Anticancer and antioxidant activities of Guiera senegalensis

Medicinal plants contain physiologically active principles that over the years have been exploited in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The ethanolic extract of Guiera senegalensis was tested in vitro as anticancer and antioxidant agent as well as for its phenolic and flavonoidal contents. The trypan blue technique was used for the anticancer activity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells [EACC] while the antioxidant activity of the plant extract was determined by 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] assay. The total phenolic and flavonoidal contents were estimated using colorimetric methods. The ethanolic extract at a concentration of 13 microg/ml caused 100% cytotoxic effect against EACC. Moreover, it possessed a considerable antioxidant activity against DPPH radical. Guiera senegalensis extract was found to contain appreciable amounts of phenolic and flavonoidal compounds. It can be concluded that Guiera senegalensis possesses sufficient in vitro anticancer and antioxidant activities to warrant further detailed study of its pharmacology and phytochemistry

Experimental simulation for accidental exposure to uranium pollutants in drinking water a histological study on the possible impact to the cerebral cortex of adult albino rats

The international racing between countries for using uranium element and its isotopes led to renewal of the efforts evaluating its health impacts. The present study aimed at assessing the possible histological alterations in the cerebral cortex of albino rats ingesting a soluble uranium compound as an experimental simulation to the long term exposure to uranium pollutants in drinking water. Ten control adult male albino rats have received daily 1 ml of ordinary tap water by orogastric intubation for 90 days. Another group of 15 experimental rats have received 60 micro g / kg body weight dissolved uranium in 14.21 micro ml uranyl acetate added to 1 ml tap water by the same route and for the same duration. Specimens from the left fronto-temporal area of the cerebral cortices of both groups of animals were processed for light microscopic examination by routine hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical labeling for glial fibrillary acidic protein as well as for transmission electron microscopy. The applied dose and duration of exposure to uranyl acetate in drinking water proved to induce focal degenerative changes in some neurons of the cerebral cortex, which was associated with moderate increase in the neuroglial reaction. Regular, short-termed monitoring of uranium levels in all sources of drinking water is mandatory at the local as well as the national ranges. The population at risk for high rates of exposure should be subjected to periodic assessment of uranium level in urine. The efforts of the national and international health organizations together with the governments should be directed to limit the expanding utilization of uranium compounds in civilian and military applications

influence of HLA-DRB1 alleles on polyarticular onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility, severity, and prognosis

The genetic background of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] in Egyptian children is understudied. The association between class II human leukocyte antigen [HLA] and RA in adults had been reported in different ethnic populations. To detect the frequency prevalence of HLA-DRB1 genes, and to study the influence of such alleles on JRA susceptibility or protection among a group of Egyptian children having polyarticular onset JRA. Also, to clarify the genetic contribution of the shared epitope [SE] positive alleles in relation to JRA severity and progression. Genotyping of HLA-DRB1 alleles were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction- sequence-specific primer amplification and allele specific probing technique in 60 JRA Egyptian children and 50 healthy children serving as controls. Measurement of bone mineral density [BMD using single energy quantitative computed tomography [SEOCT] was done to all patients and controls. The strength of the association of these alleles with JRA susceptibility, severity [clinical and radiological], and progression was expressed as relative risk estimated by odd ratio [OR]. The most frequent DRB1 specificities among JRA were *04 [allele frequency = 25.2%], *14 [20.7%], and *01[10.8%] compared to *08 [25.6%] and *04 [16.9%] among controls. In a logistic regression model, both DRB1 *04, and *14 alleles were significantly associated with JRA susceptibility while *08 allele was protective. Among JRA, the most common SE-containing DRB1 haplotypes were *1001 [5.4%], *0101 *0401, *0404, and *1402 [4.5% for each]. SE sequences were present in 40% of patients compared to 10% of controls [P=0.0001]. SE was present in homozygous state in 22% of patients. Furthermore, in a logistic regression model, the likelihood of having JRA was 29.6-fold higher among homozygote SE [P=0.002], compared to 1.94-fold higher among heterozygote SE [P=0.06]. The SE sequence [QKRAA, QRRAA and RRRAA] was found in [10%, 41.6%, and 10% respectively in JRA versus 2%, 8%, and 2% respectively in controls]. The carriage of [SE+/+] alleles encoding glutamine [0] at beta 70 [Q70 + or high risk SE] were associated with the greatest risk of JRA, while possession of alleles encoding aspartic [D] at beta 70 [D70 + or low risk SE] were associated with the lowest risk [OR 0.46 and 0.64, respectively] There were significant associations between disease clinical severity, radiological progression, and reduced BMD and the presence of [*04] and [*01] alleles. Our findings confirm the association of DRB1 *04 and *14 alleles with JRA susceptibility, and DRB1*08 with protection. A double allelic dose of SE particularly *04 and *01 alleles may contribute to the risk of developing severe forms of JRA, and are strong determinant of disease progression and aggressiveness. We recommended that DRB1 genotyping is one of the parameters to be taken into account to predict the course and prognosis of JRA and to aid in selecting children who deserve early aggressive therapy, thereby helping to prevent some of the associated morbidity and mortality. Further wide scale prospective hospital-based controlled studies are warranted to verify this conclusion and extend preliminary results

effect of different dietary consistency on mandibular condyle of young and adult rats

Three groups of young growing rats and three groups of adult mature rats were fed on diet which differed in physical consistency for periods 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. The effects of these differences in dietary consistency on gross and histologic structure on mandibular condyle were examined. There were changes in all zones of the condylar cartilage in both growing and mature rats. Such changes are considered a temporomandibular joint environmental functional adaptation. There were full recovery in all zones of the condyle in young rats fed a soft/hard diet in comparison with mature rat. The data presented here suggested, that increasing age may diminish the capacity of the TMJ to adapt to altered function and consequently may play a significant role in the development of degenerative joint disease. From this study, it is concluded that the daily diet should be a combination of soft and hard consistency, especially for growing children for providing normal growth of the craniofacial region as well as TMJ

Evaluation of bone strength and scanning electron microscopic [SEM] examination of the interface between dentin adhesive systems, glass ionomer cement and sclerotic dentin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of two adhesive systems to sclerotic and normal dentin, as Compared to glass ionomer cement restoration material. The microstructure of the interface between glass ionomer cement, the adhesive systems / dentin was examined using scanning electron microscope. Two dentin bonding systems were used in this study Scotch bond Multi-Purpose [fourth generation] and Syntac [third generation], with their composite resin [Z[100] and Helimolar]. Glass ionomer cement restorative material [GIC] was also used. Twenty-one Caries freshly extracted human premolars were collected and stored in distilleds water. Another twenty-one caries-free human premolars showing severe occlusal attrition, were collected from patients over 60 years. The teeth were selected according to the criteria of dentin sclerosis scale described by Heyman and Bayne in 1993 [Table II]. The occlusal surfaces of the teeth were ground flat on a water-cooled abrasive wheel to expose dentin for preparation of the specimens for shear bond strength test. The 42 teeth were divided into two main groups, Group [I], normal dentin [21 teeth], and Group [II], sclerotic dentin [21 teeth]. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups [a, b and c]. Group I[a] and II[a] [Scotchbond Multi-Purpose with Z[100]] - Group I[b] and II[b] [Syntac and Helimoler], Group I[c] and II[c] [Glass ionomer cement- Fuji II]. The shear bond strength was determined in a Universal Testing Machine with cross head speed of 1 cm/minute. The fractured specimens were cut longitudinally and examined using scanning electron microscope [SEM]. From the obtained results, the following could be concluded: 1] It is increasingly important that Clinicians should recognize differences in dentin composition before planning restorations that depend on the use of dentin bonding systems. 2] By SEM examination, the clinical criteria of sclerosis [glassy appearance of dentin] was confirmed and the dentinal tubules were partly or completely obliterated by mineral crystals,providing a uniform refractive index of the dentinal tubules. 3] Dentin sclerosis significantly affected the bond strength of the two dentin bonding system used in this study. However, dentin adhesive system that recommended a total etch pre-treatment of dentin, i.e. uses an etchent and a primer, offers more reliable bonding to both normal and sclerotic dentin. This was clearly observed in SEM, where the Scotchbond MP shows more resin tags development with both normal and sclerotic dentin. 4] Although glass ionomer cement showed a higher bond strength to sclerotic dentin, these bond strength values were significantly lower than those of adhesive bonding systems. 5] Further researches are needed to develop adhesive systems that bond equally well to various kinds of dentin substrate. Also, extending the application time of the etchent of existing dentin adhesive systems or the use of more aggressive acids may be of benefit

Reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with nitriles: synthesis of pyrazolo [1,5-c] -1,2,4-triazines, pyridines 4H-indeno [1,2-b] pyran derivatives

Several new pyrazolopyridotriazines, pyridines, 4H-pyran and H-indeno [1,2-b] pyran derivatives were prepared from beta-dicarbonyl compounds I, II and the ylidenes III and IV as starting materials

Co-treatment of patients resistant to induction by gonadotropins with combined growth hormone and gonadotropins: a preliminary study

This preliminary study was performed on 5 patients with anovulatory infertility. 4 of them were due to hypogonadism [H.H.], while the fifth one was due to secondary ovarian failure. These patients were poor responders to previous ovarian super stimulation trials by high doses of HMG. GH reserve was tested in all 5 patients using Clonidine stimulation test, all were negative. In the H.H. patients, induction of ovulation was tried in 8 cycles using GH as a co-treatment to HMG. This combination succeeded to stimulate adequate follicular growth in 7 cycles with subsequent aspiration of variable quality ova and failed in only one cycle. Four IVF and three ZIFT trials were performed in these 7 cycles where one pregnancy succeeded to occur. The fifth patient with ovarian failure, got pregnant by using GH only every other day for 3 months. This study represents the importance of GH therapy as a co-treatment for induction of ovulation in poor responders to ovarian super induction by gonadotropins

Head and neck, and oesophageal cancers in Saudi Arabia

Cancer in Saudi Arabia is on the increase. This statement includes head, neck and oesophageal cancers which rank 3rd to 8th in frequency according to different studies. The Saudi literature consists of retrospective hospital-based studies and therefore does not present a clear and reliable picture. There is a need for a national tumour registry in order to formulate definitive preventive and therapeutic measures. King Faisal University in the Eastern Province has already instituted a regional tumour registry. Their results are awaited. With the increase in cancer cases there is a need to increase the treatment facilities. Public awareness and health education can contribute towards prevention, early detection and better follow-up results. This article reviews the available literature and emphasizes the points mentioned above

Acute respiratory tract infections in children in Khartoum

Hospital data of the years 1979 to 1990 and case notes for a one - year period were reviewed to determine the pattern and time trend of morbidity and mortality of childhood acute respiratory tract infections [ARI] in Khartoum. About one third of the children's visits and 40% of the admissions to Khartoum Children's Emergency Hospital were due to ARI. Out of 63514 cases admitted with pneumonia, 37.3%, 47.9% and 14.9% were aged under one year, 1 - 4 and 5 - 14 years respectively. 1696 children died giving a mean [SD] case, fatality rate [CFR] of 2.69% [0.71]. The CFR was high [4.04%] among infants and was higher in girls compared to boys in the age group 1 - 4 years

Transuterine intratubal insemination: a new technique using intrauterine foley catheter

Artificial insemination by husband's semen [AIH] was done for 36 females with variable causes of infertility [male factor, cervical factor and unexplained infertility] with at least one patient healthy tube. 101 trials were done during the period of the study. Transuterine intratubal insemination was done using intrauterine foley catheter. Success of the procedure was first tested during diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility and vaginal ultrasonography [US]. Assessment of true trials was done by vaginal US alone. In all the trials, the treated semen was successfully placed into the patent fallopian tubes. This easy, rapid and convenient technique should be the first line of choice when AIH is indicated

Transuterine intratubal insemination: a new technique using intrauterine foley catheter

Artificial insemination by husband's semen [AIH] was done for 36 females with variable causes of infertility [male factor, cervical factor and unexplained infertility] with at least one patient healthy tube. 101 trials were done during the period of the study. Transuterine intratubal insemination was done using intrauterine foley catheter. Success of the procedure was first tested during diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility and vaginal ultrasonography [US]. Assessment of true trials was done by vaginal US alone. In all the trials, the treated semen was successfully placed into the patent fallopian tubes. This easy, rapid and convenient technique should be the first line of choice when AIH is indicated

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of major depressive disorders

An open, non-comparative study was carried out on 30 patients [21 females and 9 males], their ages ranged from 18 to 60 years, their weights between 50 to 86 kgs. They were randomly selected from the psychiatric out-patient clinic at Manial University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo. The period of active treatment with sertraline continued for six weeks. The drug was administered in increasing doses from 50mg/day to a maximum of 200mg/day, according to the clinical response and the safety. Baseline assessment and assessment during therapy was carried out. Laboratory tests, Hamilton Rating Scale [HAM-D and HAM-A] and Clinical Global Impression Scale were done on six visits. All patients included in the study were suffering from major depressive disorder [DSM-III R] suitable for antidepressant therapy. Four cases discontinued treatment prematurely [3 males and one female], because of adverse side effects, and another female patient discontinued treatment after noticeable improvement in the first 3 weeks of the study. Results were statistically analysed using the paired-t-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Adverse side effects were mainly in the autonomic nervous system especially related to the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, sertraline is a well-tolerated antidepressant, and the results of this study support its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with major depression

Pattern of mortality in Cairo from poisoning during the years 1976-1985

This study aimed at the investigation of deaths due to toxic agents in Cairo, during the years 1976 to 1985. Cases of food poisoning were excluded. The examid 760 cases of death due to various other toxic agents. Insecticides were responsible for 39.7% of those cases. The intake of drugs, including barbiturates and tranquillizers [minor and major], was the cause of 30.5% of the cases. Carbon monoxide caused 13.8% of the cases, while 13.0% of them were due to volatile poisons mainly alcohol [ethyl and methyl] and cyanide. The high incidence of poisoning due to insecticides calls for the necessity of studying rapid and accurate methods for their detection, particularly when the symptomatology is not conclusive, or when history of direct exposure is not available. Establishment of a poison information center and efficient laboratory services to identify poisons is mandatory

Effect of chronic maternal exposure to low carbon monoxide concentrations on the foetus

The effect of maternal exposure to low carbon monoxide concentrations, throughout gestation, was studied in 21 pregnant Buscat rabbits and was compared with seven pregnant controls. Exposure of pregnant rabbits to 100 p.p.m. CO [parts per million by volume] in atmospheric air resulted in a mean maternal carboxyhaemoglobin level of 10.6% and a mean foetal level of 15.4% compared to control values of 1.1 and 1.3% maternal and foetal carboxyhaemoglobin in non-exposed animals. A significant increase in resorption sites and intrauterine foetal deaths and a significant reduction in the litter size and in foetal birth weght was demostrated in carbon monoxide-exposed animals when compared with controls. Neuropathological changes were observed in the foetal brain in 7% of co-exposed foetuses

"Effect of organophosphorus insecticides on pregnant rabbits"

The effect of chronic maternal exposure to the organophosphorus insecticide [Tamaron, Bayer], throughout gestation, was studied in 20 pregnant Buscat rabbits and was compared with 10 pregnant controls. A significant reduction in the litter size and in the foetal birth weight was observed in Tamaron-exposed animals. In pregnant rabbits exposed to the insecticide, 10% of the mothers and 9% of their foetuses showed pathologic changes in the liver in the form of zonal necrosis, associated fatty changes and lymphocytic infiltration