Tracking of thermal microbial shock proteins and genomic variation of Bacillus cereus due to some abiotic stresses

Bacillus cereus is considered the most potent bacterial strain in terms of the increment in induced proteins during thermal treatment at 52 °C for 90 min. Protein production in food-born microorganism (Bacillus cereus) recovered from contaminated food was investigated in response to heat shock treatment. Bacterial tolerance towards pH, salinity, and temperature at various levels was also investigated. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) produced when exposed to 52 °C for up to 60 minutes led to significant differences (30%) above the untreated control (37 °C), and the maximum difference was recorded at 52°C at 90 minutes. ISSR detected a higher number of bands/primer than RAPD (13.7 vs. 12.7, respectively), and more polymorphic bands (10.7 vs. 8.4 bands/primer, respectively). The untreated bacterial strain did not grow at pH levels lower than 3, whereas the thermally treated strain grew significantly at pH two. A consistent increase in HSPs was observed, with a gradual increase in salinity of less than 16%. Surprisingly, the gradual increase in temperature did not induce tolerance against higher temperatures. However, a significant growth rate was noticed in response to heat-shocked treatments. The untreated Bacillus cereus demonstrated antibiotic resistance to gentamycin and clindamycin (1.54 and 1.65 cm, respectively), much lower than the corresponding inhibition areas with preheat-treated test pathogen which were recorded (2.37 and 2.49 cm, respectively).

Effect of Sodium Azide on Yield and its Components in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The wheat crop is considered one of the most important crops globally, especially in Egypt. It has great nutritional importance, so it was necessary to increase productivity and any genetic improvement depends on the presence of many genetic differences so that breeders can achieve this. This study aimed to use chemical mutagenic (sodium azide) to obtain the desired genetic differences in two wheat cultivars. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Two types of bread Sids 12 and Giza 164 were treated with different concentrations of sodium azide (NaN<sub>3</sub>) (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 ppm). <b>Results:</b> The highest grain/plant 78.91 g was obtained from Sis12 and 62.96 g from Giza 164 compared to the control 42.57 and 40.24 g for Sids 12 and Giza 164, respectively. Also from the results obtained, the relationship of yield was positive and significant with both grain/spike, spikelet's no./spike spikes no./plant and height/plant. On the contrary, it was negative and significant with a 1000-grain weight (-0.433). <b>Conclusion:</b> The two treatments (1000 and 2000 ppm) were the best in the Sids 12, while (1000 and 5000 ppm) were the best treatments in the Giza 164.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Lower cerebral oxygen utilization is associated with Alzheimer's disease-related neurodegeneration and poorer cognitive performance among apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers

Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO₂) are markers of cerebral oxygen homeostasis and metabolism that may offer insights into abnormal changes in brain aging. The present study cross-sectionally related OEF and CMRO₂ to cognitive performance and structural neuroimaging variables among older adults (n = 246, 74 ± 7 years, 37% female) and tested whether apolipoprotein E (APOE)-ε4 status modified these associations. Main effects of OEF and CMRO₂ were null (p-values >0.06), and OEF interactions with APOE-ε4 status on cognitive and structural imaging outcomes were null (p-values >0.06). However, CMRO₂ interacted with APOE-ε4 status on language (p = 0.002), executive function (p = 0.03), visuospatial (p = 0.005), and episodic memory performances (p = 0.03), and on hippocampal (p = 0.006) and inferior lateral ventricle volumes (p = 0.02). In stratified analyses, lower oxygen metabolism related to worse language (p = 0.02) and episodic memory performance (p = 0.03) among APOE-ε4 carriers only. Associations between CMRO₂ and cognitive performance were primarily driven by APOE-ε4 carriers with existing cognitive impairment. Congruence across language and episodic memory results as well as hippocampal and inferior lateral ventricle volume findings suggest that APOE-ε4 may interact with cerebral oxygen metabolism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegeneration.

Postoperative outcomes in oesophagectomy with trainee involvement

BACKGROUND

The complexity of oesophageal surgery and the significant risk of morbidity necessitates that oesophagectomy is predominantly performed by a consultant surgeon, or a senior trainee under their supervision. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of trainee involvement in oesophagectomy on postoperative outcomes in an international multicentre setting.

METHODS

Data from the multicentre Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Study Group (OGAA) cohort study were analysed, which comprised prospectively collected data from patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2018 and December 2018. Procedures were grouped by the level of trainee involvement, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient outcomes across groups.

RESULTS

Of 2232 oesophagectomies from 137 centres in 41 countries, trainees were involved in 29.1 per cent of them (n = 650), performing only the abdominal phase in 230, only the chest and/or neck phases in 130, and all phases in 315 procedures. For procedures with a chest anastomosis, those with trainee involvement had similar 90-day mortality, complication and reoperation rates to consultant-performed oesophagectomies (P = 0.451, P = 0.318, and P = 0.382, respectively), while anastomotic leak rates were significantly lower in the trainee groups (P = 0.030). Procedures with a neck anastomosis had equivalent complication, anastomotic leak, and reoperation rates (P = 0.150, P = 0.430, and P = 0.632, respectively) in trainee-involved versus consultant-performed oesophagectomies, with significantly lower 90-day mortality in the trainee groups (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Trainee involvement was not found to be associated with significantly inferior postoperative outcomes for selected patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The results support continued supervised trainee involvement in oesophageal cancer surgery.

Comparison of short-term outcomes from the International Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA), the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG), and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA)

BACKGROUND

The Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) have set standards in reporting outcomes after oesophagectomy. Reporting outcomes from selected high-volume centres or centralized national cancer programmes may not, however, be reflective of the true global prevalence of complications. This study aimed to compare complication rates after oesophagectomy from these existing sources with those of an unselected international cohort from the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA).

METHODS

The OGAA was a prospective multicentre cohort study coordinated by the West Midlands Research Collaborative, and included patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April and December 2018, with 90 days of follow-up.

RESULTS

The OGAA study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. Comparisons with the ECCG and DUCA found differences in baseline demographics between the three cohorts, including age, ASA grade, and rates of chronic pulmonary disease. The OGAA had the lowest rates of neoadjuvant treatment (OGAA 75.1 per cent, ECCG 78.9 per cent, DUCA 93.5 per cent; P < 0.001). DUCA exhibited the highest rates of minimally invasive surgery (OGAA 57.2 per cent, ECCG 47.9 per cent, DUCA 85.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts (OGAA 63.6 per cent, ECCG 59.0 per cent, DUCA 62.2 per cent), with no statistically significant difference in Clavien-Dindo grades (P = 0.752). However, a significant difference in 30-day mortality was observed, with DUCA reporting the lowest rate (OGAA 3.2 per cent, ECCG 2.4 per cent, DUCA 1.7 per cent; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in rates of co-morbidities, oncological treatment strategies, and access to minimal-access surgery, overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts.

Serological and molecular evidence of Mycobacterium bovis in dairy cattle and dairy farm workers under the intensive dairy production system in Egypt

AIMS

We employed a combination of diagnostic tests including single cervical tuberculin test (SCT), rapid lateral-flow test (RT), TB-Feron, conventional PCR and culture to investigate the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infections in dairy cattle under the intensive dairy production system in Egypt.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In total, 2710 dairy cows from 11 herds in six Governorates were tested by SCT and 444 (16·4%) were TB reactors. Only 65 cows responded to M. bovis antigen by RT and TB-Feron. A postmortem examination showed that 49 (75·4%) of slaughtered cows have visible lesions. Testing of 215 out 444 SCT reactor cows by culture and PCR using blood and milk samples revealed that M. bovis were more frequently identified in the blood (6·1-20·5%) than milk (2·3-5·6%) samples. Additionally, in this study, we investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with M. bovis infection in dairy farm workers. Overall, 100 dairy farm workers were tested using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and 35 (35%) were positive. In all, 23 (23%) of MTC positive were M. bovis positive using PCR. Mycobacterium bovis positive cases were associated with workers who had respiratory signs and did not wash or disinfect their hands after handling cows.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of M. bovis in dairy cows and dairy farm workers under the intensive dairy production system in Egypt is high. It is therefore essential to disseminate effective prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of M. bovis between dairy cows and dairy workers.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study revealed that the use of RT or TB-Feron as an ancillary test of SCT reactor cows resulted in a significant reduction in the SCT false-positive slaughtered cows. A high prevalence of M. bovis infection among farm workers provides evidence of occupational risk in the intensive dairy production system in Egypt.

Mesophase behavior of new linear supramolecular hydrogen-bonding complexes

Thermal and mesophase behavior of four new series of hydrogen-bonded supramolecular complexes (In/IIm) were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and phases identified by polarized light microscopy. All hydrogen-bonded complexes formed from 4-alkoxyphenylazobenzoic acid (In) and 4-(4'-pyridylazophenyl)-4''-alkoxybenzoates (IIm). The results revealed that the prepared complexes are dimorphic, possessing smectic C and nematic phases. The comparison, made between the present series and previously investigated simpler, In/IIIm and angular, In/IVm analogues, revealed that increasing the length of the mesogenic core and/or linearity of complex increase the stabilities of both the smectic C and nematic phases.

Small Joint Fusion of the Hand – A Technique Using Coughlin Cup and Cone Reamers

We describe a method of cup and cone arthrodesis using Coughlin concave and convex reamers, which we have used in a series of 22 hand joints in 19 patients. These reamers, originally designed for use in the foot, can be used in the hand to give very accurate preparation of bone surfaces. This results in maximum bone contact and the ability to fuse the joint in any desired position. The procedure is simple, rapid and forgiving. Union was achieved in all 22 cases, usually within 3 months.

Effects of black pepper (piper nigrum), turmeric powder (curcuma longa) and coriander seeds (coriandrum sativum) and their combinations as feed additives on growth performance, carcass traits, some blood parameters and humoral immune response of broiler chickens

Different herbs and spices have been used as feed additives for various purposes in poultry production. This study was conducted to assess the effect of feed supplemented with black pepper (Piper nigrum), turmeric powder (Curcuma longa), coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) and their combinations on the performance of broilers. A total of 210 (Cobb) one-d-old chicks were divided into seven groups of 30 birds each. The treatments were: a control group received no supplement, 0.5% black pepper (T1), 0.5% turmeric powder (T2), 2% coriander seeds (T3), a mixture of 0.5% black pepper and 0.5% turmeric powder (T4), a mixture of 0.5% black pepper and 2% coriander seed (T5), and a mixture of 0.5% black pepper, 0.5% turmeric powder and 2% coriander seeds (T6). Higher significant values of body weight gain during the whole period of 5 weeks (p<0.001) were observed in broilers on T1, T3, T5, and T6 compared to control. Dietary supplements with T1, T2, T3, and T6 improved the cumulative G:F of broilers during the whole period of 5 weeks (p<0.001) compared with control. The dressing percentage and edible giblets were not influenced by dietary supplements, while higher values of relative weight of the liver (p<0.05) were obtained in T5 and T6 compared to control. The addition of feed supplements in T5 and T6 significantly increased serum total protein and decreased serum glucose, triglycerides and alkaline phosphatase concentrations compared with the control group (p<0.05). Broilers on T6 showed significant decrease in the serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase concentration (p<0.05) compared to control. The broilers having T5 and T6 supplemented feed had relatively greater antibody titre (p<0.001) at 35 d of age than control. It is concluded that dietary supplements with black pepper or coriander seeds or their combinations enhanced the performance and health status of broiler chickens.

Root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular molars in a Sudanese population

AIM

To investigate variations in the root canal systems of first and second permanent mandibular molar teeth in a Sudanese population using a clearing technique.

METHODOLOGY

Two hundred extracted first and second permanent mandibular molars from three cities in the state of Khartoum were studied. Access cavities were prepared and pulp tissue was removed by immersion in 5% sodium hypochlorite under ultrasonication; Indian ink was then injected into the root canal systems assisted by a vacuum applied apically. The teeth were rendered clear by demineralization and immersion in methyl salicylate before evaluation. The following observations were made (i) number of roots and their morphology; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) number of root canals per root and (iv) root canal configuration.

RESULTS

Overall 59% of mandibular first molars had four canals with 3% having a third distolingual root. Seventy-eight per cent of second mandibular molars had two separate flat roots, whilst 10% were C-shaped. The most common canal system configurations were type IV (73%) and type II (14%). Inter-canal communications were more common in the mesial roots. The prevalence of inter-canal communications was 65% in first molars and 49% in second molars.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of Sudanese teeth, 59% of the mandibular first permanent molars had four root canals whilst 10% of the mandibular second molars had C-shaped roots/canals.

Proximal interphalangeal joint instability: a dynamic technique for stabilization

Chronic, disabling, proximal interphalangeal joint instability is difficult to treat. We describe a method of stabilizing an unstable proximal interphalangeal joint using an adaptation of the oblique retinacular ligament reconstruction.

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for treatment of hyperhidrosis surgical experience and results of 30 cases

The thoracoscopic sympathectomy in treatment of primary palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis was performed on 30 patients complaining of hyperhidrosis admitted to El Demerdash University Hospital and Ain Shams University Specialised Hospital and The Saudi German Hospital between March 1999 and March 2001. The indication of surgery was primary palmar hyperhidrosis in 24 cases and combined palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in 6 cases. 25 cases were males and 5 cases were females. The mean age in our sample was 25.7 +/- 4.05 years. There were no major complications in our series and 4 cases were complicated by intercostal vessels bleeding which were successfully controlled by cauterization during surgery and no one of them necessitated neither thoracotomy nor application of intercostal tubes. The patients were followed up for one year after operation and only one case had recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis.

Demonstration and partial characterisation of phospholipid methyltransferase activity in bile canalicular membrane from hamster liver

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine predominantly takes place in mitochondrial-associated membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver. The transport of the phospholipids from endoplasmic reticulum to the bile canalicular membrane is via vesicular and protein transporters. In the bile canalicular membrane a flippase enzyme helps to transport phosphatidylcholine specifically to the biliary leaflet. The phosphatidylcholine then enters the bile where it accounts for about 95% of the phospholipids. We postulated that the increased proportion of phosphatidylcholine in the bile canalicular membrane and the bile compared to the transport vesicles may be due to a methyltransferase activity in the bile canalicular membrane which, using s-adenosyl methionine as the substrate, converts phosphatidylethanolamine on the cytoplasmic leaflet to phosphatidylcholine, which is transported to the biliary leaflet. The aim of our study was to demonstrate and partially characterise methyltransferase activity in the bile canalicular membrane.

METHODS

Organelles were obtained from hamster liver by homogenisation and separation by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. These, along with phosphatidylethanolamine, were incubated with radiolabelled s-adenosyl methionine. Phospholipids were separated by thin-layer chromatography and radioactivity was counted by scintigraphy.

RESULTS

We demonstrated methyltransferase activity (nmol of SAMe converted/mg of protein/h at 37 degrees C) in the bile canalicular membrane of 0.442 (SEM 0.077, n=8), which is more than twice that found in the microsomes at 0.195 (SEM 0.013, n=8). The Km and pH optimum for the methyltransferase in the bile canalicular membrane and the microsomes were similar (Km 25 and 28 microM, respectively, pH 9.9 for both). The Vmax was different at 0.358 and 0.168 nmol of SAMe converted/mg of protein/h for the bile canalicular membrane and the microsomes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the methyltransferase activity in the bile canalicular membrane may be amenable to therapeutic manipulation.

Optimum dose of ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) improves liver function tests and prolongs survival in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The dose of 10- 15 mg/kg/day used in the large trials has largely been based on that used for gallstone dissolution. The only dose-response study of UDCA in PBC suggested that a dose of 8 mg/kg/day was the most efficacious. However, disease stage of the patients was not known, higher doses of UDCA were not tried and there was no 'washout period' between the different doses. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum dose of UDCA in early-stage PBC (stage 1 and 2).

METHODS

Twenty-four biopsy-proven early-stage PBC patients (one male, 23 female) received five doses of UDCA (0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 mg/day) each for 8 weeks with 4-week washout periods between doses. Symptoms (pruritus, fatigue, diarrhoea) were assessed on a four-point scale (none, mild, moderate, severe). Liver function tests (LFTs) were performed using conventional methods, and serum bile acids were measured using gas liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The dose of 900 mg/day produced the greatest enrichment of UDCA in serum bile acids; although there was no difference in the enrichment of UDCA between the different doses. There was a trend towards normalization of the abnormal LFTs in a dose-dependent manner (for y-glutamyl transferase (yGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and IgM). Multi-factorial analysis showed that UDCA treatment, irrespective of dose, was significantly better than placebo for all the variables. The 900 and 1200 mg doses were better than both 300 and 600 mg using yGT and total bilirubin as variables, better than 300 mg using ALP and IgM as variables, and better than 600 mg using albumin as a variable. No variables showed a significant difference between 900 and 1200 mg.

CONCLUSION

The optimum dose of UDCA is 900 mg/day (equivalent to 13.5 mg/kg/day).

Prescribing habits in primary biliary cirrhosis: a national survey

BACKGROUND

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown aetiology. A number of drugs have been used in its treatment, but only ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to improve survival. Our aims were to determine the current prescribing habits in PBC of all practising gastroenterologists in the UK.

METHODS

A postal questionnaire was sent to 454 gastroenterologists in 1996, followed by a second questionnaire a month later to the non-responders.

RESULTS

Of 454 doctors sent questionnaires, 379 (83%) replied. Of these, 58 were excluded from further analysis as they were not practising gastroenterologists. There are an estimated 4337 patients with PBC being seen by gastroenterologists in hospitals. Of these, only 1376 (32%) are being seen in liver units. Ninety-one per cent of gastroenterologists look after patients with PBC (median 10 patients, range 1-500). Ninety-five per cent of gastroenterologists prescribe UDCA but there is a large dose range (median 11.5 mg/kg/day, range 1.5-23.1). Of these, 93% also prescribe cholestyramine. Only 45 (14%) gastroenterologists prescribed other treatments for PBC (13 colchicine, 24 steroids, nine penicillamine, 13 immunosuppressants). Only 53 (17%) treat the symptoms/complications of PBC (37 fat-soluble vitamins, 15 calcium, six bisphosphonates, one hormone replacement therapy, 10 antihistamines, 10 rifampicin).

CONCLUSIONS

UDCA is being prescribed for PBC by the majority of practising gastroenterologists but over a wide dose range. Very few gastroenterologists are using preventive treatment for osteoporosis in this high-risk group. Other treatments, as yet unproven in trials, are being prescribed by a minority of gastroenterologists.

Assessment of liver function by the MEGX test in patients with schistosomiasis and cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of schistosomiasis infection on hepatic function in Egyptian patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Hepatic function, was assessed in 66 Egyptian patients, with (n = 30) and without (n = 36) schistosomal liver fibrosis due to Schistosoma mansoni and in 20 healthy controls, using the monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) test. Serum MEGX concentrations were measured before and 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after a lidocaine bolus. The sero-prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C was also determined in the patients.

RESULTS

MEGX test results were significantly lower in patients than in controls at all time points. MEGX test results declined with advancing Child Class. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed the following areas under the ROC curves for discrimination of Child Class C from Child Classes A/B: 30 min, 0.762; 60 min, 0.743; 120 min, 0.731; 15 min, 0.728; 180 min, 0.728; 5 min, 0.602. Schistosomiasis infection had no influence on MEGX test results when cirrhotic patients with (Schisto+) and without (Schisto-) schistosomiasis were compared. While the prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antigen was only 16.7% (Schisto-) and 26.7% (Schisto+), there was an extremely high sero-prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C (HCV) in both groups: 88.9% (Schisto-) and 73.3% (Schisto+).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of schistosomal liver fibrosis with cirrhosis does not additionally influence MEGX formation. In addition, HCV rather than schistosomiasis infection must be considered as a major cause for the progressive liver disease in these patients.

New insights into the pathogenesis of copper toxicosis in Wilson's disease: evidence for copper incorporation and defective canalicular transport of caeruloplasmin

Previous studies have suggested that copper is incompletely incorporated into caeruloplasmin, the major plasma form of copper-transporting protein, in the genetic copper toxic condition, Wilson's disease. In this paper we have investigated the role of copper and caeruloplasmin in the abnormal biliary copper transport and characterizes Wilson's disease. Using SDS/PAGE and Western blotting, we have demonstrated the presence of holocaeruloplasmin in liver samples from patients with Wilson's disease (abnormal biliary copper excretion) and in control patients (normal biliary copper excretion). The presence of holocaeruloplasmin was also confirmed by measurement of caeruloplasmin oxidase activity using staining with o'Dianisidine. In contrast with the findings in liver tissue, holocaeruloplasmin was absent from bile from patients with Wilson's disease, but as expected it was present in the bile from control subjects. We have also identified and partially characterized a 189-200 kDa protein from purified human biliary canalicular membranes which binds copper and possesses caeruloplasmin-like activity when probed with a specific human anti-caeruloplasmin antibody. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that copper incorporation in caeruloplasmin is normal in patients with Wilson's disease contrary to previous reports. Secondly, we have shown that the defect in Wilson's disease appears to lie in the biliary canalicular excretion of holocaeruloplasmin resulting in its retention within the hepatocyte causing copper toxicosis. Finally we have identified and partially characterized a caeruloplasmin-binding protein from biliary canalicular membranes which may provide a link to the gene defect in Wilson's disease.

Intrahepatic biliary cholesterol and phospholipid transport in humans: effect of obesity and cholesterol cholelithiasis

The mode of transport of biliary lipids within the hepatocyte and the role of the bile canalicular membrane (BCM) in biliary lipid secretion are not well understood. We hypothesized that biliary cholesterol and phospholipid are co-transported across the hepatocyte in vesicular form from the endoplasmic reticulum to the bile across the BCM. We obtained wedge liver biopsies and fasting gallbladder bile from 15 cholesterol gallstone patients and 10 control subjects. BCM, basolateral membrane (BLM), and many microsomal vesicular fractions were isolated by centrifugation. One of the vesicular fractions (V3) was enriched in both the microsomal and the BCM marker enzymes and had a high phosphatidylcholine proportion in its phospholipid with a fatty acid pattern similar to biliary phosphatidylcholine. Moreover, its cholesterol content was increased in the obese cholesterol gallstone subjects, who had an increase in cholesterol synthesis, as indicated by the increased activity of the HMG-CoA reductase. The cholesterol content correlated with HMG-CoA reductase activity. A direct correlation was found between cholesterol/phospholipid ratio in V3, BCM, and in bile but not in the BLM. These data are in agreement with the assumption that this vesicular fraction is involved in the transport of cholesterol and phospholipid from the endoplasmic reticulum to the site of secretion in the BCM, and thence to bile, and that this transport is enhanced in obese gallstone patients.

The effects of unsaturated fatty acids on Helicobacter pylori in vitro

The effects of three unsaturated free fatty acids on Helicobacter pylori growth in vitro was determined. Growth of H. pylori in Brucella broth was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by arachidonic, linoleic and oleic acids. The degree of inhibition at any one concentration was related to the degree of fatty acid unsaturation. Triolein, a triacylglycerol ester of oleic acid did not inhibit growth. Inhibition of H. pylori growth was associated with disruption of cell membranes. Incubation with 14C linoleic acid and 14C oleic acid showed incorporation of these fatty acids into H. pylori cell mass and phospholipids leading to alteration of the phospholipid composition of the organism. Incorporation was greater with linoleic than oleic acid and this was associated with a greater inhibition of growth. These findings indicate that H. pylori is sensitive to unsaturated free fatty acids through their incorporation into phospholipids and membrane destruction. This may have therapeutic implications.

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in primary biliary cirrhosis: relationship with disease stage, immune activity and cholestasis

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1, strongly expressed on the interlobular and proliferating bile ducts in primary biliary cirrhosis, is important in the migration and adhesion of inflammatory cells from the circulation to these structures. A soluble form has been found to be elevated in serum in primary biliary cirrhosis. Our aim was to check on the role of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in primary biliary cirrhosis with particular reference to its specificity by comparison with other disease control groups and to assess its relationship with stage of disease activity, circulating lymphocyte activation and cholestasis. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and liver biochemistry were measured in 41 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, 9 with primary sclerosing cholangitis, 12 with alcoholic liver disease and 17 healthy controls. In subgroups of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, lymphocyte activation and hepatic bile acid uptake and excretory rates were determined. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was significantly higher in all three disease groups. Levels in primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis were similar and significantly higher than alcoholic liver disease. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression was greater in late primary biliary cirrhosis than early disease and correlated with histological progression. Correlations were also found with alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and conjugated bilirubin. A trend toward an inverse correlation with hepatic excretory rate was found, but no correlation was detected with circulating lymphocyte interleukin-2 receptor expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of proteins: a major determinant of cholesterol crystal formation in model bile

Biliary proteins are speculated to play an important role in modulating nucleation of cholesterol crystals from supersaturated gallbladder bile, acting either as pro- or antinucleating agents. However, conflicting results have been obtained in attempts to isolate specifically active proteins. Our hypothesis, therefore, was that this may be a nonspecific effect of proteins, related to their secondary structure or to their overall hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance. We studied the effect of a number of "nonspecific" proteins with different secondary structures on cholesterol crystal formation in model bile. Their relative hydrophobic/hydrophilic indices were experimentally determined by measuring their retention time on a phenyl-agarose column (hydrophobic ligand). The potency of each protein in enhancing or inhibiting crystal formation was ranked according to the lowest protein concentration capable of significantly influencing crystal formation by comparison with control using model bile with cholesterol saturation index (SI) of 1.2 and 1.5. Some of these proteins (chymotrypsin, IgA, myoglobin) significantly enhanced crystal formation, while some (apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, and B) inhibited it, and others (IgG, chymotrypsinogen) showed no effect. The different effects were not related to their secondary structure but to their hydrophobic/hydrophilic index, with the most hydrophilic proteins showing maximal pronucleating potency and vice versa (r = 0.93; and 0.97, P < 0.005 for SI = 1.2 and 1.5, respectively). Pronucleating proteins enhanced, while antinucleating proteins inhibited, the transfer of cholesterol and phospholipid from micellar to vesicular forms. We conclude that the effect of proteins on cholesterol crystal formation in model bile is nonspecific and mainly related to their hydrophobic indices rather than to their secondary structures.

Cholesterol nucleation time measurement in nasobiliary or nasoduodenal bile. Comparison with surgical bile

The usual technique of collecting gallbladder bile at laparotomy is not suitable for sequential studies of cholesterol nucleation time (NT) in patients receiving therapy to prevent or dissolve cholesterol gallstones. Our aim was to study the feasibility of measuring NT in bile obtained by nasobiliary or nasoduodenal intubation. We studied a total of 10 cholesterol gallstone patients; in 8 bile was collected by nasobiliary drainage, in 7 it was collected by nasoduodenal intubation, and in 3 it was collected at laparotomy the next day. Three patients developed abdominal pain and increased serum amylase after endoscopic retrograde cannulation. All three biles obtained at operation nucleated quickly (NT, 1-4 days), whereas duodenal biles were all beyond the expected range (NT, > 21 days). Chymotrypsin activity, as a marker of pancreatic juice contamination, was detected in five of eight nasobiliary biles and in all seven duodenal biles but in none of the surgical biles. Free fatty acids (reflecting lipolysis) were significantly higher in duodenal than in surgical biles, with nasobiliary bile showing intermediate values. Nasobiliary bile showed either a rapid (median NT, 3 days) or a slow (median NT, 22 days) NT, depending on whether chymotrypsin activity was absent or present (p < 0.05). We conclude that duodenal bile is never suitable for NT determination because of contamination by pancreatic enzymes, and that nasobiliary bile, if not contaminated by pancreatic enzymes, may be suitable for NT determination but that its collection via a nasobiliary tube after cholecystokinin injection carries a risk of pancreatitis.

Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in sickle cell disease in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Patients with sickle cell disease are more susceptible to osteomyelitis and septic arthritis than the population at large. Seventy eight patients with these conditions were admitted to our hospital from April 1988 to March 1991. Thirty had sickle cell disease, 14 had the sickle cell trait and 34 had normal electrophoresis. The tibia, followed by the femur and humerus were the bones most commonly affected, and the knee was the joint most often involved. Salmonella was the commonest organism in osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in sickle cell disease, whereas staphylococcus was commonest in normal patients and those with the sickle cell trait. Antibiotics that cover these two organisms must be considered in patients with sickle cell disease who are suspected of having osteomyelitis or septic arthritis.

Malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma in the adult

This case of a malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma, usually a tumour of early childhood, presented as a bedsore in the lower end of the nuchal cleft of a 69-year-old man and proved to be malignant with a trophoblastic element. The literature of adult sacrococcygeal teratoma is reviewed; we have been able to find only three malignant examples.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in nasal washings and saliva of leprosy patients

IgA levels in nasal washings and saliva were determined in leprosy patients and healthy controls. In addition, serum levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM and total serum protein were analyzed. IgA levels in the nasal washings, but not in the salivas, were elevated significantly in the borderline (BL) and lepromatous (LL) groups. In the tuberculoid (TT) and borderline tuberculoid (BT) groups, the IgA levels in both the nasal washings and salivas did not differ from the controls. Total protein was also elevated in the nasal washings in the BL and LL groups. Thus, the IgA expresses as mg/mg protein did not differ significantly from the control group. However, in individual patients the levels of IgA and total protein were not correlated in either the nasal washings or the salivas. The high serum immunoglobulin and protein levels were in accord with the findings of most other workers.