Phytochemical studies and anti-ulcerative colitis effect of Moringa oleifera seeds and Egyptian propolis methanol extracts in a rat model

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents, and to explore potential protective effect of the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seeds and Egyptian propolis, each alone or concurrently administered on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods: Eight groups of 5 rats each were used: normal control group with distilled water, model group, two groups with M. oleifera seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg), two groups with propolis (50 and 100 mg/kg), one group with concurrent administration of both, and one group with prednisolone (reference drug). Macro-and microscopic picture, ulcer index and lesion scores, oxidative markers, inflammatory mediators, in vitro activity of the inflammatory enzymes and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging activity were evaluated. The phytochemical constituents of both extracts were explored by GC-MS analysis. Results: Both treatments modulated the macro-and microscopic picture, decreased the ulcerative index, lesion score, oxidative markers and inflammatory mediators, and inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Propolis appeared to be powerful free radicals scavenger. A powerful synergistic effect of both treatments in modulating the course of the disease was reported. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of M. oleifera seeds and propolis revealed the presence of 50 and 34 compounds, respectively. Conclusions: M. oleifera seeds and propolis methanol extracts have modulated the course of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Moreover, both treatments induce a good synergistic effect against the disease. Isolation of the active constituents is recommended.

Treatment-induced copper deficiency in two patients with Wilsons disease

Copper is an essential trace element that is vital to the health of all living cells. However, like all essential elements, its serum level must be kept within normal values; otherwise, conditions of toxicity or deficiency can result, each of which has its own unique set of adverse health effects. Wilson's disease [WD] is an inherited disease of copper accumulation that can cause liver and neurological affection. Its management depends on removal of excess copper using copper chelators such as D-penicillamine or trientine, which increase the urinary excretion of copper. In a more recent approach, zinc has been used to decrease copper accumulation. We present two WD cases that developed copper deficiency as a result of their treatment. These cases improve our understanding and management of copper deficiency in WD and highlight the importance of copper-level monitoring in WD

Evaluation of humoral immunity and protective efficacy of biofilm producing Staphylococcus aureus bacterin-toxoid prepared from a bovine mastitis isolate in rabbit

Mastitis is a one of the major diseases of dairy animals. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common microorganism associated with this dairy scourge. Cure rates of mastitis associated with this pathogen are appallingly low. Biofilm is an important virulence factor and immunogenic structure of S. aureus that makes it resistant to phagocytosis and antibiotics. Reports on the efficacy of vaccine prepared from a biofilm producing S. aureus are infrequent. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of a bacterin-toxoid prepared from a strong biofilm producing S. aureus in effective immunization of rabbits. The strong biofilm producing S. aureus selected from 64 isolates of staphylococci was used to prepare bacterin-toxoid and aluminum hydroxide gel was added as an adjuvant. The vaccine was evaluated in rabbits by challenge protection assay and humoral immune response. The mortality rates in control and vaccinated groups were 80% and 10% at day 7 post challenge and 100% and 20% at day 15 post challenge, respectively. Serum antibody titer [GMT] was significantly higher [294.0] in vaccinated group as compared to control group of rabbits [2.63] at day 45. The results showed that the vaccine has significantly elicited humoral immune response in rabbit and developed protective efficacy against new infections

Changes in biologic features between primary and recurrent or relapsed breast cancers

Changes in ER, PR and Her2 receptor status between primary and metastatic cancer tissue have been suggested in breast cancer. The frequencies of these changes are still not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these changes in breast cancer population of Kuwait. Changes in the biological features between primary and recurrent disease in 70 patients who presented between 2009 and 2012 was studied. Statistical comparisons between groups was done using chi square test while Kaplan Meier method was used to perform analysis of survival after relapse. All analysis was carried out using the IBM-SPSS statistical software. There was a decrease in ER and PR positivity from 61.4% to 58.6% and 61.4% to 44.3% respectively. The overall change in ER and PR status was 28.5% and 25.7% respectively. There was an increase in the Her2 positivity as the tumor relapsed and overall changes were seen in 5.7% of cases. Patients with breast cancer experience change in biological markers through the course of their disease. The changes are more with hormone receptors compared to Her2. Re-biopsy should be considered at relapse if feasible

Brain atrophy versus normal pressure hydrocephalus by CSF flow measurement at MRI

Cine phase contrast magnetic resonant imaging [MRI] has been increasingly used during the last decade for evaluating cranial and spinal cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] flow. The aim of our study is to assess the value of cine-phase contrast MRI CSF flowmetry in cases of normal pressure hydrocephalus [NPH] and to differentiate it from brain atrophy. CSF flow study was performed with the use of an optimized two dimensional cine phase-contrast MR technique. The protocols of examination involved quantitative and qualitative analysis of CSF flow properties at the level of the aqueduct of Sylvius and was applied to 10 patients with NPH, 9 patients with cerebral atrophy and 5 healthy volunteers. Correlative statistical analysis was done and revealed that the systolic peak and mean velocity as well as the systolic stroke volume values in NPH patients were statistically significantly higher than those of the normal controls denoting hyper dynamic aqueductal CSF flow. In cases of atrophy, we found statistically significant markedly lower systolic peak velocity, end-diastolic peak velocity and stroke volume values in comparison to healthy volunteers indicating a hypo dynamic CSF circulation. Our results confirm the value of cine phase MRI as a validated tool for characterizing CSF hydrodynamics in various pathological conditions. They also confirm that an MR imaging evaluation of CSF potentially can be very helpful in distinguishing cases of NPH from cases of atrophy before any CSF diversion procedure is contemplated

Dorsal disc prolapse with myelopathy: physical therapy influence

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of postero-anterior spinal manipulation on dorsal disc prolapse with mild myelopathy; regarding back pain, ROM of lower dorsal trunk flexion and cadence. Ten volunteer's patients participated in the study. Their age ranged from 34 to 48 years, with duration of illness from one to six months. Patients were diagnosed clinically and by MRI as a dorsal disc prolapse. All patients complained of myelopathy with paraparesis with grade 1+ or 2 spasticity according to a modified Ashworth scale. VAS was used to measure local pain intensity. Functional plain X-ray was used to measure ROM of lower dorsal trunk flexion. Cadence was used as a kinematic parameter of gait for those patients. All these evaluation procedures were performed before and at the end of physiotherapy program. Physiotherapy consisted of ultrasound, hot packs and postero-anterior central spinal manipulation. This program was applied three times per week; for six weeks. Results of this study revealed a significant decrease of local back pain intensity at the end of the treatment program. Results also showed a significant increase of both ROM of lower dorsal trunk flexion and cadence at the end of treatment program. Results presented a strong correlation between clinical and kinematic parameters. In conclusion, postero-anterior central spinal manipulation was an efficient and non risky maneuver in the treatment of dorsal disc prolapse with mild myelopathy. Both local and cord manifestations can be improved in these patients

Assessment of ground reaction force components in parkinsonian patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ground reaction force components in Parkinsonian patients and to compare them with that of age matched normal subjects. Twenty Parkinsonian patients and ten normal subjects participated in this study. This study calculated kinetic quantities of human gait, by using all components of the ground reaction force [vertical load, horizontal shear forces in the fore-aft and mediolateral directions], both in normal subjects and Parkinsonian patients by using force plate form. The results of this study showed a highly significant reduction of ground reaction force in all parameters of ground reaction force of Parkinsonian patients when compared with control group, except the reduction of the mediolateral component of the first peak which was non significant. So assessment of ground reaction force should be considered as a valuable tool in diagnosis, rehabilitation and prognosis of Parkinsonian patients

Injectable bioactive cement in treating selected distal radial fractures

Between 2003 to 2006, twenty eight selected distal radial fractures in 27 patients operated in the division of emergency surgery, department of orthopedics and traumatology, Al Azhar university and other specialized centers were followed clinically and radiologically. Injectable bioactive calcium phosphate cement was used in conjunction with osteosynthesis or external fixation to correct metaphyseal bone defects experienced after reduction due to comminution. Fracture fixation/fragment stabilization was individualized according to every case. Percutaneous pins were used in 10 [35.7%] fractures, small fragment plate and screws in 3[10.7%] supplemental removable external splint immobilization for 4-6 weeks was used when indicated. External fixator helped with K-wires if necessary was used in 12[42.9%] fractures and Plaster-of-Paris splint or cast support in the remaining 3[10.7%]. Of the 27 patients, 23 [85.2%] were males and 4[14.8%] were females. Mean age at surgery was 33 years [range 21 to 59 years]. There were 17 [63%] right, 9[33.3%] left and 1 [3.7%] bilateral cases. Fractures were classified into three AO groups, accordingly, cases were graded; A [21.4%], B[17.9%] and C[60.6%]. Standard X-rays were used for radiological evaluation in all patients. Wrist scoring system developed by Cooney, et al., was employed for clinical assessment [9]. At a mean follow up 9.6 months [range 11-29 months], the overall results were: 17[60.7%] excellent,6 [21.4%] good, 2 [7.1%] fair and 3[10.7%] poor. In conclusion, calcium phosphate cement represent a good spacer biologically and biomcchanically, resulted in improved treatment outcomes for patients with comminuted fractures of the distal radius

Chlorpromazine versus diazepam in the treatment of tetanus

This is a comparative study which deals with the management of tetanus by chlorpromazine versus diazepam. Fifty tetanus cases were studied. The males [62%] were more affected than females [38%]. All ages were nearly affected. Most of the admitted cases were of severe degree the main clinical signs were risus sardonicus [92%], trismus [100%], convulsions [96%] and rigidity [98%]. Besides anti-tetanic serum and pencillin or ampicillin therapy, the patients were classified in a randomised rotational manner into either chlorpromazine or diazepam therapy. In chlorpromazine group, risus sardonicus subsided after an average of 10 days, mean [9.9 + 1.6 days], trismus subsided after an average of 7 days means [6.9 + 1.6 days], convulsions subsided after an average of 6 daysmean [6.1+1.3 days], and rigidity subsided after an average of 13 days mean [12.4+1.5]. The case fatality rate was 36%. In the diazepam group, risus sardonicus subsided after an average of 10 days, mean [9.5+1.6], trismus subsided after an average of 6 days, mean [6.4+0.5 days], convulsions subsided after an average of 4 days, mean [4.2+0.8days] and rigidity subsided after an average of 11 days, mean [11+3.4 days], the case fatility rate was 28%

Study of schistosomiasis among patients attending Hossinea Hospital, Sharkia Governorate

340 out and in patients of Tropical diseases section of Hossinea Hospital were examined. Males have higher incidence of parasitic disease than females. S. haematobium has a higher prevalence rate among all parasitic infections [25%], but this rate is lower than the previous reports. S. mansoni prevalence rate was 5.88%. It was found that early complications such as hepatomegaly were accompanied by heavy infection, while late comp1ications such as hepatosplenomegaly with ascitis, haematemesis and melina, oedema of the lower limbs, clubbing of fingers, gynaecomastia and signs of liver cell failure were accompanied by mild or moderate infection. It is concluded that in early complications the egg count might reflect the intensity of infection. As the complication appeared later the egg count might be subjected to many factors such as intestinal fibrosis and immunological factors and so it might not reflect the actual intensity of infection

Prevalence of microfilaria versus intradermal test in EL-Koren, Sharkia G, Egypt

Two hundred individuals randomly chosen from Koren were subjected to three repeated thick blood films and an intradermal test using 1/5000 delipidized antigen of Camel filarial. Microfilaria was found in 71 cases [35.5%], more in females. The total incidence of positive intradermal test was 63.5%. Significant difference was found in the percentage of positive intradermal test between positive and negative microfilarial cases. Sex and age have no influence on the result of the intradermal test. A significant relationship was found between the positivity of intradermal test and presence of microfilaria in a symptomatic individuals. Also a significant relation was found between the positivity of the test and history of acute attacks in the asymptomatic negative microfilarial group but no relation was elicited in the positive group