Microbiological criteria of some meat products

A total of two hundred of meat product samples [Beef burger, Luncheon, Pasterma and Sausage] were collected randomly from different retail shops at Alexandria province and examined for their microbiological criteria. All the examined samples found to be contaminated with different types of microorganisms with the mean values of 8.20×10[2], 6.29×10[2], 5.40×10[2] and 8.28×10[2], respectively for total aerobic bacterial counts; total 5.57×10[2], 4.96×10[2], 5.83×10[2] and 7.64×10[2], respectively for Psychotrophic bacterial count; 5.27×10[2],4.65×10[2], 3.74×10[2] and 7.47×10[2], respectively for total Enterobactericeae count; 2.92×10[2], 3.50×10[2], 4.19×10[2] and 7.64×10[2], respectively for total Coliforms count and at last 4.7×10[2], 1.21×10[2], 1.22×10[2] and 1.00×10[2], respectively for total Yeast and Mold count. The incidence of identified Staphylococcus aureus was 68, 80, 60 and 88%, respectively and the incidence of identified Salmonella spp was 20, 26, 6 and 40%, respectively, while the incidence of identified Yersinia enterocolitica was 46, 40, 54 and 34, respectively

Enterobacteriaceae associated with farm fish and retailed ones

The present study was carried out for detection and identification of Enterobacteriaceae in retailed and farm fish as Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus and in Kafr El Shiekh Governorate. The obtained results were revealed that 47 Enterobacteriaceae strains were isolated from 50 Tilapia niloticus fish samples with a percentage of 94% [25 from retailed fish and 22 from farm fish]. On the other side 46 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae strains were isolated from 50 Mugil cephalus with a percentage of 92% [22 from retailed fish and 24 from farm fish]. The most dominants isolated strains were Citrobacter spp., Enteriobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., and Serratia spp. This together with the highly pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae including Salmonella spp. and E. coli

Light and electron microscopic study on the effect of diazepam on the cardiac muscle of adult albino rat and the possible role of garlic

Diazepam is a drug that belongs to a group of pharmacological agents called benzodiazepines. Several studies have indicated that diazepam exerts a myocardial depressant effect. Garlic preparations have been used widely for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. This work aimed to study the effect of diazepam on the cardiac muscle of adult albino rat and the possible role of garlic as a protective agent. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups: control group, garlic-treated group [250mg/kg body weight], diazepam-treated group [1mg/kg body weight], and both garlic and diazepam-treated group. The animals were treated orally daily for 4 weeks. Specimens from the cardiac muscle were processed for light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using an antibody against vimentin. Specimens from diazepam-treated animals showed focal disruption of cardiac myocytes, peripheral deeply stained nuclei, and vacuolated sarcoplasm. Focal aggregation of mononuclear cells and dilated congested blood vessels were also observed in between the myocytes. Ultrastructurally, irregular indented nuclei, focal lysis of the myofibrils, loss of normal cross striations, swelling of mitochondria, and distortion of intercalated disks were also observed. Immunohistochemical study showed a highly significant increase in vimentin immunoreaction in the endomysial and perimysial sheaths, in the walls of blood vessels, and in some interstitial cells. In contrast, minimal changes were observed in rats treated concomitantly with both garlic and diazepam, with a non significant increase in the immunoreaction. Diazepam induced structural changes in rat cardiac muscle that could be ameliorated by concomitant treatment with garlic

Histological study of hysteroscopy guided endometrial biopsy from secondary infertile patients after removal of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device

The intrauterine device [IUD] is a long-acting reversible method of contraception. Copper T380 IUD is a copper-wrapped T-shaped IUD containing no hormones. Although the IUD has been a contraceptive method for about 50 years, the possibility of causing subsequent secondary infertility remains controversial. This work was conducted to study the endometrial structure in patients suffering from secondary infertility after copper IUD removal. Thirty secondary infertile patients aged between 20 and 35 years were classified into two groups: the control group [10 patients], with no past history of IUD insertion, and the IUD group [20 patients], with a history of copper IUD insertion for 6 months to 3 years [subgroup B1] or for more than 3 years [subgroup B2]. Preovulatory hysteroscopy-guided endometrial biopsies were obtained and processed for light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Specimens from subgroup B1 showed focal loss of surface epithelium, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and small dark nuclei in surface epithelial cells. The stroma showed extravasated red blood cells, wide empty spaces, and cellular infiltration. In addition, the uterine glands of subgroup B2 appeared irregular and dilated with accumulated secretion and cellular debris as well as epithelial stratification. Ultrastructurally, focal loss, distortion and swelling of microvilli, indented nuclei, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria, and secondary lysosomes were observed in the surface epithelial cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed focal loss of microvilli, irregular surface, and mushroom-like protrusions in subgroup B1. These changes were more prominent in subgroup B2 with the appearance of fissures and corrugation of the surface. Copper IUD could induce different degrees of structural changes in the endometrium, which were directly proportional to the duration of IUD insertion. These changes could explain the secondary infertility that may occur in some cases after IUD removal

Histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of monosodium l-glutamate on the jejunal mucosa of adult albino rat and the possible role of propolis

Introduction: Monosodium l-glutamate [MSG] is used as a flavor-enhancing agent in many kinds of food products. It has been considered to induce a variety of side effects. Propolis is a bee product that has a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects

Aim of the work: This work aimed to study the effect of MSG on the jejunal mucosa of adult albino rat and to evaluate the possible role of propolis as a protective agent

Materials and methods: Adult male albino rats [n=40] were randomly divided into four equal groups: control group, propolis-treated group [100 mg/kg body weight], MSG-treated group [15 mg/kg body weight], and a group treated with both propolis and MSG. The animals were treated orally once daily for 6 weeks. Specimens from the jejunum were processed for light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was carried out to detect the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase in the epithelial cells covering the villi and lining the crypts. The results were analyzed statistically

Results: Specimens from MSG-treated animals showed distortion and focal loss of the villi, disorganization and shedding of the enterocytes, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and nuclear irregularity. The lamina propria showed congested dilated blood capillaries and infiltration with inflammatory cells. Ultrastructurally, focal loss of microvilli, widening of the intercellular spaces, and swollen mitochondria with disrupted cristae were observed in some enterocytes. Immunohistochemical study showed a highly significant increase in the immunoreaction in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. In contrast, minimal changes were observed in rats treated concomitantly with both propolis and MSG, with a nonsignificant increase in the immunoreaction

Conclusion: MSG induced structural changes in rat jejunal mucosa that could be ameliorated by concomitant treatment with propolis

Quality assessment of food animal's meat

A total of 100 random samples of camel and sheep meat Boheira samples [50 of each] were collected from different slaughter houses at El Behera and Alexandria provinces. The samples were examined organoleptically, chemically and microbiologically. The results revealed that, all samples were accepted organoleptically. Concerning chemical examination, it was found that, the mean values of pH in camel and sheep meat were 5.71+0.02 and 5.76 +0.02 respectively, the mean values of T.V.N were 10.86 +0.78 and 14.36+0.37 mg% respectively, also the mean values of T.B.A were 0.12+0.01 and 0.16 +0.01 mg% respectively. Regarding microbiological examination, the result revealed that, the mean values of total aerobic bacterial count in camel and sheep meat were 9.31 x 10[5] +1.47 x 10[5] and 17.99 x 10[5] +2.07 x 10[5] cfu/g. respectively, the mean values of Enterobacteriaceae count were 12.51 x 10[5]+1.82 x 10[5] and 8.95 x 10[5] +1.13 x 10[5] cfu/g respectively, the mean values of Coliform were 1.4 x 10[5] +0.23 x 10[5] and 0.91 x 10[5] +0.11 x 10[5] cfu/g. respectively, the mean values of mould and yeast count were 1.5 x 10[5] +0.31 x 105 and 0.48 x 10[5] +0.05 x 10[5] cfu/g. respectively. The significance and public health hazard of the obtained results was discussed and the measures to obtain a good quality camels and sheep meat were recommended

Risk assessment of some heavy metals in edible chicken giblets

A total of 60 random samples of edible chicken giblets were collected from different markets in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt, to evaluate their levels of some heavy metals as Lead, Copper, Zinc and Chromium. The obtained results indicated that the mean values of Lead, Copper, Zinc and Chromium concentrations in liver chicken samples were 0.47 +/- 0.08, 5.13 +/- 0.59, 5.27 +/- 0.59 and 0.38 +/- 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. While these concentrations in gizzard chicken samples were 0.24 +/- 0.06, 3.57 +/- 0.45, 3.15 +/- 0.39 and 0.22 +/- 0.06, respectively. Also these concentrations in heart chicken samples were 0.09 +/- 0.024, 1.77 +/- 0.26, 2.23 +/- 0.26 and 0 [not detected]. So these obtained data were compared with the permissible limits of [FAO/WHO, 1884] and [Egyptian Standard, 1993] and the public health risk of such toxic heavy pollutants metals was discussed

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of polyhexanide-preserved contact lens solution on albino rat cornea and the possible protective role of carboxymethylcellulose

The use of contact lenses has been widespread for the correction of vision or even for cosmetic reasons. The common use of solutions containing polyhexanide warranted an investigation into the possible effects of this agent on corneal structure. Carboxymethylcellulose is commonly used in artificial tears. It may have cytoprotective properties on the ocular surface. This study was conducted to evaluate the histological changes that may occur in rat cornea after long-term exposure to a polyhexanide-preserved contact lens solution and the possible protective role of carboxymethylcellulose. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups; control group, carboxymethylcellulose-treated group, polyhexanide-preserved solution-treated group and the fourth group was treated with carboxymethylcellulose followed by polyhexanide- preserved solution. The animals were treated topically once daily for eight weeks. Corneal specimens were processed for both light and electron microscopy. Cellular proliferation was further evaluated immunohistochemically using the Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen [PCNA]. Specimens of animals treated with polyhexanide-preserved solution showed focal cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, swollen mitochondria in the epithelial cells with widening of intercellular spaces. The stroma showed disorganized collagen fibrils, vascularization and cellular infiltration. The endothelial cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, swollen mitochondria and were abnormally stratified. Immunohistochemical study revealed a non significant increase in PCNA-positive nuclei in the epithelial cells. In contrast, corneal structure was more preserved in rats treated by pre-application of carboxymethylcellulose followed by the contact lens solution with a highly significant increase in PCNA-positive nuclei. Long-term topical application of polyhexanide-preserved contact lens solution induced structural changes in the cornea that could be partially minimized by pre-application of carboxymethylcellulose

Surgical management of porencephalic cyst in patients with medically-intractable epilepsy

To detect the ability of surgical management of porencephalic cyst to control intractable epilepsy. Five patients diagnosed with porencephalic cyst causing epilepsy that could not be controlled with adequate dosing of three anti-epileptic drugs were included in the study. The study included four males and one female. The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 23 with a mean of 16.4 years. All patients were submitted to complete general and neurological examination, laboratory and radiological investigations as well as Electroencephalography [EEG]. The radiological investigations included tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] of the brain. Craniotomy was done for all cases with uncapping of the cyst; removing all the gliotic tissues with or without fenestration of the cyst to the lateral ventricles. Cases were followed-up for six months postoperatively. Most cases were under 20 years old. Etiology of the porencephalic cyst included trauma, congenital, vascular insult as well as infection. The cysts were located in the frontal, parietal and the temporal lobes. All patients benefited from the surgery, four cases [80%] discontinued or reduced the dose of anti-epileptic drugs and one had epilepsy controlled with three anti-epileptic drugs. Surgical management of intractable epilepsy in porencephalic cyst patients is a valuable method for controlling epilepsy and should be resorted to in all indicated patients

possible protective effect of corticosteroids on bleomycin induced pulmonary toxicity light and electron microscopic study

Bleomycin is an antitumor antibiotic having a high significant activity and wide use in the clinical field. The most serious adverse reaction to bleornycin therapy is the life-threatening pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis. Was to study the effect of bleomycin injection with and without corticosteroid on the lung of adult male albino rat using light and electron microscopy. 30 adult male albino rats were used dividing into two main groups; group A [control group], group B [experimental group] included 20 rats, ten rats each injected i.p with 0.5 mg of bleomycin sulphate twice weekly for four weeks and ten rats each injected i.p with 0.5 mg of bleomycin sulphate twice weekly for 4 weeks in concomitant with daily i.m. injection of 0.4 mg of prednisolone for the same period. Bleomycin treatment induced variable degrees of lung injury disrupting the normal architecture. Overexpansion of alveoli alternating with collapse of others, congestion of blood vessels, cellular infiltration and fibrosis were all observed. Ultrastructurally, pneumocyte II showing disrupted mitochondria and destruction of lamellar bodies. Pneurnocytes type II were predominant replacing the disappeared pneumocyte type I in the alveolar lining. Activation of alveolar macrophages and deposition of collagen fibres in the interstitial tissue were all noticed. Concomitant use of bleomycin with pridnisolone revealed the same histological changes. Only the pneumocyte type II proliferation was less and increase in collagen fibers deposition was not observed comparing with control. Corticosteroids inhibited or at least delayed pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin treatment

Osteoporosis in beta-thalassemia major patients: role of COLIA1 gene G-T polymorphism

Growth impairment and osteoporosis are serious causes of morbidity in patients with beta-thalassemia major [beta-TM]. Desferoxamine [DFO] toxicity and iron overload have been proposed as the main underlying reasons. G-T polymorphism in regulatory region of COLIA1 gene has recently been associated with reduced bone mass and osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women. To detect the possible implication of COLIA1 gene polymorphism in pathogenesis of osteoporosis in beta-TM. Twenty five patients with beta-TM and 20 healthy controls were investigated for the G-T polymorphism of COLIA1 gene using restriction enzyme analysis. Bone mineral density [BMD], growth parameters, serum ferritin level and duration of chelation therapy were also assessed. We detected a heterozygous polymorphism of COLIA1 gene in 12% of beta-TM patients and 25% of the control group. Thalassemic patients had significant lower BMD than normal controls [p < 0.01]. Significant correlation was observed between low BMD and both duration of DFO intake and high ferritin level. Within the control group: Subjects with G/T genotype had significantly lower femoral and lumber BMD than those with G/G genotype. In thalassemic patients: No significant difference was found in BMD between the two COLIA 1 genotypes. We cannot detect evident role for COLIA1 gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in this group of beta-TM patients although this role has been detected in the control group. Further studies that include higher number of patients and more than one genetic polymorphism are needed in order to evaluate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in thalassemic patients

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of tretinoin on the thin skin of adult male albino rat

Vitamin A is important for epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Synthetic vitamin A derivatives, known as retinoids, have been extensively used in the last few years to treat a variety of clinical skin conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological changes in rat thin skin that might result from long term exposure to a retinoid derivative [tretinoin] and the possibility of recovery after its withdrawal. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups; control group, tretinointreated group, and the third group was topically treated with tretinoin cream for four weeks, then the animals were left without treatment for another four weeks. Skin specimens were processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and with Mallory's trichrome stain while ultrathin sections were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. The epidermal thickness was measured and the results were statistically analysed. The effect of tretinoin on cell proliferation was further evaluated immunohistochemically using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]. Specimens from tretinoin-treated animals showed focal vacuolation of the keratinocytes with widening of intercellular spaces, an increase in keratohyalin granules of stratum granulosum and disorganized cells of stratum corneum. There was also a statistically highly significant increase in the epidermal thickness. The dermis showed increased collagen content and cellular infiltration mainly formed of fibroblasts. Immunohistochemical study revealed a highly significant increase in PCNA-positive nuclei in the epidermal cells. The recovery group showed mild affection of skin structure. Long-term exposure to tretinoin may induce structural changes in rat skin, being partially reversible after withdrawal of the drug. Therefore, the use of tretinoin should be restricted to the advice of dermatologists

Effect of simvastatin on the exocrine part of the pancreas in adult albino rat and the possible protective role of coenzyme Q10: a light and electron microscopic study

The statins represent the drugs of choice for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Because of the common use of statins [including simvastatin], both physicians and patients have demonstrated valid concerns about the safety associated with the use of such medications. This work was performed to study the effect of simvastatin on the exocrine part of the pancreas and to evaluate the possible protective role of Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]. The present study was carried out on 35 adult male albino rats which were divided into; group I [control group], group II [given 1.44 mg of simvastatin once daily for 12 weeks] and group III [given simvastatin in the same dose concomitantly with 3.6 mg of CoQ10 once daily for the same period]. The specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Sections of simvastatin-treated rats showed morphological changes in acinar cells in the form of pyknotic nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolation, abnormal shape of acini, congestion of blood vessels and widening of interstitial tissue. By Verhoeff's Van Gieson's stain, dissolution of elastic laminae was detected in some blood vessels. Ultrastructurally, there were variation of electron density of zymogen granules, dilation of both RER and perinuclear space, large vacuoles and damaged mitochondria in some acinar cells. The above findings were less prominent in animals treated with both simvastatin and CoQ10. Simvastatin has a harmful effect on the exocrine part of the pancreas and it is advisable that patients receiving simvastatin could use CoQ10 to minimize its side effects

Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 as a disease activity marker in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To analyze the clinical significance of measurement of serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP-3] levels in relation to systemic markers of inflammation, functional status, disease activity parameters and degree of joint damage assessed radiologically in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. Forty adult patients with RA and 10 healthy controls had serum samples tested with indirect sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for MMP-3. Patients were assessed clinically for Ritchie articular index score [RAI], Steinbrocker score, Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ], Disease activity score including a 28-joint count [DAS 28] and Chronic arthritis systemic index [CASI]. Then, plain radiograph of both hands and feet were obtained and the mdified Larsen score was used to assess joint damage. Recent C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] were recorded. MMP-3 level in RA patients was significantly higher than that in the control group [p=0.043]. Serum levels of MMP-3 show significant correlation with disease duration, CRP, ESR, Steinbrocker score, DAS 28 and modified Larsen score [in the two subgroups of patients: erosive and non-erosive]. No correlation was found between MMP-3 levels and patients' age, RAI, HAQ or CASI. MMP-3 is a single variable that correlates with disease activity and seems to be useful for early diagnosis and follow-up of patients with RA

effect of chloroquine on the retina of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of Ginkgo biloba extract. A histological and immunohistochemical study

Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug and is widely used for the treatment of various rheumatic diseases. Unfortunately, its use has been associated with the development of toxic retinopathy. Because treatment with chloroquine is sometimes inevitable, interventions that abolish or at least attenuate retinal affection are of great importance. Several studies indicated that antioxidants may be beneficial for those at risk of developing retinal diseases. Of these, Ginkgo biloba extract [EGb 761] is a recently used agent for its known oxygenated radical scavenging properties. For demonstration of the effect of chloroquine on retinal structure and the possible protective role of EGb 761, forty adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into four equal groups; control group, EGb 761-treated group [100 mg/Kg body weight], chloroquine-treated group [28 mg/Kg body weight] and the fourth group was concomitantly treated with both EGb 761 and chloroquine. The animals were treated orally daily for 4 weeks and retinal specimens were examined by light and electron microscopy. Moreover, immunohistochemical study was performed to explore immunoreactivity for caspase-3 as an apoptotic marker. Light microscopic examination revealed structural changes in the retina of chloroquine-treated animals such as vacuolation of retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptors, displacement of some cells of the outer and inner nuclear layers, pyknotic and fragmented nuclei in the inner nuclear layer as well as vascular congestion. Many caspase-3 positive cells were also observed in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. Electron microscopy showed marked disorganization of photoreceptors and accumulation of lysosomes in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Condensation of nuclear chromatin was also observed in many nerve cells in inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. Many Muller cells and microglia were detected inbetween the nerve cells. On the contrary, retinal structure was more preserved in EGb 761-treated rats. These findings suggested that EGb 761 could reduce the severity of chloroquine-induced retinopathy

Long term results of conservative management in T1 and T2 breast cancer among 170 cases

This retrospective study included 170 patients with histologically proven early breast carcinoma [T1 and T2 /<4 cm]. All patients underwent a conservative surgical resection of the primary tumor and axillary dissection. Postoperative radiation therapy was given as whole breast irradiation to a total dose of 50 Gy over 5 weeks in 25 fractions, followed by a boost 16 Gy over 1 and 1/2 weeks in 8 fractions to the tumor bed. Among the whole group, only 122 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. At the end of the study with a median follow up period of 60 months, treatment failure was documented in 70 patients. Isolated local recurrence was detected in 26 patients and regional recurrence was reported in only 4 patients. Distant dissemination was recorded in 40 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that age group, menopausal status and adjuvant chemotherapy were significant factors influencing the relapse rate [0.006, 0.006 and 0.032, respectively]. The overall actuarial 5- and 10-year survival rates for the whole group were 80% and 60%, respectively. The overall actuarial 5 and 10-year survivals for patients developing local recurrence were significantly higher than the survival of patients who developed regional or distant relapse denoting a successful salvage treatment. While, the 5- and 10-year distant metastasis free survival rates of the whole group were 64.5% and 49.2%, respectively. Cox regression multivariate analysis showed that the relapse site, adjuvant chemotherapy, age group and number of involved axillary lymph nodes were independent prognostic factors that significantly influenced the over survival. On the other hand, the relapse site and age group were the significant factors that affected the distant metastasis free survival

Carboplatin and weekly paclitaxel in locally advanced [stage IIIB] and metastatic non-small-cell cancer [NSCLC]: a phase II pilot study

A phase II pilot study was conducted to determine the response, toxicity and survival rates of lung cancer patients treated with the combination carboplatin and weekly paclitaxel in stage IIIB and IV non-small-cell lung cancer [NSCLC]. A total of 19 cases were included in the current study. Paclitaxel was administered in a dose of 70 mg/m2 over 1 hour infusion weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week of rest for each 4-week cycle for a total of four cycles. Carboplatin was administered in a dose of [area under the curve] AUC 6 day 1 each cycle following the paclitaxel. Assessment of treatment outcome was carried out following. An overall response rate was achieved in 36.8% of the cases [7/19], all of them were partial remissions and none of the patients achieved complete remission. Seven [36.8%] patients showed stationary disease and the remaining 5 [26.4%] patients showed disease progression. Treatment related toxicities encountered were mainly mild to moderate. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was reported in 3 [18.8%] patients, grade 3 anemia and thrombocytopenia were reported in two [10.5%] patients each. Neutropenic fever was encountered only in one [5.3%] patient. Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy and arthralgia/myalgia was reported in three [15.8%] patients. In general, treatment was well tolerated. Overall median survival was 10 months and 1-year overall survival was 42.5%. The median and 1-year progression free survival results were 8 months and 6.7%, respectively. Cox regression multivariate analysis of various prognostic factors revealed that response to treatment and presence of pleural effusion were significant and independent predictors of overall survival. The combination of carboplatin and weekly paclitaxel is an active and well tolerated regimen. The role of weekly paclitaxel in NSCLC should he better defined in future randomized studies

Biochemical effects of vinyl chloride monomer on the liver of occupationally exposed workers

We investigated the effects of vinyl chloride monomer exposure on the liver of 86 workers by measuring beta-glucuronidase, arylsulfatase A, adenosine deaminase, 5'-nucleotidase and routine liver function enzymes in the sera of the workers. In 21 of them, three or more of these parameters were raised, with a significant decrease in the level of blood glutathione and a significant increase in the enzyme activity level of glutathione S-transferase. Of these 21 workers, 14 had fatty liver infiltration, 8 of whom were also suffering from liver enlargement. Also, 4 workers had liver enlargement without fatty infiltration and 3 had enlarged spleens. The study highlights the need for vigilance in environmental monitoring and medical surveillance of workers exposed to this chemical

Primary radiation therapy in adults with localized aggressive NHLs

This retrospective study included adult patients with early stage [I and II] aggressive Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with radiotherapy alone. Out of 50 evaluable cases, the complete remission [CR] rate was 88%. At a median follow up period of 60 months, the actuarial five-year overall and relapse free survival were 62.8% and 60.6%, respectively. Relapse rate was 18.2% and none of the relapses were encountered within the primary radiation portals and all relapses occurred with 30 months. Salvage rate with combination chemotherapy was 42.9% among relapsing cases. In an attempt to identify the various prognostic factors that influence survival; it was found that poor performance status, elevated serum level of LDH and osseous presentation were of statistical significance. Although the survival was low in clinically stage II cases [45%] compared with clinically stage I cases [71%], the difference was not statistically significant. Other factors such as age, pathologic subtype, tumor bulk, constitutional symptoms and radiation doses [within the range 35-40 Gy] did not affect survival significantly. This suggested that patients with low risk stage I disease could be successfully treated with radiotherapy alone. On the other hand, patients with high risk stage I and those with stage II disease are possibly better treated initially with chemotherapy

Application of a new formulation of ivermectin [ivomec pour-on] to control external papasiyes of farm animals in Egypt

Testing the efficacy of Ivomec pour-on [1 ml/10 kg b.wt.] against buffalo mites [Psoroptes natalensis], buffalo lice [Hematopinus eurysternus] showed 100%, 100% and 99.98% curicity rate, respectively. It is worthy to mention that this new formulation of Ivomec pour-on has a wide spectrum ectoparasiticidal effect on farm animals under the Egyptian environment