effect of magnetized water treatment on someecological aspects of freshwater ostracodacyclocypria kinkaidia dobbin 1941

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of magnetized water treatment with in different intensities 500, 1000 and 1500 Gauss on some ecological aspects one' species of freshwater Ostracoda Cyclocypria kinkaidia Dobbin 1941, which important species in faun of aquatic habitats of Iraq. This species are considered a component of the food chain.The obtained results compared with these species which lived in the river [control]. These samples of Ostracodean animals were collected from Al - Habebia lake in Baghdad province by using the test sieve with mashed sized about 75um and zooplankton net with opening diameter about 25 cm and mesh sized 335 um.These species were exposed to three different intensities 500,1000 and 1500 Gauss magnetized water treatment under laboratory conditions, the resulting effects were compared with those obtained from a control experiment where the individuals kept in normal untreated water.Result of these experiments showed the indicated variation in the some physical and chemical characteristics of water.The present study showed non significant change in pH values, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids in the magnetized water. But increased these values was increased with increased intensity of magnetized water treated with 1500 Gauss intensity for Ostracodean animals where restrict this study.Dissolved oxygen concentration was signifi cantly increased intensity of magnetized water especially in treated water with 1500 Gauss intensity for Ostracodean animals comparated with untreated water. Nonsignificantly change in water temperature values with increased intensity of magnetized water comparrison with untreated water where those Ostracodean animals lived

Effect of magnetic water treatment on biology of ostracoda cyclocypris cruciata furtos 1935

Magnetic energy controls on a Sot of cosmic phenomena, as well known that the magnetic properties are not confined to iron and manganese, but a feature associated with all solids, liquid and gas, as well as all life.This research was conducted to identify the effect of magnetic water treatment in various intensity [500, 1000 and 1500] gauss in some aspects of life for the Iraqi fresh water ostracoda Cyclocypris cruciata Furtos 1935, which is an important component of the food chain in the waters.The samples of Ostracoda were collected from Al-Habebsa lake in Baghdad governerat by using sieve with mesh sized 75 micro m and zooplankton net with opening diameter about 25 cm and mesh size 335 micro m.Results were compared between the control animals that live in the natural waters with those treated with three different magnetic intensities. Research has shown a significant increase in the growth rate of the length and width of the shield for each male and female of the ostracoda with the increases in the intensity of magnetic water treatment, especially in 1500 Gauss.As well as, get a significant increase in the fertility of animals with the increases of magnetic intensity, also increase in the number of eggs and diameters per female treated compared with control.While sex ration didnet shows any differences between the control and water treated animals

Study of some physico-chemical characteristics of the Tigris river in the city of Baghdad

For the purpose of identifying the physical and chemical changes occurring in the Tigris River and the impact of the city of Baghdad on the river, three stations were selected along the city.The samples were collected monthly for one year to study some of the relevant variables [Air and water temperature, turbidity, pH, O2, BODS, electrical conductivity, total hardness and Ca,Mg hardness,TOC, PO4 and NO3].The results showed that Baghdad city have an impact in the following factors: Turbidity and BOD and TOC and PO4, while there was no effect is obvious in other factors

Foix-chavany-marie syndrome [anterior opercular syndrome] case report

Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome is a rare cortico-subcortical suprabulbar or pseudobulbar palsy of the lower cranial nerves 5, 7, 9, 10 and 12. This syndrome consists of anarthria, bilateralvolitional paresis of the facial, lingual, pharyngeal, and masticatory muscles bilaterally with preservation of the reflexive, emotional and autonomic innervations of the same muscles. We present the first case report in the Middle East of Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome

Fungi biodiversity in the freshwater environment of Iraq

The presence of aquatic fungi was studied in the Tigris river in Baghdad in two stations, The first in the surrounding area before Al-Kadhimiya City and the second at Al-Jadriyah bridge, in the winter and summer seasons during 2009-2010 and by means of 14 samples of the river, since been isolate and personification 21 species belonging to eight genera, five genera belong to Oomycetes and three types of fungi to Chytridiomycetes. The fungus Saprolegnia register the highest emergence of 50% followed by fungus Achlya 40%, while Dictuchus and Allomyces recorded the lowest emergence 0.5%

Demographic and clinical presentations of pediatric hydrocephalus in medical city

Hydrocephalus is distension of the ventricular system of the brain related to inadequate passage of cerebrospinal fluid from its points of production within the ventricular system to its points of absorption into the systemic circulation. To study the demographic and clinical presentations of pediatric hydrocephalus in medical city complex, Baghdad. This is a prospective study ,which was carried out on 100 children with a mean age +/- standard deviation [24.3 +/- 16.06]months and median 16 months, who were admitted to Children Welfare Teaching Hospital and neurosurgical department [Surgical Specialties Hospital] / Medical City complex, Baghdad in the period from April first 2009 to October first 2009. A specially designed questionnaires were used to aid the investigators in performing a family interview. General and neurological examinations, and investigations including neuroimaging studies were done. Of 100 patients,[62%]were males and [38%] were females, with male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Family history of congenital anomaly was positive in [26%] of patients, while hydrocephalus was positive in [14%]. Seventy-Two percent of patients had congenital hydrocephalus. Eighty-Seven percent of patients were full term. Fifty-Seven percent of patients were products of NVD ,while [43%] were products of CS,[2%] of them were emergency CS and [41%] were elective. The macrocephaly was diagnosed or noted at birth in [32%] of patients. The study showed that U/S finding of hydrocephalus was positive in [49%]. The majority of the patients had congenital hydrocephalus, but there was delay in the diagnosis of macrocephaly. Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis yield was low in this study. Family history of hydrocephalus and other neural tube defect was important to be elicited

Role of chromatography in identification and quality control of herbal drugs 1.HPTLC fingerprints of -Qurs-e-Kundur- a Unani compound formulation

The impending world is reliant on traditional medicine, and its recognition escalating at present as essential. In regulating the therapeutic efficacy of herbal drugs, standardization and quality control are the key factors. Organoleptic parameters are not much consistent in establishing the standards of herbal drugs, for which instrumental analysis of the drugs provides a more accurate picture regarding the qualitative and quantitative aspects of bioactive molecules, which are held liable for therapeutic action and is widely accepted in the quality assessment of herbal drugs. However, such work is lacking or at infantile stage. In this study, a comparative account of the HPTLC fingerprints of the ingredients and compound Unani formulation, Qurs-e-Kundur in methanolic extract as well as petroleum ether extract are given and discussed in detail

Standardization of a Compound Unani Herbal Formulation with Modern Techniques

With global realization that use of synthetic drugs is not safe in the long run, the medical fraternity at large is looking at alternatives from natural sources to combat diseases particularly those in which conventional modern system of medicine has little to offer. This realization on the one hand has increased demand for herbal drugs and on the other hand need for quality standardization of these drugs has increased. Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Hyderabad being engaged in multidisciplinary research in Unani Medicine, has taken up standardization of herbo-mineral drugs used in this system of medicine. One such drug Qurs-e-Luk which is widely used by the practitioners of this system in mobilizing and reducing body fat has been taken up for standardization by modern techniques, so as to ascertain its quality. The parameters which were carried out are pharmacognostic studies, physico-chemical parameters, High performance thin layer chromatography [HPTLC], microbial load, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and pesticidal residues revealing specific identities for the particular drug and to evaluate pharmacopoeial standards. Results suggest that the drug is safe for therapeutic use and its batch to batch identification for quality control is possible on the basis of these studies.

Angiotensin converting enzyme I/D polymorphism in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The deletion [D] allele of the angiotensin-I converting enzyme [ACE] is associated with higher ACE activity, it has been studied in various populations in relation lo hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus [DM] with contradictory results. The objective of this study was to determine the ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism, genotype distribution in Egyptian patients with type 2 DM and to evaluate the possible association of ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism with hypertension in diabetic patients. A total of 48 patients with type 2 DM, 23 of them had hypertension and 21 healthy subjects age and sex matched with the patients, as control group were included in this study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The frequency of DD genotype was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to controls [p=0.008]. The DD genotype [Vs DI and II genotypes] was associated with increased risk of diabetes [OR: 3.647, 95% CI: 1.235-10.773, p=0.016] and the D allele was more frequent in diabetic patients and was associated with increased risk of diabetes [OR: 3.939, 95% CI: 1.782-8.709, p<0.001]. No significant difference in genotype distribution or allele frequency was detected between diabetic patients with and without hypertension. We can conclude that a significant association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and type 2 DM is present in Egyptian patients and the D allele is associated with increased risk for type 2 DM

Association of lipoprotein- alpha with obesity in children and adolescents in district Swat

Studies have demonstrated that atherosclerosis has its silent beginning during childhood. Coronary artery disease, particularly when it presents early in adult life has been observed to have a familial tendency. Lipoprotein-alpha [Lp-alpha], has a strong genetic association and raised levels when combined with obesity increase the risk of premature coronay heart disease. Thus in adults, has emerged the possibility of preventing or delaying the coronary artery disease when appropriate measures are applied early in life. In our study, we assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its association with Lp-alpha in the child population of district Swat. The study was carried out in Saidu Teaching Hospital and Biochemistry Department, Saidu Medical College, Swat, from May to July 2007. Both boys and girls between 10-20 years of age were included. The prevalence of obesity was detected in 200 subjects by using body mass index. One hundred subjects were selected to compare the anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters of obese subjects with control group. Lp-alpha was measured in children of both the groups. The prevalence of obesity in adolescent boys was 6.7% and that in adolescent girls was 10%. The prevalence was higher in female subjects, compare to male subjects. Obese subjects had significantly higher weight, body mass index, blood pressure values and Lp-alpha levels as compared to control group. Lipoprotien-alpha level is higher in obese children and adolescents than in non-obese

Regional necrotizing fasciitis and its outcome

Necrotizing fasciitis, a devastating progressive destructive infection of subcutaneous tissue and fascia, is a surgical emergency with a high mortality and morbidity. To analyze the location of necrotizing fasciitis, mode of presentation, microbiological characteristics, comorbid conditions, morbidty and mortality, records were reviewed retrospectively of all ninety-five patients admitted with necrotizing fasciitis to the surgical intensive care unit of Hamad General Hospital between January 1995 and February 2005. Fifteen patients died [15.1%]. All patients had leucocytosis and fever on admission with a mean SOFA score varying from 8 to 10.3 according to the type of necrotizing fasciitis involved [Type 1 or 2] and the regions affected. All received aggressive fluid replacement therapy and all underwent debridement at least twice. The most common comorbid condition was Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 necrotizing fasciitis was common in gluteal, cervical and perineal regions; Type 2 was common in chest, axilla, leg and foot regions. Necrotizing fasciitis of the chest, axilla and gluteal regions had the highest mortality while necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia had the lowest mortality

Blood transfusion is associated with increase resource utilization and bacterial infection

To observe the association of blood transfusion and clinical outcome in cardiac surgery patients. Forty patients underwent cardiac surgery during a period of two months in a single institution. Coronary artery bypass surgery [CABG] was performed in 21 [52.5%] patients, Mitral valve replacement [MVR] in 15 [37.5%] patients, aortic valve replacement [AVR] in 2 [5%] patients and Atrial septal defect [ASD] was closed in 2 [5%] patients. The mean age of the patients were 41.7 +/- 18 years, 80% were male. Twenty five [62.5%] patients required blood transfusion. Transfusion group showed chest wound infection [7.5%], pulmonary oedema [12.5%] and shortness of breath [10%]. Total leukocyte count and platelets count were significantly lower in transfusion group. We conclude that blood transfusion is associated with increased rate of infection and pulmonary oedema, with high cost and resource utilization. Blood transfusion should be used with appropriate caution

study of chemokine receptor "CCXCR4" expression as an indicator for significant extramedullary organ infiltration in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

CXCR4 is a G-protein linked seven transmembrane spanning chemokine receptor that binds stromal cell-derived factor-1 [SDF-1]. CXCR4 plays a crucial role in the survival and trafficking of leukemia cells. Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] is a malignancy with the potential to infiltrate the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and brain. Such extramedullary presentation is important for understanding the biology of childhood ALL and also for developing new prognostic parameters. A potent mechanism in the trafficking of leukemia cells is in the interaction of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is expressed on ALL cells and its ligand stromal cell-derived factor-1 [SDF-1], produced by stromal cells in bone marrow and extramedullary organs. To evaluate the predictive value of high expression of CXCR4 receptor for extramedullary organ infiltration in childhood ALL. The study was conducted on 32 patients with newly diagnosed ALL and 15 healthy children as a control. The 32 studied patients were 18 males [56.3%] and 14 females [43.8%], age ranged from 1.7 years to 17 years, with a mean value of 6.18 +/- 4.38 years. Significant extramedullary organ infiltration was found in 8 patients [25%]. Flowcytometric analysis was used to measure CXCR4 expression on bone marrow lymphoblasts in ALL patients, and on normal peripheral blood lymphocytes in control subjects. CXCR4 expression was statistically significantly higher [p<0.001] in patients compared with control group CXCR4 expression with extramedullary organ infiltration [mean: 56.47 +/- 20.54], when compared with patients without significant extramedullary organ infiltration [mean: 20.58 +/- 7.42]. High expression of CXCR4 receptor has a predictive value for extramedullary organ infiltration in childhood ALL. Pharmacological agents affecting CXCR4 may have a potential therapeutic effect in the management and outcome of the disease

Left main disease - patient profile

Background: left main coronary artery [LMCA] disease is a potentially lethal disease that can be effectively treated if it is recognized early. The aim of our study was to define the demography of patients with left main disease among those undergoing angiography at our center

Methods: the profile of 180 patients, who were found to have left main disease out of a total of 1111 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography, was studied retrospectively. Obstructive left main disease was defined as >/= 50% diameter stenosis on angiogram. All patients having atheromatous involvement of left main coronary artery from plaques to total occlusion were included

Results: the overall incidence of left main disease was 16.2%, however, if only obtrusive lesion lesions were considered it was 4.5%. Mean age was 58.9 years. 41.6% [75] were smokers and 50% were hypertensive Diabetes is prevalent in the majority of this patient, being 67.2%, but the incidence of obstructive disease is not increased. Obstructive left main disease is seen in 34.7% among male smokers against 21.6% in nonsmokers

Conclusion: left main disease appears to be related to increasing age. Diabetes is the commonest prevalent risk factor in this patient population. Among male smokers obstructive left main disease prevalence is higher than nonsmokers

Management of ureterovaginal fistula

To evaluate the outcome of surgical management of uretero-vaginal fistula [UVF]. It was a descriptive study. Setting and Duration of study: The study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Chandka Medical College teaching Hospital and Almas Kidney and Lithotripsy Centre Larkana from February 1995 to November 2006. The criterion for selection of the patients and screening workup included complete history, clinical examination and investigations like complete blood count and biochemistry, ultrasound, intravenous urography and retrograde ureteric brash or ureterogram were performed to confirm the level of fistula and also to assess the function of affected kidney. The neo-ureterocystostomy was made with modified Lich Gregoir, Boari Ockeblade flap, Psoas hitch and endoscopic methods as deemed necessary. Our study included 20 cases. The ages of the patients ranged from 22 year to 45 years [average 36 years]. We used modified Lich George method, Boari Ockeblade flap, Psoas hitch method and internal stenting in 09[45%], 05[25%], 04[20%] and 02[10%] of cases respectively. The ureteric catheter or DJ stent were kept postoperatively in 06[30%] and 04[20%] cases respectively. Although all patients had no leakage after surgery; but 06[30%] cases developed transient urgency, frequency, dysuria and persistent pain. These were resolved with conservative treatment. The complications occurred in 4[20%] cases which were wound infection in 01[05%], recurrent urinary tract infection in 02[10%] cases and 01[5%] developed a small bladder capacity. There was no significant difference in outcome of different techniques, rather choice depends upon individual case and preference of surgeon. We conclude that modified Lich surgical procedure is simple, successful and quick method of treatment for repairing the cases of uretero-vaginal fistulae. We suggest bilateral ureteric catheterizations prior to difficult female pelvic and gynecological surgery to prevent such disaster

Effect of ventricular septal defect on the growth pattern of children

VSD is the most common cardiac malformation accounting for 25% of congenital heart disease. The VSDs are classified according to its haemodynamic effect into small, moderate and large. The VSD can affect the growth, which is defined as a progressive increase in size of the body as a whole or of its separate parts and can result in failure to thrive in affected patients. This study was done to demonstrate the effects of the VSD on weight, height and occiptofrontal circumference [OFC] of children as parameters of growth. This is a prospective study of 50 patients with isolated VSD done in welfare Teaching hospital and Ibn Al-Bitar cardiac center during the period from January to July 2005. The diagnosis of VSD was done by clinical picture and confirmed by echocardiographic examination to study the effect of malnutrition and other factors on the growth another 50 patients without VSD were included as control group. For each patient the growth parameters [weight, height and head circumference] were measured. The age of the patients with VSD ranged from [14 days to 14 years]. The male to female ratio was 1.1 to 1. In patients with VSD the weight of 20 patients [40%] were below 3rd centile in comparison with 3 patients in the control group and this is statistically significant [P<0.001], while the differences in the height of both groups was not statistically significant. The head circumference of 14 patients [28%] were below 2%, while, 3 patients [6%] only in control group and this difference was statistically significant [P<0.005]. The effect of VSD on the growth parameters depended on the size of the VSD. There was a significant effect of moderate and large VSD on both weight and head circumference while small VSD had no such effect. From this study, we conclude that the weight is the most sensitive parameter for studying the effect of VSD on the growth parameters. The patients with moderate VSD, should be managed as serious as large VSD because of its adverse effect on growth

Prognostic value of cardiac troponin I and left ventricular geometry in pediatric chronic hemodialysis: a one year follow up study

Increase in left ventricular mass index [LVMI] is associated with an increase in the incident risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events in chronic renal failure [CRF]. Cardiac troponin I [cTnl] has been shown to be specific for myocardial damage in chronic dialysis patients. To assess LVMI and cTnI in pediatric patients with CRF on chronic hemodialysis [HD] and to determine their relation to dialytic hypotensive episodes as well as mortality over a period of one year. A prospective follow up study was conducted on 30 pediatric patients with CRF on chronic regular HD with a mean age [10.3 +/- 3.04 years]. Cases were subjected to clinical evaluation, 2-D, M-mode, pulsed and color Doppler echocardiography. Calculation of left ventricular mass [LVM] and LVMI were done. Assessment of cTnI using one-step serum immunoassay test was performed. Cases were clinically followed up for 1 year for dialytic hypotensive episodes and mortality. LVMI was increased in 20 cases [66.7%]. Concentric hypertrophy was present in 13 patients and eccentric hypertrophy was detected in 7 patients. Another six cases had concentric remodeling. All cases were negative for cTnl. There was a statistically significant difference between CRF patients with LVH and those with normal LVM as regards pH, HCO3 and left ventricular posterior wall thickness [LVPW] [p<0.05]. A positive correlation markedly approaching significance was found between fractional shortening [FS] and body mass index [BMI] [r=0.35. p=0.05]. Mortality was 10% and hypotensive episodes occurred in 13.3% of the cases. The positive predictive value of LVMI to mortality was 28.6%, negative predictive value 95.7% with 81.5% specificity and 66.7 +/- sensitivity. Low FS was an excellent predictor of mortality in the studied cases with positive predictive value 100 +/- , and negative predictive value 96.4% with 100% specificity and 66.7% sensitivity. Normal cardiac Troponin I does not preclude cardiovascular risk in chronic hemodialysis patients. Increased LVMI and low FS are useful predictors of mortality in chronic pediatric hemodialysis patients

Thalassemia intermedia and prevalence of anti-hepatitis C antibodies and other hepatitis markers

This study aimed to find out the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies [anti-HCVAb] and hepatitis B virus [HBV] markers in children with TI and their relation with age, sex, the number of blood units transfused and ferritin level in addition to determining the infection's effects or liver functions. Twenty-eight patients [13 males and 15 females] suffering from TI with a mean age 11.7 +/- 4.9 years were compared with 15 healthy children of the same age and sex. Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, liver and kidney functions tests and ferritin level were done in addition to assessment of anti-hepatitis C antibodies [anti-HCVAb], hepatitis B surface antibodies [anti-HBcAb] by ELISA technique. In conclusion, HCV infection might be the cause of morbidity among the occasionally blood transfused thalassemia inter- media patients, even with their low rate of transfusion and even after the introduction of procedures to screen blood products for HCV. Egyptian blood donors should be effectively screened for anti-HCV and individuals who have a history of drug abuse should be deferred from donating the blood. This and stringent infection-control measures are necessary steps to limit the spread of HCV, HBV and perhaps other viruses to patients

Oral Lichen Planus

In this study twenty patients of clinically diagnosed oral lichen planus were analysed in respect to age. sex, patterns and associated disease. It was found more common in females in age group 01'3050 years. Mostly patients had classical bilateral lesions mostly on the buccal mucosa. Thyroiditis with generalized vitiligo was noted in one patient while diabetes was present in one patient.

Evaluation of the uncertainties in the 2-D technique for the breast cancer treatment using 3-D treatment planning system

Breast tangentiual irradiation is one of the most common treatment techniques used in most radiotherapy practice applied to this area. The difficulty with tangential fled irradiation to the breast or chest wall has always been in achieving a homogenous radio-therapeutic dose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the uncertainties in the breast tangential fields, which was calculated as a 2-D technique where the plan was produced by assessing dose distribution on te central axis slice only. This plan was then recalculated at a 3-D technique using the entire CT data set with the changes in the beam parameters to meet the requirements for 3-D technique. This study was performed by using the Advantage Radiation Therapy System [ARTS] treatment planning system. The two planning methods were compared using dose-volume histograms [DVH[s]] and isodose districbutions in the upper and lower slices. From the comparison, we concluded that a single-slice plan [2-D method] is unsatisfactory in providing sufficient information about the dose variation across the treatment volume and that ideally a 3-D plan with DVHs should be produced