Prevalence, Risk Factors and Impact of Subclinical Endometritis on Reproductive Performance of Nili-Ravi Buffalo

Subclinical endometritis (SCE) is the inflammation of endometrium without systemic illness, hence remains mostly undiagnosed and untreated. The early diagnosis necessitates the evaluation of important risk factors. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of SCE and their effects on reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffalo. 100 buffaloes approaching parturition were selected. During calving, various risk factors viz., type of calving, peri-parturient disorders, sex and birth weight of calf, gestation period and season of calving were recorded. Buffaloes were subjected to endometrial cytology using cytobrush method on 45 day postpartum (DPP) and divided into 2 groups viz., buffaloes ‘with SCE’ (>5% PMN; n=38) and ‘without SCE’ (≤5% PMN; n=62). Buffaloes in estrus were artificially inseminated and fertility parameters were recorded. The occurrence of SCE was significantly affected by calving assistance (OR=11.74; P<0.001), peri-parturient disorders (OR=6.87; P<0.05) and gestation period (OR=1.16; P<0.05). Sex, birth weight of calf and season of calving were not associated with SCE. The service period of buffaloes did not vary between two groups. The median days open was significantly (P<0.05) higher in buffaloes with as compared to buffaloes without SCE (141 vs. 117 d). Buffaloes with SCE had significantly (P<0.05) lower first service conception (21.1 vs. 43.5%) and took more (P<0.05) mean number of services per conception (2.71 vs. 1.62) compared to buffaloes without the SCE. It may be concluded that risk factors around the time of calving control the onset of SCE which in turn has negative impact on reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes

Evaluation of liver biopsies in children

Percutaneous liver needle biopsies were carried out on 947 children with the age range of 3 hours to 17 years. Vim-Silverman needle was used mainly for the microscopic examination of the organ. It is proved to be safe, easy, and adequate method for the architectural examination of the liver

effects of diethylstilbestrol administration on rat kidney. Ultrastructural study

To assess the histological and ultrastructural changes that can be induced by diethylstilbestrol [DES] on renal tissues using histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups [10 rats each]: Group 1 - control; Group 2 - received DES at a dose of 60 micro g/kg/day, dissolved in 0.1 ml corn oil for 20 days; and Group 3 - received the same dose of DES for 50 days by oral gavage. The renal tissues were studied histologically, immunohistochemically [using an anti-BCL2-associated X protein [BAX protein] antibody], and ultrastructurally. This study was carried out at the Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between December 2011 and December 2012. The DES administration for 50 days caused noticeable degeneration, and alteration of the morphology of the renal tissues in the form of damaged renal tubules with loss of the brush border of the proximal convoluted tubules and increased cellularity of the glomeruli. In addition, there was a significant increase in BAX protein expression based on immunoreactivity, and in renal tubules, as well as glomerular cells. These changes were less obvious after 20 days of treatment. Non-steroidal, synthetic estrogens showed harmful effects on the renal tissues and altered their morphology with an increased number of apoptotic cells, and these changes were duration dependent

Epidural Hematoma Presenting with Severe Neck Pain without Neurological Deficit - A Late Complication of Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Presentation of Three Unusual Cases

Postoperative epidural hematoma (EDH) usually present with neurological deficit. Massive EDH presenting with only severe pain without neurological deficit are rare. Atypical presentations of postoperative EDHs may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. We present three such cases after posterior cervical spine surgery. Three patients presented with severe neck pain and spasms without motor deficits several days after posterior cervical decompressive procedures. Imaging studies identified compressive EDHs at the surgical site with severe compression of the spinal cord. All were treated with emergent decompression, with resulting improvement of symptoms and pain relief without further neurological sequelae. In conclusion, postoperative EDHs after posterior cervical spine surgery may result in minimal neurological deficit. Our report reminds surgeons to keep this possibility in mind when patients complain of unusually severe neck pain and spasms after posterior cervical spine surgery.

Effect of squalamine on iris neovascularization in monkeys

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of squalamine, an antiangiogenic aminosterol, in an experimental model of iris neovascularization. Iris neovascularization was created in cynomolgus monkeys by occluding retinal veins with an argon laser and inducing persistent hypotony with a central corneal suture. Twenty-four eyes were treated in three groups. In group 1, 4 eyes were injected intravitreally with 3 mug/0.1 ml squalamine and four eyes with balanced saline solution [controls] immediately after vein occlusion [day 1]; injections were repeated every three days for three weeks. In group 2, 1 mg/kg squalamine was administered with intravenous infusion in dextrose 5% in four animals; 4 control animals received only dextrose. Infusions began on day 1 and were repeated every 3 days for 3 weeks. In group 3, after the development of iris neovascularization on day 7, 1 mg/kg squalamine was injected systematically in 4 animals; 4 animals received dextrose 5%. Monkeys were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and underwent color photography and fluorescein angiography. The study concluded that intravitreally injected squalamine did not affect the development of iris revascularization; however, systemic squalamine injection inhibited the development of iris revascularization and caused a partial regression of new vessels in a primate model

Evaluation of schisto-fast test in diagnosis of schistosomiasis

We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the Schisto-fast test as rapid method for diagnosis of active Schistosomiasis. Fifty patients with active Schistosomiasis were diagnosed by detecting Schistosomal eggs in stool, urine and rectal snips, fourteen persons infected with helminthes other than Schistosomiasis[to detect cross-reaction], and eighteen persons as a control group were included in the present study. Schisto-fast test and ELISA for detection of circulating antigen were done before and after anti-bilharzial therapy. The present study showed that Dot- ELISA test was positive in 100% and 68% in patients before and after anti-bilharzial treatment respectively, while ELISA test was positive in 96% and 16% in patients before and after treatment respectively. Also it was found that Dot- ELISA test was positive in 10/18 [55.6%] in normal control, and 57.14% [8/14] of infected control with other helminthes; while ELISA test was negative in normal control and positive in 14.29% [2/14] of the infected controls. It is our conclusion that the Dot- ELlSA test is not a reliable for diagnosis of Schistosomiasis, and ELlSA test can be used in detecting circulating Schistosomal antigen

history of medicine in relation to medical education in Oman

The history of medicine is often not taken seriously by medical educators and the inclusion of small illustrative inserts in an otherwise standard textbook confuse rather than enlighten students. History does not in general come across as a serious contributor to modem medical education despite the many scholarly suggestions that it could play a major role.Despite these remarks, some medical schools have had a long experience of teaching the history of medicine with extremely positive results. This essay explores the educational role of medical history and suggests a programme for introducing it into the academic life of the College of Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University

Analysis and potential of excretory-secretory antigens of Setaria cervi for immunodiagnosis of human filariasis.

The excretory-secretory (E-LS) products released by the adult Setaria cervi, a bovine filarial parasite, were used to raise polyvalent hyperimmune serum in rabbits. Analysis of E-S products, using anti-E-S serum showed the presence of 10-14 immunogenic proteins, the rabbit anti-E-S serum showed reciprocal antibody titres in the range of 100,000-250,000 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The anti-E-S antibodies could detect circulating antigen in filarial patients sera by Counter immunoelectrophoresis.

Clinical and laboratory aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in Gizan, Saudi Arabia

Visceral leishmaniasis [V.L.] is a known human disease in the Middle East. In this study, the correlation between the clinical manifestations and the different immunological, pathological and parasitological pictures of the disease were studied. It was concluded that V.L. is characterized by splenomegaly, irregular pyrexia and cachexia. Besides, palpable liver, purpuric rash, edema, jaundice, night sweats and dysentery occur. Anaemia is invariable may be severe and can occur early. The blood picture shows leucopinea and relative lymphocytosis. Leishmanin skin test indicates failure in cell-mediated response. The IgG greatly increase than the IgM. Liver biopsies show variable picture, but detection of amastigotes are not easily. The bone marrow smear is a safe and dependable method of diagnosis