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Biomedical subjects

A A Ramadan

Publications and source records attributed to A A Ramadan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Spectrophotometric determination of carbinoxamine maleate in pharmaceutical formulations by ternary complex formation with Cu(II) and eosin.

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of carbinoxamine maleate in pharmaceutical formulations. The method is based on the formation of a ternary complex, extractable with chloroform, between copper(II), eosin, and carbinoxamine maleate. The absorption spectra of the ternary complexes shows, under optimum conditions, a maxima at 538 nm, with apparent molar absorptive 6.1690 x 10(4) mol(-1) cm(-1), Sandell's sensitives 6.75 x 10(-3) microg cm(-2), and linearity in the concentration range 0.75-10.0 microg ml(-1). The method can be achieved with high accuracy (recovery values, 100 +/- 2%) and precision (with standard deviation 0.029-0.155 and relative standard deviation 3.87-1.55%). The method was again successfully applied, with high accuracy and good precision, for the determination of carbinoxamine maleate in various pharmaceutical formulations (syrup, drops, and tablets).

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗
PubMed2003

Removing hepatitis C virus from polytetrafluoroethylene-coated orthodontic archwires and other dental instruments.

The efficacy of removing, rather than destroying, hepatitis C virus (HCV) from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated orthodontic archwirs was tested. PTFE-coated archwires, pieces of PTFE and endodontic files (20 each) were immersed in HCV-infected blood for 24 hours. Half were washed under running water for 10 seconds while the remainder were thoroughly scrubbed with a toothbrush under running water for 10 seconds. Items were kept in separate dishes of distilled water for 24 hours. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for viral replication. Viruses were detected by the gel method using a transilluminator. Only scrubbed PTFE pieces and coated archwires were negative for HCV. This suggests that PTFE coating of dental instruments inhibited HCV adhesion when thoroughly scrubbed.

Coated Materials, Biocompatible↗
PubMed2001

Effects of beta-carotene, selenium and vitamin A on in vitro polymorphonuclear leukocytic activity in peripartal buffalo (Bubalus bubalus).

The effect of different concentrations of three antioxidans on phagocytic and kill activities of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) isolated from buffaloes during the peripartum period (4 weeks before to 7 weeks after parturition) was investigated in this study. Two concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin A (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) and one concentration of Se (10(-9) M) were used. Phagocytic activity of PMN treated with beta-carotene (10(-6)M) significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) after parturition (Week 0 until Week 3), whereas the kill activity of the same cells significantly (P < 0.05) increased before and after parturition (at Weeks -4, -3, -2, 0, 1, 2 and 3). The concentration of beta-carotene (10(-5) M) enhanced phagocytosis of PMN only at Weeks 0 and 1 and kill activity at Weeks -4, -3, -2, 0, and 1. Selenium (10(-9)M) significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced phagocytic activity of PMN starting from parturition (Week 0) until Week 3 postpartum. Kill activity increased significantly both before (Weeks -4, -3 and -2) and after (Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) parturition. Vitamin A (10(-6) M) significantly enhanced phagocytic activity of PMN at Weeks 0, 1, and 2, whereas, the concentration of beta-carotene (10(-5) M) increased phagocytic activity only at Week 0. Kill activity of PMN increased significantly (P < 0.05) at Weeks -1 and 0 (10(-6)M). These results demonstrate that beta-carotene and selenium significantly enhanced phagocytic and kill activities of PMN isolated from buffaloes around parturition in vitro. Vitamin A enhanced phagocytosis and kill activities but not to the same extent as beta-carotene and selenium. Apparently, the in vitro killing activity of PMN is a distinctive function from phagocytosis and both activities may be enhanced by the use of essential nutrients, especially during the peripartum period. Moreover, beta-carotene is more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin A in enhancing the activities of phagocytic cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Immune regulation of ovarian function in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalus).

We studied the infiltration of different subsets of immune system cells in the ovarian parenchyma of Egyptian buffaloes during follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. All subsets of leukocytes infiltrated significantly more into corpora lutea (CL) than into Graafian follicles (GF) (P < 0.01) except for plasma cells that were abundant in the GF but not observed in the CL. The number of macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly greater in mature CL than in corpora hemorrhagica (CH) or regressing CL. Moreover, the regressing CL showed significantly more macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils than the CH. Large antral follicles were infiltrated with larger number of leukocytes than growing preantral atretic follicles. Macrophages and neutrophils observed in large antral follicles were significantly more abundant in the theca externa than the theca interna (P < 0.01). Only plasma cells were significantly greater in number in the theca intema (P < 0.01). Leukocytes infiltrated significantly more into large mature follicles than large, growing, preantral atretic follicles (P < 0.01). Results of this study reveal the calling of leukocytes in a significant numbers inside the ovarian tissue of buffaloes around the time of ovulation and at luteolysis. It is possible that leukocytes with their powerful bioactive cytokines (IL-1, TNFalpha, GM-CSF, and INF-gamma) may assist in ovarian functions such as ovulation and luteolysis.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Isolation of immunologically active uterine luminal proteins associated with follicular and luteal phases of the ovary in buffalo (Bubalus bubalus).

Uterine luminal proteins (ULP) collected from the genital tract of buffalo during the follicular (Group F) and luteal (Group L) phases of the estrous cycle were chromatographed using sephacryl S-200 gel. Five peaks were detected in each group. Different protein concentrations (10 to 200 microg) from Peaks I and V in each group were examined for immunological activity on polymorph nuclear leukocytic cells (PMNL) in vitro. All concentrations except 10 microg of ULP Peak I (< or = 250 kDa) in Group F enhanced phagocytic activity of PMNL. Peak V (56 kDa) in the same group enhanced phagocytic activity of PMNL only at low protein concentrations (10, 20 and 40 microg protein), while at greater concentrations (80, 150 and 200 microg protein) PMNL activity was suppressed. On the other hand, all protein concentrations from Peak 1 (> or = 250 kDa) in Group L suppressed PMNL activity in a dose-dependent manner. Proteins from Peak V (31 kDa) in Group L suppressed PMNL phagocytic activity at all concentrations but not to the same extent as in Peak I. Electrophoretic analysis of Peaks I and V in both groups revealed only 3 detectable protein bands (subunits) in Peak I and 1 detectable subunit in Peak V. Several additional proteins were probably not detected. The molecular weights of the detected subunits in Peaks I and V in Group F were greater than those in Group L as indicated by SDS-PAGE analysis. The results of this study show that ULP collected from buffalo possessed proteins that modulated phagocytic activity of PMNL in vitro. Proteins collected during the follicular phase, especially Peak I, enhanced phagocytic activity of the PMNL, whereas those collected during the luteal phase (Peaks I and V) suppressed activity. Changes in the molecular weights of ULP detected in this experiment may be related to the changes in phagocytic activity of PMNL tested in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Regulation of uterine immune function during the estrous cycle and in response to infectious bacteria in sheep.

Uterine infections are a major reproductive problem in livestock. We conducted two experiments to investigate factors that may modulate uterine responses to infectious bacteria. In Exp. 1, ewes received intrauterine inoculations of either saline or bacteria (75 x 10(7) cfu of Actinomyces pyogenes and 35 x 10(7) cfu of Escherichia coli) on either d 0 or 7 of the estrous cycle. Vena caval samples containing uteroovarian blood were collected twice daily from 12 h before until 6 d after inoculation. Only ewes inoculated with bacteria on d 7 developed infections. Basal (4.8 vs .4 pmol), lipopolysaccharide-stimulated (14.2 vs 6.1 pmol), and concanavalin A-stimulated (65.8 vs 21.6 pmol) blastogenesis (i.e., [3H]thymidine incorporation) of vena caval lymphocytes was greater (P < or = .002) for ewes inoculated with bacteria or saline on d 0 rather than on d 7. The number (per 100 white blood cells) of lymphocytes was greater (41.3 vs 30.8, P < .001) and that of neutrophils was less (42.5 vs 51.6, P < .001) in ewes inoculated on d 0 rather than d 7. Bacteria increased (P < .05) vena caval PGF(2 alpha) but not PGE2 concentrations. In Exp. 2, two protein fractions (molecular weights of > or = 100 kDa and approximately 12.7 kDa) from chromatography of uterine flushings collected on d 0 or 7, or 18 d after ovariectomy on d 0 or 7, modulated phytohemagglutinin-stimulated blastogenesis; the heavier fraction from d 0 had a stimulatory component, but the major effects of the fractions were inhibitory. The differences in immune function and regulation between d 0 and 7 probably explain how the uterus of follicular phase ewes was able to prevent the development of an infection.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed1992

The effect of methotrexate (MTX) on the small intestine of the mouse. IV. The Golgi apparatus, phosphatases and esterases.

The Golgi apparatus and alkaline and acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase activities were studied in the jejunal epithelium of adult male albino mice (Mus musculus) under normal conditions and after MTX treatment. In the control, the Golgi apparatus took the form of rods, spheres and crescents occupying the supranuclear region. After MTX, the Golgi apparatus, in most of the cells, was hypertrophied. In the control cells, alkaline and acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase activities were moderate and localized supranuclearly, but were intense in the brush border and basement membrane. After MTX, all three enzyme activities increased, with a marked reaction in the brush border and basement membrane. The increase in alkaline phosphatase may mean that more phosphate transport is needed in the active phosphorylation process or in the transfer of MTX macromolecules across the cell membrane, or it may be due to MTX-induced disorganization of metabolism. The increase in acid phosphatase activity denotes an increase in catabolic processes resulting from imbalance of lysosomal function, while the rise in nonspecific esterase activity could be related to fatty acid metabolism, or it might be due to the detoxicant function of esterases. In all control and MTX-treated specimens, the supranuclear concentration of these enzymes coincided with the localization of the Golgi apparatus.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The effect of methotrexate (MTX) on the small intestine of the mouse. III. Mitochondria and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH).

The effect of the cytotoxic agent MTX on the mitochondrial content and on SDH activity in the jejunal mucosa of mice was studied. The control epithelium contained variable quantities of mitochondria, in the form of granules, short rods and filaments. In the crypt cells these organelles were larger than in the villus cells. The concentration of mitochondria close to the brush border and the basement membrane is indicative of their importance in production of the energy needed for active transport across the plasma membrane. After MTX treatment, there was a general decrease in the number, size and stainability of the mitochondria. In the control, SDH activity was moderate and its localization coincided topographically with the distribution of the mitochondria. The decrease in SDH activity after MTX, correlated to the decrease in the mitochondrial content, might be due to mitochondrial damage resulting form the indirect effect of MTX.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Effects of split fast neutron doses on the liver cells of albino Swiss mice.

The effect of neutron doses from a D-T compact neutron generator on the liver cells of adult male and female albino Swiss mice was investigated. Fast neutrons (14.5 MeV) were delivered to the whole body in a single dose or in two, four, six or eight equal doses separated by 3-day intervals. The lowest dose, 100 rem, was given for an exposure time of 6 hours and was then steadily raised to 912 rem for an exposure time of 48 hours. During exposure the neutron flux was controlled by the activation foil technique. Animals were killed for testing after each irradiation. Histological examination of the hepatocytes in the light microscope showed marked degenerative changes only after the longer irradiation periods (24, 36 and 48 h). Electron microscopy showed cytological (cytoplasmic and nuclear) changes in the hepatocytes after only 12 hours' irradiation. Densitometric scans of electron micrographs of control and 12 h-irradiated livers indicated that the control hepatocyte interphase nucleus contains approximately 72% heterochromatin, while the irradiated nucleus contains only 64% heterochromatin.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Cytochemical studies of developmental stages during oogenesis in Culex pipiens molestus (Forskål). I. Lipids and carbohydrates.

Lipids and carbohydrates were studied in the polytrophic ovaries of Culex pipiens molestus during oogenesis. The cytoplasm of both the oocyte and the nurse cells contains lipid structures at all stages of development--granules in the early stages and spheres in the later stages. Intranuclear lipid bodies can be demonstrated in the oocyte and in the nurse cells. After leaving the nucleus, lipids are deposited in the peripheral cytoplasm. From the third to the seventh adult phase, lipid granules are concentrated in the area of the nurse cell and oocyte junction, indicating that lipids originate in the nurse cells and are transported from these to the oocyte. The follicular epithelial cells provide the oocyte with lipid material for fatty yolk synthesis and formation of the egg envelopes. Lipids are distributed similarly to the Golgi apparatus, indicating that there is a relationship between this organelle and fat formation. In the early stages, the cytoplasm of the oocyte, the nurse cells and the follicular epithelium contains glycogen granules. In the later stages these cells also contain mucopolysaccharides. The mucopolysaccharide yolk spheres are enclosed in vacuoles, while the chorion is composed of acid mucopolysaccharides. The follicular epithelium and vitelline membrane are of a mucopolysaccharide nature. A topographical relationship exists between the Golgi apparatus and the glycogen granules, indicating that this organelle also plays a role in glycogen synthesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Sexuality and hermaphroditism in fishes. I. Synchronous functional hermaphroditism in the serranid fish Serranus scriba L.

Anatomical and histological examination of Serranus scriba L. showed the existence of primary females (67%), hermaphrodites (31%) and primary males (2%). Synchronous functional hermaphroditism is described on the basis of an anatomical and histological study of the gonads. Although they function simultaneously, the testicular and ovarian parts of hermaphrodite gonads have completely separate ducts. Females and hermaphrodites have the same annual reproduction cycle. In hermaphrodites, the testicular part matures one month sooner than the ovarian part. Cross fertilization between primary females and hermaphrodite individuals and between two different hermaphrodites probably occurs, while self-fertilization is less likely. The testicular tissues of primary males are of the acinar type and those of hermaphrodites are of the radial type. It is possible that primary males do not take part in reproduction. Serranus scriba in Egyptian Mediterranean waters is a longperiod spawner, which spawns from June to the end of October, i.e. it is a summer-autumn spawner.

Animals↗