Antioxidant Activity And Total Phenol Content Of Different Plant Parts Of Lebanese Annona Squamosa Linn.

Objective: The aim of this work was to characterize the antioxidant properties and to evaluate the total phenol content of leaves, bark, pericarp, and pulp extracts of Lebanese Annona squamosa Linn. (A. squamosa),, as well as a total screening of secondary metabolites present in the various plant parts studied. Methods: Two solvent systems were used for extraction: ethanol 80 % and methanol 80 %. The antioxidant activity of different extracts was investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The Total Phenol Content (TPC) of the different plant parts are determined and compared via Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results were presented as the mean of three separate experiments and error bars were used to illustrate standard deviation. Results: The phenolic content was found to be highest in the A. squamosa leaves methanolic and ethanolic extracts (117.2 mg and 112.92 gallic acid extract/g, respectively). The results showed that A. squamosa leaves methanolic and ethanolic extracts display the highest antioxidant activities than the bark, pulp and pericarp extracts, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values 13.61 and 15.97 μg. ml-1 respectively. Ethanol 80 % and methanol 80 % were found to be efficient for the extraction of phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate the presence of promising compounds in Lebanese A. squamosa that are able to act as antioxidants and free radical scavengers.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography evaluation of corneal epithelium healing time after 2 different surface ablation methods

To compare epithelial healing time following laser epithelial keratomileusis [LASEK] and photorefractive keratectomy [PRK] with anterior segment optic coherence tomography [AS-OCT]. This prospective interventional case series study comprised 56 eyes of 28 patients that underwent laser refractive surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology, Medipol University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey, between March 2014 and May 2014. Each patient was randomized to have one eye operated on with PRK, and the other with LASEK. Patients were examined daily for 5 days, and epithelial healing time was assessed by using AS-OCT without removing therapeutic contact lens [TCL]. Average discomfort scores were calculated from ratings obtained from questions regarding pain, photophobia, and lacrimation according to a scale of 0 [none] to 5. The mean re-epithelialization time assessed with AS-OCT was 3.07 +/- 0.64 days in the PRK group, 3.55 +/- 0.54 days in the LASEK group, and the difference was statistically significant [p=0.03]. Mean subjective discomfort score was 4.42 +/- 0.50 in the PRK eyes, and 2.85 +/- 0.44 in the LASEK eyes on the first exam day [p=0.001]. The score obtained on the second [p=0.024], and third day [p=0.03] were also statistically significant. The fourth [p=0.069], and fifth days scores [p=0.1] showed no statistically significant difference between groups. The PRK showed a statistically significant shorter epithelial healing time, but had a statistically significant higher discomfort score until the postoperative fourth day compared with LASEK

incidence of leukemia in Saudi Arabia descriptive epidemiological analysis of data from the Saudi cancer registry [2001-2008]

To describe the epidemiological data of leukemia cases diagnosed from 2001 to 2008 among male and female Saudis, including the frequency and percentage of cases, the crude incidence rate [CIR], and the age-standardized incidence rate [ASIR] stratified by leukemia subtype, region, and year of diagnosis. This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of all Saudi leukemia cases recorded in the Saudi Cancer Registry SCR between January 2001 and December 2008. The study was carried out in 2013 to investigate the pattern of leukemia in the Saudi population. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression model were used. A total of 3852 leukemia cases were registered in the SCR between January 2001 and December 2008. The region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia had the highest overall ASIR among Saudi males at 5.2 per 100,000 males, followed by both the Eastern region and Northern region at 4.9 per 100,000 males. Furthermore, the region of Najran recorded the highest overall ASIR among Saudi females at 4.5 per 100,000 females. However, Jazan had the lowest average ASIRs of leukemia in Saudi Arabia. There was a slight increase in the CIRs and ASIRs of leukemia in Saudi Arabia between 2001 and 2008. Riyadh, the Eastern region, and the Northern region had the highest overall ASIRs of leukemia among Saudi males, and Najran had the highest overall ASIRs of leukemia among Saudi females; while Jazan had the lowest rates among the Saudi population

incidence rate of prostate cancer in Saudi Arabia: an observational descriptive epidemiological analysis of data from the Saudi Cancer Registry 2001-2008

This study presents descriptive epidemiological data related to prostate cancer cases diagnosed from 2001 to 2008 among Saudi men, including the frequency and percentage of cases, the crude incidence rate [CIR] and the age-standardised incidence rate [ASIR] adjusted by region and year of diagnosis. This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of all Saudi prostate cancer cases recorded in the Saudi Cancer Registry [SCR] between January 2001 and December 2008. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, the Poisson regression model, a simple linear regression model and analysis of variance with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 [SPSS]. A total of 1739 cases were registered in the SCR between January 2001 and December 2008. The eastern region of Saudi Arabia had the highest overall ASIR at 10.1 per 100,000 men, followed by Riyadh at 7.1 and Makkah at 5.2, while Jizan and Najran had the lowest average ASIRs at 1.4 and at 2.0, respectively. The Poisson regression model for the region of Jizan shows that the incidence rate ratio [IRR] was significantly higher [p < 0.001]; for the regions of Riyadh at 3.43 times [95% CI, 3.13-3.73], followed by Makkah at 2.56 [95% CI, 2.38-2.74] and the eastern province at 1.93 [95% CI, 1.64-2.23]. The annual prediction of the CIR of prostate cancer in Saudi Arabia could be defined by the equation 1.53 + [0.094 Years], and the prediction of the ASIR could be defined by the equation 2.98 + [0.182 Years]. There was a steady increase in the CIRs and ASIRs for prostate cancer between 2001 and 2008. The eastern region, Riyadh and Makkah had the highest overall ASIR in Saudi Arabia. Further effective screening programmes and active treatment measures are needed to control prostate cancer disease among Saudi men

Formación de cálculos biliares de colesterol: nuevos avances científicos / Cholesterol gallstone formation: new scientific advances

La investigación científica sobre la formación de cálculos biliares de colesterol, ha comprobado la participación de numerosos genes, entre los cuales se encuentran receptores nucleares y transportadores biliares. El desequilibrio fisicoquímico entre los lípidos biliares más importantes produce hipersecreción de colesterol en la bilis, una etapa necesaria para sobresaturar la vesícula biliar. Las sales biliares son insuficientes para solubilizar al colesterol en micelas mixtas, por lo que esta molécula se solubiliza, en su mayoría, dentro de liposomas (fosfolípidos y escasas sales biliares), y en ellos existe en alta concentración, que tiende a precipitar y a formar cristales, evento considerado como limitante para la formación de cálculos biliares. El desarrollo del cálculo puede acelerarse si existe hipersecreción de proteínas mucinas y escasa motilidad vesicular. La presente revisión tiene el objetivo de informar los nuevos aportes científicos sobre la formación de cálculos biliares de colesterol, analizando y discutiendo sus resultados enfocados a la búsqueda de tratamientos farmacológicos, porque la litiasis no tiene terapia eficaz y la colecistectomía es el método quirúrgico invasivo, cuando la enfermedad produce síntomas

Scientific research about cholesterol gallstone formation has shown the involvement of many genes, such as nuclear receptors and biliary transporters. Physicochemical imbalance of three major biliary lipids produces hypersecretion of cholesterol in bile, a key process for supersaturation of gallbladder. Bile salts are insufficient for solubilization of cholesterol in mixed micelles; therefore this molecule is solubilized mostly into liposome (phospholipids and few bile salts); there is a high concentration of cholesterol into liposomes, which leads to its precipitation and crystallization, the key factor for cholesterol gallstone formation. Development of gallstones might accelerated when there is hypersecretion of mucins and gallbladder hypomotility. The aim of this review is to inform about new scientific contributions of cholesterol gallstone formation, analyzing them to the investigation of possible pharmacological treatments, since it is a disease that has no effective treatment and the only cholecystectomy is an invasive surgical treatment for symptomatic gallstone

Assessment of t-cell immunity in women suffering from chronic toxoplasmosis

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii [T. gondii]on chosen indices of the immune response. This study involved 50 women infected with T. gondii[aged 20-45 years] proven have a chronic Toxoplasmosis [IgG positive and IgM negative]. The control group composed of 25 healthy women [aged 19 - 41 years][IgG and IgM negative] . All cases were subjected to the following :Full history taking, general and local Obstetrical and Gynecological examination, Complete blood picture, Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate [E.S.R],Renal function tests including blood urea and serum creatinine, Fasting and postprandial blood sugar, complete Liver function tests, abdominal ultrasonography and assess the rhesus factor[Rh] by agglutination test,Treponema palladium [Syphilis] by VDRLand by IHAT and agglutination test for Brucella abortus. Detection of specific anti-toxoplasma antibodies were assessed by IgG and IgM . Serum cytokines were quantitated using Sunrise ELISA reader M. code by commercially available ELISA kits for IFN y and for TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL:10 . The results of this study showed that patients infected with T. gondii had increased production of the Th-1 cytokines involved IFN y and TNF-alpha ,The mean level +/-SD of IFN y in T. gondii infection was 134.2 +/- 6.98 pg/ml.,on the other hand the mean level in healthy subjects was 24 +/- 2.99 pg/ml. [P < 0.0001] The mean level +/- SD of TNF-a in T .gondii infection was 49.1 +/- 4.1 pg/ml and in healthy subjects was 13.2 +/- 2.00 pg/ml.[P < 0 .001]. Also there is increased production of Th2 cytokines involved IL-4 and IL-10 that responsible for humoral response as compared to controls. The mean level +/- SD of IL-4 in T. gondii infection was 28.6 +/- 3.82 pg/ml and the mean level in healthy subjects was 16.1 +/- 2.4.5pg/ml. [P < 0.01]. The mean level +/- SD of IL-10 in T. gondii infection was 23.2 +/- 3.38 pg/ml .,on the other the mean level of IL-10 in healthy subjects was 11.8 +/- 2.1 pg/ml [P < 0.01] .,that responsible for the cellular response'as compared to controls group. All these subjects were living in the same geographical area with more or less similar social and economical standard

Study of Knowledge; Attitude; Practice towards Epilepsy among Relative of Epileptic Patients in Khartoum State

People with epilepsy are suffering from a lot of un tolded negative impacts on their lives; due to misunderstanding of the disease and from the associated stigma. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge; attitude; and practice among relatives of Sudanese epileptic patients seen in Sheik Mohamed Kheir Neurological clinic and Elshaab Teaching Hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive cross- sectional community based study; 313 respondents were included; the duration of the study was from November 2008 to June 2009. Results: Most of the respondents knew the disease; and had witnessed an attack. One third mentioned a brain lesion as the underlying cause of epilepsy. Most of the respondents mentioned loss of consciousness as the major symptom. More than two thirds mentioned that it is not contagious. Most of the respondents claimed that it can be controlled; and two thirds preferred medical treatment. The study revealed that half of the respondents had shown favourable attitudes and practice. Conclusion: The study revealed that the level of knowledge; attitude; and practice towards epilepsy needs community educational programmes to fill the gaps; and minimize the stigma

Frações da parede celular e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca de três genótipos de girassol ensilados com aditivos / In vitro dry matter and cell wall fractions of three genotypes of sunflower ensiled with additives

Ensilaram-se três genótipos de girassol (M734, Rumbosol 91 e variedade V2000), enriquecidos no material original com: 0,5 por cento de uréia (U); 0,5 por cento de carbonato de cálcio (CC); 0,5 por cento de uréia mais 0,5 por cento de carbonato de cálcio (U+CC); inoculante bacteriano comercial (IB) comercial e sem aditivo que serviu como silagem testemunha (T). Foram utilizados silos de laboratório de PVC, abertos com 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28 e 56 dias de ensilados, sendo determinados fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), lignina e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS). As silagens de Rumbosol 91 apresentaram valores superiores aos dos genótipos V2000 e M734 nos dias de abertura para FDN, FDA e lignina. Os aditivos não promoveram alterações nos constituintes da parede celular. A silagem T não apresentou diferenças entre os genótipos quanto à DIVMS no decorrer do processo fermentativo, sendo os valores do último dia de abertura (56) de 51,0 por cento, 49,1 por cento e 48,9 por cento de DIVMS para os genótipos M734, V2000 e Rumbosol 91, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre as silagens com aditivos e a silagem testemunha com a evolução do processo fermentativo quanto à DIVMS. Os aditivos utilizados não melhoraram as silagens de girassol quanto às características avaliadas e, apesar de os genótipos apresentarem digestibilidade in vitro semelhantes, o Rumbosol 91 apresentou maiores teores de constituintes da parede celular.

Three sunflower genotypes (M 734, Rumbosol 91 and V2000 variety) enriched with 0.5 percent of urea (U); 0.5% of calcium carbonate (CC); 0.5 percent of urea plus 0.5 percent of calcium carbonate (U + CC); commercial bacterial inoculate (BI); and without any additive, used as control silage (T) were ensiled in PVC silos and opened after 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days to determine the neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (FDA), lignin and dry matter in vitro digestibility (DMIVD). The Rumbosol 91 genotype silage showed higher NDF, ADF and lignin than V2000 and M734 genotypes. The additives did not promote changes in the cell wall constituents. No statistical differences among silages of the genotypes for DMIVD were observed during the fermentative process. The DMIVD at 56 days were 51.0, 49.1 and 48.9 percent for silage of M734, V2000 and Rumbosol 91 genotypes, respectively. No difference between silages with additives and control (T), during the fermentative process for DMIVD was observed. The additives did not improve sunflower silages. The genotypes showed similar in vitro digestibility, and the Rumbosol 91 genotype showed high compound of cell wall constituent.

Risk factors in cases of spontaneous abortion in Zagazig University Hospitals

The objective of this study was to identify the important risk factors for spontaneous abortion among pregnant women in Zagazig. The study included 204 consecutive women hospitalized for spontaneous abortion from December 1st 2000 till the end of October 2001. A control group of 206 consecutive women who had normal delivery in the same period was also included. The statistical analysis indicated a positive association of age, age at menarche, multigravidity, multiparity, lifting, bending at work and thyroid problems with spontaneous abortion. Excessive smoking and caffeine consumptions, high body mass index and malnutrition were associated with a high risk of spontaneous abortion. Also, a higher risk was associated with marriage to older husband and having an industrial job. Meanwhile, early menarche might be protective

Knowledge, attitude and practice the three pillars of excellence and wisdom: a place in the medical profession

Knowledge, attitude and practice constitute a triad of interactive factors characterized by dynamism and unique interdependence. Emphasis is laid, for each component of the triad, on the value of ethical conduct in raising the application of the component in real life to a peak. Special treatment is given to several important factors that can influence or control the course of practice in the medical profession. We consider in depth the conglomerate of information, education, communication and human resources development; the sociohumanistic elements of practice; modern technologies and technology transfer systems; environmental factors; and the capability of science and technology for forecasting and assessment

Lymphocyte blastogenic response to collagen in periodontal disease is predominantly a B-cell response and dependent upon adherent cells

Peripheral blood lymphocytes patients with periodontal disease undergo blastogenesis with human collagen type I. The cellular characteristics of this response were examined by fractionation of the cell populations and assay of thymidine uptake of responding cells. They were separated on nylon wool columns and monoclonal antibodies [OKT3 and anti-Lew M2] were used to further characterize the cell separation method. B-lymphocytes [OKT3 -] responded at higher levels to collagen than T-lymphocytes [OKT3 +]. Depletion of polystyrene adherent cells reduced the response to a greater extent. Reconstitution with approximately 10% adherent cells gave the maximal lymphoblastogenic response to collagen

Peculiar presentation in the mesenteric vascular territory with presentation of sixteen cases

This study was intended to discuss an experience of the authors in stressing the value of considering the vessels of gut [arteries, vein and lymphatics] as an important reason for abdominal troubles. Presentation could vary from post-prandial symptoms, to a mass that enlarges after meals, to almost any gastro-intestinal troubles up to abdominal apoplexy [spontaneous rupture of anerysm especially in pregnancy]. According: 1- Embolectomy should be prepared for in any major acute abdominal operation. 2- Spontaneous segmental venous thrombosis is described and the possible relation to stress and smoking and contraceptive pills is suggested. 3- The importance of exploring measenteric haematoma is forwarded to save lives. 4- A case of lymphangioma of cavernous nature increasing in size after meals is described. 5- A case of lymphatic adenomatous colonic polyp is described with its peculiar serous exudates, missed as urine for over 18 months. 6- The value of post-operative anticoagulant therapy in acute abdomen especially with suspicious gut or after resection in the elderly or in those with doubtful vessels. 7- The value of a clinic haematholoist as a member of the surgical team in view of the concern with the correction of coagulation errors met with in practice