Microbiological identification versus clinical impression in diagnosis of infective corneal ulcers

Infective corneal ulcer is a leading cause of blindness in Egypt It is the most common serious ocular infection and appears to be increasing in incidence. To identify the specific microorganisms responsible for infective keratitis and to correlate the clinical and microbiological profile of corneal ulcers to determine to what extent the presence of certain clinical features may be used to provide a presumptive diagnosis of infective keratitis. This study included consecutive patients suffering from infective corneal ulcers, attending the outpatient clinic of Ophthalmology Department. Tanta University Hospital, during the period between January 2012 and March 2013. Every cases was subjected to full clinical ophthalmologic evaluation and microbiological evaluation of the corneal ulcers. Risk factors, fate and complications of the corneal ulcers were recorded. Fifty eyes of fifty patients were included in this study. Dry eye of mild to moderate degree and ocular trauma were the most common risk factors. Cases associated with trauma as a risk factor, especially that of plant origin, revealed higher frequency of fungal isolation [10 out of 22 [45%]]. Microbiological evaluation reveled that pure fungal growth had the highest frequency [20 out of 50 cases [40%]] followed by pure bacterial growth [18 out of 50 cases [36%]], mixed growth [fungi and bacteria] [2 out of 50 cases [4%]] and acanthamoeba growth [2 out of 50 cases [4%]]. Negative growth was present in 8 cases [16%]. Elevated corneal ulcers with larger stromal infiltrates and congulated hypopyon were characteristic signs in corneal ulcers with pure fungal isolation with a statistical significant difference [p. value= 0.018, 0.022 and 0.019 respectively] between corneal ulcers with pure fungal isolation and ulcers with pure bacterial isolation. Microbiological evaluation of the cases diagnosed clinically as fungal keratitis [38 cases] revealed fungal growth in only 19 cases [50%] with a statistical significant difference [p value < 0.001]. Fungal keratitis should be put into consideration in corneal ulcers caused by trauma with objects of plant origin. Elevated corneal ulcers with larger stromal infiltrates and coagulated Hypopyon are characteristic signs in corneal ulcers with pure fungal isolation. Treatment should be given according to both clinical and microbiological evaluation of the corneal ulcers.Dry eye of mild to moderate degree is an important risk factor in corneal ulcer development

Prognostic value of FOXP3 and TGF-beta expression in both peripheral blood and lymph nodes in patients with B-Non Hodgkin's lymphoma

Foxp3 has been studied as a biomarker of Treg cells in many solid malignant diseases, although its role as an immunomodulator in B-NHL remain poorly understood and the effect of traditional chemotherapy on its expression remains unclear. In this study the role of circulating and intra-tumoral Treg and TGF-beta in patients with B-NHL before and after chemotherapy was evaluated. Enumeration of Treg cells was carried out by flow cytometric staining of their cell surface markers CD4 and CD25 as well as by molecular analysis of its signature transcription factor FoxP3. Expression of FoxP3 was done using quantitative real-time PCR while TGF-beta mRNA expression was semi-quantitatively assayed by the conventional reverse transcription-PCR. In addition, spontaneous versus mitogen-induced release of TGF-beta by PBMCs was assessed by a short term cell culture followed by ELISA. This was done before and after six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy. The results were evaluated in relation to the clinicopathological data. A significant increase in mRNA transcripts of both Fox P3 and TGF-beta as well as the percentage of CD4[+] /CD25[+] in B-NHL patients before receiving the chemotherapy were recorded, when compared either to healthy controls or to patients after completion the treatment regimen. Interestingly 6 cycles of CHOP treatment caused significant reduction in all parameters under study

Effect of some herbal plants on liver function of rats treated with trichloroethylene

Curcumin [CCM], Cinnamon [CNN] and Ginger [GE] had been considered to possess antioxidant activities. This study aimed to investigate their protection effect against trichloroethylene [TCE]-induced hepatotoxicity and to demonstrate its possible mode of action. Rats were fed CCM, CNN and GE singly with or without 5mg/l of TCE in drinking water. The rat were killed after treatment period of 8 weeks, and the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase [ALAT], aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT], bilirubin, proteins, glucose, albumin and triglycerides were determined. TCE- receiving rat exhibited significant changes in biomarkers of liver function to indicate liver injury. The CCM containing diet significantly ameliorated the serum aminotransferases, especially ALAT, total protein and albumin. The CNN containing diet significantly ameliorated the total protein and albumin. The GE containing diet significantly ameliorated the serum aminotransferases, especially ALAT. In conclusion, this work indicated that CCM is the most herbal plant which can protected and alleviated the liver function

Preoperative subconjunctival injection of mitomycin C versus intraoperative topical application as an adjunctive treatment for surgical removal of primary pterygium

To compare the efficacy of preoperative local injection of mitomycin C [MMC] to intraoperative application of MMC in the prevention of pterygium recurrence after surgical removal. Seventy eyes of 70 patients with primary pterygia were randomly allocated to two groups. The first group [Group A, 35 eyes] received 0.1 ml of 0.15 mg/ml of subconjunctival MMC injected into the head of the pterygium 24 h before surgical excision with the bare sclera technique. The second group [Group B 35 eyes] underwent surgical removal with the bare sclera technique with intraoperative application of MMC [0.15 mg/ml] over bare sclera for 3 min. The study was performed between March 2007 and December 2008, and follow up was performed for 1 year postoperatively. Differences between frequencies in both groups were compared by the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Differences between means in both groups were compared by Student's t-test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. The rate of pterygium recurrence was 5.70% in Group A and 8.57% in Group B at 1 year postoperatively [P>0.05]. Postoperatively, scleral thinning occurred in one eye in each group that resolved by 5 months postoperatively. No serious postoperative complications occurred in either group. Preoperative local injection of 0.15 mg/ml MMC is as effective as intraoperative topical application of 0.15 mg/ml MMC for preventing pterygium recurrence after surgical removal

Cloning and characterization of some REP20 DNA fragments from the genome of the human malaria pathogen plasmodium falciparum

Chromosomes of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum contain long subtelomeric repeat sequences and little is known about them. In this study, we have cloned 10 fragments of the non-coding rep20 sequence from the genome of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and HB3 strains. Analysis of these fragments showed that they represent 4 different 3D7 fragments and 2 different HB3 ones. Blasting the sequence of these fragments to the PlasmoDB revealed a varying degree of identity to the released rep20 sequence. One of these fragments was found to contain 27 degenerate repeats and show the highest consistency with the rep20 consensus sequence. This fragment was inserted into a plasmid construct containing the green fluorescence gene and a stably transfected plasmodium cell line was established. Our data show that this rep20 fragment enhances the establishment of drug-resistant parasite populations after transfection; however it restricts the expression of the green fluorescence transgene. These results attract attention to an in-depth study of the role that some rep20 sequences may play between the telomeres and the differentially expressed virulence-related genes

possible renoprotective effect of some drugs inducing heat shock proteins in renal ischemic reperfusion injury in rats

Renal ischemia reperfusion [RIRI] injury is a clinically important problem. The aim of this study was to assess the possible renoprotective effect of inducing heat shock proteins by hydrocortisone and acetylsalicylic acid [ASA] in RIRI in rats. The present study was conducted on 56 male albino rats that were divided into four groups. Group I included normal Sham-operated rats that served as control for group II, Group II was subdivided into Group IIa in which renal ischemia reperfusion injury [RIRI] was induced and group IIb [in which RIRI was induced and received quercetin [HSP70 inhibitor] 24 hours and again 1 hour prior to the induction of RIRI. Groups III and IV consisted of rats with RIRI that received hydrocortisone without [Group IIIa] or with [Group IIIb] quercetin, and that received ASA without [Group IVa] or with [Group IVb] quercetin, respectively, intramuscularly 24 and 12 hours before and after the induction of RIRI. Thirty hours after induction of RIRI, serum urea concentration and creatinine clearance were assessed. Moreover; renal heat shock protein-70 [HSP70] level and renal caspase-3 activity [as an index of apoptosis] were assessed. A significant increase in serum urea concentration and in renal HSP70 level, and caspase-3 activity together with a significant decrease in creatinine clearance, has been observed in non-treated rats [group II] killed 30 hrs after RIRI compared to Sham-operated rats. Administration of hydrocortisone or ASA resulted in a significant decrease in serum urea concentration and in renal caspase-3 activity as well as a significant increase in creatinine clearance and a significant increase in renal HSP70 in rats killed 30 hrs following RIRI [group III and IV] compared to non-treated rats with RIRI. Induction of HSP70 mediated the renoprotective role of both drugs evidenced by a significant decrease in renoprotective effect of either drug in the groups that received quercetin [IIIb and IVb] compared to those that didn't receive quercetin [IIIa and IVa]. This study demonstrates a role for HSP70 in protection against RIRI. Pharmacological strategies to increase stress protein expression have potential merit to prevent ischemic injury to the kidney and other organs. The ability of hydrocortisone and ASA to induce ischemic tolerance suggests that there are advantages in their application in RIRI. First, either is a safe drug in clinical practice. Second, the induction time of ischemic tolerance is relatively rapid after administration of either. Third, there is no additional or special equipment required for the induction of tolerance. Clinical studies will be necessary to evaluate the therapeutic properties of either drug in preventing I/R injury not only in kidneys but also in other solid organs

possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors agonists in the vascular reactivity and myocardial changes induced by long-term blockade of nitric oxide synthesis in the rat

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors [PPARs] are a family of ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors. PPAR alpha and gamma are the most extensively key modulators of lipid and glucose homeostasis. They are predominantly expressed in adipose tissues, some non adipose tissues including heart, kidney, spleen, and all relevant cells of the vasculature: endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. The vascular distribution suggests their involvement in the control of cardiovascular function. The present experimental work was designed to study the effects of fenofibrate and rosiglitazone treatment on blood pressure, antioxidant enzymes, vascular reactivity and cardiac hypertrophy in N[G]-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME] induced hypertension in rats. Fifty male albino rats weighing from 150-200 g were included in this study. Rats were divided into two main groups. Group 1, [10 rats] served as a control group for group II, and was received 1 ml of physiological saline [0.9%], orally for seven weeks.Group II: hypertensive group [40 rats] was given daily L-NAME in a dose of 40 mg/kg orally for seven weeks. Rats were further subdivided into A, B, C, and D, each of ten rats. Group- A, received 1ml of 2% gum acacia daily orally for six weeks, starting one week after L-NAME administration.Groups B,C and D treated with daily fenofibrate [30 mg / kg.b.wt. orally] and rosiglitazone [3 mg / kg.b.wt.], alone or together for six weeks. Blood pressure, serum tumor necrosis factor- alpha [TNF- alpha], body weight [BW] and heart weight [HW] were measured. Malondialdehyde [MDA] and reduced glutathione [GSH] were estimated in cardiac tissues. Thoracic aorta was isolated and the aortic rings were allowed to achieve maximal tension by cumulative addition of phenylephrine [PE] [10[-9]-10[-5] M] to the bath solution. Fenofibrate and rosiglitazone, alone or together produced significant decreases in blood pressure and TNF- alpha. Higher oxidative stress accompanying hypertension was significantly reduced by fenofibrate and rosiglitazone treatment. The results showed that both drugs significantly attenuated the augmented contractile response to PE in hypertensive rats. In addition, they inhibited the cardiac hypertrophy [reduction in HW/BW ratio]. These data suggest that PPAR alpha and gamma activation contribute to normal regulation of blood pressure and exert protective actions in hypertension via inhibition of generation of free radicals

Ropivacaine and hyaluronidase versus ropivacaine and lidocaine for peribulbar anaesthesia in cataract surgery with phacoemulsification

Comparison between the anaesthestic efficacy of 0.75% ropivacaine and 50UI/ ml hyaluronidase with 0.75% ropivacaine and 2% lidocaine during peribulbar anaesthesia for cataract surgery. The study is a double blind randomized clinical trial. Thirty physical status ASA asterisk I-Ill patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Ropivacaine/ hyaluronidase group received 5ml of 0.75% ropivacaine plus 50 IU ml[-1] hyalurnoidase [RH group], and ropivacaine/ lidocaine group received 5ml of equal parts of 0.75% ropivacaine and 2% lidocaine [RL group]. Speed of onset and quality of motor blockade were assessed using ocular and eyelid movement scores, and sensory blockade was assessed by the three- point scoring system. Surgical and patients satisfaction, and incidence of complications were recorded. The groups showed no difference in the rate of onset or degree of akinesis achieved. Akinesia scores of

Measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography [OCT]

The concern of this study is to measure the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness [RNFLT] in diabetic patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy. Descriptive study. Sixty eyes of 48 of diabetic patients [type I and type II] attending the ophthalmology department, faculty of medicine, Suez canal university, a twenty aged matched normal subject was taken as control for RNFLT measurement by optical coherent tomography OCT. Patients were divided into three groups each consists of 20 eyes. Group 1 with mild and moderate background diabetic retinopathy [BDR], group 2 severe and very severe BDR and group 3 proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]. The results of RNFLT in all stages of diabetic retinopathy indicate a marked loss mainly in the inferior and superior quadrants copared to the control group especially in all groups. Diabetes decrease RNFLT in all stages of diabetic retinopathy especially in the superior and inferior quadrants

Th 1 cell subsets of CD4+ T lymphocytes regulation and function in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients and high risk first degree relatives

Type 1 diabetes is an immune disease. The hallmark of the disease is initiation of inflammation of the beta-cells of the pancreas. T lymphocytes play an obligatory role in the islet cell inflammation. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are needed to initiate the destruction of beta cells in many models. CD4+ T cells are subclassified into Th 1 cells and Th 2 cells. A number of studies implicated Th 1 cells in the development of type 1 diabetes. To evaluate the function of Th1 subset of T lymphocytes in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients and high risk first degree relatives and compare it with normal subjects not at high risk of development of the disease. The study included 18 patients with recent onset type 1 diabetes [6 males and 12 females], 32 first degree relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes. The relatives were all chosen after being screened for islet cells antibodies; only those who were positive for islet cell antibodies were included. They were 10 males and 22 females,. A control group of 20 apparently healthy subjects [5 males and 15 females], their age ranged from 9-29 years [13.8+9.1]. For each studied subject blood was obtained -after overnight fasting- under strict aseptic conditions into three vacutainer tubes [Becton USA]:1. Heparin containing tube for cell culture. 2. EDTA containing tube for measurement of HbA[1c]. 3. Tube without additives. Blood in this tube was allowed to clot at room temperature and centrifugation was done at 1000 xg. Serum was separated and stored at -70°C until the essay for IL-12, IFN-y, C peptide and islet cell antibodies. The levels of both IL-12 [a potent inducer of Th 1 cells], and INF-y [a potent product of Th 1 cells] are higher in the serum of both type 1 diabetic patients and high risk relatives. IFN-y and /L-12 was higher in culture supemates of the whole blood of both diabetics and high risk relatives [in vitro]. There was no significant difference between the diabetic patients and high risk relatives in the level of either IL-12 or IFN-y either in vivo or in cell culture production. In the evolution of type 1 diabetes; there is increased production of IL-12 leading to shift towards Th 1 rather than Th 2 response allowing increased production of Th 1 cytokines including IFN-y. This may initiate a cascade of immune/ inflammatory process culminating in beta cell destruction

Statistical analysis of the factors influencing the recurrence of urinary bladder cancer after radical cystectomy

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors influencing the recurrence of urinary bladder cancer, and to predict the probability of recurrence within two years after radical cystectomy

Patients and Methods: Between 1986 and 1994, 857 patients were admitted at the Urology and Nephrology Center of Mansoura University, Egypt, for treatment of bladder malignancy by radical cystectomy. The number of male patients was 682 [80%] versus 175 females [20%] with a mean age of 49 years [range 18 - 90 years]. The median follow-up period was 38 months [range 0.03-138 months]. Histopathology revealed squamous carcinoma in 440 patients [51%], transitional carcinoma in 223 patients [26%], adenocarcinoma in 94 patients [11%] and mixed [two or more] types in 100 patients [11.7%]. Most of the patients presented with advanced-stage disease [defined as P3 or P4]: 611 patients [71%] had stage P3, 68 patients [6%] stage P4. Bilharzial ova were seen in 80% of the specimens, while regional lymph nodes were involved in 16% of the cases

Results: Cancer-related mortality was encountered in 199 patients [23.2%] and mortality from unknown causes in 54 patients [6.3%]. Fifty-five patients [6.3%] were alive with recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the survival rates showed that lymph node involvement [P = 0.0000], tumor grade [P = 0.0017], pathological stage [P = 0.0008], sex [P = 0.0005], urinary diversion [P=0.0080] and histopathology [P=0.0253] significantly influenced the recurrence-free survival after radical cystectomy. The 5-year survival rate was 61.7%, and the 5-year hazard rate was 48.3%. Using the logistic regression model for estimating and predicting the probability of recurrence within two years after radical cystectomy, we found that only one variable [lymph node involvement] had a significant effect on the prediction of the probability of recurrence

Conclusion: These findings suggest that positive lymph nodes, tumor grade, stage, sex, urinary diversion and histopathology of tumor cells are independent predictors of survival in patients with bladder cancer. Positive lymph nodes are the most important indicators for recurrence in general and especially for predicting the probability of recurrence within two years after radical cystectomy

Oral fluids as risk factors for intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus

To evaluate the frequency of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection among the family members of chronically infected HCV patients, to investigate the oral cavity fluids as a possible risk factor for transmission of HCV infection, to asses the reliability of gingival crevicular fluid [GCF] and saliva anti-HCV [HCVAb] and HCV-RNA testing for detection of HCV and to study the oral mucosa and periodontal condition of HCV infected subjects. Serum, GCF and saliva specimens were obtained from 19 index cases with chronic HCV and their relatives [n = 83] to detect HCVAb by ELISA and HCV-RNA by a modified commercial polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay. The clinical oral mucosal and periodontal conditions were evaluated. HCV infection was detected in the relatives of 17 out of 19 families. The newly diagnosed cases were 41%, of them 66.7% were parents, 34.6% brothers and 4.8% sisters. The intrafamilial frequency of positive anti-HCV was 60.8%, 47.1% and 38.2% in the serum, GCF and saliva specimens respectively of the total studied population. HCV-RNA was detected in 52%, 41.2% and 28.4% in the same body fluids in order of frequency. The sensitivity and specificity for anti-HCV in the serum, GCF and saliva were 100%, 90.6%, 71.7% and 81.6%, 100%, 98% respectively. The corresponding values for HCV-RNA were 100%, 79.2%, 54.7% and 100%, 100%, 100% respectively. Strong positive associations were found between serum PCR and anti-HCV testing in serum, GCF, saliva and HCV-RNA testing in GCF and saliva [P<0.001]. No significant difference was found regarding mucosal and periodontal clinical evaluation between HCV positive and negative persons. It was concluded that: [1] The relatives of HCV infected patients are at risk to acquire the disease. [2] GCF and saliva presented detectable levels of anti-HCV and HCV-RNA, which might be sources of HCV infection among family members. [3] Detectable levels of GCF and saliva anti-HCV and HCV-RNA may be of diagnostic value in HCV infection. [4] No correlation was found between oral mucosa and periodontal condition and HCV infection

Synthesis of 4-substituted pyrimido [5,4-C] cinnoline derivatives

Reaction of 4-aminocinnoline-3-carboxamide or its 8-methyl derivative 1a, b with triethyl orthoformate and acetic anhydride gave rise to the corresponding pyrimido[5,4-c]cinnolin-3H-4-ones 2a-d. 2-Methylpyrimido derivatives 2c,d could also be obtained via ammonolysis of 2-methyl-1,3-oxazino[5,4-c] cinnolin-4-ones 4a,b. On the other hand, reaction of 1a,b with araldehydes afforded 2-arylpyrimidocinnolines 5a-e. Reacting compounds 2a-d with hydrazine and different amines produced the corresponding 4-substituted amino or hydrazino derivatives 7-9. This revealed the reactivity of the 4-position of 2 towards nucleophilic substitution. Attempts to cyclize 7a-d to triazolopyrimidocinnolines are discussed

Electroreduction of some arylazothiocardbomyl - pyrazoles

The electrochemical polarographic reduction behavior of some 3, 5-dimethyl-4- arylazo-N-thiocarbomylpyrazoles has been studied in 40% DMF [v/v]. Britton-Robinson buffers reduction took place by a 2-electron diffusion-controlled process characterized by a single well-defined irreversible wave at mercury or glassy carbon electrodes over the entire pH range of study [pH = 2.3 - 11.4]. The electrochemical parameters were obtained by fitting the experimental C-V curves with theoretical ones generated by variation of parameters. Based on the results of d.c. polarography, cyclic voltammetry, coulometry, chronoamperometric and convolution techniques, a feasible reaction mechanism has been proposed

Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance in non-diabetic coronary heart disease

Serum insulin level and blood glucose level in the fasting and 2 hours after oral glucose load as well as lipid profile were measured in 25 non-diabetic, normotensive patients with old myocardial infarction and compared with that of 15 healthy control subjects. The results showed a significant increase in fasting serum insulin level, a very highly significant increase in 2-hour serum insulin level and a significant decrease in insulin sensitivity index in patients compared to controls. A nonsignificant increase in fasting plasma glucose and a highly significant increase in 2-hour plasma glucose level were found in patients compared to controls. As regards lipid profile, serum triglycerides, serum total cholesterol and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. The study showed that insulin resistance and its two major consequences, hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance, are major and independent coronary heart disease [CAD] risk factors

Clinical examination and routine investigation versus echocardiographic study in diagnosis of some heart disease in children

The study has been carried out on 55 cardiac patients [31 males and 24 females]. Their ages ranged from one day to 15 years old. The diagnosis was based on history taking, complete phyisical examination, electrocardiographic and radiological examinations. Then, all cases were subjected to echocardiographic examination with its modalities M- mode, two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. The patients were divided according to the final diagnosis as following: 27 cases of congenital acyanotic heart disease, 13 cases of congenital cyanotic heart disease and 15 cases of rheumatic heart disease. By using history and complete physical examination, the final diagnosis was reached in 14 cases of congenital acyanotic heart disease, and in 4 cases of congenital cyanotic heart disease, and in 9 cases of rheumatic heart disease. Using ECG over history and physical examination was helpful in diagnosis of an additional one case of endocardial cushion defect. Using radiological examination of the chest and heart over history, physical examination and ECG was helpful in diagnosis of additional 2 cases, which were one case of Fallot's tetralogy and one case of transposition of great arteries. By echocardiography, all the studied cases were diagnosed and the diagnosis was further confirmed by cardiac catheterization in 5 cases

Left ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute myocardial infarction

The aim of this work was to study in left ventricular function in uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction [AMI] by Doppler echocardiography. The study included 30 male patients with uncomplicated AMI [study group] and 30 healthy subjects [control group]. All patients were subjected to clinical examination, ECG, chest X-ray, serum cardiac enzyme profile and full echo-Doppler study. The study showed that both systolic and diastolic BP were significantly increased [P <0.05] in patients with AMI compared with control group but heart rate was not statistically significant [P >0.05] between cases and controls. The diastolic and systolic parameters were significantly impaired in AMI patients compared with control group. Both systolic and diastolic parameters abnormalities in AMI correlated with the site of infarction. They were more significantly impaired in anterior compared with inferior wall MI. It was concluded that Doppler technique is a useful tool in identifying both systolic and diastolic abnormalities. It is a valuable method for initial assessment of severely ill patients with AMI and for serial assessment of a patient response to drug therapy

Study of the comparative effect of verapamil and captopril on exercise tolerance in patients with essential hypertension

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of verapamil and captopril on BP changes and cardiovascular responses during exercise in patients with essential hypertension. 30 male patients were included in this study with a mean age of 47 + 4.47 years. All patients have primary uncomplicated hypertension of mild to moderate degree. Patients were subjected to through history taking, clinical examination, ECG, chest X ray and some laboratory investigations. Antihypertensive medication were stopped one week before exercise test which was performed to all patients. Results showed that verapamil had highly significant reduction of all preexercise parameters namely both supine and 2 minutes standing heart rate, systolic and diastolic BP and pulse presure. Captopril showed also highly significant reduction of all preexercise parameters except supine heart rate, there was significant reduction. As regards the effect of both drugs on post exercise parameters. They showed highly significant reduction of maximum heart rate, systolic and diastolic BP, exercise double product and total duration of exercise. They showed significant reduction of pulse pressure. It was concluded that verapamil and captopril are effective in controlling the resting BP and dynamic response to exercise. They are of particular importance when considering treatment of very active athletic hypertensive individuals

Diagnosis of suboestrus in buffalo and its treatment with cloprostenol and timed insemination

Based on rectal examination and progesterone level in milk, a test was made to identify the subestrus animals in 42 anestrous buffalos. Results of rectal examination were in agreement with milk progesterone level in 62% of the animals examined. Depending on milk progesterone level, 57% of the animals were diagnosed as anestrous and 43% as subestrus. Subestrous animals were subjected to a double dose schedule of prostagl and in F2 alpha analogue 10 days apart. Regardless of the appearance of the estrus signs, animals were artificially inseminated 48 hours after the second injection of prostagl and in F2 alpha. A second insemination was performed 24 hours after the first. Rectal examination 60-90 days after insemination revealed pregnancy rate of 83%