Regenerative Strategies in Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Different Animal Models

BACKGROUND@#Peripheral nerve damage mainly resulted from traumatic or infectious causes; the main signs of a damaged nerve are the loss of sensory and/or motor functions. The injured nerve has limited regenerative capacity and is recovered by the body itself, the recovery process depends on the severity of damage to the nerve, nowadays the use of stem cells is one of the new and advanced methods for treatment of these problems.METHOD: Following our review, data are collected from different databases ‘‘Google scholar, Springer, Elsevier, Egyptian Knowledge Bank, and PubMed’’ using different keywords such as Peripheral nerve damage, Radial Nerve, Sciatic Nerve, Animals, Nerve regeneration, and Stem cell to investigate the different methods taken in consideration for regeneration of PNI.RESULT: This review contains tables illustrating all forms and types of regenerative medicine used in treatment of peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) including different types of stem cells ‘‘ adipose-derived stem cells, bone marrow stem cells, Human umbilical cord stem cells, embryonic stem cells’’ and their effect on re-constitution and functional recovery of the damaged nerve which evaluated by physical, histological, Immuno-histochemical, biochemical evaluation, and the review illuminated the best regenerative strategies help in rapid peripheral nerve regeneration in different animal models included horse, dog, cat, sheep, monkey, pig, mice and rat. @*CONCLUSION@#Old surgical attempts such as neurorrhaphy, autogenic nerve transplantation, and Schwann cell implantation have a limited power of recovery in cases of large nerve defects. Stem cell therapy including mesenchymal stromal cells has a high potential differentiation capacity to renew and form a new nerve and also restore its function.

Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of Pulicaria crispa (Forssk. ) Oliv. (Asteraceae)

Abstract Some plants of the genus Pulicaria have been used in traditional medicines for treating back pain and inflammation. They possess various bioactivities such as antipyretic, analgesic, and hepatoprotective. This study aimed to investigate the potential analgesic, antipyretic, anti- inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of Pulicaria crispa (P. crispa) extract (PCE). Analgesic activity was evaluated using the hot plate and acetic acid-induced writhing tests. Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using rectal temperature and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema methods, respectively. CCl4-intoxication was used for hepatoprotective activity. Also, liver histopathology was assessed. PCE, at 500 mg/kg, exhibited significant analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and bilirubin of CCl4-exposed rats reflects their liver injury. PCE significantly decreased the elevated liver markers. The hepatoprotective effect of PCE was confirmed, as it successfully reversed the altered levels of total protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) in the liver tissues of CCl4-exposed rats. Histopathological studies confirmed the hepatoprotective nature of PCE. Pretreatment of rats with PCE reduced the severity of CCl4-induced liver damage. These findings concluded that PCE possesses analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients in medical ICU: A single-center study

Aims Upper Gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation (MV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it aimed to study the incidence, predictors, and etiology of UGIB in critically ill patients under MV. Patients and Methods Three hundred and sixty critically ill patients were managed by mechanical ventilation. The patients were evaluated by complete clinical examination, APACHE II score, liver and kidney function tests, and abdominal ultrasound. In addition, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done for survived patients with UGIB during MV after weaning with a stable clinical condition for at least 48 hours. Results 41 patients (11.4 %) had UGIB; 15 patients (36.6%) survived and death occurred in 26 (63.4%). Upper endoscopy revealed large ulcers > 2 cm in the gastric antrum (n=1), multiple antral ulcers (n=2), large >2cm corporeal gastric ulcers (n=2) [all were Forrest Ib with oozing surface], bleeding small duodenal bulb ulcers < 2cm (n=1) [Forrest Ia with spurting], small ulcers in the lower esophagus with lower end esophagitis (n=2), black esophagus (n=1), ulcer on top of grade III oesophageal varices (n=2), severe portal hypertensive gastropathy (n=3), candida esophagitis and gastritis (n=1). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent variables of UGIB were elevated serum creatinine, APACHE II score >14, peak inspiratory pressure ≥ 30cmH2O, and prolonged aPTT. Conclusions : Mechanically ventilated patients had a high risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which the postulated parameters can predict for adequate prophylaxis.

Psychosocial consequences and reasons for illicit drug use among police officers in a northern Nigerian city: A mixed-method study

Harmful use of drugs is one of the principal risk factors affecting population health worldwide. Chronic use has been linked to medical, psychological and socioeconomic consequences. This study assessed the psychosocial consequences and reasons for illicit drug use among police officers in Kano, Nigeria. Using a mixed method of data collection, quantitative data was obtained from a cross-section of 275 officers using the Shortened Inventory of Problems-Drug Use (SIP­DU) and a pretested adapted questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 10 officers who used illicit drugs provided additional information. Almost half of the respondents (46.5%, n=128) were in their fourth decade of life with a mean age (±SD) of 35.1 ± 7.7 years. Over a quarter of the respondents (n=75) reported ever using illicit drugs, out of which 14.9% (n=41) were current users. Among the current drug users, 80.5% (n=33) attested to having money problems, 61.0% (n=25) agreed that they had spent too much money, and 56.1% (n=23) failed to do what was expected of them as a result of drug use and have hurt their family. Helping to stay awake and improving confidence were the major reasons (100%, n=41) for drug use mentioned by the respondents. The Nigerian Police Force should look into easing shifts and introducing stress-relieving activities. There is also the need to strengthen substance education and counselling and support officers with confidence issues, sleep disorders, and treat those with mood disorders.

Epidemiological distribution of primary central nervous system tumors in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia: a local registry from neuroscience-affiliated centers / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a major and growing global healthcare challenge. Western Saudi Arabia has an inconsistent data registry; therefore, the epidemiology of CNS tumors is unclear across the country. This study is aimed to assemble the epidemiological matrix of CNS tumors in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia. @*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed using clinical data obtained from 3 neuroscience centers in Western Saudi Arabia in the period 2014-2019. The sample size included 663 adult and pediatric cases from the local and expatriate populations diagnosed with CNS tumors. The distributions of age, sex, clinical presentation, tumor location, type of surgery, histological subtype, genetic characteristics, and recurrence rate were explored. @*RESULTS@#The analysis included 500 adult cases and 163 pediatric cases up to 18 years of age with a male-to-female ratio of 1.16. The mean age at diagnosis was 38.0±22.6 years. The supratentorium was the most common location (n=515, 77.7%). Most patients presented with headache (n=298, 44.9%), followed by a focal neurological deficit (19.9%). The most common primary CNS tumor was glioblastoma (n=234, 35.3%), followed by meningioma (n=100, 15.1%). The recurrence rate after surgery was estimated to be 40.9% among all CNS tumors. @*CONCLUSIONS@#This is the first tumor registry of Western Province of Saudi Arabia that describes the distribution of primary CNS tumors and highlights their epidemiological matrix. Several incidence trends in terms of histological type, age group, sex, location, and recurrence were determined, and some genetic characteristics were recognized.

Epidemiological distribution of primary central nervous system tumors in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia: a local registry from neuroscience-affiliated centers / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a major and growing global healthcare challenge. Western Saudi Arabia has an inconsistent data registry; therefore, the epidemiology of CNS tumors is unclear across the country. This study is aimed to assemble the epidemiological matrix of CNS tumors in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia. @*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed using clinical data obtained from 3 neuroscience centers in Western Saudi Arabia in the period 2014-2019. The sample size included 663 adult and pediatric cases from the local and expatriate populations diagnosed with CNS tumors. The distributions of age, sex, clinical presentation, tumor location, type of surgery, histological subtype, genetic characteristics, and recurrence rate were explored. @*RESULTS@#The analysis included 500 adult cases and 163 pediatric cases up to 18 years of age with a male-to-female ratio of 1.16. The mean age at diagnosis was 38.0±22.6 years. The supratentorium was the most common location (n=515, 77.7%). Most patients presented with headache (n=298, 44.9%), followed by a focal neurological deficit (19.9%). The most common primary CNS tumor was glioblastoma (n=234, 35.3%), followed by meningioma (n=100, 15.1%). The recurrence rate after surgery was estimated to be 40.9% among all CNS tumors. @*CONCLUSIONS@#This is the first tumor registry of Western Province of Saudi Arabia that describes the distribution of primary CNS tumors and highlights their epidemiological matrix. Several incidence trends in terms of histological type, age group, sex, location, and recurrence were determined, and some genetic characteristics were recognized.

Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Different Bioactive Fractions Present in Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Root Extract: An in-vitro Approach

Aimand Objectives:Boerhavia diffusa(B. diffusa) frequently known as punarnava is specifically used to replenish the body. The present work was designed to evaluate the scavenging potentialof its bioactive constituents. Materials and Methods:The different fractions ofB. diffusaroot methanolic extractwere examined for phenolic, flavonoids contents, DPPH free radical and Nitric oxide scavenging activities. Further antioxidant activity wasevaluated by ABTS free radical scavenging method and also from the reducing potential scavenging activity. The total phenolic content in different fractions by using various solvent like ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol were carried out to find the antioxidant activities. Results:The phenolic content was highest in ethanolic fraction that was significantly comparable with ascorbic acid. The flavonoid content was highest in ethanol fraction (41.93 ± 3.92 μg/mL) followed by n-butanol fraction (31.68 ± 1.72 μg/mL), then ethyl acetate fraction (29.67 ± 2.83 μg/mL) and least in chloroform fraction (16.91 ± 2.74 μg/mL). The ethanolic fraction of B. diffusaalso showed highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (101.29 ± 3.78) when compared with other fractions of same extract using different solvent phases. Moreover the nitric oxide scavenging activity of ethanolic fraction was maximum (82.31 ± 2.83) than different fractions. The ethanolic fraction also showed improved ABTS radical scavenging activity (81.73 ± 2.73 mg/mL) while chloroform fraction showed poor ABTS radical cation scavenging activity (29.51 ± 2.79 mg/mL). Conclusions:The study concludes that Boerhavia diffusa has rich and ample source of phenolic acid and flavonoids. Among all fractions the ethanolic has potent antioxidant activity, which shows its significance for a better novel approach.

A HPTLC Method for Determination of Anethole in Essential Oil, Methanolic Extract of Foeniculum vulgare and Commercial Herbal Products

A rapid and feasible method of HPTLC is standardized for quantification of anethole in essential oil’s extract and from herbal formulations of fennel seed. The developeddensitometric HPTLC method was performed to estimate the existence of anethole in the essential oil, extract and herbal formulations of fennel with the optimized concentration of hexane: Ethyl acetate (8:2%, v/v, mobile phase) on glass coated silica gel 60 F254plates (20 × 10 cm) scanned with the absorbance of λ260nm under densitometric condition. The Linearity of regressions revealed a satisfactory relationship between peak area and concentration of anethole in between the range of 100-600 ng/spot. This reliable method was validated as per the ICH guidelines to fulfill the necessary parameters such as accuracy and robustness. The amount of anethole in essential oil (0.098 ± 0.002%),extract (0.101 ± 0.004%)and three herbal formulations A (0.024 ± 0.004%), C (0.019 ± 0.002%) whileanethole is not detected in B formulations from fennel seed was completely estimated by the developed method. The standardized methods and its validation gave new insights of HPTLC based detection and quantification of anethole in other aromatic plants as well as in other pharmacological formulations

The Adverse Effect Reporting for the Most Commonly Used Antibiotics

Aim:Antibiotics save lives, but the excess use of antibiotics leads to more side effects. Patients benefit from medications but also complain about their adverse effects. This study aims to explore the reports of the adverse effects for the most commonly usedantibiotics in Saudi Arabia.Methodology:The Data regarding the adverse events reports were collected from The National Pharmacovigilance Centerin Saudi Arabia. The data include the major allergic reactions and gastrointestinal side effects for the most commonly used antibiotic classes.Results:The total number of allergic and gastrointestinal adverse effects in 2017 and 2018 for the included antibiotic drugs is 583 reports. The majority of the reports were for penicillin antibiotics (39.96) particularly Amoxicillin/Clavunate Conclusion:The most common adverse effects of antibiotics are allergic and gastrointestinal effects. It is important to report any adverse drug reactions either by health care providers or patients to the Saudi Pharmacovigilance Center

Impact of smoking on pathological features in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives: We sought to determine whether smokers with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) have tumors with more adverse pathological features than in nonsmokers and whether or not these are predictive of outcomes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 163 patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I–IVa OCSCC diagnosed between 2005 and 2015 and treated with curative intent. A pathological risk score (PRS) was calculated using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network adverse risk factors: positive margin, extracapsular extension of lymph node metastases, pT3 or pT4 primary, N2 or N3 nodal disease, perineural invasion, and lymphovascular space invasion. Multivariable models were constructed to determine the independent predictors of overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and PRS. Results: A total of 108 (66.26%) were smokers and 55 nonsmokers. Three-year actuarial OS and RFS were 62% and 68% in smokers and 81% and 69% in nonsmokers, respectively (P = 0.06 and P = 0.63). Smokers were more likely to have advanced disease stage and tumors with aggressive pathological features than nonsmokers. Smokers had significantly worse PRS (mean ± standard deviation; 2.38 ± 2.19, median; 2.00) than nonsmokers (0.89 ± 1.21, 0.00) (P < 0.001). Older age, higher PRS, and smoking status were independent predictors of OS. Smoking or PRS did not predict for worse RFS. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of PRS were smoking status and grade (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In patients with OCSCC, smokers have more aggressive disease as evidenced by more adverse pathological features than nonsmokers. Moreover, smoking is an independent predictor of OS but not RFS. The PRS is a significant predictor of OS and needs validation in the future studies

Literature Review on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Depression

Background: Among various psychiatric disorders, depression is one of the most frequently encountered intoday’s world. Depression confers a significant risk of recurrence in the subsequent years following the firstepisode. In order to deal this disorder, it is crucial to comprehend the pathogenesis and properly implement theavailable management options. Objectives: We intend to explore the pathogenesis and patho-physiology ofdepression and highlight the available methods to treat and manage this psychiatric disorder including bothpharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Methods: A review of relevant articles published from 1988 till date inEnglish language was done using the electronic databases of PubMed, Pico and, Google Scholar with presetkeywords. Conclusion: Depression is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that requires a multidimensionalapproach. The pathogenesis of depression comprises of 30-40% genetic contribution and about 60-70%environmental factors. Environmental factors include stressful life events at any point in an individual’s lifetimeand alter the stress response by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The patho-physiology of depressioninvolves altered brain structure and function in addition to modified levels of neurotransmitters. Serotonin andits precursor tryptophan are decreased in the brain in depression in addition to various changes incatecholamines i.e. dopamine and norepinephrine. The treatment of depression is recommended by acombination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy which has higher efficacy than either therapy alone. Thepreferred forms of psychotherapy include interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Themost commonly used pharmacotherapy include SSRIs, which are the most efficacious and tolerableantidepressants while other second generation antidepressants such as SNRI, TCA and MOA inhibitors,mirtazapine and trazodone are chosen on the basis of patient preference, cost, comorbidities and side effectprofile.

Impact of Aluminum Oxide and Silica Oxide Nanocomposite on Foodborne Pathogens in Chicken Fillets

Nanotechnology is an innovative technology for improving food quality and safety. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films containing nanoparticles against three foodborne pathogens. Design of the Study: *This study was designed using two nanoparticles i.e. (Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs), edible film (HPMC), and three foodborne pathogens i.e. Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Both nanoparticles were evaluated against foodborne pathogens as well applied in chicken fillets. Place and Duration: All experiments were done in the Food Technology Department, Benha University, Egypt; Nanomaterial Laboratory, Beni-Suef University, Egypt; and Agricultural Research Center, Egypt and were done within three months. Methodology: The preparation of edible films, the antimicrobial activity, mode of antimicrobial action, challenge study, and scanning electron microscopy had been carried out in different laboratories. As well the mechanical properties of the HPMC films were evaluated. Results: The results obtained from this study showed that the nanoparticles (~80 nm) at 80 ppm were active against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium compared with 20 and 40 ppm. The HPMC films including Al2O3-NPs were active against B. cereus than S. aureus and S. typhimurium, while the SiO2-NPs were more effective against S. typhimurium and B. cereus compared with S. aureus. In challenge studies, HPMC films including Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs at 80 ppm decreased the viability of the three-foodborne pathogens associated with chicken fillets stored at 4±1°C for 15 days, as compared with the control sample. HPMC films incorporated with nanoparticles inhibited the microbial population ~ 2-3 log10 CFU/cm2 over the chicken fillets during storage period. Conclusion: This work indicated that, HPMC films incorporated with Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs (~80 nm) at 80 ppm could be reduce the microbiological loads of the refrigerated chicken fillets.

Application of Quercus infectoria extract as a natural antimicrobial agent for chicken egg decontamination / Aplicación de un extracto de Quercus infectoria como agente antimicrobiano natural para la desinfección de huevos de gallina

Egg contamination with microbial pathogens is an enduring worldwide concern. Natural products are frequently recommended as ideal alternatives to substitute synthetic and chemical antimicrobials. Oak galls (Quercus infectoria) are aberrant growths on oak trees that have many medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. Q. infectoria extract (QIE) antimicrobial action was assessed against many microbial species, and used for eggshell decontamination. QIE antimicrobial activity was evidenced against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium and Candida albicans, using different assay methods. Disinfection of eggshell microbial contamination, by immersion in 1% QIE solution, sharply reduced total colony count, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae. E. coli and S. aureus were completely inhibited after 60min of immersion in QIE. QIE biochemical analysis revealed elevated contents of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The captured micrographs of S. aureus cells treated with QIE showed strong alterations in cell morphology; cells were entirely lysed and ruptured after 6h of treatment. QIE can be recommended as an effective and natural disinfectant for decontaminating eggshells from pathogenic microorganisms.

La contaminación de huevos con patógenos microbianos es un problema constante en todo el mundo. Con frecuencia se recomiendan diversos productos naturales como alternativas ideales para sustituir a los antimicrobianos sintéticos. Las agallas de roble (Quercus infectoria) son de crecimiento aberrante en los robles y tienen muchas aplicaciones medicinales y farmacéuticas. Se evaluó la acción antimicrobiana del extracto de Quercus infectoria (QIE) contra varias especies microbianas y también este se aplicó para la descontaminación de cáscaras de huevo. La actividad antimicrobiana del extracto de QIE se evidenció en relación con Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium y Candida albicans, utilizando diferentes métodos de ensayo. La inmersión de las cáscaras de huevo en extracto de QIE al 1% logró una fuerte reducción del recuento total de colonias, de levaduras y de mohos, y de miembros de Enterobacteriaceae. La inmersión durante 60 min inhibió completamente el desarrollo de E. coli y S. aureus. El análisis bioquímico del extracto de QIE reveló que este tiene un contenido elevado de compuestos fenólicos y de flavonoides. Se documentó mediante micrografías la presencia de grandes alteraciones en la morfología celular de S. aureus tras la exposición al extracto de QIE: las células se lisaron completamente y se rompieron después de 6h de tratamiento. El extracto de QIE se puede recomendar como un desinfectante eficaz y natural para descontaminar cáscaras de huevos de microorganismos patógenos.

Traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in the Sudan : A review

The prevalence of metabolic disorders such as diabetes among population is of increasing concern worldwide. Sudan is a developing country, where several areas frequently depend on folk medicine. Several herbal preparations have been used in folklore practice in Sudan for the management of diabetes with claims asserting their hypoglycemic effect. Basic research relating to these plants are reviewed in this paper with the intention to highlight their therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes and promote their regular use in Sudan. Ethnobotanical information was obtained by an assessment of the available literature in electronic data bases with publications describing the medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes. In this review paper, different parts of 38 plant species, are described that are used in the Sudanese traditional medicine and belong to 35 genera and 23 families. Thirty three plants have been documented in scientific literature to possess in vivo antidiabetic activity and only one was ineffective in lowering blood glucose level, namely Striga hermonthica. Many of the plants in the study review have been studied in in vitro models (such as α-amylase or α-glucosidase inhibition) in an effort to explain some of their biomedical interaction. The role of isolated bioactive compounds like trigonelline and 3, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in diabetes management is also evaluated in the present review. Ten plants original from Sudan have been already used in clinical trials for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This review provides useful information on the characterization of such herbal medicines that are utilized in the Sudanese traditional medicine for the control of metabolic syndromes such as diabetes

Dehydroepiandrosterone and Erectile Function: A Review

To review the contemporary knowledge regarding the dehydroepiandrosterone and erectile function. Medline was reviewed for English-language journal articles spanning the time between January 1990 and December 2017, using the terms ‘erectile function’, ‘dehydroepiandrosterone’. We used original articles and review articles that found to be relevant to the purpose of this review. Criteria included all pertinent review articles, randomized controlled trials with tight methodological design, cohort studies and retrospective analyses. We also manually revised references from selected articles. Several interesting studies have addressed the age-related decline in dehydroepiandrosterone levels with many age-related phenomena or deterioration in various physiological functions. Particularly, aging; neurological functions including decreased well-being, cognition, and memory; increased depression, decreased bone mineral density, obesity, diabetes, increased cardiovascular morbidity, erectile dysfunction (ED), and decreased libido. Supporting this result, some trials of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in healthy, middle-aged, and elderly subjects have reported improvements in different aspects of well-being. Several studies had demonstrated that dehydroepiandrosterone level is declined as a part of aging. Large-scale well-designed prospective studies are warranted to better define indications and therapeutic implications of dehydroepiandrosterone in men with ED.

Induction and enhancement of the novel marine-derived Alternaria tenuissima KM651985 laccase enzyme using response surface methodology: Application to Azo and Triphenylmethane dyes decolorization.

In our search for a laccase producer from unconventional sources, the marine derived fungus Alternaria tenuissima KM651985 was isolated from decayed wood. It was identified on the basis of morphological and molecular taxonomy and got the Genbank accession number KM651985. Two statistical experimental designs were employed to enhance laccase production. At first, a two level Plackett-Burman design was employed to screen the medium constituents and inducers that significantly affect the enzyme production. Second experiment was important for optimization of the most effective constituents and inducers using central composite design. Applying the above methods revealed that guaiacol (2 mM), copper sulphate (3 mM) and wheat bran (46.82 g/l) were the most effective factors affecting laccase production. A maximal enzyme activity of 91.84 U/ml was more than 6.33-folds the activity obtained using the basal medium. Application of A. tenuissima KM651985 culture medium containing laccase to decolorize two structurally different synthetic dyes was done successfully. This is the first report on the statistical optimization of the marine-derived A. tenuissima KM651985 laccase enzyme and its applications for dyes decolorization.

Pulse-induced Continuous Cardiac Output Monitor versus Trans-esophageal Doppler Monitor for Optimization of Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery. A Comparative Study.

Background: Perioperative fluid management is essential to the practice of anaesthesia. Outcomes may be improved if fluid therapy is individualized according to the patient's fluid responsiveness. Pulse-induced continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitor is an invasive device that quantifies several parameters, including cardiac output (CO), stroke volume variation (SVV) and extravascular lung water (EVLW). Trans-oesophageal Doppler monitoring (TED) is another minimally invasive form and has the benefit of providing beat to beat analysis. Aim of Work: We designed this prospective, randomized comparative study to evaluate the use of PiCCO monitor from the fluid and haemodynamic point of view in comparison to TED monitor in order to maintain an adequate circulatory volume ensuring end-organ perfusion and oxygen delivery. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on 72 patients of either sex (ASA I-II), undergoing major abdominal surgery. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; PiCCO group (n=36); where fluid management was guided by SVV & colloid boluses were given to maintain SVV below 10% and TED group (n=36); where fluid management was guided by (systolic flow time corrected for heart rate) (FTc) & colloid was infused when the (FTc) ˂ 0.35 second, the fluid challenge would be repeated until FTc raised ˃ 0.40 second with no change in SV. Laboratory parameters of organ hypoperfusion in perioperative period were recorded as well as the number of postoperative complications, mortality and length of ICU stay. Results: PiCCO group received more intraoperative colloids (P=0.001) and had lower incidence of hypotensive events (P=0.001). Postoperative lactate levels were lower in PiCCO group (P=0.04). PiCCO group showed fewer numbers of patients developed complications & overall number of postoperative complications (P=0.01). It also showed shorter duration of ICU length of stay (P=0.01). No mortality was recorded in both groups. Conclusions: During major abdominal surgery; intraoperative fluid optimization using PiCCO monitor showed more haemodynamic stability and was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications, organ dysfunction and infectious complications with a tendency to decrease the ICU length of stay in comparison to TED monitor.

Applications of Plackett-Burman and Central Composite Design for the Optimization of Novel Brevundimonas diminuta KT277492 Chitinase Production, Investigation of its Antifungal Activity

ABSTRACT Biological control strategy which can damage chitin, a vital component of pathogenic fungi and arthropods promises a safe solution for many fungal problems. And it's more favorable than chemicals which increase health risks and environmental problems. Thus, the chitinase producers appear potential candidates of biological control of pathogenic fungi. Brevundimonus diminuta KT277492 is a new isolate that has been isolated recently from Egyptian soil. Significant factors that affecting the chitinase enzyme production were studied and optimized using Plackett-Burman and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). As a result, maximum production of chitinase enzyme was 832.87 IUL-1, this result presented about 8.767-fold increase in the enzyme production. In the last phase of the study, partially purified chitinase enzyme obtained from B. diminuta KT277492 was tested against two pathogenic fungi and the results showed good inhibitory activity against A. alternata and F. solani with IZD of 31±0.25 and 25±0.91 mm respectively. Finally, obtained results indicated the value of optimization process and the optimized chitinase enzyme could be an excellent choice in application of food and biotechnology as a biofungicide. This reflects the necessity of studying the characteristics and kinetics of the enzyme in the forthcoming study.

Assessment of picture archiving and communication system [PACS] at three of ministry of health hospitals in Riyadh region - content analysis

Background: Picture archiving and communication system [PACS] are management information systems used for distributing, viewing and archiving digital images by integrating different types of modalities through communication networks. PACS have many advantages that can lead to improving health care quality. PACS has been widely used in hospitals in Saudi Arabia for the past 10 years. However, an extensive review of literature in the field of PACS, among physicians and radiologists in Saudi Arabia, showed lack of local studies of this costly and newly implemented technology. Therefore, this assessment is very important to provide an insightful study of PACS in Saudi Arabia to provide proper recommendations for the PACS projects implementation nationwide

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to, firstly, assess the perceived benefits of PACS among physicians and radiologists specifically in quality of care, secondly, assess the perceived challenges of PACS implementation and adoption inside and outside the radiology department, and thirdly, to compare between physicians' and radiologists' perceptions toward PACS

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study at three of Ministry of Health [MOH] Hospitals in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. The researchers used two separate surveys questionnaires, for administration to the physicians and radiologists at the three hospitals. Apart from the questionnaire, included is feedback as responses to open-ended questions. Content analysis was used to analyze the feedback under two themes: benefits or challenges

Results: The response rate was 46% [84/183] physicians and 88% [15/17] radiologists have participated in this study. The result showed that 70% physicians' views affirms that PACS improved physicians' efficiency. On the other hand, all radiologists who responded affirmed that PACS improved efficiency. For questions on the ability to make decisions, 69% of views have affirmed that PACS improved physician's abilities to make decisions regarding patient care. Using PACS has led to a reduction in patients' length of stay in hospital [LOS] question, 79% of total views were positive. In contrast, only 18% of physicians talked about PACS positively in summary views and 82% talked about the challenges of PACS whereas 20% of radiologists talked about PACS positively

Conclusions: The results in the present study conclude that PACS was well perceived due to its numerous benefits among physicians and radiologists. However, radiologists showed more focus on the benefits of PACS than physicians. The main disadvantages are that PACS has resulted in difficulty in finding images, recurrent downtime and insufficient training