Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the City of Mosul: A Cross-sectional Study

@#Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of demographic characteristics and the prevalence of hearing loss among workers. Methods: The study sample consisted of 160 participants, and various demographic variables were examined. Data regarding age, gender, work experience, work hours, work nature, and work type were collected and analyzed. The degrees of hearing loss in the bilateral, left, and right ears were assessed, and the prevalence of hearing loss among different work types was examined. Audiograms were utilized to assess the degrees of hearing loss. The limitations of this study include a small sample size, and the cross-sectional design preventing causal relationships. Results: The majority of participants were male, and the age distribution showed a higher representation in the 30-49 years age range. The degrees of hearing loss were predominantly intermediate in the bilateral, left, and right ears. Military personnel had the highest prevalence of hearing loss, followed by builders, drivers, carpenters, and bakers. The logistic regression analysis indicated limited predictive power for age, diabetes mellitus (DM), years in the job, and years in the current job. However, the absence of formal training emerged as a significant factor associated with an increased likelihood of potential hearing loss. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of considering demographic characteristics and occupational factors in assessing the prevalence of hearing loss among workers. The results emphasize the need for occupational training programs and increased awareness of hearing protection measures in the workplace to mitigate the risk of hearing loss.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Mosul Hospital: A crossSectional Study - Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes

@#Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Mosul Hospital, Iraq, in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from patients diagnosed with IBD in Mosul Hospital. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical data, including risk factors, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The study included 150 participants, with a mean age of (42.5. ± years and 56% being male. Women were found to be less likely to know the type of Crohn’s disease compared to men. 58.7% of participants did not have any other diseases, while 41.3% had multiple diseases. The CH type was known for 56.8% of participants, and the average disease duration was 70.41 months, ranging from 2 to 360 months. Most participants (72.1%) did not have involvement in a particular place, while 27.9% did. All participants had known involvement. 81.8% of participants did not use drugs, while 18.2% did, with partial or unknown drug usage reported in 39 individuals. Only 7.8% of participants had IBD in their family, while 92.2% did not. Most participants (95.2%) were smokers. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for increased awareness and early detection of IBD in Mosul Hospital. The identification of risk factors and symptoms can aid in the diagnosis and management of the disease. Further research is necessary to understand the underlying causes of IBD and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Hallazgos genitourinarios en mujeres con tumores ováricos / Genito-urinary findings in women with ovarian tumors

Los tumores de ovario son los trastornos ginecológicos más comunes. Los tumores de ovario son el tercer tumor más común en las mujeres. Los tumores de ovario a veces son asintomáticos y tienen síntomas no específicos, lo que hace que la mayoría de los casos sean difíciles de detectar temprano. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las características genitourinarias del tumor ovárico en un estudio hospitalario. Se realizó un estudio observacional en Bagdad, Iraq, entre septiembre de 2018 y febrero de 2021. Las mujeres diagnosticadas con tumores ovarios a los 18 años de edad o más. Un total de cincuenta mujeres que se inscribieron en nuestro hospital. Datos clínicos y patológicos recopilados y analizados. Los datos sobre comorbilidades y resultados fueron aprobados y diagnosticados por un equipo completo de médicos ginecológicos y urológicos multidisciplinarios. La incidencia general de tumores ováricos fue 70% maligna y 30% benigna. El estudio mostró que la mayor parte del grupo de edad de tumores ováricos era superior a 55 años (62%). La mitad de los pacientes eran nuliparidades. El nivel educativo era principalmente de bajo nivel en analfabeto (20%), primario (24%), secundario (36%) en comparación con el alto nivel. Las mujeres usaron anticoncepción en 52%. La historia familiar informó en el 18% de las mujeres. El tipo histopatológico más común era el carcinoma seroso ovárico 15 (30%). Las etapas regionales eran comunes en el 50% de los pacientes. Tumores de bajo grado en 32%, intermedio en 36%y alto en 32%. Casi, el 80% de las mujeres se sometieron a TAH. Alrededor del 60% de los pacientes recibieron quimioterapia. Los resultados de salud genitourinaria adversos a largo plazo incluyeron nefritis (6%), insuficiencia renal aguda (16%), enfermedad renal crónica (18%), infección urinaria (38%), cálculo (16%), hidronefrosis (20%), Obstrucción de la vejiga (2%), estenosis ureteral (12%), retención de orina (8%), incontinencia de orina (12%), hematuria (22%), PID (14%), adhesión de órganos (8%), cervicitis (2 %), Endometriosis (2%), quiste (6%), trastornos menstruales (24%), infertilidad (2%) y dolor menopáusica (32%). En conclusión, el cáncer de ovario representa el tercer tipo de cáncer ginecológico más común. Era más común en mujeres mayores de cinco décadas. El tipo histopatológico más común es el carcinoma seroso ovárico. Observamos que los sobrevivientes de cáncer de ovario experimentaron mayores riesgos de varias enfermedades genitourinarias. Comprender los escenarios de la morbilidad múltiple para los tumores ováricos es de vital importancia para mejorar la atención clínica después del diagnóstico.

Ovarian tumors are the most common gynecological disorders. Ovarian tumors are the third most common tumor in women. Ovarian tumors are sometimes asymptomatic and have non-specific symptoms, making most cases difficult to detect early. The aim of this study was to investigate genitourinary features of ovarian tumor in a hospital-based study. An observational study was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq, between September 2018 and February 2021. Women diagnosed with ovarian tumors at 18 years of age or older. A total of Fifty women who enrolled in our hospital. Clinical and pathological data collected and analyzed. Data about comorbidities and outcomes were approved and diagnosed by full team of multidisciplinary gynecological and urological doctors were recorded. Overall incidence of ovarian tumors was 70% malignant and 30% benign. The study showed that the most age group of ovarian tumors was above 55 years (62%). Half of patients were nulliparities. Educational level was mostly of low level in illiterate (20%), primary (24%), secondary (36%) compared to high level. Women used contraception in 52%. The family history reported in 18% of women. The most common histopathological type was ovarian serous carcinoma 15(30%). Regional stages were common in 50% of patients. Low grade tumors in 32%, intermediate in 36% and high in 32%. Almost, 80% of women underwent TAH. About 60% of patients received chemotherapy. The long-term adverse genitourinary health outcomes correlated included Nephritis (6%), Acute renal failure (16%), Chronic kidney disease (18%), UTI (38%), Calculus (16%), Hydronephrosis (20%), Bladder obstruction (2%), Ureteric stenosis (12%), Urine retention (8%), Urine incontinence (12%), Hematuria (22%), PID (14%), Organ adhesion (8%), Cervicitis (2%), Endometriosis (2%), Cyst (6%), Menstrual disorders (24%), Infertility (2%), and Menopausal pain (32%). In conclusion, ovarian cancer represents the third most common gynecologic cancer type. It was more common in women aged above five decades. The most common histopathological type is ovarian serous carcinoma. We observed that ovarian cancer survivors experienced increased risks of various genitourinary diseases. Understanding the multi-morbidity scenarios for ovarian tumors is of vital importance to improve clinical care after diagnosis.

Diagnostic dilemmas in fulminating sub-acute sclerosing pan-encephalitis (SSPE) with atypical presentation

@#Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, fatal disease of the central nervous system caused by a persistent measles virus in the brain. It is clinically characterized by insidious onset of intellectual deterioration and behavioral changes followed by myoclonic jerks and eventually complete neurologic deterioration. In about 10% of patients, the clinical manifestations of SSPE are not typical and that may cause a delay in the diagnosis. We report here 3 cases of SSPE with atypical presentations. Bilateral vision loss, hemiparesis, ataxia and acute encephalopathy with focal seizures were respectively the presenting symptoms at the onset of disease. The typical periodic EEG complexes in two patients and positive CSF measles IgG antibody led to the diagnosis of SSPE.

Detection of InvA Gene in Non typhoidal salmonellae isolated from food products and clinical cases

Salmonellae are well-known pathogens, highly adaptive and potentially pathogenic for humans and/or animals. Salmonellae are capable of producing serious infections that are often food borne and present as gastroenteritis. The main reservoirs for non-typhoidal Salmonella are animals such as poultry, livestock, pets and reptiles. Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi colonize only in humans, so they can be acquired only from close contact with a person who has typhoid fever, from a chronic carrier, or from water or food contaminated by human feces. Determine the virulence of the Salmonella serovars obtained from human and animal sources by investigating the presence of chromosomal virulence gene, invA gene as it triggers the internalization of the organism required for invasion of deeper tissue. A total 480 clinical samples: 120 milk samples were collected from faculty of agriculture farm and Markets, 115 eggs were received from different farms and markets, 125 fresh slaughtered chicken and 120 stool sample were collected from Assiut Children University Hospital. Invasion gene operon, invA was detected in all 50 clinical isolates representing multiple serotypes from different sources. Identification of S. enterica and screening of invA gene through PCR based procedures can have major benefit in public health specifically for rapid diagnosis, epidemiological investigations, ideal vaccine, development of treatment, and prophylactic strategies for salmonellosis

Impact of Interleukin-28B gene polymorphism [rs12979860] on Egyptian patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype-4

Single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] in the Interleukin [IL]-28B gene, namely rs12979860, could predict response to pegylated interferon-alpha-ribavirin [PR] therapy in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 [HCV-1]-infected patients. A similar role was investigated in a case-control study conducted on 93 Egyptian patients chronically infected with HCV-4 in comparison to 22 individuals with spontaneous HCV clearance and 70 healthy volunteers. The homozygous C allele genotype [CC] was associated with sustained viral response [SVR] to therapy compared with the homozygous T allele genotype [TT] and the heterozygous genotype [CT]. In the SVR group, the response rate was statistically significantly higher in CC genotypes [58.6%] compared with CT/TT [20.3%]. There was no correlation between SVR patients' genotypes and early response to therapy or HCV baseline viral load. Our findings describe how IL-28B SNP genotyping may guide appropriate selection of HCV-4-infected patients for PR therapy. We underscore IL28B genotyping as a tool that might increase PR cost-benefit in Egypt

Detection of non typhoidal salmonella isolated from food products and clinical cases by PCR and conventional methods: a comparative study

Non typhoidal Salmonella [NTS] are important food-borne pathogens. Infection with NTS may not lead to fatal disease, hut it may remain localized in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in gastroenteritis or may take a septicemic form that can affect several organs systems causing gastroenteritis, bacteremia and subsequent focal infection. To compare PCR with different conventional methods for identification of non-typhoidal Salmonella species, and to determine the virulence of the Salmonella serovars obtained from human and animal sources by investigating the presence of virulence gene, InvA in the chromosomal DNA. A total of 480 clinical samples were collected. These included: 120 milk, 115 eggs and 125 fresh slaughtered chicken from farms, slaughterhouses, markets, in addition to 120 stool samples from Assiut Children University Hospital. They were subjected to conventional methods for bacteriological and biochemical examination. Conventional cultural examination, API 20 E system and PCR amplification assay of virulence gene invA were investigated in animal and human isolates. By comparing the results of PCR using SI 39 and SI 41 primers and those of culture examination, it was found that PCR had similar results to culture examination. PCR could detect 50 positive cultures of Salmonella species, while API 20 E could detect only 47 of these positive cultures.: PCR amplification assay has the ability to detect a wide range of Salmonella species depending on the design of primers targeted to invasion gene operon [InvA gene] of salmonella. PCR technique may provide a valuable, rapid, specific and sensitive laboratory diagnostic test for detection of salmonella DNA in cultures

Contribution of multiplex real time PCR for detection and differentiation of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in fecal samples of immunocompromised patients

Intestinal microsporidiosis is among the most frequent opportunistic diseases in immunocompromised patients. Routine diagnosis is generally performed by light microscopy of stained fecal samples. While unequivocal non-molecular species identification, important for cases management, is achievable only through electron microscopy. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of multiplex real time PCR for simultaneous detection and differentiation of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in stool specimens of patients with immunosuppressive conditions. Stool samples were obtained from 78 immunocompromised patients suffering from diarrhea. The samples were screened for intestinal microsporidiosis by light microscopy using Weber's modified trichrome stain. The samples were subjected to multiplex real time PCR using Enterocytozoon bieneusi [E. bieneusi] primers and a probe specific on the internal transcribed spacer [ITS] sequence. Encephalitozoon intestinalis [E. intestinalis] primers and probe were specific for the small ribosomal subunit RNA gene sequence. Of 78 samples, 20 [25.6%] were detected positive by multiplex real time PCR. E. intestinalis was identified in 8 cases [40%], E. bieneusi in 7 [35%], and both species in 5 [25%]. Light microscopy detected a total of 22 samples [28.2%], 7 of which did not show the belt-like structure characteristic for microsporidial spores [empty-looking spores]. Compared to real time PCR, light microscopy had 75% sensitivity, 87.9% specificity, 68.2% PPV, 91.1% NPV and 84.6% accuracy in detection of microsporidia. No significant difference was found regarding the detection of E. intestinalis, E. bieneusi or both species by microscopy. Multiplex real time PCR proved to be more effective than classical trichrome stain for simultaneous identification and differentiation between E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis

Effect of an iron-deficient diet on rat tongue with special reference to the efficacy of iron supplementation: light and scanning electron microscopic study

Iron deficiency is the most frequent nutritional deficiency worldwide. The oral cavity is one of the first sites where iron deficiency can be clinically notes. To demonstrate the histological changes in rat tongue induced by an iron-deficient diet and to study the role of a balanced diet, containing the daily iron requirements, either alone or with daily oral iron supplementation. Young rats [4 weeks old] were divided into two groups. Group I [the control group] was further subdivided into IA and IB, which the rats were fed a balanced diet for 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Group II was further subdivided into IIA, which included rats that were fed an iron-deficient diet for 6 weeks, and IIB, which included rats that were fed an iron-deficient diet for 6 weeks, followed by a balanced diet for 2 weeks. IIC included rats that were fed an iron-deficient diet for 6 weeks, followed by a balanced diet and daily oral iron supplementation for 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected to measure the levels of hemoglobin and serum iron. At the end of the experiment, specimens from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue were taken and prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic study. In subgroup IIA, the tongue papillae appeared deformed in shape, irregularly arranged, and widely separated. Vascular congestion and mononuclear cellular infiltration were observed in the connective tissue under the epithelium. In subgroup IIB, most of these histological changes were still observed. However, a marked improvement was observed in subgroup IIC. It was concluded that an iron-deficient diet induced structural changes in rat tongue. However, with 2 weeks of oral iron supplementation in addition to the use of the balanced diet, there was complete restoration of the tongue structure

Assessment of the antischistosomal activity of ginger [zingiber officinale] against schistosoma mansoni harbored in C57BL/6 mice

This study was conducted to assess the effect of ginger [Zingiber officinale] aqueous extract, on the oxidative status, antioxidant defense system and liver pathology of Schistosoma mansoni -infected C57BL/6 mice. Ginger at dose level of 500 mg/kg body weight was orally administered, daily for five weeks from the 5[th] week post-infection. Result showed that S. mansoni-infected mice exhibited a suppression of liver antioxidant capacity, and depleted reduced glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase [CAT] activities. In addition, the hepatic lipid peroxidation was deleteriously elevated in S. mansoni-infected mice. The hepatic total protein [TP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] activities were profoundly decreased due to their release from necrotic liver cells into blood of S. mansoni-infected mice. Concomitantly, histopathologiacl and histochemical data indicated severe hepatic cell necrosis and multigranulomas with different sizes and collagenous fiber contents indicated in both acute and chronic infection. Hepatic sinusoidal dilation, cytoplasmic degeneration, total protein pattern depletion as well as intravascular and perivascular inflammatory infiltration were also observed. The treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with ginger extract succeeded to suppress oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant defense system and decreasing lipid peroxidation. In addition ginger treatment markedly minimized the structural abnormalities where the size of granulomas and collagenous fiber were significantly reduced. The histochemical profile of TP level was partially restored. It could be concluded that oxidative damage and pathologic changes of liver may be improved partially by ginger treatment via suppression of the oxidative stress and enhancement of antioxidant defense system

Vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus among Egyptians

Type 1 diabetes [T1DM] is a multifactorial autoimmune disease in which both genetic predisposition and environmental factors participate in its development. Many cellular and epidemiological studies suggest a role for vitamin D in pathogenesis and prevention of T1DM. Polymorphisms of the genes involved in the metabolism of vitamin D may predispose to T1DM. Vitamin D-binding protein [DBP] is the main systemic transporter of vitamin D and is essential for its cellular endocytosis. There are two known polymorphisms in exon 11 of the DBP gene resulting in amino acid variants: GAT->GAG substitution replaces aspartic acid by glutamic acid in codon 416; and ACG->AAG substitution in codon 420 leads to an exchange of threonine for lysine. These DBP variants lead to differences in the affinity for vitamin D. Few published studies, about the correlation between these alleles and T1DM, yielded conflicting results. Therefore, we investigated the association of these polymorphisms with T1DM in Egyptian subjects. Unrelated 59 children with T1DM and 65 healthy controls were included in this study. The sequence of DBP exon 11, which contains both examined variants, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Alleles and genotypes were determined using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis [RFLP]. At codon 416 the frequency of Glu/Asp alleles was 64.4/35.6% in T1DM patients and 55.4/44.6% in controls [P >0.05]. At codon 420 the frequency of Thr/Lys alleles were 88.1/11.9% and 87.7/12.3% [P >0.05] respectively. Distributions of genotypes at both loci, and the common haplotypes constructed by them, were also very similar in both groups [P >0.05]. It could be concluded that the studied DNA polymorphisms in the DBP gene are not associated with T1DM in Egyptian patients

Aortobifemoral bypass surgery using mini-laparotomy technique

This study was carried out to compare mini-laparotomy technique of aortofemoral bypass with the conventional surgical procedure. Six cases of aortobifemoral bypass performed using a mini-laparotomy incision [6 cm] between year 2007 and 2009. The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 10.6 +/- 3.5 minutes and the mean duration of the operation was 95.7 +/- 28.9 minutes. In all cases, bowel sounds appeared at 4 to 10 hours postoperatively and oral nutrition was started after 24 hours. The mean hospital stay was 4.4 days. Mini-laparotomy technique is safe and effective for aortobifemoral bypass operations; with the advantages of short operation time, optimal aortic exposure, easy and safe aortic cross-clamping, limited postoperative pain and scar tissue, early mobilization and resumption of intestinal functions, and short hospitalization

Acute myelopathy with sudden paraplegia as the sole manifestation of meningococcal meningitis

Acute myelopathy with sudden paraplegia is a very rare manifestation of meningococcal meningitis, with only a few cases reported in the literature. In almost all previously reported cases, other clinical manifestations of meningitis, such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness preceded acute myelopathy. In this paper, we report a case of acute myelopathy with sudden paraplegia as the sole manifestation of meningococcal meningitis, in the absence of other clinical manifestations of meningitis

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer cases in Qatar

This study documents for the first time the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer cases in Qatar from 1998 to 2005. The age-standardized incidence rate was higher than that in many other Gulf countries: 8.95 per 100 000 [15.2 per 100 000 for males; 3.95 per 100 000 for females]. Mean age at diagnosis was 57.5 years. Most patients were current smokers or ex-smokers at the time of diagnosis [82.5%]. Unlike other Gulf countries, adenocarcinoma was the predominant type in both Qatari nationals and expatriates [43.9% of lung cancer types]. Many cases were in an advanced stage at diagnosis [64.2% at stage IV]. Incomplete information was available on mortality rate due to the migration of expatriates

Post traumatic stress among university students

This study examined university students' symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder during war, and violence activities in Iraq. One hundred and fifty students filled in questionnaires and were assessed by the use of Post-traumatic Stress Reaction Index. We found high rates of post-traumatic stress reactions. The assessment of the students revealed that the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder tended to persist. Post-traumatic stress disorder scores were significantly correlated with the scores of depression and anxiety in both assessments [p

Mycological evaluation of imported frozen meat

A total of 100 random samples of imported frozen boneless beef meat of different cuts were collected from different Alexandria markets. The samples were transferred in an insulated ice box to the laboratory with minimum time of delay under aseptic condition, where they were examined mycologically. The results revealed the isolation of Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, Cladosporium species, Rhizopus species, Mucor species, Alternaria species, Trichoderma species, Helminthosporium species, Phialophora species, Geotrichum species, Fusarium species and other fungi species from the examined samples. Also, the results revealed the isolation of some yeast species as Candida species, Torulopsis species and Rhodotorulla species. The obtained results showed that the imported frozen meat can be contaminated with yeast and mould due to inadequate hygienic measurements during loading, disloading, handling, preparation and processing from the time of slaughtering till reaching to the consumer

Structural changes of the colonic mucosa induced by orlistat experimental study

Orlistat, an anti-obesity drug, is a lipase inhibitor which increases fecal fat excretion. Many workers had reported the harmful consequences of increased fecal fat excretion on colonic mucosa. So the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Orlistat in presence of other risk factors [directly related to colon carcinogenesis] as high fat diet and colon carcinogen di-methyl hydrazine on the structure of rat colonic mucosa and cell proliferation evaluated by the PCNA index. The study included 50 male albino rats, which were divided into 5 equal groups. Group 1 served as a control group. Group II received high fat diet alone. Group III received high fat diet and Orlistat [32 mg/ kg] orally for 5 weeks. Group IV were subcutaneously injected by two doses of the carcinogen di-methyl hydrazine [DMH] [25mg/kg] together with high fat diet. While rats of group V received Orlistat, di-methyl hydrazine [DMH] and high fat diet. Histological examination of the colonic mucosa revealed presence of 3 types of structurally-altered crypts. The first type appeared with dilated lumen [typical aberrant crypt]. This type was significantly recognized in group II and III. However, insignificant difference in incidence of aberrant crypts and cell proliferation evaluated by PCNA index was encountered between group II and III. The second type of crypt alteration [hyperplastic aberrant crypt], appeared having a serrated luminal configuration, distended goblet cells and proliferating epithelial foci that might partially or totally occluded the lumen. The third type [dysplastic aberrant crypt] exhibited few goblet cells and/or crowded nuclei with variability in their shape and increase in their length together with frequent mitotic figures. Significant increase in number of hyperplastic and dysplastic aberrant crypts as well as PCNA index was detected in group V compared to group IV, determining the potentiating effect of Orlistat. Long-term use of Orlistat in presence of risk factors, as high fat diet and other predisposing factor for cancer colon, was associated with severe crypt alterations and enhancement of colonic proliferative capacity, putative biomarkers of colon cancer

Evaluation of "myrrh extract" against schistosoma mansoni: a histological study

This study investigated the effect of myrrh extract on different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Sixty albino mice were used and divided into three main groups: GI [control group], Gil [infected group] and Gill [infected-treated group]. The last group was further divided into 3 subgroups where the drug was administered in a dose of 500mg/kg body weight for 5 days starting on the 1[st] day PI for IIIA, on the 21[st] day PI for IIIB and on the 45[th] day PI for IIIC. A morphometric study was performed for the mean number and perimeter of granulomas. In Gil, typical bilharzial granulomas were frequently encountered in the portal tracts with numerous eosinophils, collagen fiber deposition and reticular fiber condensation. Hepatocytes revealed vacuolation, nuclear affection and depletion of glycogen. In GIII, granulomas were less frequently observed with apparent decrease of eosinophils. The maximum effect of the drug was observed in SGs IIIB and IIIC as detected by significant decrease in the mean number and size of granulomas, paucity of eosinophils, decreased fibrosis and reticular fibers and the restoration of the glycogen content in the hepatocytes. The present data proved that myrrh has a valuable schistosomicidal effect against different stages of S. mansoni. This chemotherapeutic effect was more evident when the drug was given to infected mice on the 21[st] as well as on the 45[th] day PI

Pilonidal sinus: comparative study - open or close procedure

Pilonidal disease is a disabling nuisance in young adults, yet its management remains controversial. Ambulatory treatment with minimal morbidity and a rapid return to normal activity is desirable. Many techniques have been described for the treatment of patients with pilonidal sinus. The aim of this study is to compare two methods of surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus with regard to cure and recurrence rates. A case series study. All patients were treated as a day case surgery from January 1992 -December 2001; divided in two groups: Group A [excision as lay open method] includes 100 patients and group B [excision and primary closure] includes 90 patients. One hundred ninety patients, 165 males, 25 females were treated for pilonidal sinus over a period of 10 years. 100 patients were managed by excision only and 90 patients were managed by excision and primary closure. Operation for recurrent sinus was performed on 16 patients by open method. All cases treated as day case. The average time for healing following laying open was 45 days while in closed method was 14 days. 15 cases developed recurrence following surgery, 6 in group A [6%], including those already recurrent 16 patients, in whom one patient developed recurrence again and 9 in group B [10%]. P<0.001. The mean follow up period was 1.5 year. The open method has less recurrence rate than closed procedure but the later one has many advantages and more acceptable by the patients

Risk assessment of hexamethylene diisocyanate and hexamethylene diamine in the polyurethane factories

To determine the risk assessment of diisocyanate for workers and HDI concentration in the indoor air. For air monitoring 100 air samples were obtained using National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] 5522 and for biological monitoring 50 urine samples were collected from the workers and analyzed with using William's biological analysis method. The results showed high maximum concentration of hexamethylene diisocyanate [more than 88micro g/m[3]] when compared to the NIOSH standard and high concentration of hexamethylene diamine in the worker's urine. Multiple regression models were obtained to predict of HDI risk in the polyurethane factories