Dose monitoring of health care workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in Mansoura university hospitals

This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of radiation safety in Mansoura University Hospitals [MUHs] and to establish practical dose constraint [DC] for medical application. The study has been conducted upon health care workers [HCWs] occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in various diagnostic and therapeutic activities in six health premises of MUHs. Four medical applications [radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, general radiology and interventional radiology] and five specialties [medical doctors, physicists, technicians, nurses and non-classified personals] were accounted. Doses were measured on a quarterly basis using thermoluniscent dosimeters [TLD-badges], while pocket dosimeters were used whenever TLD was not available. The annual doses were collected to build up a data base for years 1994-2005. The results show that TLD-badges were used in best situation in Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Dept. to cover less than one third of the exposed HCWs. The occupational doses showed a highly significant difference [p<0.0001] depending on the field of medical application. It is found that HCWs in radiotherapy were exposed to an average annual dose of 1.36 +/- 0.61mSv/y. For interventional radiology, the mean annual dose was found 2.25 +/- 2.47mSv/y unlike that of general radiology 1.07 +/- 0.65mSv/y. The largest sources of occupational exposure came from fluoroscopic radiology .equipments [1.76 +/- 0.92mS/y] followed by Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine [1.12 +/- 0.72mS/y]. The study showed that about 90% of HCWs received doses less than 2mSv/y and only 1.39% reported doses 5mSv or above. Dose constraint level can be set at 2mSv/y in premises of MUHs that may be considered achievable ceiling value referring to acceptably applied practices rather than optimized ones

Tc-99m Tetrofosmin imaging for viability assessment in osseous and soft tissue sarcomas in response to chemotherapy: blood pool or retention index?

The aim of the work was to evaluate the role of Tc-99m tetrofosmin in the assessment of the response of bone and soft tissue sarcomas to chemotherapy. In this study, 14 cases with histologically-proved osseous and soft tissue sarcomas were evaluated using Tc-99m tetrofosmin as an indicator of viable tumors for the assessment of chemotherapeutic induced response. Scanning was done at 10 minutes and 30 minutes after radiopharmaceutical injection with the calculation of tumor to non-tumor uptake ratios and retention indices. A significant correlation was found between the prechemotherapy 30 minutes tumor to non-tumor uptake ratio and the retention index of Tc-99m tetrofosmin as compared with the standard histologic grading of the chemotherapeutic effect. Moreover, post chemotherapy 10 minutes tumor to non-tumor uptake ratio was significantly correlated to such histologic grading. It was concluded that Tc-99m tetrofosmin is a good predictor of the tumor response to chemotherapy in osseous and soft tissue sarcomas

Ictal and interictal Tc-99M HM-PAO brain perfusion spect in medically intractable epilepsy: Addition of substraction technique

Twenty-one patients [15 males and 6 females] aged 23.7 +/- 6.9 years were presented with partial [focal] seizures intractable to medical therapy and candidates for surgery. All of them were subjected to brain perfusion SPECT using Tc-99 HM-PAO [10.6 MBq/kg body weight/study], in addition to MRI and EEG. SPECT were performed in the ictal [under inpatient video-EEG long term monitoring], interictal and both phases in 5, 9 and 7 patients, respectively. The results showed that all the above cases exhibited successful postoperative outcome of the partial seizures according to Engels' scale. In correlation with MRI, neurophysiologic, and/or surgical localization, and/or surgical outcome, accurate localization of the epileptogenic focus was proved in all the seven cases [100%] with dual-phase and subtraction study. This successful localization was revealed in four cases each in the groups of the ictal [90%] and interictal [44%] studies, respectively. In conclusion, the dual-phase Tc-99m HM-PAO brain perfusion SPECT [ictal and interictal] with subsequent subtraction technique may be more accurate than either study alone for localization of epileptogenic focus in medically intractable epilepsy, particularly in cases with negative MRI

Simple Uv zero-order and derivative spectrophotometric analysis of amprolium hydrochloride and ethopabate in veterinary premixes

In this work, simple, sensitive and accurate zero-order and derivative spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of amprolium hydrochloride and ethopabate in admixture in veterinary premixes. The first method was based on the free solubility of the low constituent, ethopabate, in chloroform and the absorbance was measured at 267 mn. On the other hand, amprolium hydrochloride in the residue left was dissolved in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and its absorbance was measured at 248 mn. The second method depended upon extracting the two drugs from their formulations using 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and the amplitude of the second derivative was measured at 279 nm for amprolium hydrochloride analysis and the amplitude of the first derivative of the valley was measured at 315 nm for ethopabate. These two methods allowed the simultaneous assay of amprolium hydrochloride and ethopabate in chicken feed in much shorter analysis time with good accuracy and precision

Utility of potassium iodate for the estimation of lornoxicam, meloxicam and sulbutiamine in pharmaceutical formulations

In this study, a simple and accurate method was described for the determination of lornoxicam, meloxicam and salbutiamine. The method involved the oxidation of drugs with potassium iodate in acidic medium with the liberation of iodine. The liberated iodine was extracted into cyclohexane and the absorbance was measured at 520 nm. The effect of different experimental parameters on the development of the color was studied [the concentration of the reagent, temperature and reaction time]. The method was applicable over a concentration range of 0.10-0.50, 0.05-0.30 and 0.05-0.40 mg ml-1 for lornoxicam, meloxicam and salbutiamine, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of the studied drugs in bulk powder and in the pharmaceutical dosage forms. The validity of the method was assessed by applying the standard addition technique

Coagulation defects in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis

The diversity of the clotting abnormalities in liver diseases proves the importance of normal liver for maintenance of normal haemostasis. This study was designed to estimate the plasma levels of the vitamin- K dependent coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X and the coagulant inhibitor protein C in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. Thirty seven patients with Child's grade A liver cirrhosis, selected from the admittes of the Tropical Medicine Department, El-Minia University Hospital and 23 matched healthy controls were recruited in the study. Each patient and control was subjected to complete clinical history and examination, abdominal ultrasonography, complete blood picture, routine liver function tests and hepatitis markers [HBSAg and HCV Abies]. The plasma was separated for estimation of the prothrombin [PT], partial thromboplastin time [PTT]; coagulation factors and protein C assay [using Asserachrom protein C kits] .It was found that the mean plasma levels of factor II, X and protein C significantly decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis than controls. The mean plasma levels of factor VII and IX were less in patients than controls but the differences were not statistically significant. There was a significant negative correlation between the prothrombin time and factor II, X and protein C, while the correlations with the other factors tested were insignificant. No significant correlation was found between the PTT and all the tested coagulation factors and protein C. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between the platelets count and factor II, VII, IX. It can be concluded that the coagulation factors II and X are significantly affected early in compensated liver cirrhosis. The levels of these factors correlated significantly with the convention coagulation screening test e.g PT. The decreased level of the anticoagulant protein C probably reflects decreased hepatic synthetic function rather than thrombotic tendency

Skin grafting to the anal canal: an alternative to advancement skin flaps for treatment of postoperative anal stenosis

In the present study 18 patients presenting with severe postoperative anal stenosis underwent correction of stenosis with medium thickness skin graft. The causes presenting symptoms, the steps of the procedure and the results were presented

Effect of natural shading on some adaptive traits of hydrated and dehydrated ewes during breeding under semi-arid conditions

This study aimed at testing the relief effects of trees shadow, as a low cost accommodation, on both hydrated and dehydrated ewes during breeding in the hot months of summer. Fifty-two crossbred Barki x Merino ewes, raised in Western Coastal Desert of Egypt, were divided into two groups, one kept under trees and the other exposed to sun. Each group was divided into two sub-groups, one of them was intermittently watered every four days and the other watered daily. The adaptive responses of ewes, in terms of changes in some hematological parameters and body fluids, were examined for 2.5 months where ewes were in early embryonic stage

Seasonal rhythms of cutaneous and respiratory water losses as mechanisms for thermoregulation by desert sheep and goats

The present work was initiated to examine the seasonal rates of evaporative water loss [through skin and respiration] on 5 adult Barki rams and 5 bucks in relation to body temperature regulation. From this study it appears that sheep and goats are able to cope with diverse thermal conditions maintaining a heat balance over the whole year. The two species possess both cutaneous and pulmonary evaporative cooling mechanisms. Due to the different nature of body coat and size, sheep may have to use more physiological evaporative activities, while goats presumably depend on physical means of heat exchange for thermoregulations

Effect of prolonged drinking saline water on the blood picture of growing lambs

Twenty-four male Barki lambs, at an average 10.4 +/- 0.1 months of age and 26.0 +/- 0.8 kg body weight, were equally divided into two groups, one of which was used as a control [fresh-water treated] group while the other one was used as a saline [13.1 g/TDS] treated group. Drinking saline water was prepared by daily dilution of sea water [39.3 g/TDS]. The experiment extended from December 1992 to September 1994 [21 months]. Anticoagulated blood samples were collected pretreatment [zero-time], thereafter, at monthly intervals for six months and every three months during the rest period of treatment. The results reflected that successive growth of fresh-water treated lambs was accompanied by a tendency of increasing in red blood cells [RBCs], segmented neutrophils [SN], eosinophils [EOS], basophils [BAS] and lymphocytes [LYM] counts. Packed cells volume [PCV] and hemoglobin concentration [HB] showed the same trend by advancing age. However, monocytes [Mon] counts showed a reverse trend where it tended to decline by advancing age

Toxic effect of ethanolic extract of nerium oleander [apocynaceae] levels against different developmental stages of muscin stabulans [diptera-muscidae]

Nerium oleander [Apocynaceae] is evergreen shrubs widely used for ornamental purpose in Mediterranean region. The present investigation aimed to study the insecticidal effect of ethanolic extract from leaves of this plant against 2nd instar larvae of the medically important false stable fly Muscina stabulans [Diptera: Muscidae]. LC50 of the extract was 113.66 ppm. This dose delayed larval and pupal duration suppressed oviposition and decreased adult longevity of the survivors. Morphogenic abnormalities were recorded and photographed in larval, pupal and adult stages, which were produced from treating 2nd instar larvae with different concentrations of the extract

Cholecystectomy via a mini subcostal rectus muscle splitting incision [RMSI]

This study presented an assessment of the safety and feasibility of cholecystectomy via a 5 cm subcostal rectus muscle splitting incision [RMSI] in 50 patients with symptomatic stones confined to the gallbladder and without hepatic, pancreatic or CBD abnormalities. Their ages ranged from 25 to 60 years [mean 40 years]. Cholecystectomy was possible through the initial incision in 38 patients and with extension within the mini range [up to 8 cm] of the initial incision in 7 other patients. A total of 45 patients was successfully cholecystectomized through an incision of 5.5 cm mean length. Conversion was required in the remaining five patients. The decision to extend or to convert was prompted by adhesions and/or obscure anatomy. No CBD injury resulted, only four wound infections and one moderate atelectasis occurred. It was concluded that cholecystectomy via a mini SRMSI is a safe and feasible operation. It is followed by a short recovery time and good cosmetic appearance and can be adopted in general hospitals for all comers with stones confined to the gallbladder and for those in whom laparoscopic technique fails

Growth and nutritional status of rural preschool children in El-Minia governorate

The study included 744 rural preschool children 1-71 months of age. All studied children were subjected to full history, clinical examination, and anthropometric measurements. Children were both lighter and shorter than children of similar ages studied in Assiut, Lower Egypt, some developing countries as well as developed countries. The weight, height, and head circumference of males were not significantly different than those of females. The prevalence of malnutrition [weight for age] was 72.2%, the highest prevalence was in the age group 6-23 months [83.7%]. The prevalence of wasting was 31.6% and the highest prevalence was in the age group 6-23 months [62%]. The prevalence of stunting was 76.5% and the highest prevalence was among children aged 24-35 months [87.4%]. Low socioeconomic status, increased birth order, recurrent diarrhea, and non-breast feeding were high risk factors for prevalence of malnutrition among the rural preschool children

Study on clinical and biochemical indices in rickets

The study included 60 cases of vitamin deficiency rickets in El-Menia University Hospital. Their ages ranged from 5 to 40 months. 20 healthy children of matchable age and sex consisted the controls. All cases and controls were investigated for serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase. Metaphyseal enlargement at the wrists was the most frequent rachitic sign followed by Marfan sign and rachitic rosary. 90% of the rachitic cases presented with advanced degree of the disease. Growth retardation [length for age] was detected in 81.7% of the cases, hypocalcemia was detected in 93.3% of the studied cases. Patients with advanced rickets had a significantly higher calcium and a significantly lower serum phosphorus than patients with early rickets. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly decreased due to the association of PEM and chest infection. Carpopedal spasm was detected only in 10% of the rachitic cases who had a significantly lower serum calcium than the rest of cases

Preliminary assessment of prevalence of toxoplasma in diabetic patients

154 sera of diabetic patients as well as 119 sera of healthy individuals for control were collected. Each sample was examined for toxoplasmosis using the indirect immuno fluorescence test [IFAT]. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of toxoplasmosis between the diabetic group [43.5%] and the control [25.21%]. The specific IgM antibodies were negative for all of them. There was no sex predilection in either of the groups

Effect of the age of slaughtered buffalo's bulls on some meat quality parameters

36 buffaloe's bulls comprising three equal groups according to their age each of 12 animals [A, B, and C]. The LD and M.add of each animal in the examined three groups were subjected to the measurement of some meat quality parameters [temperature-value, rigormortis, both initial and ultimate pH-values and the free liquid water [Q-values]]. The mean value of t[1] value in the examined LD and M.add of the three groups were 37.23, 39.83, 38.16, 39.33, 39.80and 39.90 respectively. Measurement of the initial and end rigor-value were recorded as well as the initial pH-value and the ultimate pH-value in both LD and M.add in the examined three groups of animals. Measurement of the free liquid water [Q-value] was applied in the examined muscles of each group. The samples of group A [12 months old showed increased in loss of water [Q-value]. The variations in the meat quality parameters between the three groups were discussed. The recommended slaughtering age of buffaloe's bulls was 18 months old

Urinary excretion of lead, zinc, copper and cadmium among auto-workers

Garages and auto-repair shops may be polluted with lead and other heavy metals. Twenty four hour urine samples of 77 auto workers from Mansoura City and 9 control subjects of comparable age were analyzed for lead, zinc, and copper. The urinary excretion of lead was significantly increased in welders and electricians. There was a high significant increase in urinary zinc excretion in welders, electricians and car painters; while the urinary copper excretion showed a significant increase in, only, the electricians. The cadmium content of urine of auto-workers was comparable with controls. It has been concluded that the assessment of urinary lead, when substantiated by careful medical surveillance of auto-workers may be a good means for control of lead intoxication in this industry

Prevalence of low-back pain among nurses in Mansoura

This study was performed on 307 nurses working in four hospitals in Mansoura: Mansoura Univ. Hospital, Mansoura General Hospital, Mansoura fever hospital and Mansoura Chest hospitals. 63 females of similar age who perform clerical activities were included in the study as controls were included in the study a controls. The aim is to determine the prevalence of low-back pain and to assess risk factors predisposing to its development. 46.9% of nurses reported that they had low-back pain. 73.6% of this back pain was occupational. The results showed correlation between back pain and various nursing activities. The relation between back pain and individual risk factors such as age, sex, anthropometry, musculoskeletal abnormalities, movement of lumbar segment of spine and psychological factors was discussed. The evidence relating to individual risk factor is not conclusive except that those who have low-back pain before had been found to be more likely to have it again

Urinary excretion of calcium in workers handling sewing machines

The relationship of subjective symptoms and clinical signs of muscles and joints and calcium excretion in urine was investigated in 60 workers handling sewing machines aged 15-60 and in 30 normal control subjects aged from 15-50 with no occupational exposure to vibration. The subjective symptoms [paraesthesia, numbness, weakness of hand grip, pain in shoulder muscles, in arms, forearms, around the elbow, around wrist, in neck muscles and in back muscles] were frequent in exposed group. The prevalence of subjective symptoms increased with increase in TOT. An increase in TOT from, 5,000 hours experience to 85,000 hours experience was accompanied by a significant increase in calcium excretion in urine. This significant increase was observed between one TOT group and another except between groups 65,000 hours experience and 85,000 hours experience, where the difference was not significant. From the combined findings mentioned above, we presume that to repair alteration to bones caused by prolonged use of sewing machine, the synthesis of new bone is accelerated since it produces increase in calcium excretion. In conclusion, calcium excretion in urine, in absence of other causes of hypercalciuria, may be used as an indicator of damage to bones and joints caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools