Impact of coffee on haeme and non-haeme iron absorption and haematogenic characteristics in adult male rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of coffee drink supplementation on absorption of non-haeme, haeme iron and iron status in adult male rats. Thirty six adult male albino rats, Sprague Drawly stain, weighing 150 +/- 5 g were housed individually in cage and fed basal diet for one week for adaptation. At the beginning of experiment, 1 ml blood sample were taken to determine hemoglobin [Hb], haematocrit [Ht], red blood cell [RBC], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], serum iron [SI], serum ferritin [SF] total iron-binding capacity [TIBC] and transferring saturation [TS]. As the data contained basis, the rats were divided into six groups, 6 rats per group. The first, second and third groups fed liver diet as a source of haeme iron 25 g dry liver/kg diet. The fourth, fifth and sixth groups fed thyme diet as a source of non-haeme iron 37.9 g dry thyme leaves/kg diet. The first and the fourth groups were animal control group and plant control group, respectively. The second and fifth groups supplemented with coffee drink [0.5 g/kg body weight of rat] orally by gavages daily. The third and sixth groups supplemented with coffee drink [1g/kg body weight of rat] orally by gavages daily. All groups fed experimental diets for eight weeks. Hb, Ht, RBC, MCV, SI, SF, TIBC and TS were determined at 30 and 60 day of the experimental period. By end of experimental period iron intake, Fe in Feces, Fe in liver and Fe absorption in rats were also evaluated. Coffee had high amount of e-vanillic, Feruilic, alpha coumaric, Benzoic, pyrogallol and catechein. Animal groups had higher Fe absorption, Fe in liver and lower Fe in feces than plant groups. Fe in feces was increased and the Fe in liver and Fe absorption were decreased by increasing the coffee drink supplementation in both groups. At 50 day of experimental period, Hb, Ht and RBC in animal and plant groups supplemented with 1g coffee drink were reduced by 5.87%, 5.56% and 10.60%, 48.69%, 27.24% and 37.85% as compared with animal control group and plant control group, respectively. However, MCV had an opposite trend. The SI, SF, and TS in animal groups were not affected by coffee drink supplementation level and experimental period. Supplementation of rats with coffee drink reduced SI, SF and TS and increased TIBC in plant groups. But supplementation of rats with I g coffee drink was more effective in reducing SI, SF and TS and increasing of TIBC in plant groups

Cognitive competency of Filipino nurses working in some hospitals of Taif city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Nurses give care to diverse client population, which necessitates that, they should be culturally competent. Competence in cross cultural practice is a process requiring experience and continued interest in learning and in sharpening cultural assessment and communication skills. Toinvestigate the cognitive competency of Filipino nurses working in five hospitals at Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study evaluates strength of self-efficacy perception of thenurses, on the cognitive constructs and the difference among the strength of self-efficacy perception of the nurses when grouped according to their demographic profiles. Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool [TSET] Kit was used to measure the cognitive competency of three hundred and seven respondent Filipino nurses working in five hospitals of Taif City. The strength of self -efficacy perceptions of the nurses within the cognitive constructs shows that the five highest means score dealt with "safety", "hygiene", "Informed consent", "pain relief and comfort" and "life support and resuscitation" while the five lowest scores dealt with "Health History and Interview", "Sexuality", "Birth", "Pregnancy" and "Diagnostic Test". The differences among the strength of self -efficacy perception of the nurses on the cognitive construct when grouped according to seven demographic profiles shows that only three of the demographics were different in some of the cognitive construct variables. These were work setting, department and preferred position. The findings of the present study suggest in-service educational training to all nurses on transcultural nursing to enhance their cultural competencies.In addition, Arabic Language training is recommended as one of the requirements for new nurse applicants

Light and electron microscopic study on the vomeronasal neuroepithelium in the rat

The vomeronasal organ [VNO] is a chemosensory structure involved in the detection of pheromones in most mammals. Light microscopic and ultrastructural techniques were used to study the morphological structure of the rat VNO in Ten adult male albino rats. Two types of epithelium have been distinguished in the rat vomeronasal organ: Sensory and nonsensory epithelium. At the light microscopical level, distinctive morphological features can be distinguished which illustrate important differences between the two types of epithelia e.g. The Sensory epithelium is thicker than the nonsensory epithelium. Sensory epithelium containing 3 types of cells: supporting cells [SCs], vomeronasal receptor neurons [VRNs] and basal cells [BCs]. nonsensory epithelium containing 2 types of cells: columnar ciliated and basal cells. The differences between the two epithelial layers become more obvious at the electron microscopical level. Compound tubuloacinar vomeronasal glands are observed in submucosa of the vomeronasal epithelium. Their cytoplasm contains secretory granules of different electron density. The presence of nerve terminals contacting glandular cells suggests participation of the nervous system in the regulation of the secretory activity of the vomeronasal glands. Understanding the ultras tructural results of the tissue components of this vomeronasal Organ may shed light on its function

role of proinsulin in gestational diabetes mellitus

To look for any increase in proinsulin or proinsulin/insulin ratio in women suffering GDM as an additional factor to their insulin resistance state during pregnancy; and to test for its reversibility in the post partum period. The study was conducted on 30 pregnant age matched women in their second or third trimester and 10 age matched non pregnant normoglycemic women as a reference group. The pregnant women were divided into 3 groups each of ten as follow: normoglycemic women with normal OGTT as a control group, obese women with GDM and lean women with GDM. All women were subjected to full history taking and complete clinical examination. The following parameters were measured: diagnostic OGTT using 100 gm glucose, fasting serum proinsulin, fasting serum insulin, serum C-peptide, proinsulin/insulin ratio and insulin sensitivity. All these tests were repeated 4-8 weeks postpartum. The results of the study revealed that the serum levels of proinsulin and the proinsulin/insulin ratio were significantly higher in obese and lean women with GDM than the control and reference groups during pregnancy and also after delivery. The insulin sensitivity index was significantly lower and the relative resistance for insulin was significantly higher in GDM women compared with normal glucose tolerant pregnant women during pregnancy, while after delivery the sensitivity index was significantly higher than during pregnancy in GDM women as well as pregnant women with normal OGTT. The mean values of C-peptide were significantly higher in GDM patients versus control and reference groups during pregnancy. After delivery these mean values of C-peptide were significantly lower than during pregnancy in the three pregnant studied groups. Women with GOM are characterized by elevated serum proinsulin concentrations and increased proinsulin/insulin ratio which reflect beta-cell decompensation. These precursors molecules might thus serve as a marker for the disease and potentially even identify the subjects of high risk for development of type 2 diabetes. Also, it may be possible to detect such beta-cell stress earlier in pregnancy and to use this phenomena in the assistance of better prediction of GDM

Eotaxin and other immunological markers, metabolic and anthropometric factors in relation to circulating adiponectin level in type 2 diabetic patients and individuals with impaired glucose metabolism

Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with insulin resistance and predicts the incidence of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. Chronic subclinical inflammation and activation of innate immunity are involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Since obesity is associated with hypoadiponectinemia and with increased circulating levels of various immunological markers, which are both major risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes, so the aim of this study was to investigate the association of hypoadiponectinemia and low grade systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients as well as subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Sixty male age matched subjects were included in the study. They were divided into 3 groups each of twenty as follows: newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [group I], patients with impaired glucose tolerance [group II] and healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance [group Ill] as a control group. Patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination stressing on blood pressure, BMI and WHR; laboratory investigations including FPG, PPG, HbA1C, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR index, lipid profile [TG, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C], serum uric acid, serum adiponectin and some immunological markers including WBC, acute phase reactants [CRP], TN F-alpha and eotaxin. In type 2 diabetic patients, plasma adiponectin levels were strongly negatively correlated with CRP, fasting TG, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and fasting glucose [P < 0.001] and strongly positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol [P < 0.001]. Inverse correlations were found between adiponectin levels and WHR, postprandial glucose, and TNF-alpha [P < 0.05]. No significant correlation was found between adiponectin level and eotaxin [P > 0.05]. In subjects with IGT, an inverse relation was found between adiponectin and fasting glucose [P < 0.05]. The mean values of immunological markers [eotaxin, TNF-alpha, CRP and WBC] were significantly higher in type 2 diabetics versus control group. Subjects with IGT showed significant lower levels of eotaxin and TNF-alpha than diabetic patients, while they showed significant higher levels of eotaxin, TN F-alpha and CRP than controls [P < 0.05]. The mean value of adiponectin was significantly lower in type 2 diabetic patients than in subjects with IGT and the control group [P < 0.05]. The studied clinical and anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, parameters of glycemic control, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in group I versus group II and the control group [P < 0.05]. Our results support the hypothesis that hypoadiponectinemia may be associated with low grade inflammation, metabolic abnormalities and dyslipidemia. Therefore, adiponectin may be an important link between inflammation and type 2 diabetes as it was negatively correlated with markers of inflammation in such patients

Seroprevalenc of HIV/AIDS among pregnant Sudanese women

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Sudan is 1.6-6.0%. With the advent of peace, the disease is expected to be on the rise. The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in pregnant Sudanese women so as to prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission. In a pilot study conducted at antenatal clinics in 5 Sudanese Teaching Hospitals, five teams were trained in the basic skills of counseling, diagnosis and management of HIV/AIDS. Rapid Test [Uni-gold HIV-1/HIV-2], Serodia HIV-1/2, and Western blot [INNP-LIA HIV-1/2 SCORE] tests were used. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS was found to be 0.8%. This pilot study led to establishment of seven Antenatal clinics for prevention of mother_to-child transmission in different parts of the country. Qualified teams composed of an Obstetrician, Paediatrician, pharmacist, Social worker, Health visitor, midwife, Laboratory Technician and a counselor provided counseling, testing and management for pregnant women and children of HIVpositive mothers. 57793 pregnant women attended antenatal clinics during the period August 2007-August 2008. Out of these 25941 [44.9%] were counseled; however only 5959 [23.0%] accepted to be tested for HIV. 39 positive cases were found, making the prevalence rate of 0.65%. Patients were managed and the babies were given antiretroviral treatment. Breast feeding was advised. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is about 1.6-6% in the country, it is still low in pregnant women. A great effort should be done on Voluntary Counseling and Testing [VCT]; and effective preventive measures should be taken

Effect of vitamin E an antioxidant and deferoxamine an Iron chelator on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats

Gentamicin [GM] is widely used as a bactericidal agent for the treatment of severe gram negative infections. However, its clinical use is partially limited due to its nephrotoxicity. The present study was designed to investigate a possible protective role of vitamin E and / or deferoxamine against GM nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats by GM [80 mg/ kg/d, IP] for 8 days characterized by increased serum creatinine, blood urea and renal malondialdehyde [MDA], decreased serum albumin in addition to proximal tubular necrosis. Treatment of rats with iron [8 mg/kg/d, IM] for 8 days with GM significantly potentiated GM-induced increases in serum creatinine, blood urea and renal malondialdehyde, decreased serum albumin and exacerbated renal histological damage. Deferoxamine [100 mg/kg/d, IP] was given for 11 days significantly reduced GM-induced increases in serum creatinine, blood urea and renal malondialdehyde, and ameliorated proximal tubular damage. Similarly, pretreatment of rats with vitamin E [250 mg/kg/d, orally] for 11 days with GM given during the last 8 days of treatment, was effective in GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Combined use of deferoxamine and vitamin E was more effective in mitigating disturbances in the assessed parameters. The present work indicates that vitamin E [due to antioxidant activity] and deferoxamine [due to iron chelating and antioxidant activities] have potential protective effects against GM nephrotoxicity

Effect of simulated microgravity on testicular structure of the adult albino rat: histological and histochemical study

As space flight becomes more commonplace, the influence of physiological and histological changes associated with the microgravity environment become of greater concern. The aim of this work is to determine the effect of simulated microgravity on the testis of rats and to evaluate the possibility of spermatogenesis failure in space environment. Thirty adult male albino rats were used in this experiment and were divided into control and experimental groups. The rats of control group remained nonsuspended without inguinal canal ligation. The experimental group was divided into three subgroups, the rats of subgroup I were tail-suspended with inguinal canal ligation for one week. The rats of subgroup II were tailsuspended with inguinal canal ligation for six weeks. The rats of subgroup III [recovery] were tail-suspended with inguinal canal ligation for six weeks then left without suspension for another six weeks. Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Periodic Acid Schiff. The semithin sections were stained with toluidine blue. Frozen sections were cut for demonstration of succinic dehydrogenase enzyme. The results of the present study demonstrated few abnormalities in some seminiferous tubules of subgroup I. In subgroup II, the seminiferous epithelium revealed more pronounced destructive changes in which most of the germ cells were depleted and proliferation of interstitial cells of Leydig was also noticed. The seminiferous epithelium in the recovery subgroup looked almost normal containing full complement of germ cells. These findings have significant reflections concerning serious effects of long-term exposure to microgravity on the testes of mammals including human beings

Plasma total homocysteine levels in patients with tType 1 diabetes: effect of chronic cigarette smoking

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare plasma total homocysteine [tHcy] levels, a recognized cardiovascular risk factor, in non-diabetic subjects and type 1 diabetic patients, and to evaluate whether chronic cigarette smoking had a deleterious effect on plasma tHcy levels in these patients. Subjects and To achieve this aim, plasma tHcy concentrations were measured in 50 young type 1 diabetic patients without clinical evidence of macroangiopathy and in 50 healthy control subjects who were matched for age, sex, BMI and smoking habit. It was found that plasma tHcy levels were significantly higher in type 1 diabetic patients than in control subjects [12.5 +/- 4.9 vs 10.3 +/- 2.3micro mol/l, P<0.01]. Comparing the clinical and biochemical characteristics of diabetic subjects grouped according to smoking status, diabetic smokers had higher levels of plasma triglycerides, but no significant differences were found in age, sex, BMI, total cholesterol, creatinine, glycometabolic control, blood pressure, duration of diabetes, and the presence of chronic microvascular complications. Nevertheless, plasma tHcy levels were markedly elevated in diabetic smokers [by -50%] versus nonsmokers, [15.5 +/- 5.6 vs 10.6 +/- 2.9 micro mol/l, P<0.0001] in a dose-dependent fashion, when subjects were categorized for the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Conclusions: We concluded that chronic cigarette smoking seems to adversely affect plasma tHcy levels in young adults with type 1 diabetes

Effect of food consistency on the structure of parotid gland of adult male albino rat: histological and immunohistochemical study

Eighteen adult male albino rats were employed to investigate the histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes in the parotid gland after feeding with liquid diet. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the significance of mastication on the structure of parotid glands. The rats were divided into three groups, six rats each. Group I [control]: the animals were fed the hard and liquefied diet. Group II: the animals were fed a liquefied diet only for ten days. Group III: were fed the liquid diet for ten days then the hard diet for one week. After anesthesia, small pieces of the parotid gland were processed for paraffin sections and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain, and avidin-biotin complex technique for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Ultrathin sections were prepared for electron microscopic examination. After liquid diet feeding [Group II], the parotid gland revealed disorganized acini and change in the nuclear shape in the acinar cells. Group III revealed multiple round clear areas in the cytoplasm of acinar cells with large rounded nuclei and some mitotic figures. Immunohistochemically, the liquid diet feeding has resulted in a higher concentration of actin-positive cells in the glandular tissue than in the control group. These actin-positive reactions have later been decreased and appeared as a few positive reactions at the acinar periphery after hard diet re-feeding [Group III]. Ultrastructurally, after liquid diet feeding, the acinar cells showed an apparent decrease in the number of secretory granules. In group III, the heterogeneous secretory granules were seen in some acinar cells. These results demonstrate that the morphology of the parotid serous acini depends on the masticatory reflex stimulation, and suggest that mastication plays an important role in the regeneration of the parotid glands

Prognostic value of serum leptin in patients with acute myefogenous leukemia

Aim: Leptin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes that regulates body weight and energy expenditure. Leptin receptors can be expressed by acute myelogenous leukemia [AML] cells and leptin may affect leukemic hematopoiesis. In addition, leptin may function as a stress-related hormone and may contribute to the anorexia and wasting syndrome of cancer and infections. The present work aimed at estimating the serum leptin level in patients with AML at presentation and after induction chemotherapy in order to extrapolate its possible alteration with infection in these patients and its role in influencing hematopoietic recovery following chemotherapy. Subjects and Thirteen newly diagnosed AML patients, 7 males and 6 females [mean age: 40.54 +/- 13.5 years] and ten healthy age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Serum leptin was estimated by the ELLSA technique. In AML patients, the pretreatment mean serum leptin [15.8 +/- 19.8 ng/ml] did not differ significantly from the controls [8.25 +/- 7.25 ng/ml]. Post-chemotherapy, the mean serum leptin level [12.1 +/- 14 ng/ml] decreased compared to the pre-therapy level. However, this decrease was not statistically significant. A significant positive correlation was found between serum leptin and body mass index [BMI], both at presentation [r=0.777, P=0.002] and post-chemotherapy [r=0.557: P=0.048], and serum leptin was significantly higher in female as compared to male patients before and after chemotherapy [P=0.001 and P=0.024, respectively]. No significant correlation was found between serum leptin and any of the studied parameters [hemoglobin, total leukocytic count, platelet count, bone marrow blast percent, absolute neutrophilic count and days to hematopoietic recovery]. Also, no significant difference was found between patients who achieved complete remission [n=6] and those who achieved partial remission [n=5] regarding the serum leptin both before and after therapy. Comparing the mean serum leptin levels in patients who developed chemotherapy-induced neutropenic sepsis [n=11] and those who did not develop sepsis [n=2], the level was significantly higher in the former than in the latter, both before [P-0.005] and after [P=0.012] chemotherapy. Conclusions: The findings of the present study support the hypothesis that leptin is a stress-related hormone involved in the host defense of acute inflammation and may be important for survival. However, further studies are warranted to clarify the potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic roles of leptin in patients with AML

possible role of mycobacterium bovis in extra pulmonary tuberculosis: an oxyR allel-specific PCR based mycobacterial species differentiation

To evaluate the possible role of bovine tubercle bacillus in extrapulmonary tuberculosis, 100 patients with extrapulmonary disease using a new method for bacilli differentiation [the oxyR allele- specific PCR] were studied. Sixty-eight of them were from rural and sub-rural areas and 32 were from urban areas. Also, 21% of them were workers, 14% were farmers, 22% have no job, 14% housewives, 6% children, 3% engineers, 9% students and 8% butchers. Patients who gave positive culture for mycobacteria [46 patients] were subjected to oxyR allele-specific PCR assay to differentiate the type of bacilli. The study concluded that the absence of bovine bacilli in all patients is an evidence of a control of bovine tuberculosis in Egypt. OxyR allele-specific PCR is an invaluable, rapid and accurate test for bacilli differentiation

Axial bone mineral density and peripheral neuropathy in type 1 diabetic patients

To investigate whether peripheral neuropathy [PN], as part of the microangiopathic complex, can affect bone mineral density [BMD] of the axial skeleton in patients with type 1 diabetes. Material and Three studied groups where examined. Group 1 comprised 15 males with type 1 diabetes and severe PN, with a mean duration of diabetes of 11.07 +/- 2.31 years and an HbA1c of 9.40 +/- 1.01%. Group 2 comprised 15 male type 1 diabetic patients with absent or mild PN, matched to patients of group 1 regarding age, weight, and duration of diabetes. Group 3 comprised 15 control subjects. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] of the axial skeleton. In group 1, BMD was significantly reduced in the axial skeleton compared with an expected Z score of 0 [spine -1.26 +/- 0.52]. To a lesser extent, but still significantly reduced, group 2 also showed reduced BMD values [spine -0.54 +/- 0.16], whereas group 3 had normal BMD values [spine, -0.19 +/- 0.23]. Group 1 had lower mean BMD level than group 2 and group 3 at the measured sites, which was statistically significant [P< 0.001]. No significant differences in physical activity levels or serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, were demonstrated between the two patient groups. Conclusions: The present results suggest that in patients with type 1 diabetes PN may be an independent risk factor for reduced BMD in the axial skeleton

Prevalence of post partum depression among women with high risk factors

The aim of this study was to identify the high risk factors for depression among pregnant women and to detect the postpartum depression among those with high risk factors. The sample consisted of 882 Egyptian women registering for antenatal clinics at the Health Center and the University Hospital. Forty-two mothers were lost for follow up for various reasons and the remaining number of the mothers consented to complete the tools for data collection. A structured interview questionnaire sheet for personal and medical information, life event stress sheet to detect the different levels of stress and an Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory to assess postpartum depression were used for data collection. The findings revealed that 620 mothers had risk factors for developing postpartum depression. The prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers with risk factors was 11.1, also some risk factors were found out to make the mothers more exposed to the postpartum depression. From these factors, life event stress, history of depression, low income level and medical serious diseases

sICAM-1 AND beta[2]microglobulin as markers of disease activity in psoriasis

Background: PASI score is used in evaluating the extent and severity of psoriasis. However, it is a subjective method with several limitations. Attention have been recently focused on some systemic immunological and inflammatory parameters useful in monitoring of psoriasis activity

Aim of work: was to detect whether the level of sICAM-1 and serum Beta 2 microglobulin could be useful parameters in monitoring the activity of psoriasis or not

Patients and Methods: This study included 40 psoriatic patients and 20 healthy controls. The patients were classified into two groups: The first group: Consisted of 20 patients in active phase of psoriasis, 10 of them were erythrodermic psoriasis and the other 10 were psoriasis vulgaris. The second group consisted of 20 patients in remission phase of psoriasis. The patients were submitted to detailed history taking, complete clinical and dermatological examinations, detection of the extent and severity of psoriatic lesions using PASI score, estimation of serum ICAM-1 and B[2]microglobulin levels by ELISA, and statistical analysis of the results was done

Results: Statistically significant elevation of sICAM-1 and P-, microglobulin levels was found in all psoriatic patients [active and remission] when compared to those of the normal control group. Statistical significant increase was found in sICAM-1 and B[2]microglobulin of patients in active psoriasis compared to those in remission phase. Statistical significant increase in sICAM-1 of active psoriasis vulgaris was found when compared to that of patients in remission phase and sICAM-1 of erythrodermic psoriasis compared to that of patients in remission phase. Statistical significant increase was found in P[2]microglobulin of patients with erythrodermic psoriasis compared to that of patients in remission phase but no statistical significant difference in B[2]microglobulin was found between patients with active psoriasis vulgaris compared to that of patients in remission phase. There was a statistical significant positive correlation between PASI score and sICAM-1 level, between PASI score and beta[2] microglobulin level and between sICAM-1 and B[2]microglobulin levels in all patients

Conclusion: sICAM-1 and 2 microglobulin are useful markers in monitoring the activity of psoriasis

Correlation of bone mineral density with peripheral neuropathy in patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

To investigate whether peripheral neuropathy [PN], as part of the microangiopathic complex, can affect bone mineral density [BMD] of the axial skeleton in patients with type 1 diabetes. Three studied groups where examined. Group 1 comprised 15 males with type 1 diabetes and severe PN with a mean duration of diabetes of 11.07 +/- 2.31 years and an HbA1c% of 9.40+ 1.01.Group2 comprised 15 males type 1 diabetic patients with absent or mild PN matched to patients of group 1 regarding age, weight, and duration of diabetes. Group3 comprised 15 control subjects. BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] of the axial skeleton. In group 1, BMD was significantly reduced in the axial skeleton compared with an expected Z score of 0 [spine, -1.26 +/- 0.52]. To a lesser exlent, but still significantly, group 2 also showed reduced BMD values [spine, -0.54 +/- 0.16],whereas group 3 had normal BMD values [spine, -0.19 +/- 0.23]. Group 1 had lower mean BMD level than group 2 and group 3 at the measured sites which was statistically significant [analysis of variance, P< 0.001]. No significant differences in physical activity levels or serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, were demonstrated between the two patient groups. The present results suggest that in patients with type 1 diabetes PN may be an independent risk factor for reduced BMD in the axial skeleton

Association of fasting and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes

Purpose: serum triglyceride level are important in the development of atherosclerosis. To investigate the role of fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels in atherosclerosis, we examined the correlation between FTG and PTG and Carotid intimal - medial thickness [IMT]. Material and methods: carotid IMT was measured by ultrasonography in 50 patients with type 2 diabetes. Plasma glucose [PG], insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels were measured after overnight fasting and 4 h after a meal. we classified patients into the following three groups: patients with fTG level <150mg/dl and PTG levels <200mg/dl formed the normo-normo group [NN] [n=24]. Patients with fTG levels <150 mg/dl and PTG levels <200 mg/dl formed the normo-hypergroup [NH] [n=12]. Patients with fTG levels <150 mg/dl and PTG levels >200 mg/dl formed the hyper-hyper group [HH] [n=14]. Carotid IMT was [0.72 +/- 0.12 mm], [0.86 +/- 0.13], and [0.87 +/- 0.12] for the NN, NH, and HH groups respectively. There was statistically significant difference of carotid IMT between HN and NN groups, and also between HH and NN groups [P< 0.01] but not between HH and HN groups [p< 0.05]. Although postprandial PG, pTG and fasting LDL cholesterol were all independently correlated with carotid IMT, pTG levels had the strongest statistical influence [p = 0.002]. postprandial hypertriglyceridemia despite normal fTG levels may be an independent risk factor for early atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes

effect of physical activity during pregnancy on preterm delivery and birth weight

A historical cohort study was carried out to assess the impact of employment during pregnancy on the foetal birth weight and the duration of pregnancy. 517 pregnant Sudanese women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies and certain dates were studied, 131 had been employed during current pregnancy. Employment was associated with a preterm delivery of 6.9% compared to 4.9% in housewives, a difference, which is not statistically significant. However post term delivery is significantly increased in housewives. 9.3% compared to 2.3% in the employees. There was no significant deference in the birth weight of the two groups. Working duration in terms of total number of calendar months worked, or working hours per week was associated with a non- significant increase of preterm labour and low birth weight in working mothers. Feeling of fatigue was significantly associated with decreased pregnancy duration and low birth weight among both employed and unemployed housewives. It is concluded that employment during pregnancy does not precipitate preterm delivery, or result in preterm babies

Effect of natural honey on gingivitis associated pregnancy

This work aimed to investigate the effect of natural honey on gingivitis associated pregnancy. The study divided 49 pregnant women suffering from gingivitis in the 2nd and the 3rd trimester free from medical and obstetrical disorders into two groups: Group I included 25 pregnant women receiving honey and instruction and Group II included 24 pregnant women receiving routine dental care and served as controls. A follow up evaluation was done. Data were collected by using graduated periodontal prop and observational sheet for the evaluation of the degree of improvement of gingivitis and periodontal pockets. The results revealed that there was a rapid improvement in clinical characteristics and the mean value of gingival pocket was reduced rapidly in the experimental group with no improvement in the control group