Exertional‑induced bronchoconstriction: Comparison between cardiopulmonary exercise test and methacholine challenging test.

Introduction: Exertional‑induced bronchoconstriction is a condition in which the physical activity causes constriction of airways in patients with airway hyper‑ responsiveness. In this study, we tried to study and evaluate any relationship between the findings of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and the response to methacholine challenge test (MCT) in patients with dyspnea after activity. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with complaints of dyspnea following activity referred to “Lung Clinic” of Baqiyatallah Hospital but not suffering from asthma were entered into the study. The subjects were excluded from the study if: Suffering from any other pulmonary diseases, smoking more than 1 cigarette a week in the last year, having a history of smoking more than 10 packets of cigarettes/year, having respiratory infection in the past 4 weeks, having abnormal chest X‑ray or electrocardiogram, and cannot discontinue the use of medicines interfering with bronchial provocation. Baseline spirometry was performed for all the patients, and the values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV/FVC were recorded. The MCT and then the CPET were performed on all patients. Results: The mean VO2 (volume oxygen) in patients with positive methacholine test (20.45 mL/kg/min) was significantly lower than patients with negative MCT (28.69 mL/kg/min) (P = 0.000). Respiratory rates per minute (RR) and minute ventilation in the group with positive MCT (38.85 and 1.636 L) were significantly lower than the group with negative methacholine test (46.78 and 2.114 L) (P < 0.05). Also, the O2 pulse rate in the group with negative methacholine test (116.27 mL/beat) was significantly higher than the group with positive methacholine test (84.26 mL/beat) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Pulmonary response to exercise in patients with positive methacholine test is insufficient. The dead space ventilation in these patients has increased. Also, dynamic hyperinflation in patients with positive methacholine test causes the reduced stroke volume and O2 pulse in these patients.

Quantiferon vs. tuberculin testing in detection of latent tuberculous infection among chronic renal failure patients

Latent tuberculous infection [LTBI] lacks a solid gold standard in its diagnosis and many clinicians rely upon tuberculin testing, however there has been an increasing interest in depending on Interferon Gamma Release Assays especially Quantiferon-Gold [QFT-G]. Since chronic renal failure [CRF] poses an important health problem in Egypt and taking into consideration the immuno compromisation caused by this condition, LTBI detection emerged as an important health concern in those patients. In this study, the aim was to find which tool was better in the detection of LTBI in CRF patients. Forty patients with chronic renal failure and on hemodialysis, with exclusion of active tuberculosis and other immuno compromisation conditions were tested for LTBI by tuberculin skin test [TST] and QFT-G. 25% of the tested showed LTBI. It was found that although both tests gave comparable results, yet there was a discrepancy between both. TST + /QFT + group was 10%, TST + /QFT- group was 5%, TST-/QFT+ was 10% and TST-/QFT- group was 75%.In Chronic renal failure and probably any immuno compromisation setting, it would be better to perform both tuberculin and Quantiferon tests to detect latent tuberculous infection

Characterization of metallo-beta-lactamase producing pseudomonas aeruginosa in Egypt

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important nosocomial pathogen, commonly causing infections in immunocompromised patients.This study devoted to investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics of metallo-beta-lactamase [MBL] positive P.aeruginosaisolates recovered from different hospitals belonging to Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.Antibiotic susceptibility testing and phenotypic screening MBLs were performed on 122 P.aeruginosa isolates collected in the period from January 2011 till March 2012.PCR was used to search for MBL genes in imipenem-non-susceptible isolates.The resistant rate to imipenem was 39.34% [n=48].The resistance rates for clinical P. aeruginosa isolates to cefuroxime, cefoperazone, ceftazidime, aztreonam and piperacillin/tazobactam were 87.7%, 80.3%, 60.6%, 45.1%, and 25.4% respectively.Out of 48 imipenem resistant P. aeruginosa isolates, 67.8% were found to produce MBL upon phenotypic screening for MBLs. VIM-2 was detected in 85% of MBL producingP. aeruginosa.IMP-1 was detected in only oneMBL producingP.aeruginosa

Estrogen deficiency reduces the expression of estrogen receptor-beta in Wistar rats` periodontal tissues

To assess the effect of ovariectomy on the expression of estrogen receptor-beta [ER-beta] in periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. This animal study was conducted at King Fahad Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from March to October 2012. Thirty 12-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups [15 each]: ovariectomized [OVX] and sham-operated. Levels of estrogen and progesterone in the sera were measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. To detect the expression of ER-beta, immunostaining was performed on the tibia, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament specimens followed by quantitative histomorphometric analysis. Estrogen [p=0.001] and progesterone [p=0.007] levels were significantly decreased in the OVX rats compared to their controls. Histologically, the thickness and area percentage of the tibia and alveolar bone trabeculae were significantly reduced in OVX rats compared to the controls [p=0.001]. The periodontal ligament fibers in the control group exhibited well-organized and appropriately oriented fibers, while in the OVX group they appeared disrupted with loss of orientation. The ER-beta expression in the OVX rats was significantly decreased in the periodontal tissues [p=0.005] and tibia [p=0.008]. Estrogen deficiency resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of ER-beta in both tibia and periodontal tissues

Occult HCV in Egyptian volunteer blood donors

The study aims to investigate the risk of post-transfusion transmission of hepatitis c virus [HCV] in the circumstances of occult HCV when anti-HCV is undetectable by ELISA and HCV-RNA is detected by RT-PCR in the plasma and or in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] of donor blood and the recipients are immunocompromised. The study covered 18 chronic renal failure patients [CRF] [12 males [66.7%] their age ranged from 28 to 65 years and 6 females [33.3%] their age ranged from 15 to 55 years] undergoing hemodialysis in Nile Hospital as part of their therapy have to receive blood transfusions [275 blood units] for the first time. Commercial ELISA kits for anti-HCV and nested-RT-PCR [N-RT-PCR] kits were used. Anti-HCV was positive in one serum from the eighteen [5.5%] poly transfused CRF patients at the end of the study while the seventeen sera were negative. This serum was also positive for HCV RNA by N-RT-PCR. Out of the 20 transfused blood units, one blood unit [three components] were tested by blood banking anti-HCV negative by ELISA, were positive for HCV RNA by N-RT-PCR. The collective markers of this blood unit represent an occult HCV. The risk of acquiring post-transfusion HCV infection from an occult HCV blood unit is 5%. Real time PCR showed variation in the viral load of the serum of the infected CRF patient, the plasma of blood unit, the PBMCs of this blood unit whether activated by PHA-M or not

Treatment of pre-school children under 6 years of age for schistosomiasis: safety, efficacy and acceptability of praziquantel

The World Health Organization [WHO] recommends praziquantel for the control and treatment of schistosomiasis, with no real alternative. Pre-school children are excluded from population treatment programs mainly due to paucity of safety data on this age group. This study investigated safety, efficacy and acceptability of praziquantel for the treatment of S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections among pre-school children aged <6years. The study also investigated the burden of schistosomiasis in this age group. Pre-school children [n=188] from Sudan were included in the study. The children were treated with praziquantel tablets at a single dose of 40 mg/kg body weight. Adverse events were assessed at 24 hours and 7 days later, via questionnaire administration to parents and guardians. Efficacy of treatment was assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months by examining stool and urine samples for schistosome eggs. Acceptability was determined by the number of children spitting or vomiting during administration of the drug. The burden of schistosomiasis among pre-school children aged <6 years was high [31.1%], and this was comparable to that observed among school children-aged 6 years [32%]. Praziquantel treatment achieved high cure rates [egg negative] for both S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections when assessed at 1 month after treatment [89.6-92.1%] and remained high for S. haematobium [89.6-100%] up to 6 months. However, cure rate dropped from 90.5% at one month to 58.8% and 69.2% at 3 and 6 months among S. mansoni-treated children. Praziquantel treatment decreased egg counts considerably with post-treatment geometric mean egg reductions rates ranging from 96.4% to 99.4% at 1 month. Acceptability of praziquantel treatment was high, only for one child the dose had to be repeated after initial spitting. Treatment resolved haematuria and improved weight of the children. There were no drug-related adverse events in all the treated children during follow-up at 24 hours and 7 days. Praziquantel is safe, effective and acceptable among children aged <6 years. Preschool children represent a high risk group for schistosomiasis and should be included in population treatment programs

Selective variants for postoncological oro-mandibular reconstruction

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a challenging disease to both surgeons and radiation oncologists due to proximity of many important anatomical structures. Reconstructive methods follow the principle of what is removed should be either repaired or replaced. Thus reconstruction of oromandibular defects after resection of tumors allows surgeons to resects tumors without fear of reconstruction of large defects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the aesthetic and functional outcome after reconstruction of oromandibular defects by selective variants of flap and to evaluate different techniques of these flaps in reconstruction of oro-mandibular defects after tumors resection by either free microvascular flaps or local and regional flaps as regard indication, reliability, donor sites morbidity, complications. The study involves a total of 41 patients with oro-mandibular tumors whose need reconstructions flaps after tumor resection and they admitted to National Cancer Institute [NCI] and South Egypt Cancer Institute [SECI], Egypt, during the period from January 2009 till January 2011.The reconstruction either immediate in 38 patients [92.7%] or delayed reconstruction after tumor resection within 1-3 years by free flaps after previous tumor resection in 3 patients [7.3%].The flaps used for reconstruction was grouped in two groups, group I include 21 patients who reconstructed by local and regional flap and group II include 20 patients who reconstructed by free flaps. The 41 patients enrolled in this study were 23 males [56%] and 18 females [44%]. The male: female ratio was 1:3. The age range of the enrolled patients was 13-80 years with average age of [53.4 +/- 12.9 years] in group I and [32.9+ 14 years] in group lithe mean age 53.4 years in group I and 32.9 years in group II. In group I most common presentation is lower alveolar margin ulcerative lesion [28.6%] then malignant tongue ulcer but in group II most patients [10 patients] presented with jaw swelling that represent 50% of cases of that group. The commonest histopathology of the operated patients was squamous cell carcinoma which presented in 24 patients [58.5%], 16 in group I and 8 in group II. Local complications were recorded in 16 patients [39%] [12 in group I and 4 in group II], of them 2 patients [4.9%] with total flap loss and one patient died from cardiopulmonary arrest. The overall success rate was 95% in both groups. postoperative functional and cosmetic assessment for 38 patients in both groups [both groups regarding pain 57.9% of patients had no pain with p value = 1.000 [>0.05], as regard to speech 47.3% in group I and 57.9% in group II have normal speech with p value 0.648 [>0.05], as regard to swallowing was 63.1% in group I and 84.2% in group II of patients can swallow normally with p value = 0.141 [>0.05], As regard cosmetic appearance 47.4% in group land 26.3% in group II of patients have no change in the appearance with p value = 0.379 [>0.05]. Regional flap as PMMF that cover a bridging titanium plate and other flap as submental, deltopectoral and nasolabial flaps are a reliable and effective method for reconstruction of oro-mandibular defect and allow improvement of pain and restoration of speech, chewing, swallowing, and aesthetic contour of face but Free tissue transfer is the preferred method of reconstructing large oromandibular defects and central defects

Fungal contamination of locally produced processed cheese

One hundred and forty four random samples of locally produced processed cheese were collected from different supermarkets and groceries shops in El Boheira province, represented as 100 samples of processed cheese, 24 of processed cheese spread and 20 samples of processed cheese blocks. All collected samples were examined mycologically. The mean values of total mold count for processed cheese samples were 1.44x10, 1.14x10, 1.67x10, 1.22x10 and 1.10, respectively. while processed cheese spread samples were all free from any mold contamination, but that for examined processed cheese blocks samples were 2.25x10 and 2.29x10, respectively. The most common species isolated from processed cheese were Penicillium, Cladosporium and Altemaria species, while species of low incidence were Fusarium, Geotrichum, Nigrospora, Rhizopus, Mucor, Basilomyces, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Also the most common species were Alternaria and Penicillium while Mucor, Cladosporium and Aspergillus fumigatus were less common in processed cheese blocks. Aspergillus flavus isolated from 3 samples of processed cheese, were examined for its toxigenicity and were found as 6, 4 and 5 ppb respectively

Determination of antibiotic resistance pattern in Escherichia coli strains isolated from animal faeces in a farm house

The present study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern of Escherichia coli strains isolated from animals to ascertain the levels of antibiotic resistance pervasiveness. A total of 28 E. coli strains were isolated from faecal samples and the antibiotic resistance pattern of E. coli strains was determined by means of disc diffusion assay. The resistance pattern determined for all strains was amoxicillin, streptomycin, cefepime, azteronam, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone

About 50-75% of the strains were reported as resistant to more than five antibiotics [multidrug-resistant]. This might result in broadening of the antibiotic resistance canvas among animals and from animals to human taking the animal food products or living in close contact with them?

Diagnostic value of von willebrand factor [VWF] in poisoned versus non-poisoned patients suffering from respiratory distress in Minoufiya university hospital in the period from January 2009 till June 2010

Acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS] is characterized by an extensive alveolar capillary leak, permitting contact between intro-alveolar factors and the endothelium. Von Willebrand Factor antigen [VWF] is a macromolecular antigen that is produced predominantly by endothelial cells and to a lesser extent by platelets. VWF has been investigated as a biological marker of endothelial injury in patients both at risk for and with established ALI/ARDS caused by different etiologies. However, to our knowledge, VWF was not investigated in ALI/ARDS cases caused by poisoning insults. We aimed to investigate VWF as a possible diagnostic, prognostic and predictive marker for ALI/ARDS in poisoned and non-poisoned patients. VWF antigen was measured [By ELISA] in 52 patients with ALI/ARDS, 13 poisoned patients without ALI/ARDS and 20 age and sex matched control subjects. There was a highly significant difference between VWF in patients and control groups [P

Relationship between anthropometric indices and dyslipidemia among Sudanese women in Khartoum state

Several studies were undertaken in both developed and developing counties to investigate the relationship between lipid abnormalities and anthropometric indices. In Sudan, however, no data are available, particularly among Sudanese women. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between dyslipidemia and snthropometric indices among a group of Sudanese women living in Kartoum state. A total sample of two hundred and four women aged 25 to 69 years old participated in this study. Anthropometric measures and blood chemistries were obtained. The relationship between obesity indices and lipid profile were investigated. Body Mass Index [BMI] was strongly correlated with cholesterol [TC] [R=.434 P=.000], low-density lipoprotein [R=.423, P=.000], triglycerides [R=.258, P=.000], TC: HDL [R=.455, P=.000] and high-density lipoprotein [R=-.383, P=.000]. Regarding the relationship between central obesity and lipid profile, significant correlation was detected between waist circumference and total density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and TC: HDL, while no correlation was detected between waist to hip ratio, height and lipid profile. BMI was the strongest predictor and important indicator of dyslipidemia among Sudanese women even after inclusion of all the variables in the study. Regarding age, except for triglycerides age was strongly associated with dyslipdemia among Sudanese women [p<0.05]. The study concluded that anthropometric measurement [BMI, W, WHtR] were strongly correlated with dyslipidemia among Sudanese women, while no correlation was found between WHpR and lipid abnormalities

Intensive care unit [ICU] admission and discharge criteria in acute poisoned cases admitted to Menoufiya university hospital over one year [2008] [A prospective study]

Poisoning emergency is a common occurrence which constitutes a significant source of aggregate morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure. The aim of the present study was to clinically evaluate the ICU admitted poisoned cases as regard criteria of ICU admission, approach to treatment and discharge criteria during the period from 1-1-2008 to 31-12-2008. Data were collected from self designed admission clinical sheet which included all needed data. The present study revealed that the total poisoned cases that were admitted to Menoufiya poison control center [MPCC] were, 423 cases from 35550 total menoufiya hospitals admission during the year of the study i.e [1.18%] of which 86 cases have been admitted to ICU i.e. [20.33%] and they represented about [2.79%] of total hospital ICU admission [3073 cases]. Most of admitted poisoned cases throughout the year of the study were due to anticholinesterase poisoning 126 cases [29.78%] from those 34 cases were admitted to ICU i.e. [26.98%] from total ICU admitted poisoned cases. Regarding the admission criteria the present work represents that the patients who were admitted due to both hemodynamic instability and altered mental status were the commonest ones [61.63%], followed by altered mental status [16.3%], hemodynamic instability [13.9%] while those presenting with the three admission criteria were [8.1%]. There is a statistically significant relationship between type of poison and admission criteria where all digitalis poisoned cases were admitted with hemodynamic instability [100%] while a high proportion of anticholinesterase poisoned cases were admitted for both hemodynamic instability and altered mental status were [67.6%]. As regards the poisoning characteristics, the present work shows that suicidal cases who were admitted due to hemodynamic instability were [66.7%], ingestion of solution form of poison, represented in both homodynamic instability and altered mental status were [62.3%] and high percentage of patients that were transported by ambulance were admitted due to both haemodynamic instability and altered mental status [85.7%]. Regarding the discharge criteria from ICU, the present study revealed that the patients who were discharged due to death represented [19.76%] of cases. Discharge of patients as hemodynamic instable [in the form of no need for mechanical ventilation, normal ABG] were [26%], controlled arrhythmia [7.2%], shocked patients discharged with no need for inotropic drugs [5.8%]. The patient who were admitted to ICU due to altered mental status and didn't receive mechanical ventilation were discharge as fully conscious [alert and aware] and represented [76.8%] of ICU discharged cases. This study revealed that an ideal ICU must be available in each PCC [poison control center] and ICU admission and discharge criteria are an important part of clinical evaluation for acutely poisoned patients in emergency room

Continuous sciatic nerve block: compartive study between the parasacral, lateral, and anterior approaches for lower limb surgery

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ease and reliability of the anterior and lateral approaches to sciatic nerve block compared to the posterior parasacral approach, and their suitability for the specific factors in the patients, positions, and surgeries. Also, the insertion and usefulness of the continuous catheter technique was evaluated. The study was carried out on 120 patients, ASA I, II and III, of both genders, age range between 20 and 70 years, scheduled for orthopedic, general and vascular lower limb surgery. Patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double blind study. Patients were divided into three equal groups, 40 patients each. All the patients received femoral nerve block in addition to sciatic nerve block either parasacral [Posterior group], lateral [Lateral group] or anterior approach [Anterior group]. This was followed by continuous femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in the postoperative period. Patients were assessed as regards the time, duration and intensity of the sensory and motor blocks and also the postoperative analgesia offered by the continuous block. They were also assessed for the hemodynamic changes accompanied these blocks. Radiological study was made to demonestrate the spread of different volumes of the drugs alongside the course of the sciatic nerve. The posterior parasacral approach is the easiest technique to perform and used successfully even in obese patients, but difficult to be done, if at all, in patients with limited movement such as multi-pelvic fractures. The anterior approach was found to be the best for the patients in the supine position, with best results as regards patients' satisfaction and sensory and motor blocks. Only, it is a technique that needs high experience especially in obese patients. The lateral approach was the least performed technique especially its high approach. However, it is useful in patients in supine position, and gives the best results in thin patients. The technique showed to be extremely difficult in obese patients. The insertion of a catheter for continuous nerve block was easy. These blocks provided good or excellent postoperative analgesia for all patients in the different groups and facilitated early mobilization which helped in preventing the lower limb srugery-related morbidity and mortality

Echinococcosis: prevalence of hydatid disease in Sulaimania, Iraq

Hydatid disease is widespread and is considered endemic in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Iraq is one of the countries with a high endemicity of this disease. The aim of this study was to diagnose hydatidosis and to identify the prevalence in humans in two different areas in Sulaimania governorate which includes Sulaimania city and Saedsadq district. Sero-epidemiological survey was conducted by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and Indirect Haemagglutination [IHA] to detect anti Echinococcus granulosus antibodies in randomly collected blood samples [n. 536] of different sex, age, and occupation out patients, in Sulaimania and Saedsadq. The sero-positivity in Saedsadq was higher [3.7%] than in Sulaimania [2.5%]; in female subjects [2.8%, 6.4%], sero-positivity was higher than in male population [1.6%, 1.2%], respectively both in Sulaimania and Saedsadq. The sero-positivity was higher in Saedsadq than Sulaimania, and higher among females than males in all age groups

Histological and immunohistochemical study on rat spleen in experimentally induced liver cirrhosis

The present study aimed to examine the histological changes in the spleen of rats with liver cirrhosis, and to determine the immunohistochemical expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase [e-NOS], and its upstream effectors; tumor necrosis factor [TNF-alpha] and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]. Twenty male adult albino rats were divided into two equal groups. The first was control. In the second group, liver cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal [ip] injection of thioacetamide 200 mg/kg twice weekly for 12 weeks. Splenic index [spleen weight / body weight] was determined and the spleens of rats which developed liver cirrhosis were subjected to the following stains: hematoxylin and eosin [H and E], silver impregnation, and immunostaining with specific antibodies for e-NOS, TNF-alpha and VEGF. Quantitative assessments were carried out using image analyzer with statistical analysis of the results. Splenic sections of cirrhotic rats showed in addition to congestion of venous sinuses, significant increase in reticular fibers in capsule and trabeculae as well as throughout the red pulp. The percentages of red pulp and fibrous trabeculae areas were significantly higher in cirrhotic rats, while the percentage of the white pulp areas was significantly smaller. Immunohistochemical staining of both e-NOS and TNF-alpha in spleen sections of group II rats were significantly lower than control, while VEGF immunostaining was significantly higher. Splenomegaly in liver cirrhosis was not only congestive but there was also significant increase of reticular fibers, red pulp area and angiogenesis. Moreover, nitric oxide [NO] reduction resulting from suppression of e-NOS and TNF-alpha seen in this study contributed to the increased volume of the spleen

Protective effect of Ginkgo biloba against experimental cardiotoxicity induced by isoproterenol in adult male albino rats a histological and biochemical study

The present study was designed to investigate whether Ginkgo biloba [GB] might protect the heart against myocardial injury induced by isoproterenol [ISO] on the basis of its effects on biochemical and histological parameters. Twenty four adult male albino rats [180-200 g] were used in this study. They were divided into 4 equal groups of six rats each. Group I was the control group and group II received ISO [85 mg/kg body weight [bw], subcutaneously [S.C.] for two consecutive days to induce myocardial injury. Group III received GB [200 mg/kg bw] orally by gastric gavage daily for 21 days while group IV received GB [200 mg/kg bw] orally daily for 21 days in addition to ISO [85 mg/kg bw], S.C. on the 20th and 21st day from starting GB. After 24 hours, rats were sacrificed and the levels of cardiac marker enzymes [creatine kinase-CK] and its myocardial isoenzyme [CK-MB]] were assessed in serum. Heart specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Administration of GB before ISO significantly prevented ISO-induced elevation of serum cardiac marker enzymes. Light and electron microscopic findings of the heart pretreated with GB revealed a well preserved normal morphology of cardiac muscle with minimal evidence of myocardial injury when compared to ISO-treated hearts. This study demonstrated that GB had a significant effect in the protection of heart against myocardial injury induced by ISO. This beneficial effect was mostly related to its antioxidant property. The results of the present investigation may trigger an interest towards the use of GB in myocardial infarction

Evaluation of immune response against hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines and their combination

The immunogenicity of both Typhoid Vi polysaccharide and inactivated Hepatitis A vaccines were tested and the immunogenic reflection of each vaccine on the other one in combination was detected. Groups of balb/C mice were immunized with different formulations containing different concentrations of typhoid Vi polysaccharide and hepatitis A vaccines, Four experiments were done a fellows:-Exp. I group I [mice was injected with alum 1mg/ ml], group 2, 3, 4 were immunized with three concentration [25, 12.5.6.25 micro g / ml typhoid [Ty] vaccine respectively. Exp. II groups 5, 6, 7 were immunized with hepatitis A [HA] vaccine with three concentration [400, 200, 100 IU/ ml respectively. Exp. III group 3A was immunized with [25 micro g / ml Ty vaccine], groups 33, 3C, 3D were immunized with combination of typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines [25 micro g / ml Ty +400, 200, 100 IU /ml HA respectively]. Exp. IV group 4A was immunized with [400 IU /ml HA vaccine], groups 43, 4C were immunized with combination of hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. The results revealed that hepatitis A vaccine has a synergistic effect on the immunogenicity of typhoid Vi vaccine. On the other hand, the immune response against hepatitis A was higher when combined with different concentrations of typhoid vaccine

Enhancement of dissolution and analgesic activity of celecoxib using ternary system

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the drug loaded solid dispersion system consisting of a drug, a carrier and a surfactant. Solid dispersions of a water insoluble drug celecoxib [CX] with PVP 40000, namely binary solid dispersion systems, was prepared at different ratios of drug to carrier [[1:1], [1:3], and [1:5]]. Polysorbate 80, a nonionic surfactant, was incorporated into the binary solid dispersion systems as a third component to obtain the ternary solid dispersion system. The solubilizing and absorption enhancement properties of ternary solid dispersion system have been investigated. The prepared solid dispersion systems [binary or ternary], at various drug- polymer ratios by mixing or co-precipitation, were characterized by differential scanning calorimetery and X- ray diffractometry. The results show a remarkably improved dissolution of the drug from the ternary solid dispersion systems when compared to the binary solid dispersion systems. The therapeutic activity of the ternary system was evaluated using acetic acid- induced writhing method. In-vivo experiments in mice demonstrated that the investigated ternary system [drug, polymer and surfactant] shows a greater reduction of acetic acid- induced writhing in comparison with pure drug. Moreover, the ternary system of [CX] demonstrated antiwrithing potency 1.45 times higher than the respective binary system. Thus, the solubilizing power, the dissolution effect, and the analgesic effect were enhanced upon the addition of the investigated surfactant to the binary system of celecoxib and the polymer

Spectrophotometric determination of raloxifene in pure form and pharmaceutical formulation

Five simple and selective spectrophometric methods were developed for quantitative determination of raloxifene [RAL] in pure forms as well as in its pharmaceutical formulation. Method [A] is based on the nitration and subsequent complexation with a neuleophilic reagent forming a yellow colour with [lambda][max] at 389 nm, Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 1.5-9 micro g ml[-1]. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0,054 and 0.180 micro g ml[-1] respectively. Method [B] is based on the coupling of the drug as a phenolic compound with the diazonium salt of o-nitroaniline forming red azodye with [lambda][max] at 520nm. Good linearity obtained in the range of 6-48 micro g ml[-1]. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.711 and 2.372, respectively. Method [C] is based on coupling with diazo reagent [method B] and subsequent chelation with copper sulphate and extraction of the resulting chelate into chrorofom and measuring the chloroformic layer at 388 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 6-42 micro g ml[-1]. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.268 and 0.894 micro g ml[-1], respectively. Method [D] involves the reduction of follin ciocalteu's phenol reagent [FCP] by the drug to give a blue colored product which exhibites an absorption maximum at [lambda][max] 660 nm. Regression analysis of Beer's plot showed good correlation in the concentration rage of 1-8 micro g ml[-1]. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.043 and 0.145 micro g ml[-1], respectively. Method [E] involves the determination of [RAL] by difference spectrometry, the absorbance of the acidic drug solutions were measured against the alkaline drug solutions at 240 nm and calibration graph was plotted which is rectilinear in the range of 1-8 micro g ml[-1]. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.032 and 0.134 micro g ml[-1], respectively. The optimization of the reaction conditions is investigated, the methods were successfully applied to the analysis of RAL in its pharmaceutical formulation with good recovery