Low back pain among high school teachers in Kuwait: prevalence, risk factors and level of disability

Objectives: High school teachers in Kuwait are at a risk of developing low back pain [LBP] due to psychosocial and physical factors. The aim of this study was to determine LBP prevalence, and identify its associated factors

Design: A cross sectional study

Setting and Subjects: Three hundred and eighty one high school teachers from 12 randomly selected high schools were included in this study

Intervention: Self administered questionnaire

Main outcome: LBP prevalence and associated risk factors

Results: The life time and one-year prevalence of LBP among high school teachers were found to be 68.5% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.3 - 73.1%] and 63.5% [95% CI: 58.4 - 68.3%] respectively. Socio-demographic characteristics such as, gender, marital status, and number of children, were significantly associated with LBP. In addition, obesity, smoking, prolonged standing, carrying heavy weights and mental health score of 4 or more were significantly associated with LBP. The logistic regression analysis showed that marital status [adjusted odds ratio, OR = 3.228, p = 0.022], obesity [OR = 3.207, p = 0.014], being a former smoker [OR = 0.343, p = 0.02], prolonged sitting [OR = 1.981, p= 0.048], and carrying heavy weights [OR = 2.121, p = 0.031] were independently associated with LBP

Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among high school teachers in Kuwait is higher than other populations. This study managed to identify a number of modifiable associated factors with LBP. Through modifying these factors, the level of disability due to LBP may be improved

Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of antifibrogenic effect of grape seed extract on CCl4-induced model of hepatic fibrosis

Introduction: Liver fibrosis represent a worldwide challenge of clinical importance, results from chronic damage of liver, and evidenced by build up of excessive extracellular matrix proteins.. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antifibrogenic effect of grape seed extract [GSE] against hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice

Experimental Design: forty adult male albino mice were divided into four equal groups; first [control] in which mice were injected IP with olive oil as vehicle. In the second group [GSE] mice were received GSE orally at a dose of 200mg/kg/day for 8 weeks while in the third group [CCl4] mice were injected IP with CCl4 [0.4ml/kg / twice weekly] for 8 weeks . In the fourth [GSE+ CCl4] group mice were injected IP with CCl4 and co-treated with GSE orally as in previous treated-groups. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and blood samples and liver tissue specimens were collected

Results: the examined liver of CCl4-intoxicated group revealed marked hepatic fibrotic lesions confirmed by Masson's trichrome stain and associated with the presence of intensely stained alpha -SMA-positive hepatic stellate cells [HSCs] in entire of the hepatic lobules and in the vicinity of bridging fibrotic septa. Hepatic degeneration and necrosis were also seen. This hepatic damage was associated with significant increases in AST and ALT activities with low albumin levels and hypoproteinemia. Co-administration of GSE with CCl4 improved the microscopic picture of liver where scanty fibrotic lesions and mild degeneration of some hepatic cells were recorded. Less intensely stained alpha -SMA-immunopositive cells were observed. Serum AST, ALT, albumin and total protein values were more or less within the ranges of these parameters in the control non-intoxicated group

Conclusion: GSE has potent antifibrogenic effect on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation, decreasing collagen synthesis and improving hepatic regenerative capability through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Characterization of the hemocytes of susceptible and resistant biomphalaria alexandrina snail

The internal defense system consists of soluble components of hemolymph and circulating cells known as hemocytes. The circulating hemocytes play a central role in innate immunity. This work aimed to study the hemocytes of both susceptible and resistant B. alexandrina snails exposed to and mansoni infection using light and electron microscopes. Two tested groups were included in the study; 60 susceptible and 60 resistant B. alexandrina snails. Both tested groups were studied as regad the hemocyte count [before and after infection] and the morphological characteristics of both circulating and tissue hemocytes by light and electron microscopes. Before infection, there was no significant difference between the two groups as regard the hemocyte count, however after infection, there is a significant decrease in the circulating hemocytes of the resistant group. Light microscopy revealed five morphological types of circulating cells of both susceptible and resistant snails. Regarding scannig electron microscopy, hemocytes of susceptible snails appeared rounded with smooth or slightly rough surface. However, that of the resistant snails appeared irregular in shaped with corrugated surface. Furthermore, Light microscopy and the transmission electron microscopy revealed signs of cell activation in the hemocytes of the resistant group. The circulating hemocytes consist of five cell types in both susceptible and resistant B. alexandarina and morphologies of these cells are quite similar, but with more signs of cell activations in the resistant group. More specific studies on the functional activities of the hemocytes and mechanisms that may affect or influence the susceptibily and/or non-susceptibility of molluscs to invade microorganisms is essential and how they an act in the immune response

Adherence of family physicians to antibiotic prescription guidelines for children under five years in Alexandria

Background: Antibiotic use has been beneficial and, when prescribed and taken correctly, their value in patient care is enormous. Over prescription and abuse of antibiotics in the treatment is a worldwide problem. More than 40% of children with acute diarrhea receive unnecessary antibiotics and up to 60% of children with acute upper respiratory tract infections receive antibiotics inappropriately

Objectives: To assess adherence of family physicians to guidelines for antibiotic prescription in acute upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhea in children under 5 years

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 randomly selected family health facilities in Alexandria governorate. An observation checklist was designed based on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness [IMCI] guidelines and used on a sample of 300 consultation sessions

Results: The study revealed that antibiotics were prescribed in 49.7% of the observed sessions and prescribed appropriately in 55.4% of the sessions according to IMCI guidelines. The type of prescribed antibiotic was appropriate in 91.8% of the sessions

Conclusion: Family physicians' antibiotics prescription is inappropriate in nearly half of the studied children

possible protective role of ginseng on the sciatic nerve neuropathy induced experimentally by acrylamide in adult male albino rat: a histological and morphometric study

Ginseng's active compounds exert beneficial effects on central and peripheral nervous system disorders. The sciatic nerve was used as a model to study the possible protective effect of ginseng on peripheral neuropathy induced by acrylamide. The study was carried out on 35 adult male albino rats. The animals were divided into three groups: group I [control], group II treated daily with acrylamide [30 mg/kg body weight] orally for 4 weeks, and group III [protective] treated with acrylamide at same dose, route, and duration as in group II concomitantly with ginseng [20 mg/kg body weight]. After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed. Samples from sciatic nerve were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic and morphometric studies. Light and electron microscopic observations of group II revealed infoldings, splitting, and degeneration of myelin. Changes in axons included degeneration, compression, irregularity, and shrinkage with swollen mitochondria. Large vacuoles and swollen mitochondria were seen inside the Schwann cells. Changes in the myelin and axons in group III were much less frequent than those observed in group II. Only mild splitting and irregular thickening of the myelin with few swollen mitochondria were observed in some axons and Schwann cells. Morphometric study revealed a highly significant reduction [89.6%] in the mean g-ratio [axon/fiber ratio] and body weight in group II compared with the control and group III. Ginseng protected the sciatic nerve from the harmful effect of acrylamide to a great extent

Surveillance of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after stopping mass drug administration in Menoufiya governorate, Egypt

The World Health Organization recommends that before lymphatic filariasis elimination in an area can be confirmed, an additional survey should be performed at least 5 years after stopping mass drug administration. The current study aimed to determine the status of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after cessation of the mass drug administration in 3 sentinel Egyptian villages in Menoufiya Governorate. The rapid immunochromatographic card test [ICT] and a new commercial antibody detection kit [CELISA[registered sign]] were used. All 1321 primary-school children aged 6-7 years old were ICT negative but 27 children were antibody positive. All households surveyed in one village with the highest antibody prevalence were ICT negative, indicating an absence of lymphatic filariasis. The CELISA antibody kit needs more standardization and development to be useful under field conditions. We conclude that lymphatic filariasis is no longer a public health problem in these villages and other villages with similar epidemiological conditions

Evaluation of central veno-arterial carbon dioxide difference as a valid resuscitation tool in pediatric septic shock

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that central venous to arterial carbon dioxide difference [Pcv-a CO[2]] may help as a global marker of tissue perfusion in resuscitated pediatric septic shock patients when the central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO[2]] goal has been reached

Study design: A prospective randomized observational study was conducted in a 9 -bedded pediatric intensive care unit. 49 patients aged from 1 month to 4 years with a new episode of septic shock were included. Patients were categorized into four predefined groups according to the Pcv-a CO[2] gap to a threshold of 6 mmHg evaluated on admission [T0] and six hours after early goal-directed therapy [EGDT] resuscitation protocol [T6]: [I] persistently high Pcv-aCO[2] [high at T0 and T6]; [II] increasing Pcv-aCO[2] [normal at T0, high at T6]; [III] decreasing Pv-aCO[2] [high at T0, normal at T6]; and [IV] persistently normal Pv-aCO[2] [normal at T0 and T6]. Patients were resuscitated according to the international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock using a 6 hour EGDT and 1 ry, 2ry outcomes were evaluated

Results: There was a significant difference among groups as regard Pcv-a CO[2] at T0, T6 [both p <0.001], ScvO[2] at T6 [p 0.003], T24 vasopressor inotrope score [VIS] among category I and II regarding failure to fulfill shock reversal [p <0.001] with T24 VIS AUC on ROC curve 0.960, [p <0.001] to predict failure of shock reversal among category I, II with 88.89% sensitivity and 100% specificity to predict failure of shock reversal. No significant difference among categories concerning demographic data, clinical, ICU mortality, and 28 day mortality rates

Conclusion: Despite of near normalization of oxygen parameters, that does not guarantee adequate tissue perfusion, and still high mortality rates among pediatric septic shock patients. We would advise to measure continuously all parameters [i.e. clinical, oxygen markers, Pcv-aCO[2], lactate] until proper resuscitation by early goal-directed therapy [EGDT] and reversal of shock. Further investigations are recommended to look for other markers of impaired microcirculatory or mitochondrial dysfunction as well as therapeutic approaches targeting these deficiencies

Cell proliferation of esophageal squamous epithelium in erosive and nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a major public health problem that may cause erosive or nonerosive esophagitis in symptomatic patients. The severity of esophagitis in GERD seems to be correlated not only to the amount of reflux and altered motor activity but also to the ability of the mucosa to resist injury and repair the damage. This study aimed to evaluate the cell proliferation status of esophageal epithelium in both normal individuals and patients with GERD with or without erosions and its correlation with the degree of inflammation of the esophagus. This study was carried out on 33 individuals; their ages ranged between 17 and 74 years. All participants were subjected to a clinical assessment and an endoscopic evaluation. Four biopsies were taken using an endoscope at 5 cm from the Z-line; histological esophagitis was identified and graded. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Ki-67 immunostaining. The prevalence of GERD was the highest in the 15-29 years age group [46.43%] and decreased with age. Cell proliferation [estimated by the Ki-67-labeling index [Ki-67 LI]] was reduced in esophageal epithelium in erosive [13.44%] and nonerosive [36.83%] reflux disease in relation to normal individuals [68%]. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between cell proliferation [Ki-67 LI] and the endoscopic grade of esophagitis among patients with erosive disease. However, there was no significant correlation between cell proliferation [Ki-67 LI] and the histological grade of esophagitis in both erosive and nonerosive reflux disease. The ability of the mucosa to resist injury and to repair the damage should be considered a key factor in the development of GERD. Esophageal mucosa exposed to chronic acid insult show reduced cell replication, estimated by the Ki-67 LI. Erosive esophagitis in GERD seems to be related to a low cell proliferation rate of esophageal epithelium rather than the amount of reflux

Evaluation the effect of sildenafil citrate [sc or viagra] on senile albino rat testis [histological and biochemical study]

Sildenafil citrate [SC or Viagra] is an oral medication widely used to treat erectile dysfunction and maintains a sufficient erection for satisfactory sexual performance. The side effects of sildenafil citrate have been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of sildenafil citrate in the therapeutic dose in different regimes. This study included forty senile male albino rats divided into four equal groups. Group [A] was used as a control group [did not receive any treatment]. Group [B] receive the therapeutic dose of Viagra [1.5 mg suspended in 1.5 ml distilled water] orally using a gastric gavage as daily dose for one week. Group [C] received the therapeutic dose of Viagra 3 times / week for two weeks. Group [D] received the therapeutic dose of Viagra each week for 4 weeks. Half of the treated rats of the different groups were sacrificed, other half were sacrificed after two weeks from the last dose as recovery groups [RB, RC and RD]. The testes were dissected and blocked in paraffin. Hematoxylin and Eosin [HX and E] and Periodic acid Schiff stain [PAS] were applied and serum testosterone levels in the different groups were evaluated. The present study showed that the therapeutic dose of sildenafil caused several histological findings in the germinal epithelial of the rat testes including degeneration, detachment of the spermatogenic cells especially the primary spermatocytes with addition thickening of the basement membranes of the seminiferous tubules and increased interstitial Leydig cells. The serum testosterone of the treated rats showed increased level of testosterone especially in group D. The recovery rats showed relative improvement of parameter toward normal. Sildenafil produce morphological and histological alterations in the testes

effect of Sitagliptin [Januvia] on the liver of adult albino rats in cases of experimental diabetes mellitus[microscopic and laboratory studies]

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Sitagliptin [Januvia] on the liver of experimentally induced diabetes in albino rats. Fifteen adult male albino rats were used and divided into three equal groups. The first group was considered as a control group. In the second group experimental induction of diabetes was performed by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan and left as a diabetic control for three weeks. The third group was consisted of rats of experimentally induced diabetes and treated by a daily dose of Sitagliptin [Januvia] as oral anti diabetic therapy for three weeks. Two main parameters were performed; the first was microscopic and histochemical studies on the liver tissue while the second was laboratory evaluation of some liver functions. The hepatic tissue was affected by the experimental induction of diabetes in the form of cellular infiltration, hepatic cell cords disarrangement and vascular congestion after three weeks of induction. The fibrous elements as well as mucopolysaccharides contents were greatly reduced. Histochemical changes in the liver enzymes showed mild decrease. Liver function tests showed mild changes. Diabetic changes were gradually returned back to its normal state after the use of daily oral dose of Sitagliptin. The antidiabetic drug [Sitagliptin] could be considered a good therapy in limiting the risk of diabetes Mellitus on liver tissue

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] in glutathione[GSH]-depleted rats. a possible link to impaired glucose metabolism

reated with the glutathione depleting agent, allyl alcohol [A1A1] [1 mmol/kg] was found to induce a marked increase in serum TNF-alpha 45 minutes post treatment. This increase is suggested to play a critical role in the development of impaired glucose metabolism and glucose intolerance in A1A1-treated rats. Impaired glucose metabolism was evidenced by the significant increase in serum creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen accounting for accelerated glycolysis and breakdown of creatinine phosphate. These are the metabolic consequences of the activation of a back up system for the generation of ATP when the primary energy forming pathway is impaired. Meanwhile, the present data show a significant decrease in the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in A1A1-treated rats that was accompanied with a concomitant increase in their liver levels indicating the development of fatty livers in these rats. Due to the strong link between TNF-alpha and the GSH status and to the well established role of TNF-alpha: in causing insulin resistance, which is potentiated by fat accumulation in different tissues, it is concluded that the combination of TNF-alpha overproduction, GSH depletion and lipid accumulation in the liver caused by A1A1 treatment, cooperate making cells more sensitive to A1A1 poisoning, therefore, imposing a potent negative impact on glucose metabolism. Added to the deleterious effects of TNF-alpha, enhanced lipid peroxidation observed in A1A1- treated rats suggests possible alterations in the rates of glucose transport and metabolism which may further contribute to AlAl-induced impairment in glucose metabolism. Finally, the selective effect of TNF-alpha in inhibiting insulin secretion give an additional support to its hypothesized role in initiating glucose intolerance in GSH-depleted rat

Molecular identification and cloning of organophosphate degradation gene in some bacterial isolates

Seventeen local bacterial isolates which can hydrolyze a wide range of organophosphate [OP] insecticides were purified. They were reduced to ten different isolates based on their RAPD pattern and protein profile and termed as ASM-1 through ASM-10. Chemical assay and bioassay revealed that the isolate ASM-5 was the best isolate in chlorpyrifos degradation. The morphological and molecular identification characterized ASM-5 as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A gene encoding a protein involved in OP hydrolysis was cloned and sequenced from A. tumefaciens ASM-5. This gene [named opdA] had sequence similarity about 98.7% with the A. tumefaciens opd gene. The coding sequence of the gene was sub cloned down stream an inducible expression promoter to evaluate the gene-enzyme system responsible for its OP-hydrolyzing activity. The biological activity of OPDA protein became more efficient compared to OPDA native protein

Effect of soybean on bone and gonad hormones in lead intoxicated rats

Protective and treated dietary soybean against lead toxicity in male rats was investigated in bone and hormonal changes of reproductive system. Sixty adult male rats were divided into the following groups: Group I: 30 rats fed on standard casein and were divided into three equal subgroups Group la: control casein. Group Ib: [casein-protected] rats fed casein before lead intoxication Group I c: [casein-treated] rats fed casein after lead intoxication. Group II: 30 rats fed on standard soybean. They were also divided into three equal subgroups. Group IIa: control soybean. Group IIb: [soybean-protected] rats fed soybean before lead intoxication. Group IIc: [soybean-treated] rats fed soybean after lead intoxication. Results demonstrated that accumulation of lead in soft tissues [liver, kidney and testis] was much greater in protective groups than curative ones. There was slightly significant increase in femoral bone mass density [BMD] in soybean protected group as compared with either soybean treated or casein protected group. Serum testosterone was slightly significantly increased in soybean treated group compared to soybean protected group but these levels of hormone do not reach to normal level. Serum LH hormone level was not changed between both groups. It can concluded that soybean diet ameliorate the bone and testis intoxicated with lead

Possible protection of vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid against early changes in alloxan diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic syndrome affecting carbohydrate, fat, protein and nucleic acid metabolism. The current study was undertaken to elucidate the possible role of vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid in combination as an antioxidant and a biological membrane stabilizer in the protection against early complication of diabetes. Administration of alloxan [125 mg/kg wt, i.p.] to rats resulted in hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia, increase in plasma levels of urea, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine, uric acid as well as pancreatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] and glutathione [GSH] content of both liver and retina. These changes were accompanied with significant decrease in plasma total protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF alpha], hepatic catalase activity [CAT], and TBARS level of both liver and retina as compared to control group. However, plasma levels of calcium ions [Ca+2] and nitric oxide [NO] as well as pancreatic GSH content were not changed. On the other hand, the daily treatment of the diabetic rats with antioxidant mixture attained a reduction in plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total lipids, urea, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, TNF alpha, pancreatic TBARS level as well as GSH content of both liver and retina. In contrast, the daily treatment caused an increase in plasma levels of insulin, total proteins, hepatic CAT activity and pancreatic GSH content as compared to diabetic rats. However, plasma levels of Ca+2 and NO as well as TBARS content of both liver and retina were not affected. In conclusion, it is obvious from the present study results that early stage [two weeks] of diabetes induce deteriorate changes in carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid metabolism accompanied with increasing of oxidative stress in pancreas as compared to both of liver and retina. Moreover, the data of present study indicated the effective role of vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid combination in combating the oxidative stress via its improvement to metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids in addition to its free radical-scavenging and antioxidant properties

Screening for beta-thalassaemia carriers in Egypt: significance of the osmotic fragility test

To estimate beta-thalassaemia carrier rate and to determine an accurate mass screening test, we tested 1000 randomly selected children aged 5-16 years from different geographical areas of Egypt. Microcytosis was present in 412 participants. The osmotic fragility test was positive in 81.1% of the 90 beta-thalassaemia carriers; in the indeterminate group [12 participants], the test was positive in 83.3%; in the 310 who were iron deficient, the test was positive in 63.9%. beta-thalassaemia carrier rate was >/= 9%. Serum iron, microcytosis, HbA2 level and transferrin saturation were accurate tests for detecting carriers. For the one-tube osmotic fragility test, sensitivity was 87.0% and specificity 34.1%; the test has limited use for a mass screening programme in Egypt, where iron deficiency is prevalent

potential effect of lactobacillus plantarum on health

The potential effect of Lactobacillus plantarum as a probiotic bacteria in controlling hypercholesterolaemia was studied. Lactobacillus plantarum was supplied in a single form or in mixture with Lactobacillus paracasei or other strains of bacteria. Rats consumed these microorganisms daily for 42 days. Eighty eight rats were divided into eleven homogeneous groups, each group consists of eight male albino rats, Sprague Dawley strain, weight ranged from [105-117.5 g]. All groups were fed on basal diet supplemented with high fat, high cholesterol [15% saturated fat + 1% cholesterol + 0.2% bile salt] except group [1] which fed on high fat only [15% saturated fat]. Results obtained revealed that the mixed groups had a significant decreasing effect on gain in body weight and feed intake/day higher than single groups. While they had a higher significant decreasing effect on total lipid, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol of serum and liver, also had a higher significant increasing effect on serum HDL-C than the single groups. These results indicate that Lactobacillus plantarum had a high significant decreasing effect and when mixed with the other strains to produce mixed groups [G8-G11]; increased their hypocholesterolaemia effect more than these strains in a single form [G4-G7]. It could be concluded that the supplementation with different probiotic bacteria as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei and other organisms to control hypercholesterolaemia, consequently, to avoid the risk of coronary heart disease

Carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in adult mice and potential protective role of honey

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on dietary and medical natural products that inhibit, reverse or retard diseases caused by oxidative and inflammatory process. Honey has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore the aim of the present work is to investigate the possible protective role of honey on carbon tetrachloride-treated mice, a model of liver injury. In chronic hepatotoxic mice, liver damage was studied by using some histological, histochemical methods and morphometric analysis. The experimental animals were divided into four groups treated as follows: Group [I] was kept as control; Group [2] was injected daily subcutaneously with carbon tetrachloride [CCL4] for 30 days; Group [3] was treated with CCL4 and honey at the same time for 30 days: Group [4] was given CCL4 for 30 days then stopped and was given honey for another 30 days. Cell shrinking, chromatin condensation, fatty infiltration, marked decrease in glycogen, fibrosis, and dilatation of central vein and blood sinusoid were observed in group [2] The observations of the present study provide evidence for apoptosis of hepatocytes in the necrotic zone. These changes were reduced when CCL4and honey were given simultaneously. In contrast, there was no improvement of hepatic changes when honey was given after withdrawal of CCL4. Based upon these results, honey may play a preventive and protective role in hepatic cellular injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and it is advisable to be given in patients with chronic liver diseases

Detection of the prevalence and pathogenicity of clostridium perfringens and clostridium spiroforme associated diarrhoea in rabbits [with 5 tables]

A total of 140 rectal swabs, 20 of apparently healthy, 80 diarrhoeic rabbits and 40 freshly dead and sacrificed diarrhoeic rabbits 6-8 weeks old collected from EI-Minia and Assiut provinces. Collected samples were examined bacteriologically for prevalence and pathogenicity of clostridia. According to morphological characters and biochemical reactions. The incidence of C.perfringens and C.spiroforme were 55 [39.30%] and 10 [7.14%] respectively. There was variation between the prevalence rate of clostridia according to their general healthy condition, where was 3 [15%] in apparently healthy, 32 [40] in diarrhoeic rabbits while was 30 [75%] in dead and slaughtered diarrhoeic rabbits. For toxogenic and non-toxogenic type of C-perfringens, the incidence of toxigenic type was 45 [81.82%] while was 10 [18.18%] for nontoxigenic type. ToxIgenic type revealed that type "E" was the most predominant [71.11%], followed by type "A", "D" and "B" were [15.56%], [8.89%] and [4.45%] respectively. The pathogencity test of the isolates revealed high mortality of infected rabbits with C.perfringens type "E" reached to [75%] and [37.5%] for type "A", while reached to [62.5%] for C.spiroforme. All dead infected rabbits showed profuse watery diarrhoea and die within few first days after onset. Postmortem examination showed a varying degree of inflammation and ulcerative lesions on mucosal surface of caecum, colon and ileum while internal organs were congested and sometimes necrotic foci in liver. Sensitivity test of Clostridial strains against some antibiotics in vitro showed that, Ampcillin, Norfloxacin and Chloramphenicol were highly effective, while the strains were resistance to Streptomycin and Gentamycin

Studies on pasteurella multocida and other bacterial pathogens associated with some problems in duck farms in Assiut governorate [with 2 tables and 8 figures]

Pasteurella multocida [P. multocida] and several bacterial agents associated with some problems in ducks were investigated in different governmental and private farms at Assiut Governorate. Samples were taken from different tissues showing pathological evidence of infection such as liver, heart, trachea, lungs and spleen as well as from blood. All samples were subjected for bacterial, mycoplasma and viral isolation. It was found that the total percentages of isolated bacteria were [51.7%], P. multocida [25%], E. coli [16.87%], Campylobacter jejuni [3.3%], and mixed infection with P. multocida and E. coli [6.7%]. On the other hand, all examined samples were negative for mycoplasma and viruses. Moreover, experimental infection was carried out with isolated P. multocida in two weeks old ducks. After 72 h of infection, samples were taken for both bacterial isolation and histopathological examination. P. multocida was also isolated from experimentally infected ducks. When they subjected to the in vitro sensitivity tests, it was shown that they were highly sensitive to gentamycin, norfloxacin and oxytetracyclin. Among examined tissues of experimentally-infected ducks, liver, heart, brains and lungs showed multiple pathological changes. Thus, the present study has shown the role of P. multocida as a causative agent of some problems in duck farms at Assiut Governorate and their sensitivity for some antibiotics

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in adult and elderly patients - General anesthesia vs subarachnoid or epidural analgesia

This study compared the effect of general anesthesia or regional vertebral analgesia [subarachnoid or epidural] on postoperative cognitive function in 60 young adult [group A] and 60 elderly [group E] patients undergoing orthopedic and urologic surgery. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised for cognitive functions assessment was done preoperatively, and post operatively; one day and three days after surgery. Variations in heart rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions, and pH as well as serum bicarbonate, sodium and potassium levels, were assessed at the same time intervals. They did not show any significant change from the preoperative levels. Cognitive functions, one and three days after surgery, did not change significantly in young adult patients after either general or regional vertebral nor in elderly patients who received regional vertebral, as compared with the preoperative levels. Only elderly patients who received general anesthesia had significant decline in cognitive function one day after surgery. It significantly improved on the third postoperative day but still was significantly less than the preoperative level. Moreover, significantly better WAIS-R Scores were found in the elderly group one and three days after spinal anesthesia than after general anesthesia. The results indicate that general anesthesia poses a significant risk for the occurrence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients that can persist for 3 day after surgery. Regional vertebral analgesia is advantageous over general anesthesia for elderly patients in terms of a better postoperative neuropsychological functioning