Assessment of Left Ventricular Volume and Function Using Real-Time 3D Echocardiography versus Angiocardiography in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) size and function is one of the important reasons for performing echocardiography. Real time three dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) is now available for a precise non-invasive ventricular volumetry. Aim of work was to validate RT3DE as a non-invasive cardiac imaging method for measurement of LV volumes using cardiac angiography as the reference technique. METHODS: Prospective study on 40 consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) referred for cardiac catheterization for preoperative assessment. Biplane cineangiography, conventional 2 dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and RT3DE were performed for the patients. A control group of 18 age and sex matched children was included and 2DE and RT3DE were performed for them. RESULTS: The mean LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LVEDV index (LVEDVI) measured by RT3DE of patients were lower than controls (p value = 0.004, 0.01, respectively). There was strong correlation between the mean value of the LVEDV and the LVEDVI measured by RT3DE and angiography (r = 0.97, p < 0.001). The mean value of LV ejection fraction measured by RT3DE was lower than that assessed by 2DE (50 ± 6.2%, 65 ± 4.6%, respectively, p value < 0.001) in the studied TOF cases. There was good intra- and inter-observer reliability for all measurements. CONCLUSION: RT3DE is a noninvasive and feasible tool for measurement of LV volumes that strongly correlates with LV volumetry done by angiography in very young infants and children, and further studies needed.

Some studies on E-Coli mastitis in cattle and buffaloes

The aim of this study is to identify the role E.coli in bovine, its virulence factors and antimicrobial sensitivity. Three hundred and sixty locating cows and buffaloes were examined clinically and by CMT, 210 were suffering from clinical mastitis with percentage of 62.7% and 39[20.4%] E.coli isolates were detected in clinical cases of mastitis, 90 cases were suffering from subclinical mastitis and 6[6.8%] E.coli isolates were detected from these samples. The percentage of E.coli in cows was 31[21.1%] while in buffaloes 8[18.3%] isolates. Serotyping of E.coli revealed that O55[30%], O111[15%], O124[15%], O119[10%], O114[10%], O26[5%], O157[10%] and O44[5%]. That's showing that O55, O111 and O124 were the most serotypes causing mastitis. PCR identification of TraT gene revealed 5 cases were positive and give positive reaction at 307 bp. and for eaeA gene revealed 6 cases and give positive reaction at 384 bp. the antimicrobial sensitivity indicated that the most effective antibiotics were lincospectine [56.6%], danofloxacin[56.6%], enrofloxacin[40%] and ceftifure [40%], while the lowest effective antibiotics were oxytetracycline and ampicillin

histological and immunohistochemical study on the possible protective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on isoprenaline induced myocardial fibrosis in rats

Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids [omega-3-PUFAs] play a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of omega-3-PUFAs on isoprenaline [ISP]-induced myocardial fibrosis. Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I represented the control group [eight rats]. In group II, six rats were given omega-3-PUFAs [40 mg/kg/day] orally for 8 weeks. In group III, six rats were injected subcutaneously with ISP [5 mg/kg/day] for 4 consecutive days and sacrificed 2 days later. In group IV, six rats were injected with ISP [5 mg/kg/day] for 4 consecutive days and sacrificed after 2 weeks. In group V, six rats were given omega-3-PUFAs [40 mg/kg/day] for 8 weeks, following which they were injected with ISP [5 mg/kg/day] for 4 consecutive days, and sacrificed 2 days later. Serum creatine phosphokinase-MB [CPK-MB] was measured. Myocardial sections were subjected to H and E, Masson's trichrome stain, and alpha-smooth muscle actin [alpha-SMA] immunohistochemical stain. Group II showed nonsignificant difference in the mean CPK-MB level compared with the control. Myocardial sections revealed a histological architecture similar to that of the control. The mean area% of collagen and alpha-SMA immunoreactivity was nonsignificant when compared with the control. Group III showed significant increase in mean CPK-MB compared with the control. Myocardial sections showed disorganization, inflammation, exudation, and fibrosis with significant increase in the mean area% of collagen and alpha-SMA immunoreactivity compared with the control. Group IV showed significant increase in mean CPK-MB, area% of collagen, and alpha-SMA immunoreactivity compared with the control, with progression in the myocardial histological alterations. Group V showed significant decrease in the mean CPK-MB with decrease in histological changes, and there was significant decrease in the mean area% of collagen and alpha-SMA immunoreactivity compared with the ISP groups. omega-3-PUFAs exert cardioprotective effects against ISP-induced myocardial fibrosis

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the adverse effects of sodium chlorate on the pituitary-thyroid axis of albino rats and the possible protective effect of curcumin

Background: Sodium chlorate [NaClO[3]] is found in drinking water, but it has a toxic effect on thyroid. However, curcumin has a thyroid-stimulating effect

Aim of the work: To study the effect of NaClO[3] on the pituitary-thyroid axis of rats and determine the possible protective role of curcumin

Materials and methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Group I was the control group. In group II, rats received 0.2 g/l of NaClO[3] in drinking water for 3 weeks. In group III, rats received curcumin [100 mg/kg] 1 week before exposure to NaClO[3] and it was continued for 3 weeks. T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and superoxide anion were measured. Sections were subjected to H and E, azan stain, caspase-3, and S-100 immunohistochemical stains

Results: In group II, serum T3 and T4 were significantly decreased whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone and superoxide anion were significantly increased compared with the control group. The thyroid gland showed follicular cell hypertrophy, hyperplasia, decreased colloid, and significantly decreased caspase-3 immunoreactivity compared with the control group. The pituitary gland showed significantly increased basophils and significantly decreased S-100-positive folliculostellate cells compared with the control group. In group III, thyroid function tests were significantly improved compared with group II, but did not reach the control level. Thyroid sections appeared apparently normal, with significantly increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity compared with the control group and group II. The pituitary gland showed basophils that were similar to those of the control group. S-100-positive folliculostellate cells were significantly increased compared with group II, but did not reach the control level

Conclusion: Curcumin can protect the thyroid gland from the adverse effects of NaClO[3] and consequently protects the pituitary gland from negative feedback

Domestic violence and its impact on married women's health in Eastern Saudi Arabia

To identify the prevalence of domestic violence [DV] in Al-Ahsa, and its impact on married women's health. This study is a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from January to June 2010 in Al-Ahsa oasis in the Eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It included 2000 evermarried women, 15-60 years old, and selected by a 2-stage proportionate cluster random sample. Data was gathered through structured interviews. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15. The prevalence of lifetime DV was 39.3%, 35.9% for mental, 17.9% for physical, and 6.9% for sexual violence. Lower rates of recent [within one month prior to the interview] violence were encountered, that is: overall [32.7%]; mental [29.1%]; physical [22.8%]; and sexual [11.8%]. Eleven percent of women were beaten, and 7% were kicked on the abdomen during pregnancy. Lifetime violence was significantly associated with perceived bad general health, disease, abortion, hemorrhage, and body mass index. Recent violence increased the number of doctor visits, and the odds of feeling dizzy [OR=1.93], vaginal bleeding [OR=1.83], movement and activity problems, pain, taking drugs [OR=1.95], and stress significantly during the last 4 weeks before the interview. A large proportion of women tolerated violence without seeking help [41.4%]. Common reactions included complaining to own family, treating the perpetrator violently, and complaining to a friend. We found that DV is prevalent in Al-Ahsa. We recommend awareness programs aiming at educating current and future couples, and proper training of health care providers in assisting the cases of DV

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] genotype association with the risk of chronic myelogenous leukemia

The metabolism of folate is essential in DNA synthesis, and polymorphisms of genes involved in this metabolism have been implicated in many types of cancer. One such gene is the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase [MTHFR] gene, which encodes an enzyme that converts folate to a methyl donor used for DNA methylation. In this report, we studied the association between the different genotypes of the two most common MTHFR polymophisms, C677T and A1298C, and the risk of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia [CML]. For this purpose, 149 of previously diagnosed CML patients and 170 normal controls were examined using PCR followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism [RFLP]. Results showed that the frequency of the C677T TT homozygous mutant genotype in patients with CML was significantly higher compared to controls [OR - 2.84, 95% CI: 1.24-6.50, .P-value - 0.014]. No such association was shown for the heterozygous C677T CT genotype [OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.95-2.41, P-value - 0.081]. As for the A1298C genotypes, a statistically significant higher frequency of the mutant homozygous genotype 1298CC was also detected in CML patients compared to the control group [OR - 2.18, 95% CI: 1.01-4.69, P-value - 0.046]. No such statistical significance was demonstrable for the heterozygote genotype 1298AC [OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.68-1.73, P-value = 0.743]. This is the first report to suggest that both mutated MTHFR genotypes, specifically the homozygous 677TT and 1298CC polymorphisms, can be associated with a higher risk of developing CML

Hepatoprotective and antioxidative activities of the essential oils of Origanum syriacum [L.], Thymus decussatus [benth] and salvia multicaulis [vahl enum]

To isolate the essential oils of Origanum syriacum, Thymus decussatus and Salvia multicaulis and evaluate their antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities against paracetamol induced injury in primary-cultured rat liver cells. The essential oils isolated from Origanum syriacum, Thymus decussatus and Salvia multicaulis were analysed by GC-MS. Antioxidant activities of the essential oils were determined by DPPH scavenging activity [DPPH] and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity [TEAC] asssays. Conditions have been investigated to devise an in-vitro colorimetric MTT assay method for the hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced injury in primary-cultured rat liver cells. The major component of the essential oils of Origanum syriacum, Thymus decussatus was thymol 58.6% and 21.6% respectively. While the major component of Salvia multicaulis was camphor 39.8%. The antioxidant activity showed that the volatile oil of Origanum exhibited the highest activity followed by Thymus then Salvia. As for the hepatoprotective activity, the assay revealed that the volatile oil of Salvis multicaulis showed a suitable safety margin [the toxic concentration was 125 micro g/ml, while hepatoprotective concentration was only 25micro g/ml]. The essential oils of Origanum syriacum, Thymus decussatus and Salvia multicaulis exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity and significant hepatoprotective activity

Social marketing strategy for promotion of iodized salt in Egypt

Despite the fact that the iodized salt program has been implemented in Egypt since 1996, yet Egypt health Demographic survey [DHS/2001] revealed that household iodized consumption at the national level was only [56%]. One of the main reasons behind such a low figure is lack of consumer awareness. Accordingly the National Nutrition Institute NNI [in collaboration with MOHP /UNICEF Egypt] planned and implemented a marketing strategy to demonstrate its impact in creating consumer demand for use of iodized salt in two Egyptian governorates with the least household consumption levels [Gharbia and Fayoum]. A Qualitative study using focus group discussion technique was carried out followed by development of educational communication materials. Social marketing activities included; advocacy and orientation meetings- local committee formulation- training of community volunteers- two launching meetings for the campaign- promotional communication activities in [schools, health centers, agricultural extension units, religious sites and mass media channels]. Monitoring and evaluation of the social marketing campaign activities was made. A field survey of the iodized salt status at retail and household levels at the end of the campaign showed improvement by almost 1.6 times in Gharbia and 2.5 times in Fayoum. It was concluded that using a social marketing approach for promotion of the iodized salt program is an important and effective strategy, which should be expanded in other Egyptian governorates together with legislation and control of illegal salt availability at market level and increased provision of iodized salt availability for consumer purchase

Osteoarthritis of knees and obesity in Eastern Saudi Arabia

To find out the prevalence and relation between osteoarthritis of knees and obesity in Al-Ahsa region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. The study included 243 male and female patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of knees between June 2001 to March 2003. All patients were recruited from the Physical Therapy Department, King Fahd Hofuf Hospital, Hofuf, KSA. The clinical diagnosis was supported by plain x-rays of knees, and of other joint if needed. The weight and height of all patients were taken using one standard weight and height scale, and body mass index was also calculated and recorded. More than 90.53% of the patients referred with osteoarthritis of the knees were obese or overweight. The mean body weight of all patients was 84.61 kg and the mean height was 1.59 meters. Osteoarthritis of the knees was more common in obese female than male patients with a female to male ratio of 2.37:1. Obesity is a disease. The aim of all health professionals and others in the community should be directed to the prevention of this disease and its risk to develop multiple complications

Highly Sensitive Multiplex RT-PCR System for the Detection of all Common BCR-ABL Transcripts Associated with Different Leukemias

After the recent characterization of leukemia-specific DNA rearrangements, molecular methods have become primary tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of many hematological malignancies, due to their superior sensitivity and accuracy over other conventional methods. The BCR-ABL fusion transcripts resulting from the t[9; 22] translocation are distinct hallmarks of Philadelphia chromosome positive [Ph[+]] leukemias. There are clear associations between different isoforms of the BCR-ABL fusion protein and specific phenotypes of these leukemias. Each isoform also has a significant prognostic value and can be a critical indicator of the clinical outcome. In this study we have adopted, with modifications, a highly sensitive and specific method to screen simultaneously for the most frequent BCR-ABL fusion transcripts, namely, p210 [b3a2/b2a2], p190 [ela2] and p230 [e19a2]. A multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] protocol with nested primer strategy for each of the above fusion transcripts was carefully optimized. RNA integrity, cDNA synthesis and PCR amplification were checked using internal control primers for the normal untranslocated BCR gene. Over 100 clinical samples were collected from hospitals in Amman between 2003 and 2005. This system was applied successfully on 100 clinical samples previously diagnosed as chronic myelogenous leukemia [CML] and acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL]. RNA extracts from established leukemic cell lines carrying the translocations of interest were used as external positive controls. Representative PCR products were sequenced to verify the specificity of the amplification system. Our multiplexed nested RT-PCR assay provides a sensitive, accurate, time-saving and cost-effective diagnostic tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with Ph [+] leukemias

Flavonids of diplotaxis harra [forrsk] boiss and diplotaxis acris [forrsk]

Isorhamnetin 3-o-glucoside and quercetin were isolated and identified from both of the two species of Diplotaxis harra [Forrsk] Boiss and Diplotaxis acris [Forsk]. Moreover, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside was also isolated from D. acris in addition to isorhamnetin and apeginin from D. harra. These compounds are reported for the first time from this species

Transurethral resection of large and giant prostates

From January 1982 to February 1992, 1700 patients were subjected in our institution for transuretheral resection. One hundred and fourty patients with large [50 - 100 gm] and 52 patients with giant prostate [> 100 gms] were subjected to transuretheral resection. We reported our technique of resection and methods of anaesthesia utilized in these patients. The post operative complications are minimal and the course was smooth in the majority of cases. Long term follow up was also studied. TURP: Transuretheral Resection of Prostate

Psychoneurotic profiles in Iraqi senior medical students

The self-rating inventory, Crown-Crisp Experimental Index [CCEI] was used to obtain the psychoneurotic profile of the sixth students of Baghdad University Medical College. The scores were higher than those found in other studies. An explanation is attempted for the difference

Split thickness skin grafting plus dural closure in management of myelomeningocele

This study was designed to evaluate post operative and long term follow up wound healing after using two methods of repair [direct closure or covering by split thickness skin grafts. Long term follow up revealed a higher incidence of chronic skin ulceration the split-thickness skin graft group as compared with the primary closure group. All skin breakdowns appeared in the presence of C.S.F. leakage and or the presence of Gibbus deformity. A thoracic or thoracolumbar myelomeningocele repair with split thickness skin graft was more likely to be complicated by skin problems than the defects in the lumbar lumbosacral or sacral region. This relationship was secondary to the frequency of gibbus deformity in the more cephalad defects than caudal defects

Temporary subcutaneous implantation of bone flaps after craniectomy for brain aedema

Craniectomy may be carried out as a sort of decompression in sever unilateral brain oedema. Bone flaps if not infected or invaded by a malignant growth can be conserved as autogenous bone is the best material for cranioplasty. Due to the lack of freezing facility for conservation, we have implanted 7 flaps under the subcutaneous layer of the patient's,thighs.All did not have any significant complications and the previous craniectomy bone was used successfully for cranioplasty in six cases as our patient died after implantation. 3 months postcranioplasty follow up showed no infection among the six cases

Physiological adaptation of some fungi to interactions of zinc and copper mixtures

Dual mixtures of Zn and Cu interacted antagonistically on the growth rate and biomass production in Aspergillus terreus and Cladosporinum herbarum. A toxic synergistic interaction was exerted by metals mixture on the growth of Fusarium oxysporum A, terreus and C. herbarum tolerated the training passages to elevated concentrations of Zn Cu mixture, whereas F, oxy-sporum could not tolerate any training transfers to higher levels of the mixture. The training passages of the test species were coupled with inhibition in consumption of soluble sugar and nitrogen from the growth medium. In biomass, the trained fungi accumulated more insoluble sugar, insoluble nitrogen, insoluble phosphorus, protein and nucleic acids than the non trained parentals the soluble sugar and nitrogen in trained A terreus and C herbarum were inhibited, whereas in trained F. oxysporum it was increased than in non trained species

Training of some fungi to superlethal concentrations of zinc and copper in relation to their metabolic activities

Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporinum herbarum and Fusarium oxysporum could be trained after successive subcultures to tolerate elevated concentrations of zinc and copper at various levels depending on the fungal species and the metal. The acquired tolerance to zinc was associated, generally, with an inhibition in bio-mass gain and in zinc uptake by the mycellal cells of the test fungi, while the pH of the media did not change from its initial value with the successive passages. In Cu-training, the biomass of at terreus and F. oxysporum was inhibited, whereas that of C. herbarum was increased with serial transfers. Cu-uptake was greater by the mycelia of Cu-trained than of the non-trained fungi and the mycelia of the three species acquired blue coloration. The pH of the growth media was shifted to the acidic side with Cu-training transfers. Zinc-training passages were coupled with a decreased level of soluble sugar consumption from media in A. terreus and C. herbarum, while it was accelerated in F. oxysporum. Cu-trained fungi consumed greater soluble sugars from media than non trained parentals. Either in Zn- or Cu-training the soluble sugar content of mycelia was inhibited and coupled with increased accumulation of polysaccharides. The physiological adaptation to Zn and Cu was associated with acceleration in soluble nitrogen consumption from media and increased accumulation .of cellular protein by the three species. Zinc-training resulted in an increased accumulation of insoluble phosphorus, RNA and DNA contents of the three species. On the contrary, Cu-training passages were coupled with a significant inhibition in phosphorus and nucleic acid accumulation

gastrocnemius myofascial flap

A modification of the gastrocnemius muscle and myocutaneous flap was presented. The modified flap consisted of the gastrocnemius muscle with an overlying sheet of deep fascia which extends down to the lower third of the leg. The new flap was called the gastrocnemius myofascial flap. The flap was used in nine clinical cases with complete survival of the flap and the overlying skin graft. Donor site morbidity was minimal and in the form of mid-calf linear scar