The Protective Effects of Geraniol Against Damage of Short Term Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats

Abstract Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury. The pathological mechanisms underlying renal I/R injury are complex and remain uncertain. The protective effects of antioxidant properties of geraniol against renal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) damage were investigated in our study. 28 Wistar albino male rats were randomly selected and 4 groups of n = 7 were created. A right kidney nephrectomy surgery was conducted to all groups under anesthesia. 2 ml SF was given to Groups I and II, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/ kg geraniol were administered intraperitoneally an hour before ischemia to Groups III and IV, respectively. Except for Group I, 45 minutes of ischemia and 4 hours of reperfusion were applied to the groups. At the end of the experiment, parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammation were determined by comparing kidney function, antioxidant enzyme activities and histological changes. Following comparison of BUN and CRE values with CAT and SOD values in tissue samples of Group I and Group II, an increase in Group II was observed and as a result I/R damage formation occurred. Values of geraniol-treated Group III and Group IV approximated to that of Group I, and that the 50 mg/kg geraniol dose proved more effective than 100 mg/kg geraniol.

Novel RAB3GAP1 Mutation in the First Tunisian Family With Warburg Micro Syndrome

Background@#and Purpose Warburg Micro syndrome (WARBM) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by ocular, neurologic, and endocrine anomalies. WARBM is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous syndrome caused by mutations in RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2, RAB18, and TBC1D20. Here we present the clinical and genetic characterization of a consanguineous Tunisian family with a WARBM phenotype presenting two pathogenic variations, one of which is on RAB3GAP1. @*Methods@#We applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) to two affected young males presenting a WARBM-compatible phenotype. @*Results@#We reveal a new variation in RAB3GAP1 (NM_012233.3: c.297del, p.Gln99fs) and another variation in ABCD1 (NM_000033: c.896A>G, p.His299Arg). Each of these mutations, which in silico predictions concluded as being pathogenic variations, affects a critical protein region. Both affected males presented a WARBM-compatible phenotype, with severe intellectual disability, severe developmental delay, postnatal growth delay, postnatal microcephaly, congenital bilateral cataracts, general hypotonia, and a thin corpus callosum without a splenium. However, intrafamilial clinical heterogeneity was present, since only the oldest child had large ears, microphthalmia, foot deformities, and a genital anomaly, and only the youngest child had microcornea. Despite the mutation identified in ABCD1, our patients did not have any Xlinked symptoms of adrenoleukodystrophy disorder that are usually caused by ABCD1 mutations, which prompted our interest in clinical monitoring. @*Conclusions@#WES analysis of a consanguineous Tunisian family with WARBM revealed a novel variation in RAB3GAP1 (NM_012233.3: c.297del, p.Gln99fs) that is most likely pathogenic and allowed us to confirm the diagnosis of WARBM.

Protective Effects of Geraniol on Long Term Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Abstract Possible protective effects of geraniol, known as antioxidant properties, were analyzed biochemically and histologically on experimental long-term renal ischemia/reperfusion I/R injury in rats. This study used 3-4 months old male Wistar albino rats and were divided into 4 groups (n = 7) by random selection: Group I (Sham Group), Group II (I/R+SF), Group III (I/R+50 mg/kg geraniol), and Group IV (I/R+100 mg/kg geraniol). A right nephrectomy was performed in all groups under anesthesia. Groups I and II were inoculated with SF (1 ml/kg) and Groups III and IV were inoculated with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of geraniol, injected intraperitoneally. For Groups II, III, and IV, I/R durations were determined to be 60 mins ischemia and 24 hours reperfusion. At the end of the experiment, Urea (BUN), Creatinine (CRE) activities in the blood serum and the catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutases (SOD), enzyme activities in kidney tissue were measured. Histologic sections were examined by light microscopy using Hematoxylin & Eosine. As a result, it was determined that 100 mg / kg geraniol against renal I/R injury shows more antioxidant effect and protection than 50 mg / kg geraniol.

Comparison of central corneal thickness estimated by an ultrasonic pachymeter and non-contact specular microscopy / Comparação da espessura central de córnea estimada por um paquímetro ultrassônico e por um microscópio especular sem contato

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements of healthy individuals obtained with ultrasonic pachymetry (UP) and non-contact specular microscopy (NCSM). Method: In total, 148 eyes of 74 subjects with no ocular or systemic diseases were included in the study. Central corneal thickness measurements of all patients performed with UP and NCCM were compared. Results: A total of 74 subjects (38 females) were included in this study. The mean age was 45.2 ± 18.4 (range 12-85) years. The mean central corneal thickness of all 148 eyes was 546.9 ± 40 μm with UP and 510.8 ± 42 μm with NCSM. The mean central corneal thickness measured with NCSM was 35 μm thinner than that measured with UP (p<0.001). A high degree of agreement was found between the two methods (r=0.942, p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that NCSM measures thinner corneas than UP and that the correction formula we identified should be applied when comparing between these two devices.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as medidas de espessura central corneana (CCT) de indivíduos saudáveis obtidos pela paquimetria ultrassônica (UP) e microscopia especular sem contato (NCSM). Método: Cento e quarenta e oito olhos de 74 indivíduos que não tinham doenças oculares ou sistêmicas foram incluídos no estudo. Medidas da espessura central corneana de todos os pacientes foram comparadas entre UP (SP 100, Tomey, Nagoya, Japão) e do NCSM (NSP-9900, Konan Medical, Inc., Hyogo, Japão). Resultados: Um total de 74 indivíduos (38 mulheres) foram incluídos neste estudo. A idade média foi de 45,2 ± 18,4 (variação 12-85) anos. A medida média da espessura central corneana de todos os 148 olhos foi 546,9 ± 40 μm com UP e 510,8 ± 42 μm com NCSM. A espessura central corneana média avaliada pelo NCSM foi de 35 μm mais fina do que a UP (p<0,001). Foi encontrado um elevado grau de concordância entre os dois métodos (r=0,942, p<0,001). Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que a microscopia especular sem contato mede córneas mais finas em comparação com a UP e que o fator de correção identificado deve ser aplicado ao fazer comparações entre esses dois aparelhos.

BK Virus Prevalence in the Plasma of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Awaiting Renal Transplantation.

Aims: BK virus (BKV) infection in renal transplant recipients is an important problem. Although pre-transplant hemodialysis (HD) patients undergo routine screening for cytomegalovirus, herpes virus and other viruses, and post-transplantation receive antifungal, antibacterial and CMV prophylaxis, BKV infection, including viruria and viremia, has been ignored. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of plasma BKV positivity in 100 HD patients. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Nephrology, Hemodialysis and Transplantation, Turkiye Higher Education Hospital, and Department of Nephrology, Ankara Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Nephrology Department, Turkey; between March 2014- June 2014. Methods: The study population consisted of 41 female and 59 male (mean age: 46.1±12.3 years) HD patients from different units (median dialysis history: 60 months; range 24–132), who were awaiting renal transplantation and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (10 females and 15 males; mean age: 44.6±7.8 years). The exclusion criteria for patient selection were HD patients with residual diuresis and age > 65 years. Because the absence of diuresis was among the study’s inclusion criteria, only the prevalence of BKV in plasma was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: BKV replication was not detected in the plasma samples of either the controls or the HD patients. Conclusions: Whether there is virological variance and changing virulence in BKV over time in pre- or post-transplant patients remains to be determined in future studies.

Blood count parameters can predict the severity of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Because of the inflammatory nature of coronary artery disease (CAD), both platelets and white blood cells have been investigated for years. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between some prominently hematologic blood count parameters (mean platelet volume [MPV], neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [NLR]) and the severity of CAD by using Gensini scores. METHODS: A total of 194 patients, who had undergone coronary angiography, enrolled in this study. The control group consisted of 42 patients who had normal coronary arteries. Remaining CAD patients were divided into two groups according to their Gensini scores. RESULTS: NLR and MPV were higher in the severe atherosclerosis group compared with the mild atherosclerosis group (p = 0.007, p = 0.005, respectively). The Gensini score showed significant correlations with NLR (r = 0.20, p = 0.011), MPV (r = 0.23, p = 0.004) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.161, p = 0.047). Using a cut-off level of 2.54, NLR predicted severe atherosclerosis with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 53% (area under curve [AUC], 0.627; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.545 to 0.704; p = 0.004). MPV values above 10.4 predicted severe atherosclerosis with a sensitivity of 39% and specificity of 90% (AUC, 0.631; 95% CI, 0.549 to 0.708; p = 0.003). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, high levels of NLR (odds ratio [OR], 1.450; 95% CI, 1.080 to 1.945; p = 0.013) and MPV (OR, 1.622; 95% CI, 1.147 to 2.295; p = 0.006) were found to be independent predictors of severe atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that both NLR and MPV are predictors of severe atherosclerosis and may be used for the prediction and identification of cardiac risks in CAD patients.

Diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in various lung diseases / Valor diagnóstico da punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico em diferentes doenças pulmonares

Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a new method for the diagnosis and staging of lung disease, and its use is increasing worldwide. It has been used as a means of diagnosing lung cancer in its initial stages, and there are data supporting its use for the diagnosis of benign lung disease. The aim of this study was to share our experience with EBUS-TBNA and discuss its diagnostic value.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the results related to 159 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA at our pulmonary medicine clinic between 2010 and 2013. We recorded the location and size of lymph nodes seen during EBUS. Lymph nodes that appeared to be affected on EBUS were sampled at least twice. We recorded the diagnostic results of EBUS-TBNA and (for cases in which EBUS-TBNA yielded an inconclusive diagnosis) the final diagnoses after further investigation and follow-up.Results: We evaluated 159 patients, of whom 89 (56%) were male and 70 (44%) were female. The mean age was 54.6 ± 14.2 years among the male patients and 51.9 ± 11.3 years among the female patients. Of the 159 patients evaluated, 115 (84%) were correctly diagnosed by EBUS. The diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA was 83% for benign granulomatous diseases and 77% for malignant diseases.Conclusions: The diagnostic value of EBUS-TBNA is also high for benign pathologies, such as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. In patients with mediastinal disorders, the use of EBUS-TBNA should be encouraged, primarily because it markedly reduces the need for mediastinoscopy.

Objetivo: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA, punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico) é um novo método para o diagnóstico e estadiamento das doenças pulmonares e seu uso está aumentando em todo o mundo. Ela tem sido utilizada como um método diagnóstico de câncer de pulmão em estágios iniciais, e há dados que apoiam sua utilização para o diagnóstico de doenças pulmonares benignas. O objetivo deste estudo foi compartilhar a nossa experiência com EBUS-TBNA e discutir seu valor diagnóstico.Métodos: Analisamos, retrospectivamente, os resultados relacionados a 159 pacientes submetidos a EBUS-TBNA em nossa clínica de medicina pulmonar entre 2010 e 2013. Registramos a localização e o tamanho dos linfonodos visualizados durante EBUS. Os linfonodos suspeitos durante o procedimento foram puncionados ao menos duas vezes. Foram registrados os resultados diagnósticos por EBUS-TBNA e, para os casos com diagnóstico indefinido após EBUS-TBNA, os diagnósticos finais após investigação aprofundada e acompanhamento.Resultados: Avaliamos 159 pacientes, dos quais 89 (56%) eram homens e 70 (44%) eram mulheres. As médias de idade foram de 54,6 ± 14,2 anos nos homens e de 51,9 ± 11,3 anos nas mulheres. Dos 159 pacientes avaliados, 115 (84%) foram diagnosticados corretamente por EBUS. A acurácia diagnóstica de EBUS-TBNA foi de 83% para doenças granulomatosas benignas e de 77% para doenças malignas.Conclusões: O valor diagnóstico de EBUS-TBNA também é alto para patologias benignas, como sarcoidose e tuberculose. Em pacientes com alterações no mediastino, o uso de EBUS-TBNA deve ser incentivado, principalmente devido à redução significativa da necessidade de mediastinoscopia.

Antihypertensive medication non-adherence and its determinants among patients on follow up in public hospitals in Northern Ethiopia.

Adherence to pharmacological treatment for hypertension is considered a key factor in guaranteeing successful therapy outcomes. Non-adherence to antihypertensive therapy can be determined by demographic, drug related, disease related and setting related factors. The primary aim of this study was to investigate antihypertensive medication non-adherence and its determinants among patients on follow up in Ayder referral hospital and Mekelle general hospital. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayder Referral Hospital (ARH) and Mekelle General Hospital (MGH) from May to June, 2013. A total of 121 patients were interviewed with a structured standard questionnaire and patient medication charts were reviewed. The questionnaire contained of demographic questions, the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS) and questions about characteristics of hypertension and its therapy. The data collected were cleaned, entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 for windows with 95% confidence interval and P value <0.05. Results: Around one fourth (26.4%) of the study participants were found to be non-adherent to their treatment. Family support on adherence (AOR = 0.170, 95%CI = 0.030-0.905), spot blood pressure (AOR = 0.052, 95%CI = 0.003-0.242), place of patient residence (AOR = 0.184, 95%CI =0.024-0.597) and hypertension related complications (AOR = 21.737, 95%CI = 1.568-418.428) were found significantly and strongly associated with treatment non-adherence. Conclusions: A quarter of the participants of this study were completely non-adherent and only around half of them were adherent to their medications. The absence of family support, being at the prehypertension class of blood pressure, living in Mekelle city and presence of hypertensive heart disease were shown to decrease adherence to antihypertensive medications. Therefore, health care professionals should be adequately trained and resourced to offer proper counseling to hypertensive patients on their medication and disease conditions.

Fenthion, an organophosphorus pesticide, induces alterations in oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats.

Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphorus pesticide known for its wide toxic manifestations. In this study, the effects of FEN were evaluated on the cerebrum and cerebellum oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in the suckling rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group received pure water, while FEN group received daily by their drinking water 551 ppm of FEN from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity was inhibited in both the cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with FEN. The cerebrum and cerebellum oxidative damage was demonstrated by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product and glutathione (GSH) levels and disturbance in the antioxidant enzyme activities. A significant decline of non-protein thiol and vitamin C levels was also observed. These changes were confirmed by histopathological observations which were marked by pyknotic neurons in the cerebrum and apoptotic cells in the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats. In the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats, the most conspicuous damage was the absence of external granular layer, indicating growth retardation. These data suggested that exposure of pregnant and lactating rats to FEN induced oxidative stress and histopathological disorders in the cerebrum and cerebellum of their pups. Thus, the use of FEN must be under strict control, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.

[ rare cause of pruritis in a haemodialysed patient]

Uremic pruritus is frequent in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It's multifactorial secondary in most cases to metabolic complications related to uremia. We report a rare cause of pruritis in an haemodialysed patient. It's a 48-year-old woman in periodic haemodialysis during 17 years. She suffered from generalized pruritus associated with psychiatric disturbance without neurologic deficits. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive, diffuse and bilateral involvement of the white matter. The diagnosis of large low grade B cell lymphoma was confirmed by the histologic examination of stereotactic biopsy which leads to early intracranial hemorrhage and death. Before attributing pruritus to renal failure, one should exclude other causes such as the NHL even rarely reported especially when it associated with psychiatric disturbances. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging contribuate to diagnosis

Common menstrual disorders in adolescents

To assess the knowledge of adolescent females about menstruation, prior to their menarche. To determine the frequency of common menstrual disorders. To determine the number of adolescents taking medical treatment for menstrual disorders. To assess the awareness of adolescent females about the menstrual disorders they are suffering from. It was a descriptive cross sectional study. The study was carried out in a teaching hospital, various schools and colleges and a slum area of North Nazimabad, Karachi. The study included 150 adolescent females on the basis of non probability purposive sampling. A previously prepared questionnaire was filled which included demographical profile, details about the participant's menstrual history and the treatment taken, if any, for the disorders they were suffering from. One hundred and fifty adolescent females participated in our research aged 11 to 19. The girls were non-married, not pregnant and free of co-morbidities. Out of total, 61% participants had menstrual disorders. Out of which 58.6% girls had dysmenorrhea, 12.7% had menorrhagia, 4.7% girls had oligomenorrhea and 2% girls had amenorrhea. 19.3% girls had such severe dysmenorrhea that it affected their school and social life. Only 38% of the suffering girls were aware that they had a menstrual problem. 15.3% of the participants were taking medication for their menstrual problem. 86% girls had prior knowledge of menstrual cycles before menarche. Most of them were taught about normal menstruation by their mothers. So they considered it to be a normal physiological phenomenon. A majority of adolescents in Pakistani society face menstrual disorders after their menarche. There is also a need to teach people about treatment at the community level so the girls can realize and overcome these problems befre the disorders can go into complications like infertility or uterine cancers

Oxidative stress and [FAS/APO-1] mediated apoptosis in hcv related chronic liver disease

This study included 20 patients with chronic hepatitis, 19 with Child A liver cirrhosis and 30 with Child B and C liver cirrhosis. Ten healthy individuals were included as controls. Soluble Fas [sFas], as a marker for apoptosis, was estimated in plasma by ELISA. The degree of oxidant stress was determined by measuring plasma levels of lipid peroxide [LPER], nitric oxide [NO] and the antioxidants, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and total thiols. The study indicated that apoptosis in CLD due to HCV is more or less a stage dependent and is related to the level of soluble Fas, oxygen and nitrogen radical production and antioxidant system. From the practical point of view, it may be suggested that pharmacotherapy based on intervention with control of apoptosis deserves further consideration in this particular type of disease

Mechanoreceptors of the cruciate ligament of rabbit

This study was undertaken to identify the mechanoreceptors in the cruciate ligament of rabbit. Ten fresh ligaments were taken from dissected knee joints of adult rabbits and stained immediately according to a modification of gold chloride technique. Three types of nerve endings [mechanoreceptors] were observed in the surrounding connective tissue and the septa between collagen fibers of the ligaments. The receptors of type I were ovoid or spherical, type II were elongated and tortuous and type III were fusiform in shape. Each type receptors had a capsule of variable lamellae, pierced by a myelinated nerve axon. These mechanoreceptors seemed to provide the central nervous system with information pertaining the position of joint and the tension applied to the ligament during animal locomotion and posture