effect of stem cell therapy versus melatonin on the changes induced by busulfan in the testes of adult rat: histological and immunohistochemicaI studies

Chemotherapy is associated with significant gonadal damage. Melatonin has been found to be a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant. Stem cells have the capacity to generate multiple distinct cell lineages. The present study aimed to compare the effect of stem cell therapy and melatonin in the amelioration of harmful changes induced by busulfan in rat testes. Forty-three adult male rats were used in the present work. Animals were divided into the following groups: group I was the control group, the rats in group II received a single dose of intraperitoneal busulfan [20 mg/kg], the rats in group III rats received 0.5 ml stem cells upon an initial dose of busulfan, the animals in group IV received a single dose of intraperitoneal melatonin [10 mg/kg] for 5 days, and the rats in group V received melatonin for 5 days upon an initial dose of busulfan. The testes were stained with Hand E, prussian blue, and immunohistochemical stains for the detection of caspase-3-positive and proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]-positive cells. Digital image analysis was used to determine the mean number of active caspase-3- positive and PCNA-positive cells. The results were compared statistically. Busulfan-treated animals showed atrophy and irregularity of the tubules. Marked depletion of germ cells was supported by an increase in the mean number of caspase-3-positive cells in the semineferous tubules. In addition, decreased proliferative capacity was observed in the present study and confirmed by a decrease in the mean number of PCNA-positive cells. Sections of the stem cell-treated group [group III] showed incomplete or partial regeneration of germ cells with an absence of elongated and rounded spermatids. Sections of the melatonin-treated group [group V] showed almost complete regeneration of germ cells with the appearance of rounded and elongated spermatids. It could be concluded that melatonin was more effective than stem cells in ameliorating busulfan-induced testicular damage

effect of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury of the rat pancreas: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Ischemia-reperfusion [I/R] injury plays an important role in the development of acute pancreatitis; both ischemia and reperfusion contribute to tissue loss and organ dysfunction. I/R is also reported to be one of the reasons for the inflammatory reaction occurring in grafted tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] are multipotent cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various cell lineages. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MSC therapy on l/R-induced injury of the pancreas in albino rats. The present study was performed on three groups. Group I was the control group. Group II was the I/R group in which the pancreases of rats were exposed to ischemia for 30 min after which they were reperfused for 90 min; these rats were then sacrificed 1 week [group I la] and 4 weeks [group lib] after reperfusion. Group III was the stem cell-treated group in which rats were exposed to I/R and then injected intravenously with MSCs; they were then sacrificed 1 week [group Ilia] and 4 weeks [group Illb] after reperfusion. Pancreatic sections were stained with Hand E, CD105, and insulin. Results were statistically analyzed. I/R caused changes in the form of cellular vacuolations and apoptotic changes involving the pancreatic acini. Immunohistochemical staining for insulin was markedly decreased, becoming almost absent by the fourth week. Treatment with MSCs was associated with PKH 26-labeled cells within the exocrine and endocrine portion of the pancreas. Also, CD105-positive cells were detected between the acini and within the stroma in between. The cells in the treated subgroups restored their normal appearance and regained positivity for insulin immunoreactivity

Histological and biochemical studies on the effect of vitamin E on sodium fluoride induced lung toxicity in adult albino rats

Fluoride compounds are naturally present in soil, water, and food. Furthermore, fluoride in amounts exceeding the standard therapeutic dosage accumulates in hard and soft tissues, where it disturbs the metabolic processes and produces noticeable changes in multiple organs. The study was designed to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride [NaF] on the lung of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E on these changes. Twenty-six adult albino rats were divided into three groups: group I [control], group II receiving NaF alone [10 mg/kg body weight], and group III receiving the same NaF dose together with vitamin E supplementation [3 mg/day orally for 35 days]. Tissue homogenates were collected for biochemical study, and the lung tissues were excised for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The results of biochemical and immunohistochemical studies were measured and statistically analyzed. Lung sections of rats treated with NaF showed congestion and injury in the endothelium of blood vessels, with hemorrhage and injury in the alveolar epithelium. Proliferation of pneumocytes type II and interstitial septal cells were seen. Thickening of interalveolar septum by cellular infiltration and red blood cells with subsequent decrease in the alveolar space was observed. Some area showed compensatory dilated alveolar ducts. A significant increase in the mean area% of cyclooxygenase-2-immunopositive cells was observed when compared with other groups. There was a significant decrease in the catalase activity and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration in group II. In vitamin E-treated group, most fields showed normal lung structure and some fields showed thickened interalveolar septa and dilated air spaces. The use of vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the protection of lung against NaF-induced injury

effect of selenium on induced ischemia / reperfusion injury in ovaries of female albino rat: a histological and biochemical study

Ovarian torsion is a serious cause of gynecological surgical emergency. Recently, a conservative approach including detorsion and releasing the pedicle to preserve fertility was advocated. However, detorsion worsens the tissue injury leading to ischemia/reperfusion [I/R] and production of reactive oxygen species. Selenium [Se] is an essential trace element and a component of the antioxidant enzymes that protect the cells against the effects of free radicals. This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of Se on I/R-induced injury of ovary in a rat model [using histological and biochemical studies]. Twenty-six adult female albino rats were divided into three groups: group I [control], group II [the I/R group] including rats exposed to right ovarian ischemia for 3 h and then reperfused for 12 h, and group III [the Se-treated group] including rats exposed to I/R as group II, in addition to 0.2 mg/kg Se injected intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. Ovarian tissues were excised for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric, and biochemical studies. Statistical analysis was performed. In the I/R group, the right ovary showed secondary follicles with desquamated cells into the antral cavity, congested vessels, multiple distorted follicles, massive extravasated red blood cells [RBCs], multiple dark nuclei, and vacuolations in the corpora lutea. The left ovary recruited congested vessels and extravasated RBCs in the corpora lutea. In the Se-treated group, the right ovary revealed some dark nuclei and vacuolations in some atretic follicles besides few extravasated RBCs. A significant increase in the mean area% of caspase-3 immunoreactivity was found in the right ovary in the I/R group compared with the other groups. A significant increase in DNA fragmentation percentage, a significant decrease in reduced glutathione concentration, a significant decrease in catalase activity, and a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration were found in the I/R group compared with the other groups. Furthermore, administration of Se restored these values to normal levels. Se proved to be effective in preventing tissue damage induced by I/R in rat ovaries

Relation between microcurrent therapy and satellite cells in the regeneration of induced skeletal muscle injury in rat

Severe injuries in skeletal muscle result in muscle weakness, which delays recovery and contributes to progressive decline in muscle function. Microcurrent therapy is a novel treatment method used in soft-tissue injury and tissue regeneration therapy. The regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle tissue resides in satellite cells, the quiescent adult stem cells. The present work aimed at investigating the possible relation between microcurrent therapy and satellite cells in regeneration of induced skeletal muscle injury in albino rats. Twenty-four male albino rats were divided into 2 groups: Control group and experimental group [II]: rats were subjected to gastrocnemius-soleus muscle injury [subgroup IIa], they were subdivided into subgroups IIa1 and IIa2 sacrificed 1 and 3 weeks after injury respectively. Subgroup IIb: Rats were subjected to muscle injury and micro-current electric stimulator, was applied for 20 minutes for three sessions per week. The animals were subdivided into subgroups IIb1 and IIb2 sacrificed 1 and 3 weeks following the day of injury. Muscle sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, alpha smooth muscle actin [alpha-SMA] and CD34 immunostaining. Morphometric studies and statistical analysis were performed. Atypical fibers were widely separated by connective tissue cells and revealed partial loss of striations in subgroup IIa. Some fibers recruited strong acidophilic sarcoplasm with focal vacuolations in subgroup IIa1. In subgroup IIb1, some typical fibers, some centrally located nuclei, and a few deeply acidophilic fibers were found. Striations were found in some areas of the sarcoplasm. In subgroup IIb2 striations were found in most areas of the sarcoplasm. A significant decrease in the mean area of atypical fibers, a significant increase in the mean area% of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells, and a significant increase in the mean area% of CD34-positive cells were found in subgroup IIb compared with subgroup IIa. A definite therapeutic effect of the microcurrent was found on induced skeletal muscle injury, which was time dependent. This effect was proved to be related to satellite cell activation

Occurrence of aerobic and anaerobic spore forming bacteria in some packaged soft cheese at Matrooh and El.Gharbia governorates

Forty-five samples of packaged white soft cheese [15 of Tallaga, Domiatta and Feta cheeses] were collected from Gharbia and Matrooh governorates. The samples were examined bacteriologically for the presence of aerobic and anaerobic spore forming bacteria. The obtained results indicated that 53.33% of Tallaga cheese samples were contaminated with aerobic spore formers followed by Domiatta cheese [46.67%], then Feta cheese [33.33%]. The mean values were 7.74x10[3] +/- 2.31x10[3], 3.51x10[3] +/- 1.07x10[3] and 8.96x10[2] +/- 2.63x10[2]/g. for Tallga, Domiatta and Feta cheeses, respectively. Moreover, the mean values of total B. cereuscounts were 1.38x10[3] +/- 0.68x10[3], 6.23x10[2] +/- 1.55x10[2] and 2.85x10[2] +/- 0.42x10[2]/g, for Tallaga, Domiatta and Feta cheeses, respectively with an incidence of 33.33%, 20% and 13.33% for tallaga, domiatti and feta cheeses, respectively. However, bacteria belonging to aerobic spore formers and anaerobic spore formers species were detected and identified in the examined samples of packaged soft cheeses in varying percentages. Furthermore, the results declared that Tallaga cheese were the most contaminated samples with anaerobic spore forming bacteria [73.33%], then Domiatta cheese [53.33%] and Feta cheese [40%] with mean values of total anaerobic counts contaminating examined samples of tallga, domiatti and feta cheese, were 2.17x10[4] +/- 0.82x10[4], 6.89x10[3] +/- 2.76x10[3] and 3.43x10[3] +/- 0.9x10[3]/g, respectively. The incidence of total C. Perfringens count in the examined samples of Tallaga, Domiatta and Feta cheese was 46.67%, 26.67% and 20% respectively with average counts of 5.36x10[3] +/- 1.49x10[3], 9.97x10[2] +/- 3.01x10[2] and 4.60x10[2] +/- 1.13x10[2]/g, for Tallaga, Domiatta and Feta cheeses, respectively. The public health significance of the isolated organisms and application of the sanitary measures for minimize and prevent contamination of the packaged white soft cheese samples with aerobic and anaerobic spore formers were discussed

Clinical application of mangled extremity severity score [MESS] among injured patiens attending emergency department at the main Alexandria University Hospital

Management of mangled lower extremity is one of the most challenging problems for a trauma surgeon. The decision of whether to amputate or not and when to amputate is a critical decision. It has surgical, medicolegal, social and psychological importance. Many scoring systems have been devised to facilitate the decision of amputation of an injured extremity. Mangled Extremity Severity Score [MESS] is one of the used scores and it is needed to be evaluated in our country. Of this study was to evaluate the validity of clinical application of MESS for mangled lower limbs and its predictive value in the decision making for injured cases. Fifty patients admitted to the emergency department of the Main Alexandria University Hospital were studied. They were assessed by MESS to have a provisional decision for amputation or conservative treatment. The final decision of conservative treatment or amputation was decided after complete investigations and proper evaluation. In five patients, trials of conservative treatment were done first. The utility of MESS for decision of amputation was assessed. The studied patients were 38 males and 12 females. Their ages ranged between 2.5 and 42 years with a median of 23. 7 +/- 18.]. MESS had a score 7or more than 7for 3lpatients with probability of amputation; and score less than 7 for 19 patients with probability of saving the limb. After complete investigations, trials of revascularization and proper evaluation; amputation was performed for 18 patients. Secondary amputation was done for five of them. The sensitivity of MESS on decision making for amputation was 58% and specificity of the scoring was 63%. Positive predictive value of MESS for amputation was 72% and negative predictive value was 68%. This study showed that MESS has limits for its usefulness and cannot be used as the sole criterion by which amputation decision can be made. With a cooperative multidisciplinary effort with close communication between the trauma, orthopaedic and plastic surgeons, the outcome of mangled lower extremity injuries can be optimized. More limbs could be salvaged by complete evaluation after necessary investigations, continuous surveillance and even operative exploration

Egyptian sugar cane wax: Therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent in rat

Data from the epidemiological studies indicate that increases in serum cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk of death from coronary heart disease. Policosanol is a mixture of high-molecular-mass aliphatic alchohols isolated and purified from sugar cane [Saccharum Officinarum L.]. Policosanol is a drug currently in use to reduce elevated LDL-C and total cholesterol levels in combination with dietary therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. In the present study, Egyptian sugar cane wax was extracted, its polycosanols were determined qualitatively and quantitatively with GC-MS and GC and evaluated for its potency to reduce hypercholesterolemia in rat. The results showed that polycosanol constitutes 3.25% of wax. Octacosanol [C280H] is the major component, amounting to 85% of Policosanols in wax. An intervention study was adopted to evaluate the effect and of polycosanols on the cholesterol levels. 30 male albino rats were divided into five groups of equal mean body weights. The first group of rats was fed on basal diet [control]. The second group was fed on basal diet containing 1% cholesterol. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were fed on basal diet containing 1% cholesterol and sugar cane wax extract [15, 45 and 100 mg per kg diet, respectively]. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol showed significant increase [p<0.05] in hypercholesterolemic group compared to control. Supplementation of sugar cane wax extract in diets of both groups 4 and 5 significantly [p<0.05] decreased total cholesterol level compared to second group. Significant increase was observed in HDL-C in group 5 compared to second group. The data obtained revealed that triacylglycerol was significantly decreased due to supplementation with sugar cane wax extract of groups 4 and 5 compared to hypercholesterolemia in rats of second group. Non significant differences were noticed in the mean value of body weight, organ weight and relative organ weights between different experimental groups. Sugar cane wax seems to be a very promising photo-chemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents

Histological and physiological studies to evaluate the protective effect of honey on paracetamol induced testicular lesions in adult male rats

Paracetamol is one of the commonly used analgesics and antipyretics, however paracetamol related lesions were observed in the liver, kidney and reproductive organs [testis and ovary]. Honey is one of the known medicine that has been found to have a significant antioxidant content, so, it acts as a free radical scavenger. The purpose of this study is a trial to evaluate the protective effect of honey on the testicular lesions induced by paracetamol. Thirty adult male albino rats, weight [200-250 gm] were used in this experiment. The animals were divided into three groups [I,II and III]. Group I: was kept as control. Group II: was treated by paracetamol once daily for one month by oral route in a dose of 800 mg/kg. Group III: treated with honey in a dose of 2.5 gm/kg once daily for one month concomitant with paractetamol. Blood samples were taken for determination of testosterone, lipid peroxide and total glutathione. The animals then sacrificed and specimens were taken from the testes and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Tissue homogenate was taken for determination of lipid peroxide and total glutathione. In paracetamol treated animals [Group II] showed some altered somniferous tubules as well as few degenerated tubules. Within the tubules, multiple vocuoles were present between the germ cells as well as inside their cytoplasm secially in the spermatids, also some of the supermatids showed well developed golgi complex as well as mitochondrial changes and multinucleated giant cells. Some of the tubules showed folded irregularly outlined basement memberane. Some leydig cells appeared dark, degenerated while others showed dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The same animal, showed that paracetamol treatment caused a significant reduction in serum testosterone level. Also, paracetamol induced increase in the level of free radical [lipid peroxide] and decreased level of antioxidant [total glutathione] both in serum and testicular tissue. Honey treated animals, concomitant with paracetamol [Group III] showed a reduction in the number of altered and/or degenerated tubules with reduction in the degenerative changes in germ cells. Few degenerated leydig cells could be detected. The same animals, showed significant elevation of serum testosterone level as well as a decrease in lipid peroxide and on increase in total glutathiolne [in serum and testicular tissue]. The protective effect of honey on paracetamol induced testicular lesions was incomplee and exerted mainly throught a decrease of free radicals and increase in the antioxidant level

Drinking water qualities of different purification systems in Ismailia governorate

This study monitored ten drinking water treatment systems; three compact, two small filtration and five conventional. The bacteriological, chemical and physicochemical qualification of water was achieved at the inlet, pre-and post-chlorination. The counts of total viable bacteria, total coliform, fecal coliform, coliform streptococci, Salmonella, Shigella and Aeromonas were considered as the most reliable bacterial parameters for water potability. A total of 613 bacterial isolates was identified and found to belong to 18 genera and 21 species; most of them have pathogenic capabilities and free chlorine resistance reached 5 mg/l for 85 isolates. 30% of them represented Bacillus species, 15% Staphylococcus, 12% Escherichia and 10% Corynebacterium. Other 14 bacterial genera were distinguished in this survey

Relationships of infant birth size to maternal lipoproteins, apoproteins, fuels, hormones, some biochemical changes and body weight at 36 weeks gestation

It has been hypothesized that plasma triglyceride fatty acids may traverse the placenta and contribute to infant adiposity, particularly in gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM]. Also, high density lipoprotein [HDL] can both deliver cholesterol to and remove it from the placenta. To determine if these maternal parameters are related to the fetal growth in normal; the relationships of lipoproteins, apoproteins, hormones, fuels, some biochemical changes and maternal weight at 36 weeks gestation to infant birth weight, birth weight ratio, birth length and head circumference in a cohort of pregnant women attending a prepard health plan have been examined. The results have shown that the birth weight and/or birth weight ratio [birth weight corrected for gestational age], birth length and head circumference in such pregnant women are weekly positively associated with maternal VLDL triglycerides and statistically significantly positively associated with apoprotein A-II, placental lactogen, estradiol and maternal pre- pregnancy weight and pregnancy weigh gain. Glucose and insulin predict birth weight only in pairwise analysis. Significant negative predictors of birth weight ratio include VLDL, cholesterol, apoprotein A-II and creatinine. Significant positive predictors of birth length include apoprotein A-l, placental lactogen, and maternal weight gain. Apoprotein A-II negatively predicts birth length and only maternal pre-pregnancy weight predicts head circumference. The positive association of apoprotein A-l and the strong negative association of apoprotein A-II with birth weight and length point to a physiologically significant role for HDL in the fetal growth

Zinc supplementation in breast-fed infants

This study was carried out on 60 breast-fed healthy infants. Their age were within 4 - 9 months. They were divided into 2 equal groups, the infants of the 1st group were given zinc sulfate in a dose equivalent to 5 mg elemental zinc along a period of 90 days and dose of the 2nd group were given a placebo solution for the same period, in addition to breast feeding and usual diet. The weight, length and serum zinc were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the study, which showed high significant increase in the mean weight gain for the supplemented group, but nonsignificant increase in the mean length gain compared with those of the placebo group. Also, there was high significant decrease in the mean serum zinc level for those of the placebo group compared with supplemented group; however, their mean serum zinc was within the normal average for age [65-185 mug/dl], and none of them showed any sign or symptom of zinc deficiency

Oesopheageal motility in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis with and without sclerotherapy

Esophageal motility studies including upper esophageal sphincter pressure and lower esophageal sphincter pressure in SHF were studied in patients with SHF with and without sclerotherapy and control group. There was no significant change in upper esophageal sphincter pressure in all groups. Lower esophageal pressure showed a significant decrease in patients with sclerotherapy as compared to the SHP patients without sclerotherapy and the control group. Esophageal body waves are significantly affected in SHF cases with sclerotherapy

In-vitro interaction of l-histidinol and cisplatin on [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA and the viability of cultures EAC cells

The cytotoxic activity of cisplatin and/or L-histidinol was studied on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma [EAC] cell line. Cisplatin in concentration ranged from 1-20 microM reduced cell survival of cultured EAC cells in a concentration-related manner. The concentration of cisplatin that inhibited the survival of 50% of cells [IC50] was 16 micro M. L-Histidionl [0.5-4 mM] per se did not affect the survival tumor cells, however, it significantly potentiated the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. An important observation is that with the use of L-histidinol [4 mM] in combination with cisplatin, the IC50 of cisplatin was shifted to be 4 micro M only. By means of tritiated thymidine incorporation into the cellular acid-insolube material, cisplatin [8 and 16 micro M] inhibited DNA synthesis [41% and 51% respectively] in cultured tumor cells. Also, a marked inhibition of DNA synthesis [31% and 42%] was observed with L-histidinol [2 and 4 mM respectively]. In conclusion, L-histidinol, a structural analog of the essential amino acid L-histidine, enhances cisplatin cytotoxic activity against EAC cells. These findings may reflect a potential of L-histidinol to improve the therapeutic index of cisplatin. Further studies should thoroughly investigate the mechanism[s] of enhancement of therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin by L-histidinol

effect of thiola, piroxicam and diltiazem on the uterine contratility of gamma-irraidated rats

Accidental radfiation exposure raises concern for functional modifications in the uterine physiology. In the current work, total body gamma-irradiation [0.7, 1.4 and 2.1 Gy] of non-pregnant adult female albino rats increased significantly the frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions in-vivo. Administration of Thiola [a sulghydryl containing agent] in doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg, pre-irradiation, or Piroxicam [a potent prostaglandin inhibitor] in a dose of 2 mg/kg, pre- or post-irradiation failed to normalize the changes induced by gamma-irradiation. However, administration of Diltiazem [a Ca+2 channel blocker, 8 mg/kg] pre- or post-irradiation caused significant decrease in the frequency of uterine contractions [21% and 24% respectively] as well as the amplitude of contractions [62% and 39 respectively] in comparison to the uterotonic pattern of gamma-irradiation alone. The results indicate a promising tocolytic activity of Diltiazem against the uterotonic effect of gamma-radiation

Enteropathogens in acute diarrheal infants

The prevalence of bacterial, viral, and parasitic enteropathogens was studied in 320 infants under 2 years of age presenting with diarrhea of less than 72 hours duration to S. Fakeeh Pediatric Hospital in Jeddah from Junuary to December, 1992. Pathogens were identified in 68.4% and multiple pathogens were found in 4.9% of infants. Rotavirus was detected in 48.1% and was the most prevalent diagnosis. Bacterial enteropathogens were isolated in 15.4% of cases. Entamaeba Histolytica and Giardia Lamblia were visualized either separately or together with other enteropathogens in stools of 7.8% of'infants. Entamaeba Histolytica and enteropathogenic Escherichia Coli were commonly found as mixed infections with Rotavirus. Rotavirus diarrhea was watery in 66.7% of cases, and 66.7% of cases and fever and upper respiratory symptoms were observed in 50% of Rotavirus and 66.7% of Salmonella infections. Infants with Entamaeba Histolytica and Shigella infections nearly always had abdominal pain, blood and mucus in their stool. Hence, clinical presentation and stool examination are helpful in diagnosis and choosing the definitive treatment regimen

Prevalence and epidemiology of epilepsy among Egyptian infants and children

Pre-designed questionnaires fulfilling some remarks about epilepsy were distributed among children of 12 primary schools randomly chosen from Abbassia and Heliopolis districts in Cairo. All cases were recruited from the survey as well as those epileptics followed up in the pediatric neurology clinic. They were subjected to history taking and mical examination in addition to intelligence quotient and EEC. computerized tomography [CT] was done for some selected cases. The prevalence of epilepsy was found to be 3.5/1000 with highest prevalence in the group aged 6-9 years. Boys were found to be more affected than girls although statistically insignificant. Primary epilepsy-was more common than secondary cases. Partial seizures were more prevalent than generalized ones and they were found to be significantly associated with secondary etiology. Early onset of seizures, secondary etiology and partial nature of seizures were significantly associated with different neurological deficits. Primary cases especially generalized seizures showed better therapeutic response. CT scan were normal in all primary cases but were positive in all examined secondary cases. To sum up, we can conclude that epilepsy is not uncommon problem among Egyptian school children. There is no significant sex prediction. Response to treatment can be predicted on clinical basis, i.e. primary etiology, generalized nature as well as absence of neurological deficits were the most important predictors of good response to therapy

Incidence of Beta-lactamase production among common out patient clinic isolates and their resistance to some commonly prescribed antibiotics

In this survey 319 bacterial stains were isolated from patients reporting to the outpatient clinics of AI Jazira Clinic in AI Khobar, Saudi Arabia suffering from community aquired infections.. These strains were tested for Beta-lactamase production and for susceptibility to some, commonly prescribed antibiotics [penicillin, Broad spectrum penicillins and cephalosoprins] Beta-ladamase production was demonstrated in 76.8% of total isolates [In 86.5% in coagulase positive staph., 45% in coagulase negative staph., 60% in Branhamella catarrhalis, 83.5% in E. coli, 73.3% in Klebsiella pneumoniae and 63.3% in proteus sp.] Antibiotic resistance was shown in 85% of isolates to penicillin, 71% to ampicillin, 63% to amoxycillin 33.5% to Amoxycillin/Clavulenic acid, 40% to cephradine, 45.5% to cephalexin and 52.5% to cefaclor. These results show significant prevalence of Beta-lactamase producers among common pathogens and also marked resistance to the popular commonly prescribed Beta-Iactam antibiotics. We recommend that prescribiting antibiotics should be based on etiological, ecological knowledge as well as pharmacokinetics, and that testing of any bacterial isolate of Beta. lactamase production should be part of clinical laboratory sensitivity testing

Throat and Nasal carriers of toxigenic and Non-Toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae among food handlers A six month study

This study was carried out in AI JAZIRA POLYCLINIC, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia between April and October 1991. Food handlers were included in this study from whome throat and nasal swabs were cultured of toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae. Results showed that 11 food handlers were throat carriers of toxigenic strains [1.2%] while 6 food handlers were nasal carriers of toxigenic strains [0.66%]. Of those food handler, two harbouring the toxigenic C. diphtheriae both in their noses and throats. So, the total number of carriers of toxigenic strains was 15 [1.6%]. On the other hand, 13 food handlers harbourd non-toxigenic C. diptheriae in their throats[1.4%] compared to 9 nasal earners of non-toxigenic strains [0.99%] Total number of carriers of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae was 22 [2.4%]

effect of child abuse on his perceived feeling of parental acceptance versus refusal

The primary purposes of this study were to find out the effect of child abuse on his perceived feeling of parental acceptance and /or refusal and the difference between fathers and mothers methods of abusing their children. The study revealed that fathers abusing their children more than mothers. Children perceived feeling of love and acceptance of their mothers is higher than their fathers and they perceive their fathers refusal more than their mothers. The perceived feeling of nonspecific refusal for both parents was the same. It also proved that children perceived feeling of acceptance is higher than their perceived feeling of refusal even when they are abused