Toxicological effects of generated radiations on the eye among computer users

Background: Nowadays computers being used in every aspect of life in both developed and developing countries. These electronic devices generate a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation which exerts negative influence on human health. Eyes are particularly vulnerable; thus computer vision syndrome or dry eye disease is the most frequent health problems among computer users. This study aims to assess toxic effects of computer generated radiation on eyes among a sample of Egyptian computer users

Subjects and Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 volunteers from both sexes who worked daily on a computer. All participants were subjected to a self-filling questionnaire including questions about personal information, work and workplace related information as well as, Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] with 12 questions about symptoms of eye and vision problems

Results: this study revealed that more than three fourths [79.0%] of the studied computer workers suffered from symptoms of dry eye disease, 40.5% of them had severe eye affection, 26.6 % had moderate and 32.9 % had mild eye affection. Those with severe eye affection of participants with dry eye disease were using the computer for a mean duration of 10.3 +/- 2.4 hour/day and 70.9 % of them not taking regular rest during computer work. Wearing visual aids showed a significant association with dry eye disease [P = 0.002]

Conclusion: the majority of participants had symptoms of dry eye disease. The most vulnerable persons were those who wearing medical glasses or lenses and use the computer for around 10 h / day without regular rest. Occurrence of eye dryness was relevant to the presence of fan and air conditioner in the workplace. These results indicated the valuable role and the essential need for visual assessment of computer workers for early and proper diagnosis of dry eye disease in order to minimize its impact on their productivity and quality of life

Lactulose and donepezil ameliorate thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Hepatic encephalopathy [HE] is neuropsychological complication that is common in patients with acute or chronic liver disease as well as in porto-systemic shunting of blood flow. The pathophysiology of this disease is quite complex, as it involves overproduction and reduced metabolism of various neurotoxins, particularly ammonia. Thioacetamide [TAA]-induced HE is a reliable model of HE in which rats were given thioacetamide [TAA] 200mg/kg orally for 2 consecutive days. The TAA group showed lower motor activity than the normal group by using open field and forced swimming tests. Oxidative stress conditions were manifested by free radical production, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide contents. Alterations in the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters have been proposed to be involved in the development of the HE associated with experimental and human liver failure. Pretreatment with lactulose or donepezil could counteract these effects. The protective effect of both lactulose and donepezil can be attributed to their antioxidant and neuromodulatory potential

Preemptive effects of Lidocain on postoperative pain in patients undergoing disc operation: a Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial

Postoperative pain is a major poorly managed problem in millions of operations performed all over the world each year. Since infiltration of the operative field with lidocain as a local anesthetic is very cheap, it is easily available, and there are few side effects, this study aimed to evaluate its efficacy on post-op-pain of patients undergoing open intervertebral disc surgery. In this double blind clinical trial on 188 patients undergoing elective open intervertebral disc operation, the surgical incision site was infiltrated with 2 ml of 1/500,000 epinephrine for each centimeter in the control group and the same solution with 20 mg lidocain for each centimeter of the incision in the case group. Post-oppain was measured with visual analog scale [VAS] in the 6[th], 12[th], 24[th], and 48[th] hours. The mean age was 41.8 +/- 12.4 for the study group, and 43.5 +/- 15.6 for the control one. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in pain severity in females, but for males it was significant at the 6th and 24th hours. Interestingly, it was more severe in those receiving lidocain. The amount of narcotics used postoperatively revealed no significant difference in the groups. Lidocain used locally before skin incision has no effect on reducing post-op-pain, post-op-narcotics demand, and duration of hospital stay

[Appointment of correlation between stroke and serum level of homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B[12]]

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident [CVA], occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Often by a blood clot or a fatty deposit due to atherosclerosis. CVA is third cause of death in the world and the most common causes of neurologic dysfunctions. There are different risk factors associated with CVA including systolic or diastolic hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, alcohol abuse. Moderately increased concentration of homocysteine without homocystuinoria associated with increase of atherosclerosis, CVA and over ally mortality. The most common form of hyperhomocysteinemia is genetic. Increased serum level of homocysteine may reflect deficiency of folate, vitB[6] and vitB[12]. To determine the relationship between serum level of homocysteine, folic acid and vitB[12] and CVA this study was done at a case control survey in 2008 in 40 known case of CVA and 40 control cases are selected among the out patient of neurology clinics of neurologist in Kashan city. Demographic data and other inhumation [age, sex,.] match at case and control group. 2cc venous blood of each patient tested for serum level of homocysteine folic acid and vitB[12] [with HPLC] and of all cases and control classified and analyzed. Among 40 CVA cases 52/5 female [21 cases] 47/5 male [19 cases] and in control group 50 female [20 cases] and 50 male [20 cases]. The mean of the ages at cases attached was 67/15 and in control group was 63/5 and all of the cases and controls was 65/32 and there was not meaningful difference between two groups. In this study the mean of serum level of homocysteine at case attached was 15/56 +/- 4/69 micro mol/l and in control group was 10/15 +/- 4/7 micro mol/l And there was meaningful difference between two groups [P<0/05]. The mean of serum level of folic acid was 8/405 +/- 5/33 ng/ml in case groups was and in control groups 10/87 +/- 8/02ng/ml there was meaning full difference between two groups [P<0.005]. The mean of serum level of vitB[12] in cases attached was 389.02 +/- 208.02 pg/ml and in control groups was 522.82 +/- 218.3 pg/ml and there was meaning full difference between two groups [P<0.05]. This study showed correlation between CVA and serum level of homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B[12]. It is recommended to conduct prospective studies to evaluate the cause and effect between these supplements and stroke and practical ways of prevention of CVA

Trisomy 9 syndrome in a neonate with unusual features

To report a newborn infant with multiple congenital anomalies and apparent complete trisomy 9 in the blood. Review will be included. Clinical examination, TORCH screening, echocardiography, skeletal survey, ultrasound head and abdomen were done. In addition chromosomal analysis of a peripheral blood sample using GTG, CBG banding and FISH techniques were employed. Multiple congenital anomalies including craniofacial features, central nervous, cardiovascular, skeletal, gastric and urogenital systems because of chromosomal abnormality which indicated: 47, XY, inv [9] [p12; q13]+inv [9] [p12; q13] mat. Our case could be a new case of apparently complete trisomy 9 syndrome with unusual findings

[IL- 12 gene polymorphism in type I diabetes mellitus]

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by T-cell mediated destruction of pancreatic ?-cells. A variety of environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of the disease. IL-12 is a cytokine secreted by different cells and plays and important role in cell-mediated immune responses and maintenance of cytokine network balance. Genetic polymorphisms in the IL-12 gene were shown to interfere with the transcriptional activity of the IL-12 gene, and this influences the production, secretion or activity of IL-12 growth factor. In this study the polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of the IL12Bgene encoding IL-12 p40 was investigated. In this case control study 75 type 1 diabetic patients who had definitely been diagnosed at least 2 years before sampling and were under Insulin therapy, recruited. A total of 88 healthy controls selected from voluntarily blood donors who had referred to IRAN Blood Transfusion Organization. DNA extracted from whole blood and polymorphism at +1188 nucleotide was assessed by SSP-PCR. Data were analyzed by SPSS, using chi- square test with 95% confidence interval. A statistical significance of AA presence [57%] at the +1188 3'-UTR position of IL-12 B gene in patients was found, after genotyping, compared to the control group[p<0.05]. Interleukin-12 [IL-12] is a key cytokine for the induction of Th1 immune responses. Polymorphism in the 3'-UTR of the IL-12 p40 gene and association with susceptibility to Diabetes type I evaluated. AA genotype was more frequent than AC and the AC more common than CC in diabetic patients. In another word, the A allele of the [A/C] polymorphism at position +1188 in the 3'-UTR found to be preferentially transmitted to people with type I diabetes.These polymorphisms may affect gene transcription of IL-12 p40, causing individual variations in cytokine production. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, will give us the opportunities to develop new and effective therapeutic approaches

[Evaluation of serum levels of IL-L alpha, TGF-Beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha, IFN-Omega, IL-1 alpha, TGH-beta, cortisol and immunoglobulins in Islamic ramadan fasting]

This research aimed determining the levels of cortisol, immunoglobulins and major serum cytokines, following Ramadan fasting, as immune response indexes. For this before and after Ramadan fasting study, twenty-five students residing at the dormitory of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected. All cytokines levels [IL-1alpha TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha, IFN-omega] were determined by the ELISA method, Immoglobulines were determined by the Radial Immunodiffusion [SRID] technique and cortisol levels were measured by EIA too. While IFN-omega a showed a considerable increase after Ramadan fasting [P<0.01], IFN-alpha and TNF-alpha had decreased [P >/= 0.5 and <0.02 respectively]. Serum level of TGF-beta increased but not significantly [P>0.3]; cortisol also increased after one month of fasting [P<0.05]. Serum IL-1alpha had a non-significant decrease [P >/= 0.5]. Although IgG and IgM levels showed no significant increase, IgA levels showed significant decrease [P<0.5]. Our data revealed that Ramadan fasting increased IFN-omega, while decreasing TNF-alpha and IgA levels; ramadan fasting can probably increase T-Cell function, lower the inflammatory appreance rate and affect immunoglubulin production

[Prevalence of different types of allergy among textile workers in Kashan]

Occupational allergy is one of the most important issues in the field of occupational health and is one of the major problems among workers in factories with exposure to allergens. The present study was conducted to survey the frequency of different types of allergy and allergens among textile workers in Kashan City. This cross sectional study was performed among 437 randomly selected workers of 7 textile factories in Kashan City during 2006. Respiratory [36.3%] and skin [27.1%] allergies were the most common type of occupational allergies among workers. Smoking, type of textiles in exposure, and the state of machines [new or used] were associated with type and location of allergy. Safer occupational environments and better quality of ventilation and using workers with no history of allergic diseases and smoking may have a prompt effect in reduction of occupational allergy

Comparative histological and clinical study of two inhalar anaesthetics

Sevoflurane [Fluromethyl 1,1,1,3,3,3, Hexafluoro isopropyl ether] is one of the newly introduced inhalational Anaesthesia. It is considered as a rapid acting and potent inhalation anaesthetic agent. It is metabolized in the body into non-toxic substances. It also has a rapid uptake and elimination rate due to its low blood gas partition coefficient, which approaches that of nitrous oxide. Interest in sevoflurane has increased with the recent emphasis for out patient surgery because it has a mild ethereal odor and low solubility in blood; lipid; and tissues. So, it is suggested as being anaesthetic of the future. This study is designed to illustrate the histological and the clinical effects of sevoflurane in comparison with isoflurane as a common inhalational anaesthetic agent, regarding the haemodynamic, hepatic and renal effects. The clinical study included 80 adult persons of both sexes, during surgical operations. The patients were divided into 2 groups, 40 persons each. Group I: received sevoflurane and group II: received isoflurane. Routine examinations; investigations; Liver and renal function tests were done just before induction and after 2 hours; 4 hours; 24 hours and 7 days of recovery. The experimental study was done on 90 rats of both sexes. They were divided into 3 groups: 30 rats each. Group [A]: control group, group [B]: Anaesthetized with sevoflurane and group [C]: Anaesthetized with isoflurane. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups, 15 rats. The 1st subgroup was sacrificed after 24 hours of exposure. The 2nd subgroup was sacrificed after 7 days from the start of exposure. The rats were sacrificed and their blood was investigated. Liver and kidney structure were evaluated histologically and histochemically. Our results revealed that, sevoflurane and isoflurane had non-significant post-operative clinical manifestations and non-significant changes on the liver or kidney function tests. Histological examination of liver revealed normal hepatocytes and mild congestion in blood sinusoids and central veins in sevoflurane group. While, liver sections in isoflurane group showed more congestion, dilatation and cellular infiltration. . Histological examination of the kidney revealed no changes in the sevoflurane group. In contrast, isoflurane group had congestion and cellular infiltration of renal parenchyma. All changes almost completely disappeared after seven days of recovery. Histochemical results revealed significant decrease in PAS positive material and succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity in hepatocytes and renal tubules, mainly in isoflurane than sevoflurane groups. While, acid and alkaline phosphatase enzymes activity showed non-significant decrease in both drugs. All changes were non-significant after seven days of recovery. This study proved that the sevoflurane had no harmful effect and can be considered as a safe inhalational drug

[Study of phagocytosis changes of neutrophils in pregnancy]

Specific immunity decrease in pregnancy, but nonspecific does not increase. The decreasing of specific immunity more takes place in primary stage of pregnancy while it will be normal at the end stage. These changes do not clear in nonspecific immunity [such as phagocytosis]. The studies consist of 45 samples [45 pregnant individuals: 15 in first, 15 in second and 15 in third trimester] and 20 control [nonpregnant individuals]. The power of neutrophils in killing of pathogens, producing oxidant materials and light emission measured by a luminometer [chemiluminescence technique]. Opsonised yeast stimulated the neutrophils. Phagocytosis increase in first and second trimester, but does not increased in third trimester [p<0.05]

Striae distensae: histological and electron microscopic study

The present work was undertaken to study the histological and ultrastructural changes in the early stage of striae distensae which could be a guide to its pathogenesis. Fourteen skin specimens were taken from early erythematous stage of striae in ten females and healthy skin from four age matched females. Edema increased glycosaminoglycans in the ground substance, inflammatory infiltrate, very sparce fragmented and degenerated elastic fibers and ruptured collagen fibers were seen. The infiltrate was lymphohistiocytic with increased number of degranulated mast cells. Active fibroblasts were also seen. It can be concluded that mast cell degranulation could play a critical role in the elastolysis of early stage of striae distensae and that the elastic fiber is the primary target of the pathological process. Active fibroblasts begin to synthesize new fibers which became dense with time

Effect of xylene on the skin of albino rats

To evaluate the effect of xylene on the skin, 30 albino rats were selected and divided into three groups, ten animals each. Group B showed loss of hair, degeneration of horny layer and erosions in their limbs. The epidermal cells showed vacuolated hypochronic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. Areas of congestion, cellular infiltration, destructed hair follicles and spongiosis were observed in the dermis. Group C showed signs of recovery and healing within 14 days of cessation of exposure. These data proved that xylene was irritant to the skin and can cause contact dermatitis which should be avoided by suitable protection methods when using xylene

Effect of xylene on the lung and other parenchvinatous organs in albino rats

Forty adult albino rats were divided into four groups, each included ten animals: Group A served as a control, group B exposed to xylene vapors, group C was treated as group B but was housed in poorly ventilated cages and group D was treated as group B but left to recover for another two weeks, then decapitated. Group B showed signs of inflammation and cellular infiltration, especially in the lung which showed areas of hemorrhage and degeneration. The kidney and the heart showed areas of hemorrhage and scanty infiltration, while the liver did not show any morphological disorder. PAS technique showed a significant decrease in the mucopolysaccharides in the liver cells. These findings showed the various hazards of xylene. An occupational protection was highly recommended either by using safer alternatives or various barriers

Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of human papilloma virus infected skin

Skin specimens from twenty cases of different types of non-venereal warts [common, planter, and filiform warts] and 5 cases of venereal warts were included in this study. In addition eleven specimens of normal individuals were included as control [6 specimens from exposed sites and 5 from unexposed sites. All the patients and controls were clinically examined. The specimens. were prepared for conventional histopathological and immunohistochemical procedures for detection of HLA-DR expression by using Histostain Kit [Zymed Laboratories Inc.]. Our results revealed a highly significant decrease of HLA-DR positive Langerhans' cells [LCs] in cases of non venereal warts when compared to the control specimens obtained from exposed sites [P < 0.001]. Biopsies of venereal warts showed significant increase of HLA-DR positive LCs in comparison to non venereal warts [P < 0.001] but, showed significant decrease in comparison to the control biopsies from non-exposed sites [P < 0.001]. Keratinocytes showed negative reaction to HLA-DR in the control groups, while in non-venereal warts they showed positivity in 10 out of 20 cases [50%] and in the venereal warts they showed positivity in 4 out of 5 cases [80%]. Dermal dendrocytes showed increased reactivity to HLA-DR in both wart groups in comparison to the controls. The endothelial cells of the blood vessels were negative for HLA-DR. Study of the inflammatory components in the lesions revealed infrequent HLA-DR positive lymphocytes intermixed with strongly positive macrophages in both wart groups. In conclusion, human papilioma virus infection of the skin is associated with decrease in the number of HLA-DR positive LCs while keratinocytes and macrophages abnormally showed positive expression. Decline in HLA-DR positive LCs probably reflects LCs migration out of the epidermis and entry into regional lymph nodes leading to antigen presentation and activation of T cells. Interestingly cytoplasmic pigmentation [melanosomes] was undetectable or absent in the basal cell layer at the sites of endophytic wart growth. Human papilloma virus probably blocks the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to infected keratinocytes

Effect of the cause of death on early estimation of P.M. interval measured from the response of skeletal muscle to electric stimulation with histochemical changes occurring in these muscles after death

The present study was carried out on 18 cats classified into 2 groups according to the mode of death. The 1st group was submitted to asphyxial death, while the 2nd group was submitted to cut throat [the target was the neck vessels to cause fatal hemorrhage]. In both groups, the effect of the cause of death on estimation of early P. M. interval was measured from the response of skeletal muscle to electric simulation and the changes of ATPase enzyme in the tested muscle. From the obtained results, it was found that in asphyxia death, the mean total time of early P. M. interval was 34.7 minutes; while in cut throat, it was 117.1 minutes. In both methods, there was significant gradual decrease in the amplitude of contraction accompanied with gradual decrease in the activity of ATPase enzyme. Thus, it could be concluded that the mentioned causes of death affect the measurement of early P. M. interval. Also, there is arelationship between the amplitude of muscle contraction and the activity ofATPasa enzyme of the tested muscle

Electron microscopic study of full-term and post-term human placenta

Studies on 20 placentae; 5 placentae after normal pregnancy and delivery; and 15 placentae after normal pregnancy and post-term delivery [after 42 weeks] have been carried out. Electron microscopic sections have been prepared for ultrastructure study of placental tissue. Histological study of post-term placental tissue showed dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum [rER], swollen mitochondria, calcium deposition and decrease in cell membrane microvilli. Collagen deposition increased in chorion and thickening of the wall of blood vessels was observed. The reticular layer was disrupted. We conclude that the microscopic changes in the post-term placenta can produce placental insufficiency in post-term .foetus due to decrease in the capacity of trophoblast cells to exchange the maternal blood and foetal blood

Effect of praziquantel on the prevalence of bilharziasis among children of an Egyptian village in the Nile Delta

The prevalence of schistosomiasis in Demooh, Dakahlia [in Nile Delia] in winter 1990 was 19.89% among the studied group of children [1367] aged from 5 to 15 years. The prevalence rate of S. mansoni was 17.84% and only 2.05% for S. haematobium. By using egg counting, 93.4% of the studied group were found to have light and moderate infections. The most affected age group was found to be from 12 to < 14 years of age in both bilharzial types. Infections among males was 2.6 times than in females in both bilharzial types. The effect of one dose of praziquantel on treatment of a sample of cases [145 child] was 100% cure rate for S. haematobium and 92 .25%. For S. mansoni, persistance in these few cases may be due to heavy infection or reexposure to infected water after treatment, there no sex difference in the cure rate. The most important side effects of the drug as reported by patients were, dizziness, abdominal pain and headache which were transient and disappeared after few hours