Yarrow oil ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice model via regulating the NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways

Background/Aims@#Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with indefinite etiology; however, environmental, genetic, immune factors and microbial agents could be implicated in its pathogenesis. UC treatment is lifelong, therefore; the potential side effects and cost of the therapy are significant. Yarrow is a promising medicinal plant with the ability to treat many disorders, owing to its bioactive compounds especially the essential oil. The main aim of this research was to investigate the therapeutic effect of the yarrow oil on colitis including the involved mechanism of action. @*Methods@#In 21-female C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups; control group, colitis model group, and oil-treated group. Groups 2 and 3 received 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 9 days, and concomitantly, only group 3 was given 100 mg/kg yarrow oil. Mice were examined for their body weight, stool consistency and bleeding, and the disease activity indexes were calculated. @*Results@#Oral administration of yarrow oil markedly repressed the severity of UC via the reduction of the inflammatory signs and restoring colon length. The oil was able to down-regulate nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), up-regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and enhance transforming growth factor-β expression. The oil normalized the tumor necrosis factor-α expression, restored the normal serum level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and reduced the serum level of IL-6. @*Conclusions@#Yarrow oil mitigated UC symptoms and regulated the inflammatory cytokines secretion via regulation of NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways in the mice model, however, this recommendation requires further investigations using clinical studies to confirm the use of the oil on humans.

Yarrow oil ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice model via regulating the NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways

Background/Aims@#Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with indefinite etiology; however, environmental, genetic, immune factors and microbial agents could be implicated in its pathogenesis. UC treatment is lifelong, therefore; the potential side effects and cost of the therapy are significant. Yarrow is a promising medicinal plant with the ability to treat many disorders, owing to its bioactive compounds especially the essential oil. The main aim of this research was to investigate the therapeutic effect of the yarrow oil on colitis including the involved mechanism of action. @*Methods@#In 21-female C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups; control group, colitis model group, and oil-treated group. Groups 2 and 3 received 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 9 days, and concomitantly, only group 3 was given 100 mg/kg yarrow oil. Mice were examined for their body weight, stool consistency and bleeding, and the disease activity indexes were calculated. @*Results@#Oral administration of yarrow oil markedly repressed the severity of UC via the reduction of the inflammatory signs and restoring colon length. The oil was able to down-regulate nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), up-regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and enhance transforming growth factor-β expression. The oil normalized the tumor necrosis factor-α expression, restored the normal serum level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and reduced the serum level of IL-6. @*Conclusions@#Yarrow oil mitigated UC symptoms and regulated the inflammatory cytokines secretion via regulation of NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways in the mice model, however, this recommendation requires further investigations using clinical studies to confirm the use of the oil on humans.

Human platelet lysate efficiency, stability, and optimal heparin concentration required in culture of mammalian cells

BACKGROUND: Fetal bovine serum (FBS) has been used to support the growth and proliferation of mammalian cells for decades. Owing to several risk factors associated with FBS, several trials have been conducted to evaluate substitutes to FBS with the same efficiency and the lower risk issues.METHODS: In this study, human platelet lysate (HPL) derived from activated human platelets was evaluated as an alternative to FBS due to the associated risk factors. To evaluate the efficiency of the preparation process, platelet count was performed before and after activation. The concentrations of several growth factors and proteins were measured to investigate HPL efficiency. HPL stability was studied at regular intervals, and optimal heparin concentration required to prevent gel formation in various media was determined. The biological activity of HPL and FBS was compared by evaluating the growth performance of Vero and Hep-2 cell lines.RESULTS: Result of platelet count assay revealed the efficiency of HPL preparation process. Growth factor concentrations in HPL were significantly higher than those in FBS, while the protein content of HPL was lower than that of FBS. Stability study data showed that the prepared HPL was stable for up to 15 months at −20℃. Ideal heparin concentration to be used in different media was dependent on calcium concentration. Results of cell viability assay showed that HPL was superior to FBS in supporting the growth and proliferation of Vero and Hep-2 cells.CONCLUSION: The HPL prepared by the mechanical activation of platelets may serve as an efficient alternative to FBS in cell culture process.

relation between the blood osteopontin levels and body fat percentage in asthmatic wome

Obesity and asthma prevalence have been increasing over the past decade. Osteopontin [OPN] is a cytokine, with suggested diverse roles in tissue remodeling, fibrosis, immunomodulation, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. To assess the relation between serum osteopontin, immunoglobulin E [IgE] and body fat percentage in obese and non-obese asthmatic women in addition, to determine whether correlations exist between these parameters and asthma control. This study was conducted on 40 women after taking informed written consents. They were divided into 4 groups [10 each]: healthy non-obese non-asthmatic [NO/NA], obese non-asthmatic [O/NA], non-obese asthmatic [NO/A] and obese asthmatic[O/A]. All were subjected to full history taking, spirometry to non-asthmatic, asthma control questionnaire [ACQ] to asthmatic, determination of body fat percentage and serum levels of osteopontin and IgE. Results: Body fat percentage was positively correlated to serum OPN levels. Body fat percentage was positively correlated to concentrations of IgE. In addition, the correlation between serum OPN levels and serum IgE levels was significantly positive. The improvement [presented by difference between ACQ before and after treatment [A ACQ]] was significantly superior in non-obese asthmatic. A negative correlation was detected between A ACQ and body fat percentage, serum OPN and IgE concentration Because the multiple roles of OPN action potentially contribute to inflammation in obesity, it is suggested that, in addition to weight reduction, interference with OPN action could become a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of obesity worsening disorders like bronchial asthma

impact of [admit no bed] and long boarding times in the emergency department on stroke outcome

To examine and test the possible association between boarding time and stroke patients' outcome. This study is a retrospective review of stroke patients presenting to the Emergency Department [ED] of King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2007-2010. We excluded thrombolysis cases and those deemed critically ill. We collected time of stroke onset, ED arrival, decision to admit, and arrival to ward. Boarding time [BT] was defined as time of arrival to ward minus time of decision to admit. Primary outcome [PO] was defined as a composite of mortality, and/or any of post-stroke complications. We included 300 patients with a mean age +/- standard deviation of 69 +/- 12 years, and 66.3% were men. The PO occurred in 37.7%. There was no association between BT and PO [odds ratio [OR] =0.9, p=0.3[, or any of the secondary outcomes, such as, death [OR=0.97, p=0.5], severe disability [OR=0.97, p=0.3], pneumonia [OR=1, p=0.9], urinary tract infection [OR=1,p=0.9], or neurological deterioration [OR=0.8,p=0.1]. Multivariate analysis included gender, age, stroke severity, subtype, hypertension, diabetes, coronary disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure [HF], onset to ED, BT and ED wait time; only moderate to severe stroke, HF, and previous stroke predicted poor outcome. Although [admit no bed] was not associated with adverse effects, the results should be interpreted with caution, and early admission to the stroke unit should be encouraged

Diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion using ultrasound guided versus medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsy

Introduction: Medical thoracoscopy increases the diagnostic yield in patients with non-diagnosed pleural effusion when thoracocentesis and closed pleural biopsy [CPB] are non-diagnostic. Chest ultrasound [US] is a very useful imaging method for pleural diseases and the technique of ultra sound-guided cutting biopsy with a tru-cut needle has been well described

Aim of the work: The aim of this work was to diagnose exudative pleural effusion using ultrasound guided versus medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsy

Subjects and methods: Forty patients with, non-diagnosed exudative pleural effusion admitted to the chest department, Alexandria university hospital, were enrolled after obtaining informed consents. All patients were subjected to; full history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations including prothrombin activity and INR, biochemical, pathological and microbiological evaluation of the pleural aspirate and radiological evaluation. Then the patients were divided [randomly] into 2 groups each containing 20 patients. Pleural biopsies were performed using medical rigid thoracoscopy on group 1 and ultrasound guided tru-cut pleural biopsy on group 2

Results: The mean age in-group I was 55.0 +/- 13.05 years and in-group II was 52.60 +/- 17.77 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age, sex, smoking, marital status and past medical conditions. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding radiological findings. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the pleural fluid analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the gross pleural findings. In group II non- specific pleurisy was found in 5 [25.0%] patients [by thoracoscopy 1 of them was finally diagnosed as metastatic deposits from adenocarcinoma of unknown primary, one was confirmed to be tuberculous pleurisy and the remaining 3 cases were confirmed to be non- specific pleurisy]. As regards complications in-group I, local wound infection occurred in 1 [5.0%] patient, and empyema occurred in 1 [5.0%] patient. In-group II, local wound infection occurred in 1 [5.0%] patient, and empyema occurred in 1 [5.0%] patient

Conclusion: It is better to use thoracoscopy in cases of undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion presented with a sufficient amount of pleural fluid to avoid lung injury while inserting the trocar. Whereas, ultrasound guided tru-cut pleural biopsy may be used in cases of undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion presented with thickened pleura but with an insufficient amount of pleural fluid

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism in coronary artery disease patients

Coronary artery disease occurs with the interact ion between environmental influences and genetic factors. Genetic susceptibility may be caused by mutations and polymorphisms in a variety of genes mainly involved in blood coagulation, metabolism of lipids, homocysteine and or iron. The most common form of genetic hyperhomocysteinemia results from the production of a thermolabile variant of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] with reduced enzymatic activity. This study was performed on ninety individuals selected with normal serum glucose, kidney, liver, and thyroid function test and lipid profile. They classified into: Group I: 27 apparently healthy persons as control group. Group II: 3 apparently healthy persons with elevated homocysteine level. Group III: 27 CAD patients with normal coronary angiography. Group IV: 33 CAD patients with abnormal coronary angiography. The following specific investigations were done for all the studied persons:- Serum homocysteine [Hcy], serum folic acid [FA] and MTHFR genotyping by PCR-RFLP

Results: In group III three patients had elevated Hey [11.1%]. There was significant elevation of Hey level in group IV compared to group I [P<0. 05].however there were insignificance differences in mean value of folic acid of the studied groups compared to each other. As regard the relation between the MTHFR polymorphisam and hey and FA levels, in group I there was significant elevation of serum Hey level in carriers of CT genotype compared to carriers of CC genotype [P<0.05]. Homocysteine level was highly elevated in patients had TT genotype in group III and group IV when compared to CC and CT genotypes and this was statistically highly significant [<0.000] in group IV, but insignificant elevation in group III Folic acid level was not differing between patients had TT genotype when compared to CC and CT genotype in all studied groups and that was statistically insignificant. When we study the severity of CAD in group IV there was insignificant elevation of serum Hey level in group of one vessel affection compared to group of two vessel and multi vessel affection, there was Significant elevation of serum Hey level in group of >/= 90% stenosis compared to group of >50-75% stenosis and 75-90% stenosis. However there was insignificant difference in serum FA between the groups compared to each other. Homozygous TT was detected in group of one vessel affection and with >90% stenosis. Carriers of TT genotypes in group of one vessel affection and in>/= 90% stenosis had highly significant elevation [P<0.000] of serum homocysteine compared to CC and CT genotypes in the same group

Conclusion: Our findings support that homozygous MTHFR TT genotype is a genetic risk factor for CAD

Teaching of major communicable diseases in Sudanese medical schools: a critical look

This descriptive, cross-sectional study of Sudanese medical schools aimed to describe and analyse the proportion of their curricula currently allocated for teaching of communicable diseases and to assess the teaching methods and student assessment tools. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from heads of departments and students in 20 of the 27 medical faculties and from ministry of health staff at federal and state levels. Curriculum designs ranged from traditional to innovative, community-oriented programmes. Problems regarding student evaluations were identified. Major limitations included shortages of staff, reference materials and teaching aids. Poor knowledge of students about different aspects of diseases endemic in Sudan was found. Recommendations include curriculum development, staff recruitment and training, and improvement of teaching and training of students

Evaluation of partitional algorithms for clustering medical documents

There are large quantities of information about patients and their medical conditions. The discovery of trends and patterns hidden within the data could significantly enhance understanding of disease and medicine progression and management by evaluating stored medical documents. Methods are needed to facilitate discovering the trends and patterns within such large quantities of medical documents. Clustering medical documents into small number of meaningful clusters is one of these methods; because dealing with only the cluster that will contain relevant documents should improve effectiveness and efficiency. The produced clusters must be in high-quality because it will be used for further processing to discover the hidden trends and patterns. The focus of this paper is to experimentally evaluate the clusters' quality of partitional clustering algorithms that use different criterion functions in the context of clustering medical documents. Our experimental results show that E1 leads to the best solution using repeated bisection as clustering method in term entropy. And I1 is the best using direct clustering methods in term of both entropy and purity

Evaluation of the outcome of transobturator vaginal tape in management of stress incontinence in women

To evaluate the therapeutic results of a minimally invasive anti-incontinence operative procedure-the tension free vaginal tape [TVT]-obturator. With this prospective, observational, and consecutive patient series, TVT-obturator surgery was performed, according to de Leval [2003], on 44 patients with urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence. Follow-up lasted 3-24 month. The demographic and therapeutic aspects of the patient group data were evaluated. The TVT-obturator required neither bladder catheterization nor intraoperative diagnostic cystoscopy. 4 patients [9.09%] with postoperative voiding difficulties had urethral bladder catheterization for 1-4 d; there were 4 cases [9.09%] of early therapeutic failure rate for the TVT-catheterization for 1-4 d; there were 4 cases [9.09%] of early therapeutic failure rate for the TVT-obturator, no postoperative field infections were noted. Use of the TVT-obturator, a novel midurethral sling, seems to reduce the incidence of some of the operative complications novel midurethral sling, seems to reduce the incidence of some of the operative complications associated with the TVT, primarily bladder penetration and postoperative outlet obstruction. The early therapeutic results and the cost-effectiveness of the TVT-obturator appear similar to those reported for common TVT surgery

Effect of quinine therapy on plasma glucose and plasma insulin levels in pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Gezira state

To determine if quinine has a metabolic effect during treatment of severe or complicated malaria, we studied its effects on plasma glucose and plasma insulin levels in 150 pregnant women with malaria referred to Madani maternity teaching hospital, Gezira state and 50 healthy pregnant controls. Levels were determined at baseline [day 0] before the start of quinine treatment, after 2 days of treatment [2 hours after the 4th dose] and after 7 days of treatment [day 8]. There was a statistically significant increase in plasma insulin concentrations during the quinine infusion and fall in plasma glucose concentration [P<0.001]. Quinine administered at the recommended dose and rate can disrupt plasma glucose homeostasis although it is still the drug of choice for severe and complicated malaria in Sudan

Identification and characterization of nuclear matrix protein[s] and assessment of its usefullness for early diagnosis of bladder cancer

The highest incidence rates of bladder cancer are generally found in industrially developed countries, particularly North America and Western Europe, and areas associated with endemic schistosomiasis, including parts of Africa and the Middle East. The appropriate treatment of patients with bladder cancer mandates early detection and regular follow up for recurrences. Currently, cystoscopy is the standard method for diagnosing and monitoring bladder cancer recurrence, but it is an invasive and relatively costly technique, and may sometimes be inconclusive, particularly in cases of cystitis. Western blot and specific immunoglobulin-G antibody were used to identify the urinary NMP marker. Urine samples from 123 patients with bladder cancer and 50 controls were evaluated using the developed SDS-PAGE, Western blot and ELISA. The NMP marker was identified in the urine of patients with bladder cancer at 52 kDa [NMP- 52] by SDS-PAGE, Western blot and ELISA. In addition, the NMP-52 tumor marker was not detected in the urine of patients. Detecting the urinary NMP-52 marker using SDS-PAGE, Western blot and ELISA, would be helpful in the rapid diagnosis of bladder cancer

Role of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Radiofrequency ablation [RFA] is a promising technique for local control of liver malignancy such as primary hepatocellular carcinoma. This technique has become the main stream of the treatment of non-surgical modalities in clinical settings. A study was conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for small and medium sized hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]. Patients and Thirty five cirrhotic patients [M:F; 28:7, age; 57.4 +/- 7.8 years] each with solitary HCC mass lesion [mean size; 3.01 +/- 0.82cm] were consecutively recruited at Assiut University Hospital between August 2007 and November 2009. HCC was diagnosed by raised alpha-fetoprotein [AFF] and contrast-enhanced CT. Lesions were stratified into 2 groups; "Group A ". lesions <3cm [n=22] and "Group B ". lesions 3-5cm [n=13]. Single session RFA was done and all patients were followed-up with AFP and contrast-enhanced CT after one month and 6 months post-procedure. Complete ablation was achieved in 77.1% [27/35] of patients after one-month [81.8% [18/22] in group A and 69.2% [9/13] in group B; p=0.3] Local recurrence was noticed in 3 patients after 6 months [one in group A and 2 in group B]. AFP levels were significantly reduced in both groups after one month and 6-months follow-up. No major complications occurred in all patients treated by RFA. RFA is less effective in ablating medium sized HCC [3-5cm] than in ablating small sized HCC <3cm. The procedure is safe, effective and without major complications

Portal-image IMRT verification

The aim of the present work was to develop and utilizing the use of an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device [EPID] in IMRT dosimetric verification. Neither pre-irradiation nor extra build-up materials was needed for EPID dosimetry applications. Accurate absolute dosimetry [output] obtained using the EPID up to 250 cGy with mean deviation of 0.39% and 0.62% while the maximum observed deviation was 0.7% and 1.9% at 250 MUs for 6 and IS MV photon energy respectively. Beam-by-beam fluence profiles obtained from portal images were used in air [i.e. without phantom presence] The EPID estimated the relative dose up to 1.5% accuracy. The in-air absolute dose [i.e. number of MUs] of an arbitrary clinical breast [aperture-based] IMRT test fields were extracted, the difference rose to 1.7% in the most severe tested field. One disadvantage of beam-by-beam verification is that the cumulative effect of dose errors from all beams is not quantified, however, it allows the potential origin of dose errors to be isolated more easily. The EPID could estimate the dose at each segment with average accuracy of around 1% for central axis positions and up to 1.7% for off-axis positions in the tested fields. The absolute dose verification plus the fluence map verification of IMRT fields may represent a sufficient procedure to examine the step-and shoot-IMRT treatment. Multi-leaf-collimator [MLC] related QA also tested using EPED. The mean difference between EPID effective penumbra results and both ion chamber and film measurements was 0.06 and 0.01 cm respectively. These results could justify the use of EPID in dosimetric applications including aperture-based IMRT verification, and quality control programs

MLC leaf position and dynalog file accuracy QA procedure using the EPID

A main concern about the IMRT dose validation tool using Monte Carlo [MC] simulation and R and V-system/Dynalog file is the potential inconsistency between the actual leaf-end positions and those recorded by the Dynalog file. The present study investigates a method to validate the accuracy of the Dynalog tiles using amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device [aSi-EPID] images. A computer program was developed to detect the MLC segmented field edges in EPID images [l024x768 pixels, pixel size: 0.392 mm], Standard reference MLC segmented fields were designed and leaf-end positions were measured accurately. EPID images for these reference MLC fields were recorded and the leaf-end positions were calculated as the locations where the image intensity is 50% of the maximum. Small corrections were made to minimize the effect of scattered photons [background]. Daily EPII] images of the same MLC segmented fields were compared to the original images and to check the accuracy of the Dynalog files. A daily QA tool was developed to check the accuracy of the Dynalog file and MLC leaf end positions as part of the comprehensive IMRT-QA procedure. This ensures the accuracy of the MC based patient-specific IMRT dose verification using the information recorded in the Reeord and Verify system/Dynalog files

Psychological distress and quality of life among diabetic pregnant women

Pregnant women may experience specific and intense fears such as fear of incompetence and concerns about pain and loss of control during delivery, fear for their own life and the life of their baby and worries about changes in their personal life due to pregnancy and childbirth. Diabetes is categorized into two groups, preexisting diabetes and gestational diabetes. This study is concerned with assessing and identifying psychological distress and quality of life among diabetic and nondiabetic pregnant women. It was conducted at the obstetric and gynecological department at Assiut university hospital. The study consisted 200 pregnant women, among the subjects, 100 were diabetics and 100 nondiabetics as a control group. Data were collected through two tools, depression anxiety stress scale and quality of life scale. The results of this study yielded that diabetic pregnant women had severe and extreme depression than nondiabetics [X[2] = 29. 32], Also they had severe and extreme anxiety and stress. Diabetic pregnant women had a moderate quality of life than nondiabetics. The study recommended developing strategies to improve quality of life and emotional support for diabetic pregnant women

possible protective effect of exroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma [PPAR-gamma]-agonist in middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Focal cerebral ischemia [st, oke] is a leading cause of death and disability among adult population. Many pathological events including inflammation and oxidative stress during the acute period contribute to the secondary neuronal death. Peroxisome prohferator-activated receptors [PPARs] are ligand-activated transcription factors known to upstream to many inflammatory and antioxidant genes. The present study was carried out to evaluate the physiological role of PPAR-gamma and possible neuroprotective effects of its agonist, rosiglitazone, in experimentally induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats. The current study was conducted on 30 male albino rats [180-220 gm], they were divided into 3 groups: Group 1: included 10 normal healthy control rats that were sham operated. Group 2: included 10 rats that were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion [MCAO] induced focal cerebral ischemia for 2 h followed by reperfusion for 22 h. Group 3: included 10 rats that were pretreated with rosiglitazone 3mg/kg body weight orally for 7 days followed by MCAO induced focal cerebral ischemia. The following parameters were assessed in all rats of the studied groups: Serum levels of both tumor necrosis-alpha [TNF-alpha] and interleukin-6 [IL-6] and cerebral cortex tissue levels of glutathione reductase [GR], reduced glutathi one [GSH] and glutathi one peroxidase [GPx] The present study revealed that the induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats of group2 was associated with a statistical sign ifi cant increase in serum levels of both TNF-alpha and IL-6 as compared to normal controls. Pretreatment of rats with rosiglitazone in group3 resulted in a statistical significant reduction of the TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels as compared to group2 [This reflects that the ischemic neuronal injury is associated with massive inflammatory processes that lead to brain damage]. And treatment with rosiglitazone could have an anti-inflammatory neuroprotective role. Considering the brain tissue levels of GR, GSH and GPx, which are tissue oxidant defense mechanisms, the present study showed that focal cerebral ischemia in rats of group2 led to a statistical signfi cant reduction in their levels as compared to control group indicating that cerebral ischemia and reperfusion are responsible for oxidative stress by generation of free radicals which culminate to serious damaging effect and overproduction of free radicals takes the upper hand and predominates the detoxication and scavenging capacity of cellular antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of rats with rosiglitazone before induction of focal cerebral ischemia led to a statistical significant increase in the brain tissue levels of defense antioxidant enzymes as GR and GPx as well as GSH assuming its potential neuroprotective role which could be due to its ability to increase the natural defense mechanisms in case of ischemic oxidative stress. PPAR-gamma agonist [rosiglitzone] could be the drug of use in stroke therapy due to its potential to influence multiple molecular mechanisms by its ability to minimize both the inflammation and oxidative stress and at the same time promotes the antioxidant defense mechanisms and protein chaperones

H1N1 influenza A. Preliminary evaluation in hospitalized patients in a secondary care facility in Saudi Arabia

To assess the epidemiologic and clinical manifestations of the first wave of H1N1 influenza A patients. This study is a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted in King Saud Medical Complex, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 22nd May to 31st August 2009, with a proven diagnosis of H1N1 influenza A. Only patients with a positive nasopharyngeal swab were included, and excluded when the swab was negative. Charts were then analyzed for epidemiological and clinical data. A total of 153 patients with proven H1N1 infection were admitted, with a predominance of male patients [108 [71%]]. Most patients were Saudis [111 [73%]], with 83 males [75%], and 28 females [25%]. The mean age was 25 years [standard deviation; 9.45 years], and median age was 24 years. The most common symptoms in order of frequency were; fever [143 patients], cough [126 patients], sore throat [70 patients], headache [18 patients], shortness of breath [17 patients], myalgia [11 patients], diarrhea [9 patients], and vomiting [7 patients]. Average duration of symptoms before admission was 3.55 days, and the average time of hospitalization was 4.8 days. Full recovery was obtained in 150 patients. Death occurred in 3 patients. True to its designation as a pandemic, H1N1 influenza A, has reached Saudi Arabia and poses a risk to the young population without immunity, and those with co-morbid disease, particularly of the lungs [bronchial asthma], and the pregnant. Despite its virulence in infecting people, deaths are far less than anticipated for such a novel virus. Social distancing can be recommended. However, further observation has to continue to substantiate these tentative preliminary findings

Foetal weight assessment using sonographic femoral length: Honarvar equation

To evaluate the accuracy of the femoral length, by Honarvar equation during ultrasonographic examination at [36] weeks of gestation as a predictor of actual birth weight. A prospective observational study. Department of OB/GYN, women's health Hospital, Assuit University, Assiut, Egypt. Outpatient obstetric care clinic. One hundred [100] pregnant women at 36 weeks of gestation, were recruited in this study. Real time ultrasound examination was done to measure the femoral length, then the estimated foetal, weight was calculated using the Honarvar 2 equation. The correlation between estimated foetal weight [EFW] and real weight was tested by Pearson correlation coefficient and the relationships with the age and body mass index [BMI] of the mother, the gender of the neonate and parity were tested by multiple regression. there was significant correlation between sonographic EFW by the Honarvar 2 equation and the actual birth weight of the offsprings. Therefore, this equation is a valid method for foetal weight estimation, It also doesn't depend [no significant correlation] upon the maternal age, BMI and parity or neonatal sex. The Honarvar formula produced the best estimate of the real birth weight and its use is recommended

Evaluation of maternal morbidity in association with multiple repeated lower segment cesarean sections [more than four]

To determine the safety of repeated multiple caesarean sections more than four by comparing the outcome to a control group with lower number of repeated caesarian sections. Study design: A retrospective case-control study. Department of OB/GYN, women's health Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. Fifty patients who had previous four caesarian sections or more were compared to another control group of 50 patients who had lower number of repeated caesarian sections, as regards potential intra and post operative complications; including duration of surgery, degree of adhesion and possible adjacent organ injury. Also; dehiscence or rupture scar; blood transfusion and intensive care unit [ICU] admission were reported. in the study group [>/= 4 previous caesarian sections] the operative and hospital stay time were significantly longer with a higher rate of infra-operative adhesions, ileus and bladder injury than control group. The incidence of abnormal placentation [placenta accrete], caesarian hysterectomy and the need for blood transfusion was higher than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications or ICU admission. The neonatal outcome was comparable in the two groups and there was no maternal or fetal mortality. multiple repeated lower segment caesarian sections >/= 4 appears to be associated with higher rate of serious complications, so such patients must be advised to have the surgery in a tertiary obstetric care center with satisfactory facilities including a blood bank and adult as well as neonatal intensive care units. Also counseling about sterilization should be offered