Yarrow oil ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice model via regulating the NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways

Background/Aims@#Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with indefinite etiology; however, environmental, genetic, immune factors and microbial agents could be implicated in its pathogenesis. UC treatment is lifelong, therefore; the potential side effects and cost of the therapy are significant. Yarrow is a promising medicinal plant with the ability to treat many disorders, owing to its bioactive compounds especially the essential oil. The main aim of this research was to investigate the therapeutic effect of the yarrow oil on colitis including the involved mechanism of action. @*Methods@#In 21-female C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups; control group, colitis model group, and oil-treated group. Groups 2 and 3 received 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 9 days, and concomitantly, only group 3 was given 100 mg/kg yarrow oil. Mice were examined for their body weight, stool consistency and bleeding, and the disease activity indexes were calculated. @*Results@#Oral administration of yarrow oil markedly repressed the severity of UC via the reduction of the inflammatory signs and restoring colon length. The oil was able to down-regulate nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), up-regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and enhance transforming growth factor-β expression. The oil normalized the tumor necrosis factor-α expression, restored the normal serum level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and reduced the serum level of IL-6. @*Conclusions@#Yarrow oil mitigated UC symptoms and regulated the inflammatory cytokines secretion via regulation of NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways in the mice model, however, this recommendation requires further investigations using clinical studies to confirm the use of the oil on humans.

Yarrow oil ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice model via regulating the NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways

Background/Aims@#Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with indefinite etiology; however, environmental, genetic, immune factors and microbial agents could be implicated in its pathogenesis. UC treatment is lifelong, therefore; the potential side effects and cost of the therapy are significant. Yarrow is a promising medicinal plant with the ability to treat many disorders, owing to its bioactive compounds especially the essential oil. The main aim of this research was to investigate the therapeutic effect of the yarrow oil on colitis including the involved mechanism of action. @*Methods@#In 21-female C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups; control group, colitis model group, and oil-treated group. Groups 2 and 3 received 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 9 days, and concomitantly, only group 3 was given 100 mg/kg yarrow oil. Mice were examined for their body weight, stool consistency and bleeding, and the disease activity indexes were calculated. @*Results@#Oral administration of yarrow oil markedly repressed the severity of UC via the reduction of the inflammatory signs and restoring colon length. The oil was able to down-regulate nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), up-regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and enhance transforming growth factor-β expression. The oil normalized the tumor necrosis factor-α expression, restored the normal serum level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and reduced the serum level of IL-6. @*Conclusions@#Yarrow oil mitigated UC symptoms and regulated the inflammatory cytokines secretion via regulation of NF-κB and PPAR-γ pathways in the mice model, however, this recommendation requires further investigations using clinical studies to confirm the use of the oil on humans.

Morphology of cat vomeronasal organ non-sensory epithelium during postnatal development / 대한해부학회지

The vomeronasal organ has an important role in mammal's social and sexual behaviours. In addition, it mediates defensive behavior through detection of protein pheromone homologues. In this work, a detailed morphological description of the postnatal development of the non-sensory epithelium (NSE) lining the vomeronasal duct (VND) of the female cat is provided using various histological techniques. The study focused on newborn, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks of postnatal ages using four animals for each age. We report here for the first time that three types of NSE line the rostral segment of the VND; nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, stratified cuboidal epithelium, and ciliated pseudo stratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells and that the VND undergoes 90° a change in its its axis from the vertical position caudally to the horizontal position rostral. The NSE which lines the lateral side of the VND middle segment is consists of cliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium without goblet cells. In addition to basal cells, the NSE contains ciliated and three types of nonciliated columnar epithelial cells (dark, light, and unstained). Mitotic figures were observed only in the basal cells layer during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. Intraepithelial invading inflammatory cells were uncommon. Scanning electron microscopy revealed unevenly distributed long cilia intermingled with microvillar processes and intervening short microvillar processes. These projecting cilia and microvilli revealed a gradual increase in their height during development toward maturity.

Biochemical and genetic studies on inhibin as a hormonal candidate in prediction and diagnosis of premature ovarian failure in the Egyptian women

Background: Recent studies have implicated a role for inhibin alpha [INH alpha] gene abnormalities in the etiology of premature ovarian failure [POF].The present study aimed at demonstrating the possibility that -16C>T polymorphism of INH alpha gene may enhance susceptibility to this disease among Egyptian women undergoingt in-vitro fertilization[IVF] technique

Methods: A total of 50 POF Egyptian women at age [31.5 +/- 7.3] and 50 control women at age [29.1 +/- 6.8] were included in this study. Genotyping of INH alpha-16C>T gene was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Levels of inhibin, activin, FSH and LH were also assessed

Results: Serum levels of FSH and LH showed significant increase coupled by decrease in serum inhibin and inhibin/activin ratio, however, levels of activin were within normal values in POF women comparing to control ones. The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes showed no significant changes in POF women compared to control group. Moreover, there were no significant differences in frequency of C and T alleles among the POF women in comparison to controls

Conclusion: Obtained data indicated that -16C>T polymorphism of INH alpha gene can not imply a functional effect on the current decline of serum inhibin and hence the risk of developing POF in the studied Egyptian women. Further studies on POF women are needed to expand the present data

Radioprotective role of some bacteria belonging to actinomycetales against gamma irradiation-induced oxidative stress in male albino rats

Background: Radiation protection concepts and philosophy have been evolving over the past several decades. The inadvertent exposure of human from various source of radiation causes ionization of molecules, setting off potentially damaging reactions via free radicals production. Development of radioprotectants and mitigators is the therapeutic approach to ameliorate the negative health impact of radiation exposure. The majority of substances with biological activity used in medicine are produced by actinomycetes and fungi

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the radioprotective role of the antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Rahman as antioxidant against gamma irradiation that induced some biochemical alterations in rats

Material and Methods: Animals were pretreated with antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Ab1 using suitable stomach tube for two weeks prior to radiation exposure. The levels of malondialdhyde [MDA], glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [ALT], glutamic aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] activities, also total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL- C] were estimated

Results: The results revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation resulted in significant elevation in the levels of MDA content, ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities and concentration of TC, TG and LDL-C, meanwhile, showed significant depletion in GSH content and SOD, CAT and GPx activities and HDL-C concentration

Conclusion: It could be concluded that, the administration of the antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Ab1 pre-whole body gamma irradiation resulted in sufficient amelioration against radiation effects on the biochemical aspects examined in the present study

Evaluation of volume-targeted versus pressure-limited ventilation for Preterm Neonates with respiratory distress

Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency of volume targeted versus pressure-limited ventilation for preterm infants with respiratory distress

Methods: 60 newborn infants with gestational age 28-34 weeks in the NICU at Alexandria University Children's Hospital randomly divided in to 2 groups ventilated with either volume targeted ventilation [VTV] or pressure limited time cycled ventilation [PLV] as primary mode or secondary to failure of NCPAP using SLE 4000 or 5000 ventilators

Results: The demographic and clinical characteristics, values of tidal volume [VT], peak inspiratory pressure [PIP], mean airway pressure [MAP], fraction of inspired oxygen [Fio2], alveolar arterial oxygen gradient [A-aDo2], carbon dioxide tension, and pH were similar for all participating infants initially. During the follow-up, the PIP, MAP and FIO2 levels were significantly decreasing in the VTV group during the first 48 hrs. Moreover, The VTV group showed significantly lower incidence of hypocarbia and non-permissible hypercarbia. The VTV group showed significantly shorter duration of ventilation. There was no statistical significant difference between both groups as regards IVH, air leaks BPD, PDA or nosocomial infection

Conclusion: The use of VTV achieves adequate gas exchange using lower MAP and with less variability in tidal volume reducing the risk of hypocarbia and non-permissible hypercarbia. The use of VTV also shortens the duration of ventilation in premature infants with respiratory distress

Successful pregnancy and delivery in a woman with a single ventricle and Eisenmenger syndrome

Patients with a single ventricle represent a rare abnormality found in 1% of patients with congenital heart disease, often discovered during childhood. Without pulmonary stenosis, the disease can progress to fixed pulmonary hypertension. Both pregnancy and delivery are risky events capable of increasing the right-to-left shunt. Pregnancy is contraindicated. We report the case of a 27-year-old woman with a single ventricle without pulmonary protection and fixed pulmonary hypertension at 60 mmHg, discovered during a pregnancy. The delivery was obtained by cesarean section with epidural anesthesia and the patient was perioperatively treated with nitric oxide. Though contraindicated, pregnancy and delivery were successfully achieved in this patient. Patients with single ventricle and Eisenmenger syndrome rarely reach adult life. Pregnancy with this condition is exceptional and fundamentally perturbs hemodynamic stability. In spite of the development of anesthesia and resuscitation and the description of some cases in literature, pregnancy with Eisenmenger syndrome is contraindicated.

Hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV infection among Egyptian prisoners: seroprevalence, risk factors and related chronic liver diseases

Prisons in Egypt do not currently screen for blood-borne viruses, and there are no statistics concerning the prevalence of hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus among prisoners. This study was performed to detect the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C, hepatitis B core and human immunodeficiency virus among Egyptian prisoners. The study was conducted in an Egyptian prison. The prisoners voluntarily completed a risk factor questionnaire and provided blood specimens for testing for antibodies against hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus core antigen and human immunodeficiency virus. Positive results were confirmed by the detecting HCV RNA via polymerase chain reaction. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that were independently associated with positive HCV serology. Five hundred resident prisoners were screened. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies was 15.8% [79/500], and viremia was confirmed by PCR in 77.2% [61/79] of the antibody-positive prisoners. The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen was 9.8% [49/500], and 1.2% [6/500] of prisoners were dually infected with HBV and HCV. Antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus were not detected in any of the prisoners. The best predictor for hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection was a history of intravenous drug use [P < 0.011 for HBV and P < 0.001 for HCV], a period of >10 years spent in prison [P < 0.052 for HBV and P < 0.021 for HCV] and shared toiletries [P < 0.059 for HBV and P < 0.002 for HCV]. Hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus infections constitute an important public health problem in prisons. Public health strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality from these infections should include hepatitis B vaccination, HCV testing, counseling and medical management of infected prisoners

Proactive role of garlic and lycopene extract against gamma irradiation-induced alterations in antioxidant defense systems in the brain of rats

Radiation protection concepts and philosophy have been evolving over the past several decades. The inadvertent exposure of human from various source of radiation causes Ionization of molecules, setting off potentially damaging reactions via free radicals production. Garlic, Allium sativun, is a member of the lily family that has been cultivated by humans as a food plant for over 10,000 years. Ancient Egyptian used garlic as a remedy for a variety of diseases. Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid found almost exclusively in tomatos and tomato products and the red pigments of the tomato. Lycopene is one of the most potent antioxidants among dietary carotenoids, it exhibits the highest antioxidant activity and singlet oxygen quenching ability of all dietary carotenoids. The present study aims to investigate the antioxidative activity of garlic and lycopene extract on the oxidative stress in the damaged brain tissue, irradiated with a single dose of 15 Gy. Animals were pretreated with garlic or lycopene by orally administration using suitable stomach tube for one month prior to radiation exposure. The levels of malondialdhyde [MDA], glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] were estimated in brain tissue. The results revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation resulted in significant elevation in the levels of MDA and [GSH-Px] as well as, significant reduction in SOD, CAT activities and GSH content. Administration of garlic or lycopene by using suitable stomach tube pre-irradiation has significantly ameliorated the radiation induced disturbances in all of the investigated parameters

Fluoride levels of mothers' breast milk in Egypt

Fluoride exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine. It is well known that fluoride helps, prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride levels in plasma and breast milk of lactating mothers in Egypt [Cairo and Giza Governorate]. Two hundred healthy lactating mothers aged between 20-40 years old were asked to give plasma and milk samples voluntary. Breast milk samples were directly refrigerated until measurements. The fluoride concentrations of plasma, milk and drinking tap water were assessed using an ion-selective fluoride electrode combined with an ion analyzer. The fluoride levels of plasma, breast milk and drinking tap water samples were 0.0207+/-0.012, 0.0111+/-0.0044 ppm, and 0.482+/-0.117 ppm, respectively. A significant direct correlation between fluoride content in breast milk and drinking tap water was found [r=0.858, p< 0.01]

Effect of cynara scolymus L. [artichoke] extraction on hyperlipidemic induced by gamma radiation in male rats

Excessive free radicals are caused by unnatural environmental influences such as air pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, factories, pesticides, food contaminants and a myriad of other factor that are part of our modern life. Hypercholesterolaemia is directly associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease [CHD]. Cynara scolymus L. [Artichoke] grows in Egypt and other countries. It is used as foods and has medicinal properties. Artichoke extracts have been shown to produce various pharmacological effects, such as the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and low density lipoprotein [LDL] oxidation. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidative activities and radioprotector role of cynara scolymus L. [artichoke] against hyperlipidemic induced by gamma- irradiation in male rats. Male Swiss albino rats were orally administrated by artichoke [head or leaves] [10% mg/rat/day] using suitable stomach tube [6weeks, 45 days] before exposure to a single dose [6.5 Gy] of whole body gamma radiation. Levels of lipids peroxides [MDA], reduced glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TG], high density lipoprotein [HDL-C] and low density lipoprotein [LDL-C] were investigated in serum. The results revealed that gamma radiation led to significant increase in MDA, TC, TG and LDL, Meanwhile, significant decrease in GSH and SOD, but groups administrated with Artichoke [head and leaf] before whole body gamma irradiation, artichoke exerted noticeable amelioration against the radiation induced changes in most of the biochemical tested parameters

Effect of hypothyroid status on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defences and susceptibility to oxidative stress under amiodarone therapy in female rats

The effect of free radicals on human beings has attracted considerable attention due to their close relation to health and disease. This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant status in thyroid and liver due to treatment with amiodarone [AM] and the relationship between AM treatment and thyroid function in case of pre-existence of hypothyroidism. The present study comprised of two experiments, each of them extended for 2 months. The first one was designed to induce hypothyroidism and the second for treatment with AM. Serum malondialdehyde [MDA] and reduced glutathione [GSH] levels were measured as indicators of redox status. The levels of serum triiodothyronine [T3], thyroxine [T4] levels and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] were measured the agonist/antagonist interactions between the drug and thyroid hormones. Liver enzymes-Alanine aminotransaminase [ALT] and Aspartate aminotransaminase [AST] activities-and lipid parameters were measured in serum as well. In addition, hisopathological examinations for thyroid and liver tissues were done. The results showed that: 1] serum T3 and T4 levels were increased, while TSH levels were decreased in hypothyroid AM treated group, whereas in euthyroid AM treated group, serum T3 was decreased but serum T4 and TSH levels increased. 2] total cholesterol and LDL increased in both AM treated groups showing a state of hyperlipidemia. 3] serum MDA level was increased while serum GSH was decreased in AM treated hypothyroid group and in euthyroid AM treated one as well, inducing a state of oxidative stress. Serum MDA levels were decreased while serum GSH were increased in Hypo+. 4] ALT and AST increased in all AM treated groups. 5] hisopathological examination of thyroid and liver tissues showed some structural abnormalities due to AM treatment. Based on these results, patients with hypothyroidism should be monitored periodically their thyroid and liver functions during AM therapy due to its stimulation for the formation of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative damage in both liver and thyroid functions and their tissues. These findings suggested that a state of hypothyroidism may exert beneficial protective and curative effects on this situation by decreasing T3, T4, ALT and AST levels, attenuating the endogenous antioxidant levels and decreasing lipid peroxidation

Sensory nerve endings in the human female umbilical skin: light and electron microscopic study

Sensory innervation consists of free nerve endings and endings terminated with corpuscular structures. Cutaneous innervation is closely associated with major skin functions such as wound healing, thermoregulation, and hair growth. Diminution in erotic sensation has been reported by some women after abdominal lipectomy. Hence, the lack of knowledge about the normal sensory distribution in the umbilical skin has been a problem. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to map the sensory innervation of the human umbilical skin using histological, immunohistochemical [S-100 protein], and ultrastructural techniques. Umbilical skin biopsies were obtained during surgical procedures for abdominal lipectomy in female participants. The specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. With light microscopy, abundant Meissner's, Ruffini, and innervated Merkel cells were observed. Numerous free nerve endings, comparable with those observed in male and female external genitalia, were observed surrounding the ducts and the acini of sweat glands. Pacinian corpuscles were also observed, but less frequently. Neurovascular bundles, closely related to those observed in female external genitalia, were also observed. The relatively dense sensory innervation in the umbilical skin that was comparable with that in lip, as well as in male and female external genitalia, can be correlated with the observed retardation in the erotic sensation in clinical studies after removal of a part of the umbilical skin. The frequently observed innervated Merkel cells and the widely scattered Meissner's corpuscles in the umbilical skin could explain the relatively high tactile sensation in this skin

Morphological changes induced in the brain of rats exposed prenatally to iron and the possible protective role of folic acid

Iron supplementation is recommended during pregnancy to meet the demands of both the mother and rapidly growing fetus. However, newborns and particularly preterm infants are highly susceptible to free radical oxidative damage resulting from iron. Folic acid supplementation is needed during pregnancy and it has been shown to reduce the tissue damage resulting from iron induced oxidative stress. Thirty pregnant female albino rats were used in this experiment and divided into three groups [A, B, C]. Group [A]: Was kept as control. Group [B]: Treated with iron gluconate orally in a dose of 50 mg/kg for eleven days [from day 6-16] of gestation. Group [C]: Treated with the same dose of iron glunonate concomitantly with folic acid in a dose of 5mg/kg for the same previous duration. Samples from the brain striatum of newborns were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic investigation. The light microscopic examination of striatal area of group [B] showed necrotic changes appeared in some neurons in the form of shrinkage and condensation in their nuclei, others appeared degenerated with irregular nuclear outline and multiple vacuoles in their cytoplasm. Aggregated glial cells were observed around the blood capillary and mitotic division could be detected in some of them. Enhanced level of glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] was observed in comparison to control group. Multiple iron deposits in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells were observed in group [B] animals. Marked improvement was observed in both neurons and glial cells of group [C]. Electron microscopy revealed apoptotic changes affecting mainly glial cells and some neurons in group [B] associated with swelling of Golgi cisternae and vacuolated mitochondria. Marked improvement was observed in both neurons and glial cells of group [C]. These results indicate that folic acid appears to reduce the iron induced neuronal damage in the brain of newly born rats exposed prenatally to iron

Postnatal development of vomeronasal gland in the female cats. histological, ultrastructural and morphomertic studies

The VND consists of several structures which include the vomeronasal duct[VND], the vomeronasal glands[VNGs], vessels and nerves. It is the peripheral organ of the accessory olfactory system which detects some types of pheromones. Several studies are carried on the adult VNO however, no informations are available on the development of the VNGs in cat which represeni one of the examples of early odour perception. This work aim at investigating the development of the cat's VNGs using histological, histochemical, electron microscopic and morphometric techniques. A total number of 24 female cats of different ages was used in this study. The animals were equally divided into Jbur groups [GI, 0-1day, GTh 2 weeks, GIII: 1 month, GIV. 2 months,].After sacrifice, specimens were taken from the VNO for light and electron microscopic studies. with progress of age, the glandular end pieces and ducts gel more branched. Progressive increase in PAS reaction in VNGs with a mild increase in +ve reaction for Alcian blue occurred with development. However, the VND revealed +ve Alcian blue reaction at birth and the reaction increased with age progress. These .tIndings reflect the profuse secretion of neutral mucin and a limited acid mucin. Ultrastructurally the developing VNGs exhibited moderates dense cytoplasm containing basal RER and electeon dense secretory granules which predominant in GI, II. Both electron dense and electron lucent secretory granules get increased with age progress. The lamina propria contained collagen and reticular fibers which increased with age progress. No elastic fibers were present. Fenestrated blood capillaries,non myelinaled and mixed nerve bundles were present also in the surrounding C. T Statistical analysis with ANOVA test revealed a significant increase in count and size of the acini with progress of development. The morphological data in the present study confirm the functional capability of the VNGs at birth. It demonstrates marked postnatal development of the VNGs. The VNGs of the cat are formed of serous, mucous and mixed acini. Acid mucopolysaccharides appear to be produced mainly by the epitheliumn lining of the VND

Effect of fluoride on rat cerebellar cortex: light and electron microscopic studies

Fluoride accumulation in the brain of experimental animals was particularly observed in the hippocampus. It caused altered neuronal and cerebrovascular integrity, abnormal behavioral patterns and metabolic brain lesions. Fluoride affected indeed the cerebellar development in mice but its effect on adult rat cerebellar cortex is something awaits further investigation. Is to define the effects of fluorosis on the histological structure of adult rat cerebellar cortex. A total number of 40 adult female albino rats were used. They were divided into two groups [20 animals each]. Group I: Was kept as control group, received distilled water orally daily by gastric tube for 2 months. Group II: Received sodium fluoride orally [dissolved in distilled water] at a dose of 12 mg/Kg body weight for two months. Samples from cerebella were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic investigation. After fluoride treatment, features of neurodegeneration were observed. The Purkinje cells appeared shrunken, deeply stained, with multilayer disposition, which was confirmed by morphometric evaluation of the Purkinje cell layer thickness. Ultrastructurally, increased infolding of nuclear envelope, mitochondrial alterations, dilated Rough endoplamic reticulum cisternae and clusters of vesicles near the Golgi bodies were observed. Apoptotic granule cells accumulated in a clumping manner, Bergmann astrocytes with features of increased activity, dilated and congested blood capillaries were noticed. GFAP positive cells were more abundant and appeared larger in the three cortical layers of treated animals associated with positive reaction for inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] compared to negative reaction in control animals. The cerebellar cortex was particularly susceptible to sodium fluoride- induced oxidative stress and could contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases

Evaluation of ELISA and IHAT in serological diagnosis of proven cases of human hydatidosis

Cystic hydatid disease [Hydatidosis] is the most serious tape-worm infection prevalent in the cattle and sheep raising area of the world. Hydatidosis in man [as an accidental host] is caused by infection with the ova containing larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. In the last decade, different techniques have been employed for sero-diagnosis of hydatidosis; as IHA, IFA, ELISA, CCLE [Counter Current Immuno-electrophoresis]. This paper evaluated the validity of ELISA and IHA. Since whole hydatid cyst fluid was used as a source of antigen for serodiagnosis. Thirty surgical and pathological hydatidosis proven patients were examined. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 96.7% and 97.5% respectively, and that of IRA were 86.7%, and 95% respectively

Hydatic pulmonary embolism: about one case

Hydatic pulmonary embolism is rare which can be complicated by chronic cor pulmonale and respiratory chronic failure. A 37-year-old woman, who had been operated twice for hydatic cystic, was hospitalized for cough, exercise-induced dyspnea and vomic, which had developed over the previous month. The standard chest Xray was normal. Imaging findings [angioscanner and cardiac echography] showed a hydatic pulmonary embolism which started from hydatic cysts on the right heart. Hydatic pulmonary embolism is due to the spread hydatic elements in the pulmonary circulation. It results from the rupture of hydatic cyst on the right heart. Clinical manifestations are dominated by cough, hemoptysis, vomic and exercise-induced dyspnea. Positive diagnosis has benefited from imaging especially angioscanner and cardiac echographic findings. Prognosis is particularly poor. The treatment is mainly surgical aiming at curing the primal cyst

Scientific evaluation of some plants with male contraceptive properties a review

Our modern world is facing different global challenges and rise in population is one of them. Reduction in population is necessary not only for making the life of people luxurious but also for the development of nations. World Health Organization is sponsoring many programmes to control the increasing population especially in the developing countries where the rate of increase in population is high enough? The concept of male contraception is new. Various scientific researches are going on to discover safe and suitable anti-fertility agents for males. Many agents like anti-androgens, progestin and estrogen have been discovered. Due to side effects [impotency and loss of libido] these are being avoided. There are many plants, which are being used in Unani Medicine for different purposes, have anti-spermatogenetic and spermtcidal effects. These plants may be proved as better option to the world. The present paper deals with a discussion on some medicinal plants having anti-fertility activities

Early outcome and follow up on 25 cases with vascular compression at thoracic outlet area

The aim of this study is to describe our experience with the surgical treatment of arterial and venous thoracic outlet syndrome. This prospective study included 25 patients with vascular compression manifestations at thoracic outlet area. They were admitted to Vascular Surgery Unit, Mansoura University Hospital during the period from July 2004 to December 2007. patients were classified into two main groups. Group I [arterial thoracic outlet syndrome, n=16]. Group II [venous thoracic outlet syndrome, n=9]. The operations for arterial reconstruction [n=13] were worthwhile for all patients with excellent results in 11 patients [84.6%], only 2 patients [15.4%] developed early postoperative thrombosis which was managed by transbrachial thrombectomy. The success rate of surgical interference for nonthrombotic venous patients [n=2] was 100% while that for thrombotic venous patients showed success in 4 patients [57%] and failed in 3 patients [43%]. In patients with vascular compression, resection of the first rib, resection of cervical rib, scalenectomy and neurolysis of the brachial plexus are recommended in addition to vascular reconstruction. Our experiences using the supraclavicular approach indicate that this is a safe route with good results and minimal risk to the patients health