Loss of RAR-α and RXR-α and enhanced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced liver injury in mice is tissue factor dependent

Tissue factor (TF) activates the coagulation system and has an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Our previous study stated that retinoid receptors (RAR-α and RXR-α) are released as a lipid droplet in monocrotaline/ lipopolysaccharide-induced idiosyncratic liver toxicity in mice. Herein, the interdependence between the release of retinoid receptors RAR-α and RXR-α and TF in Nacetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced mice liver toxicity, is investigated. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level, platelet and white blood cells (WBCs) counts, protein expression of fibrin, TF, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3 in liver tissues are analyzed. In addition, histopathological evaluation and survival study are also performed. The results indicate that using of TF-antisense (TF-AS) deoxyoligonucleotide (ODN) injection (6 mg/kg), to block TF protein synthesis, significantly restores the elevated level of ALT and WBCs and corrects thrombocytopenia in mice injected with APAP. TF-AS prevents the peri-central overexpression of liver TF, fibrin, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3. The release of RXR-α and RAR-α droplets, in APAP treated sections, is inhibited upon treatment with TF-AS. In conclusion, the above findings designate that the released RXR-α and RAR-α in APAP liver toxicity is TF dependent. Additionally, the enhancement of cyclin D1 to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis can be prevented by blocking of TF protein synthesis.

Loss of RAR-α and RXR-α and enhanced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced liver injury in mice is tissue factor dependent

Tissue factor (TF) activates the coagulation system and has an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Our previous study stated that retinoid receptors (RAR-α and RXR-α) are released as a lipid droplet in monocrotaline/ lipopolysaccharide-induced idiosyncratic liver toxicity in mice. Herein, the interdependence between the release of retinoid receptors RAR-α and RXR-α and TF in Nacetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced mice liver toxicity, is investigated. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level, platelet and white blood cells (WBCs) counts, protein expression of fibrin, TF, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3 in liver tissues are analyzed. In addition, histopathological evaluation and survival study are also performed. The results indicate that using of TF-antisense (TF-AS) deoxyoligonucleotide (ODN) injection (6 mg/kg), to block TF protein synthesis, significantly restores the elevated level of ALT and WBCs and corrects thrombocytopenia in mice injected with APAP. TF-AS prevents the peri-central overexpression of liver TF, fibrin, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3. The release of RXR-α and RAR-α droplets, in APAP treated sections, is inhibited upon treatment with TF-AS. In conclusion, the above findings designate that the released RXR-α and RAR-α in APAP liver toxicity is TF dependent. Additionally, the enhancement of cyclin D1 to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis can be prevented by blocking of TF protein synthesis.

relationship between arteriovenous fistula competence and hemodialysis adequacy in hemodialysis patients

Background: A Functional vascular access is the lifeline, for hemodialysis patients. Having an effective vascular access is a major supporter for dialysis adequacy and patient well-being; it is a vital determinant of dialysis ampleness and has critical implications for mortality rates and morbidity outcomes. A working arteriovenous fistula [AVF] is a significant determinant of adequacy of hemodialysis; yet nonfunctional AVF scontributing for hospitalization in hemodialysis patients. Learning about the probable complications of AVFs should add to their time detection and allow measures to be taken that may avoid harmful outcomes. This study was to assess AVF abnormalities by duplex U.S and to evaluate the impact of these abnormalities on dialysis adequacy

Patients and methods:78 patients with end stage renal disease [ESRD] on regular HD had their AVF assessed by duplex U.S and were studied as regard dialysis adequacy [Kt/v]and residual renal function [RRF] and also subjected to full history taking, clinical examination with focusing on AVF physical examination

Results: There was a significant positive correlation between access blood flow [Qa] and Kt/v, this confirms the importance of well-functioning non stenotic AVF in delivering adequate dialysis. Our data confirm a significant positive correlation between diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hyperphosphatemia and AVF dysfunction.Thoug hour results showed no significant positive correlation between RRF decline and AVF dysfunction, the dual causal relationship between RRF decline and AVF stenosis might be existed

Role of ultrasound in assessment of joint pain among hemodialysis patients

Background: Few studies including limited number of patients assessed the rheumatologic effects of hemodialysis [HD] on joints using ultrasonography. Joint ultrasound has been emerged as a cheap noninvasive tool for assessment of joint pain among HD patients. This was the aim of our study to make use of such tool in such life quality threatening complaint

Objective: to determine the role of ultrasound in evaluation of joint pain and its causes among patients on regular HD

Patients and Methods: One hundred and four patients with end stage renal disease [ESRD] who were regular on HD three sessions per week four hours per session were subjected to history taking, complete physical examination stressing on musculoskeletal examination and ultrasonography of painful joints by a an ultrasonography expert

Results: Dialysis related arthropathy [DRA] was not the only cause of joint pain among HD patients but there were diverse causes in different joints. As regard affected joints, knee was the most affected one then came wrist, shoulder, ankle and elbow respectively. As regard causes of joint pain, DRA was the commonest one then came osteoarthritis, nonspecific ultrasonographic findings and few cases showed normal ultrasonographic studies

Conclusion: This study confirmed that joint pain in HD patients has diverse causes not DRA by necessity but other causes must be considered as well as multifactorial etiologies

Facile way for synthesis silver nanoparticles for obtaining antibacterial textile fabrics.

One pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with well-defined size using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as stabilizing agent and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as reducing agent was successfully performed. Preparation of AgNPs was carried out under a variety of conditions including concentrations of AgNPs, PVA and NaBH4. UV-vis spectra and TEM images were employed to characterize AgNPs obtained under the said different conditions. Physical and mechanical properties of cotton/polyester fabric treated with the synthesized silver nanoparticles were measured. SEM and EDX were used to scanning and observe the morphology and elemental change pertaining to fabric surface. Antibacterial activity against E. coli (Gm –ve bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gm +ve bacteria) were successfully examined against the treated and untreated fabrics.

Physical, Mechanical and Antimicrobial Evaluations of Physically Crosslinked PVA/Chitosan Hydrogels Containing Nanoparticles.

Chitosan/montmorillonite (MMT) and Poly vinyl Alcohol (PVA) / Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) nanocomposites were prepared and formed hydrogel membranes using freeze thawing technique. The properties of the prepared hydrogels were investigated and compared to hydrogel membranes in presence and absence of nanometals. The physical behavior, mechanical properties and antibacterial activity was examined. Also the surface morphology monitored using scanning electron microscope. Antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeast was also examined. The obtained results showed positive effect of nanometals especially AgNPs on swelling percent on the other hand tensile strength were combined by presence of MMT nanoparticles. The surface morphology showed homogenous images for all samples except samples containing MMT. All prepared samples containing nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity especially hydrogel membranes containing AgNPs.

Effect of occlusal reduction on post instrumentation pain in patients with acute irreversible pulpitis

Pain management in endodontics is of paramount importance for the clinicians. The objective of the present study was to compare pain reduction after instrumentation, in teeth with occlusal reduction and without occlusal reduction. This randomized control trial study was conducted at Outpatient Department of Operative Dentistry at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University [SZABMU], PIMS, Islamabad from February 2015 to January 2016. A total of 250 patients with irreversible pulpitis and normal periapical radiographic appearance of posterior teeth were included in the present study. After administration of local anesthesia, the root canals were instrumented, and an intracanal calcium hydroxide dressing was placed. The patients were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups by random allocation software. Group 1 included 125 patients whose occlusal surface was reduced while group 2 included 125patients with no occlusal reduction to be done .The patients were recalled after 24 hours, 2nd day and 3rd day to record their postoperative pain on the visual analogue scale[VAS]. The final outcome that is mean post instrumentation pain score was measured by using t-test at 6th day of post instrumentation. Results were statistically significant and showed that occlusal reduction plays an important role in reducing post-instrumentation pain in patients undergoing endodontic treatment of posterior teeth

Incidence of Post-septoplasty Bleeding in patients without Nasal Packing

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of post-septoplasty hemorrhage and hematoma formation in patients without anterior nasal packs

Design: A Retrospective Study

Setting: ENT Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Kingdom of Bahrain

Method: Fifty-one patients with a symptomatic deviation of nasal septum who had septoplasty with/without inferior turbinoplasty were included in the study from August 2008 to April 2015. Patients who underwent septoplasty combined with endoscopic sinus surgery were excluded. Septoplasty was performed without postoperative anterior nasal packing, and the patients were assessed for postoperative bleeding and hematoma formation. All patients were followed-up for 4 weeks

Result: Two [3.9%] patients had postoperative bleeding on the day of operation. Forty-nine [96.1%] patients had no nasal bleeding during the hospital stay and no patient had hemorrhage after discharge. No patients had septal hematoma during the follow-up period

Conclusion: Incidence of bleeding following septoplasty without anterior nasal packing is very low and nasal packing should not be routinely used for this procedure

Association between the polymorphisms of angiotensin converting enzyme [Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A] INDEL mutation [I/D] and Angiotensin II type I receptor [A1166C] and breast cancer among post menopausal Egyptian females

Renin-angiotensin system [RAS] is involved in the regulation of cardioascular homeostasis. Angiotesin [Ang II] is converted from angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE]. Ang II exerts it effects by binding to two types of receptors; AT[1]R and AT[2]R. Ang II effect on AT[1]R promotes proliferation angiogenesis and metastasis in breast tissues. ACE [I/D] polymorphism is an insertion/deletion of a 287 bp DNA fragment within intron 16 of ACE gene. A1166C is a single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] in the 3-UTR of AT[1]R gene. Both [D] and [C] alleles were found to be related to RAS overactivation. One hundred and twenty postmenopausal Egyptian females were included in the present study and were divided into control group [fifty apparently healthy women] and patients group [seventy breast cancer patients]. Detailed history taking was done with stress on age, family history, menstrual, obstetric, medical and drug history. Physical examination including body mass index calculation was done. Histopathological examination was done for tumor grading and staging. Detection of ACE gene [I/D] polymorphism by PCR and AT[1]R AT[1]66C SNP using PCR/RFLP were done

Pattern of Cervical Dysplasia among Women of Reproductive Age in Zaria; Northern Nigeria

Background : Cervical cancer is a preventable and the most common female genital tract cancer despite the availability of screening services for precancerous lesions of the cervix. This study aims to determine the prevalence of cervical dysplasia in women of reproductive age in Zaria.Methodology: A prospective study of 131 women of child bearing age attending the family planning and Gynaecology clinics in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital; Zaria - Nigeria were recruited for the study after obtaining their consent. Cervical samples were collected and subjected to pap staining and cytological examination by a pathologist and classified using the Bethesda System. The data were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Bivariate analysis was done and the level of significance was set at a P 0.05.Results: Cervical dysplasia prevalence of 7.0 was found out of which High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) was 2.3 (n

Pattern of Cervical Dysplasia among Women of Reproductive Age in Zaria; Northern Nigeria

Background : Cervical cancer is a preventable and the most common female genital tract cancer despite the availability of screening services for precancerous lesions of the cervix. This study aims to determine the prevalence of cervical dysplasia in women of reproductive age in Zaria. Methodology: A prospective study of 131 women of child bearing age attending the family planning and Gynaecology clinics in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital; Zaria - Nigeria were recruited for the study after obtaining their consent. Cervical samples were collected and subjected to pap staining and cytological examination by a pathologist and classified using the Bethesda System. The data were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Bivariate analysis was done and the level of significance was set at a P 0.05. Results: Cervical dysplasia prevalence of 7.0 was found out of which High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) was 2.3 (n

Association between helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune hypothyroidism in Egyptian population

Autoimmune hypothyroidism commonly affecting females is one of the commonest causes of thyroid disease in adults. Among the various autoantibody tests applied in research and clinical practice, the determination of thyroid microsomal antibodies [TPO] and thyroglobulin antibodies [TG Ab] still retains its strong value in the screening for thyroid autoimmunity. Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, MALT [Mucosa Associated lymphocyte T] Lymphoma and gastric cancer. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between H.pylori infection and autoimmune hypothyroidism in Egyptian population. This study was carried out on 147 Egyptian persons divided into 3 groups: Hypothyroid Group: Included 49 patients with autoimmune hypothyroidsm and positive antithyroid antibodies with no history of dyspeptic symptoms or peptic ulcer. H.pylori positive Group: Included 50 patients with dyspeptic symptoms or peptic ulcer with H.pylori positive antibodies with no history of any thyroid disease. Control Group: Included 48 apparently healthy persons serving as control. Serum Free T3, Free T4 and TSH were done for all subjects together with Antimicrosomal antibodies [TPO-Ab], Antithyroglobulin antibodies [TG-Ab] and Helicobacter Pylori antibodies [H. pylori Ab]. There was no significant difference between all groups as regards age. Also there was significant difference between Hypothyroid and H.pylori positive groups as regarding TSH and Free T3, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab and H. pylori Ab. There is also significant difference between Hypothyroid and control groups regarding TSH, free T3, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab, and H. pylori Ab. There is significant difference between H.pylori positive and control groups regarding FT3 and H. pylori AB. Hypothyroid Group was divided according to the presence of H. pylori Ab into ve and +ve H. pylori Ab subgroups. There was significant difference between the ve and +ve subgroups as regard TSH, free T4 and TG-Ab. H.pylori positive Group was divided according to the presence of TG Ab and TPO Ab into-ve and +ve subgroups. There was significant difference between the -ve and +ve cases in TSH, free T45 Free T3, and H.Pylori Antibody. Positive correlation was found between H pylori Ab titer and age, TSH, TG-Ab and TPO-Ab titers. There was also negative correlation between H. pylori Ab titer and free T4. There is no correlation between H. pylori Ab titer and free T3. [Correlation is referred to all subjects of the study = 147]. This study revealed that patients with positive TG and TPO antibodies, showed [+ve] H. pylori Ab, with significant high titer in their sera, The patients with positive H. Pylori Ab showed high serum titer of TG-Ab. In our study H. pylori-Ab correlates to thyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies

Correlation of ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin to BMI and treatment outcome in breast cancer patients

Body mass index [BMI] is an independent prognostic factor for survival in breast cancer patients. Patients with higher BMI were found to have poorer cancer prognosis and lower survival rates. Many factors as ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin, have been implicated in obesity but their correlation with breast carcinogenesis and treatment outcome is still a debate.To identify the relation of ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin with BMI in breast cancer patients and their possible role in carcinogenesis and treatment outcome. Sera from 80 breast cancer patients were analyzed. Ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin were assayed by commercial RIA kits, and their levels were correlated with BMI, clinicopathological parameters and relapse-free survival. The median duration of patients' follow-up was 32 months.73.7% of the cohort was overweight/obese. Compared to breast cancer patients with normal BMI, overweight/obese patients had a significantly higher tumor size and higher histological grade. Overweight/obese patients had higher leptin and lower ghrelin and adiponectin levels. Adiponectin was lower in patients with higher tumor grade and lymph node involvement, while ghrelin decreased with increasing tumor size and histological grade. Only serum ghrelin levels were significantly correlated to better disease-free survival.Ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin are significant factors in controlling BMI in breast cancer patients but only ghrelin is a significant predictor of better outcome and recurrence-free survival

Opportunistic parasitic infections among immunocompromised Egyptian patients

The commonest opportunistic parasites causing morbidity and/or mortality in the immuno-compromised subjects are mainly the gastro-intestinal ones. This study clarified the prevalence of the opportunistic parasites among a group of immuno-compromised patients selected from Al Azhar University Hospitals. One hundred immune compromised patients [GI] were divided into GIa: 40 malignancy patients. GIb: 30 with diabetes mellitus. GIc: 30 with chronic renal failure. GII: included 20 cross-matched healthy subjects as controls. Sheets were filled out on each subject including all personal and medical history. Both groups were subjected to stool and blood examinations for parasites. The results showed opportunistic parasites in 30% of patients and in 10% of healthy controls. The highest group had parasitosis was patients suffering from malignancy [18%]. The patients suffering from chronic renal failure or from diabetes mellitus were equally affected [6% each group]. There was significant relation between malignant patients and diabetic or chronic renal failure ones, but without significant relation between diabetic and chronic renal failure patients. Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite found in the patients [10%] of which 5% were among patients suffering from malignancy. Others were Cryptospotidim parvum [7%] Cyclospora cayetanensis [3%] and Microsporidia species [2%]. Mixed infection was detected in 2 cases that had C. parvum and Cyclospora. But, neither Isospora belli nor Strongyloides stercoralis were detected. Also, ELISA showed antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in sex patients but none against Leishmania d. infantum

Nitroglycerine improves cardiac functions during gynaecological laparoscopic surgery in patients with valvular heart disease, transesophageal echocardiographic study

Gynaecological laparoscopic surgery is being increasingly applied to a variety of operations. In patients with valvular heart disease, there may be a dangerous haemodynamic effects of both Trendelenburg position and abdominal gas insufflation in the form of increased regurgant flow with subsequent decrease in the ejection fraction. With the use of vasodilators [Nitroglycerine] this effect was improved to a great extent with the possibility that we can use the laparoscopic technique in valvular cardiac patients provided that the heart is compensated. We used transesophageal echocardiography [TEE] to monitor cardiac performance, gas embolism, and hemodynamic effects of positioning and pneumoperitoneum in 20 females complaining of regurgant valvular heart disease [mild to moderate mitral, tricusped, or aortic valve regurge], undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgical procedures.A four-chamber view was used continuously, except at predetermined intervals, when a complete TEE examination for cardiac function was performed. Other clinical variables recorded include systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure; heart rate [HR], pulse oximetric saturations; and end-tidal CO2. Baseline valvular incompetence was seen in 13 of the 16 patients when supine and asleep. After positioning for surgery and induction of pneumoperitoneum, TEE revealed valvular incompetence with regurgitation more pronounced from baseline in 15 of 16 patients. In one patient, gas entered the right atrium from the inferior vena cava, worsening tricuspid regurgitation. Nitroglycerine infusion 1-2 micro g/kg/min was started after abdominal insufflation to evaluate its effects on valvular dysfunction during pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position. Hemodynamic variables and ejection fraction were tested by using repeated-measures analysis of variance for significance [P<0.05]. Trendelenburg position resulted in insignificant increase in heart rate and decrease in mean arterial pressure. Pneumoperitoneum with Trendelenburg position resulted in significant increase in systolic and mean arterial pressure, with significant reduction in ejection fraction. The regurgant flow was significantly increased in all patients as detected by TEE. With the use of nitroglycerine infusion, significant improvement EF, with significant increase in heart rate. Using TEE, the regurgant flow was significantly decreased in all patients after nitroglycerine infusion. Laparoscopic gynaecologic surgical procedures can be performed in patients with mild to moderate valvular regurgitations. Nitroglycerine infusion can be of great help to decrease the regurgant flow which is increased due to both the Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum

comparative histological and ultrastructural study of the effect of hydrocortisone and prednisolone on the alveolar bone of rat offsprings

This work was carried out to investigate and compare between the defects of hydrocortisone and prednisolone on the developing alveolar bone of rat offspring, when therapeutic doses are administrated to the mothers during pregnancy. This was done to determine the safety profiles in using these glucocorticoides and this is by direct comparison with controls. From this study it was concluded that hydrocortisone is harmful if administered during pregnancy provided that it causes dangerous effects on the developing alveolar bone. So, it should be avoided completely during the pregnancy period. The alternate day prednisolone drug reduced the undesirable side effects on developing alveolar bone and should be replace the ordinary glucocorticoids if their use is a must

Abdominal aortic aneurysm: results of surgical treatment

Seventeen cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms were operated upon during a three years period [1985-1988]. Six patients were operated upon as emergency while eleven were managed electively. Mortality rate among the emergency group was 50% [three patients], only one of them died postoperatively Four of the emergency group presented with severe abdominal pain and shock, while two presented with a picture of internal hemorrhage. Mortality rate in the elective group was 9.1% [one patients], at the end of the operative procedure due to consumption coagulopathy. All AAA over 6 cm in diameter should be resected electively in spite of the absence of symptoms