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Biomedical subjects

S A Mahmoud

Publications and source records attributed to S A Mahmoud.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

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.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

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.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

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.

Adenosine Deaminase↗
PubMed1993

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.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

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.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

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.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1985

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.

1-Butanol↗
PubMed1980

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.

Actinomycetaceae↗
PubMed1979

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.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1979

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.

Egypt↗
PubMed1979

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.

Acids↗
PubMed1979

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.

Chromatography, Paper↗
PubMed1979

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.

Egypt↗
PubMed1978

Factors affecting the microbial and chemical composition of silage. III. Effect of urea additions on maize silage.

The effect of urea additions on the microbiological and chemical properties of silage, produced from young maize plants (Darawa stage), was studied. Urea treatments, i.e., 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00%, stimulated higher densities of the desired microorganisms than the control, while undesired organisms showed lower counts (proteolytic and saccharolytic anaerobes). Addition of 0.25 to 0.50% or urea resulted in the production of high quality silage with pleasant small and high nutritive value, as confirmed by the various microbiological and chemical analyses conducted. Higher levels (0.75 and 1.00%) of urea decreased the quality of the product.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1978

Utilization of industrial and agricultural by-products for fungal amylase production.

Attempts were made for using industrial and agricultural by-products and wastes as carbon and nitrogen sources in fermentation medium for alpha-amylase production by Aspergillus niger NRRL-337. The original carbon source of the basal medium was replaced by one of the following materials: rice bran, wheat bran, corn bran, corn starch, cane molasses, and glucose syrup. Rice bran proved to be the best carbon source that secured the highest amylase activity. The nitrogen source of the basal medium was then replaced by different cheap materials, viz: dried yeast, corn steep liquor, gluten-30, gluten-50, and corn steep precipitate. Corn steep precipitate proved to be superior in amylase production. In consideration of these results an economical medium that secured high activity, containing the following ingredients, was suggested: 2.5% corn steep precipitate, 7.2% rice bran, 0.1% MgSO4, 0.1% KH2PO4, and 0.1% CaCO3. From this medium fungal amylase was precipitated and purified. The pure enzyme gave the highest activity at 40 degrees C and pH 4.3.

Amylases↗
PubMed1978

Production and chemical studies of protease from Bacillus subtilis (SH-6) Egyptian strain.

Bacillus subtilis (SH-6) Egyptian strain, isolated from hides, gave the highest protease activity. Luxurious growth and protease production were obtained by the use of a medium containing 8% of potato starch, 0,1 M of ammonium phosphate as carbon and nitrogen sources. Results indicate that borate buffer exerted a deleterious effect on the protease production. Comparing citrate and phosphate buffers, it was found that citrate gave lower protease activity than phosphate. There is a positive response to higher concentrations of phosphate ions. From the above-mentioned medium protease was precipitated and purified. The dried preparation of the enzyme was tested for its chemical composition. It revealed the absence of residual carbohydrate. Tests for phosphorus, sulfur, ferric, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and calcium ions were positive. Amino acids present were: L-leucine, cysteine, Dl-alanine, L-arginine, L-tyrosine, L-aspargine, L-proline, glycine, Dl-valine, L-histidine, L-glutamic, L-lysine, L-aspartic, Dl-tryptophan, L-cystine, Dl-serine and Dl-phenylalanine. Quantitative analysis of the preparation was 0.52% of ash and 14% of nitrogen.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1978

Generation rates of faecal streptococci in various vehicles.

Potassium tellurite media gave the highest detrimental effects on the generation number of all tested faecal streptococci species. This applies to all investigated vehicles. However, drastic tellurite effects became more conspicuous with certain vehicles than with others. This is particularly true with acid and alkaline foods and water, especially with strains like Streptococcus bovis, Str. faecium, and Str. durans. Again, tellurite becomes more influencial with regard to old cells rather than young cells in the logarithmic phase. On the other hand, the use of thallous acetate as a concentration agent secured better results than either the tellurite or azide almost with all tested vehicles. Yet, sodium azide may be regarded as holding an intermediate position between tellurite and thallous acetate in terms of vehicles, Streptococcus species, and age of pollution. A lower number of generation resulted with all tested faecal streptococci species, using liquid media bearing more than one concentrating agent. This applied to water and milk examination.

Azides↗