In Vitro Cytotoxic and Anticancer Effects of Zamzam Water in Human Lung Cancer (A594) Cell Line

Background: Zamzam water is naturally alkaline and rich in a variety of minerals which may represent a powerful tool for cancer therapy. In this research, the cytotoxic effects of Zamzam water were investigated in human lung cancer (A549) cell line and compared with human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Methods: Two different preparations of Zamzam water were used: Z1, with pH adjusted to 7.2 and Z2, with no pH adjustment. The effects of both treatments on the morphology of the A549 and HSF cell lines were investigated. The cell viability of HSF and A549 cells was identified by the MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion. Detection of apoptotic cells and cell cycle analyses were determined using flow cytometry. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured for both cell lines. Results: Both Zamzam water treatments, Z1 and Z2 showed reductions in the cell viability of A549 cells. Cell death occurred via necrosis among cells treated with Z2. Cell cycle arrest occurred in the G0/G1 phases for cells treated with Z2. Cellular and mitochondrial ROS productions were not affected by either treatment. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Zamzam water might have potential therapeutic efficacy for lung cancer.

Las mujeres sometidas a reducción mamaria mejoran su apariencia estética, autoestima, síntomas físicos y vida sexual / Effects of breast reduction surgery on the quality life

Abstract Background: The results of breast reduction surgery are usually reported in terms of anthropometric assessments. However the impact of surgery in quality of life is seldom informed. Aim: To assess the effects of breast reduction surgery on the quality of life of patients. Material and Methods: The "Breast-QReduction and Mastopexy Module" was prospectively applied to all women subjected to breast reductionsurgery in a University Hospital during one year. Results: Twenty women answered the survey in thepreoperative period and 20 in the postoperative period. The most commonly cutaneous pattern employedthat the inverted T in 10 women, followed by the Wise pattern in six patients. The most commonly usedpedicles were superior in 10 patients, followed by superomedial in seven patients. Mean excision weightwas 923 g (range 150-2850). Mean Breast Q score improved from 45 to 65%. Satisfaction with breastappearance improved from 31 to 83%, self-esteem from 39 to 80%, sexuality from 50 to 81% and physicalsymptoms decreased from 48 to 16%. There was a significant association between the magnitude of excision and improvement in physical symptoms. Conclusions: Quality of life improves notably in womenafter breast reduction surgery.

Resumen Objetivo: Tradicionalmente la evaluación de resultados en reducción mamaria se ha limitado a evaluaciones antropométricas, que si bien nos entregan una evaluación objetiva de un aspecto de los resultados, resultan insuficientes para evaluar el impacto global en calidad de vida (CdV) de la cirugía en nuestros pacientes. Es por esto que el objetivo de este trabajo es determinar el cambio en calidad de vida en mujer es sometidas a reducción mamaria y explorar sus factores determinantes. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectiva con todas las pacientes que ingresaron al Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (HCUCH) y se sometieron a reducción mamaria por cualquier técnica desde julio de 2013 a abril de 2014. La calidad de vida (CdV) se midió con el instrumento validado Breast-Q Reduction and Mastopex y Module. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para caracterizar la muestra y analítica para determinar el cambio en CdV y sus factores pronósticos. Resultados: Entre julio de 2013 y abril de 2014 se operaron 25 pacientes, el seguimiento promedio fue de 7 meses. Veinte pacientes contestaron el Breast-Q preoperatorio y 20 el post operatorio. El patrón cutáneo más empleado fue la T acortada (10; 55,6%) seguido por el patrón de Wise (6; 33,3%); el pedículo más usado fue el superior (10; 55,6%) seguido del supero medial (7; 38,9%). La resección promedio total fue de 923 g, variando entre 150 g y 2.850 g. El puntaje promedio del Breast-Q subió de45% a 65% (p = 0,005). Las pacientes mejoraron su satisfacción con la apariencia mamaria desde un 30,8%a un 82,9% (p < 0,001), su autoestima de 38,7% a 80,1% (p < 0,001), síntomas físicos de 47,8% a 15,5% (p= 0,003) y sexualidad de 50,0% a 81,4% (p < 0,001). La magnitud de la resección se asoció a la mejoría de síntomas físicos (Coeff 0,07; p = 0,023). No se encontraron otras asociaciones significativas entre el cambio en parámetros de calidad de vida y variables independientes. Conclusiones: En este reporte preliminar hemos podido objetivar que existe una mejoría significativa en la calidad de vida de las pacientes sometidas a una reducción mamaria tanto en forma global como también en cada uno de los aspectos evaluados, mejorando significativamente su autoimagen, autoestima, vida sexual y síntomas físicos.

trends of CRP levels at different waist-to-hip ratios among normotensive overweight and obese patients: a pilot study

Objective: To determine the correlation between CRP [C-reactive protein] and Waist to Hip Ratio [WHR] among over weight and obese patients with normal blood pressure. Study Design: An analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Medical indoor and outpatient clinics of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from March to August 2013

Methodology: Willing patients with Body Mass Index [BMI] of > 23 kg/m[2], normal blood pressures, and age between 18 - 65 years were inducted in the study. Patients with signs of fluid retention, collagen vascular disease, CAD, on corticosteroids, immunomodulators or lipid lowering medications, hypertensives and febrile patients were excluded. Patients were considered to be at low risk for cardiovascular events if WHR among males and females was < 0.95 and < 0.80, respectively. Similarly, males and females with WHR > 1 and > 0.85, respectively were taken as high risk. Levels in-between these ranges were taken as moderate risk. Data was analyzed on SPSS 15. Descriptive statistics were determined. The p-value was calculated by ANOVA and independent sample t-test among males and females respectively, to compare WHR in relation to different CRP levels and < 0.05 was taken as significant

Results: There were 34 male and 74 female patients. The gender-wise mean WHR did not show statistically significant difference categorized CRP levels [p=0.072 in male, and 0.052 in females]. There was an increasing trend in CRP levels as WHR increased among females, but this was statistically insignificant [p=0.05]

Conclusion: Although the impact of central obesity on cardiac health is well known, however, WHR alone is an unreliable indicator of systemic inflammation and raised CRP level

Oral Health Knowledge and Practices of Mothers toward Their Children’s Oral Health in Al Madinah.

Aim: Oral health knowledge and practices shown by preschool children determine their oral health status in the future. This in turn depends on the knowledge and practices engraved into them by their mothers. Study Design: Cross-sectional Observational Analytic study. Subjects: Mothers of children who attend kindergartens in Madinah city, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, KSA. Methodology: Following ethical approval, four randomly selected Kindergartens were identified. Self administrated questionnaires were distributed by the Kindergarten administration to the mothers of children. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The first part consisted of demographic data and the second part consisted of 23 questions related to oral health knowledge and practices of mothers toward their children's oral health. Results: A total of 116 mothers out of 220 responded to the questionnaire (52.7% response rate). Majority of mothers were in the age group of 30-34 years old .The overall oral hygiene knowledge and practices of the mothers were fair. Most of the mothers were aware that dental caries was the most common dental disease affecting children. They also recognized the importance of fluoride in prevention of dental caries. On the other hand knowledge regarding the effect of cariogenic food on dental caries, time of consumption of sugary snack, malocclusion, timings of children first dental visit and the importance of regular dental visit were found to be poor. Conclusion: The mothers in the city of Madinah seemed to have fair knowledge and practices in relation to the oral health of preschool children.

Body-QoL: un nuevo instrumento de evaluación de resultados desde la perspectiva del paciente en cirugía del contorno corporal estética y post bariátrica / Development and testing of an instrument to assess body shape related quality of life

Background: The assessment of patient satisfaction and quality of life after body remodeling surgery is important. Aim: To develop and assess a self-report instrument to evaluate the results of bariatric and body remodeling surgery. Material and Methods: A three phase methodology was used. In phase 1, literature was reviewed and in depth interviews to patients were carried out, creating a preliminary instrument that was applied to 1,340 patients in phase 2. In phase 3, the final assessment of the instrument was performed, applying it to 34 patients. The psychometric properties of the in instrument were evaluated. Results: The instrument has four domains (satisfaction with abdomen, sexual life, self-esteem and social life and psychological symptoms) and 20 items. Its score ranges from 20 (worst) to 100 (better). Response rate was 100 percent, internal reliability was 93 percent and test-re test concordance was 98 percent. Body shape related quality of life was significantly higher in men than in women. It decreases with age and with increasing body mass index. Patients subjected to bariatric surgery had lower scores than patients subjected to esthetic surgery. In the postoperative period, the score improved by 21.9 +/- 16.9 points...

Objetivo: La evaluación de resultados cualitativos demanda la utilización de instrumentos sistemáticos y reproducibles. No existe actualmente un instrumento para evaluación de resultados en cirugía de contorno corporal. nuestro objetivo fue desarrollar un nuevo instrumento de autoreporte de resultados desde la perspectiva del paciente (PROM) para medir calidad de vida (CdV) asociada a satisfacción corporal. Materiales y Métodos: Se siguió un diseño fase 3 estándar para la creación de un instrumento de autoreporte de resultados por el paciente; en la fase 1 se utilizó un diseño cualitativo en 45 pacientes para desarrollar un marco conceptual y crear los dominios e ítems de la escala preliminar. En la fase 2, se condujo una evaluación de la población a gran escala en 1.340 pacientes a fin de reducir los ítems y dominios. En la fase 3, se realizó una evaluación final del instrumento desarrollado en 34 pacientes. La evaluación estadística incluyó análisis de factores, RASCH y regresión multivariada. Las propiedades psicométricas medidas fueron la confiabilidad interna de la escala, correlaciones item-test, item-retest y correlación test-retest. Resultados: El instrumento desarrollado consta de 4 dominios (Satisfacción con el abdomen, vida sexual, autoestima-vida social y síntomas psicológicos) y 20 ítems en total. El puntaje puede variar entre 20 (peor) y 100 (mejor). La tasa de respuesta fue 100%, confiabilidad interna 93,3%, concordancia test-retest 97,7%. La calidad de vida (CdV) asociada a imagen corporal fue superior en hombres que en mujeres (p < 0,001) y disminuye con la edad (p = 0,004) e incremento del IMC (p < 0,001). Los pacientes de cirugía de contorno corporal post bariátrica, puntuaron menos que los pacientes de estética en todos los dominios del instrumento Body-QoL (p < 0,001). En el postoperatorio el puntaje mejoró un promedio de 21,9 ± 16,9 (tamaño efecto 1,8, p < 0,001)...

Enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman mamario / Mammary Rosai Dorfman disease

Background: Rosai Dorfman disease is uncommon and consists in a benign fibrous and hematopoietic tissue proliferation, usually located in the head or neck. It is self-limited and the treatment is the surgical excision of the lesion. Case Report: We report a 69 years old woman consulting for a palpable right breast nodule with a mammography and mammary ultrasound informed as BIRADS 4 and 5, respectively. A core biopsy was informed as a mammary Rosai Dorfman disease. Two years later, due to a lesion growth, the patient was subjected to a partial mastectomy. The pathological study of the surgical piece confirmed the diagnosis of the core biopsy. This disease may resemble a malignant disease and the clue for its diagnosis is the pathological study.

Introducción: La enfermedad de Rosai Dorfman es una entidad infrecuente, que consiste en la proliferación benigna del tejido fibroso y hematopoyético ubicado generalmente en cabeza y cuello. Se trata de una enfermedad benigna, autolimitada, cuyo tratamiento generalmente se limita a la resección quirúrgica, con elevada tasa de recidiva. Objetivo: Exposición de un caso de Enfermedad de Rosai Dorfman mamario, inicial-mente sugerente de patología maligna. caso clínico: Mujer 69 años derivada de atención primaria por nódulo palpable en mama derecha, mamografía y ecografía mamaria BIRADS 4 y 5, respectivamente. Biopsia Core informa Enfermedad de Rosai Dorfman mamaria. A los dos años de diagnóstico se objetiva lesión de mayor tamaño. Se realizó mastectomía parcial con biopsia de pieza quirúrgica compatible con diagnóstico de Biopsia Core previa. Discusión: La similitud clínica de esta enfermedad con patologías malignas mamarias, asociado a su baja prevalencia, dificultan la pesquisa de casos como el expuesto. En los estudios de imágenes raramente se sospecha. La clave del diagnóstico son los hallazgos histológicos en el que característicamente se observa emperipolesis con tinciones inmunohistoquímicas positivas para S 100 y negativo para CD 1. Dado que es una enfermedad benigna y autolimitada su tratamiento generalmente se limita a la resección quirúrgica. Este permite extirpar el tumor en estudio, realizar el diagnóstico, y aliviar la sintomatología producida por el efecto masa de la lesión. A pesar de lo anterior la recidiva es alta, por lo que el seguimiento debe ser a largo plazo.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in a Rabbit Corneal Alkali Burn Model (A Histological and Immune Histo-chemical Study)

BACKGROUND: Alkali-burned corneas can seldom heal properly to restore corneal transparency. Treatment of this severe disorder of the ocular surface remains a challenge. AIM OF THE WORK: was to investigate whether systemically transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) can promote corneal wound healing after alkali burn. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty five male New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I; the control group was sham operated. Group II; corneal alkali burn was created. Group III; underwent corneal alkali burn then treated with BM-MSCs. All corneas were collected after fourteen and twenty eight days. Evaluation using H&E, PAS & alkaline phosphatase reaction was carried out. Immune histo-chemical staining for CD44 and vimentin was performed as well. RESULTS: the corneal epithelium of (Group II) showed marked alterations. Vascularization, cellular infiltration and irregularity of the collagen fibers were also seen in the substantia propria. Increase in the thickness of the Descemet's membrane was noticed as well. On the other hand, at the time of 28 days, Group III rabbits showed best histological results with nearly healed corneas compared to other groups. Meanwhile, vimentin was more strongly expressed in Group III assessing the differentiating ability of BM-MSCs. CONCLUSION: BM-MSCs could effectively promote corneal alkali burn healing.

Performance of honey bee colonies fed some proteinaceous diet under isolated conditions

The investigation was carried out at Plant Protection Department, Collage of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University. The experiment was done using honey bee nuclei kept under isolated conditions and fed with five mixtures of proteinaceous diets. The rate of food consumption, ability of honey bee nuclei to rear brood and quality of produced honey bee were determined. The best consumption rate was recorded with diet 3 [Date past] followed by diet 4 [Feed Bee[R]], diet 2 [Mesquite] and diet 5 [Corn gluten], respectively. The sealed brood areas of honey bee nuclei were highly dependent on the contribution of suitable protein from food as well as on its quality. Bee bread is the best source of protein for honey bees. The mean number of sealed brood cells under natural condition was 1066 cells / nucleus after 42 days. It differed significantly with all areas in the colonies fed different proteinaceous diets. The diet 4 [Feed Bee®] was the best one among the tested diets [174.7 cells / nucleus] followed by diet 3 [Mesquite, 111 cells / nucleus]. The poorest result was recorded for diet 5 [Corn gluten, 39 cells / nucleus]. The fresh weight, dry matter and protein content of full grown larvae and newly emerged honey bee workers were determined. All parameters under artificial feeding were less than those produced under control condition [bee bread]. The best results were obtained with feeding honey bee with Feed Bee® followed by diet 2 [Mesquite]. Total soluble solids percentage [T.S.S.%] and total haemolymph count [T.H.C.] were varied among different diets administrated. Also, the haemolymph protein percentages were reduced significantly with feeding on artificial diets. These results reflect the suitability of used diets to honey bees. The artificial diets depend on the Date past and Mesquite pods flowers were more favorable than traditional pollen substitute based on soybean meal

Impact of sperm cryopreservation on child sex after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Sperm cryopreservation causes extensive damage to sperm membranes and its ultrastructural morphology, affecting the fertilization ability by decreasing the percentage of normal intact acrosomes and consequently the acrosine activity. This retrospective study aims at detecting the effect of sperm cryopreservation on the baby's sex after intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] in terms of the susceptibility of X versus Y chromosome baring spermatozoa to cryopreservation. This retrospective study included 87 ICSI cycles performed with post-thawed spermatozoa. The patients were classified into two groups [I and II] according to the total sperm count before freezing. This study included 87 ICSI cycles performed with post-thawed spermatozoa. Patients were classified into two groups [I and II] according to the total sperm count before freezing. Group I included 43 patients with a sperm count less than 0.1 × 10[6]/sample [countable samples]. Group II included 44 patients with a sperm count more than 0.1 × 10[6]/sample [uncountable samples]. The numbers of fertilized M II, good embryos, clinical pregnancy, and male babies were significantly higher in group I compared with group II. ICSI using post-thawed spermatozoa of countable samples yielded a higher male sex ratio [80.8%] compared with uncountable samples [28.6%]. Thus, spermatozoa that successfully survived the freeze-thaw procedure exhibited an improved chromatin structure and nuclear maturity. These data suggest that sperm cryopreservation may improve the fertilization rate, enhance early embryo development parameters, as well as pregnancy outcome after ICSI

Serum vaspin levels are associated with decreased insulin sensitivity in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh

The present study aimed to explore the relationship of circulating vaspin levels with insulin sensitivity and anthropometric factors. This study was conducted with 65 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] patients with age-matched 65 healthy controls. Serum glucose was measured using glucose-oxidase method, lipid profiles by enzymatic end-point methods, and fasting insulin and vaspin levels were assessed with ELISA techniques. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity [HOMA%S] and insulin secretory capacity [HOMA%B] were estimated from the fasting glucose and insulin levels using HOMA-CIGMA software. Fasting serum insulin [micro U/ml] was higher in the diabetic group than controls [16.0 +/- 7.9 vs. 10.9 +/- 3.3, respectively, p=0.0001]. The mean [ +/- SD] HOMA%S of the diabetics was significantly lower than that of the controls [48 +/- 31 vs. 76 +/- 55, respectively, p = 0.001]. The HOMA%B of the T2DM group was nearly 50% of that of the controls [71 +/- 40 vs. 131 +/- 46, respectively, p = 0.001]. The T2DM group exhibited significantly lower serum vaspin [ng/ml] levels than the controls [0.62 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.83 +/- 0.28, respectively, p = 0.001]. Vaspin levels were negatively correlated with waist circumference [r = 0.17, p = 0.043] and positively correlated with HOMA%S [r = 0.243, p = 0.007] among all of the participants. The association of serum vaspin with diabetes remained highly significant [p = 0.008] in binary logistic regression analysis performed after adjusting for the effects of confounders. Serum vaspin level is positively associated with insulin sensitivity and negatively correlated with serum glucose, BMI and waist-height ratio

Synthesis and screening of some new fluorinated quinazolinone-sulphonamide hybrids as anticancer agents

The aim of the present research was to synthesise several novel fluorinated quinazoline-sulphonamide derivatives and to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxic activity. Eight compounds were synthesised. The compounds' anticancer activities were determined through the [3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] [MTT] assay using a three-cell-line panel consisting of National Cancer Institute [NCI] lung cancer cells, Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 [MCF-7] breast cancer cells, and Human Embryonic Kidney-293 [HEK-293] normal kidney cell. The values of C log P correlations were determined to interpret the results. One compound exhibited significant anticancer activity with low toxicity compared with the methotrexate as the reference drug. The biological screening showed good to moderate anticancer activity for the title compounds compared with the reference drug. The reference drug exhibited an IC[50] value of 2.4 micro M, whereas compound 9, which was identified as the most active compound, exhibited an IC[50] value of 2.51 micro M on the NCI cell line. The other compounds showed IC[50] values that ranged from 2.89 to 46.34 micro M on the three cell lines. The newly synthesized compounds had lower toxicity on the normal cell line than did methotrexate. The newly synthesized compounds may provide a valuable template for future design and optimization to produce analogues that act as more active anticancer agents

Increased concentration of circulating visfatin associates with post-challenged hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance in IGT subjects

Objectives: The cytokine visfatin is increased in obesity and type 2 Diabetes; however, its role in the development of diabetes is still unsettled. The present study aimed to investigate the serum visfatin levels in prediabetic subjects

Methods: Seventeen subjects with Impaired Fasting Glucose [IFG], 44 Impaired Glucose Tolerant [IGT], 16 IFG-IGT and 51 healthy subjects were recruited. Fasting insulin and visfatin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] techniques. The Insulin sensitivity Homeostasis Model Assessment [HOMA%S] and B-cell secretory capacity [HOMA%B] were estimated using HOMA-CIGMA software

Results: HOMA%B was significantly lower in IFG [p = 0.0001] and IFG-IGT [p = 0.001] subjects. HOMA%S in IGT [p = 0.0001] and IFG-IGT [p = 0.001] subjects were significantly lower compared to controls. The fasting serum visfatin [ng/ml] level was significantly higher in IFG [5.08 +/- 2.16, p = 0.0001], IGT [4.75 +/- 2.81, p = 0.0001] and IFG-IGT subjects [4.33 +/- 2.68, p = 0.013] compared to controls [2.60 +/- 1.2]. In binary logistic regression analysis, visfatin has found significantly associated with IFG [B = 0.198, p = 0.040], IGT [B = 0.162, p = 0.043] and IFG-IGT [B = 0.188, p = 0.044]. Visfatin was also found significantly correlated with postprandial serum glucose and blood pressure in IGT subjects. Frequency of IFG, IGT and IFG-IGT subjects increased with increasing visfatin concentrations

Conclusions: Serum visfatin appear to be associated with IFG, IGT and IFG-IGT. Postprandial serum glucose and blood pressure are positively associated with visfatin levels in IGT subjects

Hamartoma e hiperplasia estromal pseudoangiomatosa de la mama, diagnósticos diferenciales infrecuentes de cáncer de mama / Hamartoma and nodular pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia: differential diagnosis

Introducción: Los hamartomas y la hiperplasia estromal pseudoangiomatosa nodular (PASH) son entidades infrecuentes en la patología tumoral mamaria, sin embargo, pueden simular al cáncer de mama. La única herramienta certera preoperatoria es la biopsia. El tratamiento quirúrgico es curativo con bajo índice de recurrencia. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer un caso de hamartoma mamario con PASH asociado cuya presentación inicial fue sugerente de probable patología maligna. Caso Clínico: Mujer de 44 años, ingresa a controles por probable patología mamaria maligna, la mamografía fue informada como BIRADS 0, la ecografía mamaria como BIRADS US: 5, la biopsia CORE informó PASH. Se realizó mastectomía parcial objetivando en la biopsia diferida un hamartoma mamario con extensa hiperplasia estromal pseudoangiomatosa. Discusión: Los hamartomas y la PASH son patologías sin presentación clínica específica, los hallazgos radiológicos del hamartoma pueden ser patognomónicos, no así en la PASH; en el caso expuesto el estudio anatomopatológico demostró una asociación de estas patologías, la cual se describe desde un 16 por ciento a un 71 por ciento de los casos de hamartoma mamario. El análisis de toda la pieza quirúrgica es fundamental para establecer un diagnóstico definitivo.

Introduction: Hamartoma and nodular pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) are inusual breast tumor entities, however, can simulate breast cancer. The only accurate tool is preoperative biopsy. Surgical treatment is curative with low recurrence rate. Objective: To present a case of mammary hamartoma associated with PASH whose initial presentation was suggestive of probable malignancy. Case Report: Woman, 44 years old, admitted to controls because of probable malignant breast disease, mammography was reported as BIRADS 0, breast ultrasound as BIRADS U.S: 5, CORE biopsy reported PASH. Partial mastectomy was performed. On delayed biopsy mammary hamartoma with extensive stromal hyperplasia pseudoangiomatosa was diagnosed. Discussion: PASH and hamartomas are diseases with no specific clinical presentation, radiological findings may be pathognomonic of hamartoma, while not in PASH. In the reported case the pathological study showed an association of these conditions, described in a 16% to 71% breast hamartoma cases. The analysis of the entire surgical specimen is essential for a definitive diagnosis.

Comparative study on the effect of antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetyl cysteine on the structure of the renal tubules of diabetic rabbits

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The therapeutic potential of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of these complications is an emerging research area. The roles of alpha-lipoic acid [ALA] and N-acetyl cysteine [NAC] in the protection against oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits were assessed both biochemically and histologically in this study. Thirty-two mature male rabbits were used in this study. They were divided into two groups: the control group [n=8] and the experimental [n=24] group; the experimental group was injected intraperitoneally with alloxan [180mg/ml/kg body weight]. After 3 weeks, this group [diabetic rabbits] was subdivided into three subgroups of eight rabbits each. The first one was left as the untreated diabetic subgroup; rabbits in the second and third subgroups were treated daily for 7 days with ALA and NAC [100 mg/ml/kg body weight], respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood and kidney sections were processed for biochemical and histological studies. The renal tubules showed degenerative and apoptotic changes, which were associated with increased DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation in the kidney tissues, as well as reduction in the capacity of the antioxidant defense system. However, treatment of diabetic rabbits with either ALA or NAC ameliorated diabetes-induced oxidative stress. ALA and NAC could be useful in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia. This action seems to result mainly from direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species and restoring of the GSH [glutathione] redox state

possible ameliorating effect of Nigella sativa oil on tramadol induced apoptosis in the motor area of rat cerebral cortex: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Tramadol is a centrally active analgesic commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Thymoquinone, the major active component of the Nigella sativa oil, is characterized by its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to demonstrate the histological and p53-immunohistochemical changes induced by tramadol in the rat cerebral cortex and evaluate the potential role of N. sativa oil in the attenuation of these changes. Twenty-four male albino rats divided into three groups were used in this study. Group I was the control group. Group II was given repeated intraperitoneal injections of increasing doses of tramadol of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day on the first, second, and third ten days of the study, respectively. Group III was given oral N. sativa oil 4 ml/kg/day, 30 min before each tramadol injection for 30 days. Paraffin sections of the frontal cortex motor area were prepared and stained with H and E and with an immunohistochemical stain using anti-p53 antibody. In group II rats, numerous shrunken pyramidal cells with acidophilic cytoplasm and deeply stained pyknotic nuclei were seen. Some of the granular cells appeared as ghosts with margination of chromatin. Homogeneous acidophilic masses containing fragmented deeply stained nuclei and surrounded by clear halos were also observed. The number of p53-positive cells was significantly higher compared with both group I and group III. In contrast, in group III, multiple pyramidal and granular cells appeared normal and the number of p53-positive cells was significantly less compared with group II. N. sativa oil and derived thymoquinone ameliorate tramadol-induced apoptosis in the motor area of the rat cerebral cortex

Effect of high salt loading on the retina of adult male rats with special reference to aquaporin 1: a histological and immunohistochemical study

In the retina, glial cells control ionic concentrations by mediation of transmembrane water fluxes through aquaporin [AQP] water channels. The risk factor of a high-salt diet on renal and cardiovascular systems is pretty well known. However, it is not yet known whether a high-salt diet alone can affect the retina. The aim of this study was to determine whether a high-salt diet alone can induce changes in the retina and whether it may be accompanied by changes in the expression and immunolocalization of water channel aquaporin1 [AQP1]. Forty-two adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three equal groups. Group I served as the control group. Rats in group II were administered 2 ml of a high-salt solution [8% NaCl concentration] once daily by means of a gastric tube. Group III was the recovery group. Retinal tissues were collected and examined by means of light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical analysis using AQP1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] antibodies was performed and the results were statistically analyzed. The retina of rats given a high-salt diet [group II] displayed obvious disorganization of the outer segment of photoreceptors, together with cytoplasmic vacuolations in the cells of the inner nuclear and ganglionic layers. Furthermore, significant increase in AQP1 and GFAP immunoexpression was detected. In the recovery group [group III] the retinae of some rats regained their normal histological appearance, whereas others failed to do so. High salt loading might alter glial cell-mediated water transport through AQP1 channels in the retina

Value of positron emission tomography/ computed tomography with [18] f-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose [[18]F-FDG PET/CT] in patients with ovarian cancer

This article discusses the current role of [18]F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose [FDG] PET, CT and integrated PET/CT in the management of ovarian cancer patients. 87 PET/CT scans of 64 women with clinically suspected or pathologically proven ovarian cancer were analyzed. The findings of contrast enhanced CT [CE-CT] were interpreted by one experienced radiologist unaware of P ET/CT findings. Two experienced nuclear medicine physicians who were unaware of CE-CT findings examined PET images, evaluating localization and characterization and compared them to co-registered PET/CT images. Diagnostic accuracy was determined on a patient level and a region level. PET has significantly higher Sensitivity, specificity PPV NPV, and overall accuracy [94.7%, 86.7%, 93.1%, 89.7%, and 91.9% respectively] compared to [89.5%, 30%, 70.8%, 60% and 68.9%] for CT on patient level. The diagnostic performance of PET was also better at most anatomical sites when results were analyzed on region level. [18]F FDG PET in addition to conventional imaging modalities should represent an important step in the diagnostic flow chart of ovarian cancer patients. Particularly in patients having a high risk for the presence of extra-abdominal metastatic deposits

Immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor receptors in the liver of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which affects different tissues including the liver. Epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] family is one of the tyrosine kinase receptor families that regulate liver pathophysiology

Aim of the work: This study aimed to demonstrate the histological and EGFR immunohistochemical changes that occur in the liver of streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rat

Materials and methods: Twenty male albino rats divided into two groups, group I [control] and group II [diabetic], were used. Diabetes was induced in the animals in group II by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ [40 mg/kg]. Five rats from each group were sacrificed 2 and 4 weeks after the STZ injection. Blood samples were collected for detection of serum glucose and insulin levels. Paraffin sections of the liver were prepared and stained with H and E, periodic acid Schiff, Masson's trichrome stains, and immunohistochemical stain using anti-EGFR antibody

Results: Diabetes mellitus was associated with marked congestion of central veins, blood sinusoids, and hepatic veins. Hepatocytes showed degenerative and fatty changes, especially in the periportal regions. Four weeks after induction of diabetes, signs of hepatic regeneration such as large binucleated hepatocytes were observed in the pericentral regions. Control livers showed strong positive EGFR immunoreactivity in hepatocytes, mainly in the periportal and pericentral regions, and in the bile duct epithelium. A marked decrease in EGFR immunoreactivity was observed in the livers of diabetic rats

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus is associated with marked hepatic congestion, degenerative and fatty changes in the hepatocytes, and decreased hepatic EGFR immunoreactivity

Adsorption of Cd[II] from aqueous solution by modified and chelated cellulose

The preparation of modified and chelated cellulose adsorbents and its biosorption behaviors of Cd[II] have been studied. Effect of different chemical modifications and its adsorbent properties including different alkalis saponification [NaOH, NH40H] and different acids [citric and oxalic acids] modification after saponification with NaOH were investigated. The infrared spectra showed that there are different functional groups in biosorbents which are able to react with metal ion in aqueous solution. In addition, influences of pH, contact time, and initial concentration of Cd [II] on sorption of Cd [II] were discussed. Different models are used to fit experimental data. Results showed that experimental data follows Langmuir and Freundlich models, and pseudo-second order model. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained from Langmuir model are 76.92 and 122.50 mg g-1 by using control [non modified] and modified biosorbents as an average, respectively. Equilibrium time was obtained at 105 mm, and was accelerated to reach 90 mm. by using the modified treatments. The optimum pH value was 6. Therefore, cellulose can be used as an effective biosorbent for removing Cd [II] from aqueous solution

Contribution of multiplex real time PCR for detection and differentiation of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in fecal samples of immunocompromised patients

Intestinal microsporidiosis is among the most frequent opportunistic diseases in immunocompromised patients. Routine diagnosis is generally performed by light microscopy of stained fecal samples. While unequivocal non-molecular species identification, important for cases management, is achievable only through electron microscopy. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of multiplex real time PCR for simultaneous detection and differentiation of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in stool specimens of patients with immunosuppressive conditions. Stool samples were obtained from 78 immunocompromised patients suffering from diarrhea. The samples were screened for intestinal microsporidiosis by light microscopy using Weber's modified trichrome stain. The samples were subjected to multiplex real time PCR using Enterocytozoon bieneusi [E. bieneusi] primers and a probe specific on the internal transcribed spacer [ITS] sequence. Encephalitozoon intestinalis [E. intestinalis] primers and probe were specific for the small ribosomal subunit RNA gene sequence. Of 78 samples, 20 [25.6%] were detected positive by multiplex real time PCR. E. intestinalis was identified in 8 cases [40%], E. bieneusi in 7 [35%], and both species in 5 [25%]. Light microscopy detected a total of 22 samples [28.2%], 7 of which did not show the belt-like structure characteristic for microsporidial spores [empty-looking spores]. Compared to real time PCR, light microscopy had 75% sensitivity, 87.9% specificity, 68.2% PPV, 91.1% NPV and 84.6% accuracy in detection of microsporidia. No significant difference was found regarding the detection of E. intestinalis, E. bieneusi or both species by microscopy. Multiplex real time PCR proved to be more effective than classical trichrome stain for simultaneous identification and differentiation between E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis