4) M, [GSH] = 5 X 10(-3) M. Regeneration of reduced RNase by air oxidation was shown to be inhibitable by 10(-4) M EDTA, whereas the glutathione regeneration was unaffected by EDTA. In addition the air-oxidative regeneration showed a strong temperature dependence, in contrast with the glutathione system. The mechanisms of these two kinds of regenerations are therefore different. Six potentially catalytic metal ions were tested in the air-oxidative regeneration of RNase: Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, and Ni2+. Of these, only Cu2+ enhanced the rate of regeneration of RNase activity, although both Cu2+ and Co2+ catalyzed thioloxidation of reduced RNase. The rates and yields of RNase regenerations were independent of protein concentration from 3 X 10(-7) M to 1.2 X 10(-5) M in the glutathione system. Preincubation of freshly dissolved reduced RNase under nonoxidizing conditions before adding glutathione did not change the rate or extent of regeneration. Studies of its pH dependence showed that the glutathione regeneration depends on the deprotonation of prototropic groups with 7.5 less than pK less than 8.0. The major ion exchange chromatographic peaks from glutathione and air-oxidative regenerations appeared to be identical with native RNase, by the criteria of specific activity, chromatographic mobility, and circular dichroic spectra. The glutathione system permits regeneration at much higher RNase concentration than the air regeneration, with rates and yields comparable to the greatest reported for air regeneration.