Age estimation and sex determination from lumbar vertebral morphometry by magnetic resonance image [MRI]

Estimation of age and determination of sex are very important in forensic medicine. The present study aimed to detect the reliability of age estimation and sex determination based on lumbar vertebral measurements of some Upper Egypt population. Evaluation of the lumbar indices in 121 cases [63 males, 58 females: 26 - 48 years old] was clone. For lumbar vertebrae [L2 and L4], anterior height, central height, posterior height and anieroposierior diameter measurements [H[a], H[c], H[p] and D respectively] were performed by MRI. These measurements were used to calculate the anterior wedge index [H[a]/ H[r] the biconcavity index [H[L]/ H[p]] and the compression index [H[r]/ D]. The values of each of the three indices far both lumbar vertebrae of females were higher than those of the same vertebrae in males. The H[t]/H[p] and H./H[]r] ratios were increased by increasing age for both L2 and L4 In males and females. While, Hp/D decreased with age at L2 and L4 in females only. Regarding to changes in these indices with age, in males for L2, the value of anterior wedge index [H[a]/H[p]] was statistically significant [p

Childhood poisoning: one year assessment of emergency admission to Assiut university children's hospital [2012]

The incidence of acute childhood poisoning is increasing all over the world concurrent to rapid introduction of new medicines and household chemicals. The current study has addressed the characteristics of childhood poisoning in patients presented to the Emergency Unit of Children's Hospital in Assiut University. The aim were to evaluate the magnitude, pattern, associated demographic data of overall poisoning cases in addition to assessment of clinical data, laboratory investigations, treatment and outcome for a sample from the four most commonly reported poison types. Retrospective study of archived patient's data was employed. Results indicated that 724 poisoning cases were admitted to Children's Hospital during the year 2012 mostly from Assuit governorate, of 2-<5 years old, of rural origin and without significant gender differentiation. Seven poison categories have been identified among which scorpion stings, food poisoning, pharmaceuticals and pesticides were the most prevalent types in a descending order. The specific clinical presentation and treatment of each type of the four most common poisoning types have indicated overall favorable outcome. Those suffering respiratory complications in scorpion sting cases and central nervous system manifestations in pesticides and drug poisoning were more liable to adverse outcome. The total number of deaths was 18 cases [2.5%], 13 cases resulted from scorpion stings [1.8%] and 5 cases [0.7%] from insecticide poisoning. It is recommended to raise awareness and experiences of pediatric doctors fir proper management and treatment of affected children with special emphasis in sound toxicological laboratory diagnosis and antidotal therapy especially in complicated cases. Poison prevention should continue as an integral part of prophylactic activities of infant and child health care providers

comparative histological and biochemical study on the use of vitamins C, E and alpha lipoic acid either separately or in combination on acute hepatic toxicity with malathion

Malathion is one of the most popular organophosphorous insecticides. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor involved in malathion poisoning. The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid either individually or in combination, in amelioration of acute hepatic toxicity induced by malathion. Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group iserved as control. Group 2 received malathion [1000 mg/kg body weight] once orally. Group 3 received malathion+ vit.C [200 mg/kg] once i.p. Group 4 received malathion+ vit. F [150mg/kg] once i.m. Group 5 received malathion+ alpha-lipoic acid [25mg/kg] once i.p. Group 6 received malathion+ vit. C+ vit.E+ aipha-liopic acid. Animals of all groups were sacrificed after 24 hours. Histological examination of the liver was performed. Biochemical assay of superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity and total thiols as antioxidant indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] as an index of lipid peroxidation [oxidative stress indices], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine amino transferase [ALT], total protein, albumin and globulin as liver function tests was done. Light and electron microscopic examination of liver of group 2 exhibited foci of altered cells with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, mononuclear cell infiltrations in portal areas, electron lucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, marginaton of nuclear chromatin. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the serum levels of SOD, total thiols, TBARS, AST, ALT, total protein and globulin as compared to control. Treatment by any of the antioxidants variably reduced the hepatic structural changes induced by malathion, while combined treatment resulted in a significant degree of recovery. There was significant decrease in serum levels of all biochemical parameters when treated with one or combination of antioxidants [vitamin C, F or u lipoic acid]. Combination of the previous antioxidants could be used as helpful therapeutic line in treatment of acute hepatic toxicity with malathion rather than their use separately