Comparative Study between Spinal Anesthesia and Lumbar Plexus Block for Intraoperative Anesthesia and Postoperative Analgesia in Fracture Femur Surgery

Background:Fracture femur is common in elderly. Spinal anesthesia (SA) in elderly patients can be associated with major hemodynamic changes whereas lumbar plexus block (LPB) can provide ideal perioperativeanalgesia as there is no hemodynamic instability or depression of pulmonary functions. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of SA versus LPB for intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in fracture femur surgery.Materials andMethods: This prospective randomized controlled study was carried out 70 patients of either sex with age >20 years, ASA physical status I -III scheduled for fracture femur surgery. Patients were randomly classified into two equal groups (n = 35); group I(SA) received SA by heavy bupivacaine HCL 0.5% 2.5-3.5 ml and group II (LBP) received posterior LPB by 30-35 ml bupivacaine 0.5% Results:The time for performing the block was significantly longer in group LPB than group SA. The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly increased in group LPB than group SA. The intraoperative HR was significantly increased, and intraoperative MAP was significantly decreased in group SA compared to group LPB at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes. Postoperative HR and MAP was significantly increased in group SA compared to group LPB at 1 and 6 h. Postoperative VAS was significantly increased in group SA than group LPB at 1 and 6 h. The duration of sensory and motor block was significantly increased in group LPB than group SA. The time of postoperative first analgesic requirement was significantly longer and the total pethidine consumption in the 1st24 h was significantly lower in group LPB than group SA. SA was associated with significant increase in hypotension, nausea, vomiting and headache.Conclusion:LPB is an effective alternative to SA as an anesthetic technique for femur fracture surgeries. LBP offers a more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and provides longer duration of analgesia postoperatively with less side effects. However, SA has shorter time for performing the block with earlier onset of sensory and motor block

effect of stem cells as an adjuvant on the immunogenicity of a potential anti-schistosomal vaccine in mice

Vaccination against schistosomes can be targeted towards the prevention of infection and/or to the reduction of parasite fecundity and pathology. However, as eggs are responsible mainly for schistosomiasis pathology, so crude soluble egg antigen [SEA] seems suitable to be used as a potential vaccine. Many studies have provided new insights establishing a role for mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] in liver regeneration and improvement of schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis, in addition to the need for standardized and effective adjuvant-vaccine formulations. So, the aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of stem cells when used as an adjuvant of a potential antischistosomal vaccine [crude SEA] in murine models. The current work was carried out on 100 mice [30 males for harvesting MSCs + 70 females for seven study groups, each of 10]. A schedule of vaccination and challenge infection was followed so, G1 [control healthy], G2 [control infected only] infected subcutaneously with S. mansoni cercaria [80-90 Schistosorna mansoni cercariae suspended in 0.2 ml distilled water], G3 [FCA then infected] received Freund's complete adjuvant [FCA] then infected, G4 [MSCs then infected] received MSCs then infected, 05 [SEA then infected] received SEA vaccine then infected, G6 [SEA+FCA then infected] received SEA vaccine and FCA then infected, 07 [SEA+MSCs then infected] received SEA vaccine and MSCs then infected. The current work was assessed by histopathological study and morphometric analysis [using H and E and Masson's Trichrome stains] to highlight number, size arid type of liver granulomas and percentage of liver fibrosis, immunological and molecular studies [RNA extraction, Reverse Transcriptase and PCR technique] for detection of interleukin-1 0 mRNA gene expression in liver tissue by reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction [RT and PCR]. The results showed that a- SEA alone as a potential anti-schistosomal vaccine was more or less moderately protective, b- MSCs alone before the infection had mild prophylactic effects, c- MSCs as an adjuvant of the crude SEA increased its capabilities with highly significant results regarding the decrease in granuloma number, size, percentage and density of hepatic fibrosis, and d-There was significant increase in IL-10 mRNA gene expression on using [SEA+MSCs] [G7] if compared to other tested groups

Comparative hematological and histopathological toxicity of two potential bio-insecticides against albino rats

Ivermectin [1.8% E.C] and spinosad [24% SC] are bioinsecticides produced by fermentation of some bacteria species. These compounds were selected to evaluate their haematological and histopathological toxicities against albino rats. The tested compounds were orally administrated to rats at 1/10 LD[50] every three days for one month period. Hemoglobin value [HB], red blood cells [RBC], white blood cells [WBC] and platelets [PLT] counts, gamma glutamyl transferase [gammaGT] were determined in addition to histopathological examinations for liver, spleen and kidney. In general, both compounds induced significant changes in HB value, RBC, WBC, PLT counts, and gammaGT activity after 30 days from treatment. Ivermectin caused significant rise in creatinine level at the same period. Histopathological examination showed disturbance in hepatic lobules, inflammatory infiltration, and pyknotic and karyolitic nuclei in hepatocytes. Kidney exhibited lobulated glomeruli and degenerative tubules, but interstitial hemorrhagic areas were noticed in spleen. Although the tested compounds are biopesticides, obtained data revealed that both compounds caused undesirable effects on experimental animals, so we conclude not to use them on plants during fruit stage or on fresh vegetables

Toxicological potential of thiamethoxam insecticide on albino rats and its residues in some organs

The present study aimed to investigate the hematological and histopathological effects of thiamethoxam insecticide on albino rats, the traces of this insecticide in stomach, fats, brain, liver and kidney were determined. Administration of thiamethoxam insecticide to rats with one-tenth of median lethal dose [1/10 LD[50]] for ten days [10 repetitive doses], the toxicants was withdrawn for 10 days to allow recovery from toxicity. The obtained data indicated that thiamethoxam caused significant increase in ALT and amylase activities. In addition, creatinine concentration showed increase after 5 and 10 days of treatment, and then decreased after 10 days of recovery. While triglyceride revealed significant reduction, which reached its maximum after 10 days of treatments it did not return to normal; no significant changes in albumin concentration were noticed. Microscopic examination of liver showed disturbed of the hepatic lobule structure, vacuoles in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. In addition, section of kidney showed lobulated glomeruli, a large area haemorrhage and congested blood vessels that showed thickening in their walls, as well as congestion and hemorrhagic areas was noticed in spleen sections. Thiamethoxam residues in stomach are high [2.17 and 3.78 ppm] followed by fats [1.7 and 3.03 ppm] and brain [1.6 and 2.78 ppm] after 5 and 10 days of treatment; while, residues in kidney and liver are low. But no residues were detected in the kidney at the end of recovery period. Our results suggested that this insecticide caused impairment of the physiological parameters and histological features in albino rats. Therefore, these effects may influence the use of this insecticide against pests attacking vegetables in fruit stage

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

Histological study of the effect of amiodarone on thyroid follicular cells in albino rat and its management using carbimazole with and without prednisolone

Amiodarone is increasingly used in a number of cardiac conditions but it has a significant side effect profile, which includes thyroid dysfunction. Was to study the toxic effect of amiodarone on thyroid gland and its management using carbimazole with and without prednisolone. 40 adult male albino rats were used and were divided into four groups, group A [control group], group B each animal was treated daily with 2.7 mg of amiodarone for three months, group C: Each animal was treated daily with 2.7 mg of amiodarone for three months then was given I rug of carbimazole in concomitant with amoidarone for another one month and group D: Each animal was treated daily with 2.7 mg of amiodarone for three months then was given 1 mg of carbimazole and 0.4 mg prednisolone in concomitant with amoidarone for another one month. At the appropriate times, thyroid glands were dissected and prepared for both light and electron microscopic studies. LM study of thyroid gland treated with amiodarone exhibited changes ranged from normal pictures to irregular thyroid follicles with disrupted lining epithelium and marked cellular infiltration in-between. EM study showed irregular nuclei with chromatin condensation, dilatation of RER, increased lysosomes and inclusion bodies and vesiculation of cytoplasm. Addition of carbimazole reflected partial improvement while addition of both carbimazole and prednisolone exhibited marked improvement nearly of all the thyroid specimens. Amiodarone therapy induced thyroid toxicity which could be managed by addition of carbamazole and prednisolone to amiodarone

Effect of irradiation on secretory cells of submandibular gland of adult male albino rat. histological and immunohistochemical study

The submandibular glands are commonly included in the radiotherapy field for the treatment of head and neck malignancies. Many clinical problems are produced but their mechanisms are still not understood. Was to study the effect of irradiation on secretory cells and aquaporin 5 [AQP5] distribution in submandibular gland as a trial to understand the mechanism of gland dysfunction. 15 adult male albino rats were used and were divided into two groups, group A [control group] contained five rats and group B [irradiated group] contained ten rats. Each rat in group B was irradiated with single dose of 15Gy delivered by the X-ray unit. One week after irradiation submandibular glands were dissected and were processed for histological and immunohistochemical [aquaporin 5] examination. LM study exhibited that irradiation led to cytoplasmnie vacuolization especially in serous acini with widening of spaces in-between the acini in the submandibular glands. EM study showed irregular nuclei with chromatin condensation, dilatation of RER and cytoplasmic vacuolizat ion, As regards the secretory granules, serous acini showed degranulation while the granules of mucous acini exhibited amorphous-like electron dense materials. Aquaporin 5 [AQP5] in the control group was localized in apical membrane of serous acini while absent in mucous one. After irradiation the serous acini of submandibular glands exhibited marked decrease in AQP5. Irradiation induced morphological disruption in secretory cells of submandibular gland and marked decrease in AQPS, both would responsible for gland dysfunction

Estradiol induced thymus alterations in adult male albina rat: histological and immunohistochemical study

Thymus is responsible for generation of most of circulating T-cells, Although estrogen regulates thymic development, exposure to increasing amounts of exogenous estrogen would modulate thymus structure, function as well as immune system. Was to study the structural changes of thymus after estradiol injection in an attempt to verify the mode of action. 40 adult male albino rats were used dividing into control and experimental groups. Each animal of experimental groups [B 1, B2 and B3] was injected subcutaneously with 5, 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight of estradiol valerate [E2], respectively daily for two weeks. Thymus was dissected and weighted. One lobe was processed for paraffin sections and stained with TUNNEL method to demonstrate apoptosis and the other one used to be examined by transmission electron microscope. Thymus was shrunk and its weight was significantly decreased only in subgroups B2 and B3. Their LM examinations showed degenerated thymocytes and epithelial cells with dense bodies and debris in between intact cells. Large cells enclosed disrupted cells within their cytoplasm. EM examination revealed degenerated thymocytes exhibiting criteria of apoptosis, apoptotic bodies, degenerated epithelial cells and vacuoles of different sizes and shapes inside or outside the cells. Large cells exhibited criteria of epithelial cells enclosed within their cytoplasm intact cells, apoptotic cells, apoptotic bodies and lysosomes were observed. Macrophages with lysosomes and tissue debris were also recorded. Immunohistochemical studies revealed marked increase in the dense brown apoptotic nuclei in subgroups B2 and B3 comparing with control. Estradiol induced involution and degeneration of thymus through increasing apoptosis of thymocytes

Histological study of the effect of simvastatin on the skeletal muscle fibers in albino rat and the possible protective effect of coenzyme Q 10

Simvastatin is a lipid lowering agent. It reduces risk of mortality in persons with coronary heart disease. Some patients treated with simvastatin, have developed liver, kidney and skeletal muscle symptoms. Coenzyme Ql0 has a significant antioxidant activity acting as a primary scavenger of free radicals and influences membrane stability in many tissues including skeletal muscle. Was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin drug on the histological structure of skeletal muscle fibers of adult male albino rats and the possible role of coenzyme Q10 [C0Q 10] as a protective agent. 38 adult male albino rats were used and divided into three groups. Group I [control], group II included 10 rats treated with simvastatin for 4 and 12 weeks and group III included 10 rats treated with simvastatin and CoQ 10 orally for 4 and 12 weeks. The gastrocnemius muscle was dissected and prepared for light and electron microscopic study. In rats subjected to high therapeutic dose of simvastatin for 4 and 12 weeks, the gastrocnemius muscle showed variation in size, splitting and focal degeneration of myofibers as well as mononuclear cellular infiltration and increased deposition of collagen fibers in-between muscle fibers. EM revealed mitochondrial degeneration and dilatation of sarcoplasmic reticulum. Mitochondria were markedly accumulated between myofibrils and in subsarcolemmal space. Coadministration of coenzyme Q 10 with simvastatin for 4 and 12 weeks ameliorated most of the above mentioned histological changes in the animals used. Simvastatin drug caused skeletal muscle damage. Coenzyme Q 10 resulted in protection of the skeletal muscle fibers when given concomitantly with simvastatin

Relaesable scleral flap suture in trabeculectomy: preliminary results of a new technique

To demonstrate a technique for a releasable scleral flap suture placed to reduce post-trabeculectomy complications. Under a fornix based conjunctival flap, a rectangular partial thickness scieral flap is fashioned. A scierostomy is made followed by a peripheral iridectomy and the scieral flap is secured. A trapezoid suture is then placed from the sciera across the scleral flap to exit on the corneal surface and then tightend under the conjunctival flap which is then secured. During the follow-up, this suture can be safely removed on the slit lamp if the lOP is high. If the lOP is ideal, the suture can be left in place. Immediate postoperative complications as flat anterior chamber and choroidal detachment didn't occur. The suture was removed only if the filtration was not sufficient and the lOP was high. The releasable scieral flap suture was effective in preventing post trabeculectomy complications. In addition, it can be easily removed on the slit lamp without the need to fish under the conjunctiva, or to search for equipments as lasers

Hepatitis C virus and peripheral neurological complications in Egyptian patients

Neurological complications in HCV-infected patients occur predominantly in the peripheral nervous system. Vasculitic neuropathy is the most firmly linked neurologic illness associated with HCV infection. This type of neuropathy occurs frequently in the presence of cryoglobulinemia. HCV-related cranial neuropathies have been also reported. This study was conducted to investigate the various peripheral neurological complications of chronic hepatitis C infection and their possible pathogenetic mechanisms. This study was conducted on 160 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection comprised two subgroups: group I, composed of 80 chronic hepatitis C patients with clinically apparent neurological complication[s], and group II, composed of 80 chronic hepatitis C patients neurologically asymptomatic. Patients were subjected to clinical evaluation, estimation of hepatitis markers, cryoglobulins, anticardiolipin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies and nerve conduction studies. Peripheral neuropathies represented the most commonly encountered neurological disorders, occurring in 25 patients [31.25%]. The sensory peripheral neuropathy was the most common type, representing 32% of neuropathic patients [8/25]. A statistically significant difference was found between groups I and II regarding the presence of cryoglobulin and anticardiolipin antibody, being more common in group I. Antinuclear antibody was more common in group I than in group II. Results of nerve conduction studies showed nerves were more affected in group I and in cryoglobulin and ANA positive patients. Peripheral neuropathies represent the most common HCV-related peripheral neurological disorders especially when associated with cryoglobulins and ANA antibodies

Effect of experimentally induced ischemic-reperfusion on the testis and the possible protective role of L-carnitine in the adult albino rat; histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study

Ischemic-reperfusion [I/R] injury is a possible cause of testicular damage and infertility after testicular torsion. L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound widely distributed in all cells and plays a pivotal role in spermatogenesis. Was to study the effect of I/R injury on the structure of testis on the same side with or without L-carnitine. 25 adult albino rats were divided into group I [control], group II [left spermatic cord was clamped for 60 min [I/R]] and group III [each animal received 500 mg/kg L-carnitine i.p. 30 min before reperfusion]. All animals were scarified after 4 weeks and the testes were processed for histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies for Bcl-X and testosterone Ab-1. Furthermore, statistical analysis for percentage of sperms abnormalities was examined in smears from the head of the epididymis. I/R injury induced severe affection of the spermatogenic cells and changes in the Leydig cells activity. The changes were improved in animals that received L-carnitine [Group III]. The spermatogenic and interstitial cells in this group appeared more or less as these of the control. The Bcl-X protein was apparently increased in I/R group and reduced in group III while the testosterone Ab-1 was increased in some cells of groups II and preserved in group III. I/R resulted in a significant increase in the frequencies of abnormal sperm while L-carnitine improved this lesion. L-carnitine pretreatment appeared to have a protective effect in experimental testicular I/R model in rats by its antioxidant and antiapoptic properties

Light and electron microscopic study on the effect of valproic acid on cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats and the possible protective effect of L-carnitine

Valproic Acid [VPA] is one of the most widely prescribed antiepileptic drugs and is regarded as a first choice for most forms of seizures. Although valproic acid has a wide therapeutic window, yet it is associated with many adverse effects. L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound widely distributed in all animal cells. It has neurotropic, neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible neurotoxic effect of valproic acid [Depakene] on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats when used alone and when given concomitantly with L-carnitine. In this study twenty four adult male albino rats were used and divided into four groups [six rats each]: Group I was the control group, group II [L-carnitine group]: Each animal received 100mg/kg L-carnitine, group III [Valproic acid treated group]: Each animal received 50 mg/kg valproic acid and group IV received valproic acid concomitantly with L-Carnitine. Both drugs were given orally once daily for three months. Light microscopic examination of cerebellar cortex of valproic acid treated animals revealed its prominent neurotoxic effect on Purkinje cells and granule nerve cells in association with vacuolation in the molecular layer. Ultrastructural study of the cerebellum of the same group showed dilated Golgi complex and accumulation of secondary lysosomes in association with nuclear shrinkage and irregularity within Purkinje cell perikarya. Many myelinated nerve fibers and nerve cell processes in the molecular and granular layer belonging to the affected nerve cells displayed similar degenerative changes. On the other hand group IV revealed resolving of most of these alterations. However, few Purkinje and granule nerve cells were seen affected in between the normal ones. It could be concluded according to this research that valproic acid has a prominent neurotoxic effect on the cerebellar cortex of the adult male albino rats that can be reduced by concomitant administration of L- carnitine

Amino acid and peptide derivatives as anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory agents

It was proved that current anti-allergic drugs comprise piperazine and acrylic acid segments. These compounds were structurally designed as 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors depending on two action mechanisms of the ready drugs used to treat allergy e.g.[Oxatomide], which contains piperzine moiety, its anti-allergic effects possess antagonist activities against chemical mediators such as histamine, serotonine and leukotrienes [which cause allergy]. Also, [Tranilast], which contains acrylic acid segment; its activity depends on inhibition of mediator release. In harmony with these findings new structures having anti-allergic properties are proposed in this manuscript. New products, [5a-u] with expected better biological activities and decreased side effects were synthesized by the addition of an amino acid conjugate of cinnamic acid to a piperazine segment. Their anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Most of them show promising activities

Typhoid carriers among children in Sohag

Typhoid fever is still a major public health problem around the world especially in developing countries. In endemic areas, children aged 1-5 years are at the highest risk of infection. Between 1% and 5% of patients with acute typhoid infection have been reported to become chronic carriers, depending on age, sex and treatment regimen. In this work we study the prevalence of chronic typhoid carriers among children in Sohag. Five hundred children between 2-14 years [421 males and 79 females] attending outpatients pediatrics' clinic at Sohag University Hospital were examined for the existence of typhoid bacilli in their urine and stool. This study showed that typhoid bacilli were found in 18.7% stools and 3.1% were urinary carriers. Only 34.7% of the stool carriers had definite history of typhoid and 12.3% in the urinary carriers. The highest percentage of carriers was found at age above 12 years [40.2%]. Chronic stool and urinary carriers were more in rural than in urban areas. This high percentage was associated with bad water supply and poor hygienic measures. Symptoms suggesting typhoid fever were present in 58.6% of stool carriers and 18.2% in urinary carriers. Chronic typhoid carriers are present in considerable percentage of children in Sohag, and this was associated with bad water supply and bad hygiene especially in rural areas

Synergistic effect calcium channel blockers and praziquantel treatment in murine schistosomiasis

This work was conducted to study the potential drug interaction between calcium channel blockers [CCBs], commonly used as antihypertensives, and the antihelminthic agent praziquantel [PZQ] in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. Two CCBs namely nifedipine and diltiazem were used either alone or in combination with PZQ, in full or reduced doses [500 mg/kg/day for 2 successive days or 250 mg/kg/day]. The experimental design included eight groups; infected-nifedipine treated [300 mg/kg for 3 weeks [wks]]; infected-nifedipine-PZQ treated; infected-diltiazem treated [300 mg/kg for 3 wks]; infected-diltiazem-PZQ treated; infected control and infected-PZQ treated. Eight wks postinfection [Pt] animals of all groups were sacrificed for subsequent parasitological, immunological and histopathological assessment. Data collected in this work revealed that treatment with nifedipine or diltiazem significantly reduced the egg production by adult schistosome worm as manifested by reduction in tissue egg load and decreased percent of immature ova in oogram pattern. This reduction was more in favor with nifedipine. The groups given the combined regimens of CCBs [nifedipine or diltiazem] and PZQ either in reduced [250 mg/kg/day] or full [500 mg/kg/ day] doses, showed more significant reduction in egg production in addition to high significant reduction in worm burden, as compared to infected control group. The number of granukima also decreased significantly in all treated groups; this could be due o decrease in egg production. The antischistosomal IgG level was increased significantly in PZQ-treated group and groups receiving combined regimens of CCBs and PZQ with different doses; while no significant change in the IgM levels was recorded among different studied groups. In conclusion administration of CCBs in the early phase of infection would inhibit egg production by parasitic worms, thus probably acting in synergy with PZQ and not interfering with its action. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible use of lower doses of PZQ in combination with CCBs. The reported data of this work may be of value in endemic areas where schistosome infected patients could be suffering from other chronic diseases necessitating treatment with CCBs, as hypertension

Efficacy of aloe vera extracts in attenuating neurological endangerment- induced by dexamethasone in adult male rats

The current study aimed at performing phytochemical screening of 24 plant samples belonging to Liliaceae family and investigating the phytosterols, hydrocarbons, fatty acids and amino acids content of Aloe vera plant parts [flowers, leaves, roots and stalks] and Aloe hijazensis [leaves and roots] as well as the isolation and identification of certain compounds from Aloe vera. The study was extended to investigate the possible potential role of methanolic extracts of different Aloe vera plant parts in attenuating neurological insult-induced by dexamethasone. Plants materials were collected from Saudi Arabia from different sources and were phytochemically screened according to the recorded procedures. The lipoidal matters were investigated by GLC and amino acids by HPLC and total proteins percentage was carried out. The structures of isolated compounds were established by GC/MS and NMR. Extracts were prepared for the biological evaluation and eighty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into ten groups, group [1] was served as normal control group; groups [6 to10] were intramuscularly injected with dexamethasone in a dose of 8 mg/ kg b.wt. / day. At the same time animal groups were orally administered with Aloe vera flowers [2 and 7], leaves [3 and 8], roots [4 and 9] or stalks extracts [5 and 10], in a dose of 32 mg/kg b.wt./ day. The study was extended to 28 days. Two Aloe species were selected from the 24 samples screened. Different plants parts of A. vera and A. hijazensis showed variation in their lipids and proteins chemical composition. One triterpene [lupeol] and mixture of sterols were isolated from leaves and roots of A. vera. Co-administration with A. vera extracts and dexamethasone produced remarkable effective role against hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Also, A. vera extracts could restore brain glycogen content and serum IGF-1 level. Moreover, A. vera extracts monitored each of brain ATPase and LDH activity. Interestingly, brain biochemical variables indicative for oxidative stress showed marked improvement on A. vera extracts supplementation. Improvement in brain glycogen level may be attributed to -sitosterol content of A. vera extracts [recorded in major quantity in all samples except roots in the present study] and the screening of A. vera extracts showed the presence of anthraquinones and coumarins which are known to have a powerful antioxidant activity. Simultaneous supplementation with each of A. vera extract and dexamethasone has an officious role in modulating neurological impact-induced by dexamethasone and this might be accomplished by their antihyperglycemic effects, antioxidative activities and cytoprotective properties

Aberration profile of the Alcon[R] Acrysof[R] Acrylic intraocular lenses: in vivo assessment

To evaluate the aberration profile of patients implanted with the Alcon[R] Acrysof[R] Acrylic intraocular lenses [IOLs]. Dar El-Oyoun specialized eye hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Twenty cataractous eyes that underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of Alcon[R] Acrysof[R] MA60BM IOL. One month after surgery, all patients had an aberration profile study using the VISX[R] wavescan system, more attention being paid to the higher order aberrations. Patients showed predominance of higher order spherical aberrations [100%], comalike aberrations [60%] and trefoil aberrations [40%]. Modifications should be made to IOL designs to minimize such aberrations aiming to obtain super vision

Effects of Garlic (Alliumsativum) and chloramphenicol on growth performance, physiological parameters and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

We studied and compared the effects of chloramphenicol antibiotic and garlic (Allium sativum), used as immunostimulants and growth promoters, on some physiological parameters, growth performance, survival rate, and bacteriological characteristics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (7±1g/fish) were assigned to eight treatments, with three replicates each. Treatment groups had a different level of Allium sativum (10, 20, 30, and 40g/kg diet) and chloramphenicol (15, 30, and 45mg/kg diet) added to their diets; the control group diet was free from garlic and antibiotic. Diets also contained 32% crude protein (CP) and were administered at a rate of 3% live body weight twice daily for 90 days. Results showed that the final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) of O. niloticus increased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum and chloramphenicol. The highest growth performance was verified with 30g Allium sativum / kg diet and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed with 30g Allium sativum / kg diet and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. There were significant differences in the protein efficiency ratio (PER) with all treatments, except with 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. No changes in the hepatosomatic index and survival rate were observed. Crude protein content in whole fish increased significantly in the group fed on 30g Allium sativum / kg diet, while total lipids decreased significantly in the same group. Ash of whole fish showed significantly high values with 30g Allium sativum and 15mg chloramphenicol / kg diet while the lowest value was observed in the control group. Blood parameters, erythrocyte count (RBC), and hemoglobin content in fish fed on diets containing 40g Allium sativum and all levels of chloramphenicol were significantly higher than in control. Significantly higher hematocrit values were seen with 30 and 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. There were no significant differences in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Plasma glucose decreased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum but increased significantly with increasing levels of chloramphenicol. Total lipids were significantly reduced with diets containing 40g Allium sativum and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet, while total plasma protein content was significantly higher in fish fed on diets containing 10, 20, and 30g Allium sativum, and 30 and 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in plasma decreased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum and chloramphenicol. All Allium sativum and chloramphenicol levels decreased total bacteria and coliforms in water, muscles and intestine when compared to the control group. Treated groups had lower mortality rate than the control group during the challenge test. In conclusion, it can be suggested that adding 3% Allium sativum to fish diet can promote growth, reduce total bacteria, and improve fish health.

Study of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha cord blood levels in non-infected neonates with fetal distress delivered vaginally and by caesarean section

Interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] are released in infected neonates, but some studies found that they are also released in non-infected neonates with fetal distress. Recently, particular attention is paid toward the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha as new diagnostic parameters for fetal distress in non-infected neonates. This study aimed at finding the relation between proinflammatory cytokine [IL-6 and TNF-alpha] in non-infected neonates cord blood levels and fetal distress also, their relation to the presence or absence of labor and mode of delivery. This study was carried out in Benha University Maternity Hospital, from January to December 2005. It included 80 non-infected singleton neonates, 40 neonates delivered vaginally [15 with fetal distress where labor is present in 10 deliveries and 25 without fetal distress where labor is present in 17 deliveries], and 40 neonates delivered by cesarean section [28 with fetal distress where labor is present in 16 deliveries and 12 without fetal distress where labor is present in 8 deliveries]. Cord blood samples were collected aseptically immediately after delivery and used for measuring the levels of circulating mediators [TNF-alpha and IL-6]. Those samples showing criteria of infection are excluded The results showed a significant increase in TNF-alpha in neonates born vaginally and by cesarean section [TNF-alpha - P-Value 0.018] but non-significant for IL-6 [IL-6 P-value 0.51]. Neonates with fetal distress born vaginally had a significant high level of TNF-alpha [85.9 +/- 30.9 - P-value 0.001], and IL-6 [174.2 +/- 87.1 - P-value 0.046], than those born by cesarean section. Neonates without fetal distress had a significant high level of TNF-alpha only [P-value 0.05]. Neonate with fetal distress had a high significant value of TNF-alpha and IL-6 than those without fetal distress either born vaginally or by cesarean section, also the presence or absence of labor had no significant value on TNF-alpha and IL-6 in neonates irrespective of fetal distress or type of labor. It is concluded that neonates with fetal distress either born vaginally or by caesarean section had a high significant value of TNF-alpha and IL-6 cord blood levels and that, the presence or absence of labor had no effect on the value of both parameters