Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies

Objective: The objective of this study is to review the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 18 patients confirmed with diagnosis of lymphoma and other solid malignancies. They were 8 women and 10 men (mean age, 62.5 year; range, 44–73 years). CT scanning was performed on one of the two systems: 64 MDCT in 11 patients and 6 MDCT in 7 patients. All 36 malignancies were underwent pathological evaluation. Results: All cases were confirmed pathologically. Lymphomas were Hodgkin disease ( n = 5 patients) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma ( n = 13 patients). Hepatocellular carcinoma was detected in five patients. Bronchogenic carcinoma was detected in two patients. Renal cell carcinoma was detected in two patients. Breast carcinoma was detected in two patients. Prostatic carcinoma was detected in two patients. Gastric carcinoma was detected in two patients. Endometrial carcinoma was detected in one patient. Colonic carcinoma was detected in one patient. Thyroid carcinoma was detected in one patient. Conclusions: MDCT scanning is accurately imaging modality for the evaluation of synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies. More reports and accumulation of such cases should help to clarify the mechanisms, contribute to a further understanding of this phenomenon, and may lead to a new treatment strategy for synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV by fexofenadine: Virtual screening study

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) is relatively new anti-diabetic target. DPP IV inhibitors lower fasting andpostprandial glucose concentrations by preventing the degradation of the natural hypoglycemic incretin hormones:glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1. In this work, the high throughput dockingsoftware FRED was used as a virtual screening tool against in house built drug database to discover new DPP IVinhibitors. One of the highest ranking hits, the antihistamine drug fexofenadine, was found to inhibit recombinanthuman DPP IV in vitro with IC50 = 4.6 (±1.0) µM. The anti-diabetic effect of fexofenadine was validated in vivo byoral glucose tolerance test. These results could be helpful in the development of novel DPP IV inhibitors based onfexofenadine scaffold for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The Effect of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells on Lung Regeneration and Apoptosis in a Simple Model of Pulmonary Emphysema

BACKGROUND: In severe chronic stages of emphysema the only treatment is lung transplantation. SO, an urgent need exists for the development of effective treatments. Stem cells therapy arises as a new therapeutic approach. AIM OF THE WORK: To investigate whether bone marrow mononuclar cells (BMMNCs) can promote lung regeneration and decrease apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pulmonary emphysema in C57Bl/6 mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 weeks old female mice (C57Bl/6), weighing around 25 g were used in this study. The mice were divided into 4 groups (10 in each group): group A: mice received no treatment, group B: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS with no further treatment, group C: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of BMMNCs and evaluated 21 days later and group D: the mice that received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and evaluated 21 days later. Imaging analysis was done using imagej program. To measure apoptotic index, Anti-caspase 3 polyclonal antibody staining was done. RESULTS: Analysis of the mean of airspace equivalent diameters (D0) and its statistical distribution (D1) for the different groups allowed to observe that group treated with BMMNCs (group C) showed the significant improvement in D0 and D1 than the group received LPS only (group B). Analysis of apoptotic index showed significant difference between BMMNCs treated group (group C) and that received LPS only (group B). CONCLUSIONS: BMMNCs effectively promote lung regeneration and reduction of apoptosis in pulmonary emphysema.

Stem Cells and Lung Regeneration

Tissues such as the lung, liver, and pancreas that have a low steady-state cell turnover yet can respond robustly after injury to replace damaged cells. The airway epithelium is exposed to inhaled particles and pathogens that may lead to the development of a many infectious and inflammatory respiratory diseases. Lung transplantation is an accepted modality of treatment for end-stage lung diseases. Since the early 1990 s, more than 26,000 lung transplants have been performed at centers worldwide. However, the availability of donor tissues and organs is limited, which presents a serious limitation for widespread transplantation surgery. The appearance of bioengineered lung and tracheal tissue transplants is considered a promising alternative to the classical transplantation of donor organ/tissue. Stem cells therapy arises as a new therapeutic approach, with a wide application potential.

Missed traumatic abdominal wall hernia: report of a case and literature reviewing

Blunt trauma to the abdominal wall can cause a hernia, quite a rare condition. Once diagnosed, it should be repaired, because any delay in the management results in an increase in morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a 41 year old female that developed Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia in the right upper quadrant following a Road Traffic Accident. She was diagnosed one month later by physical examination which was proved by a Computed Tomography scan of the abdomen. An open surgical repair with mesh was done, and the post-operative course was uneventful

Translation into Brazilian portuguese and validation of the psoriasis family index / Tradução e validação do instrumento índice de qualidade de vida para familiares de pacientes com psoríase para o português falado no Brasil

Psoriasis Family Index is a quality of life instrument for family members of patients with psoriasis developed in English. The aims of this study were to translate the Psoriasis Family Index into Brazilian Portuguese, culturally adapt it and verify its reliability and validity. The study followed these two steps: 1) Translation, linguistic and cultural adaptation, 2) Validation. The translated Psoriasis Family Index showed high internal consistency and high test-retest reliability, confirming its reproducibility. The Portuguese version of the Psoriasis Family Index was validated for our population and can be recommended as a reliable instrument to assess the QoL of family members and partners of patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis Family Index é um instrumento para aferição da qualidade de vida em familiares de pacientes com psoríase, desenvolvido em língua inglesa. O objetivo deste estudo é traduzir o Psoriasis Family Index para o Português, adaptá-lo culturalmente e determinar sua confiabilidade e validade. Foi realizado em duas etapas: 1) tradução, adaptação cultural e linguística e 2) validação. O Psoriasis Family Index traduzido demonstrou alta consistência interna e alta confiabilidade de teste e reteste, confirmando sua reprodutibilidade. A versão brasileira do Psoriasis Family Index foi validada para nossa população e pode ser recomendada como uma ferramenta na avaliação da influência da psoríase na família dos pacientes.

Evaluation of a binary carrier system for the dissolution enhancement of a high dose poorly soluble drug

The role of two surface active carriers, Gelucire[registered] 44/14 and Lutrol[registered] F127, for improvement of solubility and dissolution of the high-dose, poorly water-soluble drug, albendazole, using solid dispersion approach was evaluated. The solubility of albendazole in solutions of the studied carriers and binary mixtures showed improvement, with solutions containing higher percentages of Lutrol[registered] F127 as best solvents. Albendazole was then incorporated in matrices made of either carrier alone or mixtures of the two carriers at different ratios using a melting procedure. The resulting particles were compressed into tablets. In vitro dissolution of particles and tablets showed fast dissolution. Increased wettability of albendazole by the carriers and formation of partial solid solutions of it in the carrier system were shown to be the mechanisms of the improvement in its dissolution

Acquired cholesteatoma of the ear; comparative analysis of histopathological findings in adults, children and recurrent cases

To compare the histopathological characteristics of acquired cholesteatoma in adults, children and recurrent cases. A retrospective analysis of 60 histopathological specimens for 60 patients aged 9 to 63 years who underwent otologic surgery for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma was carried out at King Hussein Medical Centre between January 2006 till July 2010. Patients were divided into three groups as follows; group A patients aged > 16 years with no history of previous ear surgery, group B patients aged > 16 years and had history of previous otologic surgery for cholesteatoma and group C patients aged

Polyphenols content, cytotoxic, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic activities of Sarcolobus globosus:a medicinal plant from Sundarban Forest / Contenido de polifenoles, citotoxicidad, estabilizante de membranas y actividades tromboliticas de Sarcolobus globosus: una planta medicinal de la Foresta Sundarban

The crude methanolic extract of the bark of Sarcolobus globosus (Family-apocynaceae) and its different organic soluble Kupchan fractions were screened for total phenol content (TPC), cytotoxic, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic activities. The polyphenol content was determined colorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu method and expressed in gallic acid equivalent. The chloroform soluble Kupchan fraction (CSF) exhibited higher level of Total Polyphenol Contents (TPC, 54.21 gm of GAE/100 gm of dried extract). In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the crude methanolic extract (MEBP) exhibited significant cytotoxicity. The membrane stabilizing activity was assessed by using erythrocyte in hypotonic solution and was compared with acetyl salicylic acid. The hexane soluble Kupchan fraction (HSF) produced 52.73 percent inhibition of hemolysis of RBC as compared to 65.38 percent revealed by acetyl salicylic acid (0.10 mg/mL). In thrombolytic study screening, the crude methanolic extract demonstrated significant thrombolytic activity in human blood specimen.

El extracto crudo metanólico de la corteza de Sarcolobus globosus (Familia-apocynaceae) y sus diferentes fracciones solubles Kupchan fueron identificadas para contenido total de fenoles (CTF), actividades citotóxicas, estabilizantes de membrana y trombolíticas. El contenido de polifenoles fue determinado colorimétricamente usando el método Folin-Ciocalteu y expresados en equivalentes a ácido gálico. La fracción Kupchan soluble en cloroformo (FSC) exhibió los mayores niveles de Contenido Total de Polifenoles (CFT, 54,21 gm of GAE/100gm de extracto seco). En el bioensayo de letalidad (Artemia salina), el extracto metanólico crudo (EMC) exhibió una siginificativa citotoxicidad. La actividad estabilizadora de membrana fue estimada usando eritrocitos en un medio hipotónico y fue comparado con el ácido acetil salicílico. La fracción Kupchan soluble en hexano (FSH) produjo un 52,73 por ciento de inhibición de la hemólisis de los glóbulos rojos comparado con un 65,38 por ciento revelado por el ácido acetil salicílico (0,1 mg/mL). En las determinaciones trombolíticas, el extracto metanólico crudo demostró una significativa actividad trombolítica en una muestra de sangre humana.

Allergenic dermatophagoides mites causing asthma among schoolchildren at Ain-Shams District, Cairo, Egypt

The present study was performed on house dust samples collected from ten homes of schoolchildren suffering from asthma at Ain-Shams district, over a period of two years [2008 and 2009]. The data revealed that the total annual density of the two allergenic mites [Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [Trouessart] and Dermatophagoides farinae [Hughes] was 202 individual mites with 22 asthmatic children in the first year, and individual mites increased to 268 with 36 asthmatic children in the second year. The two house dust mites were more abundant in bedrooms than in living ones [292 and 187 mites, respectively]. The prevalence of the house dust mites on the mattresses and furniture were higher in bedrooms and living rooms than on the floors [340 and 140 mite, respectively]. Winter season recorded the highest prevalence for both mites in the first and second year [87 and 110, respectively]. Summer represented the lowest values [19 and 25, respectively]

Mange mites causing scabies in Egyptian buffaloes at Giza Governorate, Egypt

In the present study, 560 buffaloes from a private animal farm in Giza Governorate were examined over one year for scabies infestation. The results showed that 466 Buffaloes [83.2%] were infested with two mange mites; Psoroptes natalensis and Sarcoptes scabiei. The highest prevalence rate of infestation was during winter [90.4%], and lowest was in summer [71.4%]. The infestation on females was 90.4%, while on males was 80.8%. The mites were predominant on the withers, lumber, back, croup and the external angle of ilium. Buffaloes more than five years old were highly infested than smaller ones, but no mite's infestation were detected in those less than one year

In vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition by selected Jordanian medicinal plants

In the present study, 18 Jordanian medicinal plants were evaluated for their Xanthine Oxidase [XO] inhibitory potential. Their aqueous extracts, prepared from used parts, were tested in vitro, at 200 micro g/mL concentration, for their inhibition potencies expressed as% inhibition of XO activity. Five of the tested plants were found most active [% inhibition more than 35%] and their inhibition profiles [dose-dependent] were further evaluated by estimating the IC[50] values of their corresponding extracts. These plants were Hyoscyamus reticulates L. [IC[50] = 12.8 micro g/mL], Achillea fragrantissima [Forssk.] Sch. Bip. [197.6 micro g/mL], Pimpinella anism L., [300.4 micro g/mL]. Origanum syriacum L. [317.0 micro g/mL], and Origanum vulgare L. [403.9 micro g/mL]. Moreover, five more plants showed XO inhibitory activity in the range of 14-30%. Namely: Daphne linearifolia L. [29.5% inhibition], Hibiscus sabdoriffa L. [19.44], Aristolochia maurorum L. [15.6%], Citrullus colocynthis [L.] Schr. [14.4%], and Laurus nobilis L. [13.97%]. Considering the results of the present screening study, many of the investigated plants species can be used as potential sources of natural XO inhibitors that can be elaborated as successful herbal remedies for gout, arthritis and other XO-related disorders

Echinochasmus aspinuosa as a new record species in Egyptian heron

This paper reported a new Egyptian of Echinochasmus aspinuosa in herons trapped in Giza and Sharkia Governorates. The detailed morphology was given and illustrated. The zoonotic importance of this digenetic trematode was discussed

Non-association of IL-12 +1188 and IFN-gamma +874 polymorphisms with cytokines serum level in occult HBV infected patients

Occult hepatitis B infection [OBI] is identified as a form of hepatitis in which despite the absence of detectable HBsAg, HBV-DNA is observed in peripheral blood of patients. The main aim of this study has been to investigate the association between polymorphisms in +874 of IFN-gamma and +1188 of IL-12 with their serum level in patients suffering from OBI. In this experimental study, plasma samples of 3700 blood donors were tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and anti-HBc by ELISA. The HBsAg[-]/anti-HBc[+] samples were selected and screened for HBV-DNA by PCR. HBV-DNA positive samples were assigned as OBI cases and ARMS-PCR techniques were performed to examine the two known polymorphisms within IL-12 and IFN-gamma. In addition, the serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma were also determined by ELISA. Results of this study demonstrated that, 352 [9.5%] out of 3700 blood samples were HBsAg[-]/anti-HBc[+]and HBV-DNA was detected in 57/352 [16.1%] of HBsAg[-]/anti-HBc[+] samples. Our results showed that groups showed significant difference in CC allele of +1188 region of IL-12 and no difference was observed in the other evaluated genes. Our results also showed that the alleles of +1188 region of IL-12 and alleles of +874 of IFN-gamma were also not associated with serum level of cytokines. According to the results of this study, it may be concluded that the polymorphisms in +1188 region of IL-12 and +874 region of IFN-gamma would not affect the expression of both cytokines at serum level in OBI patients

Grape seed extract to improve liver function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver change

Therapeutic intervention in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are limited, while anti-oxidative materials have shown benefits in animal models. This study aimed to evaluate grape seed extract as an anti-oxidative material in this process. Therapeutic effects of grape seed extract were evaluated in comparison to vitamin C in a double-blind setting. Fifteen patients were enrolled in each group. Liver function tests were done; also, grade of steatosis and pattern of echogenicity of the liver were determined. Patients were followed up by the same evaluation repeated in first, second and third months. Mean age +/- standard deviation was 43.2 +/- 10.3 years. Grape seed extract [GSE] significantly improved the grade of fatty liver change; and resulted in significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase in patients receiving the concentrate compared to those receiving vitamin C independently, from the initial grade of steatosis. This study describes the beneficial effect of using grape seed extract for three months in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These results may improve with a longer period of follow-up

antibiotic prophylaxis in knee arthroscopy mandatory?

To determine the need of prophylactic antibiotics in knee arthroscopic procedures. Three thousand patients, who presented to our sport medicine clinic in The Royal Rehabilitation Center at King Hussein Medical Center between January 2002 and February 2004, were assessed. Patients who refused to be enrolled in the study, those who would need complex procedures as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or accompanied arthrotomy and those with predisposing factors to infection as diabetes mellitus, immune deficiency disorders and steroid therapy were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into two groups; patients in group A were given one gram 1[st] generation cephalosporins at the induction of anesthesia and patients in group B were kept without antibiotic prophylaxis. All surgeries were conducted under general anesthesia with tourniquet. The patients were followed at 1, 3, 7 days and 3, 6 months for signs of infection. Statistical analysis was performed using the student t- test. One hundred eighty patients were included in the study and divided into two groups with equal numbers. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, pathology detected in knees, surgical procedures performed and operative time. No infection was detected in both groups during follow up. No complications of antibiotic use were encountered. Our results are preliminary to an ongoing study but we can conclude that using antibiotic prophylaxis, as a routine, in operative knee arthroscopy is not mandatory. Antibiotic usage may increase cost and may lead to antibiotic complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis may have a role in complex knee arthroscopic procedures as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Clinical characteristics and computed tomography findings in Arab patients diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is prevalent worldwide with significant heterogeneity across different ethnic groups. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and computed tomography findings among Arab patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. A retrospective study of patient demographics, symptoms, co-morbid illness, sarcoidosis stage, treatment, pulmonary function and CT results. Of 104 patients, most [77%] were 40 years of age or older at diagnosis, and females in this category [>/= 40 years] significantly outnumbered male patients [69/104 [66.3%] vs. 35/104 [33.7%], P=.003]. The most common complaints were dyspnea [76%], cough [72.1%] and weight loss [32.7%]. The majority of patients displayed impairment in lung function parameters at presentation. However, significant impairment in forced vital capacity, percentage predicted [FVC%] [<50%] was present in only 17% of patients. The most frequent CT finding was mediastinal lymph node enlargement in 49 patients [73.1%]. Parenchymal abnormalities indicating lung fibrosis were noted in 31 patients [46.3%], and traction bronchiectasis was the most common [35.8%] fibrotic pattern detected on CT scans. At presentation, clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis among this sample of Arab patients were similar to reports from other nations. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of race and ethnicity on disease severity in the Middle East

High prevalence of the cardiovascular risk factors in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. An emerging health care priority

In the United Arab Emirates [UAE] cardiovascular mortality is a leading cause of death. Yet, there is a dearth of data on its risk factors. A cross-sectional community based study on established cardiovascular risk factors carried out between February 2004 - February 2005 in Al-Ain City, UAE. Subjects were interviewed, blood pressure, weight, height, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile measured. Framingham risk scores were used for risk assessment. Eight hundred seventeen subjects [403 males and 414 females] completed the survey, of these 28.4% had a Framingham risk assessment score of more than 20%, 23.3% had diabetes mellitus, 20.8% hypertension, 37.3% obesity, 22.7% metabolic syndrome, and 19.6% of male smoked. Coronary heart disease was reported in 2.4%. Lipid profiles were abnormal in 64% of the males, and in 53.9% of the females, mostly due to low high-density lipoproteins or high triglycerides levels. The overall cardiovascular risk assessment of the population screened calls for targeted interventions

Preoperative transcranial and carotid Doppler study in coronary artery bypass graft patients

To assess the correlation of postoperative neurologic complications with preoperative transcranial and carotid Doppler study findings of coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] patients. In a descriptive, analytic, follow up study we prospectively studied 201 patients undergoing elective and isolated CABG surgery during a 12 month period from October 2003 to September 2004 at Madani Hospital of Tabriz Medical Sciences University, Iran. Neurologic examination, intracranial cerebral arterial study using transcranial Doppler [TCD] and carotid duplex were performed preoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were followed up for one month. Two hundred and one patients [158 male, 43 female] with a mean age of 57.29 +/- 9.67 were studied. Out of these, 131 patients had 3 coronary vessels disease, 64 had 2 vessels, 5 had one vessel, and one patient had diffuse coronary disease. A TCD was performed in 183 patients and disclosed abnormalities in 22 patients and was normal in 161 cases. The total number of involved arteries was 34. Among 154 carotid duplex studied patients, 102 had plaque, inducing <50% stenosis in 99, 50-74% stenosis in one, and 75-90% stenosis in 2 cases. Postoperative neurologic complication occurred as follows: 4 stroke, 7 delirium, and 3 amnesia. One of the operated patients died. Nine of 161 patients with normal TCD [5.6%] and 5 of 22 [22.7%] with intracranial cerebral arterial disease [ICAD] showed central nervous system [CNS] complications [p=0.015]. There were significant correlations between number of involved cerebral arteries and post CABG CNS complications [p=0.0001], including stroke [p=0.007], and between diabetes mellitus history with these complications [p=0.012]. Our results suggest that lCAD is an independent risk factor for CNS complications after CABG surgery. Hence, we recommend pre-CABG evaluation of the cerebral arteries by TCD, for the risk assessment of CABG surgery