Comparative Anatomy of the Vomeronasal Organ (VNO) in Sheep (Ovis aries) and Dogs (Canis familiaris) with Simple Reference to its Histological Structure and Vasculature Supply

SUMMARY: The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is located in the anteroinferior part of the nose and the accessory olfactory organ in mammals which is responsible of sense of smell. This study aims to compare the macro and microanatomical structure of the VNO between sheep and dogs. In the current study, we used ten adult slaughtered sheep and ten adult synchronized dogs with different sexes ages 1-2 years. The head of both animals were preserved in 10 % formalin for one week. This study shows in both animals, the VNO occupies the same position in the cavity of the vomer bone and the same relationship in the cranial part of the nasal cavity. Furthermore, the VNO is divided into three parts based on shape that are the rostral, central, and caudal part. The results show the VNO in sheep has a (U) shape and is opened dorsolaterally. It has a small and narrow cavity. It is long 6 cm long, and it has different diameters on its course. In comparison, the vomeronasal organ in dogs is very developed and has a (J) shape. It has a large and long cavity and ends at the fourth molar. Its length is about 10 cm, and it has one diameter on its course. The VNO receives the blood supply from the sphenopalatine and caudal palatine arteries. The present study shows main differences between sheep and dogs VNO in which the structure of vomeronasal bone between the sheep and dog is completely different. The finding will illustrate fundamental differences and provide specific structural differences between the two species.

El órgano vomeronasal (OVN) se encuentra en la parte anteroinferior de la nariz y el órgano olfativo accesorio en los mamíferos es responsable del sentido del olfato. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la estructura macro y microanatómica del OVN entre ovejas y perros. En el estudio utilizamos diez ovejas adultas y diez perros adultos de diferentes sexos con edades de 1 a 2 años. Las cabezas de ambos animales se conservaron en formol al 10 % durante una semana. Este estudio mostró que en ambos animales, el OVN ocupa la misma posición en la cavidad del hueso vómer y la misma relación en la parte craneal de la cavidad nasal. Según su forma el OVN se divide en tres partes: rostral, central y caudal. Los resultados mostraron que el OVN en las ovejas tiene forma de (U) y está abierto dorsolateralmente. Presenta una cavidad pequeña y estrecha. Además, tiene una longitud de 6 cm y tiene diferentes diámetros en su recorrido. En comparación, el órgano vomeronasal en los perros está muy desarrollado y tiene forma de (J). Presenta una cavidad grande y larga y termina en el cuarto molar. Su longitud es de unos 10 cm y tiene un diámetro distinto en su recorrido. El OVN recibe el suministro de sangre de las arterias esfenopalatina y palatina caudal. El presente estudio muestra las principales diferencias entre el OVN de ovejas y perros en el que la estructura del hueso vomeronasal entre estos dos animales es completamente diferente. Además, los hallazgos ilustran diferencias fundamentales y determinan diferencias estructurales específicas entre las dos especies.

Development and evaluation of liquid oral controlled release systems for Losartan potassium

Losartan potassium is a water soluble antihypertensive agent with short half-life. Controlling its release will improvepatient compliance. The benefit will be extended for geriatric patients if the developed system was liquid. The objectiveof this work was to develop controlled release oral liquid losartan potassium. This employed a combination of in situgelation and coating drug particles with pH-dependent polymer (Eudragit® L100). Solid dispersion (SD) prepared at1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 drug : polymer ratios, respectively. Sodium alginate solution was loaded with either pure drug orSD, in presence and absence of 1% w/v chitosan. These systems were evaluated for the drug release using continuouspH variation study. Alginate formulation with pure drug underwent in situ gelation in the gastric conditions but lost thegelling strength in the intestinal phase with burst drug release. Loading the formulation with SD resulted in controlleddrug release both in the gastric and intestinal phases. Increasing eudragit concentration in SD decreased the drugreleased with total release efficiency of 62.1%, 53.0%, and 41.7%. Incorporation of chitosan at reduced further drugrelease rate reaching 21% at the higher eudragit concentration. The study provided the formulator with a range of oralliquid formulations for controlled release of losartan potassium.

Nutrients and Constituents Relevant to Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Breast Cancer Properties of Salvia officinalis L.

Objective:Comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition of sage leaves (Salvia officinalisL.)in order to highlight constituents relevant to the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer potentials, in addition to determining safe dose to facilitate its application in functional foodsand dairy products. Methods:High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to determine constituents such as amino acids, fatty acids and phenolic compounds content. Antioxidant activity was characterized using, ?-diphenyl-?-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power methods. The antimicrobial potentials were examinedagainst nine pathogenic strains. MDA-MB-231 cell line was used to assess anticancer activity. Results:Sage was found to be a good source of calcium, iron andzinc (894.3, 84and 5.5 mg/100g respectively) and vitamins B6 and B12(1.5 and 0.3 mg/100g respectively). PerformedHPLC analysis indicated the rich content of essential amino acids, lysine, phenylalanine andleucine (10.4, 0.7 and 0.45 g/100g),unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3, 6 and 9(6.46, 4.40 and 3.13g/100g) and phenolic compounds, quercetin and cinnamic (604.8 and 390.4 ?g/mL),which interpreted its high antioxidant powers. Sage revealed antioxidantpotentials with IC50and EC50 reached(27.5 and 239.5 mg/mL respectively), and antimicrobial effect against the examined pathogenic strains with MICs reached 6.25 mm against Staph.aureus, E. coliand Candida albicans, not to mention its anticancer effect as an extra pharmacological feature, when sage performed an anti-proliferative activity with IC50of 300 ?g/mL, against MDA-MB-231 cell line.Conclusion:Obtained results emphasis the sage leaves content of variable nutrients and active compounds that reflected on its vast nutritional and pharmacological potentials such as; antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect against breast MDA-MB-231 cell line, that could nominate it as applicable food bio-preservativein functional foods and dairy products

Aflatoxin M1 Reduction in Milk by a Novel Combination of Probiotic Bacterial and Yeast Strains

Milk and milk products are an important contribution to the human diet especially children. However, the presence of aflatoxins as AFM1 in milk and milk products are considered undesirables due to their health risks in consumer's body. For that reason, this study aimed to assess the ability of some microbial species on aflatoxin removal especially the AFM1 in the milk. The AFM1 residue was determined by HPLC after different incubation period (12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h) of the probiotic bacteria and yeasts in PBS as a model for AFM1 determination. This study was performed during the period between 2015 and 2017. The combination of nonviable probiotic bacterial and yeast species (Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Kluyveromyces lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) succeeded to reduce AFM1 from 50 (ng/ml) during the incubation periods; 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, into 9.72±1.31, 6.68±0.55, 5.70±0.33 and 4.56±0.15 ng ml-1, respectively. The highest AFM1 removal % was recorded as; 80.56%, 86.64%, 88.60% and 90.88% in the treated milk samples in a respective manner. Sensor evaluation was carried out using Yoghurt as a model in sample size 50 gm for each sample. Conclusion: This study concluded that the combination consisting of probiotic bacteria and yeasts could be used in reducing the concentration of the AFM1 in aflatoxin contaminated milk.

Detection and Control of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria Using Solanum nigrum Extract as Antibacterial in Meat Products

Introduction: Foodborne pathogenic bacteria cause many diseases for the human after eating the spoiled food. For that reason, different meat products produced by different companies in Egypt were collected (during May-Sept 2017), and subjected to microbial analysis. Aims: The antibacterial activity of the solanum nigrum extract against the foodborne Pathogenic bacteria isolated from the collected meat samples such as; Salmonella sp, E.coli, E.coli H7, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus were evaluated and detection by Multiplex PCR. Methodology: Multiplex PCR using different primers specific for either structure or function genes for the most common food born bacteria was approached for detection of the existing bacterial strains in the collected samples. However, the selective media results were insured by the multiplex PCR. Antibacterial activity of S. nigrum leaves extract  against  Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria Results: The antibacterial activity of S. nigrum leaves extract was tested against the isolated foodborn bacteria; Salmonella sp, E.coli, E.coli H7, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus areus, and streptococcus pyogenes) from the collected meat samples, the results showed that the diameter of the inhibition zones was ranged from 1.5 to 2.6 cm. The highest antibacterial activity was demonstrated against Bacillus cerueus and E.coli H7 but the lowest activity was observed with Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC for the plant extract was 12.5 mg/ml. The S. nigrum antibacterial activity may result in the high content of phenolic compounds and Flavonoids in its extract. Conclusion: PCR is more acqurate than the selective media method to Detection Foodborn Pathogenic Bacteria and S. nigrum extract could be used as control agent against the foodborne Pathogenic bacteria in processed meats Conclusion: PCR is more acqurate than the selective media method to Detection Foodborn Pathogenic Bacteria and S. nigrum extract could be used as control agent against the foodborne Pathogenic bacteria in processed meats.

Self microemulsefying and non-self microemulsefying liquisolid tablet of felodipine.

Liquisolid formulation involves dissolution or dispersion of the drug in a liquid before formulation of solid dosage form using solid adsorbent as a carrier. The liquid component usually utilizes simple solvent system. Self emulsifying liquids can provide another alternative liquid for enhanced dissolution. The objective of this work was to develop and evaluate non-self emulsifying and self emulsifying liquisolid tablet for enhanced dissolution rate of felodipine. The former utilized polyethylene glycol 400 which was the best solvent and the later employed a mixture of castor oil with labrasol and transcutol as self emulsifying system. A mixture of avicel PH 102 and aerosil 200 was used as solid adsorbent with croscarmellose being used as superdisintegrent. Formulation of the drug as liquisolid tablets enhanced the dissolution rate compared with the standard tablet prepared using the unprocessed drug powder with the same tablet excipients. The self emulsifying tablet showed faster release pattern compared with the non-self emulsifying tablet. The thermal analysis studies indicated the presence of the drug in a solution form in the tablet formulations. In conclusion liquisolid tablet formulation can enhance the dissolution rate of felodipine with self emulsifying liquid system being more efficient.

Prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection in anemic and non-anemic children in Helwan, Egypt: impact on blood cell parameters

Background: Helicobacter [H.] pylori is the most common chronic bacterial infection of humans; affecting tilde 50% of the world's population. It is the cause of disease states of varying degrees of severity. Anemia is a widespread public health problem; tilde 50% of cases are diagnosed as iron deficiency anemia [IDA]. Recent studies have suggested an association between H. pylori infection and IDA in children

Aims of the work: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children with and without IDA diagnosis and also to determine effects of the bacterium on complete blood count parameters of those children

Subjects and Methods: A case-control [retrospective] study design was chosen to conduct this research. The prevalence of H. pylori antibody [Ab] seropositivity was compared between 50 children diagnosed with IDA vs. 50 non-anemic control children matching in age and sex

Results: A total of 18 [36%] anemic and 10 [20%] non-anemic children were found positive to H. pylori Ab [P=0.0013]. Also, comparison of the anemic to the control group revealed statistically significant lowering of ferritin, and red blood cell [RBC] parameters [i.e., hemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin], and also platelet count in the anemic group. Moreover, comparison of H. pylori positive and negative anemic children revealed statistically significant lowering of RBC parameters in the H. pylori positive anemic children. Also, comparison of H. pylori positive and negative children revealed statistically significant lowering of RBC parameters in H. pylori positive children. In addition, correlation of H. pylori with all other parameters revealed negative significant correlation between H. pylori and RBC parameters

Conclusions: H. pylori infection had a higher prevalence among preschool children with IDA and the hematological impact was more on H. pylori positive anemic children

Recommendations: Both IDA and H. pylori are treatable diseases, so children having IDA must be investigated for H. pylori infection for early treatment to avoid serious complications of both diseases

Effects of recovery period and stem cell enhancer on bisphenol a treated female albino rats

Background: Bisphenol A [BPA] is a worldwide used endocrine disruptor that is incorporated in many plastic industries. Exposure of humans to such substance starts early during the fetal life, postnatal life, and extends throughout the life of the individual. Many agencies raised warnings against excessive use of such substance

Aim of the work: This study aimed to investigate effects of the recovery period [RP] and stem cell enhancer [SCE] on the female albino rats which received BPA

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on forty female albino rats with an average body weight of 140-160 grams. Animals were divided into four groups [10 rats per cage]; group I [control untreated for 30 days], group II [BPA treated for 15 days, and then sacrificed], group III [BPA treated first for 15 days, then left for another 15 days without any treatment "RP"], and group IV [BPA treated first for 15 days, then treated with SCE for another 15 days]. The following biochemical analyses were done to all groups; ALT [alanine amino-transferase], AST [aspartate amino-transferase], GGT [gamma glutamyl-transferase], total proteins, albumin, globulins, A/G ratio [i.e., liver function tests], creatinine, A/C [albumin/creatinine] ratio, uric acid [i.e., renal function tests], total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL-C [low density lipoprotein cholesterol], HDL-C [high density lipoprotein cholesterol], and triglycerides [i.e., lipids profile]

Results: In the BPA treated rats [group II] the biochemical results showed highly significant increases [P<0.01] in the enzymatic activities of ALT, AST, GGT, creatinine, uric acid, total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides levels, with only a significant increase [P<0.05] in globulins levels when compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was highly significant decreases [P<0.01] in total proteins, albumin, A/G ratio, A/C ratio, and HDL-C levels when compared to the control group. These results turned back to about the normal control values after stopping the use of BPA and either taking a RP [group III] or receiving the SCE [group IV]

Conclusions and Recommendations: It could be concluded that BPA has dangerous toxic effects on the liver and kidney functions as well as on the lipids profile. So, we recommend minimizing utilization of this compound [BPA] as possible to protect people from these hazardous effects. Moreover, the RP [i.e., 15 days without treatment] is better than the use of SCE which has no more benefit against the antitoxic effects of BPA

Natural and synthetic oil phase transition microemulsions for ocular delivery of tropicamide: efficacy and safety.

The objective of this work was to investigate the efficacy and safety of natural oils (castor oil and olive oil) based phase transition microemulsion systems for ocular delivery with reference to ethyl oleate systems. Tropicamide was used as model drug and was incorporated in the formulation at a concentration of 0.5% w/w. The phase transition systems comprised the oil, surfactant and water with the phase behavior depending on the concentration of water. The tested systems included microemulsion (ME), liquid crystalline system (LC) and coarse emulsion (EM). The efficacy of these systems was evaluated by monitoring the mydriatic response in comparison to drug solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Ocular irritation was monitored by visual inspection and tear flow estimation. Drug release depended on the formulation type and viscosity. Thus LC systems produced the slowest release rates followed by the ME with the EM producing the largest release rate. The mydriatic response versus time plots showed biphasic effect with two maxima (MRmax) which verified the systemic absorption of the drug. Both ethyl oleate and olive oil based systems were more effective than the control with respect to the area under the mydriatic response profile. However, castor oil based systems were comparable to the control. With respect to ocular irritation castor oil based system were the least irritant followed by olive oil systems with ethyl oleate systems being the most irritant. The study thus introduced olive oil based phase transition systems for ocular drug delivery with lower irritation compared to the synthetic oil systems.

Formulation and evaluation of simvastatin buccal film.

The aim of this work was to develop and evaluate a buccal film for delivery of simvastatin. Buccal films containing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with and without Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as polymers were prepared. Tween 80 was included with and without propylene glycol (PG) to modulate the characteristics of the films. The films were prepared by solvent casting with drug concentration being maintained at 2.5 mg/cm2. In absence of Tween and PG, the films were opaque due to precipitation of drug. PG reduced the swelling index and increased the thickness of the film due to shrinkage. Incorporation of PVP into the films increased the bioadhesion force and time. The rate of drug release depended on the composition of the film with the presence of PVP increasing the release efficiency compared to the corresponding PVP free films. Similarly, incorporation of PG increased the drug release efficiency. Thermal analysis indicated the presence of the drug in amorphous form or as a solid solution in the film components. The developed films are promising for buccal administration of simvastatin.

Optimization of the entrapment efficiency and release of ambroxol hydrochloride alginate beads.

The objective of the current study was to optimize the composition of alginate beads to produce ambroxol hydrochloride alginate beads with optimum specifications. The study employed beads based on sodium alginate solution (2% w/v) as the main component with calcium chloride solution as crosslinking agent as the prototype beads. The beads were prepared by syringe method. The effect of viscosity modifiers on the morphology, entrapment efficiency and drug release was studied. The prototype beads were spherical semitransparent with entrapment efficiency (EE) of 23%. Incorporation of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a viscosity modifier produced spherical semitransparent beads with higher EE values compared with the prototype. Addition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produced oval opaque beads which have larger size and higher EE values compared with the prototype beads or those containing PVP only. Replacement of CMC with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) produced semitransparent spherical beads with significant increase in the EE. Monitoring the drug release rate from different beads, the all the tested beads were able to retain the drug in the stomach condition. In the intestinal conditions the release rate depended on the composition of the beads with prototype beads librating most of its contents in the first 15 minutes. Formulations containing either CMC or HPMC were able to retard the drug release in the intestinal phase. In conclusion the study developed beads with optimum entrapment and release of ambroxol hydrochloride.

In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of sustained-release suppositories containing theophylline microspheres

The sustained release microspheres of theophylline were formulated using non-solvent addition technique. The in-vitro dissolution of the drug from the fabricated microspheres that having size ranges of 300-600, 600-800 and 800-1000 [micro]m was tested The release of theophylline was extended over 8 hrs and it was found that the drug release decreased nonsignificantly as the particle size increased [p>/=0.05]. incorporating theophylline-containing microspheres into suppository formulation using polyethylene glycol base resulted in a slight increase in dissolution rate, but still in a sustained release pattern over 8 hrs. In-vivo study of the prepared suppositories on beagle dogs revealed that the peak of theophylline serum concentration C[max] [mean +/- S.D] was 11.1+0.3 [micro]g/mL. It was also found that AUC [0-24hrs] value averaged 154.7 +/- 20.3 [micro]g-h/ml. The median peak time [T[max]] was 3.0 hrs and MRT was 13 hrs indicating a sustained effect

Potential effect of Aloe barbadensis and Salvadora persica [Miswak] Mixture Sap as a contraceptive therapy in female mice

Background: Evaluation of herbs has been in progress worldwide for several decades to identify effective and safe substances for fertility regulation. This approach proved to be a good alternative to synthetic drugs as the chemicals of plant origin have limited side effects. Various medicinal plant extracts were investigated for their antifertility activity in female animal models

Aim of the work: This study was designed to investigate the toxic effects of Aloe barbadensis and Salvadora persica [Miswak] Mixture sap and to assess them as a contraceptive therapy

Material and Methods: Twenty female adult albino rats [Sprague dawley strain] were used in this study. Rats were divided into two groups [10 rats in each group]; Group I [control untreated group] and Group II [mix treated group]. Mixture of Aloe barbadensis and Miswak sap was orally administered [7 mg of Miswak + 7 mg of Aloe per 100 gram body weight] for 30 +/- 2 days, where females were in the diestrus phase]. All animals were decapitated after 30 days and blood samples were analyzed for estrogen, progesterone, tumor markers CA-15.3 and CA-125, kidney and liver functions, proteins profile and lipids profile

Results: The mean serum level of estrogen was significantly increased [p<0.01], while that of progesterone was significantly decreased [p

Conclusion: It could be concluded that Aloe barbadensis and Miswak extract can be used as a safe contraceptive therapy that can increase the estrogen level due to its phytoestrogen components such as beta sitosterol, without deleterious effects on the vital organs [liver and kidneys]

Effects of recovery period and Tamoxifen on Bisphenol a treated female albino rats

Background: Bisphenol-A [BPA] is an organic synthetic polycarbonate compound [[CH[3]]2 C[C[6]H[4]OH][2]] which is widely incorporated into many plastic industries worldwide. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that exhibits hormone-like properties which may promote adverse effects in humans, triggering estrogenic signals in target tissues, which raise concern about its suitability in some consumer products and food containers. Since 2008, several governments have investigated BPA safety, which prompted some retailers to withdraw polycarbonate products. A 2010 report from the United States [US] Food and Drug Administration [FDA] identified possible hazards of BPA to fetuses, infants, and young children. However, the FDA has ended its authorization of the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant formula packaging, based on market abandonment, not safety

Aim of the work: This study aimed to investigate the antitoxic effects of the anti-estrogen drug Tamoxifen [Nolvadex] and the recovery period on the female albino rats which received BPA

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on forty female albino rats with an average body weight of 140-160 grams. The animals were divided into four groups [10 rats per cage]; Group I [Control untreated for 30 days], Group II [BPA treated for 15 days, then sacrificed], Group III [BPA treated first for 15 days, then left to a recovery period of another 15 days], and Group IV [BPA treated first for 15 days, then treated with the anti-estrogen drug Nolvadex for another 15 days]. The following analyses were done to all groups; ALT [alanine amino-transferase], AST [aspartate amino-transferase], GGT [gamma glutamyl-transferase], total proteins, albumin, globulins, A/G ratio [i.e., liver function tests], creatinine, uric acid, A/C [albumin/creatinine] ratio [i.e., renal function tests], total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL-C [low density lipoprotein cholesterol], HDL-C [high density lipoprotein cholesterol], and triglycerides [i.e., lipids profile]

Results: In the BPA treated group II the biochemical results showed highly significant increase [P<0.01] in the enzymatic activities of ALT, AST, and GGT with concomitant increase in globulins [P<0.05], creatinine, uric acid, total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides levels when compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was highly significant decrease [P<0.01] in total proteins, albumin, A/G [albumin/globulin] ratio, A/C [albumin/creatinine] ratio, and HDL-C levels when compared to the control group. These results turned back to normal control values after stopping the use of BPA alone [Group III] or stopping BPA and treatment with the anti-estrogen drug Nolvadex in the recovery period, except for ALT which was elevated [P<0.05] with Nolvadex [Group IV]

Conclusion: It could be concluded that BPA has dangerous toxic effects on the liver and kidney functions as well as on the lipids profile. Moreover, the recovery period [i.e., 15 days without treatment] is better than the use of the anti-estrogens [as Tamoxifen] which have no antitoxic effects to BPA, but caused hepatic toxicity instead which is noted by an increase in ALT levels. So, we recommend minimizing utilization of this compound [BPA] to protect people from its hazardous effects

Adiponectin levels as a marker of inflammation in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: tuberculosis [TB] is a multisystem disease with myriad presentations and manifestations that may be pulmonary or extra-pulmonary. It is the most common cause of infectious diseases related mortality worldwide. Mechanisms underlying host defense to TB infection are poorly understood. Adiponectin is a protein produced exclusively in adipose tissue; it is lower in obese subjects than their lean counterparts. Another adipocyte hormone is leptin which is higher with fat mass and body mass index [BMI]. Wasting is a known feature of TB with a decrease in BMI. Patients with pulmonary TB disease often suffer from weight loss and BMI and leptin are known to be inversely correlated with adiponectin. Thus, increased adiponectin may be a promising marker for severity of the disease independent of the BMI and leptin

Aims of the work: the work aimed to evaluate the levels of serum adiponectin in patients with pulmonary TB in both active and latent TB patients as a diagnostic marker for tuberculous inflammation. Also, levels of serum leptin and measured BMI were evaluated and compared to make a relationship among active TB, latent TB, and healthy control groups

Subjects and Methods: the subjects were divided into 3 equal groups. The 1[st] group included 25 patients with active pulmonary TB. The 2[nd] group included 25 patients with latent TB after 6 months of diagnosis. The 3[rd] group included 25 healthy control volunteers. Serum levels of adiponectin and leptin were measured and BMI values were calculated to all groups

Results: Serum adiponectin levels in patients with active pulmonary TB were very highly significantly increased compared to both latent TB patients and healthy subjects [P<0.0001], while serum adiponectin levels in patients with latent pulmonary TB were only significantly increased compared to the healthy subjects [P<0.05]. On the other hand, serum leptin levels in patients with active pulmonary TB were very highly significantly decreased compared to both latent TB patients and healthy subjects [P<0.0001], while serum leptin levels in patients with latent pulmonary TB were only significantly decreased compared to the healthy subjects [P<0.05]. Also, BMI in patients with active pulmonary TB were very highly significantly decreased compared to both latent TB patients and healthy subjects [P<0.001], while BMI in patients with latent pulmonary TB were only significantly decreased compared to the healthy subjects [P<0.05]

Conclusion: the higher levels of adiponectin with lower levels of leptin in association with lower BMI measurements might indicate activity and severity of the TB disease. On the other hand, the lower levels of adiponectin with higher levels of leptin in association with higher BMI measurements might indicate stability and latency of the TB disease. Thus, increased adiponectin in the serum of pulmonary TB patients may be promising markers for severity of the disease independent of the BMI and leptin levels

Self emulsifying Liquisolid tablets for enhanced oral bioavailability of repaglinide: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

The aim of this work was to enhance dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of repaglinide. This was achieved by development of liquisolid tablet with the liquid component being self emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS). Thus SEDDS was prepared using oleic acid as oil and Tween 20 or its mixture with propylene glycol surfactant/cosurfactant system. Formulations containing different oil concentrations were loaded with various amounts of drug and subjected to in vitro evaluation. Optimum formulations were prepared and evaluated as liquisoild tablets. This involved administration to diabetic rats and monitoring blood glucose level. Incorporation of repaglinide in the SEDDS enhanced the dissolution rate of the drug irrespective to the fraction of molecularly dispersed drug, compared to unprocessed drug. Formulation of the optimum system as liquisolid tablet did not change the dissolution pattern of the SEDDS indicating that the drug exists in solution or partially dissolved form. The in vivo study revealed enhancement of the rate and extent of drug absorption after incorporation into the SEDDS, this was evidenced by the rapid onset of action and higher area above the blood glucose versus time curve compared to the unprocessed drug. Overall, the developed system was able to increase the bioavailability of repaglinide.

Skin delivery of nisoldipine from niosome proconcentrate.

Nisoldipine is used for treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. However, it suffers from very low bioavailability due to its extensive pre-systemic metabolism. This together with its low dose made it excellent candidate for transdermal delivery. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate transdermal delivery system for optimization of nisoldipine skin permeability. Proniosomes comprising cholesterol and span 60 with different ratios together with ethanol and minimal water were evaluated for such aim. The developed formulations were assessed with respect to drug entrapment efficiency, viscosity, in vitro drug release and transdermal permeability. All proniosomal formulations have significantly enhanced transdermal delivery of nisoldipine compared with saturated aqueous solution of the drug. Increasing cholesterol content resulted in reduced drug flux. The study was extended to compare the efficacy of such proniosomes to the corresponding niosomes. Proniosomes significantly optimized transdermal delivery of nisoldipine compared to their hydrated form. Such results contradict the hypothesis which claimed the necessity for niosome formation from proniosomes for efficient transdermal delivery with penetration enhancement being mainly responsible for improved delivery.

Spectrophotometric studies using ion-pair formations of Ranitidine hydrochloride in pure and in Pharmaceutical forms with some dyestuff reagents.

Simple, rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric procedure is suggested for the determination of ranitidine hydrochloride (RNH) drug in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations. The method was based on the ionpair formations of RNH with different dyestuff reagents such as methyl orange (MO), bromocrysol purple (BCP), eriochrome cyanine R (ECR) and alizaraine red S (ARS). The obtained ion-pairs were measured spectrophotometrically at 408, 420, 330 and 326 nm by using BCP, MO, ECR and ARS reagents, respectively. Beer’s plots were linear in the concentration range of 5-200, 20-350, 10-150 and 10-180 μg mL−1 RNH, with correlation coefficients not less than 0.9991, 0.9996, 0.9993 and 0.999 using BCP, MO, ECR and ARS reagents, respectively. The Sandell sensitivity was found to be 0.813, 0.462, 0.541and 0.630 μg cm−2 for BCP, MO, ECR and ARS, respectively. Standard deviation (SD = 0.024-0.028, 0.018-0.023, 0.016-0.021 and 0.023–0.029) and relative standard deviation (RSD% = 0.123-0.943, 0.0102-0.82, 0.118-0.145 and 0.132-0.178%) (n = 4) values using BCP, MO, ECR and ARS reagents, respectively, were obtained. These results were also confirmed with percent recovery of 99.78–100.52%, 99.86-101.12%, 99.82–100.31% and 100.18-101.25 % for BCP, MO, ECR and ARS reagents, respectively. This method was successfully applied for determination of RNH in aciloc tablet. The calculated t- and F- values (95% confidence limit) indicate no significant differences between the proposed and official methods.

Relation between ankle brachial index and ejection fraction in cardiac patients admitted at Algamhoria teaching hospital, Aden

The ankle-brachial index has been used as an important indicator for diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease, particularly in elderly populations with a high incidence of clinically significant atherosclerotic disease. To study the relation between ankle brachial index and ejection fraction in cardiac patients. It was a descriptive prospective study included all the cardiac patients who admitted to Algamhoria teaching hospital during the whole year 2012. The collected data were sex, age, diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease [PAD], ankle brachial index [ABI] and ejection fraction values [EF]. ABI categories were defined as follows: ABI < 0.5 [severe PAD], ABI 0.5 to < 0.7 [moderate PAD], ABI 0.7 to <0.9 [mild PAD], and borderline PAD, [ABI 0.90 to < 1.00]. We considered EF more than 50% as normal, 40-50%, below normal, 35-<40% may diagnose heart failure and < 35% risky patients of life threatening arrhythmias and heart failure. The study patients were seventy, 67% males and 33% females. The age ranged between 17- 92 with a mean 45.1 +/- 16.1 years. Majority of patients 61.4% have ABI 0.5- < 0.7. About 52.8% patients have EF less than 35% were at risk of life threatening irregular heartbeats. Significant correlation between the EF values and ABI values [p <0.05]. The ankle brachial index well related to the extent of atherosclerosis patients and useful in assessing the risk for cardiovascular events of cardiac patients, but further studies are needed with large numbers of patients sample size to verify of the correlation between EF and the AB1 values.

Management of hearing impairment in children

Hearing loss in children is often a silent and hidden handicap. Children with hearing loss frequently appear to be normal, and often their handicaps are not apparent. Hearing loss that is undetected and untreated can result in speech, language, and cognitive delays. Early identification and intervention with hearing inquired child improve language, communication, and cognitive skills. Sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by dizziness following barotrauma should prompt consideration of traumatic perilymph fistula. Early surgical exploration is recommended to improve hearing and vestibular symptoms