Prospective Protective Effects of Arthrospira platensis Against Acetaminophen Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Rats / Efectos Protectores Prospectivos de Arthrospira platnesis Contra la Toxicidad Hepatorrenal Inducida por Paracetamol en Ratas

SUMMARY: The toxic effects of acetaminophen appear primarily in the liver and kidney. The protective effect of blue green alga Arthrospira platensis on hepato-renal toxicity caused by acetaminophen was evaluated in male rats. The obtained results showed that subcutaneous injection of acetaminophen at a dose 120 &240 սl acetaminophen/kg by weight resulted in an observed elevation in the enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum total lipids, total cholesterol, creatinine, total bilirubin, urea, nitric oxide (NO), L- malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukins (IL-2 &IL-6). However, there is a decrease in the serum total protein, albumin and loss in antioxidant enzyme activities in liver including; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GSH). This effect was found to be dose and time dependent. In spite of, pre- oral administration of Arthrospira platensis 1000 mg/kg .b. wt. prior acetaminophen injection succeeded to modulate the effect of the observed abnormalities caused by acetaminophen. Moreover, there were no remarkable changes in serum biomarkers of rats received Arthrospira platensis only at a dose of 1000 mg/kg by weight (group 2). The histopathological findings confirm the biochemical results that indicates the safety use of Arthrospira platensis at the selected dose in this study. Therefore, the present results clarified the protective effect of blue green alga Arthrospira platensis on oxidative stress, hepatic and nephrotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in male Wister rats.

Los efectos tóxicos del paracetamol aparecen principalmente en el hígado y el riñón. Se evaluó en ratas macho Wistar el efecto protector del alga verde azulada Arthrospira platensis sobre la toxicidad hepatorrenal causada por paracetamol. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la inyección subcutánea de paracetamol a dosis de 120 y 240 µl de paracetamol/kg, resultó en una elevación en las actividades enzimáticas de la aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y fosfatasa alcalina (ALP), lípidos séricos totales, colesterol total, creatinina, bilirrubina total, urea, óxido nítrico (NO), L- malondialdehído (MDA) e interleucinas (IL-2 e IL-6). Sin embargo, hay una disminución en la proteína sérica total, albúmina y pérdida en las actividades de las enzimas antioxidantes en el hígado, incluyendo; superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT) y glutatión reductasa (GSH). Se encontró que este efecto era dependiente de la dosis y el tiempo. A pesar de la administración preoral de Arthrospira platensis 1000 mg/kg, la inyección previa de acetaminofeno logró modular el efecto de las anormalidades observadas causadas por el acetaminofeno. Además, no hubo cambios notables en los biomarcadores séricos de ratas que recibieron Arthrospira platensis solo a una dosis de 1000 mg/kg (Grupo 2). Los hallazgos histopatológicos confirman los resultados bioquímicos que indican la seguridad del uso de Arthrospira platensis a la dosis seleccionada en este estudio. Por lo tanto, los presentes resultados aclararon el efecto protector del alga verde azulada Arthrospira platensis sobre el estrés oxidativo, la toxicidad hepática y la nefrotoxicidad inducida por paracetamol en ratas Wistar macho.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women in Tabuk Region

Emotional intelligence exerts a noteworthy impact on both turnover intentions and job satisfaction. The objective of thisresearch was to evaluate the perceived emotional intelligence and its relationship with work life balance and job satisfactionamong the healthcare professionals in twin cities of Pakistan. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used. Twodifferent pre validated tools, the impact of work life balance factors on job satisfaction questionnaire, and the NHS emotionalintelligence questionnaire were distributed to conveniently selected sample of 283 prescribers, 214 nurses, and 215pharmacists. After the data collection, the data was cleaned, coded and entered in SPSS version 21, and was statisticallyanalyzed. Job satisfaction had a statistically significant linear weak negative correlation (p< .001) with self awareness,emotion management, empathy, social skills and motivation. On the other hand, work life balance had a statistically significant“very weak negative correlation” (p< .001) with emotion management, empathy and motivation. However, a “moderatepositive correlation” (p< .001) existed between job satisfaction and work life balance. The results of the present studyconcluded that a significant relationship existed among the emotional intelligence, work life balance and job satisfaction. Theemotionally intelligent healthcare professionals were better in managing their work life balance and were more satisfied withtheir job. Pharmacists possessed better social skills with higher motivation levels while physicians were better in managingwork life balance than all the other healthcare professionals in Pakistan.

Biochemical and genetic studies on inhibin as a hormonal candidate in prediction and diagnosis of premature ovarian failure in the Egyptian women

Background: Recent studies have implicated a role for inhibin alpha [INH alpha] gene abnormalities in the etiology of premature ovarian failure [POF].The present study aimed at demonstrating the possibility that -16C>T polymorphism of INH alpha gene may enhance susceptibility to this disease among Egyptian women undergoingt in-vitro fertilization[IVF] technique

Methods: A total of 50 POF Egyptian women at age [31.5 +/- 7.3] and 50 control women at age [29.1 +/- 6.8] were included in this study. Genotyping of INH alpha-16C>T gene was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Levels of inhibin, activin, FSH and LH were also assessed

Results: Serum levels of FSH and LH showed significant increase coupled by decrease in serum inhibin and inhibin/activin ratio, however, levels of activin were within normal values in POF women comparing to control ones. The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes showed no significant changes in POF women compared to control group. Moreover, there were no significant differences in frequency of C and T alleles among the POF women in comparison to controls

Conclusion: Obtained data indicated that -16C>T polymorphism of INH alpha gene can not imply a functional effect on the current decline of serum inhibin and hence the risk of developing POF in the studied Egyptian women. Further studies on POF women are needed to expand the present data

Comparison of immunochromatographic test and microscopy in the detection of some enteric protozoa in stool samples

Infection with pathogenic intestinal protozoa as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium parvum cause considerable gastrointestinal morbidity, malnutrition and mortality worldwide, especially among young children in developing countries. The present study was carried out on 71 cases [44 males and 27 females] chosen from Pediatric and Internal Medicine Inpatient and Outpatient Clinics of Zagazig University Hospitals, complaining of different gastrointestinal troubles with an age range of 6-60 years. Also, 20 apparently healthy individuals [11 males and 9 females] cross matched were considered as a control negative group. All stool samples were examined by direct wet smears, concentration techniques, staining of the smears using trichrome stain and Modified Ziehi-Neelsen method. Copro-antigen detection in faecal sample was by using quick immunochromatographic test. A total of 71 cases suffering from different GIT manifestations showed G. lamblia [30.7%], Cryptosporidium parvum [19.8%], Entamoeba histolytica /E. dispar [11%] and mixed infection of three protozoa [6.6%]. However, by copro-antigen G. lamblia was positive in [31.8%] of C. parvum in [20.9%]; E. hisiolytica/E. dispar in [11%] of cases. lmmunochromatography/copro-antigen test recorded sensitivity and specificity of [100%] and [96.6%] respectively in G. lamblia detection. For C. parvum, sensitivity vas [100%] and specificity was [97.1%] while for E. histolytica/E. dispar sensitivity and specificity were [100%] for both. lmniunochrornatographic assay proved to be simple, easy and useful in confirming absence or the presence of intestinal protozoan infection in clinically suspected cues with negative stool examination

Gender difference in self-reported preparedness for clinical practice among house officer junior doctors of Al Azhar University in Cairo

Background: The successful completion of medical school education should provide students with a level of knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill a junior doctor's daily duties at hospital. As regard gender some researchers concluded that women outperform men in academic and clinical assessment at medical schools. There are no reasons to suppose that female students leave medical school less prepared than men for work

Aim of the work: This study aimed to clarify whether there are gender difference in house officers' view for preparedness for work or not, and to demonstrate strength and weakness points regarding their undergraduate medical education

Subjects and Methods: The current study is a cross sectional comparative one. It was conducted on 51 house officers' [HOs] females from Al Zahraa University Hospital compared to 100 male HOs recruited from Al Hussien and Sayed Galal University Hospitals about how much they feel prepared to medical practice. All the questionarable items were arranged in 8 domains of educational goals adopted according to NARS, requirements and from ''preparedness for Hospital Practice'' survey

Results: The results showed that 96.1% of females felt sufficient preparedness for clinical work compared to 79.0% of males, 72.5% and 35.3% of females felt somewhat adequate preparedness in understanding the disease process and carrying out arterial blood gases respectively versus 40.0% and 28.0% of males while males felt adequate preparedness in all elements of interpersonal skills than females. In addition, it was found that understanding the interaction of social factors with disease, approach confidently senior staff for help in interpreting investigations, manage time effectively; score of patient management and prevention were significant predictor of preparedness for clinical work; while gender was not significant in the regression model

Conclusion: Female house officers felt more sufficient well prepared than male ones. However gender was not a significant predictor of performance. More emphasis on weakness points recorded by the two groups as defect in some medical skills as write prescription, gap between knowledge and practice, bad communication with the teaching staff and dealing with patient to improve feeling of preparedness

Postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV]: an experience with and without metoclopramide with opioid use for control of pain

Objective: To evaluate postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV] with and without metoclopramide with opioid use for control of pain

Study Design: Interventional comparative study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at KAH, Bisha, Saudi Arabia for period of 3 months 18th July 2014 to 17th October 2014

Patients and Methods: Fifty patients were included and divided into Group A and B. Group A was given inj. Fentanyl 1.5mg/kg intra-operatively and Inj. Pethidine 1.5mg/kg post-operatively to control pain. Group B was given inj. Metoclopramide 0.15 mg/kg intra-operatively and same dose postoperatively in addition to Inj. Fentanyl andPethidine

Results: In Group A, 10 [40%] female patients and 02 [8%] male patients developed PONV while in Group B only one [4%] female patient developed PONV

Conclusion: PONV is reduced when anti-emetics are used along with opioids for pain control. Inj. Metoclopramide, an anti-dopaminergic prokinetic, was found to give better results as its antiemetic action is considered

[Expression of Ezrin and intercellular adhesion Molecule-1 [Icam-1] In Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Non-Neoplastic Liver Lesions of Hcv infected patients]

Objectives: To investigate the expression of ezrin and ICAM-1 proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and non-neoplastic liver lesions on top of HCV infection

Methods: This study was carried out on a total number of 95 specimens; they were grouped as: Group I: 47 HCC specimens, Group II: 19 HCV related liver cirrhosis specimens. Group III: 18 chronic hepatitis C [CHC] specimens. The specimens of these groups were obtained from HCV positive patients. Group IV: 11 normal liver specimens obtained from donors for liver transplantation proved to be negative for HCV and HBV infection by serological tests [as controls]. The expression of ezrin and ICAM-1 in all groups was examined by immunohistochemical method and scored as Immunoreactivity score [IRS]. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS version 16.0; SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA]

Results: Both ezrin and ICAM-1 protein expressions were low in normal liver [means of IRS +/- SE were 0.36 +/- 0.15 and 0.64 +/- 0.15, respectively], with significant increase in the mean of ezrin IRS in CHC group [3.89 +/- 0.65], while mean of ICAM-1 IRS was insignificantly increased [0.94 +/- 0.29]. Both ezrin and ICAM-1 IRS showed significant increase with transition from cirrhosis [1.31 +/- 0.42 and 0.94 +/- 0.31, respectively] to HCC [4.74 +/- 0.45 and 3.21 +/- 0.41, respectively] [p < 0.001]. There were significant positive correlations between ezrin and ICAM-1 expression and both elevated serum AFP [r = 0.539 and 0.777, respectively, p < 0.001] and vascular invasion in HCC specimens [r = 0.395 and 0.425, respectively, p < 0.01]

Conclusions: Ezrin and ICAM-1 were over expressed in HCC, and correlated with elevated serum AFP and vascular invasion in HCC specimens. In cirrhosis and HCC groups, there was positive correlation between ezrin and ICAM-1 staining. It indicates that ezrin may increase the expression of ICAM-1 to promote the development and advancement of HCC

Is there a place for Plasma Osteaopontin as Key Mediator in patients with Diabetic Nephropathy?

Background: micro- and macro-vasculopathies, such as nephropathy and coronary artery disease [CAD], respectively, are common in diabetes and constitute the major causes of death for in these patients. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications through various biochemical and cellular pathways. Osteopontin [OPN] has been identified as a key regulator of many metabolic and inflammatory diseases including obesity, diabete and diabetic nephropathy

The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma level of osteopontin in different stages of diabetic nephropathy in type II DM, and to correlate it with the stage of nephropathy and with other measured parameters

Patients and Methods: the study was conducted on 58 patients with diabetic nephropathy as well as 15 apparently healthy subjects as a control group. Patients were classified into 2 main groups according to the level of glycosylated hemoglobin [H[b]A[1c]] Group I: controlled type II DM [H[b]A[1c] 5.55%-7.6%]. Group II: uncontrolled type II DM [H[b]A[1c] 7.6 %].Each group was subdivided into two subgroups [A and B] according to the presence of microalbuminuriaor macroalbuminuria [degree of nephropathy]. In addition to, Group III: DM type II with end stage renal disease [serum creatinine>/= 5mg/dl] and just starting hemodialysis [1-3 sessions Only] plasma osteopontin was measured by ELISA. Results of the study revealed significant increase of serum osteopontin in all studied groups

Results: compared to normal control subjects [P<0.001].There was a statistically positive correlation between serum osteopontin versus all variables in group I and II; except HBA1C in group I, and FBS in group II. But, no statistical correlation change between serum osteopontin versus all variables in group III [P>0.05].Cut ROC curve of osteopontin levels of all cases of diabetic nephropathy indicates high validity of OPN to detect positive cases of diabetic nephropathy with accuracy of 100%, and OPN is considered a high validity test in prediction of end-stage renal disease [ESRD] more than prediction of microalbumnuria

Conclusion: plasma level of osteopontin increases with the progression of diabetic nephropathy and osteopontin may be useful as a biomarker to trace disease progression as well as a potential diagnostic biomarker for the prediction of diabetic ESRD

Parasites transmitted to human by ingestion of different types of meat, El-Minia City, El-Minia Governorate, Egypt

Meat-borne parasites are Sarcocystis species, Toxoplasma gondii, Taenia saginata, Taenia solium and Trichinella spiralis. A total of 300 animals including 100 cattle, 100 goat, and 100 pigs, slaughtered in El-Minia governmental slaughterhouses. From each animal, five samples were taken from different muscles [esophageal, tongue and cardiac] and different organs [liver and brain]. Meat samples were examined macroscopic and microscopic [direct, homogenization and H and E staining] for detection of the above-mentioned parasites. Serum samples were subjected to IHA for detection of T. gondii specific antibodies. This study revealed that Sarcocystis species were the highest parasites that could be detected, with overall prevalence of 80%, which was statistically significant [P

Study of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 As A marker in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease which manifests itself in multiple joints of the body. It is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells such as monocytes and it is believed to be the result of a faulty immune response. Chemokines play a major role in selectively recruiting monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, as well as in inducing chemotaxis through the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1/ CCL2] is one of the key chemokines that regulates migration and infiltration of monocytes/macrophages. Was to study the role of serum Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1] in patients with rheumatoid arthiritis as a diagnostic and prognostic marker and the possible association with disease activity. Forty rheumatoid arthritis diseased patients were selected, they were 3 males and 37 females. The patients were categorized into two groups according to activity of the disease regarding DAS score. Another 20 healthy subjects, 2 males and 18 females, with no history of rheumatoid disease were recruited as controls. This study showed a highly significant increase in MCP-1 and ESR in all rheumatoid arthritis patients group compared to control group. Correlation study of serum MCP-1 revealed a significant positive correlation between serum MCP-1 and ESR and DAS score in all patients versus the healthy group and a significant positive correlation between serum MCP-1 and ESR in the active group. Roc curve analysis was showing the diagnostic performance of serum MCP-1 in rheumatoid arthritis patients [active and inactive] versus the healthy control group, at a cut-off level of 52.5% ng/ml., the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were 98%, 93%, 93% and 98% respectively. Also, it shows the diagnostic performance of serum MCP-1 in discriminating active rheumatoid arthritis patients from the inactive group, at a cut-off level of 61ng/ml. Serum MCP-1 is one of the best indicator of clinical arthritic activity in RA patients. It represents a novel, independent indicator of clinical arthritic activity that also provides a good reflection of effect of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients

HCV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] as a predictor of the response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus [HCV] has been found to infect peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs], using them as a reservoir, which might contribute to the development of resistance to treatment. To study hepatitis virus C [HCV] RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMC5] of patients with chronic HCV infection, and explore the relationship between the HCV RNA in the PBMCs and response to interferon [IFN] therapy. Twenty-five patients with chronic viral hepatitis C were included. The HCV RNA in PBMCs and serum was detected after 12 weeks of initializing interferon treatment, at the end of treatment, and 24 week and 1 year follow up after the end of the treatment. At the end of the treatment course, patients who were found to have positive PCR test for HCV RNA in PBMCs were subdivided into two groups, one group continues to receive IFN therapy while the other group stops. The HCV RNA in PBMCs and serum was detected by RT-PCR using the Amplicor HCV 2.0 assay. All patients had negative serum PCR test for HCV RNA at the end of treatment, nevertheless HCV RNA was detected in PBMCs of approximately 32% of these patients. Patients who tested positively for HCV RNA in PBMCs at the end of treatment had an overall significantly

Serum complements C3 and C4 in chronic HCV infection and their correlation with response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment

To search for an immunological parameter that may correlate with the response to interferon [IFN] treatment is very crucial. The objective of this study was to correlate the levels of C3 and C4 complement components with the response to IFN treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. Patients and This study was conducted on 100 patients and control subjects classified into three groups. Group [I] consisted of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were receiving IFN treatment and showed various responses; group [II] included 25 patients with chronic hepatitis C naive to IFN treatment; and group [III] included 25 healthy subjects matched for age and sex who served as controls. Measurement of the level of complement C3 and C4 was done by a quantitative turbidimetric test. Measurement of complement levels in group [I] was done at the end of treatment at the 48th week. Serum levels of C3 and C4 were found to be significantly reduced in all patients with chronic HCV infection in both groups [I and II] compared to the healthy control group [III] [p < 0.05]. Moreover, chronic HCV patients treated with IFN and ribavirin had significantly lower levels of C3 and C4 compared with patients naive to IFN and ribavirin treatment. At the end of treatment, both C3 and C4 had significantly increased in responders to IFN when compared to non-responders [p = 0.025 and 0.05, respectively]. There was a significant negative correlation between C3 and C4 levels and the concentration of serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] measured simultaneously. Higher C3 and C4 serum concentrations were found to be positively correlated to the end-of-treatment response in patients with chronic HCV infection treated with IFN and ribavirin

Molecular profiling of breast cancer in Nigerian women identifies an altered p53 pathway as a major mechanism underlying its poor prognosis compared with British counterpart

Advances in breast cancer (BC) research have demonstrated differences between black and white women with regarding tumour behaviour, patient outcome and response to treatment which can be explained by underlying genetic changes. The tumour suppressor gene p53 has been speculated to be involved in tumour biology of triple negative and/or basal –like BC and more commonly observed in black than caucasian women. Materials and methods: In this study, the protein expression of p53 was investigated in tissue samples from a series of 308 Nigerian women, prepared as a tissue microarray (TMA), using immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological parameters, biomarkers of functional significance in BC and patient outcome of tumours expressing p53 in Nigerian women were correlated with UK grade matched series. Results: A significantly large proportion of BC from Nigerian women showed high p53 expression compared with UK women (p<0.001). In those tumours showing positive p53 in the Nigerian series, a significant proportion were premenopausal, diagnosed before 50 years, larger in size, with evidence of metastasis into lymphatic vessels ( all p<0.001). In addition, p53 positive expression was also significantly correlated with negative expression of ER and PgR (p<0.001, p<0.03 respectively), BRCA1, MDM2 (all p<0.001), p21 (p=0.006) and E-cadherin (p=0.001) and positively associated with P-cadherin (p=0.001), triple negative phenotype, basal cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 expression (p<0.04) and basal phenotype compared with the UK series (p<0.001). Survival analyses showed Nigerian women with BC were significantly associated with poor BC specific survival (p<0.001, but no significant association with disease free interval was observed. Conclusion: In this study, protein expressions of p53 pathways are different between Nigerian and UK BC women and this may also contribute to differences in tumour biology. Therefore, targeting these p53 pathways for therapeutic usage might improve the poor outcome observed in Black Nigerian women.

Physiological studies on carboxymethyl cellulase formation by Aspergillus terreus DSM 826

Physiological studies were conducted to determine the optimum cultural conditions for maximal carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) formation by Aspergillus terreus DSM 826. Shaking condition at 150 rpm is favorable for the production of CMCase from rice straw and sugar cane bagasse. The highest enzyme yield was obtained at the third day of incubation at 30ºC for both cases; however CMCase formation occurred at a broad range of pH values, with maximal formation of A. terreus DSM 826 CMCase at pH 4.5 and 5.0 when rice straw and sugar cane bagasse were used as sole carbon source, respectively. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was found to be a good inducer for CMCase formation in both agricultural wastes with CMC concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 % (w/v) in case of rice straw and sugar cane bagasse, respectively. High level of enzyme formation was obtained with the addition of ammonium chloride as nitrogen source in both cases and at a concentration of 0.4 % (v/v Tween-80) as an addition to medium containing rice straw. However this addition did not influence the production of CMCase in case of using sugar cane bagasse as carbon source.

Estimation of some heavy metal residues in beef and poultry meat in Elgiza province

A total of 120 random samples of beef and poultry samples [60 of each]. The beef samples were beef meat, liver and kidney [20 of each] and the poultry samples were poultry meat, liver and kidney [20 of each] were randomly collected from butcher's and poultry shops at El.Giza province. The samples were transferred to the laboratory for estimation of lead, cadmium and arsenic residues by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The obtained results revealed that the mean values of lead, cadmium and arsenic residues in beef meat were 1.745 +/- 0.61 ppm, 0.93 +/- 0.05ppm and 53.1 +/- 3.4ppm [part per million], while the mean values of lead, cadmium and Arsenic residues in poultry meat [cuts] were 4.15 +/- 1.15ppm, 0.31 +/- 0.58ppm and 47.6 +/- 0.15ppm respectively. Also the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined beef livers were 3.15 +/- 1.08ppm, 0.95 +/- 0.15 ppm and 60.5 +/- 1.5 ppm respectively, while the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined poultry livers were 3.95 +/- 1.15ppm, 1.16 +/- 0.16ppm and 43.5 +/- 3.2ppm respectively. As well as the mean values of pb, cd and As examined beef kidney were 2.7 +/- 1.15ppm, 0.64 +/- 0.09ppm and 43.7 +/- 0.15ppm respectively. While the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined poultry kidney were 4.1 +/- 1.53ppm, 0.41 +/- 0.1ppm and 37.9 +/- 1.14ppm respectively. The public health significance and the prophylactic measures to avoid such residues were discussed

Deaths related to drug abuse in Cairo during 2003-2007

The present study is a retrospective descriptive analysis for drug abuser deaths autopsied at Zenhom mortuary [Forensic medicine Authority - Ministry of Justice] in Cairo during five years period [2003-2007]. Data collected from archived reports written by medicolegal experts. It directs attention and gives warning to the drug abuse problem in Cairo, and determines the pattern and different causes of death among them. The study included 241 deceased assumed to be drug addicts according to their postmortem toxicological findings from total 4717 cases dissected in Zenhom mortuary. Results showed that males were predominant 90.5% [218/241] and most cases were relatively young people. The most common substances with abundant toxicological findings were alcohol, opioids and cannabis in percentage of [40.7%, 21.6%, 18.3%] respectively. The most common cause of death was due to drug overdose intoxication [40.2%] which incorporates alcohol [49.5%] and opioids [42.3%]; and rarely others. The other causes of death include mainly head injury and trauma, stab wounds and pathological condition; and to a lesser extent asphyxia, drowning and others [firearms, bums and electrocution ... etc.]. Pathological investigations were done for the selected cases with evident toxicological findings and no definite cause of death was detected. At crime scene the evidences of drugs abuse were positive related mostly to opioids drugs. It is concluded that this strategy of prospectively categorizing deaths among drug addicts, constitutes an additional and simple means of standardizing the surveillance of the death among drug addicts that could allow for comparisons over time and between countries

Relationship between obesity and hypertension among elementary school children in Zagazig city

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disease which is independently related to cultural, economic and social parameters. Hypertension is the most common complication of childhood obesity. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the prevalence of obesity among primary school children and detecting the factors leading to obesity and predisposing to the occurrence of hypertension. This study was conducted at four elementary schools at Zagazig City, Sharkia Governorate. A total random sample of 200 elementary school children was included after fulfilling the criteria of selection. Two tools for data collection were used, they included a questionnaire sheet and a clinical assessment sheet. The study results revealed a high prevalence of obesity among the elementary school children. Consumption of high fat diet, highly carbohydrate preparations, TV viewing, sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are important contributing factors to obesity and increase its prevalence among the children. Social, behavioral and environmental factors such as low social class and low educational level of the parents had an important role in increasing the prevalence of obesity among the school age children. Obesity is also associated with hypertension, increased with the increasing grades of obesity among the children aged 6-12 years and the relation was statistically significant. Based on the findings of this study, periodic check up of blood pressure, nutritional programs and nutritional counseling to the students and teachers to improve the students' nutritional awareness inside and outside the schools is highly recommended

Educational reform initiative an undergraduate intervention study

Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine for Girls [FMG], microbiology department designed and implemented a Model Training Program [MTP] throughout the academic year [2006/2007] using some methods and new approaches to promote students courseand maximize their activities. Assess the effect of the MTP in microbiology teaching course on student's self motivation. satisfaction. and on the results of the final examination. During the time of laboratory section each day the students were divided into two groups [60 students in each]. One group attends the laboratory section as usual and the other joins the tutorial class and then they exchanged after one hour. They were subdivided into two groups as a tutorial class teaching. The tutor had divided the group into four subgroups to work as a team. A self administered questionnaire was conducted to assess the students view and attitude towards the MTP. Also, assessment was by comparing the results of the final exam of the intervention year with the previous academic year to evaluate the impact of intervention for MTP reform. The students' satisfaction by the staff was 57.4%, 54.9% by the curriculum and educational program and 48.5% by the way of their assessment. Results of the final exam in both intervention and the previous academic years showed improvement indicators. Failure rate was reduced from 20.8% in the previous academic year to 12.6% in the intervention year. The results obtained indicated that MTP achieved better results and addressed student's need to such intervention. Still there is a chance for improvements in undergraduate medical education and to help students to acquire a self directed style of studying

Acquired Kyrle's disease at the site of healed herpes zoster

Kyrle's disease is a rare variant of primary perforating dermatosis .We reported a case of Kyrle's disease involving the site of healed herpes zoster. The clinical picture shows follicular and interfollicular hyperkeratotic horn-like plugs at the site of the resolved herpes zoster. It is thought to be an isotopic response that describes the occurrence of a new skin disorder at the site of another lesion that has already healed and is unrelated

Risk factors of endometrial polyps in tamoxifen treated postmenopausal breast cancer patients

Endometrial polyps are the most common endometrial pathology associated with postmenpausal tamoxifen exposure. Up to 3% of these polyp may show malignant changes. is the endometrial cancer has predisposition or risk factors in postmenpausal tamoxifen receiving breast cancer patients risk factors for endometrial polyps. This is prospective study done at El-Hussien and Sayed Galal University hospitals the data were collected from medical records after the patient consent to be involved in this study we have two groups group I in which the hystrescope reveals the endometrial polyp at 6 months of tamoxifen receiving in postmenopausal breast carcinoma patients. Group II in which the hystrescope reveals nothing each group has 20 patients and follow up for one year. age at menopause was significantly older, increased duration of breast disease increased body weight, increased endometrial thickness. In group I if these compared by group II. Various factors such as old age at menopause, increased duration of breast disease increased body weight. Thicker endometri urn may contri bute to the prediction of increased risk of development of endometrial polyp in postmenopausal patients with breast carcinoma treated by tamoxifen