Association of blood groups/Rh and diabetes mellitus in Karachi city, Pakistan

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to find out a possible association between ABO blood groups or Rh and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the local population of eight (8) different towns of Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose a survey was carried out in Karachi to have a practical observation of these towns during the period of 9 months from June 2019 to Feb. 2020. Out of eighteen (18) towns of Karachi, samples (N= 584) were collected from only eight (8) Towns of Karachi and gave a code-number to each town. Diabetic group sample was (n1=432) & pre-diabetes sample was (n2 =152). A standard Abbot Company Glucometer for Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests, standard blood anti sera were used for ABO/Rh blood type. Health assessment techniques were performed ethically by taking informed consent from all registered subjects. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. In our current study, the comparison of ABO blood groups frequencies between diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals were carried out. The percentage values of blood Group-B as given as: (32% in DM vs. 31% in pre-diabetics), followed by blood Group-O as: (18% in DM vs. 11% in pre-diabetics). Contrary to Group-B & O, blood Group-A and Group-AB were distribution percentage higher pre-diabetic as compared to DM patients, as given as: Group-A (32% in pre-diabetics vs. 26% in DM) & Group-AB (26% in pre-diabetics vs. 24% in diabetics patients). In addition, percentage distribution of Rh system was also calculated, in which Rh+ve Group was high and more common in DM patients as compared to pre-diabetics; numerically given as: Rh+ve Group (80% in DM vs. 72% in pre-diabetics). Different views and dimensions of the research topic were studied through literature support, some have found no any association and some established a positive association still some were not clear in making a solid conclusion. It is concluded that DM has a positive correlation with ABO blood groups, and people with Group-B have increased susceptibility to DM disease.

Resumo O objetivo principal deste estudo foi descobrir uma possível associação entre grupos sanguíneos ABO ou Rh e diabetes mellitus (DM) na população local de oito (8) diferentes cidades de Karachi, Paquistão. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento em Karachi para observação prática dessas cidades durante o período de 9 meses de junho de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020.De dezoito (18) cidades de Karachi, as amostras (N = 584) foram coletadas de apenas oito (8) cidades de Karachi e deram um número-código para cada cidade. A amostra do grupo de diabéticos foi (n1 = 432) e a amostra de pré-diabetes foi (n2 = 152). Um glicômetro padrão da Abbot Company para testes de açúcar no sangue aleatório (RBS) e açúcar no sangue em jejum (FBS), antissoros de sangue padrão foram usados para o tipo de sangue ABO / Rh. As técnicas de avaliação de saúde foram realizadas de forma ética, tomando o consentimento informado de todos os indivíduos registrados. Finalmente, os dados foram analisados pelo SPSS versão 20.0.No presente estudo, foi realizada a comparação das frequências dos grupos sanguíneos ABO entre diabéticos e pré-diabéticos. Os valores percentuais do sangue do Grupo-B são dados como: (32% em DM vs. 31% em pré-diabéticos), seguido pelo sangue do Grupo-O como: (18% em DM vs. 11% em pré-diabéticos). Ao contrário dos Grupos B e O, sangue do Grupo-A e Grupo-AB tiveram distribuição percentual maior de pré-diabéticos em comparação com pacientes com DM, dado como: Grupo-A (32% em pré-diabéticos vs. 26% em DM) e Grupo AB (26% em pré-diabéticos vs. 24% em pacientes diabéticos). Além disso, também foi calculada a distribuição percentual do sistema Rh, no qual o Grupo Rh + ve foi elevado e mais comum em pacientes com DM em comparação aos pré-diabéticos; dados numericamente como: Grupo Rh + ve (80% em DM vs. 72% em pré-diabéticos). Diferentes visões e dimensões do tema de pesquisa foram estudadas com o suporte da literatura, alguns não encontraram nenhuma associação e alguns estabeleceram uma associação positiva, embora alguns não estivessem claros em fazer uma conclusão sólida. Conclui-se que o DM tem correlação positiva com os grupos sanguíneos ABO, e as pessoas com o Grupo B têm maior suscetibilidade à doença DM.

Association of blood groups/Rh and diabetes mellitus in Karachi city, Pakistan / Associação de grupos sanguíneos/Rh e diabetes mellitus na cidade de Karchi, Paquistão

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to find out a possible association between ABO blood groups or Rh and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the local population of eight (8) different towns of Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose a survey was carried out in Karachi to have a practical observation of these towns during the period of 9 months from June 2019 to Feb. 2020. Out of eighteen (18) towns of Karachi, samples (N= 584) were collected from only eight (8) Towns of Karachi and gave a code-number to each town. Diabetic group sample was (n1=432) & pre-diabetes sample was (n2 =152). A standard Abbot Company Glucometer for Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests, standard blood anti sera were used for ABO/Rh blood type. Health assessment techniques were performed ethically by taking informed consent from all registered subjects. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. In our current study, the comparison of ABO blood groups frequencies between diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals were carried out. The percentage values of blood Group-B as given as: (32% in DM vs. 31% in pre-diabetics), followed by blood Group-O as: (18% in DM vs. 11% in pre-diabetics). Contrary to Group-"B" & "O", blood Group-A and Group-AB were distribution percentage higher pre-diabetic as compared to DM patients, as given as: Group-A (32% in pre-diabetics vs. 26% in DM) & Group-AB (26% in pre-diabetics vs. 24% in diabetic's patients). In addition, percentage distribution of Rh system was also calculated, in which Rh+ve Group was high and more common in DM patients as compared to pre-diabetics; numerically given as: Rh+ve Group (80% in DM vs. 72% in pre-diabetics). Different views and dimensions of the research topic were studied through literature support, some have found no any association and some established a positive association still some were not clear in making a solid conclusion. It is concluded that DM has a positive correlation with ABO blood groups, and people with Group-B have increased susceptibility to DM disease.

Resumo O objetivo principal deste estudo foi descobrir uma possível associação entre grupos sanguíneos ABO ou Rh e diabetes mellitus (DM) na população local de oito (8) diferentes cidades de Karachi, Paquistão. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento em Karachi para observação prática dessas cidades durante o período de 9 meses de junho de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020.De dezoito (18) cidades de Karachi, as amostras (N = 584) foram coletadas de apenas oito (8) cidades de Karachi e deram um número-código para cada cidade. A amostra do grupo de diabéticos foi (n1 = 432) e a amostra de pré-diabetes foi (n2 = 152). Um glicômetro padrão da Abbot Company para testes de açúcar no sangue aleatório (RBS) e açúcar no sangue em jejum (FBS), antissoros de sangue padrão foram usados ​​para o tipo de sangue ABO / Rh. As técnicas de avaliação de saúde foram realizadas de forma ética, tomando o consentimento informado de todos os indivíduos registrados. Finalmente, os dados foram analisados ​​pelo SPSS versão 20.0.No presente estudo, foi realizada a comparação das frequências dos grupos sanguíneos ABO entre diabéticos e pré-diabéticos. Os valores percentuais do sangue do Grupo-B são dados como: (32% em DM vs. 31% em pré-diabéticos), seguido pelo sangue do Grupo-O como: (18% em DM vs. 11% em pré-diabéticos). Ao contrário dos Grupos "B" e "O", sangue do Grupo-A e Grupo-AB tiveram distribuição percentual maior de pré-diabéticos em comparação com pacientes com DM, dado como: Grupo-A (32% em pré-diabéticos vs. 26% em DM) e Grupo AB (26% em pré-diabéticos vs. 24% em pacientes diabéticos). Além disso, também foi calculada a distribuição percentual do sistema Rh, no qual o Grupo Rh + ve foi elevado e mais comum em pacientes com DM em comparação aos pré-diabéticos; dados numericamente como: Grupo Rh + ve (80% em DM vs. 72% em pré-diabéticos). Diferentes visões e dimensões do tema de pesquisa foram estudadas com o suporte da literatura, alguns não encontraram nenhuma associação e alguns estabeleceram uma associação positiva, embora alguns não estivessem claros em fazer uma conclusão sólida. Conclui-se que o DM tem correlação positiva com os grupos sanguíneos ABO, e as pessoas com o Grupo B têm maior suscetibilidade à doença DM.

Optimized biotransformation of acid-treated water melon peel hydrolyzate into ethanol / Biotransformação otimizada de hidrolisado de casca de melancia tratada com ácido em etanol

Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Hoje, o foco global da pesquisa é explorar a solução da crise energética e da poluição ambiental. Como em outros países agrícolas, grandes quantidades de cascas de melancia (WMP) são descartadas como resíduos no meio ambiente no Paquistão, mas a gestão adequada desses resíduos é a mais recente solução para salvar o meio ambiente da poluição. O trabalho enfatiza o papel das leveduras etanologênicas para utilizar açúcares significativos presentes no WMP para fermentação de bioetanol de baixo custo. A hidrólise de ácido clorídrico diluído de WMP foi realizada em condições otimizadas empregando RSM (metodologia de superfície de resposta) e seguindo o projeto de composto central (CCD). Este projeto experimental é baseado na otimização da etanologenesis envolvendo alguns parâmetros independentes importantes, como hidrolisado de WMP e razão de meio sintético (X1), temperatura de incubação (X2) e temperatura de incubação (X3) para rendimento máximo de etanol explorando o padrão (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) também como leveduras experimentais (Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34). Os resultados revelaram que os rendimentos máximos de etanol obtidos a partir de S. cerevisiae K7 foi de 0,36 ± 0,02 g / g de açúcares redutores, enquanto M. cibodasensis Y34 rendeu 0,40 ± 0,01 g de etanol / g de açúcares redutores. O isolado de levedura M. cibodasensis Y34 apareceu como um etanologeno promissor e incorpora um potencial prospectivo para a valorização fermentativa de WMP em bioetanol.

Persistent organic pollutants distribution in plasma lipoprotein fractions / Distribuição persistente de poluentes orgânicos em frações de lipoproteínas plasmáticas

This study determines the associations among serum lipid profiles, risk of cardiovascular disease, and persistent organic pollutants. Using Gas chromatography technique, the intensity of toxic pollutant residues in serum samples of Hypertensive patients were measured. Based on statistical analysis, the effects of different covariates namely pesticides, age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile duration was checked using the logistic regression model. Statistical computation was performed on SPSS 22.0. The P-values of F-Statistic for each lipid profile class are greater than 0.01 (1%), therefore we cannot reject the null hypothesis for all cases. The estimated coefficients, their standard errors, Wald Statistic, and odds ratio of the binary logistic regression model for different lipid profile parameters indicate if pesticides increase then the logit value of different lipid profile parameters changes from -0.46 to -0.246 except LDL which increases by 0.135. The study reports a significantly increased threat of cardiovascular disease with increased concentrations of toxic pollutants.

Este estudo determina as associações entre o perfil lipídico sérico, o risco de doença cardiovascular e os poluentes orgânicos persistentes. Por meio da técnica de cromatografia gasosa, mediu-se a intensidade dos resíduos de poluentes tóxicos em amostras de soro de pacientes hipertensos. Com base na análise estatística, os efeitos de diferentes covariáveis – ou seja, pesticidas, idade, pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica e duração do perfil lipídico – foram verificados usando o modelo de regressão logística. O cálculo estatístico foi realizado no SPSS 22.0. Os valores P da estatística F para cada classe de perfil lipídico são maiores que 0,01 (1%), portanto não podemos rejeitar a hipótese nula para todos os casos. Os coeficientes estimados, seus erros padrão, estatística de Wald e odds ratio do modelo de regressão logística binária para diferentes parâmetros do perfil lipídico indicam se os pesticidas aumentam, então o valor logit de diferentes parâmetros do perfil lipídico muda de -0,46 para -0,246, exceto LDL, que aumenta em 0,135. O estudo relata um aumento significativo da ameaça de doença cardiovascular com aumento das concentrações de poluentes tóxicos.

Optimized biotransformation of acid-treated water melon peel hydrolyzate into ethanol

Abstract Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Resumo Hoje, o foco global da pesquisa é explorar a solução da crise energética e da poluição ambiental. Como em outros países agrícolas, grandes quantidades de cascas de melancia (WMP) são descartadas como resíduos no meio ambiente no Paquistão, mas a gestão adequada desses resíduos é a mais recente solução para salvar o meio ambiente da poluição. O trabalho enfatiza o papel das leveduras etanologênicas para utilizar açúcares significativos presentes no WMP para fermentação de bioetanol de baixo custo. A hidrólise de ácido clorídrico diluído de WMP foi realizada em condições otimizadas empregando RSM (metodologia de superfície de resposta) e seguindo o projeto de composto central (CCD). Este projeto experimental é baseado na otimização da etanologenesis envolvendo alguns parâmetros independentes importantes, como hidrolisado de WMP e razão de meio sintético (X1), temperatura de incubação (X2) e temperatura de incubação (X3) para rendimento máximo de etanol explorando o padrão (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) também como leveduras experimentais (Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34). Os resultados revelaram que os rendimentos máximos de etanol obtidos a partir de S. cerevisiae K7 foi de 0,36 ± 0,02 g / g de açúcares redutores, enquanto M. cibodasensis Y34 rendeu 0,40 ± 0,01 g de etanol / g de açúcares redutores. O isolado de levedura M. cibodasensis Y34 apareceu como um etanologeno promissor e incorpora um potencial prospectivo para a valorização fermentativa de WMP em bioetanol.

Persistent organic pollutants distribution in plasma lipoprotein fractions

Abstract This study determines the associations among serum lipid profiles, risk of cardiovascular disease, and persistent organic pollutants. Using Gas chromatography technique, the intensity of toxic pollutant residues in serum samples of Hypertensive patients were measured. Based on statistical analysis, the effects of different covariates namely pesticides, age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile duration was checked using the logistic regression model. Statistical computation was performed on SPSS 22.0. The P-values of F-Statistic for each lipid profile class are greater than 0.01 (1%), therefore we cannot reject the null hypothesis for all cases. The estimated coefficients, their standard errors, Wald Statistic, and odds ratio of the binary logistic regression model for different lipid profile parameters indicate if pesticides increase then the logit value of different lipid profile parameters changes from -0.46 to -0.246 except LDL which increases by 0.135. The study reports a significantly increased threat of cardiovascular disease with increased concentrations of toxic pollutants.

Resumo Este estudo determina as associações entre o perfil lipídico sérico, o risco de doença cardiovascular e os poluentes orgânicos persistentes. Por meio da técnica de cromatografia gasosa, mediu-se a intensidade dos resíduos de poluentes tóxicos em amostras de soro de pacientes hipertensos. Com base na análise estatística, os efeitos de diferentes covariáveis ou seja, pesticidas, idade, pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica e duração do perfil lipídico foram verificados usando o modelo de regressão logística. O cálculo estatístico foi realizado no SPSS 22.0. Os valores P da estatística F para cada classe de perfil lipídico são maiores que 0,01 (1%), portanto não podemos rejeitar a hipótese nula para todos os casos. Os coeficientes estimados, seus erros padrão, estatística de Wald e odds ratio do modelo de regressão logística binária para diferentes parâmetros do perfil lipídico indicam se os pesticidas aumentam, então o valor logit de diferentes parâmetros do perfil lipídico muda de -0,46 para -0,246, exceto LDL, que aumenta em 0,135. O estudo relata um aumento significativo da ameaça de doença cardiovascular com aumento das concentrações de poluentes tóxicos.

Persistent organic pollutants distribution in plasma lipoprotein fractions / Distribuição persistente de poluentes orgânicos em frações de lipoproteínas plasmáticas

Abstract This study determines the associations among serum lipid profiles, risk of cardiovascular disease, and persistent organic pollutants. Using Gas chromatography technique, the intensity of toxic pollutant residues in serum samples of Hypertensive patients were measured. Based on statistical analysis, the effects of different covariates namely pesticides, age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile duration was checked using the logistic regression model. Statistical computation was performed on SPSS 22.0. The P-values of F-Statistic for each lipid profile class are greater than 0.01 (1%), therefore we cannot reject the null hypothesis for all cases. The estimated coefficients, their standard errors, Wald Statistic, and odds ratio of the binary logistic regression model for different lipid profile parameters indicate if pesticides increase then the logit value of different lipid profile parameters changes from -0.46 to -0.246 except LDL which increases by 0.135. The study reports a significantly increased threat of cardiovascular disease with increased concentrations of toxic pollutants.

Resumo Este estudo determina as associações entre o perfil lipídico sérico, o risco de doença cardiovascular e os poluentes orgânicos persistentes. Por meio da técnica de cromatografia gasosa, mediu-se a intensidade dos resíduos de poluentes tóxicos em amostras de soro de pacientes hipertensos. Com base na análise estatística, os efeitos de diferentes covariáveis ​​- ou seja, pesticidas, idade, pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica e duração do perfil lipídico - foram verificados usando o modelo de regressão logística. O cálculo estatístico foi realizado no SPSS 22.0. Os valores P da estatística F para cada classe de perfil lipídico são maiores que 0,01 (1%), portanto não podemos rejeitar a hipótese nula para todos os casos. Os coeficientes estimados, seus erros padrão, estatística de Wald e odds ratio do modelo de regressão logística binária para diferentes parâmetros do perfil lipídico indicam se os pesticidas aumentam, então o valor logit de diferentes parâmetros do perfil lipídico muda de -0,46 para -0,246, exceto LDL, que aumenta em 0,135. O estudo relata um aumento significativo da ameaça de doença cardiovascular com aumento das concentrações de poluentes tóxicos.

Optimized biotransformation of acid-treated water melon peel hydrolyzate into ethanol / Biotransformação otimizada de hidrolisado de casca de melancia tratada com ácido em etanol

Abstract Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Resumo Hoje, o foco global da pesquisa é explorar a solução da crise energética e da poluição ambiental. Como em outros países agrícolas, grandes quantidades de cascas de melancia (WMP) são descartadas como resíduos no meio ambiente no Paquistão, mas a gestão adequada desses resíduos é a mais recente solução para salvar o meio ambiente da poluição. O trabalho enfatiza o papel das leveduras etanologênicas para utilizar açúcares significativos presentes no WMP para fermentação de bioetanol de baixo custo. A hidrólise de ácido clorídrico diluído de WMP foi realizada em condições otimizadas empregando RSM (metodologia de superfície de resposta) e seguindo o projeto de composto central (CCD). Este projeto experimental é baseado na otimização da etanologenesis envolvendo alguns parâmetros independentes importantes, como hidrolisado de WMP e razão de meio sintético (X1), temperatura de incubação (X2) e temperatura de incubação (X3) para rendimento máximo de etanol explorando o padrão (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) também como leveduras experimentais (Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34). Os resultados revelaram que os rendimentos máximos de etanol obtidos a partir de S. cerevisiae K7 foi de 0,36 ± 0,02 g / g de açúcares redutores, enquanto M. cibodasensis Y34 rendeu 0,40 ± 0,01 g de etanol / g de açúcares redutores. O isolado de levedura M. cibodasensis Y34 apareceu como um etanologeno promissor e incorpora um potencial prospectivo para a valorização fermentativa de WMP em bioetanol.

Rabbit submandibular salivary gland replantation

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility of submandibular salivary gland (SMG) replantation techniques and the survival of the replanted glands. Such a study can provide a rationale for later allotransplantation procedures, along with implementation of conventional and advanced immunosuppression therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six SMG replantations were performed in New Zealand white rabbits. One week postoperatively, (99m)Tc scintigraphy was performed and the uptake ratio and salivary excretion fraction were calculated. Two to four weeks later, submandibular glands were excised, fixed, and stained with H&E for histomorphometric evaluation. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, all glands showed patent blood perfusion except gland 5. Positive tracer uptake and saliva excretion were documented by scintigraphy. On excision, all of the glands except glands 4 and 5 looked viable, with a red color and patent pedicles. Gland 4 was infected and filled with creamy pus, while gland 5 looked pale and necrotic. Histologically, glands 1, 2, 3, and 6 had preserved normal glandular tissue with slight variations from the contralateral normal glands, as their parenchyma was composed of mildly atrophic acini. CONCLUSION: Four out of six replanted SMGs successfully survived. The glands maintained good viability and function. Such success depends on safe harvesting, short anastomosis time, and strict control of infection.

Rabbit submandibular salivary gland replantation

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility of submandibular salivary gland (SMG) replantation techniques and the survival of the replanted glands. Such a study can provide a rationale for later allotransplantation procedures, along with implementation of conventional and advanced immunosuppression therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six SMG replantations were performed in New Zealand white rabbits. One week postoperatively, (99m)Tc scintigraphy was performed and the uptake ratio and salivary excretion fraction were calculated. Two to four weeks later, submandibular glands were excised, fixed, and stained with H&E for histomorphometric evaluation. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, all glands showed patent blood perfusion except gland 5. Positive tracer uptake and saliva excretion were documented by scintigraphy. On excision, all of the glands except glands 4 and 5 looked viable, with a red color and patent pedicles. Gland 4 was infected and filled with creamy pus, while gland 5 looked pale and necrotic. Histologically, glands 1, 2, 3, and 6 had preserved normal glandular tissue with slight variations from the contralateral normal glands, as their parenchyma was composed of mildly atrophic acini. CONCLUSION: Four out of six replanted SMGs successfully survived. The glands maintained good viability and function. Such success depends on safe harvesting, short anastomosis time, and strict control of infection.

Triple and Quadruple Eradication Therapy for H. pylori in Iraqi Patients with Peptic Ulcer Disease a Comparative Study.

The eradication of H. pylori has become an important issue; since Helicobacter pylori infection can cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and (MALT) lymphoma. Standard triple therapy efficacy has decreased gradually worldwide during the last decade and quadruple therapy is recommended as an alternate treatment option for the management of H. pylori. The aim of this study was to compare between triple and quadruple therapy for eradication of H. pylori in Iraqi patients with peptic ulcer disease, and to treat the patients who relapsed after triple therapy. In addition to that; response to therapy (triple and quadruple) have been evaluated according to the Body Mass Index (BMI). A prospective case controlled study was carried on 60 patients who had peptic ulcer disease and positive H. pylori infection confirmed by (histology; stool antigen test and anti-H. pylori IgG antibody test) patients were divided into 3 groups first group involved 38 patients treated with triple therapy (500 mg clarithromycin capsules; 1 g amoxicillin capsules; and 20 mg esomeprazole capsules) for 14 days. The second group involved 22 patients treated with quadruple therapy (pylera)®; (140 mg bismuth sub citrate potassium, 125 mg metronidazole, and 125 mg tetracycline hydrochloride) for 10 days, while third group involved patients un responding to triple therapy treated with secondline quadruple therapy for 10 days. The results showed that the eradication rate of the per-protocol and intention-to-treat for quadruple therapy was 88.57%, 83.78% respectively which was more than 57.89% per-protocol and 50% intention-to-treat for standard triple therapy with high significant difference (p<0.01). Patients compliance with quadruple and triple therapy was good for the two regimens in spite of the more adverse effect of quadruple regimen compared to triple regimen. On conclusion; the 10 days treatment with quadruple therapy was more effective than 14 days triple therapy that could be attributed to more eradication rate for H. pylori.

Maternal and fetal leptin level correlation with fetal macrosomia

Leptin seems to be a critical factor for overall fetal development. Macrosomia may place the mother and fetus or neonate at risk for adverse outcomes. To test if leptin level is implicated in macrosomia. The sample comprised 25 cases delivered full term normal weight infants, and 25 cases delivered full term macrosomicinfants. Maternal serum samples and fetal cord samples were withdrawn immediately after birth of the full term infants. Fetal leptin level was higher in macrosomic infants than normal weight infants. No difference in maternal leptin level between both groups was observed. Leptin levels related directly to quantity of body fat tissue in fetal macrosomia as there is leptinresistence causing elevated leptin levels

Neurosarcoidosis presenting with persistent vomiting

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. It mainly affects the lungs more than other organs, but liver, skin, lymph nodes, and nervous system can be involved. The last is referred to as neurosarcoidosis with a wide range of clinical manifestations depending on the area of the nervous system involved. The differential diagnosis is wide, and the diagnosis, which is based on the histopathology, is sometimes difficult to confirm. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice for establishing CNS involvement along with the clinical presentation. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is indicative of the disease activity. We report a 39-year-old man of Indian origin who presented with persistent vomiting for over 2 years due to hypopituitarism and active neurosarcoidosis

Brugada syndrome in A Jordanian patient

Brugada syndrome is a new clinical entity first described by Brugada and Brugada in 1992. It has a characteristic ECG pattern but it can be missed. We report on a Jordanian patient who has been presented with this syndrome. Introduction Brugada syndrome is one of several conditions that can cause sudden cardiac death in a patient with a structurally normal heart. Diagnosis is based on demonstration of the characteristic electrocardiographic patterns, caused by a mutation in the cardiac sodium channels

Evaluation of some platelet functions and platelet membrane glycoproteins in uremic, hemodialysis and renal transplant patients

The hemostatic defect of chronic renal failure [CRF] is well recognized. Increased bleeding has been attributed to platelet dysfunction. However, the available reports are controversial. To study platelet aggregation and glycoprotein receptors' [GP] expression in a well identified population with CRF. 25 patients with advanced CRF on conservative treatment [CRF group], 25 patients on regular hemodialysis [HD group], 25 renal transplant patients [Tx group], and 20 age-, race- and sex-matched healthy controls [control group] were subjected to complete physical examination, complete blood count, bleeding time [BT], renal functional parameters and other necessary laboratory tests, in addition to estimation of platelet aggregation in response to adenosine 5-diphosphate [ADP] and ristocetin as well as GPIb, GPIIb, and GPIIIa receptors' expression using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated monoclonal antibodies CD42b, CD41 and CD62, respectively and a flow cytometer. BT was prolonged in both CRF and HD groups [P<0.001], and was not attributed to a decrease in platelet count. Both CRF and HD patients had similar, but significantly decreased maximum percentage of platelet aggregation induced by either ADP or ristocetin compared with Tx and healthy control groups [P<0.001]. GPIb expression was significantly decreased in the CRF group than the Tx and healthy control groups [P<0.05], while HD group showed non significant difference when compared with CRF, Tx or control groups. GPIIb and GPIIIa showed a highly significant decreased expression in both CRF and HD groups compared with Tx and healthy control groups [P<0.001], with no significant difference in between both uremic groups. An inverse correlation was observed between serum creatinine and GPIIb [r=-0.641, P=0.023] and GPIIIa [r=-0.545, P=0.031] receptors' expression in CRF patients versus no correlation in HD patients. The results of the studied parameters in Tx group were comparable to healthy controls. Uremic patients have decreased platelet aggregability and decreased GP receptors' expression [mainly GPIIb and GPIIIa], denoting that platelet dysfunction is at least partially contributing to their hemorrhagic problem. The observed defects were not corrected by regular HD. Renal transplantation seemed to be a better choice

study of some clinical and biochemical markers of epileptic seizures

The adverse effects of anticonvulsant drugs, duration and expense of therapy and social implications make it essential for accurate discrimination of epileptic from non epileptic seizures [NES]. There is still no single biochemical marker for epileptic seizures and many patients being treated as epileptics are not actually so. Moreover, the coexistence of pseudoseizures with epilepsy is high. Recently few studies had investigated the neuroprotective erythropoietin [EPO] system in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, the clinical importance of EPO as a specific biochemical marker for epileptic fits is not yet investigated. Sixty children divided into 3 groups were studied. Group I included 20 recently diagnosed epileptics, aged 3.5-15 years. Group II involved 20 children with recent NES, aged 2-14 years. Twenty children suffering fever of unknown origin with lumbar puncture as part of its diagnostic work up, aged 3-15 years represented group III [control group]. All children were suffering no other neurological, hematological or renal diseases. Thorough history, clinical examination and routine investigations, confirmed diagnosis and established exclusion criteria. CT brain, EEG and EMG were done for all patients. Peripheral white blood cells [WBCs], serum creatine kinase [CK] and serum and CSF albumin and erythropoietin [EPO] were measured 24 hours Post-ictally for all patients and on admission of control children. Family history was positive for epilepsy in 20% of epileptic children. Post-ictal symptoms followed more than a half of epileptic seizures and less than a quarter of NES. The most common types of epileptic seizures were generalized tonic-clonic [GTC], generalized tonic [GT], myoclonic then focal seizures. CT brain was normal among most epileptic and all non epileptic patients; with hemorrhage in two epileptics and calcification in only one. EEG showed focal [FEA], generalized [GEA] and multifocal epileptogenic activities [MFEA] among our recent epileptics. Peripheral WBCs, serum CK and CSF levels of EPO showed a significant elevation 24 hours Post-ictally following generalized tonic-clonic epileptic fits and to a lower extent following focal and non epileptic fits. The 3 parameters showed a significant positive correlation with seizure duration. Serum CK levels were markedly elevated [more than 200 U/L] and CSF levels of EPO increased by more than 2 standard deviations in a high percentage of epileptic seizures especially so; GTC seizures, with this marked degree of elevation as a more sensitive factor discriminating epileptic from non epileptic seizures. Post-ictal symptoms, peripheral WBCs, serum CK and CSF levels of EPO are important discriminative factors between epileptic and non epileptic seizures before proceeding to more sophisticated and expensive investigations

Acute Guillain Barre Syndrome in childhood: clinical, electrophysiological and immunological study

Acute Guillain Barre Syndrome [acute GBS] is one of the leading causes of acute flaccid paralysis [AFP] in children. The syndrome has been recognized as a heterogeneous disorder with different subtypes, by clinical, electrophysiological and pathologic criteria. The disease may present with a wide variety of clinical presentations as well as prognostic outcome. The study was conducted on all children with acute GBS attending Alexandria University Children's Hospital during the period from September 2000 to September 2001 for the purpose of characterization of acute GBS in Egyptian Children and its relation to presumed infection with Cytomegalovirus [CMV] or Epstien-Barr virus [EBV]. All clinical, laboratory and electrophysiological data of the children with acute GBS who are admitted to the hospital during the period of the study were evaluated. Serum IgM titer against CMV and EPV were assessed and correlated with other patients'data. Thirty five children were admitted to the hospital during that period. Sixty age and sex matched healthy children were included as controls for studying IgM titre of EBV and CMV. Affected children were 22 boys and 13 girls. Their ages ranged between one and 10 years. Eight cases did not have preceding illness before the disease. The initial symptom was motor in 11 cases, sensory in 2 cases and mixed in 22 cases. Ascending paralysis was dominant in all cases except three who had descending paralysis. Only five cases did not exhibit severe pediatric GBS [grade 4 or 5] according to the functional grading system. Twenty nine cases exhibited the major electrophysiological type of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy [AIDP]. Albuminocytologic dissociation was encountered in 25 cases. Two cases died in the acute phase, one was left with residual neurological deficit while the rest recovered completely. There was a statistically significant difference between cases and controls as regards the IgM titre against CMV virus [P < 0.05] while IgM titres against EBV were not statistically different from the control group. In addition children with presumed Prior CMV infection tended to be younger in their age significantly more than those with presumed EBV infection [r = 0.382, P = 0.003]. The only significant association was the relation between the type of initial symptoms versus the IgM titre against CMV and EBV where sensory symptoms were prominent more significantly among cases with presumed CMV infection than those with presumed EBV infection [P<0.005]. Acute GBS demonstrates diverse clinical, electrophsyiolgical and laboratory dilemma. Clinical and electrophysiological criteria remain the most important prognostic factors. Despite its initial grave presentation, early institution of therapy using intra-venous immunoglobulin [IVIG] or plasma exchange ensures dramatic recovery in most of cases. The underlying etio-pathologic mechanisms are still not properly understood. Their clarification might have its impact on better delineation of clinical presentations, outcome and prevention

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of fixed dose combination of glimepiride 2 mg pluspioglitazone 15 mg plus metformin SR 500 mg in the management of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

An estimated 25 million Indians currently have diabetes and the projections indicate Indians would be the largest group by the year 2025 AD. An open, phase III, multicentric study was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of the triple drug combination glimepiride 2 mg plus pioglitazone hydrochloride 15 mg plus metformin SR 500 mg for 8 weeks in 101 Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study revealed that the triple drug combination could achieve the recommended goals, recommended by American Diabetic Association, for fasting blood glucose < or = 140 mg/dl and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of < or = 8%. After 8 weeks, the mean fasting blood glucose (baseline 189.61) was reduced to 111.68 (41% reduction); the mean glycosylated haemoglobin (baseline 10.32) was significantly reduced to 7.54 (26% reduction). The triple drug combination significantly reduced the levels of triglyceride, low density lipoproteins and total cholesterol. These significant levels were achieved within 8 weeks and all patients tolerated the drug well with no reported case of serious adverse events including hypoglycaemia. There were also no reported drug interactions in the study. Since the decrease in HbA1c was continuous and throughout the study, a further decrease in the HbA1c levels would have been noted since the present trial was designed for a period of 8 weeks. Thus, the present study confirms the efficacy and safety of FDC of the triple drug combination in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Erythropoietin in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of epileptic children

Recent years' research has revealed a specific, neuroprotective enythropoietin [EPO] system in the central and peripheral nervous system, that is upregulated by neuronal damage due to brain hypoxia. Few studies have investigated the endogenous production of EPO in human nervous system. The presence, origin and clinical importance of EPO in epileptic children are investigated for the first time. Forty-five children divided into 3 groups were studied. Group I included 15 recently diagnosed epileptics, not receiving antiepileptic drugs [AEDs], aged 3.8-15 years. Group II consisted of 15 refractory epileptics on AEDs for more than 1 year, aged 3.5-14.7 years. Fifteen healthy children of matched age, sex and socioeconomic status represented groups III [control group]. All children were suffering no hematological, neurological or renal diseases. They were subjected to detailed history, thorough clinical examination an routine investigations [CBC, urea, creatinine, ESR, CRP]. CT brain and EEG were done for epileptic children. Serum levels of albumin [by a colorimetric reaction] and serum prealbumin levels and CSF levels of albumin and prealbumin [by nephelometry] were measured for all children. Serum and CSF levels of EPO were assessed 12 hours after epileptic fits and on admission of control children [using erythropoietin ELISA kit]. Family history was positive for epilepsy in 16.67% of our epileptic children. Their most common types of convulsions were generalized tonic-clonic [GTC], generalized tonic [GT], myoclonic then focal seizures. CT brain was normal in the majority. A minority showed brain atrophy, calcification, hemorrhage, and infarction. EEG showed focal [FEA], generalized [GEA] and multifiocal epileptic activities among our recent epileptics while diffuse slowing [DS] and burst suppression were additional EGG findings among refractory epileptics. The serum and CSF levels of albumin, and prealbumin were normal just as control levels with no correlation with other demographic, clinical and laboratory studied variables. Q albumin was normal in epileptic children indicating the integrity of the blood brain barrier [BBB]. Q prealbumin was as expected markedly higher than Q albumin among epileptic and control children as it has a well known CNS synthesis. The serum levels of EPO were not significantly different in epileptic children, while its CSF levels were significantly higher compared to control children. The degree of elevation of the CSF levels of EPO among refractory epileptics was significantly lesser than that observed among recent epileptics. The CSF levels of EPO in recent epileptics were directly proportionate to the duration of the epileptic fits, while they were inversely proportionate to it in refractory epileptics; a disturbed and/or exhausted neuroprotective role of EPO among prolonged and refractory epileptics may be an explanation. So far; as the Q EPO is much higher [as Q prealbumin] than Q albumin, as there is no significant correlation between CSF and serum levels of EPO among epileptics, as there is no significant correlation between CSF levels EPO and Q albumin and as there is no significant correlation between Q EPO and Q albumin among epileptics and control children; it is concluded that the origin of this CSF erythropoietin is the brain; as a neuroprotective cytokine against neuronal damage caused by the epileptic fits, with the duration of the fit as a determinant factor. As commercially available forms of genetically engineered EPO are safely used for several indications in pediatrics; it is concluded that EPO is an ideal compound to study and it should be thoroughly evaluated in epileptic children, specially the refractory epilepsies and those with prolonged epileptic fits considering a possible therapeutic potential for EPO. It is also concluded that EPO in the CSF of epileptic children is a marker of epileptic fits and has its clinical indications in prognosis and therapeutic intervention

Serum prolactin and creatine kinase levels in epileptic and non-epileptic seizures

The adverse effects of anticonvulsant drugs, duration and expense of therapy and social implications, make it essential for accurate diagnosis before starting treatment. Many patients being treated as epileptics are not actually so. Moreover the coexistence of pseudoseizures with epilepsy is high. There is no single exposure, biochemical marker to differentiate between epileptic and non epileptic seizures [NES]. Ninety children were studied. They were subgrouped into 4 groups. Group I included 30 children with recent epileptic fits, aged 2-12 years. Group II consisted of 15 children with recent typical febrile seizures, aged 1-4.75 years. Group III involved 15 children with recent non-epileptic seizures, aged 5.2-12.7 years. Thirty clinically healthy children aged 3-12 years represented group IV [control group]. Thorough history and clinical examination confirmed diagnosis and established exclusion criteria. CT brain, EEG and EMG imaging studies were done for all patients. Peripheral white blood cell count [WBCs], serum creatine kinase [CK] and prolactin levels were measured within lapse time [15-120 minutes] and 24 hrs post-ictally for all patients and once for control children. Post-ictal symptoms were present in more than 2/3 of epileptic seizures and 20% only of non-epileptic fits. WBCs and serum prolactin levels showed a transient early; while serum CK levels had a late post-ictal significant increase after generalized epileptic fits and to a much lower extent following focal and nonepileptic fits. The generalized tonic-clonic seizures [GTCS] showed higher elevation than other types of generalized epileptic fits. The three parameters showed a positive correlation with duration of seizures and a negative correlation with lapse time. Peripheral WBCs and serum prolactin returned to near normal levels one day post-ictally, while serum CK started to show a significant increase only 24 hrs after seizures. Serum prolactin levels were elevated more than twice and serum CK levels increased by more than 20 U/L in a high percentage of epileptic GTC seizures. The integrated interpretation of post-ictal symptoms, early assessment of peripheral WBCs and serum prolactin [<2 hrs] and late measurement of serum CK levels [>24 hrs] can compensate for our clinical uncertainty between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures before having to resort to more sophisticated and expensive investigations