Measurement and analysis of the religious and spiritual factors of quality of life of residents of Islamic cities / Medición y análisis de los factores religiosos y espirituales de la calidad de vida de los residentes de las ciudades islámicas

Abstract Happiness and achieving quality of life primarily depends on the nature of the place in which we live. The religious/spiritual factor is considered a basic factor for understanding the quality of life of individuals. The study at hand used the Arabic version of WHOQoL-SRPB to analyze the religious and spiritual factor affecting the quality of life in Islamic holy cities. The scale was applied to 671 residents of Medina with an average age of 51.6 years, of which 527 (78.5 %) are males and 144 (21.5 %) are females, and they are all Muslims. The results showed that all factors have good internal consistency, since the Alpha Cronbach value was .81 at a significant level of p < .001, and its value for the factors ranged between .75-.89, which are high values and significant at p < .001 except for the "Wholeness" factor, which was significant at p < .01. Moreover, the results of the intra-class correlations coefficients (ICC) test showed that all WHOQoL-SRPB factors are acceptable, as their values ranged between (.82-.93), and all of them were significant at p < .001.

Serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels in patients with major depressive disorder vs. healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Etiologically, several factors may play a role in its development. Previous studies have reported elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in patients with depression, suggesting that PAI-1 levels might be linked to the etiology of MDD. Methods We systematically searched the following online databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 10, 2020, to identify studies in which PAI-1 levels were reported in subjects with MDD. Subsequently we used RevMan 5.3 to perform a meta-analysis of data extracted from the included studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PICO criteria for the search and analysis. Results Six studies that reported mean ± standard deviation (SD) were included in the analysis, with a total of 507 MDD patients and 3,453 controls. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.01-0.53). PAI-1 serum levels were 0.27 SDs higher in MDD patients than in controls. The test for overall effect was significant (z = 2.04, p = 0.04). Substantial heterogeneity was detected among the studies, demonstrated by the inconsistency test (I2 = 72%) and the chi-square test (χ2 = 18.32; p = 0.003). Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that MDD might be related to elevated PAI-1 levels. We propose larger prospective clinical studies to further investigate this clinical correlation and validate the clinical significance of these observations.

Trends in Graves' orbitopathy research in the past two decades: a bibliometric analysis / Tendências na pesquisa da orbitopatia de Graves nas últimas duas décadas: uma análise bibliométrica

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study was conducted to identify trends in Graves' orbitopathy research in the past two decades and to elaborate on hot topics in the field. Methods: The Web of Science database was used to extract articles on Graves' orbitopathy or its synonyms. Full data and references were exported to VOSviewer software to be analyzed. Visualization maps and charts were constructed accordingly. Results: We retrieved 1067 articles on Graves' orbitopathy from the Web of Science database. The United States ranked first in terms of the article count (25), followed by Italy (141) and the People's Republic of China (120). Wiersinga's and the University of Amsterdam's articles received the highest citation count (1509 and 3052, respectively). The University of Pisa and Thyroid published the highest number of articles (65 and 93, respectively). Co-authorship analysis showed four clusters of country collaborations: red cluster, European countries; green cluster, the United States, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, and Taiwan; a yellow cluster, People's Republic of China; and blue cluster, Japan, Australia, and Poland. Keyword analysis revealed five clusters of topics: pathogenesis, management, association, quality of life, and surgery. Analysis of co-cited references also revealed five clusters: pathogenesis, management, risk factors, clinical assessment, and surgical management. Conclusion: Research on Graves' orbitopathy has grown during the past two decades. Hot research topics are pathogenesis, management, risk factors, quality of life, and complications. Research trends have changed in the past two decades. Increasing interest in exploring Graves' orbitopathy mechanisms and associations is evident. European countries are cooperating in this field of research. The United States has established more extensive international cooperation than other countries. We believe that more international collaboration involving developing countries is required.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar tendências no campo de pesquisa da orbitopatia de Graves nas últimas duas décadas e analisar os ramos de maior concentração de pesquisas nessa área. Métodos: O banco de dados Web of Science foi usado para extrair artigos com "orbitopatia de Graves" ou seus sinônimos no título. Dados completos e referências foram exportados para o programa VOSviewer para serem analisados. Mapas e gráficos de visualização foram construídos a partir desses dados. Resultados: Foram obtidos 1067 artigos sobre a orbitopatia de Graves a partir do banco de dados Web of Science. Os EUA ficaram em primeiro lugar em termos de número de publicações, seguidos pela Itália e pela República Popular da China. Dentre os autores, os artigos de Wiersinga WM tiveram o maior número de citações. Quanto às instituições, os artigos da Universidade de Amsterdã tiveram o maior número de citações, mas a Universidade de Pisa publicou o maior número de artigos. Dentre os periódicos, a revista Thyroid publicou o maior número de artigos. A análise de coautoria mostrou quatro agrupamentos de colaboração entre países. O primeiro agrupamento engloba países europeus; o segundo engloba os EUA, Brasil, Canadá, Coreia do Sul e Taiwan. A República Popular da China compreende um agrupamento por si só. O quarto agrupamento inclui Japão, Austrália e Polônia. A análise das palavras-chave revelou cinco agrupamentos de tópicos de palavras-chave: patogênese, gerenciamento, associação, qualidade de vida e cirurgia. A análise das referências citadas em conjunto revelou cinco agrupamentos: patogênese, manejo, fatores de risco, avaliação clínica e manejo cirúrgico. Conclusão: A pesquisa no campo da orbitopatia de Graves cresceu nos últimos vinte anos. Os tópicos com a maior concentração de pesquisas são: patogênese, gerenciamento, fatores de risco, qualidade de vida e complicações. As tendências de pesquisa mudaram nas últimas duas décadas. Ficou evidente um aumento do interesse em explorar os mecanismos e associações da orbitopatia de Graves. Observou-se uma cooperação entre países europeus neste campo de pesquisa. Os EUA estabeleceram uma cooperação internacional mais ampla que outros países. Acreditamos que mais colaboração internacional envolvendo países em desenvolvimento seria recomendável.

Anti-proliferative or Cytopathic Potential of Thapsia garganica, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon and Vinca rosea Extracts Against Human Embryonic Kidney Carcinoma Cell Line

ABSTRACT Objective: Developing anti-cancer drugs from natural products is receiving increasing interest worldwide due to limitations and side effects of anti-cancer drugs. The purpose of this study was to explore the anti-proliferative or cytopathic potential of natural compounds derived from plant sources as alternatives of synthetic compounds on human embryonic kidney carcinoma (HEK) cell line. Methods: In this study, aqueous and methanolic extracts were obtained from various plants, viz, Thapsia garganica, Citrus sinesis, Citrus limon and Vinca rosea. Extracts were serially diluted into 96-well microtitre plates and were screened for anti-proliferative potential against the HEK cell line via the neutral red dye uptake assay. Results: The findings revealed that methanolic extracts of T. garganica leaf and V. rosea leaf were the most effective as anti-proliferative or cytotoxic against the HEK cell line, with IC50 at 32-fold dilution of the extract. Conclusion: The extracts of T. garganic and V, rosea have been used as anti-proliferative drugs but after trial in experimental animals for being not toxic.

Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer Screening Methods among Women in Al-Qunfudah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women in Saudi Arabia. Screening helps in early detection and prompt treatment of breast cancer, leading to a better prognosis. Lack of knowledge and awareness of its screening methods can lead to bad outcomes. So far, little is known of women’s knowledge of breast cancer screening. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of breast cancer screening among Saudi women in Al-Qunfudah.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 203 adult Saudi women aged 18 years and above. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from Saudi women in Al-Qunfudah, Saudi Arabia in 2019. The data were entered and statistically analyzed using SPSS software.Results: Findings revealed that all the participants in this study heard of breast cancer, and their awareness of breast self-examination was high (93.6%). Awareness levels were lower concerning clinical breast examination (63.1%) and mammography (65.5%). However, only 43.3% correctly practiced breast self-examination, and 5.9% had ever heard of a mammogram. Knowledge of breast cancer screening with mammography screening was significantly related to participant age (P=0.04), marital status (P=0.008), and occupation (P=0.04). Furthermore, the relation between participants who underwent mammography and age was significant (P=0.001).Conclusion: Our data indicate that the knowledge, awareness, and practices were insufficient, and educational interventions are required inAl-Qunfudahto encourage young women to practice screening for early detection

Sexual Nursing Care For The Postpartum Period And Its Impact On Sexual Dysfunction And Life Satisfaction Among Egyptian Women

@#Many couples experience postpartum period of decreasing sexual satisfaction. Postpartum sexual dysfunction is a very common and relevant clinical problem, with significant adverse effects on women's health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sexual nursing care for the postpartum period on sexual dysfunction and life satisfaction among Egyptian women. A quasi-experimental design was used to study 219 women selected using a purposive sample. The study was conducted in out-patients maternity clinic at Zagazig university hospitals, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, between the periods from February 2019 to February 2020. Data was collected using three tools. The first: Structured interview questionnaire that consist from three parts, part one: socio demographic characteristics , part two obstetric history and part three sexual history, the second: Female Sexual dysfunction index (FSDI), and the third: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).Four session about sexual education was done. The Results showed an improvement in sexuality and life satisfaction after application of sexual nursing care for the postpartum period including kegel’s exercise, positioning and distractions techniques post intervention compared to pre intervention. The study concluded that sexual nursing intervention for postpartum period improve sexual functioning and create enjoyable intercourse and there was high positive correlation between sexuality and life satisfaction after implementation of the sexual nursing care intervention. The study recommended to provide counselling /training program about sexual nursing care intervention during postpartum period for nurses working in different health care settings.

Zinc alpha 2 glycoprotein as an early biomarker of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / Zinco-alfa2-glicoproteina (ZAG) como biomarcador precoce de nefropatia diabética em pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2

Abstract Introduction: Although microalbuminuria remains the gold standard for early detection of diabetic nephropathy (DN), it is not a sufficiently accurate predictor of DN risk. Thus, new biomarkers that would help to predict DN risk earlier and possibly prevent the occurrence of end-stage kidney disease are being investigated. Objective: To investigate the role of zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) as an early marker of DN in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Methods: 88 persons were included and classified into 4 groups: Control group (group I), composed of normal healthy volunteers, and three patient groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus divided into: normo-albuminuria group (group II), subdivided into normal eGFR subgroup and increased eGFR subgroup > 120 mL/min/1.73m2), microalbuminuria group (group III), and macroalbuminuria group (group IV). All subjects were submitted to urine analysis, blood glucose levels, HbA1c, liver function tests, serum creatinine, uric acid, lipid profile and calculation of eGFR, urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), and measurement of urinary and serum ZAG. Results: The levels of serum and urine ZAG were higher in patients with T2DM compared to control subjects and a statistically significant difference among studied groups regarding serum and urinary ZAG was found. Urine ZAG levels were positively correlated with UACR. Both ZAG levels were negatively correlated with eGFR. Urine ZAG levels in the eGFR ˃ 120 mL/min/1.73m2 subgroup were higher than that in the normal eGFR subgroup. Conclusion: These findings suggest that urine and serum ZAG might be useful as early biomarkers for detection of DN in T2DM patients, detectable earlier than microalbuminuria.

Resumo Introdução: Embora a microalbuminúria continue sendo o padrão ouro para a detecção precoce da nefropatia diabética (ND), ela não é um preditor suficientemente preciso do risco de ND. Assim, novos biomarcadores para prever mais precocemente o risco de ND e possivelmente evitar a ocorrência de doença renal terminal estão sendo investigados. Objetivo: Investigar a zinco-alfa2-glicoproteína (ZAG) como marcador precoce de ND em pacientes com debates mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Métodos: Os 88 indivíduos incluídos foram divididos em quatro grupos: grupo controle (Grupo I), composto por voluntários saudáveis normais; e três grupos de pacientes com DM2 assim divididos: grupo normoalbuminúria (Grupo II), subdivididos em TFG normal e TFG > 120 mL/min/1,73 m2), grupo microalbuminúria (Grupo III) e grupo macroalbuminúria (Grupo IV). Todos foram submetidos a urinálise e exames para determinar glicemia, HbA1c, função hepática, creatinina sérica, ácido úrico, perfil lipídico, cálculo da TFG, relação albumina/creatinina (RAC) e dosagem urinária e sérica de ZAG. Resultados: Os níveis séricos e urinários de ZAG foram mais elevados nos pacientes com DM2 em comparação aos controles. Foi identificada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos estudados em relação aos níveis séricos e urinários de ZAG. Os níveis urinários de ZAG foram positivamente correlacionados com a RAC. Ambos os níveis de ZAG foram negativamente correlacionados com TFG. Os níveis urinários de ZAG no subgrupo com TFG ˃ 120 mL/min/1,73m2 foram maiores do que no subgrupo com TFG normal. Conclusão: Constatamos que a ZAG sérica e urinária pode ser um útil biomarcador precoce para detecção de ND em pacientes com DM2, sendo detectável mais precocemente que microalbuminúria.

Nano-Crystalline Cellulose as a Novel Tablet Excipient for Improving Solubility and Dissolution of Meloxicam.

This study explored the effect of nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC) on Meloxicam (MX) solid dispersion (SD) prepared by co-grinding technique compared to micro-crystalline cellulose (MCC) in presence of lactose. MX-tablets were prepared by direct compression of different co-ground SDs or physical mixtures. The solubility, dissolution, SEM and DSC of different preparations were studied. Flow-through cell apparatus (FTC) was used to study the dissolution of MX from tablets at pH 7.4. Generally, the results revealed that increasing NCC loadings showed a direct increase in both the solubility and dissolution of MX. MCC did not improve either the solubility or the dissolution of MX in the physical mixture, while, co-grinding dramatically decreased the dissolution rate of MX. It was interesting to find that grinding of MX-powder alone or in a mixture with lactose highly increased MX solubility and dissolution. SEM as well as DSC were found to be very good tools, without a single exception, to describe the observed solubility and dissolution of MX in these proposed preparations. SEM-images showed the particle size reduction upon grinding or co-grinding techniques. While DSC-data proved that the crystalline structure of MX has been changed to an amorphous state.

prevalence and the clinical characteristics of metabolic syndrome patients admitted to the cardiac care unit

Objectives: metabolic syndrome [MetS] is a group of multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including dysglycemia, central obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common complications of MetS. Recent studies showed that prevalence of MetS among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome was as high as 46%

Design: we conducted a cross-sectional study of 203 patients at the two main hospitals in Ta'if, Saudi Arabia. Patients older than 18 years who were admitted to the Cardiac Care Unit [CCU] between the months of August 2013 and June 2014 were asked to participate. MetS diagnosis was made based on the International Diabetes Federation Definition

Results: a total of 203 patients participated, with 59.1% male and 40.9% were female. The mean age was 60.9 years with a mean body mass index of 28.97 kg/m2 and a mean waist circumference of 95.45 cm. The prevalence of MetS was 47.8%, primarily among obese female patients who reported sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, MetS patients were more likely to be admitted with heart failure [p < 0.05] and more likely to have moderate-to-severe leftventricular hypertrophy [LVH; p < 0.05] relative to non-MetS patients

Conclusion: of the patients admitted to the CCU, 47.8% had MetS, with those patients likely to be female and obese. Furthermore, MetS patients were more likely to be admitted with heart failure and suffer from moderateto- severe LVH

Hepato-protective effect of rutin via IL-6/STAT3 pathway in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces hepatotoxicity in animal models, including the increased blood flow and cytokine accumulation that are characteristic of tissue inflammation. The present study investigates the hepato-protective effect of rutin on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. RESULTS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control group) received 1 mL/kg of dimethyl sulfoxide intragastrically and 3 mL/kg olive oil intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group II received 70 mg/ kg rutin intragastrically. Groups III and IV received CCl4 (3 mL/kg, 30 % in olive oil) intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group IV received 70 mg/kg rutin intragastrically after 48 h of CCl4 treatment. Liver enzyme levels were determined in all studied groups. Expression of the following genes were monitored with real-time PCR: interleukin-6 (IL-6), dual-specificity protein kinase 5 (MEK5), Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), epidermal growth factor (EGF), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Janus kinase (JAK), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL). The CCl4 groups showed significant increases in biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and up-regulation of expression levels of IL-6, Bcl-XL, MEK5, FADD, EGF, STAT3 and JAK compared with the control group. However, CCl4 administration resulted in significant down-regulation of Bcl2 expression compared with the control group. Interestingly, rutin supplementation completely reversed the biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and the gene expression alterations induced by CCl4. CONCLUSION: CCl4 administration causes alteration in expression of IL-6/STAT3 pathway genes, resulting in hepatotoxicity. Rutin protects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity by reversing these expression changes.

Frequency of Three Common Mutations of CARD15/NOD2 Gene in Jordanian Patients with Crohn’s Disease.

Background and Aims: CARD15/NOD2 is recognized as a major susceptibility gene for Crohn’s disease. Several mutations of CARD15/NOD2 have been reported in different racial groups. We aimed to investigate the frequency of three common CARD15/NOD2 mutations in a Jordanian Crohn’s disease cohort. Methodology: Fifty one unrelated Crohn’s disease patients and fifty one age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited at two hospitals in Jordan. Demographic and phenotypic characteristics of patients were ascertained. Allele frequencies for three CARD15/NOD2 mutations (G2722C, C2104T, 3020insC) were determined by PCR-RFLP, ARM-PCR, and direct sequencing using allele specific primers. Results: The frequencies of G2722C alleles in Crohn’s disease patients were higher but not statistically significant as compared to healthy controls (5.9% vs. 1.9%; P = 0.32). On the other hand, C2104T and 3020insC mutations have not been detected in Crohn’s disease patients or healthy controls. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that common mutations of CARD15/NOD2 gene in White patients with Crohn’s disease are not associated with Crohn’s disease in the Jordanian population. Further studies are needed to ascertain the effect of these and other mutations on Crohn’s disease susceptibility and behavior in our population.

Root canal configurations of the first and second mandibular premolars in the population of north Syria

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the canal anatomy and morphology of the first and second mandibular premolars in the population of north Syria

Methods: One-hundred and sixty permanent fully developed apices of the mandibular premolars [95 first mandibular premolars and 65 second mandibular premolars] were collected and stored in 10% cloramine-T solution. Teeth were stained with India Ink and cleared. The number and the type of root canal were examined in the root of each cleared mandibular premolar

Results: The results showed that 82.1% of first mandibular premolars had a single canal and 17.9% contained two canals. Eighty three percent of second mandibular premolars had a single canal, 15.3% two canals, and 1.5% three canals

Conclusion: Most of mandibular premolars have a single canal with the probability of presence of two or more canals. This possibility of the existence of two or more canals in the mandibular premolars should be considered by the dentists while performing endodontic therapy

Soft versus hard occlusal splint therapy in the management of temporomandibular disorders [TMDs]

Aim: To compare between soft and hard occlusal splint therapy for the management of myofacial pain dysfunction [MPD] or internal derangement [ID] of the temporomandibular joint [TMJ] with reciprocal clicking

Patients and methods: This study included 50 patients [age range: 24-47 years] who had been diagnosed with MPD or ID of the TMJ in the form of reciprocal clicking. Patients were divided into two groups. They were treated for 4 months with either a vacuum-formed soft occlusal splint constructed from 2-mm-thick elastic rubber sheets [soft splint group] or a hard flat occlusal splint fabricated from transparent acrylic resin [hard splint group]. Monthly follow-up visits were performed during the treatment period. Before treatment and 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after treatment, the dentist measured all parameters of TMJ function [pain visual analog scores, tenderness of masticatory muscles, clicking and tenderness of the TMJ, and range of mouth opening]

Results: All parameters of TMJ function showed significant improvement in both groups during the follow-up period, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups at the 4-month follow-up visit

Conclusions: Both forms of occlusal splints [soft and hard] improved TMJ symptoms in patients with MPD or ID of the TMJ. However, the soft occlusal splints exhibited superior results after 4 months of use

[Fetuin-A and high sensitivity-CRP in children with chronic kidney diseases]

Background: Fetuin-A is a circulating calcium- regulatory glycoprotein that inhibits vascular calcification. In end stage renal disease [ESRD], fetuin -A has been demonstrated to be reduced and inversely related to cardiovascular mortality. The present study aimed to determine the effect of renal function on serum levels of fetuin-A in patients with chronic kidney disease [CKD] and to investigate the relationship between fetuin-A serum level and vascular calcification which represents a risk factor for the development of endothelial dysfunction[ED]

Methods: 20 CKD patients on conservative treatment, 20 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis [HD] treatment, as well as 40 apparently healthy controls of matchable age and sex were enrolled in the study. All the patients and controls were subjected to the following investigations: estimation of serum levels of fetuin-A, high sensitivity-CRP [hs-CRP], creatinine, calcium [Ca], phosphorus [Po4], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and parathormone [PTH]. In addition, glomerular filtration rate was estimated for cases and controls

Results: There was significant reduction in fetuin-A serum levels in CKD and ESRD patients compared to controls. A significant decrease was also detected in ESRD group when compared to CKD group. The inflammation marker hs-CRP was significantly increased in CKD and ESRD patients in comparison to controls. The increase was also significant on comparing ESRD group with CKD group. A strong inverse correlation was found between serum fetuin-A and hs-CRP, Significantly increased serum levels of ALP and PTH were found in CKD and ESRD patients compared with controls. The increase was also significant in ESRD patients compared with CKD patients. In ESRD patients, Serum levels of fetuin-A showed significant inverse correlations with each of: duration of igalysis, ALP and PTH serum levels, while hs-CRP serum levels showed significant positive corelations with CaxPo4 ratio and PTH serum levels

Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrate that inflammatory processes are increased among CKD and ESRD patients and linked to low fetuin-A serum levels and vascular calcification which represents a risk factor for the development of ED. The interaction of these incidents may be responsible for the development and progression of thrombogenesis in such cases

[Evaluation of maximum levator resection in management of severe Blepharoptosis]

Objective: To study the efficacy of maximal levator resection in patients with severe ptosis with poor levator function [LF]

Patients and methods: 31 patients with severe ptosis underwent maximal levator resection.Palpebral fissure height and LF were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: All patients showed an excellent reduction in ptosis with a single intervention resulting in a clear visual axis. Palpebral fissure height improved from means [SD] 2.98 preoperatively to 7.70 postoperatively [P value <0.001], No patients underwent additional surgery because of cosmetic issues. All patients showed a marked, consistent, and lasting improvement in LF, going from mean [SD] 2.60 preoperatively to 7.82 postoperatively [P value < 0.001]

Conclusions: Maximal levator resection is an effective surgical technique in management of patients with severe ptosis with good cosmetic appearance in terms of ptosis reduction in the majority of cases and with a significant increase of the levator palpebrae superioris function

Personal A-constant in relation to axial length with various intraocular lenses.

Purpose: To study the relationship between the axial length and personal A‑constant for the 1‑piece Tecnis (Abbott ZCB00), AcrySof MA60AC (Alcon) and the Quatrix aspheric preloaded (CROMA) intraocular lenses (IOL). Materials and Methods: Patients matching the inclusion criteria were further subdivided according to the implanted IOL in this prospective comparative study. The obtained refractive outcomes were introduced into the formula installed in the biometry machine (Humphrey model 820 ultrasonic biometer) to obtain the personal A‑constant for each eye. Polynomial regression analysis was done to study the individualized A‑constant for each type of IOL in relation to preoperative axial length measurement. Results: Two hundred and forty five eyes of 186 patients were enrolled into this study, of whom 73 eyes with Tecnis 1‑piece, 116 eyes with MA60AC, and 56 eyes with Quatrix. The median of personalized A‑constant for Tecnis 1‑piece, MA60AC, and Quatrix were 119.21 (SD 1.3, Std. Mean error 0.15), 119 (SD 1.2, Std. Mean error 0.11) and 120.4 (SD 1.2, Std. Mean error 0.16) respectively. Regression plots for the same range of axial length among all the groups showed that the Tecnis1 group followed the same pattern of the Quatrix group in which there was a linear relationship of a trend towards myopia when the axial length had increased and a hyperopic shift when decreased. This relationship changed into a plateau when the axial length became in the range of 23.5 mm to 27 mm in the MA60AC group. Conclusions: Personal A‑constant follows different trends with different IOLs even for the same range of axial length.

Purification and Structure Elucidation of the Polyether Antibiotic Alborixin from Streptomyces pulcher CRF17.

Aims: To screen Streptomyces sp. from saline soil in Pakistan, for its antimicrobial activity and to purify and identify the active metabolites produced by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Strain identification by morphological, biochemical, physiological characterization and by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Study Design: Cultivation in lab fermenter, solvent extraction and purification of the compounds by column chromatography, identification of the compounds by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, determination of the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan and Institute of Organic and Bio molecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Germany, between February, 2007 and April, 2009. Methodology: The strain was cultivated in a 20 liter fermenter (working volume 10 liters) and the culture broth was extracted with ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. The resultant crude extract was fractionated on silica gel and the components were purified by column chromatography (silica gel, sephadex column and preparative TLC). The pure component was identified by mass spectrometry (ESI and HRESI-MS), NMR analysis (1H and 13C NMR) and by comparison with reference data, the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity was determined by disc diffusion assay and by micro well cytotoxicity assay against Artimia salina. Results: The morphological, biochemical and physiological characterization suggested that isolate CRF17 belongs to the genus Streptomyces. Further NCBI BLAST of the partial 16S rDNA gene sequence 1420 bp (gene bank accession number: EU294134) from the isolate CRF17 showed 99% identity and 98% query coverage towards Streptomyces pulcher. The scale up fermentation of the isolate CRF17 yielded active compound and was identified as alborixin (1). Conclusion: The isolate Streptomyces pulcher CRF17 is a potent producer of the antibiotic alborexin and can be exploited for its commercial production.

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

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation versus invasive pressure support ventilation for post extubation respiratory distress in patients recovered from respiratory failure

Respiratory failure after a planned extubation is reported to be a common event, leading to reintubation and can occur in as many as 3-20% of extubated patients. It is crucial to identify the right time to extubate a patient, since re-intubation after pre-term extubation is associated with an increased risk for nosocomial pneumonia, prolonged intensive care unit [ICU] stay and death, and also accounts for substantially increased costs. This study was planned to assess the effectiveness of non-invasive pressure support ventilation [NIPPV] as a weaning technique in patients who develop respiratory distress after discontinuation of mechanical ventilation and extubation in comparison with conventional weaning through invasive pressure support ventilation. This is a randomized controlled study, sixty patients with either type I or II respiratory failure who developed post extubation respiratory failure were enrolled; they were randomly divided into two groups to receive either NIPPV or invasive pressure support ventilation. The primary outcome measure was the technique outcone; secondary outcome measures were incidence of complications, hemodynamic parameters, arterial blood gas parameters, ventilator parameters and length of ICU stay. Despite a longer time to failure observed with invasive pressure support ventilation, no statistically significant differences were observed in success rate, hemodynamic, and arterial blood gas parameters, although incidence of complications differs greatly according to the technique used. In a heterogonous group of patients; NIPPV is not superior to invasive pressure support ventilation in patients who developed post-extubation respiratory distress after successful weaning

Prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms among sixth grade school students with low scholastic achievement in Assiut City

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms among sixth grade primary school students with low scholastic achievement in Assiut city at Upper Egypt. This is a cross sectional study conducted among 4363 six grade students at 38 governmental primary schools in Assiut City screening of neurobehavioral symptoms that may be associated with low scholastic achievement [school marks;<70% in previous year] compared to students with school marks >/= 70% out of 1120 students 762 students proved to have low scholastic achievements and another 600 students with good scholastic achievement were randomly selected as control group. Both groups were screened for neurobehavioral symptoms by application of 1] validated standardized Arabic screening questions aire for screening most common neurological disorders [El-Tallway et al., 2010] followed by complete clinical and neurological assessment for those who screened positive for any of neurological disorders 2]. Child behavior checklist [youth form][Achenbach, 1991]. 3] Assessment of socioeconomic state by using socioeconomic scale [Abd-Eltawab, 2010].4] Assessment of reading skills by using Schonell's test. 5] Assessment of intelligence level by application of Stand ford Binet 4th edition. Out of 4363 students, 1120 students were identified with low scholastic achievement, with prevalence rate [25.7%]. It was higher among males than females [66.8% and 33.2% respectively]. About 25.1% of them had neurological disorders whereas headache was the most frequent symptom followed by nocturnal enuresis and epilepsy [14%; 7.2% and 3.1% respectively]. There is significant difference in all scales among poor and good academic achievers [P<0.001] with higher scores of externalized syndromes than that of internalized syndromes [12.1 +/- 4 vs. 8.6 +/- 3.6 respectively] among poor achievers. Most of these students [99%] had below average intelligence [IQ scores<90] and higher behavior problem scores. Moreover, more than two thirds of them [73.2%] were poor readers. High prevalence rate of neurobehavioral symptoms was recorded among students with low scholastic achievement compared to students with normal scholastic achievement. Early identification of those high risky students and early intervention by primary care physician in schools could improve their scholastic achievement and education system outcome