Effect of dehydration of some chemical constituents of onion

Dehydration of onion affects its constituents to some extent. Total sugars decreased slightly while reducing sugars increased. Dehydration showed some increase in potassium contents and slightly change in P, Ca, Fe and Cu but Mg, Na, Mn, and Zn maintained almost constant in the dehydration samples. The volatile components [propanol, 2-methyl-2-pentanal, dipropyl disulfide, methyl propyl disulfide and dipropyl trisulfide] are principle volatile components. In dehydrated samples these components showed remarkable decrease accompanied by noticeable increase in thiophene components

Serum 125 dihydroxy vitamin D, in thalassemia major

In patients with homozygous B-thalassemia, bone changes are considered one of the characteristic features of the disease. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and 1.25[OH]2D levels were estimated in 26 patients with homozygous-thalassemia compared to healthy controls. Also, plain X-ray of both h and s were done to all thalassemic patients. The mean serum calcium and phosphate levels as well as 1.25[OH]2D were diminished in thalassemic patients compared to normal controls. A study of the h and s showed thin metacarpal cortices related to increased resorption, but there were no radiological finding of rickets in thalassemic patients. It can be concluded that the osseous abnormalities of thalassemia were probably due to other mechanisms, mainly anemia, and vitamin D supplementation is not likely to cause their resolution

Nasal drops and mixture of liver protecting herbs relating to hepatitis C-virus treatment

Cell-sap of two wild plants, after separation of toxic agents were used as antiviral in the form of nasal drops. The extract is tested as antiviral of different strains. The result provides considerable encouragement for the eventual control of hepatitis virus infection. These drops are of great values if it administrated in combine with oral herbs protecting liver

affinity of hemoglobin and its components to lead, in occupationally exposed workers

The present study was carried out on 225 workers occupationally exposed to lead in the printing industry. Blood-lead concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The level increased with the severity of the toxicity. Chromatographic separation followed by determination of lead concentration, showed that fetal hemoglobin [HbF] possesses a higher affinity to lead than HbA and HbA2. B-chain represented the main lead receptor of adult hemoglobin [HbA]. While, alpha-globin of fetal origin had a higher affinity for lead. Viscosity and conductivity of Hb were increased with blood-lead elevation

Transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma: a prospective analysis of patients selection

Twenty patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy [THE] without thoracotomy with gastric interposition for esophageal carcinoma. Resection was considered curative in 5 patients with stage I or II and palliative in 15 patients classified as stage III or IV. Postoperative morbidity was 40 percent. The frequency of complications was significantly higher following palliative surgery. The mortality rate was 5 percent. On the basis of the clinical, diagnostic, surgical, histologic data, rate of recurrence for a follow-up period ranged from 1 to 3 years [mean 18 months], criteria for patients selection for transhiatal esophagectomy are defined. Patients with systemic metastases were excluded from the study. In advanced tumours of the upper thoracic esophagus, involvement of tracheobronchial system may preclude complete removal of the tumour. Sharp dissection is required in these cases, increase the risk of transhiatal esophagectomy. Computed tomographic examination of the mediastinum were done preoperatively. Tumours of upper thoracic esophagus should only be treated by transhiatal esophagectomy if there is no signs of involvement of tracheobronchial system, as proved by computed tomographic examination. Transhiatal esophagectomy is well tolerated even by geriatric patients. Transhiatal esophagectomy is a safe procedure for both curative and palliative resection of esophageal carcinoma, provided that selection of patient is done properly. Radiographic examination, especially computed tomographic scan were more sensitive in detecting tumour recurrence than was the clinical evaluation, this offering the chance for early adjuvant therapy. Tumours stage I and II as well as differentiated tumours showed a significantly lower reassurance rate than tumours of stage III and IV