Protective effect of morin against flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity in mal wister rats

Aim of the work: The aim of this work was to investigate the protective role of morin against the hepatotoxic effect of flutamide [FLU] that is widely used drug for treatment of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Administration of FLU to male rats in a dose of 100 mg/ kg b.w. daily for 4 weeks resulted in serious hepatic injury

Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were equally divided into six experimental groups [n = 10]: Group I [control group] received appropriate vehicle [carboxy methyl cellulose, CMC] for 8 weeks, Group II [CM group] received CMC for 4 weeks then morin for another 4 weeks, Group III [ M group] were treated with morin for 8 weeks, Group IV [CF group] received CMC for 4 weeks then FLU for another 4 weeks, Group V [CMF group] received CMC for 4 weeks then morin for another 4 weeks then received morin associated with FLU for additional4 weeks and Group VI [MMF group] was pretreated with morin for 4 weeks then treated with morin simultaneously with FLU for additional 4 weeks

Results: In FLU treated rats, highly significant increases in each of serum ALT, AST, direct and total bilirubin as well as hepatic MDA were observed relative to the control group. Moreover, highly significant decrease in hepatic SOD, GSH and GST activities were observed. On the other hand, administration of morin with FLU resulted in mild and marked reduction in the elevated serum ALT, AST, direct and total bilirubin and hepatic MDA levels induced by FLU intoxication, respectively [regardingco-treatment and pretreatment with FLU]

Conclusion: These data showed protective effect of morin against FLU-induced hepatic damage, especially when administered prior to and concomitantly with FLU

Association between payer mix and costs, revenues and profitability: a cross-sectional study of Lebanese hospitals

This study aimed to examine the association between the payer mix and the financial performance of public and private hospitals in Lebanon. The sample comprised 24 hospitals, representing the variety of hospital characteristics in Lebanon. The distribution of the payer mix revealed that the main sources of revenue were public sources [61.1%], out-of-pocket [18.4%] and private insurance [18.2%]. Increases in the percentage of revenue from public sources were associated with lower total costs and revenues, but not profit margins. An inverse association was noted between increased revenue from private insurance and profitability, attributed to increased costs. Increased percentage of outof-pocket payments was associated with lower costs and higher profitability. The study provides evidence that payer mix is associated with hospital costs, revenues and profitability. This should initiate/inform discussions between public and private payers and hospitals about the level of payment and its association with hospital sector financial viability

Effect of school based treatment on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in endemic area in Yemen

Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted infection is a major health problem of children from rural areas of developing countries including Yemen. In an attempt to reduce this burden, the Ministry of Public Health and Population in Yemen established in 2002 a programme for Schistosomal, soil transmitted infection control that aimed to reduce morbidity and prevalence rates of Schistosomiasis, and Soil transmitted helminthes to less than 5% by 2015. The study was conducted to assess the current prevalence and intensity of schistosomal infection among schoolchildren in rural areas of the Taiz governorate after 6 years of running National Control Programme. Grade 3 schoolchildren from Shara'b Al-Raona district of Taiz Governorate were examined for infections with Schistosoma mansoni using Modified Kato-Katz method and S. haematobium applying filtration method in 1998/1999, comparing the prevalence and intensity of infection with base line study, which was done 6 years ago. The S. mansoni prevalence in the study population was 31%, while the prevalence of S. haematobium was 18.6%. This result considerably is similar to the prevalence of base line study. The intensity of mild, moderate and severe infection for S. mansoni reached to 15.9%, 60.6% and 23.5% respectively. The severity of S. haematobium infection was 68.4%. It was exceptionally found that the prevalence of S. haematobium is increased. The high prevalence of schistosomiasis and low effectiveness of control programme against schistosomal infection in the study area demands consideration of alternative treatment approaches

Indications for a hysterectomy at Jordan university hospital; a teaching hospital experience

The indications for hysterectomy have changed due to the introduction of many alternatives. However, it is still the most common major gynecological operation. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the indications for a hysterectomy in a teaching hospital. This is a retrospective study analyzing the indications for hysterectomy in a teaching hospital over a period of two years [2008-2009]. In total, 148 hysterectomies were analyzed. The case notes of these patients were reviewed. The mean age was 46.6 year. Bleeding disorders, uterine fibroids, and abdominal pain were the most frequent indications accounting for 68%. Only 15% were performed due to malignant or premalignant conditions. The final histopathology reports revealed that the most common finding in the uterine specimens was fibroid, which was reported in 50 patients [33.78%], followed by adenomyosis which was reported in 38 patients [25.68%]. About 90% of our hysterectomies were carried out through an abdominal route and 10% by the vaginal route. We reported no major complication that endanger the life of the patient as most of the complications were the usual minor postoperative ones ranging from wound infection in 9% to fever and abdominal pain in 1%. The vast majority of hysterectomies were performed to relieve the symptoms of pain, bleeding, or both which means that the indication can be summarized due to discomfort and inconvenience rather than threaten life. It is very clear that age has an important influence on the relative frequency of the indications which are flexible rather than absolute

Effects of perinatal risk factors on common neonatal respiratory morbidities beyond 36 weeks of gestation

To assess the incidence of respiratory morbidity [RM] in all single live neonates born >36 weeks of gestation, and the effects of perinatal characteristics on these morbidities. This is a prospective hospital based study covering a 12-month period. The study took place at the Department of Pediatrics, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, between January and December 2009. The effects of different perinatal characteristics on RM including transient tachypnea of the newborn [TTN] and respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] were analyzed. A total of 2282 newborns were included. One thousand two hundred and seventy-six [55.9%] of the newborns were delivered by vaginal delivery and 1,006 [44%] by cesarean section [CS] [24.5% by emergency CS and 19.5% by elective CS]. Respiratory morbidity was reported in 3.7%. The incidence of TTN was 2.9% and RDS was 0.7%. Elective CS was found to be a risk factor for RM development when the gestational age was <39 weeks. Maternal hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and the absence of labor were independent risk factors for RM. The emergency CS and large for gestational age babies were risk factors for TTN, while male gender and GA <37[o+6] weeks were risk factor for RDS. The collaborative obstetric and neonatology responsibility helps to identify the risk factors for adverse respiratory outcome when considering the time and mode of delivery. The pregnant mother should be informed regarding this possibility if delivery by elective CS is performed before the 39[o+6] weeks of gestation

[Selective reduction of fetuses in the bitch using induction of fetal death by ultrasound guidance]

Unwanted pregnancy termination is a big issue for dog owners. In this study we attempted to reduce the number of fetuses in pregnant bitches through ultrasound-guided induced fetal death. The study was performed on 6 privately owned crossbred pregnant bitches, in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, with variable number of fetuses [n=2 to 8]. Fetal death was induced by transabdominal injection of potassium chloride [KCl] into the fetal cardiac chamber under ultrasonographic guidance. While selective fetal reduction was successfully achieved in 4 bitches [66.6%] 2 bitches showed complete pregnancy termination. Data presented in this research provide evidence for possible use of this technique in order to selectively reduce the number of fetuses without whole pregnancy termination in the bitch. Ultrasound-guided induced fetal death seems to be a safe procedure and a viable method for reducing the number of fetuses with no side effect in the bitch

Microwave mediated facile synthesis of some novel pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazole, pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidine and triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine pendant to pyrrole

The synthetic potency of E-3-[dimethylamino]-1-[1H-pyrrol-2-yl]prop-2-en-1-one towards some nitrogen nucleophiles was investigated under microwave irradiations as a convenient route for the synthesis of some novel pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazole, pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidine and Triazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine derivatives

use of nano supported nickel catalyst in reduction of p-nitrophenol using hydrazine hydrate as hydrogen donor

P-aminophenol was prepared by reduction of p-nitro-pheilol over nano sized nickel catalysts supported on two different supports, SiO2 and AI2O3 using hydrazine hydrate as hydrogen source. Several loadings of nano-sized Ni were used thus, 20, 5, and 2.5 wt% were prepared. XRD and ESR were employed to investigate the prepared catalysts. The Ni/AI2O3 support was found to be more effective and gives high durability. The catalytic activity of the reaction was found to be influenced by the crystallinity of the nickel in addition to the strain between nano sized nickel particles. The catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts was compared with commercial Raney nickel and showed higher activity especially at lower loading. During the reaction a detectable change of the color was observed from yellow to green to colorless, which enables us to propose a mechanism of this reaction

Recent isolation and identification of equine herpes viral abortion [EHV-1] in Egypt-2007

The present study was planned to isolate and identify the local Equine herpes viral abortion [EHV-1]. So, samples [liver, lung, spleen, placenta and serum] of 5 aborted mares and their foeti were collected from a private stud in Egypt, with a history of recurrent abortion during [2005, 2006]. Attempts for isolation of the causative agent were performed on chorioallantoic membrane of SPF enibryonated chicken eggs and tissue culture [VERO cells]. The highest titre was obtained from the liver of foeti which ranged from 8-9 log10 EID50 at 3[rd] egg passage and 7-8 logio TCID50 at 5[th] tissue culture passage. These results were confirmed by different serological tests [AGPT, VN test, ELISA and IF] by using reference rabbit anti-EHV-1 sera. In addition, antibodies against EHV-1 were detected in mares sera by AGPT and ELISA

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in infertile women at a university hospital in Jordan

In a prospective controlled study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Jordanian women attending an infertility clinic and whether screening is useful as part of routine investigations for infertility. Two groups of patients [152 infertile patients and 146 control patients] had endocervical swab testing by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of C. trachomatis infection. A total of 6/152 patients in the infertility group tested positive for C. trachomatis [3.9%], compared with 1/146 patients in the control group [0.7%], a difference that was not statistically significant. In view of the tendency toward increased prevalence of C. trachomatis infection, screening women for chlamydial infection as part of routine investigations for infertility is recommended

Job satisfaction among nursing staff

The specific objectives of the present study were to assess the level of job satisfaction among nursing staff who are working in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the provinces of Erbil, Mosul and Kirkuk to determine the factors that affect their satisfaction. A descriptive design was carried-out from September 20[th]. 2006 through April 1[st], 2007 in order to assess the job satisfaction for nursing staff in governmental health agencies and educational setting. Quantitative research methods were utilized to employ the study design. The study was conducted on three Iraqi governorates [Mosul, Kirkuk, and Erbil]. The sample of the study was collected from all teaching hospitals and some of Primary Heath Care Centers, Faculties and institutions of Nursing, as well as, administrative staff in Directorates of Health in the above mentioned provinces. A random sample of [547] nurse participated to answer the study questions. Those nurses had been chosen randomly from the three provinces. Through extensive review of relevant literature, and a questionnaire was constructed for the purpose of the study. It was consisted of three major parts and the overall items included in the questionnaire were [78]. Content validity was determined for the questionnaire. It was presented to a panel of [20] expert. The analysis of data shows that the majority of the sample [83.19] was dissatisfied with their job. Also, it revealed that Kirkuk's Nurses were more dissatisfied than Mosul and Erbil Nursing staff. The study recommended that the health administration should acknowledge the profession of Nursing. There is a need for all nurses' work to be acknowledged by administration nurses need some form of appreciation or recognition for their hard work. As nurse managers are that part of administration that are communicating with nurses, most on a ward level, it will be necessary to assist them to develop skills so that the recognition that nurse needs can be satisfied

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy complicated with ascites and bilateral pleural effusion

Acute liver failure may be caused by fulminant viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatic toxicity, or acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare condition that is estimated to affect 1 in 7000 to 16000 pregnancies in the third trimester of pregnancy. The maternal mortality rate has been estimated to be 18%, and neonatal mortality rates have ranged from 7% to 58%. Early diagnosis and treatment, will improve the consequences of the disease in fetuses and mother. A 24-year old woman, gravid 1, was admitted in our hospital with term pregnancy because of labour pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. Diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy was made in this case on the basis of the clinical and para clinical findings. After correction of the coagulation defect with 3 units of FFP, caesarean section was performed because of lack of progression of labour and presence of meconium stain in amniotic fluid. 3 days after the operation, the patient developed ascites and bilateral pleural effusion. Intensive care and supportive measures after caesarean section led to improved hepatic function. We recommend evaluation of liver and kidney function tests and a complete blood count in all patients with nausea, persistent vomiting, or epigastric pain in the third trimester of pregnancy to rule out the diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy

Bupivacaine with Meperidine versus Bupivacaine with Fentanyl for continuous epidural labor analgesia

To compare the efficacy of bupivacaine-meperidine and bupivacaine-fentanyl mixtures when continuously infused epidurally to relief the labor pain. We performed this prospective double-blinded study at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan between October 2005 and April 2006. Sixty-seven American Society of Anesthesia physical status I parturients were randomly divided into 2 groups, Group M [n=34] received a continuous infusion of 1 mg/ml of bupivacaine mixed with 1 mg/ml meperidine, and Group F [n=33] received a continuous infusion of 1 mg/ml bupivacaine mixed with 2 micrometer/ml fentanyl. Efficacy of analgesia, degree of motor block, hemodynamic variability, incidence of nausea and vomiting, pruritus, sedation, and the neonatal outcome were all compared between the 2 groups. A p value<0.05 was considered to be significant. Highly effective analgesia was achieved in both groups with a similar incidence of motor block, sedation, pruritus, and neonatal outcome. The only significant difference was in the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Group M had 8 parturients with nausea, compared with only 2 parturients in Group F [p=0.003]. Bupivacaine-meperidine in a continuous epidural infusion is as efficient as bupivacaine-fentanyl for pain relief during labor, but associated with a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting

Propofol pharmacokinetics in infants

Infant and children differ markedly from adult patients. Since the production of propofol, it has gained popularity as an agent for both induction and maintenance of anaesthesia for adults and children. There has been a lack of pharmacokinetic studies in children less than 3 years. Was to determine the complete pharmacokinetic profile of propofol in infants [2-24 months]. Forty eight patients were randomly assigned into 4 groups, each group has 12 patients. They were scheduled to undergo superficial body surgery of I hour expected duration. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed used high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC].Non linear mixed effects modelling [NONMEM] software program was used to analyze the pharmacokinetic data. The pharmacokinetic of propofol in infants followed two compartement model with systemic clearance -[Cl] 29.77 +/- 9.46 ml kg[-1] min[-1], central volume of distribution [Vc] 0.62 +/- 0.24 l kg[-1], and the volume at steady state [Vss] 1.67 +/- 0.26 l kg[-1]. The context sensitive half life [HL] was 0.24 +/- 0.02 h. The infants have a larger volume of distribution and a higher clearance of propofol. Therefore, the induction and maintenance doses should be increased in this young age with using population based pharmacokinetic parameters for accurate propofol dosing strategy

Comparative stuy for LPS Extraction of NAG vibrio cholerae by EDTA, heating method and hot phenol method

Vibrio cholerae [NAG] was isolated from patients with diarrhea, identification by microbiological, biochemical and serological techniques, then Lip polysaccharide was extract from Vibrio cholerae [NAG][31G, 11G, 24G, 13G] by phenol and EDTA-heating method for comparison, The extracts were purified by Sepharose-4B gel. The results showed that EDTA-heating method was efficient and less expensive of time and material.

Immune response in patient's with pneumonia

A total sample 178 infected/with pneumonia was investigated. These patient's were classified in to two groups; group [A] called typical pneumonia [110 patient] and group [B] called atypical pneumonia [68] The classification of these groups was depend ent on chest X-ray and hematological tests. There was an increase in the percentage of neutrophil and X - ray showed lobar pneumonia pattern in group [A], while there was an increase in percentages of lymphocytes and X-ray showed broncho pneumonia pattern in group [B]. the result showed a significant increase [P<0.01] in the stimulation of lymphocytes and ability of phagocytic cells to engulf in group [B] in comparesion with group [A]

Histological, immunohistochemical and clinical study of hepatic immune response in chronic hepatitis C

The factors that determine persistence or clearance of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection are poorly understood. Information in this area may lead to better understanding of the immune response against HCV infection. Such understanding can support the goal of development of a broad based cellular and humoral immune response to HCV which may be important for eradication of infection. In the present study, needle biopsy specimens from hepatitis C virus infected patients were prepared for histological, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Patient history, full clinical examination and biochemical investigations were recorded. Primary and secondary lymphoid follicles were evident in ABOUT 50% of the biopsies. Because CD4 [+] T- helper [T-h] lymphocytes provide help for humoral immunity, these cells were demonstrated in the liver biopsies by immunohistochemical methods. Positive fluorescence representing CD3 [+]/CD4 [+] T-h was vigorous in liver residing lymph follicles. To test the possibility of T-h proliferation due to autoimmune reaction, the serum of patients was tested for the presence of antimitochondrial, antismooth muscle and antinuclear antibodies by immunohistochemical method. Analysis of the results eliminated the autoimmune response leaving the possibility of antiviral response. Histological examination indicated bile duct injury in areas occupied by secondary follicles. This may indicate that viral core proteins, with antigenic properties that elucidate immune response, may reach the portal area, in which the follicles are formed, via the bile canaliculi to the bile duct where antigen antibody complex is phagocytosed leading to bile duct injury. Unlike the case of patients who did not show follicles in their liver biopsy, those showing secondary follicles did not show liver cirrhosis or high grade fibrosis suggesting immune protection. Moreover, the incidence of secondary follicles in females was higher than males suggesting sex-dependent immune response. The present study calls for more investigation towards the understanding of the possible immunity and vaccination against virus C hepatitis which may lead to eradication of its infection

Bioremediation of some aromatic compounds by Corynebacterium sp.

Phenol [Ph], bromobezene[BrB], salicylate [Sal],benzoate [Ben] and gallic Acid [GaA] were tested as sole carbon sources for the growth of the isolated soil strain Corynebacterium sp.. It was found that the isolated strain degraded phenol, gallic acid, benzoate, salicalate and bromobenzene. The optimum carbon concentrations were [0.5-1 g/l] of the aromatic compounds enhanced the growth. On the other hand, the concentration of carbon sources at 5-10 g/l inhibited the growth. The concentration of yeast extract [2 g/l] was effective for the degradation of aromatic compounds. Catechol 1-2 dioxygenase was found in the cells grown on media containing phenol or bromobenzene while protocatechouic 3-4dioxygenase was found in cells grown on media containing salicylate [Sal],benzoate [Ben] and gallic acid as sole carbon sources which means that ortho cleavage pathway may be present in C orynebacterium sp.

Fertility after myomectomy

This study aimed to assess pregnancy rates in women after treatment of uterine fibroids with myomectomy. A retrospective analysis in Jordan University Hospital was carried out. This study included 70 women over a 10-year period. The results revealed that 55% of women were infertile at the time of surgery. The most common indication for the myomectomy was a combination of infertility and menorrhagia. Successful pregnancies in those women who attempted pregnancy after operation was 53.8%. It was concluded in the absence of other causes for infertility, myomectomy is an appropriate operation for improving the fertility