The role of IL-1β during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

Interleukin (IL)-1β is a key innate cytokine that is essential for immune activation and promoting the inflammatory process. However, abnormal elevation in IL-1β levels has been associated with unwanted clinical outcomes. IL-1β is the most extensively studied cytokine among the IL-1 family of cytokines and its role in pathology is well established. During the course of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, the level of this proinflammatory cytokine is increased in different anatomical compartments, particularly in lymphatic tissues, and this elevation is associated with disease progression. The aim of this review is to address the pathological roles play by IL-1β in the light of enhancing HIV-1 replication, driving immune cell depletion, and chronic immune activation. The role of IL-1β in HIV-1 transmission (sexually or vertically ‘from mother-to-child’) will also be discussed. Additionally, the impact of the available antiretroviral therapy regimens on the levels of IL-1β in HIV-1 treated patients is also discussed. Finally, we will provide a glance on how IL-1β could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy.     

Synthesis of new xanthenone derivatives of expected antibilharzial activity

Some new 9H-thioxanthen-9-one incorporated into heterocyclic systems such as pyridone8, pyrazoline9, pyranone11, iminopyrane12, furopyrimidine17, imidazothiazole19, thiazole21, triazine24 and other related compounds through a para imminophenyl grouping at position-1 of the thioxanthenone ring were synthesized and tested as antitumor agents, against L 1210 leukemia in mice. Some of the new compounds showed considerable antitumor activity.     

Synthesis of 1-(heterocyclic substituted anilino)-9H-thioxanthon-9-ones and their antitumor activity

Some new 9H-thioxanthen-9-one incorporated into heterocyclic systems such as pyridone8, pyrazoline9, pyranone11, iminopyrane12, furopyrimidine17, imidazothiazole19, thiazole21, triazine24 and other related compounds through a para imminophenyl grouping at position-1 of the thioxanthenone ring were synthesized and tested as antitumor agents, against L 1210 leukemia in mice. Some of the new compounds showed considerable antitumor activity.     

Do elderly clubs in Alexandria meet the needs of their consumers?

The rapid rise in the number of the independent elderly persons in the community has become a world-wide phenomenon. Recently, more attention has been devoted to community based programs for the elderly. One type of these programs offering multiple services is the elderly clubs. These clubs may provide health and physical care beside social interaction and peer group support for the independent elderly in the community. In Alexandria, elderly health and social care provided are not coping with the increasing numbers of the aged population and consequently with their needs and problems. So the aim of this study was to describe the health profile of the consumers of the elderly clubs in Alexandria and to determine the preferred activities needed by the consumers of the elderly clubs in Alexandria. To fulfil this aim, a sample of 163 elderly representing the consumers from all (five) elderly clubs in Alexandria were interviewed. The results revealed that almost one third (30.67%) of the elderly consumers had no health complaints, 35.58% had only one health complaint and 33.74% had more than one complaint. The most health complaints stated by the consumers were cardiovascular diseases/hypertension followed by diabetes mellitus then rheumatic diseases/arthritis. The results also revealed that all the elderly consumers had one or more minor signs and symptoms during the last six months of the interview. These signs and symptoms varied from amnesia, low concentration, constipation, dizziness and dyspepsia. The majority of the elderly consumers preferred the recreational trips and attending religious seminars/reading Quraan. Walking and checking on blood pressure were the most preferred activities mentioned by nearly half the consumers. The results of this study can be considered as a base line data to help policy makers in taking decisions during planning and providing the needed services to the elderly.     

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and gastric effects of Ginkgo biloba in the rat.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) was assessed in models of acute inflammation induced by carrageenan, formalin or capsaicin in the rat, in models of nociceptive pain, such as hot-plate (55 degrees C) latency, tail-electric stimulation assay and capsaicin-induced paw licking and in the model of acute gastric damage induced by indomethacin. The agent showed marked anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan model of paw oedema. When given subcutaneously (s.c.) (25 and 50 mg kg(-1)) 30 min before challenge, GbE inhibited paw oedema with a maximal effect of 43.7 and 56.9%, respectively, at 2h post-carrageenan. Significant inhibition of oedema was also observed when GbE (50 mg kg(-1), s.c.) was given 30 min after carrageenan challenge. The agent was also active p.o. in acute inflammation caused by carrageenan. The administration of GbE with indomethacin, rofecoxib, celecoxib, dexamethasone or melatonin resulted in an additive effect. GbE (50 mg kg(-1), s.c.) caused significant inhibition of formalin-induced paw oedema, but did not reduce the capsaicin-induced paw oedema. In tests of nociception, GbE (25, 50 or 100 mg kg(-1)) decreased in dose-dependent manner the capsaicin-induced hind paw licking time and was similarly effective in the hot-plate assay of nociception. In contrast, when assessed in the tail-electric stimulation test, GbE was only effective in the highest dose (100 mg kg(-1)). In pylorus-ligated rats, GbE (25 or 50 mg kg(-1)) increased gastric acid secretion, but reduced gastric mucosal damage caused by IND. Results suggest that GbE may be of clinical value as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug alone or in conjunction with NSAIDs.     

Incremental value of live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography over the two‐dimensional technique in the assessment of a tuberculoma involving the left atrium and appendage

Intracardiac tuberculomas are extremely rare, and cardiac involvement in tuberculosis accounts for only 0.5% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We report for the first time incremental value of live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography over two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of a tuberculoma involving the left atrium and left atrial appendage.