Effect of pioglitazone on vasopressor responses to adrenergic agonists and angiotensin II in diabetic and non-diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats

Pioglitazone, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR-gamma] agonist, is a therapeutic drug for diabetes. Present study investigated the interaction between PPAR-gamma and alpha adrenoceptors in modulating vasopressor responses to Angiotensin II [Ang II] and adrenergic agonists, in diabetic and non-diabetic Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats [SHRs]. Diabetes was induced with an i.p injection of streptozotocin [40 mg/kg] in two groups [STZ-CON, STZ-PIO], whereas two groups remained non diabetic [ND-CO, ND-PIO]. One diabetic and non-diabetic group received Pioglitazone [10mg/kg] orally for 21 days. On day 28, the animals were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone [60mg/kg] and prepared for measurement of systemic haemodynamics. Basal mean arterial pressure of STZ-CON was higher than NDCON, whereas following pioglitazone treatment, MAP was lower compared to respective controls. MAP responses to i.v administration of NA, PE, ME and ANG II were significantly lower in diabetic SHRs: STZ-CON vs. ND-CON [35%]. Pioglitazone significantly decreased responses to NA, PE, ME and ANG II in ND-PIO versus ND-CON by 63%. Responses to NA and ANG II were significantly attenuated in STZ-PIO vs. ND-PIO [40%]. PPAR-gamma regulates systemic hemodynamic in diabetic model and cross-talk relationship exists between PPAR-gamma and alpha1-adrenoceptors, ANG II in systemic vasculature of SHRs

Preparation of nanohybrid compound from the drugs [naproxen and cephalexin] with zinc oxide and studying biological activities against Aeromonas bacteria

Objectives: This study focus on the preparation of the compound nanoscale layers of Zinc oxide [ZnO] with naproxen and cephalexin

Methods: Ion exchange technique via sol-gel method synthesised under aqueous environment, resulted in the formation of inorganic organic characteristics of nanohybrid by using X-ray diffraction [XRD] method and study antibacterial activity of hybrid and free compound against some bacteria

Results: The powder X-ray diffraction showed new level for nanohybrid compounds differ from free compounds. The antibacterial results show more nanohybrid compounds concentration increased its effectiveness against bacteria, the greater the concentration of the compound greater is the increase in its effectiveness against bacteria inhibitory

Conclusions: The possibility of the bind of drugs [Cephalexin and Naproxen] in the preparation of nanohybrid-ZnO compound and the use of nanocompounds as antibacterial agent in better treatment of pathogenic bacteria. And this nanocompound is more efficient from free compounds

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

To study the outcome of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy [PCNL] procedures for renal stone management. Urology Unit, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain. Retrospective Study. Twenty-five patients who had PCNL from January 2011 to April 2013 were reviewed. Twenty-five patients were reviewed. Only one case had failed access. The majority of our patients were of young age group, a mean age of 39 years. Fifteen [60%] patients were diagnosed to have renal stone by the combination of KUB and IVP; most of the stone sizes were >2 cm, 21[87.5%]. The overall stone clearance rate was 19 [76%] and the overall complications rate reported was 5 [20%]. This revealed good success rate and minimal acceptable complications. Based on our early experience, it is believed that the general experience of PCNL in SMC is adequate and should be considered as the first line of treatment for indicated renal stones

Attitudes of high school students in the Kingdom of Bahrain towards physical education program

The Kingdom of Bahrain considers education one of the most important sectors of human development. The government secondary schools' physical education program provides students with regular physical activities in order to develop positive attitudes towards physical activity as part of day-to-day living. There are few data related to physical education and activity in Bahrain. This study was conducted to provide information on the attitudes of high school students towards the physical education program. In order to increase the role of schools in improving adolescent health, and prevent chronic diseases as early as possible. This study was conducted in Bahrain governmental secondary schools, and 475 students [Bahraini And non-Bahraini] of both genders were selected randomly from a total of 26 government high schools having a total population of 22,321 students. They were selected from the three main tracks for the academic year 2004-2005.Their ages ranged between 14-21 years. The study revealed that 68.5% of the students [both gender] had positive attitudes toward physical education, with a significant difference in attitude between male and female students. The main factors contributing to the students' positive attitudes included; curriculum 76.0%, self-perception 70.9%, teacher 59.1%, class atmosphere 54.0%, and facilities 36.0%. Negative attitudes towards physical education were more among female students than males due to lack of physical education facilities and inadequate classroom's atmosphere. Physical education hours needed to be extended, and physical education facilities to be enhanced by increasing the financial resources

Retrospective analysis of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia

To describe the personal characteristics, symptoms, pattern of referral and management of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH]. Retrospective study. Urology unit, Department of surgery, Salmaniya Medical Complex [SMC], Kingdom of Bahrain. Six hundred and ninety-six patients were admitted with lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] due to BPH during the period from January 1995 till December 2002. The data were collected using previously piloted questionnaire, enquiring about the pattern of referral, presenting symptoms, management and the outcome. Six hundred ninety-six patients were admitted with LUTS due to BPH. Their age ranged between 37 and 99 years. The majority of the patients 556 [79.8%] were above the age of 60 years. Abdominal ultrasound was performed in 619 patients [88.9%], digital rectal examination [DRE] was done in 508 patients [72.9%] and prostate specific antigen [PSA] was requested for 383 patients [55%]. Eighty-four patients [12%] received pre-referral pharmacological treatment in the form of alpha blockers. The majority of these were referred from private clinics. Five hundred and five patients [72.55%] had transurethral resection of prostate [TURP]. Cystoscopy was done for 21 patients [3%]. The histological examination in those who underwent surgery [505 patients] showed, 46.26% [234/505] had pure BPH, 38.8% [196/505] had BPH with other histological findings such as non-specific prostatitis, or associated cystitis and urethritis; and 14.85% [75/505] had prostate cancer. Health centers have a major role in educating, early diagnosis and proper medical management and timely referral of cases with BPH to the tertiary care centre. BPH being the disease of aging population and due to the increase in the mean age of the general population, the number of patients with LUTS is likely to increase and must be considered when resources are planned for medical care

Medullary renal cell carcinoma case report

This is a case report of a medullary renal carcinoma in a sickle cell trait patient. The clinical, histological, and radiological features of this tumor are described, and the chemotherapeutic regimens used in this disease are discussed. Treatment modalities have proved largely unsuccessful in advanced disease. Medullary renal cell carcinoma is characterized by a lack of early warning signs, diverse clinical manifestations and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Awareness and early diagnosis may prove essential in improving the survival rate