Comparison between ica operon expression and biofilm formation in methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus isolated from central venous catheters under different environmental conditions

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] infections are complicated by the ability of the organism to grow in surface-adhered biofilms on a multitude of inert synthetic surfaces including those involving indwelling medical devices. Intensive care unit [ICU] patients using central venous catheters [CVCs] are particularly at risk of acquiring device-related infections, which involve biofilms. This study was carried out to compare intercellular adhesion [ica] operon expression and biofilm formation in MRSA isolated from CVCs grown under different environmental conditions. Seven hundred sixteen central venous catheters tips were tested for MRSA colonization. Semiquantitative measurements of biofilm formation were determined for all MRSA isolates grown under different environmental conditions: Brain heart infusion [BHI] medium, BHI supplemented with 4% sodium chloride [NaCl] and BHI supplemented with 1% glucose [Glu]. The ica operon expression were compared in all MRSA isolates grown under different environmental conditions using RT-PCR. The overall catheter tip colonization rate was 36.87%. Staphylococci were isolated from 56.06%. The distribution of the isolated Staphylococci was as follow: Staphylococcus epidermidis [S. epidermidis] 34.8%, Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] 12.12% and other Coagulase negative Staphylococci CoNS 9.09%. Out of 32 S. aureus isolates 9 were MRSA [28.125%]. Under standard laboratory conditions in BHI medium 22.22% of MRSA isolates were capable of biofilm development. This number increases to 77.77% when grown in BHI supplemented with 1% glucose. In contrast, growth in BHI supplemented with 4% NaCl induces biofilm in 11.11%. Among the 9 MRSA isolates, growth in the presence of NaCl resulted in activation of ica transcription in 8 strains but failed to induce substantial biofilm development in any of these isolates [weak -but measurable- biofilm formation was detected in medium supplemented with NaCl by one strain]. Glucose-mediated induction of biofilm formation in the 9 MRSA isolates correlated with weakly to moderately increased ica operon expression in 6 isolates. Interestingly, ica operon transcription was more potently activated by NaCl than by glucose in all of the MRSA isolates examined except one strain. There appears to be little correlation between ica operon regulation and biofilm formation in MRSA, suggesting that the ica operon and polysaccharide intercellular adhesin, or poly-Nacetylglucosamine [PIA/PNAG] may not be required for biofilm development in MRSA

Molecular fingerprinting of the Egyptian medicinal plant Cocculus pendulus

The genus Cocculus belongs to the family Menispermaceae which comprises about 35 species of shrubs or woody climbers. Only one species, Cocculus pendulus is found in Egypt. This plant is reported to have good medicinal values in traditional system of medicine. Despite the wide occurrence of C. pendulus in the Egyptian deserts, attention was paid only to its distribution and morphological description ignoring the biochemical constitution, the genome makeup and environmental aspects which are not given due consideration. Since no information about the genome of C. pendulus is available, the current study deals with molecular investigation of C. pendulus expressed by DNA fingerprinting of the young leaves of this plant using amplified fragment length polymorphism [AFLP] technique with four primer combinations. The obtained results revealed a total of 228 bands with an average of 57 bands for each primer combination, of which 61 bands were polymorphic [26.8%] ranging in size from 59 to 570 bp. The number of amplicons/primer pairs ranged from 48 [E-AGG/M-CAC] to 72 [E-AAC/M-CAG] while the number of polymorphic amplicons varied from 13 to 21 with polymorphism percentage of 22.03-29.17%. Thus the average number of polymorphic fragments/combinations was 15. In this regard, the combination E-AGG/M-CAC was more efficient as confirmed by computing the discriminating power [D] of all primer combinations. Also, the AFLP marker gives a complete informative and highly discriminative picture about C. pendulus as shown by [PIC = 0.99]

Viral causes of acute respiratory infection among Egyptian children hospitalized with severe acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Viral respiratory infections are associated with nearly 80% of asthma exacerbation episodes. These can have severe adverse outcomes in patients with established asthma

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the viral causes of acute respiratory infection that precipitate acute asthma exacerbation in Egyptian asthmatic children

Patients and methods: The current prospective study was conducted in Cairo University Children's Hospitals from December 2010 to December 2011. All asthmatic children [n=130] aged 2-12 years admitted with asthma exacerbation due to severe lower respiratory tract infection were included. All cases were subjected to nasopharyngeal or throat swabs that were analyzed for common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], human metapneumovirus [hMPV], influenza B [Flu B], human parainfluenza virus [hPIV], influenza A [H1N1], and adenovirus [ADV] using the real-time PCR technique. All patients were followed up to record the outcome

Results: PCR analysis was positive for one respiratory virus in 54 asthmatic patients [41.5%] and was negative in 76 patients [58.5%], with a high predominance of RSV [51.9%] and hMPV [25.9%] especially in winter and early spring months. Hypoxia was detected in all patients with RSV infection; of these patients, 21.4% were admitted to the ICU, 14.3% required mechanical ventilation, and 14.3% died. In contrast, among those with hMPV infection, hypoxia was detected in 71.4%; none required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation

Conclusion and recommendations: Viral etiology of lower respiratory tract infections constitutes an important cause of acute asthma exacerbation in asthmatic children admitted to children's hospitals in Cairo, supporting the need for large-scale multicentric studies on asthmatic patients over multiple years using a wider-panel PCR for detection of respiratory viruses

Asthma is inversely associated with Helicobacter pylori status

The increase in asthma rates has been linked epidemiologically to the rapid disappearance of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial pathogen that persistently colonizes the human stomach. Recent evidence indicates that, H. pylori may have protective effects on allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between asthma and H. pylori infection in a population with high prevalence of H. pyloriinfection. One hundred and seventeen asthma cases were eligible for the study in addition to 86 non asthma cases as control. Pre and post - bronchodilator spirometry, assay of Total serum immunoglobulin E [IgE] by enzyme immunoassay technique [ELISA] and [14]C Urea Breath Test [UBT] were done. Out of 41 asthmatic cases with positive H. pylori were 22 patients had mild asthma, 14 had moderate asthma, and 5 only had severe asthma with statistically significant difference between them. The mean serum level of Total IgE was significantly higher [190.04 +/- 111.9] in patients group than control group [94.13 +/- 46.49] with p-value 0.000, while the mean UBT was significantly lower [325.85 +/- 261.35] in patients group than control group [1068.67 +/- 680.7] with p-value 0.000. AS regard pulmonary function tests [FEV1 and FVC], there was statistically significant difference between positive H. pylori asthmatic and negative H. pylori asthmatic. We demonstrate an inverse association between H. pylori and asthma in a population with a high prevalence of H. pylori

Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients with concomitant hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus [HCV] is frequently associated with rheumatic autoimmune manifestations including rheumatoid-like arthritis. This work is aimed to study the impact of concomitant HCV infection on rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients. 110 RA patients [mean age 44.6 +/- 12.7, disease duration 7.92 +/- 6.56 years] were included. HCV infection was diagnosed by HCV-antibody [HCV-Ab] and polymerase chain reaction. Disease activity was assessed using the disease activity score 28 [DAS28] and radiological damage by a modified Larsen method. Functional disability was assessed by the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire [MHAQ]. HCV-Ab was detected in 20% and viremia in 12.7% of RA patients. HCV-Ab positive patients were significantly older [p < 0.001] and had a longer disease duration [p = 0.02]. No differences were found between HCV-Ab positive and -negative patients in DAS28 and modified Larsen's scores, however, HCV-Ab positive patients had a higher frequency of deformities [p < 0.005] associated with older age [p < 0.001] and higher MHAQ scores [p = 0.002], independent of age and disease duration. They also had a higher frequency of hepatomegaly [p < 0.001] and vasculitis [p < 0.001]. Hepatomegaly was associated with older age [p = 0.004] and longer disease duration [p = 0.003] while vasculitis was associated with older age [p = 0.02]. Concomitant HCV infection in RA patients is associated with significant disability and comorbidities in the form of hepatomegaly and vasculitis. Hepatomegaly and vasculitis were associated with older age. Hepatomegaly was also associated with longer disease duration. Screening for HCV infection is recommended in Egyptian RA patients

Once versus individualized multiple daily dosing of aminoglycosides in critically ill patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the once daily dosing [ODD] program in critically ill Egyptian patients compared to individualized multiple daily dosing [MDD] in terms of clinical and bacteriological efficacy. In addition, the incidence of nephrotoxicity associated with both regimens in this specific group of patients was assessed. Fifty-two patients with suspected or confirmed bacterial infections admitted to the Critical Care Medicine Department, Kasr El-Aini-Cairo University Hospitals comprised the study population. The amikacin group [30 patients] was sub-divided into 14 patients receiving amikacin ODD [1 g i.v.] and 16 patients receiving amikacin in MDD [500 mg i.v./dose]. The gentamicin group [22 patients] was sub-divided into 10 patients receiving the drug ODD [240 mg i.v.] and 12 patients receiving gentamicin MDD [80 mg i.v./dose]. Amikacin or gentamicin serum levels were determined by the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique using Emit 2000. MDD regimen was adjusted based on the individual pharmacokinetic parameters using the Sawchuk-Zaske method. There was no significant difference between the two dosing regimens with regard to clinical and antibacterial efficacy or incidence of nephrotoxicity of both gentamicin and amikacin groups. In the ODD regimen, duration of treatment had no effect on increasing incidence of nephrotoxicity unlike the individualized MDD regimen. No dose adjustments were needed in the once daily dosing regimen since trough concentrations have never been above toxic level. The study showed that the ODD regimen is preferred in critically ill patients to individualized MDD as shown by comparable efficacy, nephrotoxicity and lesser need for therapeutic drug monitoring and frequent dose adjustments required in the individualized MDD regimen

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on behavioral actions of diazepam in mice

To investigate the behavioral pharmacological interactions of diazepam with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Non selective cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitors [100 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid, 10 mg/kg indomethacin, and 10 mg/kg diclofenac], a selective cyclooxygnase-1 inhibitor [10mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid], and a selective cyclooxygnase-2 inhibitor [10 mg/km celecoxib] of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were individually pretreated to 15 and 24 groups of Albino mice for dose and time dependent models [n=8, each treatment] before sleeping induced by diazepam [20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally]. In 6 groups using an open field and 4 groups using traction test models [n=10], 5 and 10 mg/kg of diazepam, intraperitoneally were given to induce sedation and muscle relaxation, and 2mg / kg, to induce anxiolytic action after treatment with acetylsalicylic acid [10 mg/kg] to 4 groups [n=6]. This study was carried out at the Al-Fateh Medical Science University, Tripoli, Libya between February and May 2009. In dose and time dependent models non selective cyclooxygenase and selective cyclo-oxygnase-1 inhibitors significantly reduced the duration of sleep induced by diazepam in mice by 60-75%, while the selective cyclooxygnase-2 inhibitor did not [p>0.05]. However, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and sedative effects of diazepam were unchanged by acetylsalicylic acid. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, most likely cyclooxygenase selective-1 inhibitors reduced the duration of sleep induced by diazepam, and this interaction could be of a pharmacodynamic type

Lymphocyte apoptosis in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus

Beta cell apoptosis has been associated with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] onset in newly diagnosed diabetic patients. There is an emerging evidence that T cell-induced apoptosis is a dominant effector mechanism in diabetes mellitus type 1 [DM1]. Pancreatic/3-cells derived from newly diagnosed type 1 diabetics were found to have increased cell surface expression of Fas [CD95] compared to/3-cells from healthy subjects. The study investigates the spontaneous lymphocyte apoptosis via CD95 molecule expression to demonstrate activation induced cell death in children with high risk of DM1 and in type 1 diabetics under insulin therapy. This study comprised 90 children and adolescents, divided into 3 groups. GO] comprised 40 type-1 diabetics, their ages ranging from 8.0 to 17.0 years and disease duration between 2.0 and 12.0 years. G[2] [prediabetics] included 30 euglycaemic subjects who were first degree, relatives of type 1 diabetics, with normal fasting blood glucose and positive, first phase insulin release [FPIR] and/or positive islet cell [ICA] or glutamic acid decarboxylase [GAD] antibodies. G[3] comprised 20 healthy, age and sex matched subjects with no clinical or laboratory signs or family history of type-1DM Patients were subjected to clinical evaluation with special emphasis on signs suggestive of microvascular complications. The study measurements included random blood sugar [RBS], glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1], urinary microalbumin assay and flow cytometric assessment of apoptosis by measuring CD95 percentage expression on CD3 lymphocytes. The percentage of CD95 positive T-lymphocytes was significantly higher in prediabetics than in type-1diabetics and controls [57.687 +/- 6.68, 45.01 +/- 6. 648,16.75 +/- 4.98% respectively; p<0. 001]. CD3 positive bnphocytes were significantly lower in prediabetics than type-1 diabetics controls [52.93 +/- 11.64, 66.23 +/- 7.04, 63.910 +/- 3.4% respectively, p<0.001]. The percentage of CD95 on T-lymphocytes could not be Correspondence: correlated with age, insulin dose and RBS, but HbA1 was positively correlated with both CD3 lymphocytes and CD95% expression. Complicated type-1 diabetics showed higher CD95% expression compared to non-complicated patients. Peripheral blood lymphocytes with CD95 antigen expression re increased in prediabetics. As CD95 is an important receptor for activation-induced cell death, CD95 mediated apoptosis could play a j potential role in the pathogenesis of DM1

Extraosseous aneurysmal cyst. A case presentation

We present a case of a soft tissue aneurysmal cyst [STAC] in a 13 year old girl. The lesion was detected in the left paraspinal lumbar region extending from the level of transverse process of 2[nd] lumbar vertebra to the transverse process of 4[th] lumbar vertebra. The lesion was investigated by plain X- ray, ultrasound, bone scan, computed tomography [CT], and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. Pathological examination has been done preoperatively by fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC], and histologically after surgical excision

potential role of ozone in treatment of carbon monoxide toxicity

Carbon monoxide is one of the most toxic and widely spread domestic poisons. The most important medical condition that requires administration of oxygen is carbon monoxide toxicity. The oxygen in carbon monoxide toxicity can be administered at the normal oxygen tension or at higher tension [hyperbaric oxygen]. Ozone is a triatomic molecule, consisting of three oxygen atoms. It has a number of medical uses. In this study, 10 heavy smokers were tested for the effect of ozone therapy on their arterial oxygen in blood and their medical condition regarding any associated symptoms. Medical symptoms such as headache, anxiety, drowsiness showed some improvement. Arterial oxygen tension [PaO[2]] showed statistically significant increase after 5 sessions of ozone therapy in comparison to before treatment level, while the increase was statistically not significant after 10 sessions in comparison to its level after 5 sessions. Regarding the effect of ozone therapy on the level of carboxyhemoglobin, it showed that there was statistically significant reduction in the CoHb level after 5 sessions in comparison with the resting level [before treatment] and also, there was highly statistically decrease in its level after 10 sessions in comparison to its level after 5 sessions. Regarding ozone therapy on the PaCO2, it showed statistically non significant decrease in PaCO2 after 5 sessions of treatment in comparison to its resting level

Health education in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya: assessment of future needs

The aim of this study was to determine priority health issues, target groups and education media for future health education programmes in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. A questionnaire was addressed to 2 groups: health officials [n = 60] and the general public [n = 300]. In their lists of health issues to focus on, 7 were the same although prioritization differed. Children and youth were considered the most important target groups and the school setting the most appropriate medium for them. Broadcast media were acknowledged as valuable for health education for the general public. We recommend systematic consultation across official and lay groups as a preliminary requisite for health education initiatives

Monitoring of vestibular function during cisplatin therapy

Cisplatin is considered an indispensable chemotherapeutic agent inspite of its known ototoxicity. There is no generally accepted vestibular monitoring protocol that is efficient, cost effective and suitable for patients treated with cisplatin. The aim of this work was to study the vestibulo-ocular reflex [VOR] changes in an attempt for early identification and prevention of vestibular toxicity in patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy. The final study group consisted of 39 patients. The pretherapy vestibular tests included electronystagmography and rotary chair tests which should be within normal. The vestibular monitoring procedure was scheduled one week after each cisplatin dose. Patients were re-evaluated at approximately 3 months after termination of therapy to assess the possible delayed residual effects [delayed ototoxicity or recovery patients]. After the first cisplatin dose, seven patients revealed bilateral canal paresis, reduced total eye speed and reduction in VOR gain at 0.01 and 0.02Hz. With successive cisplatin doses, the VOR gain showed significant reduction at higher frequencies. Three months after termination of therapy canal paresis and total eye speeds showed no change in the measured values. On the other h and, VOR gain was relatively improved

Vestibular impairment and h and icap in visual preference patients

The objective of this work was to characterize the implications of vision preference derived from the sensory organization test of computerised dynamic posturography, in terms of impairment, disability and h and icap. This was a prospective assessment of 88 patients suffering from imbalance who denied experiencing any visually induced vertiginous symptoms. The evaluation of the vestibular system was done by a complete analysis of the caloric and rotary tests results. Disability and h and icap were determined by the Dizziness H and icap Inventory questionnaire [DHI]. It was found that the caloric test results in balance impaired patients were independent of the presence of vision preference. However, canal paresis was frequently recorded in patients having no visual preference. No differences were found in the results of rotary stimulation by means of sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test [SHA] at high velocity stimuli, in between patients with and without vision preference. Similarly, the responses in the DHI questionnaire for vestibular disability and h and icap were not able to differentiate either group of patients. Nevertheless, it was found that patients with vision preference tend to have poorer balance. Finally, vision preference in those subjects must be considered as a normal finding as this represents a normal CNS compensatory strategy in those subjects to substitute the impaired vestibular system by the visual system to control balance

Protein c as an earlier diagnostic marker for some coronary heart disease

This work aimed to evaluate the role of protein C, some of the coagulation cascade proteins and lipids profile in ischemic heart disease [IHD] and myocardial infarction [MI]. The present study included 40 men selected from ICU Matareya Educational Hospital and classified into 20 cases suffering from ischemic heart disease [IHD group], 20 patients suffering from myocardial infarction [MI group] and a control group comprising 20 healthy normal males. Prothrombin time [IT] prothrombin [P] concentration, activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], plasma fibrinogen concentration [PF] and protein C [PC] activity were measured in plasma. In serum, creatine kinase [CK], creatine kinase-MB [CK-MB], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] activities, total lipids [T lipids], phospholipids, triacylglycerol [TAG], total cholesterol [TC], cholesterol-low density lipoprotein [LDL-C] and cholesterol-high density lipoprotein [HDL-C] were measured. The results of the study showed a positive relationship between the levels of plasma clotting factors and hyperlipidemic status, where there may be an interaction between plasma lipoproteins and procoagulant factors. Also, the hypothesis that MoL-C downregulates the thrombin generation via the PC pathway was supported

Depression after myocardial infarction: incidence and prognostic impact

Depressive disorder may often not be recognized or may be viewed as unavoidable concomitants of MI. The study had been carried out at the Department of Cardiology of the Zagazig University Hospital during 18 months period to assess the incidence of depression in patients in the hospital after a myocardial infarction [MI] and to study the impact of depression on cardiac mortality during one year follow up period. Our final study sample includes 191 patients with first time acute myocardial infarction. A psychiatric interview was conducted to them 7-10 days after admission. Psychiatric diagnosis based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fourth edition [DSM IV]. The Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] was completed by all of them. All patients were subjected to Echo-Doppler assessment and 24 hour Holter monitoring. All patients and / or families were contacted at 12 months to determine survival status. The results showed that about [13%] of our patients met the modified DSM IV criteria for major in-hospital depression after the MI, and about [27%] had BDI scores? 10 indicative of mild to moderate symptoms of depression. There were [23] deaths during the follow up period, including [20] from cardiac causes. The results also showed that depression in hospital and depressive symptomatology were significantly related to one year cardiac mortality, and that the elevated BDI scores had ss significant prognostic impact independent of traditional post MI risk factors. Our results support the key prognostic role of depression in post-MI patients and underscore the importance of further exploring the links between the brain and the heart

Serum testosterone and aggression in schizophrenics and substance abusing subjects

This study had been carried out in psychiatric department of Zagazig University Hospital and Al Azazy Mental Hospital with the aim of studying the association between serum testosterone levels and aggression in some psychiatric disorders. 24 schizophrenics and Substance abusing who presented to the outpatient clinic with aggressire behaviour were subjected to the following; DSMII, R and clinical diagnosis, Brown aggressive scale and also measurement of free and total testosterone and sexhormone binding globulin [SHBG] by radioimmuno- assay and Enzyme immuno- assay teahniques. The results showed that substance abusing males had significautly higher serum levels of total and free testosterone than schizophrenics and controls. Also among schizophrenics the serum level of this hormone decreased significantly more with age compared to the other two groups, and correlated negatively with the duration of neuropleptic drug usage. The results also showed that the aggressive behavior of the schizophrenics were significantly lower than that of the drug abusing subjects, however there was no significant correlations between serum testosterone levels and the intenesity of aggression in either the schizophrenics or the substance abusing subjects

Oral prednisolone or dexamethasone, which one to be prefered for preventing relapse of acute asthma exacerbations in childhood?

In this prospective, randomized, clinical trial, 68 asthmatic patients, between 6 and 12 years were followed-up for 2 weeks after their acute exacerbation had been stabilized by the standard acute asthma treatment protocol. They were assigned to receive either 2 mg / kg / day of prednisolone divided on 3 doses for 5 days [PRED group], or 0.5 mg / kg / day of dexamethasone as a single morning dose for 3 days [DEX group]. The primary outcome measure was the rate of relapse within the follow-up period assessed by a Peak Expiratory Flow Rate [PEFR] < 70% of the predicted value, and a clinical asthma severity score more than 3. The secondary outcome measures included persistence of symptoms, quality of life, medication use, and adverse effects. There was no significant difference in relapse rates between the two groups [13.3% For PRED group and 15.2% for DEX group, P= 0.87].Compliance to medication was significantly higher in DEX group compared with PRED group[P= 0.04], and more children vomited their medication in the PRED group than in DEX group, but the difference was non-significant [P=0.32]. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the prevalence of persistent symptoms, quality of life, or adverse effects other than vomiting at the time of follow - up [P< 0.05]. We concluded that dexamethasone was as effective as prednisolone, with better compliance and less adverse effects, for preventing relapse of acute asthma exacerbations in childhood

Influence of vigabatrin behaviour in rats upon diazepam withdrawal

Frequent administration of diazepam has been reported to induce physical dependence and tolerance in animals and humans. Using an elevated plus-maze model of anxiety, we investigated whether vigabtrin reduces some of withdrawal symptoms of diazepam. Vigabatrin is irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme GABA-transaminase, which induces several increases in brain GABA levels. Previously, treatment of rats with vigabatrin for 14 days was found to produce an anxiolytiiclike effect without a changes in the general locomotor activity. In this study, rats were chronically treated with either diazepam at a dose of 10mg/kg/day, i.p. or vigabatrin at a dose of 200mg/kg/day, i.p. alone or in combination at a dose of 10mg/kg/day diazepam+200mg/kg/day for ivgabatrin for 14 days to examine their effects. The general locomotor activity of the rats did not alter in both groups of tolerance and dependence in comparison with control rats. An increases of horizontal activity of diazepam-dependent rats after 48 hrs of the last injections was observed without a changes in the vertical activity. In the dependence group, the anxiolytic effect of chronic treatment with diazepema was found to persist 48 hrs after last injection. However, the combined treatment of diazepam wth vigabatrin completely abolished the anxiolytic effect of diazepam [10mg/kg]. In the tolerance groups, the effect of 1.5mg/kg diazepam in chronically diazepam-treated rats was significantly lower than that of the control and chronically diazepam and vigabtrin-treated rats, with no difference between control group and combined treatment group. Forty-eight hours after the last injection, the concentration of GABA in the frontal cortex was significantly higher in the chronically treated was with vigabatrin than the other groups. A significantly decrease in the striatal GABA levels was found in acutely and chronically diazepam-treated rats. These findings may suggest that vigabatrin protects rats from development of some of withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines

study of the behaviour of AI, Cu and AI-Cu couple in sodium carbonate solutions.

In case of copper, oxide film thickening occurred and the open circuit steady state potential shifted slightly towards more negative values; while in case of Al, either alone or coupled with copper, oxide film thickening occurred at lower concentrations <10-3 but at higher than 10-3 M; dissolution of the oxide took place and the potential was shifted to more negative values. Potentiostatic polarization confirmed the above results. The galvanic potential measurements of Al-Cu couple in different aerated or oxygenated carbonate solutions indicated that at concentrations <10-3 M, the potential shifted to less negative values; while at higher concentrations, a more negative shift was recorded and Al anode was severely attacked. Addition of 3.5% NaCl shifted the potential to more negative values at lower carbonate concentrations. Galvanic current Ig measurements indicated a decrease in the current strength values at the moment of contact followed by a steady state value. The steady state galvanic current Ist against logarithm of carbonate concentration showed a more or less regular increase of Ist with increase of electrolyte concentration