Garlic oil as a fight against histological and oxidative stress abnormalities in Wistar rats after oral inoculation of Anisakis spp. Type II (L3) (Nematoda) / [O uso do óleo de alho na luta contra anormalidades histológicas e de estresse oxidativo em ratos Winstar após inoculação oral de Anisakis spp. Tipo II (L3) (Nematoda)]

The consumption of inadequately thermally treated fish is a public health risk due to the possible propagation of Anisakis larvae and their antigenic proteins, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease anisakidosis. The present study demonstrated the physiological and histopathological changes that accompanied an oral inoculation of crude extracts from fresh and thermally treated Anisakis Type II (L3) in Wistar albino rats. Nematode worms were isolated from the marine fish Dicentrarchus labrax. They were examined and taxonomically identified using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study was performed in 6 rat groups: a control group (I), a garlic oil (GO) inoculated group (II), a fresh L3 inoculated group (III), a thermally treated L3 inoculated group (IV), a fresh L3 + GO inoculated group (V), and a thermally treated L3 + GO inoculated group (VI). It was observed that rats inoculated with fresh and thermally treated L3 crude extracts showed abnormal oxidative stress markers associated with the destruction of normal architecture of spleen and thymus. GO produced a protective effect in rat groups inoculated with L3 extracts + GO administration via the amelioration of oxidative stress markers, which was confirmed by the marked normal structure of the organs' histology. Cooking of L3 infected fish induced severe physiological and histopathological alterations compared to uncooked infected fish. The administration of garlic before and after fish eating is recommended to avoid the dangerous effect of anisakids, even if they are cooked.(AU)

O consumo de peixes tratados termicamente de forma inadequada é um risco à saúde pública devido à possível propagação das larvas de Anisakis e suas proteínas antigênicas, o agente causador da doença zoonótica anisakidose. O presente estudo demonstrou as alterações fisiológicas e histopatológicas que acompanharam a inoculação oral de extratos brutos de Anisakis Tipo II (L3) frescos e termicamente tratados em ratos Wistar albinos. Vermes nematoides foram isolados do peixe marinho Dicentrarchus labrax e foram examinados e identificados taxonomicamente usando microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura. O estudo foi realizado em 6 grupos de ratos: grupo controle (I), grupo inoculado com óleo de alho (GO) (II), grupo inoculado com L3 fresco (III), grupo inoculado com L3 tratado termicamente (IV), grupo inoculado com L3 + GO fresco (V), e grupo inoculado com L3 + GO tratado termicamente (VI). Observou-se que ratos inoculados com extrato bruto L3 fresco e tratado termicamente mostraram marcadores de estresse oxidativo anormais associados à destruição da estrutura normal do baço e do timo. GO produziu um efeito protetor em grupos de ratos inoculados com extrato L3 + administração de GO através da melhoria dos marcadores de estresse oxidativo, que foi confirmada pela marcante estrutura normal da histologia dos órgãos. O cozimento de peixes infectados com L3 induziu alterações fisiológicas e histopatológicas graves quando comparado com peixes infectados não cozidos. Recomenda-se a administração de alho antes e depois da ingestão do peixe para evitar o efeito perigoso dos anisakídeos, mesmo se cozidos.(AU)

association between hypoalbuminemia and intradialytic hypotension in heamodialysis patients

Background: hypoalbuminemia is an important risk factor of hypotension during hemodialysis and progressive left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease [CKD]

Aim of the study: this study was done to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin and intradialytic hypotension [IDH] and cardiac functions

Patients and Methods: forty patients on regular hemodialysis [HD] were included in the present study. They have been divided into two groups; Group 1: Patients of this group developed recurrent attacks of IDH and Group 2: Patients of this group not developed IDH. The patients have been classified again according to serum albumin level into two groups; Group A: Hypoalbuminemic patients and Group B: Non-hypoalbuminemic patients. Data collected from each patient included: [1] Demographic features [age, gender] and clinical features [blood pressure changes during session, ultrafiltration rate, cardiothoracic ratio, duration of dialysis and Kt/V]; [2] Blood chemistry [creatinine, urea, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, total proteins, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, AST, ALT, Kt/V, and fasting blood sugar]; and [3] Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular geometry

Results: there was a significant negative correlation between serum albumin and Delta BP in HD patients. Also we found no significant changes in cardiac functions among different studied groups

Conclusion: We concluded that there was a relationship between low serum albumin and intradialytic hypotention and cardiac functions in CKD patients undergoing HD

Recommendations: Regular assessment of serum albumin is mandatory for all HD patients

Morphometric Study of the Right Coronary Artery.

Introduction: The anatomy of the coronary arteries is fascinating and most varied. The aim of the present work was to study the gross anatomy of the right coronary artery (RCA) regarding its importance for interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Materials and Methods: The material of the present study included 30 preserved hearts obtained from the dissecting rooms of anatomy departments, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University and Alexandria University. Results: Present study revealed that the length of the first segment of RCA ranged from 5.7 to 8.0 cm with a mean of 6.3 ± 0.6 cm; Its external diameter ranged from 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm with a mean of 5.1 ± 0.7 mm. The length of the second segment of RCA ranged from 3.4 to 6.0 cm with a mean of 4.9 ± 0.7 cm; Its external diameter ranged from 3.1 mm to 5.6 mm with a mean of 4.3 ± 0.8 mm. The right conus artery was found to arise at a distance 0.5 to 2.4 cm with a mean of 1.5 ± 0.6 cm from the beginning of RCA. At a distance 0.6 cm to 2.6 cm with a mean of 1.6 ± 0.6 cm from its beginning, the RCA was found to give its SAN branch. At a distance 2.7 cm to 5.6 cm with a mean of 4.2 ± 0.8 cm from its beginning, the RCA was found to give its acute marginal branch. Whether it terminated at or beyond the cardiac crux, RCA was found to give origin to the posterior interventricular branch in all specimens. In all specimensthe AVN artery was found to arise from RCA at the region of cardiac crux. Myocardial bridging was recorded in 2 specimens. Conclusion: This study directs the attention towards the importance of the right coronary artery in the supply of the myocardium and the patterns obtained here may be clinically relevant during percutaneous coronary interventions or surgical revascularization.

Histological study of the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on healing of skin defect in adult male albino rats

Despite advances in wound care, skin loss results in significant morbidity and mortality. There is increasing evidence that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [BM-MSCs] are useful for tissue regeneration because of their multipotency and easy isolation and culture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of local administration of in-vitro-expanded BM-MSCs in the healing of experimentally induced full-thickness excisional wounds in adult male albino rats. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups. In group I rats, BM was isolated and cultured and skin specimens were obtained as a control. In group II rats, a full-thickness circular skin wound of 5mm in diameter was inflicted on the mid back of each rat and was examined on days 3, 7, and 14. In group III rats, the wound was inflicted as in group II, which was then treated with BM-MSCs and examined as in group II. The wound areas were excised and used for histological and immunohistochemical studies for CD105. Morphometric analysis was performed for assessment of epidermal thickness, area percentage of collagen and elastic fibers, and number of CD105-positive cells. Wounds treated with BM-MSCs [group III] showed evidence of re-epithelialization, increased epidermal thickness, hair follicle formation, collagen, and elastic fibers compared with wounds in group II. Similarly, the number of CD105-positive cells was prominently increased in the skin of the same group. Local administration of in-vitro-expanded BM-MSCs accelerates and promotes healing in full-thickness excisional wounds

Histological study on the possible protective action of ginseng on the injurious effect induced by acrylamide on the midbrain in adult male albino rat

Acrylamide is a synthetic chemical compound commonly used in many branches of industry. Researchers have found acrylamide in certain foods that were heated to a temperature above 120[degree]C. Ginseng is a widely used herbal medicine with numerous beneficial effects. Ginseng is suggested to contribute to a protective effect in neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of ginseng against the midbrain injury induced by acrylamide in adult male albino rats. A total of 35 adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups. Group I [15 animals] was allowed water ad libitum and fed a standard diet [control]. Group II [10 animals] was given acrylamide orally by means of a gastric tube daily at a dose of 30 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Group III [10 animals] was given acrylamide daily at the same dissolution, dose, route and duration as group II concomitantly with ginseng solution through a gastric tube at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Samples from the brainstem were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic investigation. Light microscopic examination of the midbrain of the acrylamide-treated animals showed signs of injury. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells were more abundant in the midbrain of treated animals compared with control animals. Ultrastructural study of the midbrain of the acrylamide-treated group showed dilated RER in association with mitochondria with destroyed cristae. Many myelinated nerve fibers showed degenerative changes. These structural changes were much less pronounced in animals concomitantly treated with acrylamide and ginseng. Ginseng can reduce the severity of the injurious effects induced by acrylamide

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

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

Impacto de la educación sexual en el nivel de conocimiento sobre métodos anticonceptivos en dos instituciones públicas en condición de semilibertad y abandono, Caracas, Venezuela / Sex education impact on contraceptives methods knowledge level at two public institutions with people in semi-freedom and neglected status, Caracas, Venezuela

Introducción: En la adolescencia se inician las relaciones sexuales, lo que conlleva el riesgo de un embarazo y contagio de enfermedades de transmisión sexual, por lo tanto, es importante evaluar el conocimiento sobre métodos anticonceptivos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo experimental longitudinal, donde se evaluó el impacto de la educación sexual sobre el nivel de conocimiento sobre métodos anticonceptivos, el uso de los mismos e inicio de actividad sexual en adolescentes en condición de semilibertad y abandono. Resultados: Se encuestaron 13 adolescentes, un 61,5% de sexo masculino y un 38,5% femenino, la edad promedio de los adolescentes fue 17 años, un 61,5% presentaba un nivel regular de conocimiento sobre anticonceptivos, un 69,2% ha iniciado actividad sexual, y un 44,4% ha utilizado algún método anticonceptivo. Discusión: Se observó que informar al adolescente sobre métodos anticonceptivos permite mejorar su nivel de conocimiento..

Introduction: In the adolescence the sexual relation starts. This carries the risk of pregnancy, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, therefore, it is important to assess the knowledge about methods contraceptives. Methods: A descriptive, experimental, longitudinal study, that assesses the impact of sex education on the level of knowledge about methods contraceptives, the use of there and onset of sexual activity was performed. Results: Thirteen adolescents were surveyed, a 61.5% male and a 38.5% female. The average age of the adolescents was 17 years, a 61.5% had a regular level of knowledge about contraception, 69.2% initiated sexual activity, and 44.4% had used some method contraception. Discussion: It was observed that inform teens about contraception can improve their level of knowledge.

Myocardial preconditioning using sevoflurane inon-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Anesthetic preconditioning may contribute to the cardio protective effects of sevofiurane in patients having coronary artery bypass surgery. We investigated effects of on- pump exposure to sevofiurane for 10 minutes prior to aortic cross clamping on the hemodynamics, intraoperative ischemia and postoperative biochemical markers for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass. In this pilot study, 40 patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Patients of sevofiurane group received sevoflurane4vol.% corresponding to 2 minimum alveolar concentrations for exactly 10 minutes through a vaporizer on the heart-lung machine prior to aortic cross clamping; whereas patients of control group had no further intervention. Myocardial Biomarkers [CK, CK-MB and Troponin I] were measured as markers of cardiac cellular damage. Secondary outcome variables were invasive [systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and central venous pressure] and non-mvasive measurements [heart rate], S-T segment changes, diastolic and systolic dysfunctions and wail motion abnormalities in mid-papillary short axis view as well as the four chamber view were assessed by TEE denoting ischemia and finally the need for inotropic support. Hemodynamic parameters showed significant post bypass stability in sevofiurane group [P Value <0.05] compared to the control group, however there were no statistical significant differences between the two groups regarding intraoprative ischemia and inotropic support The myocardial biomarkers 9 hours after discharge to the ICU were comparable between the two groups. Current data demonstrates that sevoflurane-induced preconditioning maintainedhemodynamic stability in the post bypass period; however the preconditioning was without significant effects on intraoperative ischemia or postoperative myocardial biomarkers

Investigation of a possible association between refractory iron deficiency anaemia to an underlying remote helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylon is a bacterial infection accounts as the prevalent gastric pathogen. Helicobacter has been associated with many extradigestive disorders, as refractory iron deficiency anaemia [Sideropenic]. The aim of this case control study was to investigate the role of remote Helicobacter pylon infection in refractory iron deficiency anaemia [RIDA]; together with comparing two different methods for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylon infection. The study was conducted on thirty patients proved refractory IDA by therapeutic trial. Thirty normal non anaemic subjects were included as controls. Helicobacter pylon testing included stool antigen and Helicobacter pylon PCR. The Helicobacter pylon stool antigen test revealed 12 positive cases out of 30 IDA cases. Five of them were stool PCR cagA positive and four were stool PCR ureC positive. There was 100% agreement between PCR cagA and the stool antigen test in the detection of Helicobacter pylon infection [p=0.003]. Stool PCR cagA had a diagnostic accuracy of 76.67 and likelihood ratio of 3.57. There was 100% agreement between PCR ureC and the stool antigen test in the detection of Helicobacter pylon infection [p=0.009]. Stool FCR ureC had a diagnostic accuracy of 73.33 and likelihood ratio of 3.25. There was a very highly significant difference between the mean 3 of serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and transferrin saturation of Helicobacter pylon stool antigen positive and negative subjects [p<0.001]. Conclusion: There was a very highly significant association between Helicobacter pylon infection and refractory iron deficiency anaemia. Serum ferritin levels were significantly lower in Helicobacter pylon stool antigen positive cases than in negative cases [p< 0.001]. Helicobacter pylon positive cases were 2.7 times more likely to develop anaemia than negative cases. The Heticobacterpyioni stool antigen testing by ELISA proved to be more reliable compared to the stool PCR which is tedious and time consuming

Histological study of the effect of Di [2-ethyihexyl] phthalate [DEHP] on the adrenal cortex of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of ginseng

Phthalates are widely spread environmental contaminants because of their use in plastics and other common consumer products. Di-[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate [DEHP] is the most abundant phthalate in the environment. Ginseng enhances adrenal gland function and improves physical performance, promotes vitality and increases resistahce to stress, aging and oxidants. The purpose of the present study was to study the histological effect of DEHP and Panax ginseng on the adrenal cortex. Forty adult male albino rats were used and were divided into four main groups [10 animals each]; a control group, Panax ginseng treated group which received 3.6 mg/rat of Panax ginseng orally once daily for 4 weeks, DEHP treated group which received 2.85 mg/kg body weight of DEHP orally once daily for 4 weeks and the fourth group received a combination of daily ginseng and DEHP for 4 weeks. Specimens of adrenal cortex were processed for histological study by light and electron microscopes. In DEHP treated rats, the cells of the three cortical zones, showed apparent increase in the cytoplasmic vacuolation and irregular darkly stained nuclei. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes were observed in the cortical cells especially in the zona fasciculata in the form of cytoplasamic vacuolation, mitochondrial degeneration and increased lipid droplets. When Panax ginseng was added most of the morphological changes were resolved to be more or less similar to the control group. DEHP had a toxic effect on adrenal cortex which could be resolved by concomitant administration of Panax ginseng. So, it is advised to give ginseng to those exposed to DEHP especially in industries

possible protective effect of corticosteroids on bleomycin induced pulmonary toxicity light and electron microscopic study

Bleomycin is an antitumor antibiotic having a high significant activity and wide use in the clinical field. The most serious adverse reaction to bleornycin therapy is the life-threatening pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis. Was to study the effect of bleomycin injection with and without corticosteroid on the lung of adult male albino rat using light and electron microscopy. 30 adult male albino rats were used dividing into two main groups; group A [control group], group B [experimental group] included 20 rats, ten rats each injected i.p with 0.5 mg of bleomycin sulphate twice weekly for four weeks and ten rats each injected i.p with 0.5 mg of bleomycin sulphate twice weekly for 4 weeks in concomitant with daily i.m. injection of 0.4 mg of prednisolone for the same period. Bleomycin treatment induced variable degrees of lung injury disrupting the normal architecture. Overexpansion of alveoli alternating with collapse of others, congestion of blood vessels, cellular infiltration and fibrosis were all observed. Ultrastructurally, pneumocyte II showing disrupted mitochondria and destruction of lamellar bodies. Pneurnocytes type II were predominant replacing the disappeared pneumocyte type I in the alveolar lining. Activation of alveolar macrophages and deposition of collagen fibres in the interstitial tissue were all noticed. Concomitant use of bleomycin with pridnisolone revealed the same histological changes. Only the pneumocyte type II proliferation was less and increase in collagen fibers deposition was not observed comparing with control. Corticosteroids inhibited or at least delayed pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin treatment

Effect of irradiation on secretory cells of submandibular gland of adult male albino rat. histological and immunohistochemical study

The submandibular glands are commonly included in the radiotherapy field for the treatment of head and neck malignancies. Many clinical problems are produced but their mechanisms are still not understood. Was to study the effect of irradiation on secretory cells and aquaporin 5 [AQP5] distribution in submandibular gland as a trial to understand the mechanism of gland dysfunction. 15 adult male albino rats were used and were divided into two groups, group A [control group] contained five rats and group B [irradiated group] contained ten rats. Each rat in group B was irradiated with single dose of 15Gy delivered by the X-ray unit. One week after irradiation submandibular glands were dissected and were processed for histological and immunohistochemical [aquaporin 5] examination. LM study exhibited that irradiation led to cytoplasmnie vacuolization especially in serous acini with widening of spaces in-between the acini in the submandibular glands. EM study showed irregular nuclei with chromatin condensation, dilatation of RER and cytoplasmic vacuolizat ion, As regards the secretory granules, serous acini showed degranulation while the granules of mucous acini exhibited amorphous-like electron dense materials. Aquaporin 5 [AQP5] in the control group was localized in apical membrane of serous acini while absent in mucous one. After irradiation the serous acini of submandibular glands exhibited marked decrease in AQP5. Irradiation induced morphological disruption in secretory cells of submandibular gland and marked decrease in AQPS, both would responsible for gland dysfunction

Histological study of sodium fluoride effect on cardiac muscle of male adult albino rat

Fluoride exists in varying concentrations in the environment either naturally or as a consequence of human activities such as agricultural and industrial processes. Humans are in great risk of exposure to fluoride through different ways either in water, foods or in drugs. Fluoride is toxic by all routes especially when consumed in excessive amounts. Several clinical studies recorded that intake of fluoride at high concentration for prolonged periods was associated with cardiovascular failure and impairment in myocardial function. Accordingly, this work was performed to evaluate the effect of sodium fluoride on the cardiac muscle of male adult albino rats and to study the possibility of recovery or regression of this effect after its withdrawal. For this purpose, 30 adult male albino rats were used and divided into two main groups; the control group [10 rats] and the experimental group [20 rats] that were divided into four subgroups [A, B, C and D] five rats each. The first three subgroups received sodium fluoride in a dose of 5, 20 and 50mg /kg b.wt. respectively orally once daily for three months. The subgroup D [recovery group] received sodium fluoride in a dose of 50 mg/kg b.wt. for three months and then left without treatment for another two months. Light microscopic examination of sodium fluoride treated subgroups [A, B and C] revealed loss of the normal architecture with wide separation and fibrillolysis of the cardiac muscle fibers. All these changes were associated with cytoplasmic vacuolation and nuclear pyknosis in association with vascular congestion and cellular infiltration. Transmission electron microscopic examination confirmed the previous findings in association with myofibrillar degeneration, shortening of the sarcomeres, disruption of the sarcolemma, mitochondrial changes and deposition of collagen fibrils. The recovery group [subgroup D] displayed regression of dilation and congestion of myocardial blood vessels together with resolving of cellular infiltration. However, the cardiac muscle fibers showed no evidence of regression of most of the histological alterations. Could be concluded according to this research that, sodium fluoride has a dose dependant cardiotoxic effect which was shown to be irreversible two months after withdrawal of the highest dose

Ultrastructural study on the effect of dexamethasone with and without clenbuterol on the diaphragmatic muscle of adult male albino

Animal and clinical studies have shown respiratory muscle dysfunction caused by treatment with glucocorticoids. Beta-agonists and glucocorticoids are frequently coprescribed for chronic asthma treatment. This work was done to investigate whether clenbuterol was able to ameliorate the structural changes induced hr long-term low-dose dexamethasone administration. Muscle samples were obtained from five groups of adult rats: group I, represents the control rats; group II. represents Sham control animals, group III represents animals receiving clenbuterol orally; group IV represents animals receiving dexamethasone subcutaneously, whereas, group V represents animals receiving both, treatment [dexamethasone and clenbuterol]. At the end of 4th week, rats were anaesthetized, perfused with, 1.5% buffered gluteraldehyde and then sacrificed. The diaphragmatic muscle strips were immersed in 2.5% buffered gluteraldehyde for 24 hours, postfixed in 1% OsO[4] for 2 hours and then, processed to be examined with TEM. Dexamethasone induced myofibrillar disorganization and destruction. The distinct ban ding pattern of sarcomeres was lost. The mitochondria showed increased subsarcolemmal aggregation, transverse orientation, and destruction of their cristae. Sarcoplasmic reticulum showed irregularity, dilatation, and loss of their relationship to A-I junctions. Also, mononuclear cellular infiltration was observed. In combined treatments [DEX + CL], the changes induced by DEX alone were generally minimized. Dexamethasone could induce severe structural changes in the diaphragmatic muscle of rat, timid these changes could be generally minimized on concomitant administration of clenbuterol

Alterations of the glomerular podocytes in puromycin aminonucleoside [PAN] EXPE rimental nephrosis in adult male albino mice an ultrastructural and immunofluorescence study

Advances in molecular genetics have led to the discovery of specialized protein molecules endowed in podocytes as responsible for proteinuria. However, the precise function and the molecular interactions among these proteins remain unclear. The present work was done to verify immunohistochemically the glomerular localization of nephrin and podocin in normal and experimental protein uric animal models, and to correlate tile findings with the ultrastructural alterations. Forty adult male albino mice were used and divided into five groups, the first group was the control and the other four groups were the experimental. Animals of the experimental groups received a single intravenous injection of puromycin aminonucleoside [PAN], and were sacrificed at 1, 2, 10 days and 3 weeks post-injection respectively. Nephrin and podocin localization was assessed by immnunofluorescence microscopy using polyclonal antibodies against nephrin and podocin, while morphological changes were determined by electron microscopy. Normal kidney sections showed a consistently linear staining pattern for both nephrin and podocin, whereas, sections from PAN-treated animals, showed a granular labelling pattern as well as marked loss of both proteins. Ultrastructurally, swelling, fusion and even complete effacement of the foot processes, and loss of the slit diaphragms were observed. The present study showed that nephrin and podocin distribution was altered in PAN-treated rats, and this occurred in parallel with foot process effacement. Nephrin and podocin labelling returned to normal with improved resolution of the effacement

Immunohistochemical localization of aquaporins-2, 3 and 4 in epithelial cells of different organs of adult male albino rat

The aquaporins [AQPs] are a family of small membrane-spanning proteins that are expressed at plasma membranes of many cell types involved in fluid transport. More than 10 mammalian aquaporins have been identified, and these are selectively permeated by water [aquaporins] or water plus glycerol [aquaglyceroporins]. The aquaporin family of water channels plays a fundamental role in transmembrane water movement in numerous plant and animal tissues. However, the localization and expression of the AQP family members in different tissues have not been entirely elucidated. This work aimed to demonstrate the distribution and localization of some members of the aquaporin family [AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4] and to speculate on their possible roles in water balance regulation in different tissues. For this purpose, twenty adult male albino rats were used and specimens of different organs were removed. Specific aquaporin-2, aquaporin-3 and aquaporin-4 antibodies were utilized to characterize the localization of AQP2, AQP3, and AQP4 respectively in some epithelial cells of the rat by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, AQP2 was confined to the apical plasma membranes of collecting duct principal cells. On the other hand, AQP3 was localized at the basolateral membranes of collecting duct principal cells and tracheal epithelial cells as well as at the plasma membranes of the basal and intermediate cells in the stratified epithelia of ureter, urinary bladder, urethra and oesophagus. Meanwhile, AQP4 was colocalized with AQP3 in collecting duct principal cells and was specifically localized in the basolateral membrane of parietal cells of gastric glands. It is suggested that these aquaporins may cooperate to maintain water balance in different cells

Benefits versus side effects of inhaled and oral steroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Tying to evaluate benefits and side effects of inhaled and oral steroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], this study was conducted on 70 patients with COPD. They were selected from patients in A-Hussein University Hospital from January 2002 to January 2003. Patients were divided into 5 groups:-Group [1]: included 20 patients receiving oral prednisolone 20 mg single morning dose, Group [2]: included 20 patients receiving inhaled steroids, [750 mirco g BDP/day], Group [3]: included 20 patients receiving inhaled steroids [1500 mirco BDP/day], Group [4]: included 5 patients receiving oral placebo and Group [5]: included 5 patients receiving inhaled placebo. Pulmonary function tests, morning serum cortisol level and bone mineral density [BMD] were measured. Results obtained showed: It was found that both oral and inhaled corticosteroids [Cs] caused significant improvement in pulmonary functions in a minority of patients [20% in oral Cs and 10% inhaled Cs]. The improvement with oral was higher than that with inhaled [Cs] and was achieved in the 1st month and continuing the treatment for 3 months kept the improvement but did not increase it significantly. The improvement with low dose inhaled and high dose inhaled CS was nearly similar. Oral CS decreased BMD while inhaled Cs showed no change in BMD during the treatment period. Also oral CS caused adrenal suppression in 70% of patients. Inhalation of high dose of CS caused adrenal suppression in 30% of patients, while low dose did not affect HPA axis. Thus the effect of inhaled CS on HPA axis was dose dependent

Management of senile entropion by retractor tightening and horizontal shortening

To determine the efficacy of two operations aimed at curing the principal causes of senile entropion. The lower lid retractors were tightened transcutaneously in 8 lids, while an additional horizontal lid shortening was performed in another 13 lids. Surgery was uneventful in all cases. The patients were reexamined from 7- 15 month after surgery. In the group with only lower lid retractor tightening, recurrence was found in three cases, however, there was only one case of recurrence in group with combined procedure. Lower eyelid retractor tightening combined with simultaneous horizontal shortening of the lid is recommended to correct senile entropion with a lasting result

Changing pattern of tuberculosis in Al Abbassia and Bab Al Shaaria regions in years 1994-1999

The study of routine work in Abbassia and Bab Al Shaaria Chest Dispensaries over the years 1994 1999, reveals the following: The number of subjects examined in both dispensaries was 92768 out of which 833 were diagnosed as tuberculous. The highest percentag of cases was found between age group of 20-40 years. Average percentage of disease in males was 72,9% and. 67.63% while in females was 27.1% and 32.37% in both Abbassia and Bab Al-Shaaria Chest dispensaries respectively. The average percentage of pulmonary TB in Abbassia chest dispensary was 88.89% and extrapulmonary TB percentage was 11.11% while in Bab Al-Shaaria Chest Dispensary the percentage of pulmonary TB was 83.56% and of extrapulmonary TB was 16.44%. The percentage of bronchogenic pulmonary TB was 68% and 65.54% in both Abbassia and Bab Al-Shaaria chest dispensary respectively, while primary pulmonary TB was 9.55% and 5.21% in both Abbassia and Bab Al-Shaaria chest dispensaries respectively. Pleural effusion percentage was 10.67% in Abbassia chest dispensary while ion Bad Al-Shaaria chest dispensary was 12.54% and of miliary TB lesion was 0.67% and 0.27% in both Abbassia and Bab Al-Shaaria chest dispensaries respectively. The number of defaulter cases in Abbassia chest dispensary was 141 cases [31.33%] and in Bab-Al-Shaaria chest dispeary was 39 cases [10.18%]. The relapse rate in Albassia chest dispensary was 3.89% and treatment failure rate was 7.11% while fatality rate was 6.14% but in Bab-Al-Shaaria chest dispensary the relapse rate was 4.06%, treatment failure rate 5.52% and the fatality rate was 2.90%

Comparative analysis of the biochemical tests used to differentiate between pleural transudates and exudates

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracies for pleural fluid tests that discriminate between transudative and exudative pleural effusion. A prospective evaluation of 78 patients with pleural effusion of different etiologies was done. The criteria showed the best results in this series, four effusions only were misclassified [three transudates and one exudate]. The number of misclassified effusions in other criteria was seven by PF cholinesterase [three transudates and four exudates], six by the P/S cholinesterase [four transudates and two exudates], six by PF cholesterol [one transudate and five exudates] and five by PF/S cholesterol ratio [two transudates and three exudates]. It was concluded that the criteria of Light et al. were the best method for distinguishing exudates from transudates