Synthesis, molecular modelling, and antibacterial evaluation of new sulfonamide-dyes based pyrrole compounds.

In this study, we synthesized new series of 5-oxo-2-phenyl-4-(arylsulfamoyl)sulphenyl) hydrazono)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate hybrids 4a-f with the goal of overcoming sulfonamide resistance and identifying novel therapeutic candidates by chemical changes. The chemical structures of the synthesized hybrids were established over the spectroscopic tools. The frontier molecular orbitals configuration and energetic possessions of the synthesized compounds were discovered utilizing DFT/B3LYP/6-311++ G** procedure. The 3D plots of both HOMO and LUMO showed comparable configuration of both HOMO and LUMO led to close values of their energies. Amongst the prepared analogues, the sulfonamide hybrids 4a-f, hybrid 4a presented potent inhibitory towards S. typhimurium with (IZD = 15 mm, MIC = 19.24 µg/mL) and significant inhibition with (IZD = 19 mm, MIC = 11.31 µg/mL) against E.coli in contrast to sulfonamide (Sulfamethoxazole) reference Whereas, hybrid 4d demonstrated potent inhibition with (IZD = 16 mm, MIC = 19.24 µg/mL) against S. typhimurium with enhanced inhibition against E. Coli, Additionally, the generated sulfonamide analogues'' molecular docking was estimated over (PDB: 3TZF and 6CLV) proteins. Analogue 4e had the highest documented binding score as soon as linked to the other analogues. The docking consequences were fitting and addressed with the antibacterial valuation.

Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica isolated from Egyptian dairy cattle herds: The prevalence and molecular characteristics.

Background: The pathogens Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica that caused substantial health problems and financial losses were believed to have originated primarily from Egypt's dairy farms. Aim: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the occurrence of E. coli and S. enterica in three large dairy farms located in the Egyptian governorate of Sharkia. Furthermore, biochemical and serological characteristics of the isolated isolates were described. Further analysis revealed that several E. coli serovars had the genes stx1, stx2, eaeA, and hylA, while invA, stn, and hilA genes were found in several S. enterica serotypes using a multi-plex PCR. Methods: A total of 540 samples of fresh raw cow milk, water, feedstuffs, feces, (108 each), as well as swabs from feeders, milker hands and cattle crushes (36 each ), were gathered and analyzed. Results: The recovery of E. coli from various sampling sources was shown to have an overall prevalence of 62.2% (336/540) in the results. Fecal samples had isolated S. enterica, with a frequency of 0.74% (4/540). The existence of various groups of serovars, such as O26, O44, O55, O78 and O111 for E. coli and Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella inganda for S. enterica was revealed by serological identification of the two species. However, it was discovered that a number of E. coli serovars had much higher percentages of the eaeA and hylA genes as well as shiga-toxin types 1 and 2 (stx1 and stx2). The presence of the invA gene, a diagnostic marker for S. enterica was 100% across all serovars. Salmonella enteritidis possessed both the enterotoxin gene (stn) and the hyper-invasive locus gene (hilA). Salmonella typhimurium had the hilA gene, whereas S. inganda had the stn gene. Conclusion: Escherichia coli and S. enterica recovered in this study have significant genetic risk factors for high pathogenicity and virulence, posing a real threat to dairy population productivity and health, which could spread to the general public through milk.

Assessment of genotoxicity of waterpipe smoking using 8-OHdG biomarker.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing in popularity, particularly among young adults. This popularity is related to the lack knowledge regarding the health effects of waterpipe smoking. In this study, we examined the genotoxicity of waterpipe smoking using an 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) assay. Genotoxicity was evaluated in the saliva, urine, and serum of 66 waterpipe adult smokers and 46 healthy nonsmokers. The level of addiction to waterpipe smoking was evaluated using the Lebanon Waterpipe Dependence Scale-11. Levels of 8-OHdG in the samples were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Levels of 8-OHdG in the saliva (52,430 ± 2923 vs 48,430 ± 4189 pg/mL), urine (2815 ± 312 vs 2608 ± 180 pg/mL), and serum (19,720 ± 202 vs 19,670 ± 254 pg/mL) were similar between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers (P > 0.05). In addition, no correlations were found between dependence score and levels of 8-OHdG in all sample types. In conclusion, 8-OHdG is not a good biomarker for genotoxic effect of waterpipe smoking.

Transanal repair for treatment of rectocele in obstructed defaecation: manual or stapled.

AIM: Our aim is to evaluate the results of transanal repair of rectocele, either manual or stapled, considering the anatomic, manometric and symptomatic improvement. METHODS: Forty-five female patients with obstructed defaecation due to anterior rectocele were operated on in the Colorectal Surgery Unit, Mansoura University Hospital, after history taking, detailed questionnaire analysis, barium enema, anorectal manometric studies, EMG studies, anal endosonography, balloon expulsion test, colonic transit time and defaecographic studies. Transanal manual repair was performed for 23 patients (group 1), and transanal stapled repair (group 2) was performed for 22 patients. Postoperative complications were recorded, and the patients were followed up for 1 year. Functional results were evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery by questionnaire, anorectal manometry and evacuation proctography. RESULTS: Time of operation and hospital stay were significantly shorter in group 2. Postoperatively, there was no mortality or major morbidity. Two patients in group 1 experienced temporary anal incontinence (A3 and B1 stages). There were no reported adverse effects on sexual life, but significant clinical improvement was observed in both groups after surgery. Manometrically, there was a significant improvement in MARP, FLAC, RS, UTDV and MTV in both groups (significantly better in the early postoperative period in the stapled group). Also, follow-up defaecographic findings showed a significant decrease in the rectocele size in all the patients. CONCLUSION: Transanal repair of rectocele is a safe and effective technique in improving symptomatic rectocele. Stapled repair offers the advantage of short operative time, no comorbidity, and shorter hospital stay.

Tuberculosis in the belly: a review of forty-six cases involving the gastrointestinal tract and peritoneum.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis has varied presentation and can be confused with other conditions. METHODS: We report our experience with 46 patients. Charts of patients managed during 1984-97 were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent were women and mean age was 46 years. Presenting symptoms were as follows: fever 70%; abdominal pain 70%; weight loss 68%; abdominal swelling 67%; change in bowel habit 39%; anorexia 30%; and sweating 30%. Common physical signs were as follows: fever 73%; ascites 61%; abdominal mass 13%; and doughy abdomen 9%. Thirty percent of patients either gave past history of TB or presented with active TB of other sites. TB skin test was positive in only 27% of patients. CT scans of abdomen were abnormal in 80%, showing ascites, peritoneal lesions or enlarged nodes. Ascitic fluid was diagnostic for TB on smear/culture in 33%. Peritoneal biopsy was performed by laparoscopy or laparotomy in 61%. It was positive for ganulomas in 97% and for smear/culture in 68%. Forty-two patients recovered after receiving anti-TB therapy for 9-12 months. Four patients died. One died within 1 month of initiation of therapy due to extensive TB, and death in the other 3 was due to unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: Abdominal TB should be suspected in patients with fever, abdominal pain and ascites. This condition carries good prognosis if promptly diagnosed and treated.

Educational program on self-management for asthmatic school children.

This study was conducted to improve asthmatic school children's knowledge, belief and behavior related to asthma in order to improve their control of the disease. A total of 54 school children suffering from moderate or severe asthma who are attending the allergy center affiliated to school Students' Hospital of Alexandria were enrolled in the present study. An educational intervention was provided to these asthmatic children, each one was accompanied by one of his/her parents. It consisted of two components: classes conducted in group settings and individualized monthly visits. The intervention continued for a 6-month period. An interview questionnaire was used to assess both children's and parent's knowledge and beliefs related to asthma before and after the intervention. The children's inhaler use technique was also assessed twice by an observational check list. The study revealed significant improvement in both children's and parent's knowledge and beliefs concerning asthma inhaler use technique which significantly improved and positive behavioral changes were reported. The frequency of emergency room visits (ERV) due to asthma over a 6-month period after the initial assessment was substantially less than in the prior 6-month period (p<0.05). It could be concluded that patient education can significantly affect asthmatic's knowledge and behavior and consequently morbidity as revealed by reduction of frequency of ERV. It should be considered one of the major components of asthma care.

Destruction of aflatoxins B1 and G 1 in bread making.

The effect of processing steps as well preservatives used in French bread making namely propionic acid and/or potassium sorbate (0.2%) on the destruction of aflatoxins B1 and G1 was studied.Mixing and baking processes showed marked destruction of aflatoxins B1 and G1; being 71.2% and 52.5% for aflatoxin B1 after mixing and baking steps, while reaching 73.9% and 54.5% for aflatoxin G1. Fermentation step caused additional 15.3% and 15.0% destruction of aflatoxins B1 and G1.On the other hand, aflatoxin B1 destruction was 79.2% and 50.7% when propionic acid was used and 75.3 and 56.7% in the presence of potassium sorbate and after mixing and baking steps respectively.Concerning aflatoxins G1 it was found that mixing and baking steps showed destruction of 81.9% and 53.4% in the presence of propionic acid and 75.1 and 49.4% in the presence of potassium sorbate in this respective order.Generally, it can be concluded that using propionic acid as preservative appeared to be more effective on the destruction of aflatoxins B1 and G1 than potassium sorbate in French bread making.

Fate of aflatoxins B1 and G 1 residues during biscuit processing.

Effect of biscuit processing on the destruction of aflatoxins B1 and G1 with and/or without some commonly leavening agents used namely sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate and sodium bisulfite and sodium chloride.It was found that mixing step reduced the concentration of aflatoxins B1 and G1 by 80.7% and 82.7%, while the effect of baking step being 28.9% and 21.5%. The effect of mixing was found to be more pronounced than that baking step.The highest destruction effect on aflatoxin B1 was observed by adding a mixture composed of sodium and ammonium bicarbonate and sodium bisulfite followed by sodium chloride, sodium bisulfite, ammonium bicarbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate alone, where the reduction values of toxin after mixing were 93.4,91.9,91.7, 88.8 and 86.6% respectively, while the baking effect ranged 17.2 to 34.5% in the presence of different leaving agents added.Concerning aflatoxin G1; the highest destructive effect of toxin was adsorbed by adding a mixture of sodium and ammonium bicarbonate and sodium bisulfite followed by sodium bisulfite, sodium chloride, ammonium bicarbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate alone since the destruction values of such toxin after mixing were 96.2%, 92.8%, 92.6%, 89.0% and 87.7% respectively, while the baking effect ranged 20.9 to 34.5% in all leavening agents added.

The value of ascites adenosine deaminase activity and interferon gamma level in discriminating tuberculous from non-tuberculous ascites.

The diagnosis of tuberculous ascites is often difficult because of the subtle clinical clues, poorly discriminative biochemical assays, delayed results of bacteriological studies and hazards of laparoscopy. Therefore, the role of ascites adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and interferon-gamma (IFN-delta) level in distinguishing tuberculous from other causes of ascites was examined in 50 patients with ascites. Following bacteriologic culture, seventeen (34%) patients were found to have tuberculous ascites; nine (59.9%) of them had also schistosomal hepatic fibrosis (SHF). Therefore, 36% (9 out of 25) of all patients with SHF included in the study, had coexistent peritoneal tuberculosis despite the presence of transudative ascites and unrecognized clinical features. Ascites ADA activity was significantly higher in tuberculous than in other causes of ascites (P < 0.001) regardless of the presence of an underlying liver disease. A cut-off of 28 U/L reached a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 100%. A direct correlation was found between ascites ADA activity and total proteins in the tuberculous group (r = 0.613) and the only false-negative result occurred in a patient with SHF and low-ascites protein. Ascites IFN-delta level was also significantly higher in tuberculous ascites with or without SHF than in other causes of ascites (P < 0.05). A cut-off of 26 pg/ml reached a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 100%. There was no correlation between ascites ADA activity and IFN-delta level in the tuberculous group (r = 0.329). Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that tuberculous ascites should be considered as an important cause of ascites particularly in patients with underlying liver disease. Ascites ADA activity was more sensitive than ascites IFN-delta in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). It has proved to be an easy, rapid, safe and reliable method for routine use in the early diagnosis of tuberculous ascites.

Plasma fibronectin and serum complement C3 levels in chronic active hepatitis following virus "B" versus virus "C" infection.

Plasma fibronectin and serum complement C3 levels were estimated in 30 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) post virus "B" and another 30 patients with CAH post virus "C" as well as 20 normal healthy subjects. Fibronectin level was significantly increased in CAH when compared to normal controls. Moreover, fibronectin level was significantly increased in CAH following virus "C" when compared to CAH following virus "B" hepatitis. Concerning complement C3 there was no significant changes in the different groups studied. We may conclude that CAH following virus "C" may lead to vigorous inflammatory damage than CAH following virus "B" infection.

Rectal suppository: commonsense and mode of insertion.

Rectal suppository is a well-known form of medication and its use is increasing. The commonest shape is one with an apex (pointed end) tapering to a base (blunt end). Because of a general lack of information about mode of insertion, we asked 360 lay subjects (Egyptians and non-Egyptians) and 260 medical personnel (physicians, pharmacists, and nurses) by questionnaire which end they inserted foremost. Apart from 2 individuals, all subjects suggested insertion with the apex foremost. Commonsense was the most frequent basis for this practice (86.9% of lay subjects and 84.6% of medical personnel) followed by information from a relative, a friend, or medical personnel, or from study at medical school. Suppository insertion with the base or apex foremost was compared in 100 subjects (60 adults, 40 infants and children). Retention with the former method was more easily achieved in 98% of the cases, with no need to introduce a finger in the anal canal (1% vs 83%), and lower expulsion rate (0% vs 3%). The designer of the "torpedo-shaped" suppository suggested its insertion with apex foremost. Our data suggest that a suppository is better inserted with the base foremost. Reversed vermicular contractions or pressure gradient of the anal canal might press it inwards.

Dynamic of antibiotic accumulation by Streptomyces aureofaciens in a laboratory fermentor.

In a laboratory fermentor, the growth of Streptomyces aureofaciens on corn meal extract and its production of antibiotic was investigated. Weak biosynthesis of the antibiotic started after 12 hours of incubation, when phosphorus depletion in the medium occurred. During the third and fourth day of fermentation about 80.4% of the antibiotic was produced. The relationship between growth, antibiotic formation, and the uptake of both sugar and nitrogen was also studied. A chromatogram, showing the types of sugar present during fermentation period is given. Improvement of antibiotic accumulation either by adding sugar at the end of the logarithmic phase of growth or by determining the rate of aeration is also discussed.

Purification and identification of Streptomyces aureofaciens lD13 antibiotic.

Complete extraction of S. aureofaciens lD13 antibiotic was achieved by adding n-butanol to the clarified culture filtrate (v/2v) at pH 8.0. Using the column chromatography technique, 85.7% of the initial amount of the antibiotic was obtained in a purified form. Data of the Rf values of the antibiotic in different organic solvents revealed that it belongs to the tetracycline group. The antibiotic was chromatographically analyzed, using the thin-layer technique. UV and IR spectra, optical rotation, melting point as well as 15 colour reactions were also determined.

The effect of the herbicide atrazine on rhizosphere microflora of broad bean plants, infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. fabae and Rhizoctonia solani.

The effect of the herbicide atrazine on Fusarium oxysporum f. fabae and Rhizoctonia solani, the causative agents of wilt and rot, respectively, as well as rhizosphere microflora of broad bean plants was studied. The herbicide was applied at intervals of 30, 20, 10, and 0 days before sowing. Atrazine application reduced both densities and per cent of infection of these two pathogenic fungi, R. solani, however, was sensitive to atrazine itself, while F. oxysporum was affected by atrazine by-products. Rhizosphere flora, i.e., total microbial flora, actinomycetes, phosphate-dissolving bacteria, and fungal flora, were not affected by atrazine, but were deleteriously reduced by its by-products at early stages of plant growth. However, rhizosphere flora attained the normal levels after atrazine by-products had completely disappeared from soil (1 month after application), except for actinomycetes. Therefore, it is recommended to apply atrazine within 20 days before sowing for weed control as well as for controlling wilt and root rot infestations.

Changes in metabolic activities of Fusarium oxysporum f. fabae and Rhizoctonia solani in response to Dithan A-40 fungicide.

The effect of different concentrations of Dithan A-40 fungicide on the metabolic activities of the wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. fabae and the root rot agent Rhizoctonia solani was studied. All toxicant concentrations reduced energy generation, total phosphorus and nitrogen content of both fungi. In addition, the toxicant caused a shift in free amino acids pool. As a result of these changes, the mycelium dry weight of both fungi was greatly reduced. R. solani was more sensitive to the toxic effect of Dithan A-40 than F. oxysporum.

Studies on nodulation of soyabeans in Egypt. II. Effect of seed-diffusates on Rhizobium japonicum.

The growth inhibition zones of R. japonicum (E 45) by either surface-sterilized seeds or autoclaved seeds (as well as dicotyledones, cotyledone, or seed coat) of Harosoy soyabean cultivar indicate the presence of antibacterial substances. Several physical and chemical seed treatments were done in a trial to eliminate or decrease the observed inhibitive effects of the seed-diffusates in order to obtain successful nodulation. The antibacterial substances are thermostable (121 degrees C), water-soluble or partially insoluble, exist in the whole seed and could be inactivated by certain chemical seed treatments as well as by germination for 12 hrs. or more before inoculation.

Studies on nodulation of soyabean in Egypt. I. Selection of an efficient strain of Rhizobium japonicum.

Both pot (sterilized sand cultures) and field experiments were run, using 23 different strains of Rhizobium japonicum and the commercial soyabean inoculum "Okadin". The failure of the control (non-inoculated plants) to form nodules may be due to the abscence of adequate densities of effective soyabean-rhizobia strains and their low persistence under Egyptian soil conditions. Therefore, inoculation with an efficient strain of R. japonicum seemed to be necessary. However, the strains used varied in their effectiveness, indicating that both the total number of nodules and total nitrogen content of the nodules should not be taken as an index.

Steps of thiosulfate oxidation by Thiobacillus thioparus and Th. coproliticus.

Chromatographic analysis was used for studying steps of thiosulfate oxidation by Thiobacillus thioparus and Th. coproliticus strains, isolated from Egyptian soil. Th. thioparus strains oxidized S2O3 to SO4 with the formation of polythionates, tetrathionate in particular, during the course of oxidation. However, strains differed in other polythionates formed. Th. coproliticus, in turn, oxidized S2O3 to SO4 without polythionate formation. However, H2S was the only intermediate compound detected during oxidation.

Factors affecting the microbial and chemical composition of silage. IV. Effect of wilting on maize silage.

The effect of wilting on the microbial and chemical composition of ensiled maize plants was studied. Wilting stimulated high densities of lactic acid bacteria, with the decrease in counts of undesirable flora, i.e., yeasts, moulds, proteolytic and saccharolytic anaerobes, causing spoilage of silage. Moreover, wilting decreased the losses of dry matter, total acidity, and butyric acid content of silage. Accordingly, wilting proved to be a favourable treatment for the production of good quality silage from maize plants.