The Therapeutic Potential of Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells on Busulfan-Induced Azoospermia in Adult Rats

BACKGROUND@#Busulfan is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that is routinely prescribed for leukemic patients to induce myelo-ablation. However, it also results in azoospermia and infertility in cancer survivors. This research was constructed to explore the possible therapeutic role of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) in improving busulfaninduced azoospermia in adult rats. @*METHODS@#Forty two adult male albino rats were randomized into: (1) control group, (2) azoospermia group, (3) spontaneous recovery group, and (4) AFSCs-treated group, in which AFSCs were transplanted through their injection into the testicular efferent ducts. The assessment included a histo-pathological examination of the seminiferous tubules by the light and transmission electron microscopes. Additionally, the confocal laser scanning microscope was used for confirmation of homing of the implanted cells. Moreover, we conducted an immuno-fluorescence study for detection of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the spermatogenic cells, epididymal sperm count, and a histo-morphometric study. @*RESULTS@#AFSCs successfully homed over the basement membrane of the injured seminiferous tubules. They greatly attenuated busulfan-induced degenerative and oxidative changes. They also caused a re-expression of PCNA in the germ cells, leading to resumption of spermatogenesis and re-appearance of spermatozoa. @*CONCLUSION@#AFSCs could be a promising treatment modality for male infertility induced by chemotherapy, as they possess prominent regenerative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory potentials.

The Therapeutic Potential of Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells on Busulfan-Induced Azoospermia in Adult Rats

BACKGROUND@#Busulfan is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that is routinely prescribed for leukemic patients to induce myelo-ablation. However, it also results in azoospermia and infertility in cancer survivors. This research was constructed to explore the possible therapeutic role of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) in improving busulfaninduced azoospermia in adult rats. @*METHODS@#Forty two adult male albino rats were randomized into: (1) control group, (2) azoospermia group, (3) spontaneous recovery group, and (4) AFSCs-treated group, in which AFSCs were transplanted through their injection into the testicular efferent ducts. The assessment included a histo-pathological examination of the seminiferous tubules by the light and transmission electron microscopes. Additionally, the confocal laser scanning microscope was used for confirmation of homing of the implanted cells. Moreover, we conducted an immuno-fluorescence study for detection of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the spermatogenic cells, epididymal sperm count, and a histo-morphometric study. @*RESULTS@#AFSCs successfully homed over the basement membrane of the injured seminiferous tubules. They greatly attenuated busulfan-induced degenerative and oxidative changes. They also caused a re-expression of PCNA in the germ cells, leading to resumption of spermatogenesis and re-appearance of spermatozoa. @*CONCLUSION@#AFSCs could be a promising treatment modality for male infertility induced by chemotherapy, as they possess prominent regenerative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory potentials.

parasitic profile among school children in El-Wadi El-Gadded Governorate, Egypt

Parasitic infection is still a serious public health problem in the world, especially in developing countries including Egypt. It represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood and among high-risk groups in most parts of the world. This study detected the prevalence of parasitic infection among school children in El-Wadi El-Gadded [the New Valley Governorate]. A total of randomly chosen 1615 students aged from 6-16 years, [771 males and 844 female] from 12 primary schools and 12 preparatory schools related to four centers [El Dakhala, El Farfra, Paris and Platt] from the New Valley Governorate. Each child was subject to: A questionnaire sheet, Urine examination through sedimentation methods, Stool examination using: Direct smear, Simple sedimentation method and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Stain, Blood samples were collected randomly from 450 children and examined for Seropositivity of toxoplasmosis using [On-SiteToxoIgG/IgM Rapid Test-Cassette] and examination of hair and clothes for ectoparasites [lice]. The overall prevalence of parasites was [39.1%] among primary and preparatory school children. The helminthes were E. vermicularis [15.2% and 17. 1%]; A. lumbricoides [1.3% and 1.9%] and then H. nana [0.9% and 0.6%] and the protozoa were E. histolytica [14.1% and 13.2%], Giardia lamblia [3.8% and 309%], and then Cryptosporidium parvum [0.09%] and seropositivity of toxoplasmosis was in [3.0% and 2.7%] among primary and preparatory school children respectively. Mixed infection was in [0.4%] among primary school children. Head lice infestation was more prevalent among primary school children than preparatory school ones with a ratio [3.5% and 0.2%] respectively, was nil among males

Assessment of learning environment among the first year Malaysian medical students

Objectives: The quality of the learning environment has been identified to be crucial for effective learning. Medical students' perceptions of learning environments provide a useful foundation for modifying and improving the quality of medical education. The aim of this study was to assess first-year medical students' perceptions of the learning environment in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia [UKM]

Methods: The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure [DREEM] questionnaire was distributed to all 213 first-year medical students of UKM. The questionnaire contained 50 items scored on a 0-4 Likert scale [total scores could range from 0 to 200]. There were five subscales in the questionnaire, including students' perceptions about learning, teachers, atmosphere, academic self-perceptions, and social self-perceptions

Results: The total DREEM score recorded in this study was 135.6/200, which indicated that medical students' perceptions of the learning environment at UKM were more positive than negative. Students' perceptions of learning, students' perceptions of teachers, students' academic self-perceptions, students' perceptions of atmosphere and students' social self-perceptions scores were 33.04/48, 29.68/44, 22.16/32, 33.11/48 and 17.62/28, respectively. The total DREEM score was significantly higher among female [137.02/200] than male medical students [130.84/200] [p < 0.05]. There was no relationship between the students' perceptions of the learning environment and their academic performance [R = -0.06, p > 0.05]

Conclusion: The study showed that first-year medical students at UKM positively perceived their learning environment. Some low-scoring areas of the learning environment were also identified, which require improvement in the future

Outcome of pulmonary embolism and clinico-radiological predictors of mortality: Experience from a university hospital in Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study is to determine the outcome of pulmonary embolism [PE] and the clinico-radiological predictors of mortality in a university hospital setting. A Prospective observational study conducted at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh Saudi Arabia between January 2009 and 2012. A total of 105 consecutive patients [49.9 +/- 18.7 years] with PE diagnosed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography were followed until death or hospital discharge. Overall in hospital mortality rate was 8.6%, which is lower than other international reports. Two-thirds of patients developed PE during the hospitalization. The most common risk factors were surgery [35.2%], obesity [34.3%] and immobility [30.5%]. The localization of the embolus was central in 32.4%, lobar in 19% and distal in 48.6%. A total of 26 patients [25%] had evidence of right ventricular strain and 14 [13.3%] were hypotensive. Multivariate analysis revealed that heart failure [Beta = -0.53, P< 0.001], palpitation [Beta = -0.24, P= 0.014] and high respiratory rate [Beta = 0.211, P < 0.036] were significant predictors of mortality. There was no significant difference in the localization of the embolus or obstruction score between survivors and non-survivors. The outcome of PE is improving; however, it remains an important risk factor for mortality in hospitalized patients. Congestive heart failure, tachypnea and tachycardia at presentation were associated with higher mortality. These factors need to be considered for risk stratification and management decisions of PE patients. Radiological quantification of clot burden was not a predictor of death

Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and thyroid hormones deficiency in neonatal jaundice

G6PD deficiency is the most common inherited metabolic disorder and clinically significant red cell enzyme defect in man. Severe neonatal jaundice proved to be the most common clinical manifestation and a globally important most dangerous consequence of G6PD deficiency. Prolonged jaundice is sometimes associated with congenital hypothyroidism. So the early characterization of G6PD activity and thyroid hormone levels provides an etiological diagnosis for neonatal jaundice as well as the opportunity to give the newborn's family information concerning hemolytic crisis prevention and an early management in case of hypothyroidism. This study was conducted in an attempt to evaluate the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and hypothyroidism in relation to neonatal physiological hyperbilirubinemia. The study included 50 neonates aged between 6 hr - 5 days, forty infants had jaundice and the other ten [control], were healthy neonates, matching the same age. All infants of the study were subjected to C-RP test, routine hematological evaluation, and serum total bilirubin levels, quantitative red blood cells G6PD assay and thyroid hormone levels. All the fifty cases of both jaundiced and healthy neonates were negative for C-RP test indicating that the 40 cases had physiological jaundice .The study revealed that G6PD enzyme was lower than normal level in 2 cases [5%]. TSH level was found to be higher than normal in 13 jaundiced neonates out of 40 [33%]. Seven jaundiced neonates [18%] had T4 hormone lower than normal while all the 40 jaundiced cases had normal T3 level. Correlation of the total bilirubin was significant with TSH and T3 at 0.05 levels, while there was no significance with both T4 and G6PD. statistically there was no correlation between bilirubin and both G6PD enzyme and thyroid hormones, but the incidence of hypothyroidism in this study was high [18%] and the incidence of G6PD deficiency was [5%]. This indicates a role of G6PD deficiency and hypothyroidism in developing neonatal jaundice among neonates. So, early neonatal screening program is recommended for early management

Short-term results after laparoscopic assisted resection for colorectal cancer within a fast-track regimen: a prospective study

Background: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery and fast track surgery are two important developments in the field of colorectal surgery aiming to accelerate postoperative recovery, reduce morbidity and shorten hospital stay. Theoretically, combining fast track care and laparoscopy, will result in the fastest postoperative recovery. However no clear evidence from literature exists to support the better outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery over the open approach when enhanced recovery protocol applied to both

Aim: of the study to evaluate the short term outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal resections with the implementation of enhanced recovery program in comparison with open resections

Methods: 50 patients assigned to undergo elective resection of primary colon and rectal cancer except those with bulky tumors >6 cm in size on CT, or with tumor infiltration to adjacent organs or those underwent previous major colonic resections or those with uncorrectable coagulopathy in the period from July 2009 to September 2010 in surgical clinic 1, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charite university, Berlin, Germany were included in the study to whom laparoscopic assisted resections were done. Matching with 50 cases of colorectal cancer patients with the same epidemiological data [age, site, stage and histological grade] to whom conventional open resections was done. An enhanced recovery protocol was adopted. The following data were collected and analyzed: preoperative data [individual patient data, indication for surgery], intraoperative data [conversion to open surgery, operative time, complications] and postoperative data [post operative pain, recovery of GIT functions, morbidity and mortality, hospital stay]. All statistics were performed with the SPSS 16.0 statistical package

Results: There was a significant increase in the operative time in the laparoscopic group than the open group [212.6 +/- 43.216 min. verus 174.7 +/- 32.175 mm. respectively] with p value 0.000. There was significant reduction of duration of post operative analgesic requirement in the laparoscopic group in comparison with the open group [5.3 +/- 1.832 days versus 7.48 +/- 2.41 days respectively] with p value 0.001. Significant reduction in the time of postoperative ileus was shown by decrease in the time of passing flatus and decrease in the time to 1[st] bowel motion in the laparoscopic group [55.24:22.327 hours and 65.54 +/- 23.904 hours respectively] in comparison with the open group [67.86 +/- 11.274 hours and 77.14 +/- 10.435 hours respectively] with p value 0.02 and 0.01 respectively. Hospital stay was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group in comparison with the open group [6.66 +/- 1.923 days versus 9.26 +/- 2.679 days respectively] with a p value 0.000. Overall morbidity was lower in the laparoscopic group [16%] compared with the open group [28%] but this difference isn't statistically significant [p value 0.114]. There was no hospital mortality in both groups

Conclusion: Laparoscopic colorectal resection within a fast track regimen is associated with earlier postoperative recovery, earlier regain of intestinal function, less postoperative morbidity and shorter length of hospital stay in comparison with open approach within a fast track regimen

New Approach of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells Applications in Accelerating Wound Healing of Irradiated Albino Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irradiated wound healing is a highly complex and dynamic process. The latest technology making a huge difference in this process is stem cell therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs) in the healing of irradiated wounds. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty five male albino rats were subjected to whole body 6 gray gamma radiations. One day post irradiation, full-thickness incisional wound was created in the tibial skin. The rats were randomly equally divided into three groups. The incisions of the first group (gp I) were injected intra-dermally with saline before stitching and those of both the second (gp II) and the third groups (gp III) were intradermally injected with BM-MSCs and HAECs before stitching respectively. Animals were sacrificed after the third, seventh and fourteenth days postoperative. The healing process was assessed histopathologically. CXCL-5, SDF-1 and Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) expression were also detected in biopsies from all wounds. Expression of TGF-beta1 in gp I was more than the other groups leading to severe inflammation, deficient healed dermis and delayed reepithelialization. SDF-1 expression was high in gp II while CXCL-5 expression was high in gp III causing accelerated wound healing. BM-MSCs showed a great effect on the quality of the dermis, while superiority of the epithelium and its appendages were achieved in HAECs group. CONCLUSIONS: Using BM-MSCs and HAECs could be used safely in case of irradiated wounds.

Coronary fistula between the left anterior descending coronary artery and the pulmonary artery: two case reports

Coronary artery fistulae are rare congenital or acquired connections between the coronary vessels and the cardiac chambers or other vascular structures. We present two consecutive cases of coronary fistulae between the proximal left anterior descending artery [LAD] and the main pulmonary artery. Both cases where admitted with history of acute coronary syndromes and had multivessel coronary disease along with coronary pulmonary fistulae. The two cases were managed by coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] and repair of the fistulae.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of food safety among food service staff at Hamad general hospital in 2006

Using a modified standard questionnaire a cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2006 to assess knowledge, attitude and practices towards food safety measures among 43 randomly selected food service staff at Hamad Medical Corporation [H MC], Qatar. Knowledge, attitude and practice of food service staff towards food safety was 91.9%, 86% and 89.7% respectively. Many [95.3%] recognized the importance of salmonella contamination but fewer [20.9%] were aware of the significance of Hepatitis A. In general the attitudes [86%] and practices [89.7%] of the staff towards clean and safe food preparation were adequate but the basic knowledge and understanding of the reasons for the necessary practices were inadequate [91 .9%]. Continuous training in health education, food safety and hygiene is required for all staff involved in hospital food services

Successful thrombolytic therapy for stuck mitral mechanical valve

Thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic valve is a serious and fortunately it is a rare complication of cardiac valve replacement. We present a case of prosthetic mechanical valve [On-X 31/33 mm] thrombosis [thrombus size 8x14 mm] on a mitral position, which was treated with a successful intravenous thrombolytic therapy of streptokinase infusion over 10 hours repeated twice with no complications

Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge regarding patient health education

This descriptive study aimed to identify undergraduate nursing students' knowledge about patient health education. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alexandria. The sample included all second year nursing students [146]. One tool was developed and used to collect the necessary data of study. It was a structured questionnaire used to identify student's knowledge of related to patient health education process. Based o the analysis of the nursing students' responses, the result revealed that: the nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alexandria have a serious lacking in knowledge regarding health education process. The study proved that the nursing students have intense need to obtain structured courses or instructional materials in the field of patient education

Improving polyester fabrics working properties using alkali printing

Two different weights of 100% polyester fabrics were printed with meypro gum thickening agent containing sodium hydroxide with different concentrations. Different steaming time and temperature were also applied to determine the optimum conditions for this alkali printing of polyester fabrics. Polyester fabrics including first prints were overprinted with a second print paste containing disperse dye. Some working properties of the printed fabrics like air permeability and water repellency were improved. Colour strength of the printed areas: was also increased. Using of ammonium compound surfactants increases weight loss and accelerates the treatment

Flavonoid glycosides of myriophyllum spicatum and cytotoxic activity

Eight flavonoid compounds were isolated and identified for first time from the aquatic plant myriophyllum spicatuin. Their structural were established on the basis of detailed chemical and spectral analysis. The cytotoxic activity of the plant extracts against liver, brain and breast human cell lines were evaluated

study on the sites of articulations between the two human hemimandibles

Thirty-two human mandibles, aging from nine weeks in utero [I.U.] till one year postnatally [P.N.] have been used in the present study. For gross anatomical structure, axial and coronal scan planes were taken, and a three- dimensional computerized tomography [C.T.] reconstruction was carried out. The bodies of the mandibles were separated from the two rami and fixed in 10% formalin. The specimens were processed for light microscopic study. At the ninth week I.U., the symphysis menti was only formed of mesenchymal tissue bounded on either side by labial bony trabeculae, Meckel's cartilage and oral bony trabeculae. Rostrally, the bilateral rods of Meckel's cartilage approached each other but were separated by a rim of mesenchymal tissue. The three-dimensional C.T. scan revealed a triangular defect between the two hemimandibles. By the twelfth week I.U., two secondary cartilaginous structures, completely separated from Meckel's cartilage, were observed in the caudal portion of the midline mesenchyme. By the twenty-eighth week I.U., signs of endochondral ossification appeared in the secondary cartilages and ended by the formation of a mental ossicle at the fortieth week I.U. The mental ossicle appeared conical in shape, and showed consistent gradual growth reaching its maximum by the age of first month P.N. Finally, complete fusion of the mental ossicle with the hemimandibles had occurred by the age of five months P.N., while the hemimandibles were still separated by a rim of mesenchymal tissue rostral to the mental ossicle. Fusion of the hemimandibles in that region proceeded from an inward to an outward direction. Thus, by the end of the first year P.N., the mandible became a single bone. The study revealed that the single mental ossicle is not an integral part of the symphyseal region, but is rather a contributor in the construction of the symphysis menti. Moreover, the study showed that the symphysis menti is not simply a midline one as thought long ago, and confirmed the existence of two different sites of articulations between the hemimandibles. The first one was located in the midline, between the rostral portions of the hemimandibles and simulated a fibrous joint. The second one was observed to lie on either side of the midline, between the mental ossicle and the caudal portion of each hemimandible, and simulated in structure a primary cartilaginous joint. Both articulations ended by synostosis, by the end of the first year P.N

Molecular detection of uroplakin II in the peripheral blood of patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder

To investigate the clinical value of' nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] of uroplakin II [UP-Il] in cells separated from the peripheral blood of' patients with urothelial cancer. The study included 45 patients with urothelial cancer, 7 apparently healthy subjects. 5 patients with untreated cystitis. and 3 patients with untreated renal cell carcinomas. Patients were divided into three groups. including 7 patients with superficial disease [group I]. 18 patients with invasive disease [group II] aid 20 patients with metastatic disease [group III]. Follow up samples were obtained after receiving 4 cycles of chemotherapy from 10 metastatic patients to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on detection of UP-Il positive cells in the peripheral blood. Detection of circulating UPIL-mRNA-positive cells in the peripheral blood of' urothelal cancer patients was done by nested UP II-mRNA. UPIL mRNA-specific PCR products was detected in I [14.3%] of 7 patients with superficial cancers, in 8[44.4%] of 18 patients with musculary invasive disease and in 9 [45%] of 20 patients with metastatic cancer [p<0.05]. Within the metastatic group UPLI was positive in 4 [36.4%] of II patients with lymph node metastases and in 5 [55.6%] of 9 patients with distant metastases. As regards the grades of the urothelial cancers . nested RT-PCR for UP-Il was positive in 30% of grade I. in 3 1.8% of grade II and in 61.5% of' grade III. Two of the 10 metastatic patients who received systemic chemotherapy showed disappearance of UP-Il positive cells in their blood. As regards the control group. none showed positive expression of U P-Il by the nested RT-PCR in the peripheral blood. Expression of UPII mRNA was detected in 18 primary and in 6 metastatic transitional cell carcinoma [TCC] of patients and not detected in a bladder squamous cell carcinoma and in 3 renal cell carcinomas. Nested reverse transeriptmon-PCR assay for UP-Il is highly specific and might he used as a molecular tumor marker for staging of' urothelial cancers

Knoweldge of adolescent students about reproductive health, and their attitude towards women' empowerment and gender roles in Assiut

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of adolescent students in Assiut about reproductive health and explore the adolescent students attitude towards women'empowerment and gender roles. The study was carried out in students' hostels [male and female] of Assiut University as well as the Technical Nursing Institute hostel of Assiut University and Technical Health Institute of Ministry of Health, and Population [MOHP]. A cross-sectional study design to implement this study a convenience sample of 800 students was recruited from the study settings. The inclusion criteria were being a registered student in any of the faculties of Assiut University in the chosen faculties which selected on random basis, also the Technical Nursing Institute of Assiut University and Technical Health institute of Ministry of Health, and Population [MOHP] either male or female. Data were collection from beginning of Jan. to March 2007in academic years 2006/2007.The researchers designed a self-administered questionnaire for data collected. It consisted of five main parts. The first part was socio-demographic data, the second part was for testing knowledge of reproductive health, The third part was adopted from the Adolescents' Attitude Towards Women's Empowerment [ATWE] Index [Kann, 2001]. The fourth part included statements testing adolescent's attitude towards certain reproductive health issues, The fifth part was adopted from the Adolescents' Attitude Towards Gender Roles [ATGR] index [Kann, 200 l].results of the present study shows that adolescents'age ranged between 17 to2 1 years. Slightly more than half of the sample was female students [52.3%]. The highest percentages of fathers had secondary and university education, 28.8% and 34.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, about one-third of the mothers were illiterate [32.6%]. More than half of the adolescents were living in urban areas [54.6%], and the majority had good family relations. Only about one-fourth of the adolescents [26.1%] had some information about reproductive health. The majority had satisfactory knowledge about appropriate pregnancy spacing [84.9%]. Also the result illustrated that there is statistical significant difference between adolescents knowledge and there attitude in relation to satisfaction and unsatisfaction [r=0.34 p<0.001]. It is concluded that adolescents in the study settings lack proper knowledge about adolescents'reproductive health. Also attitude towards reproductive health issues, women empowerment, and gender roles in the family. The study recommends to plan and implement educational programs for this age group regarding reproductive health women empowerment, and gender roles in the family. Also the role of the school is important, as evidenced by the study findings, health education should be integrated into secondary school programs as well as University education

Absence of musculocutaneous nerve associated with a third head of biceps brachii muscle and entrapment of ulnar nerve

Variations in the formation of the brachial plexus and in the course of its branches are not as uncommon as was once thought. A description of the abnormalities and complexities of the anatomy of the upper arm is very important with regard to surgical approaches. This case study reports a combined absence of musculocutaneous nerve associated with a third head of biceps brachii muscle in the left upper arm of an adult male cadaver. Moreover, the left ulnar nerve is entrapped within the substance of the medial head of the triceps muscle. The clinical implications, as well as the possible clinical symptoms resulting from these anomalies are discussed

Effect of photoperiod on the development and fecundity of Carpoglyphus lactis L. [Acari: Carpoglyphidae]

The effect of four different photoperiods [darkness, 0 ; 8 ; 16 and continuous light, 24 hours per day] on the developmental stages and fecundity of Carpoglyphus lactis L. fed on wheat was studied under laboratory conditions of 25 +/- 2°C and 65 +/- 5% RH. The obtained results revealed no clear effect of photoperiod on the incubation period. It was 2.9 and 3.4 for male; 2.7 and 3.2 for female at darkness and continuous light respectively. The duration of each immature instar as well as the combined immature stages increased with increasing hours of light in both male and female. Different patterns were observed for longevity data for male and female. Male longevity was the longest [9.3 days] at continuous light [24 h.] whereas the greatest female longevity [15.4 days] was at complete darkness. The oviposition period as well as total average and mean daily deposited eggs decreased as the photoperiod increased