Attainment of Lipid Targets Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery:Can We Do Better?

Objective@#Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remain at high cardiovascular risk; however, few studies have evaluated lipid management and attainment of lipid targets in these patients. We investigated the proportion of CABG surgery patients who attained low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) targets. @*Methods@#Data were retrospectively obtained from patients undergoing CABG surgery at an Australian tertiary hospital between February 2015 and August 2020. The most recent lipid profile was recorded (at least 3 weeks post-operatively). We studied patients with electronically available data to ensure accuracy. Target LDL-C was defined as <1.4 (54 mg/dL) and <1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL), and target non-HDL-C as <2.2 (85 mg/dL) and <2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL), as per the 2019 and 2016 European dyslipidaemia guidelines, respectively. @*Results@#Follow-up lipid results were available for 484 patients (median post-operative follow-up, 483 days; interquartile range, 177.5–938.75 days). The mean age was 62.7±10.5 years and 387 (80.1%) were male. At discharge, 469 (96.9%) patients were prescribed statins, 425 (90.6%) high-intensity. Ezetimibe was prescribed for 62 (12.8%) patients and a proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitor for 1. LDL-C levels <1.4 and <1.8 mmol/L were attained in 118 (24.4%) and 231 (47.7%) patients, respectively, and non-HDL-C levels <2.2 and <2.6 mmol/L in 140 (28.9%) and 237 (49.0%) patients, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The use of non-statin lipid-lowering therapies was limited, and many CABG surgery patients did not attain lipid targets despite high-intensity statins. Further studies are required to optimise lipid management in this very high-risk population.

The phytochemical, biological, and medicinal attributes of phytoecdysteroids: An updated review

The phytoecdysteroids (PEs) comprise a large group of biologically-active plant steroids, which have structures similar to those of insect-molting hormones. PEs are distributed in plants as secondary metabolites that offer protection against phytophagus (plant-eating) insects. When insects consume the plants containing these chemicals, they promptly molt and undergo metabolic destruction; the insects eventually die. Chemically, ecdysteroids are a group of polyhydroxylated ketosteroids that are structurally similar to androgens. The carbon skeleton of ecdysteroids is termed as cyclopentanoperhydro-phenanthrene with a

Response surface methodology-based optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of β-sitosterol and lupeol from Astragalus atropilosus (roots) and validation by HPTLC method

Objective: To optimize the ultrasonication method for efficient extraction of β-sitosterol and lupeol from the roots of Astragalus atropilosus using Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM), and its validation by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method.Methods: Ultrasonication method was used to extract β-sitosterol and lupeol from Astragalus atropilosus (roots). RSM was used to optimize the different extraction parameters viz. liquid to solid ratio (10–14 mL/g), temperature (60-80 ℃) and time (40–60 min) to maximize the yield of β-sitosterol and lupeol. The quantitative estimation of β-sitosterol and lupeol was done in chloroform extract of Astragalus atropilosus by validated HPTLC method on 10 cm × 20 cm glass-backed silica gel 60F254 plate using hexane and ethyl acetate (8:2, v/v) as mobile phase. Results: A quadratic polynomial model was found to be most appropriate with regard to R1 (yield of total extraction; R2/％ CV = 0.9948/0.28), R2 (β-sitosterol yield; R2/％ CV = 0.9923/0.39) and R3 (lupeol yield; R2/％ CV = 0.9942/0.97). The values of adjusted R2/predicted R2/signal to noise ratio for R1, R2, and R3 were 0.9782/0.9551/48.77, 0.9904/0.9110/31.33, and 0.9927/0.9401/36.08, respectively, indicating a high degree of correlation and adequate signal. The linear correlation plot between the predicted and experimental values for R1, R2, and R3 showed high values of R2 ranging from 0.9905-0.9973. β-sitosterol and lupeol in chloroform extract of Astragalus atropilosus were detected at Rf values of 0.22 and 0.34, respectively, at λ max = 518 nm. The optimized ultrasonic extraction produced 8.462％ w/w of R1, 0.451％ w/w of R2 and 0.172％ w/w of R3 at 13.5 mL/g liquid to solid ratio,78 ℃ of temperature and 60 min of time.Conclusions: The experimental findings of RSM optimized extraction and HPTLC analysis can be further applied for the efficient extraction of β-sitosterol and lupeol in other species of Astragalus.

Comparison of Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Buccal Tube Bonded to Zirconia Crown after Using Two Different (10-MDP)- Containing Adhesive Systems

Background: Use of zirconia in cosmetic dentistry has expanded which coincided with a new trend of adult orthodontics; therefore it is very important to find an accepted method and material of bonding orthodontic appliances affectively to zirconia surface. Materials and methods: The sample was composed of 30 monolithic zirconia crowns of the lower right first molar. All samples were treated first by sandblasting with aluminum oxide particle 50 μm, then they were divided into 3 equal groups (the 1st group was the control, while 2nd and 3rd were the test groups), containing 10 crowns each, according to the type of adhesive system used; conventional light cure orthodontic bonding system (TransbondTM XT Primer/ TransbondTM XT composite resin) was used in the control group, while 2 different (10-MDP)-containing adhesive systems (Single Bond Universal adhesive/ TransbondTM XT composite resin, TheraCem dual-cured self-adhesive resin cement) were used in the test groups, buccal tube of lower right first molar (Ortho-Cast M-Series, Dentaurum, Germany) was bonded on the buccal surface of each zirconia crown in all the groups using one of the adhesive systems. Results: The Single Bond Universal group had the highest mean value of shear bond strength (16.299 MPa), followed by TheraCem group (15.373 Mpa), while the control group had the least value (5.337 ± 1.274Mpa); however, a highly significant difference in the shear bond strength was found between control and Single Bond Universal, and control and TheraCem groups, while non-significant difference was found between Single Bond Universal and TheraCem groups. Conclusions: The two types of (10-MDP)-containing adhesive systems provide good value of shear bond strength for buccal tubes bonded to zirconia surface, however, Single Bond Universal adhesive/composite resin is the best.

Awareness Among Senior Medical Students at Taif University Regarding Patients' Rights

Background: The increased recognition of patients' rights has been related to using fitness care offerings. Professionals,including future physicians, have been predicted to respect patients’ rights, however they have not been acquainted with thecontents of the bills of rights or what they suggest. Objectives: To assess the awareness among senior medical students atTaif University regarding patients' rights. Subjects and methods: a cross-sectional study was established at the faculty ofMedicine, Taif University, KSA. It included all the fifth and sixth -year medical students (200 males and 131 females)enrolled throughout the academic year 1439 H. A valid and reliable questionnaire that comprised of two sections wasutilized. These two sections were socio-demographic variables and the awareness regarding the patients’ rights (30statements). Results: Collectively, on a scale ranged between 0 and 30, the patients’ right score ranged between 14 and 30(21.7±4.1). Among the studied factors, the only significant one was the academic performance of the students as the highestlevel of knowledge regarding the patients` rights was observed among the students with the excellent performance (meanrank was 246), p<0.001. Conclusion: The knowledge of the senior medical students at Taif University regarding thepatients` rights was generally acceptable. A further educational intervention was recommended.

Cyclic voltammetric studies of Gemifloxacin using Gold electrode in presence of Britton-Robinson Buffer

The electrochemical study of the Gemifloxacin has been conducted using cyclic voltammetry technique at gold electrode. Gemifloxacin is antibacterial compound. In present study the electrochemical parameters of Gemifloxacin were determined in [0.04M] Britton Robinson Buffer as a supporting electrolyte at different pH ranging from 2-6 pH. This buffer was selected according to the appropriate solubility of these pharmaceutical compounds. Voltammograms of Gemifloxacin have been recorded at six different scan rates of 20, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500mV/s. Different electrochemical parameters such as peak potential [Ep], peak current [Ip], transfer coefficient [alpha], number of electron [nalpha], diffusion coefficient [D], and heterogeneous rate constant [K0] were determined. Moreover, diagnostics tests have also been applied to define the electrochemical behavior of Gemifloxacin showed quasi reversible redox process with two electron transfers at the electrode

Histological study on the effect of nicotine on adult male guinea pig thin skin / 대한해부학회지

Tobacco smoking has been identified as an important factor in premature skin aging to detect the histological changes occurred in adult male guinea pig thin skin under the influence of low and high doses of nicotine; which constitutes approximately 0.6%–3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco. Fifteen adult male pigmented guinea pigs were equally divided into three groups: group I, control; group IIA, low dose nicotine treated; 3 mg/kg subcutaneously for 4 weeks; and group IIB, high dose nicotine treated; 6 mg/kg subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Specimens from the back thin skin were processed for light and electron microscopy. Nicotine administration revealed flattened dermo-epidermal junction and reduced rete ridges formation. Collagen bundles were disorganized with increased spaces between them. A reduction in the amount of elastic fibers in the dermis were also observed compared to group I. Ultrastructurally, keratinocytes had hyperchromatic nuclei, intracytoplasmic vacuoles, disruption of desmosomal junctions, irregular tonofilaments distribution, and increased inter-cellular spaces. These changes were more pronounced with high dose nicotine administration. The epidermal thickness was reduced in low dose nicotine administration. But, high dose nicotine administration revealed increased epidermal thickness compared to the control group. Nicotine induced structural changes of adult male guinea pig thin skin. These changes were more pronounced with high dose nicotine administration.

A report on the molecular detection and seasonal Trypanosoma brucei in Dromedary Camels from Dera Ghazi Khan District in Southern Punjab (Pakistan)

The present study was designed for molecular detection of Trypanosoma brucei through PCR, by using kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) maxicircle primers, on seasonal basis and to demonstrate the effect of this parasite on complete blood count and selected parameters of serum biochemistry in camels from Southern Punjab (Pakistan). A total of 291 camel blood samples (61 male, 230 females) were collected from Dera Ghazi Khan District in Pakistan during March 2012 till February 2013 for Trypanosoma brucei detection by blood smear screening, micro hemato centrifugation and Polymerase chain reaction techniques. Twenty eight out of 291 blood samples (9.62%) produced a 164 bp DNA fragment specific for T. brucei . Only 6 blood samples (2.06%) were found parasite positive by microscopic examination and 13 (4.46%) were positive for microhematocrit centrifugation technique. Seasonal PCR based prevalence of trypanosomiasis was 6.9%, 13.7%, 9.7% and 8.1% during spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons respectively. T. brucei prevalence was not restricted to a particular age group or and gender of the studied animals (P > 0.05). A significant increase in WBC (P = 0.001), neutrophils (P = 0.004), ALT (P = 0.028) and decreased RBC (P < 0.000), hemoglobin (P < 0.000) and packed cell volume (P < 0.000) were detected in parasite positive as compared to the parasite negative blood samples. In conclusion, PCR is a more reliable and sensitive technique than conventional microscopic blood screening and microhematocrit centrifugation for the detection of T. brucei in camel blood. We recommend the use of PCR for the effective prophylactic detection of T. brucei in livestock in order to reduce economic losses.

Seroprevalence of human cytomegalovirus antibodies among children with type I diabetes mellitus in the Aseer Region, Southwest KSA

Objectives: this study is aimed at determining the seroprevalence and possible infectivity factors of human cytomegalovirus [HCMV] in children affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM] in the Aseer Region of KSA

Methods: a total of 205 children diagnosed with T1 DM who routinely attended the Diabetic Centre [DC] of Aseer Central Hospital [ACH] in Abha KSA were randomly selected. Another control group of 51 nondiabetic children were also selected. Sera of both groups were tested for HCMV-specific IgG and IgM using an indirect enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay [ELISA]

Results: the recorded HCMV-IgG seroprevalence rates were found to be higher in both groups of children than the IgM responses, which were consistently low. There were no obvious differences between the two groups in terms of HCMV responses. No significant variations were observed between girls and boys in terms of the seroprevalence rates. The highest positive IgG prevalence rates to HCMV were observed among 11- to 15-year-old children, and the least positive rates were noted in children younger than 5 years of age. Children from Abha city and its vicinity showed relatively higher HCMVspecific IgG and IgM responses rates than children from other localities

Conclusions: despite the presence of high HCMV-IgG response rates among the studied group of children, this study could not identify the associated clinical manifestations. There is no correlation between T1 DM and virus infectivity, as this research could not find differences in serological responses to the virus between the diabetic and non-diabetic children

Behavioral and emotional effects of repeated general anesthesia in young children

Preclinical and clinical data suggest the possibility of neurotoxicity following exposure of young children to general anesthetics with subsequent behavioral disturbances. The aim of the study was to determine the overall effect of repeated general anesthesia on behavior and emotions of young children aged 1½-5 years old, compared to healthy children. Thirty-five children underwent repeated anesthesia and surgery were matched with the same number of healthy children who attended vaccination clinic, as a control group. Both groups were administered the child behavior checklist [CBCL] 1½-5 years and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM] oriented scale. Behavior data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. The CBCL score revealed that children with repeated anesthesia were at risk to become anxious or depressed [relative risk [RR]; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 11 [1.5-80.7]], to have sleep [RR; 95% CI = 4.5 [1.1-19.4]], and attention problems [RR; 95% CI = 8 [1.1-60.6]]. There was no difference in the risk between the two groups regarding emotionally reactive, somatic complaints, withdrawn problems, aggressive behavior, internalizing or externalizing problems. On DSM scale, children with repeated anesthesia were at risk to develop anxiety problems [RR; 95% CI = 3.7 [1.1-12.0]], and attention deficit/hyperactivity problems [RR; 95% CI = 3 [1.1-8.4]]. There was no difference in the risk between the two groups regarding affective, pervasive developmental and oppositional defiant problems. Young children who undergone repeated surgical procedures under general anesthesia were at risk for subsequent behavioral and emotional disturbances. Proper perioperative pain management, social support, and avoidance of unpleasant surgical experiences could minimize these untoward consequences

Improvement of kidney apelin and apelin receptor in nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester induced rats

We have investigated the effect of 8 weeks aerobic training [AT] and Ferula gummosis supplement [FG] on apelin and apelin receptor [APJ], nitric oxide [NO] and angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] of hypertensive rats. In a experimental study, 50 adult male wistar rats were classified into five groups; 1- AT, 2- FG, 3- combination of aerobic training + Ferula Gummosa supplement [TFG], 4- nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester [L-NAME], 5- shame [control] groups [SH]. The rats in the 1 to 4 groups received L-NAME [10 mg/kg, 6 times a week for 8 weeks]. Also, the 1 and 3 groups experienced the training of 15 to 22 m/min for 25 to 64 minutes, 5 times a week for 8 weeks, whereas, the 2 and 3 groups received Ferula gummosis supplement [90 mg/kg, 6 times a week for 8 weeks]. However, rats in 5 groups received NaCl solution. At protocols resulted in a significant increase in apelin and APJ as compared to control and L-NAME groups. The TFG protocols resulted in a markedly increase in apelin, APJ and significantly decrease of ACE levels as compared to L-NAME group. Chronically administration of L-NAME resulted increased, ACE, and reduced the levels of apelin, APJ and NO, as compared to control group. The results in this study show that physical regular activity with and without herbal treatment induce amplification in apelin/APJ system and down-regulation blood pressure in L-NAME induced hypertension in the rat kidney tissue

Pregnancy complicated by Aplastic Anemia

A case of a 27-year-old Bahraini female, pregnant for the first time and was not known to have any medical illness presented with pancytopenia. She had an uneventful pregnancy up to 17 weeks when she was referred from local health center with an incidental finding of pancytopenia. She received a total of 32 units of platelets and 3 units of packed red blood cells. Bone marrow biopsy revealed severe hypoplastic bone marrow without infiltrates, and a diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia was confirmed. The pregnancy was terminated by cesarean section at 29 weeks of gestation. The patient remained stable during surgery and postoperatively while the preterm newborn was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit for optimal care. The pancytopenia persisted post-partum, and the patient is currently being followed up

Maternal mortality at the maternity teaching hospital in Erbil, Kurdistan: a hospital-based data 2011-2013

Background and objective: Maternal deaths are still leading problems in many developing countries, including Iraq. Iraq is, in fact, far away to reach the Millennium Development Goal declared to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. The aim of this study was to highlight the main causes of avoidable deaths that lead to maternal mortality among those admitted to Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil

Methods: This survey was carried out in the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Variables included in this study were those related to patient's age, number of parity and mode of delivery of the last baby. Data were collected from patient's records. In addition, some clinical data were included related to causes leading to death and underlying condition of death

Results: Of the total 75000 live birth recorded in the hospital during the study period [2011-2013], 33 maternal deaths were recorded which gives an overall maternal mortality ratio of 44 per 100,000 live births. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were among the top causes of maternal deaths in this study [42.4%] followed by obstetrical bleeding and rapture uterus [30.3%]

Conclusion: Maternal mortality rate in Maternity Teaching Hospital was 44/100,000 total live births. The main cause of the maternal deaths was pre-eclampsia and its complications. Most of those died were residents of rural areas and were illiterate women

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel mono acid esters derived from the constituents of urtica pilulifera

New mono acid esters have been synthesized from the reaction of benzoic acid and mono-hydroxybenzoic acids with 2-phenoxyethanol separated from Urtica pilulifera, characterized, and screened for possible antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. These phenolic acid esters gave various degrees of free radical scavenging, but the values were lower than that of alpha-tocopherol. The concentrations of the tested compounds needed to reduce DPPH absorption by 50% at 517 nm were nearly in the range of 900-1100 micro g/mL. While for alpha-tocopherol was 40 micro g /mL. The compounds were tested in-vitro against six bacterial species which are known to cause dermic and mucosal infections in human. 2-phenoxyethyl benzoate showed significant activity in the range of 30% against P. aeruginosa to 70% against E. coli compared with the activity of Streptomycin. On the other hand 2-phenoxyethyl 2-hydroxybenzoate reveals 70% of gentamicin against K. pneumoniae. The tested compounds also showed complete inhibition at a concentration less than 37.5 micro g/mL against M. canis and less than 50 micro g/mL against T. rubrum. 2-phenoxyethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate showed considerable activity against MCF-7 with IC[50] is less than 62.5 micro g/mL

Low tension breast hydatid cyst-A case report

Features of low tension in breast hydatid cyst and symptoms secondary to cyst dying and disintegration are unique and not yet reported in the literature. An young woman of 30 years complained about pain and vague swelling in the right breast during follow-up with albendazole therapy following second laparotomy for post-surgical residual cavity of hydatid cyst in the left lobe of the liver. Breast ultrasound was diagnostic. Segmental breast excision revealed a large dead hydatid cyst. Postoperative course was uneventful. Breast hydatid cyst may become symptomatic and hypotensive after start of albendazole therapy

Parents function and behavioral disorders in children with and without diurnal voiding dysfunction: a comparative study

Diurnal voiding dysfunction is one of the most common causes of pediatric urology clinic admissions. It can cause behavioral problems for children and their parents. We lunch this study to compare the parents' function and children's behavior problem in pediatric patients suffering from diurnal voiding dysfunction referring Arak Amir Kabir hospital. To perform this case-control study, we recruit 116 children with diurnal voiding dysfunction and compared them with other 116 children non-affected children aged between 5 to 16 years old. The child behavior checklist [CBCL4/18] for children behavior assessment and Global Assessment of Functioning [GAF] for the evaluation of their parent's behavior were completed by the parents. Data was analyzed using ANOVA, qualitative variables and CHI[2] formula. Among 116 patient with voiding dysfunction, 10 case [8.6%] showed behavioral problem while this figure was 3 case [2.6%] in the control group, denoting a significant difference [p=0.04]. Moreover 20 children [17.2%] in the case group and 9 children [7.8%] in the control group had internalizing problem [p=0.02]. Twenty two children [19%] with voiding dysfunction and 8 children [6.9%] in the healthy group had externalizing problem which was also a significant difference [p=0.01]. As a significant difference [0.01], the parent's average stress and behavior scores in case and control group were 3.65 and 3.76, respectively. The higher prevalence of behavioral problem in the children suffering from diurnal voiding dysfunction and their parent's functional impairment highlights the importance of early parent's intervention for early treatment and subsequently prevention of future behavioral problem in their sibling

Comparative study on the effect of antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetyl cysteine on the structure of the renal tubules of diabetic rabbits

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The therapeutic potential of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of these complications is an emerging research area. The roles of alpha-lipoic acid [ALA] and N-acetyl cysteine [NAC] in the protection against oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits were assessed both biochemically and histologically in this study. Thirty-two mature male rabbits were used in this study. They were divided into two groups: the control group [n=8] and the experimental [n=24] group; the experimental group was injected intraperitoneally with alloxan [180mg/ml/kg body weight]. After 3 weeks, this group [diabetic rabbits] was subdivided into three subgroups of eight rabbits each. The first one was left as the untreated diabetic subgroup; rabbits in the second and third subgroups were treated daily for 7 days with ALA and NAC [100 mg/ml/kg body weight], respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood and kidney sections were processed for biochemical and histological studies. The renal tubules showed degenerative and apoptotic changes, which were associated with increased DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation in the kidney tissues, as well as reduction in the capacity of the antioxidant defense system. However, treatment of diabetic rabbits with either ALA or NAC ameliorated diabetes-induced oxidative stress. ALA and NAC could be useful in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia. This action seems to result mainly from direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species and restoring of the GSH [glutathione] redox state

Clinical and echocardiographic features of children with rheumatic carditis: correlation with high sensitivity C-reactive protein

Rheumatic fever [RF] and rheumatic heart disease [RHD] are leading causes of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in developing countries. To describe the clinical and echocardiographic features of children with RF and RHD and compare these features with their serum C-reactive protein in 2 pediatric cardiology centers in Khartoum. It was a prospective cross sectional study. Patients were examined clinically and by echocardiography. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] was measured from children with Acute RF as well as from healthy age and sex matched controls selected from children attending the clinics. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean and standard deviation, P value using Fisher's exact test. Sixty six patients [45% males] were enrolled. Mitral regurgitation [MR] was found in 65 patients [98%], it was severe in 42 patients [64%], combined with aortic regurgitation [AR] in 27 patients [41%] and with Mitral stenosis [MS] in 3 patients [4.5%]. For patients with carditis, hsCRP ranged between 1.10 and 15 mg/1 [mean 8.0817, SD 4.47]. In the control group it was 0.6-1.3 mg/1 [mean 0.93 SD 0.23] P<0.0001.Patients with Acute RF had hsCRP mean of 12.35 mg/1 [SD 2.11] while those with chronic RHD had hsCRP mean of 7.34 mg/1 [SD 4.16], P<0.0001. RHD is manifested in our patients with severe valve damage dominated by MR and there is evidence of an ongoing inflammation during the chronic phase. RHD is manifested in a severe form in Sudan. High sensitivity CRP is elevated in acute phase as well as in the chronic phase

Appraisal of antimicrobial prescribing practices of governmental and non-governmental dentists for hospitals in the western region of Saudi Arabia

To scrutinize the knowledge, attitude, and antimicrobial practices in Saudi Arabian Dentistry. In this cross-sectional survey of dentists, a self-administered questionnaire comprising of 61 questions was dispersed to the participants randomly, which included their professional profile, awareness of the current scope of antimicrobial resistance, prescribing practice, frequency of antimicrobial prescription, and sources of continuing education of antimicrobials. The study took place in the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between February and April 2013. Knowledge and awareness concerning specific antimicrobials, with specific oral cavity lesion was 78% for the students and interns, 80% for residents, and 95.3% for specialists. Approximately 89% of the students, interns and residents, and 98.4% of the specialists endorsed indiscriminate use of antibiotics. In addition, 93.4% of students, 90% of interns and residents, and 90.6% of specialists agreed that lack of health education is one of the contributors to overuse of antimicrobials. Moreover, 91.9% of the interns, 80% of residents, and 75.5% of specialists preferred amoxicillin + clavulanate as their first choice; however, a wide variation in the dosage frequency, and duration was observed. Participants are well aware of the significance of antimicrobial resistance, and considered that judicious use of antimicrobials is highly imperative to restrain this fiery predicament. Divergence was demonstrated between specialists and residents in prescribing practices. Institutional antimicrobial guideline was not interesting to all the respondents. This highlights the need for incessant instructive intervention in order to accomplish the prime objective of retreating antimicrobial resistance

Control of Tetranychus urticae Koch by extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the acaricidal activity of extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus against Tetranychus urticae (T. urticae) Koch.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus with different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0% and 4.0%) were used to control T. urticae Koch.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed that chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) represented the most potent efficient acaricidal agent against Tetranychus followed by marjoram (Marjorana hortensis) and Eucalyptus. The LC50 values of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus for adults were 0.65, 1.84 and 2.18, respectively and for eggs 1.17, 6.26 and 7.33, respectively. Activities of enzymes including glutathione-S-transferase, esterase (α-esterase and β-esterase) and alkaline phosphatase in susceptible mites were determined and activities of enzymes involved in the resistance of acaricides were proved. Protease enzyme was significantly decreased at LC50 of both chamomile and marjoram compared with positive control. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) proved that the major compositions of Chamomilla recutita are α-bisabolol oxide A (35.251%), and trans-β-farersene (7.758%), while the main components of Marjorana hortensis are terpinene-4-ol (23.860%), p-cymene (23.404%) and sabinene (10.904%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It can be concluded that extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus possess acaricidal activity against T. urticae.</p>