Effect of gamma irradiation on elimination of aflatoxins produced by apple mycoflora in apple fruits

The influence of ionizing radiation on the growth of apple mycoflora and the aflatoxins production was investigated. Four strains of fungal isolates, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatuis, A. niger, Penicillium expansum, were used. Four doses of gamma radiation were applied (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 KGy). The elimination of aflatoxins under selected conditions was detected by using HPLC techniques. Doses of 0.5 KGy stimulated the production of aflatoxins by all fungi tested while 1.0-2.0 KGy reduced the aflatoxins production. The studies were also carried out to investigate the effect of pre- and post-inoculation of both irradiated and non-irradiated fungal spores on irradiated and non-irradiated apples. The results showed the necessity of irradiation of fresh apple fruits followed by good preservation conditions. The results showed also that the effect of radiation is influences on the apple mycoflora producing aflatoxins and not the apple itself.     

1H-NMR assay of papaverine hydrochloride and formulations

A precise and specific 1H-NMR method has been developed for the assay of papaverine hydrochloride (1) as a bulk drug, as well as in tablet and injection dosage forms. The assay depends upon the integration of the 12 protons of the four methoxy groups of 1 relative to that of the three methyl protons of acetanilide (internal standard). In addition to the accurate quantitative determination of 1, the method provides a specific means of identifying 1 as well as detecting other alkaloids or impurities.     

Evaluation of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes and their cofactors in Egyptian children with Down's syndrome

The present work investigated the activity of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) in red blood cells and glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) in whole blood by spectrophotometric methods. Plasma levels of the cofactors copper and zinc and whole-blood selenium were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study included a population of 18 Down's syndrome (DS) patients with complete trisomy 21 (group 1), translocations (group 2), and mosaicism (group 3), and their 15 matched controls. The purpose of this work was to study the gene dosage effect of SOD and its consequence on GPx enzyme and the various cofactors, and to find out correlations with developmental fields. Our results showed that in the population with complete trisomy 21 and translocations, SOD and GPx activities were increased, whereas in cases with mosaicism, the enzymes activities were within normal limits. Plasma copper concentrations were increased, whereas whole-blood selenium concentrations were significantly decreased in the three DS groups. Plasma zinc levels were within normal in all patients. We concluded that changes in trace elements and enzyme activities were not related to age or sex. Also, there was no correlation between the enzyme levels and the developmental activities. Our results are useful tools for identifying nutritional status and guiding antioxidant intervention.     

Traditional ancient Egyptian medicine: A review

The ancient Egyptians practiced medicine with highly professional methods. They had advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgery. Also, they treated a lot of diseases including dental, gynecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary disorders. They could diagnose diabetes and cancer. The used therapeutics extended from different plants to include several animal products and minerals. Some of these plants are still used in the present day. Fortunately, they documented their life details by carving on stone, clay, or papyri. Although a lot of these records have been lost or destroyed, the surviving documents represent a huge source of knowledge in different scientific aspects including medicine. This review article is an attempt to understand some information about traditional medicine in ancient Egypt, we will look closely at some basics, sources of information of Egyptian medicine in addition to common treated diseases and therapeutics in this great civilization.