ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels as an ovarian reserve marker in adolescent girls with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and explore the relationship of this marker with autoimmunity and thyroid function biomarkers. Subjects and methods: This study included 96 adolescent girls with newly diagnosed AIT and 96 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. All participants were evaluated with detailed history taking and physical examination, thyroid ultrasound, and measurement of levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), antithyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), estradiol, total testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. The LH/FSH ratio was also calculated. Among 96 patients evaluated, 78 were overtly hypothyroid and 18 were euthyroid. AMH levels were significantly lower in participants with overt hypothyroidism and euthyroidism compared with controls. Results: Serum levels of AMH correlated negatively with age, body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS), and TPOAb, TGAb, and TSH levels but positively with FT4 levels. In multivariate analysis, AMH levels correlated significantly with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.32, p = 0.05), BMI SDS (OR = 2.3, 95% CI, 2.23-3.50, p = 0.01), TSH (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.5-2.8, p = 0.01), and TPOAb (OR = 4.1, 95% CI 3.26-8.75, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Ovarian reserve of adolescent girls with AIT, as measured by serum AMH levels, is affected by thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism, indicating a possible need for ovarian reserve monitoring in these patients.

Abstract The present experiment was conducted to determine the effect chemical fertilization rates and foliar application of plant growth regulators PGRs (Kinetin or Napthaleneacetic Acid (NAA) and their interactions on growth, flowering, chemical composition of Ervatamia coronaria plants. The plants were fertilized monthly with NPK at the rate of 2, 4 and 6 g pot-1, in addition to the control plants. Plants received the fertilization treatments were sprayed monthly with either Kinetin or NAA at 50, 100 ppm for each one, while the control plants sprayed with tap water. As general, the results indicated that within each level of fertilizer treatments, treating plants with different concentrations of PGRs (Kinetin or NAA) resulted in significant increase in tested vegetative growth (in terms of plant height, number of branches plant-1, leaf area, number of leaves plant-1, stem diameter, root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems and roots), flowering parameters (Viz number of flowers/ plant, fresh and dry weights of flowers), chlorophylls content, total carbohydrates, N, P , K%, total indoles and total phenols, gibberellins, auxins and cytokinins compared to control, with superiority of NAA particularly the highest concentrations (100 ppm) . Under the same level of PGRs raising the fertilization rate caused a gradual and significant increase in all tested parameters compared to control. Based on the results, it can be recommended that for the highest quality growth and flowering parameters of Ervatamia coronaria, the plants could be sprayed with NAA at 100 ppm combined with 6 g pot-1 NPK.

Resumo O presente experimento foi conduzido para determinar o efeito das taxas de fertilização química e aplicação foliar de reguladores de crescimento de plantas PGRs (Cinetina ou Ácido Naftalenoacético (ANA) e suas interações no crescimento, floração, composição química de plantas de Ervatamia coronaria. as plantas foram fertilizadas mensalmente com NPK na dose de 2, 4 e 6 g/vaso, além das plantas controle. As plantas que receberam os tratamentos de fertilização foram pulverizadas mensalmente com cinetina ou ANA a 50, 100 ppm para cada uma, enquanto as plantas controle foram pulverizadas com água da torneira . Em geral, os resultados indicaram que, dentro de cada nível de tratamentos de fertilizantes, o tratamento de plantas com diferentes concentrações de PGRs (cinetina ou ANA) resultou em aumento significativo no crescimento vegetativo testado (em termos de altura da planta, número de ramos planta-1, área foliar , número de folhas planta-1, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, pesos frescos e secos de folhas, caules e raízes), parâmetros de floração (Viz número de flores planta-1, massa fresca e seca de flores), teor de clorofilas, carboidratos totais, N, P, K%, indóis totais e fenóis totais, giberelinas, auxinas e citocininas em relação ao controle, com superioridade de ANA principalmente nas concentrações mais altas (100 ppm). Sob o mesmo nível de PGRs o aumento da taxa de adubação causou um aumento gradual e significativo em todos os parâmetros testados em relação ao controle. Com base nos resultados, pode-se recomendar que, para os parâmetros de crescimento e floração da E. coronaria de maior qualidade, as plantas podem ser pulverizadas com ANA a 100 ppm combinado com 6 g/vaso de NPK.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é explorar até que ponto as atividades internas de responsabilidade social corporativa afetam o compromisso organizacional normativo dos colaboradores durante a crise de COVID-19 e estudar o papel do nível administrativo como moderador entre eles. Um questionário foi aplicado a uma amostra de 213 funcionários de estabelecimentos de hotelaria e turismo na cidade de Hail, no Reino da Arábia Saudita. As respostas foram examinadas através de regressão linear e análise de fatores exploratórios. Os resultados revelaram que as atividades internas de responsabilidade social corporativa são um preditor positivo do compromisso organizacional normativo. O efeito total das atividades internas de responsabilidade social corporativa no compromisso organizacional normativo não poude ser aprimorado através da moderação da posição administrativa. Este estudo tem implicações importantes tanto para académicos quanto para profissionais. Implicações teóricas e práticas, contribuições, limitações e objetivos futuros do estudo foram revistos à luz dos resultados.

Abstract The purpose of this research is to explore the extent to which internal corporate social responsibility activities affect employees’ normative organizational commitment during the COVID-19 crisis and to survey the role of the administrative level as a moderator between the two of them. A survey in the form of a self-completed questionnaire was conducted on a sample of employees in hospitality and tourism establishments in Hail city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 213 employees voluntarily participated in the current study. Their responses were examined by using linear regression and exploratory factor analyses. The findings revealed that internal corporate social responsibility is a positive predictor of normative organizational commitment. The total effect of internal corporate social responsibility on normative organizational commitment could not be enhanced through the moderation of the administrative position. This study has important implications for both academics and professionals. Theoretical and managerial implications, contributions, limitations, and future study objectives were reviewed in light of the findings.

Resumo A glomerulonefrite membranoproliferativa (GNMP) é a glomerulopatia associada ao vírus mais típico da hepatite C (HCV), e os dados disponíveis sobre a utilização de antivirais de ação direta (AAD) na glomerulonefrite associada ao HCV são inadequados. Avaliamos a resposta renal e viral em dois casos de GNMP relacionados ao HCV; o primeiro causado por crioglobulinemia, enquanto o segundo era negativo para crioglobulina. Ambos os pacientes receberam imunossupressão além de AAD em diferentes esquemas terapêuticos. Eles alcançaram remissão parcial, mas permaneceram dependentes da imunossupressão por mais de 6 meses após os AAD, apesar da resposta virológica sustentada, que permitiu a retirada da imunossupressão mais segura, mas incompleta. Ambos os pacientes foram testados para HCV oculto em células mononucleares do sangue periférico e deram resultados negativos. Portanto, o tratamento do GNMP relacionado ao VHC deve ser de acordo com a condição clínica e os efeitos da terapia medicamentosa. É importante considerar que a resposta renal pode ficar aquém da resposta virológica.

Abstract Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is the most typical Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated glomerulopathy, and the available data about the utilization of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in HCV-associated glomerulonephritis is inadequate. We evaluated the renal and viral response in two cases of HCV-related MPGN; the first caused by cryoglobulinemia while the second was cryoglobulin-negative. Both patients received immunosuppression besides DAA in different regimens. They achieved partial remission but remained immunosuppression-dependent for more than 6 months after DAA despite sustained virological response, which enabled safer but incomplete immunosuppression withdrawal. Both patients were tested for occult HCV in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and found to be negative. Hence, the treatment of HCV-related MPGN ought to be according to the clinical condition and the effects of drug therapy. It is important to consider that renal response can lag behind the virological response.

Resumo Gazania (L.) é uma planta ornamental silvestre que possui arquiteturas especiais. É um pequeno gênero de 16 espécies, pertencente à família Asteraceae (Anteriormente: Compositae). É uma erva perene de baixo crescimento, cresce em tufos e também pode formar tapetes densos que cobrem grandes áreas. Gazania tem vários gêneros e espécies com cores de múltiplas pétalas. A pigmentação da clorofila foi medida nas folhas e pétalas desses espécimes que apresentam alta diferença significativa. Genômica é o estudo de genomas e pode ser usada para conduzir pesquisas sobre a evolução do genoma, variações genômicas, regulação gênica e mecanismos biológicos importantes, usando informações detalhadas da sequência do genoma. A diversidade das plantas ornamentais, assim como o lento progresso da pesquisa do genoma de plantas ornamentais há muito tempo. O RAPD-PCR foi aplicado no presente estudo para estimar a variação genética nessas amostras que resultou em uma porcentagem total de polimorfismo de 42,36%. Este percentual de polimorfismo leva à variação nas vias fisiológicas essenciais em Gazania spp e reflete na cor multivariada das pétalas.

Abstract Gazania (L.) is one of wild ornamental plant which has special architectures. It is a small genus of 16 species, belonging to the family Asteraceae (Formerly: Compositae). It is low-growing perennial herb, grow in clumps and can also form dense carpets covering large areas. Gazania has multiple genera and species with mutli-petals colors. The chlorophyll pigmentation was measured in leaves and petals of these specimens which show high significant difference. Genomics is the study of genomes, and it can be used to conduct research on genome evolution, genomic variations, gene regulation, and important biological mechanisms using detailed genome sequence information. The diversity of ornamental plants, as well as the slow progress of genome research on ornamental plants for a long time. RAPD-PCR was applied in the present study to estimate the genetic variation in these samples which resulted in a total polymorphism percentage of 42.36%. This polymorphism percentage lead to the variation in essential physiological pathways in Gazania spp and reflected on the multivariate petals color.

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), a protein derived from the MC4R gene, is involved in feed intake, metabolism control, and body weight regulation in humans. The purpose of this research was to explore MC4R polymorphisms alongside metabolic marker changes and their relationship with growth and carcass measurements in rabbits. Using synthetic line V (V-line) and Baladi Black rabbit breeds (60 rabbits per breed), blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and biochemical analysis. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product of MC4R (493 bp) revealed five nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; submitted to GenBank with accession numbers gb|MT832144|, gb|MT832145|, and gb|MT832146|). Four SNPs were characteristic of the V-line breed, and one was characteristic of the Baladi Black. For classification of the defined SNP-dependent groups within and between breeds, a discriminant analysis model correctly classified a percentage of cases with the following predictor variables: 90.8% for body weight at 5-14 weeks of age; 85% for feed consumption, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio; and 93.3% for carcass measurements (for which hind part weight, liver weight, and liver percentage were the best predictors in both breeds). There were significant differences between and within V-line and Baladi Black breeds in agreement with metabolic biochemical marker profiles and the defined SNPs. The identified SNPs in the MC4R gene and profile of the investigated metabolic biomarkers could be used as candidates and reference for the effective characterization of the two rabbit breeds. This study could therefore facilitate the introduction of marker-assisted selection for growth performance characteristics in rabbits.

Abstract Background: Peribulbar Anesthesia (PBA) is a relatively safe method for cataract surgery. The anesthetic volume should be adjusted according to the axial eyeball length. Thus, using Minimum Effective Volume (MEV) of local anesthetic helps avoiding unnecessary volumes, preventing increases in intra-ocular pressure, and producing satisfactory conditions for cataract surgery. This study aims to determine the MEV90 of local anesthetics in relation to eye globe axial length in peribulbar blocks for cataract surgery. Methods: Patients scheduled for cataract extraction under local anesthesia were divided according to their axial eyeball length; Group 1 included those with axial length from 22 to 24mm, Group 2 included patients with axial length from 24.1 to 26mm. The initial volume used was 7mL of a solution of bupivacaine 0.5% (3mL) + lidocaine 2% (3 mL) + hyaluronidase 150 IU (1 mL). The subsequent volumes were dependent on the response of the previous patient, by using a Bias Coin Design (BCD) and Up and Down Method (UDM) for MEV-90 determination. Results: The study was concluded with 119 patients. Sixteen patients needed supplemental volume of local anesthetic in Group 1 and thirteen in Group 2. The MEV90 for Group 1 was approximately 5.82 mL (95% CI 5.6 to 5.87mL) and 5.45 mL for Group 2 (95% CI 5.38 to 5.91 mL). No major complications were noted. There was a negative correlation between the effective volume of LA and eye globe axial length in both groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The MEV90 of local anesthetics for peribulbar block show a strong and inverse correlation with eye globe axial length. This may help achieving an effective block with minimum complications.

Abstract The current study estimated the antioxidant activity and biochemical composition of four seaweeds; Toania atomaria (Phaeophyta), Padina pavonia (Phaeophyta), Jania rubens (Rhodophyta) and Corallina elongate (Rhodophyta). The highest total antioxidant activity was observed with ethanol extract of T. atomaria (44.6 ± 1.6 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g crude extract). Among the four seaweeds, ethanol extract of T. atomaria has recorded the highest value in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (32.3 ± 0.0 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g crude extract). The uppermost level of carbohydrates was (20.4% ± 0.4 and 19.5% ± 0.7 dry wt.) in P. pavonia and T. atomaria. Proteins were maximum (10.5% ± 0.6 and 8.0% ± 0.0 dry wt.) in P. pavonia and T. atomaria. The results detected that T. atomaria had the largest amounts of lipids (5.92% ± 0.09 dry wt.). The polyunsaturated ω6 essential fatty acids were recorded in T.atomaria, P. pavonia, and J. rubens (11.39%, 8.09%, and 6.28%), and ω3 essential fatty acids were recorded in T. atomaria and P. pavonia (0.65% and 0.97%). The seaweeds are interesting candidates for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications owing to their antioxidant activities, biochemical composition; they are not widespread in the coastal waters of Egypt and has few studies, especially T. atomaria.

BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to treatment is one of the main challenges to symptom control and preventing recurrence in bipolar disorder (BD). Numerous studies have established an association between patients' poor adherence and an increased risk of recurrence, relapse of the symptoms and admission to hospital. AIM: To study the socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with medication nonadherence in patients with BD who were admitted to the hospital. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University. METHODS: A 1-year longitudinal prospective study of 110 patients, aged 18-60 years, with BD-I. Young Mania Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression, Global Assessment of Functioning, Sheehan Disability Scale and Insight and Treatment Attitude Questionnaire were applied before and 6 months after discharge. Adherence was measured using the Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale. Sociodemographic data and level of functioning were studied in relation to adherence. RESULTS: Higher adherence was noticed in female, married and older patients and those with a higher level of education. However, low adherence was more common in male, non-married and less educated patients. Follow-up after 6 months revealed that the high adherence group scored the lowest in terms of disability. Meanwhile, the low adherence group scored the highest scores in disability. CONCLUSION: Several socio-demographic and clinical variables were found to be associated with a low adherence rate to the prescribed medication in patients with BD-I. Age and impaired insight were found to be significant predictive factors for non-adherence.

Abstract The study was carried out to find the relation between subclinical endometritis (SCE) and postpartum (pp.) ovarian resumption as well as to evaluate serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP in buffaloes with and without SCE. Thirty-nine pluriparous buffaloes at the 3rd (W3), 5th (W5) and 7th (W7) week pp. were involved in this experiment. The parity of the buffaloes ranged from 4 to 8 with an average 5.8±0.2. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in uterine cytology obtained from endometrial cytobrush at W5 and W7. The cut-off point of PMNs% in buffaloes for SCE was ≥ 6% at W5 or ≥ 4% at W7. According to PMNs%, buffaloes were divided into SCE group (n=27) and non-SCE group (n=12). Ovarian cyclicity was monitored by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone assay at W3, W5 and W7. Serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP were estimated at W5 and W7. Buffaloes with SCE (55.6%) showed delayed ovarian activity as compared to non-SCE (16.7%) animals (P=0.036). Significant increase in serum cytokines and CRP levels were detected at W5 (P ˂0.05) and W7 (P <0.01) in SCE buffaloes as compared to non-SCE. Endometrial levels of cytokines were significantly (P ˂0.05) elevated in SCE buffaloes. Serum and endometrial cytokines showed significant positive correlation. Furthermore, levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP exhibited significant positive correlation with PMNs%. In conclusion, SCE delayed postpartum ovarian cyclicity in buffaloes. Moreover, TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP assessments could be efficient tools in prediction of SCE in buffaloes.

Abstract Quality of life drastically diminished after radiotherapy due to radiation induced oral complications. Fluoride was found to be helpful in decreasing the incidence of radiation caries; however it has not led to elimination of dental caries. Thus, new techniques containing low fluoride concentration or not containing fluoride at all, as laser irradiation, have been studied to prevent the beginning or progression of caries. So the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of laser surface treatment with or without fluoride on microhardness and ultrastructure of demineralized gamma irradiated enamel; Thirty enamel slabs were allocated into three groups (n=10): G slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation only; GL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by diode laser and GFL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by fluoride then diode laser. Slabs were then exposed to demineralizing solution for 72 hours. Examination of slabs was performed using vickers microhardness test and scanning electron microscope; The lowest microhardness was recorded in group G, while inGL and GFL groups it significantly increased. Scanning electron microscope revealed a pronounced loss of central prism core and retention of prism peripheries in group G. Confluence of prismatic and interprismatic structures in GL slabs and irregular rough surface with prismatic boundaries conservation in GFL slabs were detected. Applying laser improved the microhardness and counteracted the adverse effect of gamma radiation. Adding fluoride before laser irradiation had a marked effect on microhardness..

A simple, precise, specific and accurate reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) method has been developed for the determination of solifenacin succinate (SOLS), flavoxate HC1 (FLXHC) and toltoridine tartarate (TOLT) in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The proposed RP-HPLC method was carried out using XterraRP-18 column (5 μm practical size, 25 cm x 4.6 mm i.d.). The flow rate, the injection volume and the detection wavelength were 1.0 μL/min, 20 μL and 200 nm, respectively. The mobile phase consisted of 0.05 M pentane sulfonic acid sodium salt (SOLS: pH 3.0±0.05, FLXHC and TOLT: pH 5.5±0.05) and acetonitrile (50:50 v/v). The retention times for SOLS, FLXHC and TOLT drugs were found to be 4.1±0.1 min, 4.3±0.0 min and 5.8±0.1 min, respectively. The calibration was linear over the concentration range of 0.1-100 μg/μL. The mean recoveries for SOLS, FLXHC and TOLT drugs were about 99.80%, 100.43% and 100.00%, respectively. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness.

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Hydatidosis is the result of infection with the larval stages of some species of the genus Echinococcus. Treatment approaches for hydatid cysts include the use of albendazole, surgery, and/or medico-surgical procedures. The choice of the therapeutic surgical approach depends on the cyst number and localization, surgeon expertise, and presence of complications. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of the following therapeutic approaches for the treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts: pericystectomy; the puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) technique; and the PAIR technique followed by deroofing, evacuation of cysts, and omentoplasty.METHODS:The 54 patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I (14 patients) who underwent pericystectomy, Group II (23 patients) who underwent the PAIR technique, and Group III (17 patients) who underwent the PAIR technique followed by deroofing and omentoplasty. The diagnosis of hydatid cysts was based on serological testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, abdominal ultrasound, and parasitological examination of the cyst contents. Morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, recurrence, and postoperative complications were evaluated.RESULTS:Postoperative bleeding, infection, and recurrence were reported in Groups I and II; Group III did not experience postoperative infection and had shorter hospital stays. Recurrence and postoperative complications did not occur in Group III.CONCLUSIONS:The partial surgical procedure with deroofing, evacuation of the cysts, and omentoplasty, as performed in the present study, is recommended as a safe and effective method for elimination of the entire parasite with minimal possibility for intra-peritoneal spillage.

Reaction of (Z)-4-((dmethylamino)methylene)-1-phenylpyrazolidine-3,5-dione (1) with different nucleophiles is described. Treatment of enaminone 1 with phenylhydrazine led to 3-oxo-W,2-diphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazide 7. New enaminone derivatives 2-6 and 12-14 were conveniently obtained in high yields via nucleophilic substitution of the dimethylamino group in enaminone 1 when reacted with o-aminophenol, o-aminothiophenol, ethanolamine, cysteamine hydrochloride, piperidine, morpholine, 2-aminopyridine and glycine. Reaction of enaminone 1 with diaza-nucleophiles, such as hydrazine hydrate, ethylenediamine and o-phenylenediamine, afforded the corresponding bis-enaminones 9-11. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of some new products were evaluated. Compounds 1, 2, 4, 7, 12a, and 12b showed high anti-inflammatory activity compared with indomethacin as the reference, while the highest antimicrobial effect was observed in the case of compound 3.

Se describe la reacción de (Z)- 1-fenil-4-((dimetilamino) metilen)pirazolidin-3,5-diona (1) con diferentes nucleófilos. El tratamiento de la enaminona 1 con fenilhidrazina condujo a la N', 2-difenil-2,3-dihidro-3-oxo-1H-pirazol-4-carbohidrazida 7. Los nuevos derivados enaminónicos 2-6 y 12-14 se obtuvieron convenientemente en elevados rendimientos vía sustitución nucleofílica del grupo dimetilamino en la enaminona 1 cuando reaccionó con o-aminofenol, o-aminotiofenol, etanolamina, clorhidrato de cisteamina, piperidina, morfolina, 2-aminopiridina y glicina. La reacción de 1 con diaza-nucleófilos, tales como hidrato de hidrazina, etilendiamina y o-fenildiamina, proporcionó las bis-enaminonas correspondientes 9-11. Se evaluó la actividad anti-inflamatoria y antimicrobiana de algunos productos nuevos. Los compuestos 1, 2, 4, 7, 12a y 12b mostraron elevada actividad anti-inflamatoria en comparación a la indometacina como compuesto de referencia, mientras que se observó la más elevada actividad antimicrobiana para el compuesto 3.

OBJETIVO: o presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar o estado oxidante-antioxidante em crianc¸as egípcias com anemia falciforme.MÉTODOS: dosamos os níveis séricos da capacidade antioxidante total (CAT), paraoxonase (PON), vitamina E, nitrito e malondialdeído (MDA) em 40 crianças estáveis com anemia falciforme homozigótica (24 meninos e 16 meninas), e 20 controles pareados por idade/sexo aparente-mente saudáveis.RESULTADOS: os níveis séricos médios da CAT, PON, vitamina E e nitrito foram significativamente menores, ao passo que o nível sérico médio de MDA foi significativamente maior em crianças com anemia falciforme (AF), em comparação aos controles. Não foram encontradasdiferenças significativas nos níveis médios de CAT, PON, nitrito, vitamina E e MDA em pacientescom AF em tratamento com hidroxiureia, em comparação aos que receberam hidroxiureia. Encontramos uma correlação negativa significativa entre o nitrito sérico e a ocorrência decrises vaso-oclusivas agudas (CVO) (r = -0,3, p = 0,04). Descobrimos que o nível de PON está correlacionado positivamente com o peso e o IMC dos pacientes (r = -0,4; p = 0,01; r = -0,7; p < 0,001, respectivamente), porém não com a frequência de CVO. A área sob a curva (ASC) donitrito sérico na previsão da ocorrência de CVO foi 0,782, em comparação a 0,701 para PON e 0,650 para CAT (p = 0,006). O MDA não está correlacionado a nitrito, PON, CAT ou vitamina E. Não foram detectadas correlações significativas entre nitrito sérico e hemoglobina ou enzimas antioxidantes.CONCLUSÃO: crianças com AF apresentam estresse oxidativo crônico que pode resultar emaumento das CVO. Em crianças com AF, a redução nos níveis de nitrito sérico pode estar associada a aumentos da frequência de CVO. Um n ovo achado neste estudo é a redução no nível de PON em pacientes com AF, que é um campo interessante de novas pesquisas.

OBJECTIVE:the present study was conducted to investigate the oxidant-antioxidant status in Egyptian children with sickle cell anemia.METHODS:the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAO), paraoxonase (PON), vitamin E, nitrite, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 40 steady state children with homozygous sickle cell anemia (24 males and 16 females) and 20 apparently healthy age- and gender-matched controls.RESULTS:mean serum TAO, PON, vitamin E, and nitrite levels were significantly lower in the group with sickle cell anemia, whereas mean serum MDA was significantly higher in these children compared to controls. No significant differences in mean levels of TAO, PON, nitrite, vitamin E, and MDA were found in sickle cell anemia patients receiving hydroxyurea when compared with those not receiving hydroxyurea. A significant negative correlation between serum nitrite and the occurrence of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) was observed (r = -0.3, p = 0.04). PON level was found to be positively correlated with patients' weight and BMI (r = -0.4, p = 0.01; r = -0.7, p < 0.001, respectively), but not with frequency of VOC. The area under the curve of serum nitrite in predicting occurrence of VOC was 0.782, versus 0.701 for PON, and 0.650 for TAO (p = 0.006). Serum MDA was not correlated with nitrite, PON, TAO, or vitamin E levels. No significant correlations were detected between serum nitrite and hemoglobin or antioxidant enzymes.CONCLUSION:children with sickle cell anemia have chronic oxidative stress that may result in increased VOC, and decreased serum nitrite may be associated with increases in VOC frequency. A novel finding in this study is the decrease in PON level in these patients, which is an interesting subject for further research.