Nitric oxide as a marker for diagnosis and follow-up in children with systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

A cross sectional observational study of 56 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] and systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] was designed to study nitric oxide [NO] levels and their relation to the disease activity and its value as an indicator for the follow up of these two diseases. Twenty-five healthy age and sex matched children were recruited as controls. Full history taking, proper clinical examination and laboratory investigation of the subjects were done. Blood samples were collected and NO, nitrite and nitrate were measured biochemically. Serum NO, nitrite and nitrate were significantly higher in each of JRA and SLE cases compared with the control group. Patients with active disease showed higher NO levels compared with non-active disease, yet it did not reach significant levels. A positive significant correlation was observed between NO and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] for patients with active SLE and JRA, respectively. A negative significant correlation was found between NO and lymphocyte count in active SLE; while, a positive significant correlation between NO and steroid therapy duration of JRA with active disease was observed

Preparation of gluten - free diet mixture for infants suffering from Celiac disease

Cassava tubers, chick pea, soybean, peanut, sesame, rice flours and skim milk were used for preparing 2 food mixtures [gluten free] for children suffering from celiac disease. The 2 mixtures were compared with the market gluten free diet [Rizini]. The diets were subjected to chemical analysis and biological evaluation. Results indicated that fat content was the same in the prepared diets. Amino acids analysis showed that most of the essential amino acids are present in optimal concentration in mixture [I and II] except the total sulfur amino acids and tryptophan which were found to be the limiting amino acids in the mixtures. Lysine is present in high values compared with that of FAO provisional pattern and whole egg. On the other hand, market diet is deficient in lysine. Results of biological evaluation indicated that mixture II showed better net protein utilization [NPU] and biological value [BV] than the other 2 diets

Urinary metabolites and nutritional status of Egyptian elderly

The nutritional status of 61 healthy Egyptian elderly aged 60-85 years were assessed. Observations were assessed. The observation showed that 39.47% of the females were hypertensive which were less in males, where diastolic blood pressure was above 95 mmHg. Prevalence of obesity was higher in females than in males. Mean volume of 24 hours urine and the mean urinary excretions were investigated, showing that the mean volume of urine and hydroxyproline excretion were lower at older age with significant difference [P <0.05]. Potassium, calcium and magnesium excretion were also lower, but the difference did not reach significant level [P <0.05]. The correlation between blood pressure, body mass index [BMI] and 24 hours urine excretions was studied. Several indicators of the nutritional status showed differences among age groups, and few of these differences being due to physiological aging

Prevalence of anemia among children of Egyptian village, socioecnomic study and trial of therapy

The aim of the present study was to reassess prevalence of anemia among preschoolers of Egyptian village [Atris]. Medical and nutritional intervention program was studied for anemia combating. 338 children and 148 parents were examined clinically and their socioeconomic status was evaluated through filling of organized questionnaire. Hemoglobin level was assessed in their blood. The study group was subdivided into 4 categories, farmers, laborers, skilled laborers and employees. Intervention program to combat anemia was carried out for 3 groups of children. Iron preparation and nutritional education were tried against placebo. The study demonstrated that the overall prevalence of anemia is 48.35%. The most vulnerable age group is that of infants below 1 year 70.27%, with age advance the prevalence of anemia decreases. The socio-educational status has an important role as regards anemia prevalence, employees' children have significantly lower prevalence of anemia [p <0.05] than other categories. Intervention regimens with iron therapy led to 12.93% increase in blood hemoglobin level when compared with nutritional education 11.34%. The results suggested that dietary iron intake always exceeds requirement by a sizable margin and iron deficiency is mostly the result of inadequate absorption