Job rotation approach among nurses: a comparative study / Rotatividade no trabalho de enfermeiras: um estudo comparativo / Enfoque de rotación de trabajo en enfermeras: un estudio comparativo

ABSTRACT Objectives: to compare the perceived levels of job rotation, job satisfaction, and job conflict between two groups of nurses in Jordan, and to explore the differences between them. Moreover, several demographic factors were examined to investigate their association with job rotation approach in nurses who previously had job rotation experience. Method: a cross-sectional design with a total of 244 nurses: 122 nurses had experienced job rotation while 122 nurses never had experienced job rotation. The study was examined between January and February in the year of 2020. Job rotation scale, job satisfaction scale, and job conflict scale were used to assess the three variables. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance test were used to analyze significant differences between both selected groups. Results: statistical analysis indicated that nurses who underwent job rotation had significantly higher perceived levels of job rotation, job satisfaction, and lower level of job conflict compared to other nurses who did not experience job rotation. Moreover, gender, experience, and educational level were significantly associated with the perceived level of job rotation among nurses who had job rotation experience in Jordan. Job rotation was not found to be associated with marital status. Conclusions: job rotation approach is necessary to improve job satisfaction and reduce job conflict. Nursing directors should cooperate to apply nurses' rotation approach at hospitals in order to increase job satisfaction and decrease the level of job conflict.

RESUMO Objetivos: comparar a rotatividade no trabalho, o nível de satisfação e de conflito entre dois grupos de enfermeiros na Jordânia e explorar as diferenças entre eles. Vários fatores demográficos foram examinados para investigar a associação de conflito e satisfação com a rotatividade no trabalho. Método: delineamento transversal com um total de 244 enfermeiros: 122 enfermeiros experimentaram rodízio de funções e 122 enfermeiros nunca experimentaram rodízio de funções. O estudo foi examinado entre janeiro e fevereiro do ano de 2020. Escala de rotação de trabalho, escala de satisfação no trabalho e escala de conflito de trabalho foram utilizadas para avaliar as três variáveis. O teste t independente e o teste de análise de variância unilateral foram usados para analisar diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos selecionados. Resultados: a análise estatística indicou que os enfermeiros que realizaram rodízio de trabalho apresentaram níveis percebidos de rotação de trabalho, satisfação no trabalho e menor nível de conflito de trabalho significativamente maiores em comparação com outros enfermeiros que não passaram por rodízio de trabalho. Além disso, gênero, experiência e nível educacional foram significativamente associados ao nível percebido de rotação de empregos entre enfermeiros que tiveram experiência de rotação de empregos na Jordânia. A rotação de funções não foi associada ao estado civil Conclusões: a abordagem de rotação de trabalho é necessária para melhorar a satisfação no trabalho e reduzir os conflitos de trabalho. Os diretores de enfermagem devem cooperar para aplicar a abordagem de rotação dos enfermeiros nos hospitais, a fim de aumentar a satisfação no trabalho e diminuir o nível de conflito de trabalho.

RESUMEN Objetivos: comparar los niveles percibidos de rotación laboral, satisfacción laboral y conflicto laboral entre dos grupos de enfermeros en Jordania y explorar las diferencias entre ellos. Además, se examinaron varios factores demográficos para investigar su asociación con el enfoque de rotación laboral en enfermeros que anteriormente tenían experiencia en rotación laboral. Método: diseño transversal que contó con un total de 244 enfermeros: 122 enfermeros habían experimentado rotación laboral mientras que 122 enfermeros nunca habían experimentado rotación laboral. El estudio se examinó entre enero y febrero del año 2020. Se utilizaron la escala de rotación laboral, la escala de satisfacción laboral y la escala de conflicto laboral para evaluar las tres variables. Se utilizaron la prueba t independiente y la prueba de análisis de varianza unidireccional para analizar las diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos seleccionados. Resultados: el análisis estadístico indicó que las enfermeros que se sometieron a rotación laboral tenían niveles significativamente más altos de rotación laboral, satisfacción laboral y menor nivel de conflicto laboral en comparación con otras enfermeras que no experimentaron rotación laboral. Además, el género, la experiencia y el nivel educativo se asociaron significativamente con el nivel percibido de rotación laboral entre los enfermeros que tenían experiencia en rotación laboral en Jordania. No se encontró que la rotación de trabajos estuviera asociada con el estado civil. Conclusiones: el enfoque de rotación laboral es necesario para mejorar la satisfacción laboral y reducir los conflictos laborales. Los directores de enfermería deben cooperar para aplicar el enfoque de rotación de enfermeros en los hospitales a fin de aumentar la satisfacción laboral y disminuir el nivel de conflicto laboral.

Psychological markers underlying murder weapon profile: a quantitative study

The horrific nature of murder using different types of weapons has been an important focal point ofmany criminological studies. Weapons that are used in murders seem to play dominant roles in murderinvestigations as they may provide information leading to arrest. The established factors for weaponusage include environmental context, demography and availability of weapons. However, there isinsufficient research attention on the psychological functioning of murderers for particular weaponusage. In light of this, the current study seeks to narrow this gap of information by identifying theinfluences of psychological traits on weapon usage among a sample of male murderers. The presentcross-sectional study was conducted among 71 male murderers incarcerated in 11 prisons withinPeninsular Malaysia. The selection of the sample was based on predetermined selection criteriausing a purposive sampling method. A guided self-administered questionnaire comprising sociodemographyvariables and four Malay validated psychometric instruments: Zuckerman-KuhlmanPersonality Questionnaire-40-Cross-Culture, Self-control Scale, “How I Think” Questionnaire andAggression Questionnaire; was used. Independent sample t-test was performed to establish themean score differences of psychological traits between the murderers who used single and multipleweapons while Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out to ascertain the differences between the specifictypes of weapons used among the murderers. Following this, one-way ANOVA was carried out toascertain the psychological trait differences among the murderers according to the different sourcesof weapon. Results indicated specific psychological traits influenced the number(s), source(s) andtype(s) of weapon used in committing murder. The findings have implications for the psychologicalprofiling of unknown murderers within the Malaysian context.

Hepato-protective effect of rutin via IL-6/STAT3 pathway in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces hepatotoxicity in animal models, including the increased blood flow and cytokine accumulation that are characteristic of tissue inflammation. The present study investigates the hepato-protective effect of rutin on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. RESULTS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control group) received 1 mL/kg of dimethyl sulfoxide intragastrically and 3 mL/kg olive oil intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group II received 70 mg/ kg rutin intragastrically. Groups III and IV received CCl4 (3 mL/kg, 30 % in olive oil) intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group IV received 70 mg/kg rutin intragastrically after 48 h of CCl4 treatment. Liver enzyme levels were determined in all studied groups. Expression of the following genes were monitored with real-time PCR: interleukin-6 (IL-6), dual-specificity protein kinase 5 (MEK5), Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), epidermal growth factor (EGF), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Janus kinase (JAK), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL). The CCl4 groups showed significant increases in biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and up-regulation of expression levels of IL-6, Bcl-XL, MEK5, FADD, EGF, STAT3 and JAK compared with the control group. However, CCl4 administration resulted in significant down-regulation of Bcl2 expression compared with the control group. Interestingly, rutin supplementation completely reversed the biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and the gene expression alterations induced by CCl4. CONCLUSION: CCl4 administration causes alteration in expression of IL-6/STAT3 pathway genes, resulting in hepatotoxicity. Rutin protects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity by reversing these expression changes.

Primary closure of the deltopectoral flap-donor site without skin grafting

Deitopectoral flap is a two staged flap requiring skin graft of the donor site. This study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of primary closure of the deltopectoral flap-donor site without skin grafting. The operations were conducted at Rizgari Teaching Hospital in the center of Erbil City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. From January 2009 to December 2012, 14 deltopectoral flaps for reconstruction of oral/facial cancer ablative defects were done. Data on the age, gender, tumor site, and postoperative complications related to primarily closed deltopectoral flap-donor site [fistula, dehiscence, or hematoma leading to impairment of wound healing] and postoperative hospital stay were recorded. Of the 14 head-and-neck tumours, 10 were squamous cell carcinomas and four were ameloblastomas. Eleven of the patients were males and only three were females. The mean age [ +/- SD] of the patients was 59 +/- 13 years. There was no evidence of partial or complete loss of the flap in any of the patients studied. There was no case of breakdown of the primarily closed donor site. The only registered complication was slight localized dehiscence at the most proximal and distal part of the primarily sutured flap donor site in one patient. Primary closure of deltopectoral flap donor site is possible with minimal complication that overcomes the problem of skin grafting. Minimal wound breakdown in younger patients had been noted and left to heal by secondary intention

Comparison between infiltration and inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia in extraction of non-vital mandibular posterior teeth [prospective clinical study]

Infiltration anesthesia for the posterior region of the mandible has been routinely avoided because of its questionable effectiveness related to the dense cortical bone of the mandible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of infiltration anesthetic technique on mandibular posterior non-vital teeth. Forty four patients aged between 13and 73 years who attended the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University for extraction of posterior non vital tooth were included in this study. For the infiltration anesthetic technique, patient's approval was taken. The patients were equally divided into two groups. Group [1] received 0.6 ml out of 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80000 adrenaline injection bucally and the same amount infiltration lingually opposite the intended tooth. Group [2] received 1.5 ml out of 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80000 and the remaining 0.3 ml was injected for long buccal nerve anesthesia. In group [1], 68.2% had no pain during extraction, showed statistically highly significant difference [P = 009]. Gender showed no significant difference. In group [2], 100 % of the patients had no pain during extraction. Infiltration anesthesia for non-vital mandibular molars is effective as a substitute for inferior alveolar block technique

importance of interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal [GI] motility function and its regulation is a complex process involving collaboration and communication of multiple cell types such as enteric neurons, interstitial cells of Cajal [ICC], and smooth muscle cells. Recent advances in GI research made a better understanding of ICC function and their role in the GI tract, and studies based on different types of techniques have shown that ICC, as an integral part of the GI neuromuscular apparatus, transduce inputs from enteric motor neurons, generate intrinsic electrical rhythmicity in phasic smooth muscles, and have a mechanical sensation ability. Absence or improper function of these cells has been linked to some GI tract disorders. This paper provides a general overview of ICC; their discovery, subtypes, function, locations in the GI tract, and some disorders associated with their loss or disease, and highlights some controversial issues with regard to the importance of ICC in the GI tract

Gingival health status among patients with transfusion dependent thalassemia [TDT] in Erbil city

Thalassemias constitute a form of anemia that has clear problems in relation to oral health. The purpose of this study to determine whether beta thalassemic disease is associated with increased risk of gingival disease. In this case control study, 50 transfusion dependent thalassemic patients aged 12 to 24 years compared with 50 healthy control subjects matching in age and sex. At beginning both beta thalassemic patients and healthy control subjects were receiving scaling and polishing with good oral hygiene instruction and using the same tooth paste and tooth brush in order to obtain zero score at base line. Then, the all subjects were followed up for six month at one week [base line], one month, three months and six months interval. Gingival health status was assessed through these six months by application of Silness and Loe plaque index [PI], Ramfjord calculus index [Cal I] and Loe and Silness Gingival index [GI]. Data were analyzed by using chi square, fisher's exact test, student t-test and paired t-test. At base line, results showed that plaque index and gingival index were higher among beta thalassemic patients than healthy control subjects with no statistical significance difference. Regarding the calculus index, there was no calculus in both groups at base line. After six month follow up [one, three and six month interval] results showed that plaque index, calculus index and gingival index were higher among beta thalassemic patients than healthy control group with statistically significant difference [P<0.05]. Patients with beta thalassemic major showed significant difference in their gingival health status and therefore a special oral hygiene care program needed for this target group

Multiresistance and endemic status of acinetobacter baumannii associated with nosocomial infections in a tunisian hospital: a critical situation in the intensive care units

Acinetobacter baumannii is often implicated in hospital outbreaks in Tunisia. It's a significant opportunistic pathogen associated with serious underlying diseases such as pneumoniae, meningitis and urinary tract infections. The aim of our study was to evaluate its degree of endemicity and its antibiotic resistance evolution essentially in the unit care where its isolation was predominant (57 percent). This study used 3 methods: antibiotyping, RAPD using 2 primers VIL 1, VIL5 and PFGE with ApaI restriction enzyme. The presence of integron1 and 2 was also studied. Antibiotyping showed that 92 percent of patients were resistant of all ß- lactams (except Imipenem) and that the resistance to Imipenem occurred in 47 percent of cases. RAPD profiles obtained with the 2 arbitrarily primers VIL1 and VIL5 gave respectively 5 and 4groups and PFGE fingerprinting patterns revealed 22 different pulsotypes. Integron 1 was present in 25 percent of unrelated strains and type 2 integron was not detected in any of the studied strains. Among 204 strains, multiple and heterogeneous groups were detected with the genomic studies. In addition, any correlation was obtained with the antibiotyping results. These findings demonstrate the endemic status of A. baumannii in our hospital and the persistence of a large number of multiresistant strains in the unit's care. When outbreaks of A. baumannii occur, it's essential to develop restricted hygiene procedures and a serious surveillance of critical units such as ICU for very ill patients.

Development of an inhibitive enzyme assay for copper.

In this work the development of an inhibitive assay for copper using the molybdenum-reducing enzyme assay is presented. The enzyme is assayed using 12-molybdophosphoric acid at pH 5.0 as an electron acceptor substrate and NADH as the electron donor substrate. The enzyme converts the yellowish solution into a deep blue solution. The assay is based on the ability of copper to inhibit the molybdenum-reducing enzyme from the molybdate-reducing Serratia sp. Strain DRY5. Other heavy metals tested did not inhibit the enzyme at 10 mg l-1. The best model with high regression coefficient to measure copper inhibition is one-phase binding. The calculated IC50 (concentration causing 50% inhibition) is 0.099 mg l-1 and the regression coefficient is 0.98. The comparative LC50, EC50 and IC50 data for copper in different toxicity tests show that the IC50 value for copper in this study is lower than those for immobilized urease, bromelain, Rainbow trout, R. meliloti, Baker’s Yeast dehydrogenase activity, Spirillum volutans, P. fluorescens, Aeromonas hydrophilia and synthetic activated sludge assays. However, the IC50 value is higher than those for Ulva pertusa and papain assays, but within the reported range for Daphnia magna and Microtox™ assays.

Influence of bacterial endotoxins on bone marrow and blood components

Endotoxin [Lipopolysaccharide, LPS] a component of the bacterial wall of gram-negative bacteria, has been recognized as one of the most potent bacterial products in the induction of host inflammatory responses and tissue injury and was used in this study to mimic infections. LPS induces production and release of several cytokines. In response to these cytokines, different effects of endotoxins are seen. The effect of three types of endotoxins [Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium] on bone marrow, differential counts and peripherial blood parameters were investigated in adult rats. Male spraguo Dawely albino rats weighing 220 - 250 g were used. They were injected i.p. [1 mg/kg body weight] with single dose of 3 types of endotoxins. Blood samples were collected from the experimental animals at 24 and 72 hours of the injection. At 72 hours the bone marrow aspirations were harvested from the femur of the rats for microscopic examination. Endotoxins induced different changes in the cells of bone marrow. Also, lipopolysaccharide caused significant decreases in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets counts, hemoglobin content and hematocrit percent. Data of the present study point out to the dose of these toxins according to suitable pharmacopeia. Lemulus amebocyte lysate [LAL] test is specificly used for determination of the endotoxin limit. This recommendation should be observed to avoid the toxic effects of endotoxins

Late onset central hypoventilation syndrome with hypothalamic dysfunction in a kuwaiti girl

Late onset central hypoventilation syndrome [LO-CHS] is now considered a well-established disease that develops in previously normal children after infancy and has been regarded as a distinct entity from the congenital central hypoventilation syndrome [CCHS]. Both conditions are associated with neural crest tumours, but hypothalamic dysfunction [HD] is a feature of LO-CHS and not CCHS. We report a case of LO-CHS with HD [LO-CHS / HD] who presented in respiratory failure at the age of five years

Ultrasound screening of at risk infants optimizes conservative management and can reduce the rate of surgery in developmental dyspalsia of Hip

To determine the usefulness of ultrasound screening of only at risk infants in the management of developmental dysplasia of hip [D.D.H.]. All live births, [9310], were examined by a neonatologist within 24 hours of birth. The infants with unstable hips on clinical examination, clicking hips, family history, breech presentation [vaginal delivery and caesarean sections] and those with concurrent congenital deformity were then seen in the D.D.H. clinic, within 3 weeks of birth .The infants were classified according to the ultrasound appearance of their hips. Graf's typing was used and formed the basis for conservative and surgical management. There were 218 Grade I, normal babies. There were 89 dysplastic hips in 83 patients. 51 Grade II, 23 Grade III and 15 Grade IV dysplasias. During the study of 23 months of study only 3 hips, all with an initial type 1V ultrasound appearance were unresponsive to conservative measures and required open surgery. Ultrasound screening of babies at risk and those with unstable hips on clinical examination optimizes conservative management and can reduce the rate of open surgical intervention in D.D.H

Pharmacists' understanding and attitudes towards pharmaceutical care in Saudi Arabia

The questionnaire was designed to determine both institutional [hospitals and healthcare centers] and community pharmacists' underst and ing, attitudes and barriers that limit provision of pharmaceutical care. Five hundred fifty institutional pharmacists and 250 community pharmacists were included in the survey. Data were collected via face-to-face encounter using piloted questionnaire. The total response numbered 375, which constitute a 71.6% response rate from community pharmacists and 35.6% from institutional pharmacists. More than 70% of the pharmacists surveyed had also favorable underst and ing of pharmaceutical care. The respondents showed positive attitudes towards pharmaceutical care. Approximately more than 89% of respondents felt the future of pharmacy would depend on the provision of professional services other than dispensing. The main barriers perceived by the pharmacist were lack of adequate training in pharmaceutical care practice, lack of work place for counseling, lack of staff, insufficient time, lack of patient dem and, lack of therapeutic knowledge, lack of support from owners. There were significant differences in responses to a number of issues recognized by male and females, age, years in practice and work setting. Pharmacists expressed general positive awareness and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care irrespective of practice settings. Several demographic factors including gender, years in experience and work setting were associated with awareness and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care. Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia indicated willingness but expressed major concern about their clinical knowledge, communication skills and pharmacy layout. This however makes implementation of pharmaceutical care logical. A joint collaboration between health authorities, colleges of pharmacy and medicine, pharmaceutical and medical societies is highly dem and ed for the promotion of pharmaceutical care in the country. Finally, training programs in pharmaceutical care practice should be available to the pharmacists

Synthesis and investigation of novel shelf-stable, brain - specific chemical delivery system

A 1,4-dihydropyridine - pyridinium salt type redox system is described as a general and flexible method for site-specific and sustained delivery of drugs into the brain. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs] were used as a model example to be delivered into the brain. Chemical and biological oxidations of these compounds were investigated. The prepared 1,4-dihydropyridines were subjected to various chemical and biological oxidation to evaluate their ability to cross blood brain barrier [BBB], and to be oxidized biologically into their corresponding quaternary compounds. 1-[Ethoxy-carbonylmethyl]-3,5-bis[N-[2-fluoro-benzylideneamino] carbamoyl]-1,4-dihydropyridine [31] proved to cross BBB in adequate rate and converted by the oxidizing enzymes into the corresponding quaternary salt N-[ethoxycarbonylmethyl]-3,5-bis [N-[2-fluorobenzylideneamino] carbamoyl] pyridinium bromide [20]. Stability studies of the synthesized chemical delivery systems [CDSs] at various pH values and temperatures showed that the shelf life time of a solution containing compound 31 is 20.53 days at 5°C, which recommend a lower storage temperature for such solutions. The prepared CDSs proved to be fairly stable for powder form storage. The stability of the prepared compounds is attributed to the conjugation of the two carboxylic functions at C3 and C5 of the pyridine ring with their adjacent double bonds. These results are in consistency with the original rationale design

Effect of valproic acid on food intake and nociception in morphine dependent mice

The anorectic and antinociceptive effects or valproic acid [VPA] were studied in morphine-dependent rnice in comparison with normal ones. For this purpose, the food intake of animals deprived of food for 24 hours and the hot plate reaction time, were studied. Morphine-dependency was induced by i.p. injections of morphine HC1 [40 mg /kg; twice daily for 3 days]. Morphine-dependent animals showed a significant decrease in food intake [p < 0.05], when compared with control mice [non-morphinized]. Acute administration of VPA [100, 200 and 300 mg /kg, i.p.] significantly potentiated the anorexia observed in morphine-dependent mice. VPA [200 and 300 mg /kg, i.p.] alone produced a significant decrease in food intake [p < 0.05] in non-morphinized animals, in the study of antinociception, a significant increase [p < 0.001] in hot-plate latency was observed in morphine-dependent animals, as compared to control mice. Treatment with VPA alone produced a significant increase [p < 0.05] in hot-plate latency in saline-pretreated animals in comparison with saline-pretreated control group. However, the administration of VPA [100 and 200 mg /kg, i.p.] to morphine-dependent animals significantly decreased [p < 0.05] their hot-plate latency as compared to the control group, in conclusion, VPA exhibited anorectic and antinociceptive activities in mice. VPA potentiated the anorexia seen in mice, which were rendered dependent to morphine, whereas the drug inhibited the antinociceptive activity observed in these mice. It seems from the present study that VPA is probably toxic in morphine-dependent subjects, since it might potentiate the anorectic and inhibit the analgesic effects

Effects of bacterial endotoxin on some metabolites and enzymes in rat serum

The effects of bacterial endotoxins [Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhimurium] on glucose and blood urea nitrogen [BUN] levels and aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT], alanine aminotransferase [ALAT] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] activities were studied. Three groups of rats were injected [1 mg/kg body weight, i.p.] with three types of bacterial endotoxins [E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. typhimurium] as a single dose. The control group was injected i.p. [1 mg/kg] in 0.9% normal saline. Blood sampling was performed from the orbital vein plexus after 24 and 72 hr of injection. Glucose level was increased significantly after 24 hr of after each 3 solutions of endotoxin. Its level showed non-significant decrease after 72 hr post-treatment. However, endotoxins caused significant increases in BUN, ASAT and LDH at 24 and 72 hr post-treatment. On the other hand, the ALAT activity was significantly decreased after the referred observation periods of endotoxins injection. The variation in serum glucose level after 24 and 72 hr post-treatment may be referred to different reasons. On the other hand, the increase of BUN concentration may be due to the toxic effect of bacterial endotoxins resembling to that occurring in renal damage and impairment of renal function. However, the changes in serum aminotransferases and LDH activities may be due to endotoxins induced hepatic microcirculatory disturbance and to the subsequent liver injury and tissue hypoxia

Reproductive, cytological and biochemical toxicity of Yohimbe in male Swiss albino mice / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the effect of Corynanthe Yohimbe (Yohimbe) on germ cells in Swiss albino mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult male mice were orally (gavage) treated with different doses (188, 375 and 750 mg/[kg x day]) of aqueous suspension of Yohimbe for 90 days. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) reproductive organ weight, (ii) motility and count of sperm, (iii) study on rate of pregnancy and mean implants, (iv) spermatozoa morphology, (v) cytology of the testes chromosomes, and (vi) biochemical study on estimation of proteins, RNA, DNA, malondialdehyde, nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) and hormones.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The treatment caused significant increase in the weight of seminal vesicles, motility and count of spermatozoa, pre- and post-implants. Male fertility was decreased. These results are confirmed by our data on spermatozoa abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations. The data on biochemical parameters showed increase of malondialdehyde and depletion of NP-SH, proteins, RNA and DNA in the testicular cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results elucidated the role of free radical species in cytological and reproductive changes, possibly, under the influence of yohimbine (principal constituent of Yohimbe) on neurotransmitters, including norephinephrine. These data warrant careful use of Yohimbe.</p>

Antinociceptive activity of vigabatrin in mice

Vigabatrin [an inhibitor of GABA catabolism] was examined for its antinociceptive activity, changes in locomotor activity and body temperature in mice after acute treatment over a period of 24 hours. Vigabatrin [125 and 500 mg/kg i.p] resulted in rapid antinociception within 15 min. At the low dose of vigabatrin this effect returned to normal after-45 min but persisted more than 12 hours at the high dose. With the same dose regimen, the locomotor activity declined significant, with persistence up to 24 hour of the treatment. The effect of this treatment on body temperature was dose related being significantly reduced at 15 min. It returned to normal after 6 hours of treatment with vigabatrin 500 mg/kg. Treatment with bicuculline [a specific GABA A-receptor antagonist] was found to be minimally effective to avert locomotor or body] temperature changes induced by vigabatrin. Picrotoxin [a GABA Aand GABA gated-chloride ion channel blocker] was also ineffective on the hot-plate latency, locomotion or body temperature. However, picrotoxin slightly though significantly [p<0.05] reversed the changes in locomotion and rectal temperature only at first observation [15 min]. On the other hand, naloxone did not antagonize the effect of vigabatrin on body temperature but caused a significant decline in hot-plate latency at 45 min, perhaps because of hepotentiation of naloxone by vigabatrin in the induction of hyperalgesic response. These effects are thought to be a result of neuromediator interactions with the probable involvement of GABA receptor mediated processes and a possible direct effect of drug

Conventional drugs and herbal medicines-induced hepatotoxicity

This review deals mainly with enlightening physicians, pharmacists and all those who are involved in the medical field with the abilities of various synthetic drugs and medicinal plants-that are formulated in various elegant pharmaceutical forms-that are circulating in both our own countries and abroad. It initially gives an idea about the prevalence of drugs-induced hepatotoxicity in some countries and then it describes the various physiological functions of the liver. It also discusses the various mechanisms through which chemicals induce toxic and allergic hepatotoxicity and other disturbances such as cholestasis, granulomatous hepatitis, phospholipidosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and tumors. For each of these diseases numerous examples of synthetic drugs and medicinal plants arc given. With regard to medicinal plants. the Latin and Trade names, botanical families, uses and active constituents responsible for the induction of the hepatotoxicity are also given. The possible methods available for diagnosis and treatment of such diseases are given. The review then draws the attention to the fact that withdrawal of these drugs and medicinal plants from the pharmaceutical register does not limit the effective treatments of the various diseases for which these chemicals arc indicated