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Reproducible and good quality CdCr2S4 thin films with different thicknesses were deposited on microscopic glass substrates using the chemical bath deposition process. The x-ray and electron diffraction analysis revealed that the as-deposited films were polycrystalline cubic phase. The optical constants of the deposited films were obtained from the analysis of the experimental recorded transmission and reflectance spectral data over the wavelength range 300?2500 nm. It has been found that the refractive index and extinction coefficient are almost independent of the film thickness. The complex dielectric constants of CdCr2S4 films have been calculated in the investigated wavelength range. An analysis of the optical absorption data of the as-deposited films revealed an optical direct transition with the estimation of the corresponding bandgap value. It was found that the refractive index dispersion data obeyed the single oscillator of the Wemple?DiDomenico model, from which the dispersion parameters and the high-frequency dielectric constant were determined. The electric free carrier susceptibility and the carrier concentration to the effective mass ratio were estimated according to the model of Spitzer and Fan.

Random sera, in a total of 192, were collected in the Fever Hospital of Alexandria, Egypt, and analysed for the presence of antibodies against polioviruses. The results show good antibody levels, only three sera (1.5%) were negative for poliovirus type 1, 5 (2.6%) for poliovirus type 2 and 10 (5.2%) for poliovirus type 3; one subject was completely negative.

A total of 202 serum and stool samples from acute hepatitis patients attending the Fever Hospital of Alexandria, Egypt, have been studied to reveal markers of hepatitis virus infection. Anti-HAV IgM were detected in 21 out of 202 sera (10.4%), whereas 201 sera (99.5%) had anti-HAV IgG. The first age attack was in the class-age 0-9 years with 64.7% of anti-HAV IgM positive sera. Among 202 patients, anti-hepatitis E IgG (sample/over cut off > 1.0) was identified in 90 patients (44.5%). The anti-HEV seropositivity ranged from 17.6% to 60.0% in the different age groups, with the highest level in the class-age 20 29 years. Anti-hepatitis E IgM were identified in 49 patients with the first age attack in the class-age 10-19 years (39.4%). HAV RNA was identified by nested PCR in 7 samples out of 15, whereas HEV RNA was present in 4 out of 75 stool samples. Direct DNA sequence of the latter PCR products confirmed the presence of the HEV genome; comparison of the sequences of the isolates from Egypt with those in data banks revealed the highest homology to the Burma strain. Our data confirm that HAV and HEV are common causes of acute sporadic hepatitis in Alexandria but with different peak age positivity. Occasionally, but not infrequently, dual infections (HAV-HEV and HEV-enteric viruses) were also found. The risk analysis indicates that patients living in rural areas are exposed to a higher risk of hepatitis E infection compared to the urban population, whereas the presence of anti-HEV IgG was significantly associated with consumption of common village water and use of indoor dry pit and oral therapy for schistosomiasis.

During the years 1992-1994, we tested 948 individuals from different population groups for HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections by ELISA and WB and for HCV infection by ELISA. Repeated ELISA reactivity for HIV was found in 2.12% of blood donors, 2.95% of fire brigade personnel and 1.61% of prisoners. Western blotting studies, however, showed that these samples were non-reactive or indeterminate to either HIV-1 or HIV-2. In contrast, anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 39% of fire brigade personnel, 31.4% of prisoners and 20.8% of blood donors. The analysis of risk factors for acquiring HCV infection showed a strong association between a past history of parenteral therapy for schistosomiasis and anti-HCV seropositivity (p < 0.0001). The implementation of preventive strategies is at the moment the mandatory choice to stop a further spread of the HCV infection. Meanwhile the same preventive measures could avoid spreading of the HIV disease.

SummarySummaryThe 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene analogue of prostaglandin E, possesses many beneficial properties that makes it a potential candidate as a cervical ripening agent. Twenty pregnant women at term with unripe cervices (Bishop scores C2) were studied. A gel with 1 mg of the analogue was instilled vaginally in 10 women; the other 10 women were controls. Cervical biopsies were taken before and 6 hours after giving the gel, and at comparable times in the controls. After gel administration, the densely packed collagen bundles were broken into smaller fibrils and became loosely arranged and widely separated by abundant ground substance and clear spaces. These changes closely resemble the spontaneous physiological alterations in cervical tissues associated with ripening.

A total of 202 serum and stool samples from acute hepatitis patients attending the Fever Hospital of Alexandria, Egypt, have been studied to reveal markers of hepatitis virus infection. Anti-HAV IgM were detected in 21 out of 202 sera (10.4%), whereas 201 sera (99.5%) had anti-HAV IgG. The first age attack was in the class-age 0-9 years with 64.7% of anti-HAV IgM positive sera. Among 202 patients, anti-hepatitis E IgG (sample/over cut off1.0) was identified in 90 patients (44.5%). The anti-HEV seropositivity ranged from 17.6% to 60.0% in the different age groups, with the highest level in the class-age 20 29 years. Anti-hepatitis E IgM were identified in 49 patients with the first age attack in the class-age 10-19 years (39.4%). HAV RNA was identified by nested PCR in 7 samples out of 15, whereas HEV RNA was present in 4 out of 75 stool samples. Direct DNA sequence of the latter PCR products confirmed the presence of the HEV genome; comparison of the sequences of the isolates from Egypt with those in data banks revealed the highest homology to the Burma strain. Our data confirm that HAV and HEV are common causes of acute sporadic hepatitis in Alexandria but with different peak age positivity. Occasionally, but not infrequently, dual infections (HAV-HEV and HEV-enteric viruses) were also found. The risk analysis indicates that patients living in rural areas are exposed to a higher risk of hepatitis E infection compared to the urban population, whereas the presence of anti-HEV IgG was significantly associated with consumption of common village water and use of indoor dry pit and oral therapy for schistosomiasis.

Random sera, in a total of 192, were collected in the Fever Hospital of Alexandria, Egypt, and analysed for the presence of antibodies against polioviruses. The results show good antibody levels, only three sera (1.5%) were negative for poliovirus type 1, 5 (2.6%) for poliovirus type 2 and 10 (5.2%) for poliovirus type 3; one subject was completely negative.

Several human and animal cell lines have been used to grow hepatitis E virus. The strain SAR-55 was adapted only on PLF/PLC/5 cell line without any visible cytopathic effect. The growth of the SAR-55 was monitored by examining the positive and the negative strands of HEV-RNA. Stool samples, obtained from hospitalised acute hepatitis patients at the Fever Hospital of Alexandria (Egypt), were used to confirm the susceptibility of PLF/PLC/5 cells. After more than one-week's cultivation, three stool samples out of 17 IgM anti-HEV positive and 1 from 52 IgG anti-HEV positive patients showed a specific RT-PCR amplification product. The nucleotide sequences of the methyltransferase region of the genome in the isolates revealed the maximum homology with Burma strain with several point mutations.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality of the seawater in Alexandria, Egypt. Samples were collected in 6 different points: Kayet Bay, El Shatby, Camp Cesar, Sporting, Beir Massoud and El Max. In total, 24 samples were analyzed. For each point the analysis included estimation of the following parameters: Esherichia coli, total coliform and fecal streptococci, Yersinia, Shigella, Salmonella, bacteriophages and enteric viruses. Just one sample (El Max) was positive for the presence of Salmonella, neither Shigella or Yersinia were isolated from any of the analyzed points. E. coli was identified in 10 samples while the ratio between total coliform and fecal streptococci showed variable results with the exception of El Max that resulted constantly high. Three samples were positive for the presence of enteric viruses: El Shatby, Beir Massoud and Sporting. The analysis of phages showed a variable pollution values.The bacteriological virological parameters were evaluated on seawater samples taken at different points on the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. Samples were collected at 6 different points: Kayet Bay, El Shatby, Camp Cesar, Sporting, Beir Massoud, and El Max. A total of 24 samples were analyzed by estimation of the following parameters: Escherichia coli, total coliform and fecal streptococci, Yersinia, Shigella, Salmonella, bacteriophages, and enteric viruses. The virological analysis included the isolation and identification of cytopathogenic enteroviruses and three phages: somatic coliphage, F-specific, and B 40-8. The bacteriophage analysis was performed by the plaque assay method using the double-layer method, whereas the membrane filtration method was used to estimate bacterial populations in the samples. During the summer period no E. coli could be isolated from any point during the study, whereas in autumn E. coli were identified in all the points except for Sporting. E. coli was identified in 65% of the qualitative analyses. The limit was exceeded in 12 samples out of 24; for fecal streptococci, in 15 samples out of 24. The ratio over 4.4 relating to fecal coli and fecal streptococci indicated human fecal pollution. The El Max sample was positive for the presence of Salmonella; neither Shigella nor Yersinia were isolated from any of the analyzed points. In the El Max sample (autumn period), total coliform and fecal streptococci exceeded the European Community (EC) limit, whereas the ratio was 10, confirming human fecal pollution. E. coli was identified in 10 samples, while the ratio between total coliform and fecal streptococci showed variable results with the exception of El Max, which was constantly high. Three samples were positive for the presence of enteric viruses: El Shatby, Beir Massoud, and Sporting. The enteric viruses were confirmed by a secondary passage on cell culture. The analysis of phages showed variable pollution values.

In this work the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and CMV were studied among two groups of population; IVDA (intravenous drug addicts) (100) and control group (40). Syphilis and other bacterial infections which may be encountered among IVDA were also investigated. It was found that all serum samples (of both groups) were negative for anti-HIV. Regarding HBV markers, the prevalence of HBc antibodies was significantly higher among IVDA (62%) than the control group (27.5%). Also HBsAg was detected in 16% of IVDA while it was 75% among the control group. Prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher among IVDA (63%) than the control group (27.5%). The prevalence of co-infection with HBV and HCV was significantly higher in IVDA (40%) than the control group (15%). Sharing of needles and duration of drug use were positively associated with the presence of both HBV markers and anti-HCV. CMV seroprevalence was high in both groups. Antibodies to Syphilis were found in sera of 3 IVDA and one control using MHA-TP test. Although HIV infection has not yet been sufficiently introduced among IVDA in Alexandria but potentials for its spread among addicts are high as supported by observation that other infections with similar mode of transmission are common among addicts.

A total of 150 women in 3 equal groups, each using a different contraceptive method (group I used Norplant, group II used the IUD and group III used combined OC pills) were investigated for the presence of vaginal candidiasis before and at various time intervals (3, 6 and 12 months) after starting to use the particular contraceptive method. The incidence of vaginal Candida albicans infection increased significantly among pill and IUD users, but with a much lower intensity among the latter cases. In Norplant users the increase was slight and insignificant. The explanation of these findings within the context of changes in local vaginal milieu is discussed.

The synthesis of some substituted 3-hydroxy-1-oxo-1H,5H-pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole-4-carbonitriles and 4-ethyl carboxylates 3 and their 0- and N-dialkyl derivatives 5,6 is described. 3-Ethoxy-5-ethyl-2-phenyl-1H,5H-pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazol-1-one 7 was obtained during the course of ethylating the parent ester 3t with triethyl phosphate. Chlorination of 3 with phosphorus oxychloride afforded the corresponding 1,3-dichloropyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles 8 which were converted to a variety of azido, amino, morpholino and methoxy derivatives of the system. The synthesis of the indolopyridobenzimidazole 15 is also described. Two compounds exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity. Many compounds were screened for antileukemic, antimicrobial, herbicidal and plant antifungal potencies but were inactive.

Forty-two women of reproductive age were studied in two equal groups (group I, first-trimester pregnant; group II, non-pregnant). Each group included three equal sub-groups; subgroup A received intra-cervical 15-Me PGF 2α gel, B received intracervical PGE 2 gel and C received intra-cervical gel alone as placebo. Three different staining techniques were employed to study the histological picture and histochemical alterations of cervical biopsies. These showed that PG-treated cervices presented significant changes compared to placebo in terms of more widely dissociated connective tissue bundles that are separated by clear spaces and an increase in the amount of ground substance. Moreover, the observed changes in pregnant sub-groups were more evident than in the corresponding non-pregnant cases.

Sera from 1029 subjects from Alexandria, Egypt were tested for antibodies to HTLV-1 and HIV-1 by ELISA and confirmatory immunoprecipitation assay. The sera were from 866 blood donors, 71 prisoners, 54 hospital patients, and 38 intravenous drug addicts. 2.8% of the sera were positive for HTLV-1 by ELISA, 1 of which (0.1%) was confirmed by radioimmuno-precipitation (RIPA). 1.6% were positive for HIV-1 by ELISA, none of which were confirmed. Thus the prevalence of HIV-1 is low in Egypt compared to Europe and the U.S.

A clinical investigative study of 148 male leprous patients demonstrated the presence of testicular lesions in 35 cases. Semen analysis revealed marked oligo-athenozoospermia in 10 cases and azoospermia in 25 cases. Testicular biopsies from leprous testes showed different histologic patterns ranging from spermatogenic arrest to complete hyalinization of both seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue. Histochemical staining for neurovascular supply revealed degenerative nerve change in addition to altered permeability of the testicular capillaries. There was good correlation between the results of semen analyses and histological and histochemical examination of testicular biopsies.

Ultrastructural comparison hypothalamic neurons from the anterior, middle and posterior hypothalamus have been carried out both in young and aged Cynomologus monkeys. The overall ultrastructure of the hypothalamic neurons studied shows no fundamental difference. Neurons from the supraoptic, paraventricular and infundibular regions often exhibit a spiral arrangement of the smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and the presence of neurosecretory granules (NSG). Lipofuscin is present both in the young and aged monkey. The progressive accumulation of lipofuscin and degenerative changes in the mitochondria are the main age related neurocytological changes. The rate of pigment accumulation however seems to differ in the various regions of the hypothalamus in the young and aged monkey. The young hypothalamus shows more pigment accumulation in the posterior part than in the anterior. In contrast, the aged hypothalamus revealed increased accumulation of pigment in the anterior part as compared to the posterior. The close topographical and morphological association of the pigment to the mitochondria and the pronounced degenerative age changes of the mitochondria, detrimental to oxidative and metabolic processes, suggest that lipofuscin is a stage in the life history of mitochondria and being a fundamental factor in aging. Noteworthy too is the increasing appearance of microglia cells or phagocytes filled with osmiophilic granules close to capillaries in the older age group of monkeys studied.

Contrary to the earlier light microscopic studies, electron microscopic investigation on 11 male guinea pigs revealed marked accumulation of lipofucsin pigment in the hypothalamic neurons with the passage of time. Even in 6 month guinea pigs scattered pigment bodies were noted. Two types of pigment granules have been observed in the aged animals. Dimethylaminoethyl p -chlorophenoxyacetate caused a marked diminution of the electron density and reduction in the size and number of the pigment granules. Furthermore, histochemical examination revealed a marked diminution of acid phosphatase activity in the treated group of animals as compared to normal “control”. But the α-esterase and succinic dehydrogenase activity was found to be increased following drug treatment.

The effect of oral contraceptives (combined OCs) and IUDs (Lippes loop D) on vaginal flora and immunoglobulin levels (IgG and IgA) was studied via bacteriological examination of 3 vaginal swabs (cervical mucus) from each of 120 nonpregnant, multiparous randomly selected women aged 20-40 years. All participants had used the respective contraceptive method from 1-10 years. IgA and IgG levels increased simultaneously with duration of OC intake until 4 years and then decreased thereafter. Both Ig levels increased with duration of IUD use. Subjects using OCs harbored Trichomonas vaginalis more often and the prevalence increased with duration of pill intake. Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic streptococci, and gram-negative bacteria also increased among pill users until 4 years of use and then decreased with continued duration of pill usage. Among pill users, the pH shifted to alkaline, whereas with IUD use the pH shifted to the less acidic side. IUD users also had increased incidence of tric, candida, staph, anaerovic strep, and gram-negative bacilli, a rate which increased with duration of IUD use.

A stratified random sample of 1000 women with proportionate allocation according to district of residence was taken from normal females living in Alexandria, Egypt, and attending family planning centers in order to understand social-pathological changes in the vaginal flora of oral contraceptive (OC) users. Cases were examined over 18 months, and all cases were given a combined OC. Bacteriology and pH changes in vaginal flora were determined after 18 months. Results of the bacteriological examination revealed a positive correlation between those having a vaginal discharge and pH above 5, mixed infection, and illiteracy. As the duration of pill use increased, so did the incidence of monilla, staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic streptococci, gram negative bacilli, trichomonas vaginalis, and hemophilus vaginalis, whereas lactobacilli decreased. Duration of pill use also corresponded to increase in vaginal pH. Longer duration of OC use, practice of bad hygiene, and illiteracy were factors associated with an alkaline pH, changed pattern of vaginal flora, and greater susceptibility to infection by staph aureus and E. coli.

Fifty patients with premature rupture of membrane for more than 16 hours were selected for our study. Bacteriological study of the maternal surface of the placentae and the oropharynx of the neonates were carried out to isolate and identify the different microorganisms. Antibiogram was done for each case. The study revealed that intra-amniotic infection in cases of premature rupture of membranes varied directly with the time passed between membrane rupture and delivery. The most common microorganisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. The study revealed that Garamycin is the drug of choice in combating both foetal and maternal infections in cases of premature rupture of membranes.