Prophylactic mechanisms of Cucumis melo var. flexuosus and Phoenix dactylifera fruit extracts against diabetic cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The aim of this investigation was to study the antidiabetic impact of Cucumis melo var. flexuosus and/or Phoenix dactylifera fruit aqueous extracts and their mechanisms in repressing diabetes induced cardio-myopathy in diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetes was promoted in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin [30mg/kg body wight]. C. flexuosus and P. dactylifera extracts [200mg/kg body weight, each] were ingested to diabetic rats daily for a month. The results showed that ingestion of either plant extract or their combination to diabetic rats significantly diminished the glucose level and boosted the insulin concentration in the blood. The plant extracts markedly ameliorated the serum inflammatory molecules, tumor necrosis factor [TNF-alpha] and C -reactive protein [CRP], as well as the alteration in the cardiac malondialdehyde [MDA] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]. The extracts attenuated the increase in cardiac apoptosis enzyme [caspase -3] and the oxidative DNA fragmentation. Treating diabetic rats with plant extracts also scaled down the serum cardiac function enzyme, creatine phosphokinase-MB [CPK-MB]. The biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological examination. This study has proven that both the plant extracts particularly their combination have potential hypoglycemic effect and could attenuate cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats

Influence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Therapy on Liver Status of Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are emerging among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. Aim: To determine the impact of the presence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections as well HIV treatment on the liver of patients with HBV, HCV and HIV co-infections. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study on 115 HIV patients that were subdivided into two groups; group A included 67 patients who had HIV mono-infection and group B included 48 patients who had HIV plus HBV, HIV plus HCV or HIV plus both. Results: 48 HIV patients (41.7%) had HBV and/or HCV infections. 4 patients (3.5%) were positive for HBV Surface Antigen (HBsAg), 37 patients (32.2%) were positive for HCV Anti-body (Anti-HCV Ab) and 7 patients (6.1%) were positive for both. HIV treatment caused significant impairment of liver functions especially in group B patients. CD4+ T Lymphocytes significantly increased after HIV therapy in group A versus group B. Conclusion: HIV may accelerate liver damage caused by HBV and HCV. HIV therapy carries a potential risk for hepatotoxicity.

prevalence of vitamin d deficiency in ancient egyptian population from baharia oasis, the greco roman period

Vitamin D deficiency is considered to be the most common nutritional deficiency andalso one of the most common undiagnosed medical conditions in the world. Vitamin D is naturallypresent only in minor amounts in most foods; the great majority is synthesized by the action ofultraviolet light on chemical precursors in the skin.The manifestation of vitamin D deficiency in sub adults is referred to as rickets, and in adults,osteomalacia . Rickets and osteomalacia are the sub adult and adult expressions of a disease in whichthe underlying problem is a failure to mineralize bone protein [osteoid]. The most common cause ofthis disease is a physiological deficiency in vitamin D. The associated problems include deformedbones. This study aimed to investigate the skeletal remains of ancient Egyptiansfrom Baharia Oasis population for lesions indicative of vitamin D deficiency [rickets andosteomalacia]. The material consisted of 1075 commingled bones [38 sub adults and 1037 adults]. They were recovered from Baharia oasis. The results showed that, there was no evidence of rickets in sub adult group. The prevalenceof osteomalacia in adult Baharia populations was 7.4% ; all were adult males.This result could indicate that this population was subjected to sunlight all over the year and their dietwas rich of calcium and phosphorus. These few cases that were found may be due to mechanical stress during wine andtextile production

possible role of chronic intestinal candidiasis in the genesis of intractable allergic diseases

A role of disturbed intestinal normal flora, such as Chronic Intestinal Candidiasis [C.I.C.] syndrome, in the genesis of intractable allergic diseases, through changing in the intestinal mucosal barrier was suggested. In this study, we have assessed the C.I.C. in the patients with intractable allergies to elucidate the potential involvement of this syndrome in the genesis of these diseases and to find out a relation between the serum level of candida IgG, IgM and IgA with the disease intractability [serum total IgE] through an intestinal functional impairment in these patients. The serum levels of candida IgG, IgM, IgA were assessed in 20 patients with C.I.C. and intractable allergic diseases as well as in 20 healthy volunteers and their levels were correlated to the laboratory parameter of disease intractability referring to an intestinal functional impairment in these patients. When compared with the control group, the patients showed a significantly higher concentration [< 0.0001] of only serum candida IgG. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between this higher concentration and disease intractability while a negative insignificant correlation was found between serum candida IgM and negative significant correlation between serum candida IgA and disease intractability in these patients. The results of intestinal biopsies showed variable lesions but there was absence of candida hyphae or intestinal invasion. The results of this study suggest that disturbed intestinal normal flora produced by C.I.C. may play important role in the genesis of intractable allergic diseases. Measurement of serum candida IgG reflects the disease intractability in these patients even without increasing frequency of acute intestinal candida infection [IgM] or invasion [IgA]. In addition, inhibition of C.I.C. either by drugs or diet adjustment may improve the clinical manifestations or decrease the progress of these diseases. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of C.I.C. in relation to other factors involved in the pathogenesis of intractable allergic diseases by affecting the intestinal mucosal barrier

The relationship between overjet size and dentoalveolar compensation.

Background : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of overjet size and the dento-alveolar compensation in subjects with normal class I molar relationship. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalometric head records of 59 Egyptian children (34 boys and 25 girls) aged 7.5 to 10.5 years with mean age of 8.69±0.73. All had normal class I type of occlusion. The sample was classified into four quartiles according to the overjet size and the cephalometric analysis was based on seven linear and eight angular measurements using a dental tracer programme. Results: showed that, in spite of presence of high significant over jet size differences between the groups; there was no significant differences in all the studied parameters were found. Applying the least significant differences (LSD) test and coefficient correlations between the studied parameters clarifying that there was a significant differences in angular measurements (SN-AB, SN-Occl, I-I, I-ML, I-NB). Conclusion: during transitional dentition there was a sufficient dento-alveolar adaptation to growth changes in the saggittal jaw relation ship to attain normal class I type of occlusion. This compensation is pronounced in angular parameters and clustered in the lower arches particularly in incisal area.

Effect of delclophenac phonophoresis versus low level laser therapy on osteoarthritis knee

Osteoarthritis of the knee is reported to be a major health problem worldwide. To compare between the declophenac phonophoresis and low level laser therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, thirty patients with knee osteoarthritis from both genders were selected, aged between 40-60 years. They were divided into two equal groups, fifteen patients in the first group received declophenac phonophoresis in addition to traditional exercise program in the form of stretching and strengthening exercises. Patients in the second group received laser therapy in addition to the same traditional exercise program. The program was done 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pain level, range of motion of the knee joint and functional performance were measured before and after treatment, there were significant difference within the two groups before and after treatment and between the two groups after treatment in Pain, range of motion and functional disability. Declophenac phonophoresis was proved to be more beneficial in reducing knee pain, improving range of motion and reducing of functional disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Detection of histamine and tyramine in some cheese

The biogenic amines content of various food has been widely studied because of their potential toxicity. This study aims at presenting data about histamine and tyramine content in some locally and imported soft, hard, and semihard cheese available in Alexandria markets throwing lights on its public health hazard. A total of 140 random cheese samples included a large variety of types of soft cheese [kareish, old cheese [Mish], Demietta], .Semihard cheese, [Roquefort and Gouda], and hard cheese [Ras and Cheddar] as twenty samples of each were analysed for histamine and tyramine using high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. Results showed that histamine and tyramine were detected in [35 - 55%] and [70-100%] of samples, respectively. All examined samples contained histamine level lower than the critical oral dose toxic to human [100 mg/i 00 g]. Tyramine exceeded the dangerous dose for patients receiving MAOI, [6 mg] by the percentage of [30, 100, 60, 100, 50, 80, and 60%], respectively. Histamin concentration increased in the order of cheddar> Mish> Gouda>Demietta> Ras> Roquefort> Kareish cheese. Also, tyramine increased in these manner Roquefort > Cheddar > Mish > Demietta > Gouda > Kariesh. The highest level of histamine and tyramine [20.46 +/- 7.73 and 32.76 +/- 1 0.32 mg/100g] recorded in cheddar and Roquefort cheese, respectively but the lowest level showed in kareish cheese [4.02 +/- 1.74 and 7.12 +/- 3.75 mg/100 g] of histamine and tyramine, respectively

Nephrotoxic effects of griseofulvin on adult albino rats

Griseofulvin is a well known fungicide drug. It is used to treat dermatomycosis in many species. It has toxic effects on the liver, kidney, blood and chromosomes on prolonged use. This study was conducted to evaluate the nephrotoxic effects of chronic oral administration of griseofulvin on adult albino rats. The kidneys will be investigated histopathologically by light and electron microscopes and biochemically by measuring blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. This study was conducted on 30 normal adult albino rats of uniform strain. The rats were divided into three groups equally, The 1[st] group was used as a negative control group, the 2[nd] [positive control group] each rat was given 1 mL of olive oil orally once dally, the 3[rd] group each rat was given griseofulvin orally dissolved in 1 mL olive oil in a dose of 2500 mg/kg body weight [1120 of LD50] daily for 12 weeks. The affected glomeruli appeared shrinked with wide Bowman's spaces and adhesion of glomeruli to their Bowman's capsules. Most of the kidney tubules appeared distorted. The mean values of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in griseofulvin treated group showed a statistically significant increase after 12 weeks when compared with positive control group. It can be concluded that griseofulvin is nephrotoxic on chronic administration to adult albino rats

C-reactive protein as a marker for early onset neonatal sepsis: the good, the better and the best

C-reactive protein [CRP] analysis is a simple, established and widely available test to identify an evidence of plasma acute phase response to infection and tissue injury. Standard CRP assays such as: latex agglutination and quantitative assays lack sensitivity at the early onset of neonatal sepsis. They can detect CRP concentrations. The development of the new high sensitivity immunoassay technique for CRP [HSCRP] has enabled its detection at lower concentrations. In HSCRP immunoassay, anti CRP antibodies react with antigen in the serum to form antigen antibody complex measured turbidimetrically. Evaluation of the diagnostic value of highly sensitivity CRP immunoassay in comparison to standard CRP latex agglutination and quantitative assays in early onset neonatal sepsis. A prospective controlled study including 51 neonates with culture proven bacterial sepsis. Ten healthy neonates served as control group. All neonates were subjected to full clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including: CBC with differential leukocytic count, blood culture and sensitivity. CRP analysis was performed using 3 techniques for each patient: CRP latex agglutination, CRP quantitative assay where values ? 6mg/L were considered abnormal, and HSCRP immunoassay where values ? 2mg/L were considered abnormal. CRP latex agglutination was positive in 8/51 [15.68%] and had sensitivity of 15.68%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 18.86% and diagnostic accuracy 29.5%. CRP quantitative assay was positive in 12/51 [23.52%]. At cut of level 6mg/L: sensitivity was 23.5%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 20.4% and diagnostic accuracy 36.06%. HSCRP immunoassay was positive in 34/51 [66.66%]. At cut off level 2mg/L: sensitivity was 66.6%, specificity 100%, positive predicative value 100%, negative predictive value 37.03% and diagnostic accuracy 72.13%. CRP analysis using high sensitivity immunoassay is likely to improve the diagnostic accuracy of CRP in detection of early onset neonatal sepsis. It allows detection of CRP at low concentrations. Only 40micro l of serum is needed, and results are available within 15 minutes

Nurses styles in managing conflict at Assuit main university hospital

Conflict is one of the most prevalent issues facing nursing management today. The introduction of new specialities is often associated with highly technical procedures, an increase in the body of knowledge and a complexity of nursing skills needed in the working units. This study aimed to determine nurses styles in managing conflict at Assuit Main University Hospital. Subjects of this study comprised all nurses who were available at the time of the study [n=140] at the general medical and surgical inpatient care units at the previously mentioned hospital. A modified version of Thomas-Kilmonn, questionnaire-based on the self assessment questionnaire developed by Steers and Black, was used to assess the different nurses styles in managing conflicts at Assuit Main University Hospital. This study revealed that accommodating was the most frequently used style by nurses in managing conflict in their working settings. Also, a positive relationship was found between their educational level and use of accommodating style in managing conflict. Furthermore, significant relationships were revealed between nurses age and their use of competing and corn- promising styles in managing conflict and between nurses' years of experience and their use of collaborating style

Effect of introduced changes in the internship program on the rate and causes of absenteeism among nurse interns

Absenteeism is one of the most serious problems that face the nurse managers in all health care agencies. It has a negative effect on the quality and productivity of care provided to the patients as well as employees morale. The aims of this study are to determine the rate and causes of absenteeism of a group of nurse interns graduated at 1997-1998, and to assess the eject of the introduced changes in the internship program on the rate and causes of absenteeism of the other group of nurse interns graduated at 1999-2000. The sample consists of two groups The first out consists of 146 nurse interns, while the second group consists of 164 nurse interns working in 12 inpatient care units at Alexandria University Hospitals. The attendance records of nurse interns and a structured questionnaire were used to assess the rate and causes of absenteeism among nurse interns. Significant change were detected between the two studied groups in relation to the rate of sickness and unexcused leaves contrary to the annual and casual leaves. The main causes of absenteeism which were highlighted by the majority of nurse interns in both studied groups were work stress, refusal of sick leave requests, nurse intern illness as well as their rights to take any type of leave

study of vertebral canal dimensions in ancient Egyptians from the old kingdom

The vertebral canal was measured from the lumbar spines of 176 adult individuals of Ancient Egyptians [90 males and 86 females], belonging to the period of the Old Kingdom. Three parameters were recorded [midsagittal diameter, interpedicular diameter and trefoil shape]. The measurements were taken from radiographs of the lumbar vertebrae. Moreover, four physiological stress indicators were examined, enamel hypoplasia, Harris line, cribra orbitalia and porotic hyperostosis. Comparison of our results with those of other populations revealed that the midsagittal diameter is less in ancient Egyptians than Europeans, Africans and Koreans. There was a positive correlation between cirbra orbitalia and small interpedicular diameter at L1, L2, L3 and L4. Trefoil shape could be noticed only at the level of L4 and L5

Alterations of cardiac muscle Z-line in aged albino rats: a light and electron microscope study

Eight male albino rats weighing 175-250g, 4 adult [3-6 months] and 4 aged [12-18 months] have been used in this work to demonstrate the occurrence of alterations in Z-line in cardiac muscle and its relation to age. The animals were sacrificed and the hearts were carefully dissected. Different parts of atria and ventricles of the hearts were processed for the light and electron microscope examination. The light microscope examination of the adult heart revealed long branched muscle fibers with intervening blood vessels. Regular striations were seen in the adult cardiac muscle. Aged cardiac muscle showed increased collagen fibers in between the muscle fibers and prominent striations. Increased intercellular spaces were detected in the aged muscle fibers. The electron microscope examination of the adult cardiac muscle revealed normal appearance of muscle fibers with regular pattern of striations and intercalated discs. While the majority of aged cardiac muscle fibers revealed a normal structure, random orientation of hypertrophic, disintegrated and even disappearance of Z-lines were observed together with other age-associated alterations. These alterations included loss of myofibrils, myofilaments, increasd intermyofibrillar spaces and intercellular spaces. Also, local accumulation of mitochondria and abnormal intercalated discs were observed. In conclusion the random orientation of hypertrophic Z-line and the age associated alterations suggested that hypertrophic Z-line containing myocytes were in a degenerating stage. Also, hypertrophic Z-line formation occured in atrophic cardiomyocytes rather than adult normal or cardiomyocytes in aged rat heart

Studies on the mechanism of the hyperglycemic action of hydrochlorothiazide

To investigate the mechanism of hydrochlorothiazide induced hyperglycemia and to determine the reversibility of this hyperglycemic action, the effects of hydrochlorothiazide [5 and 10 mg/kg body weight] alone or with potassium supplementation [1.8 mg potassium bicarbonate / kg body weight] on serum glucose, serum insulin, liver glycogen and liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity were' studied. Also, potassium concentration in serum and urine was evaluated. Comparison of obtained data revealed the occurrence of a significant increase in serum glucose concentration, a significant decrease in serum insulin and in liver glycogen and a non significant increase in glucose-6-phosphatase activity at the two different doses of the drug. Moreover, serum potassium level showed significant decrease at the two doses with significant increase of this ion in the urine at dose of 10 mg. Following potassium supplementation, these metabolic disturbances seemed to be improved. A reduction in serum glucose and elevations in both serum insulin and liver glycogen were observed. The Liver glucose -6-phosphatase tended to decrease and the potassium concentration in both serum and urine tended to increase. These changes reached the significant level with liver glycogen and potassium concentration in the serum and urine at the two different doses and with serum glucose and insulin in addition to liver glucose -6- phosphatase activity at the 5 mg dose