Degenerative meniscus tear as a musculoskeletal disease among a group of construction workers

Evaluation of the effect of moderate to heavy loads, kneeling work, knee bending and traumatic injury on the knee joint among floorers. This was carried out by ergonomic analysis of the working conditions and by proper interpretation of the physical signs and radiographic manifestations. This work was a case-control study including middle aged male individuals. The exposed subjects constituted a group of floorers holding construction jobs for more than 5 years. They matched the control administrative subjects in all other variables except in the type and quality of work. Self-reporting questionnaires were used for the collection of postural information and the different steps of the work. Medical questionnaire, thorough clinical joints examination were done as well as, Squat, flexion-McMurray and Steinmann tests for the assessment of knee condition, followed by plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] for all cases and arthroscopy for selected cases. Strenous efforts and continuous kneeling formed an important part of the construction process, present among the majority of the studied population. Degeneration of the meniscus, as diagnosed by MRI, was more frequent among the construction workers [chi [2] = 0.046; P < 0.05] and at an earlier age than the general population. As for the age, body weight, body mass index and smoking, no direct effect on the presentation of knee disorders was obtained. Prevention of the occurrence of meniscus tear and preservation of knee functions are needed among the floorers by minimizing the work load and using protective devices. Diagnostic MRI is indicated for all construction workers as the early diagnosis of meniscus tear allows the healing process to take place before irreversible damage occurs. Rehabilitation training programs for the muscles are of value in maintaining proper functional status of the knee for longer time

hepatoprotective effect of Cinnamon bark oil and Niegella Sativa L. Seed oil in comparison to N- acetyl cysteine in rats treated with toxic dose of paracetamol

Paracetamol, in toxic doses is associated with extensive liver damage. This study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of cinnamon bark oil [CBO] and nigella sativa oil [NSO] in comparison to N- acetyl cysteine [NAC] in rats treated with toxic doses of Paracetamol [PCM]. The study included 6 groups, each group consists of 6 rats: control group received distilled water orally. Rats treated with toxic dose of PCM [400 mg/kg] three groups received NAC [800 mg/kg], CEO [300 mg/kg] and NSO [288 ml/kg] as antidotes 2 hours after PCM intoxication. The last group received CEO 8 hours post PCM intoxication Twenty-four hours after treatment the rats were sacrificed and blood was collected. The 3 antidotes decreased the activity of hepatic enzymes [AST and ALT] and billirubin compared to the PCM treated rats [P < 0.001]. Liver architecture showed improvement in the antidote treated groups compared to the PCM treated rats. The antidotes enhanced the elevation of the antioxidants [Glutathione [GSH], GSH-Peroxidase GSH-Reductase and Superoxide dismutase [SOD]] compared to their levels in PCM treated rats [P <0.001]. It is concluded that CBO either given early or late and NSO have hepatoprotective effect as well as that of NAC