Can bone marrow aspirate improve mandibular fracture repair in camels (Camelus dromedarius)?A preliminary study

Background@#Mandibular fractures are common in camels, leading to considerable economic losses. This study explored methods of improving mandibular fractures repair, adjuvant with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation. Autologous bone marrow (BM) injection enhances osteogenesis and rapid healing. @*Objectives@#To investigate the effect of autologous BM aspirate as an adjuvant treatment for repairing mandibular fractures in camels with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation. @*Methods@#Thirty dromedary camels aged 5–8 years and of both sexes were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: group 1 (n = 10) treated with stainless steel wire fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 2 (n = 10) treated with plate fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 3 (n = 5) treated with stainless steel bone wire fixation and placebo saline injection at the fracture line, and group 4 (n = 5) treated with plate fixation and placebo injection at the fracture line. The mandibular fractures were followed weekly for 12 weeks postoperatively to assess improvement and healing based on clinical evaluation, radiographic union scale, and bone turnover markers (i.e., bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline). @*Results@#Compared to other groups, elevated bone turnover markers in group 1 were demonstrated (p < 0.05) on the seventh postoperative day. Likewise, compared to other groups, both clinical findings and radiographic union scale significantly improved (p < 0.05) in group 1 on the 56th postoperative day. @*Conclusions@#BM aspirate has a promising beneficial osteogenic effect on mandibular fracture repair in camels, most notably when combined with interdental wire fixation.

Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 180 male rats (190-220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1-G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2-G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4-G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically.@*RESULTS@#The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α- and β-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts, while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group. β-Globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide. Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats. Moreover, propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.

Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology

Objectives To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. Methods A total of 180 male rats (190–220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1–G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2–G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4–G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically. Results The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α

Echocardiographic diastolic dysfunction among hypertensive patients

Background and objective: Hypertension is a very common medical disorder, affecting nearly 40% of our population. Diastolic dysfunction is one of complications that happens and is regarded as a predictive of subsequent heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by echocardiography among hypertensive patients

Methods: This study involved 150 hypertensive cases [82 female and 68 male] age from 25-81 years old. Transthoracic echocardiography approach, using SIEMENS SONOLINE Omnia 2005 machine with the probe of p4-2 was used by the researcher. A comparative 150 normal non-hypertensive healthy adults with hypertensive patients are examined again by echocardiography. The parameter for the diastolic dysfunction measurement is E/A ratio

Results: It was found that 88 [58.7%] of hypertensive patients have diastolic dysfunction, while 4.9% of non-hypertensive group have diastolic dysfunction with significant statistical differences between both groups [P <0.001], who were age >60years have 79%, while age 25-35years old have 21% [P <0.001]. Among left ventricular hypertrophy patients, 87.5%, versus 12.5% have diastolic dysfunction [P <0.001]. Females are more liable for diastolic dysfunction, who have 70.7% than males who have 44.1% [P <0.001]

Conclusion: Diastolic dysfunction is common among hypertensive patients, particularly among females, aged, and who have echocardiographic criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy, represent risk factors for diastolic dysfunction

Analysis of chromatin integrity and DNA damage of buffalo spermatozoa

This study was conducted to determine chromatin integrity and DNA damage by DNA electrophoresis and comet assays of buffalo fresh and frozen semen. Semen samples were collected from four buffalo bulls and evaluated after freezing for semen motility, viability, sperm abnormalities, chromatin integrity and DNA damage. A significant variation was found in semen parameters after thawing. Highly significant differences [P<0.001] in chromatin integrity were observed between fresh and frozen semen. For the fresh semen, there was no significant difference between the bulls for chromatin integrity; however, a significant variation [P<0.05] was detected in their frozen semen. No DNA fragmentation was observed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The percentage of sperm with damaged DNA detected by comet assay differed significantly between fresh and frozen semen. A significant negative correlation was recorded between motility and DNA damage [r=-0.68, P<0.05]. Sperm abnormalities and DNA fragmentation were significantly positively correlated [r=0.59, P<0.05]. In conclusion, DNA damage evaluation can provide reassurance about genomic normalcy and guide the development of improved methods of selecting spermatozoa with intact DNA to be used in artificial insemination

Assessment of dialysis adequacy using urea reduction ratio and KT/V in four pediatric hemodialysis centers in Baghdad

Background: The 21[st] century has been set to enhance dialysis adequacy. Numerous studies have confirmed the association between the delivered dose of hemodialysis and patients outcomes. There is thus some evidence regarding the relationship between dialysis dose and quality of life

Objective: To assess dialysis adequacy using [Urea Reduction Rate and KT/V], and to determine the association between dialysis dose and different Hemodialysis characteristics in children with End Stage Renal Failure undergoing Hemodialysis

Method: This was an observational cross-sectional study that was conducted for three months, from [November 2014 till January 2015]; we enrolled 50 children with End Stage Renal Failure in four hemodialysis centers in Baghdad. Samples for blood urea [predialysis and postdialysis] were drown to calculate the adequacy dose

Results: Thirty two [64%] of patients were male and 18 [36%] were females; with male to female ratio was [1.7:1].The mean urea reduction ratio and Kt/V were 59.63 +/- 7.345% and 1.29 + 0.275, respectively, with fair dialysis adequacy .A Kt/V less than 1.2 and a urea reduction ratio less than 65% were found in 42%, and 38% of the hemodialysis patients, respectively. There was a significant correlation between dialysis dose and [Blood flow rate, Dialysis hours, Dialysis frequency /week and Effective surface area], while there was insignificance correlation with [gender, age, volume of ultrafiltration

Conclusion: Our results were better than neighbor countries with fair dialysis adequacy. It is important to regularly measure the parameters of dialysis adequacy in order to assess whether targets are achieved in accordance with K/DOQI guidelines

Antidepressant-like effect of resveratrol in a subchronic model of depression

Depression is one of the most serious and common mental diseases with major negative social consequences. Transresveratrol [trans-3,5,4´-trihydroxystilbene] is a polyphenolic compound with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. It has been detected in some fruits and herbs, including the Asian plant Polygonum cuspidatum. The aim of this study was to assess the antidepressant-like effect of transresveratrol in a reserpine subchronic model of depression. Depression-like behaviours were induced in rats by reserpine injection [0.25 mg/kg, subcutaneously] every 48 h, for 20 days. Transresveratrol [60 and 120 mg/kg] and fluoxetine [10 mg/kg] were administered orally daily during the 20 days of the study. Behavioural tests, namely, open-field test and forced swimming test, as well as brain neurotransmitters levels and antioxidant contents and liver functions, were assessed. Data revealed that transresveratrol improved the rats' behaviour in both the open-field test and forced swimming test, and also elevated the brain's neurotransmitter content, normalized the liver enzymes level, and improved the antioxidant status of both the brain and liver, compared with those of fluoxetine. The present study provided a clear evidence for the antidepressant-like of transresveratrol in the experimental model of depression. Further investigations are required to investigate the mechanism of action of transresveratrol as well as its applicability to be used as an antidepressant

Effects of Ramadan fasting on body weight and metabolic profile

Fasting during the Ramadan month is a religious duty and it is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fasting during Ramadan in different times and place on body weight, blood sugar, serum lipids and blood pressure. Fifty three healthy adult fasting volunteers were included in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken three days before Ramadan, at the end of the first week, and at the end of the fourth week of fasting. The last blood sample was taken one week after the end of Ramadan. Serum total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, triglycerides and glucose were measured. Vital signs and body mass index were taken by one of the researchers. Thirty three [62.3%] volunteers were males, 93.4% were below 40 years of age. Weight changed significantly during Ramadan. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased by 11 mmHg while diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9 mmHg [P <0.001]. Fasting blood sugar decreased by 14.96 mg/dl [P <0.001]. Plasma lipids; cholesterol decreased by 19.3 mg/dl [P <0.027], LDL by 23 mg/dl [P <0.001], triglyceride by 44 mg/dl [P <0.003] but the HDL increased by 5.4 mg/dl [P <0,002] during Ramadan fasting. Before Ramadan, 19% of participants had abnormal serum cholesterol and 37% had abnormal LDL level, while after Ramadan all had normal lipid levels [P <0.001]. The proportion of participants with abnormal HDL decreased from 94% before Ramadan to 50% after Ramadan [P <0.001]. Ramadan affects the body physiology and lowers the weight, serum lipids, blood pressure and blood glucose levels

Early outcomes of pandemic influenza [H1N1] 2009 surveillance in Abu Dhabi Emirate, May-August 2009

Soon after the initial detection of cases of pandemic H1N1 infection in Mexico, a new H1N1 surveillance system was set up in Abu Dhabi Emirate in May 2009. This paper reports on the outbreak from May to August 2009. A total of 356 cases were confirmed from 20 May 2009 to 16 August 2009. The incidence of confirmed H1N1 cases was 18.5 per 100 000. Their ages ranged from < 1 month to 62 years, with a median age of 20 years. The incidence was 18.6 per 100 000 among both males and females. The incidence among United Arab Emirates nationals was higher than expatriates [66.6 versus 5.2 per 100 000]. No death attributable to H1N1 was reported. A low-grade H1N1 infection evolved in the Emirate with an incidence lower than some other countries, possibly because of the pandemic being in the early stages, perhaps coupled with under-reporting

Therapeutic effect of captopril, pentoxifylline, and cordyceps sinensis in pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats

Portal hypertension is an important and potentially fatal complication of liver disease whereby cellular and fibrotic alterations manifest to increase portal venous pressure. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of captopril, pentoxifylline [PTX], and cordyceps sinensis in pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats. Wister male rats were divided at random into 3 main groups: the first group: control rats. The second group: sham-operated rats and the third group: prehepatic portal hypertensive rats [PHPHT] induced by regulated pre-hepatic portal vein ligation. After 14 days, Group 3 was subdivided into 5 subgroups. Subgroup [1]: portal vein-ligated [PVL] was killed at once; Subgroup [2]: received distilled water for 30 days [untreated PVL group]; subgroups 3-5 were treated with captopril [60 mg/kg, orally]; PTX [100 mg/kg, orally]; and C. sinensis [200 mg/kg, orally], respectively, as a single daily dose for 30 days. Portal pressure, nitric oxide [NO], antioxidant enzymes, Liver enzymes, and creatinine levels were measured to evaluate the status of the liver state. Portal vein ligation produced significant increments in liver enzymes, NO, creatinine and portal pressure concomitant with significant decrements in glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity. Treatment with captopril, PTX, and C. sinensis resulted in a significant reduction in liver enzymes, NO, creatinine and portal pressure and observable increase in antioxidant enzymes. Captopril, PTX, and C. sinensis have promising effect in controlling PHPHT and reducing hyperdynamic circulatory state through reduction of portal pressure and NO level

Production of a novel halophilic dextranase from a honey isolate, bacillus subtilis NRC-B233 under solid-state fermentation

A GRAM-POSITIVE, sporulating halophilic bacteria, designated NRC-B233, was isolated from the honey produced in Saudi Arabia. It was identified by the 16-23S intergenic region as Bacillus subtilis NRC-B233. Screening of the wastes and agro-products for dextranase production under solid state fermentation showed that corn flour was the best substrate [61.323 U/g]. The optimum conditions for dextranase productions were 37°C, pH 9, 32 hr incubation period, and 200% moisture content. The most favorable nitrogen and carbon sources for enzyme production were 2% peptone and 5% starch [1076.768, 1553.364 U/g]. respectively. A unique character of this isolate is its ability to continuously produce dextranase in the absence and presence of NaCl 5-20 g/l. The addition of 0.175 Mm CrCl[3] increased the dextranase production about 4.5 fold. The enzyme has been partially purified about 112-fold from crude extract by only two purification steps involving ultra-filtration. The purified dextranase showed its maximum activity at pH 9.2 and 70°C. It retained fill activity [100%] at 75°C for one hour. Dextranase activity increased about four fold in the presence of 10% NaCl. On the other hand, CaCl[2] [0.050M], EDTA [0.100M], and KCI [0.100M] had great influence in enzyme activity. The enzyme showed variable degradation effects on different types of dextran and its derivatives. These results suggest that the dextranase secreted by Bacillus subtilis NRC-B233 is industrially important from the perspectives of its activity at across pH range [5.0-100], its thermo-activity in addition to its halophilic character and its ability to degrade different types of alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 glycosidic linkages

Public-private partnership scenario in the health care system of Pakistan

Public-private partnerships [PPP] in basic health services delivery aim to improve service provision, such as better coverage, quality and infrastructure of health care, as well as raising the demand for health by the community. This paper outlines some examples of public-private partnerships in Pakistan and examines barriers to further development of such initiatives. We argue that to meet the challenges of globalization and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, Pakistan needs to improve the health status of its society by promoting and practising PPP in providing health care services

Pattern of migraine headache in a group of Kurdish Iraqi patients

To study the pattern of migraine, and to show the effect of age and duration of illness on the evolution of migraine symptoms. A review of 200 migraine cases [attending the outpatient neurology clinic at Rezgary Teaching Hospital, and Kurdistan Private Neurology Clinic] was carried out during the period between October 2007 to May 2008. Case definition of migraine was according to the International Headache Society [IHS] criteria. The majority [77%] of the studied sample was female. The mean age [ +/- SD] at onset was 22.33 +/- 9.52 years. The most common type of migraine observed was migraine without aura [72%]. Different symptoms like phonophobia [92%], nausea [86.5%], photophobia [84%], vertigo [78%], scalp tenderness [75%], attacks of facial pallor [64%], sweating [57%], vomiting [50%], pain in the arms [39%], and pain in the chest [6%] was studied in relation to age at presentation and duration of illness in years. No significant association was found between the duration of illness and age at presentation and evolution of migraine symptoms. No significant association was found between the duration of illness and frequency of the attacks. Many migraine symptoms remain the same in each attack no matter the duration of illness and age at presentation, except for bouts of vomiting, which may be less common in younger patients

Chemical and biological investigation of kigelia pinnata

The crude ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Kigelia pinnata was evaluated for its antioxidant, cytotoxic and antinociceptive activities. The antioxidant property of the ethanol extract of Kigelia pinnata was assessed by 1, l-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl [DPPH] free radical scavenging assay. The extract showed potential antioxidant activity [IC[50] about 110 micro g/ml], which was comparable to standard drug ascorbic acid [IC [50] at about 3.16 micro g/ml]. Brine Shrimp lethality bioassay indicated its cytotoxic property [LC[50] 100 micro g/ml]. Moreover, it produced significant [P < 0.001] writhing inhibition in acetic acid induced writhing in mice at the dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively, which was comparable to the standard drug diclofenac sodium. The results tend to suggest the antioxidant, cytotoxic and antinociceptive activities of the crude ethanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata

Antibacterial and antinociceptive activity of Hoya parasitica

The ethanol extract of leaves of Hoya parasitica was tested for its antibacterial and antinociceptive activities. The extract showed moderate antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It also produced significant [P<0.01] writhing inhibition in Swiss albino mice at oral dose of 500 mg/kg body weight comparable to the standard drug diclofenac sodium

Acute toxemic scnistosomiasis complicated by acute flaccid paraplegia due to schistosomal myeloradiculopathy in Sudan

A 55-year old Sudanese physician presented with one month history of diarrhea, loss of weight 10kg and low grade nocturnal fever. Following colonoscopy, he rapidly developed paraparesis and retention of urine. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI of the spinal cord showed low cord lesion suggestive of transverse myelitis. We present a detailed account of diagnostic and management challenges and a literature review of the final diagnosis of acute toxemic schistosomiasis, complicated by acute flaccid paraplegia due to schistosomal myeloradiculopathy. We are reporting this case to increase the awareness of physicians of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy, as it needs urgent specific treatment praziquantel and steroids. An early follow-up with MRI of the spinal cord 2 weeks treatment may help in preventing unnecessary neurosurgical intervention. Bilharziasis may be contracted on the banks of the river "White Nile" in urban areas. Finally, clinicians should make use of the Google computer search for diagnosis in difficult cases

Surgical treatment for different forms of hernias in sheep and goats

Sheep and goats are frequently presented with different forms of hernias to veterinary clinics. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcome of the surgical treatment of abdominal, umbilical, inguinal and scrotal hernias in sheep and goats. Fifty-eight clinical cases (sheep = 44, goat = 14) were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia from September, 2003 to September, 2006. These animals had abdominal (sheep = 30, goat = 10), umbilical (sheep = 6, goat = 4), inguinal (sheep = 7) and scrotal (sheep = 1) hernias. All the cases of hernias in sheep and goats were subjected to full study including the history of the case, classification of hernias, the size of the hernial ring, surgical repair of the hernias, adhesions between the hernial sacs in each case, the postoperative care and follow up of the cases. The results revealed that gender had an effect on the incidence of hernia. The incidence of abdominal hernias was higher in females and the incidence of inguinal hernia was higher in males. There was a positive correlation between the history of hernia and the degree of adhesion. For the sheep, 26 out of 30 cases of abdominal hernia had good outcomes and the healing was excellent. There were postoperative complications in 4 ewes. For the goats, there were slight swellings at the site of operation in 2 out of 10 cases of abdominal hernia, while the remaining 8 cases had good outcomes. There was one case of umbilical hernia with an umbilical abscess that had broken down with sepsis formation at the surgical site. In conclusion, the success rates of surgical treatment for all types of hernias were very high and there were no significant differences in the success rates among the different types of hernias in both sheep and goats. The types of suture materials and the types of hernias had no significant effect on the outcome of the surgical treatment.

Molecular genetics markers associated with salt tolerance in grain sorghum

The present study was carried out to evaluate two inbred lines of grain sorghum for their environmental stress tolerance [salinity] at the field. These two inbred lines were chosen as salt tolerant [ATX631] and salt sensitive [ICSR89038] for hybridization to obtain the F[1] generation and then selfed to obtain the F[2] generation. These contrasting genotypes and their F[1] and F[2] generations were utilized to detect DNA-based molecular markers associated with salt tolerance via RAPD and ISSR techniques, following the bulked segregant analysis. This analysis revealed some genetic markers associated with salt tolerance in grain sorghum that can be utilized during breeding programs via marker-assisted selection

Notandolide, a new cembranolide isolated from the soft coral Sinularia notanda, and the role of lactone in the cytotoxic activity of cemabranoids

A chemical investigation of the CH[2]CI[2] extract of the Formosan soft coral, Sinularia notanda Tixier-Durivault, has led to the isolation of a new cembrane-based diterpenoid with alpha-methylene-epsilon-lactone notandolide. The chemical structure of the new metabolite, including its relative stereochemistry, has been determined on the basis of extensive spectral analyses including 2D NMR experiments [[1]H-[1]H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY] and by NMR spectral comparison. A simple comparative study between the cytotoxic activity of a cembranolide and that of its hydrolyzed products further proved that the intact lactone ring in marine cembranolides might be essential for inhibition of growth of cancer cells

Childhood nephritic syndrome clinical manifestations and histopathlogical spectrum

Nephrotic syndrome in children is a clinical manifestation of different histopathological subtypes. The objectives were to study the different histopathological subtypes of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and to study their clinical and biochemical parameters at the time of diagnosis for children admitted to Children Welfare Teaching Hospital. A Retrospective study was done on 160 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who were diagnosed and/or treated at Children Welfare Teaching Hospital and were followed up in the pediatric nephrology consultation clinic between April 2004 and April 2006. The study group included 40 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who underwent renal biopsy. There were 26[68.7%] males and 14 [31.2%] females. Age at onset ranged between [1-15] years, median age [3.5] years. Facial oedema was found in 90%, hypertension in 45% patients, gross hematuna in 27.5% and persistent microhematuria in 45%. Sixteen [40%] patients had focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis on renal biopsy, nine [22.5%] patients minimal change nephrotic syndrome, eight [20%] patients mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, and seven [17.5%] patients had membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most common histopathological subtype in our study group. Further large studies is needed to find out changing trends of histopathology in childhood nephrotic syndrome