Axial eye length assessment in silicone oil-filled eyes

Purpose: To compare the reliability of axial eye length [AEL] measurement in silicone oil-filled phakic eyes by conventional B-scan ultrasonography through the eyelid, after a correcting factor, to partial coherence interferometry [PCI] measurement

Methods: A prospective and comparative study was performed at Al-Zahraa University Hospital clinic from [January 2016 - December 2016]. In total 13 phakic eyes of 13 patients who underwent vitrectomy and silicone oil filling were enrolled into the study. AEL was measured by B-scan and compared to measurement by PCI

Results and Conclusions: There was no significant difference in AEL measurement by either B-scan ultrasonography through the eyelid, after a correcting factor, and PCI

What are the most discriminating two-dimensional and doppler sonographic features in differentiation of benign and malignant adnexal masses?

To determine the two-dimensional and doppler sonographic features that best allow differentiation between malignant and benign adnexal masses, besides develop a new scoring system enable more accurate diagnosis with these features. A cross sectional prospective study was conducted on patients scheduled for surgery due to presence of adnexal masses at Women's Health Hospital, Assiut, Egypt between October 2012 and October 2013. All patients were evaluated by 2D ultrasound for morphological features of the masses aided by doppler examination of their vessels. The final diagnosis was based on histopathological reports used as gold standard. One hundred forty-six patients were recruited, 104 with benign masses, 42 with malignant masses. Features that allowed statistically significant discrimination of benignity from malignancy were; volume of mass, type of mass, presence and thickness of septae, presence and length of papillary projections, location of vessels at colour Doppler and colour score. A scoring formula was supposed combined those features together to develop a new scoring system; Assiut Scoring System [ASS]. The cut-off score with the highest accuracy in detection of malignancy had a sensitivity of 93.5% and specificity of '92.2%. Assiut Scoring System; a multiparameter scoring that use four 2D ultrasound and two doppler features, has a high sensitivity and specificity for prediction of malignancy in adnexal masses

Histological study on the effect of aflatoxin B1 on the renal tubules of adult rats

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of the fungi Aspergillusflavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These species are prevalent in food crops, particularly in maize, groundnuts, and oilseeds. Chronic aflatoxin exposure is associated with damage to the kidney. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aflatoxin B1 on the renal tubules of female albino rats using light and electron microscopy. Thirty adult female rats were used in this study. They were divided into two groups. The first group was considered the control group. The second group was given 0.05 microg/kg aflatoxin orally every week for 8 consecutive weeks. At the end of the experiment the animals were sacrificed and specimens of the kidneys were extracted and processed for light and electron microscopy. In the aflatoxin-treated group there were necrosis and sloughing of the proximal convoluted tubules in some areas; other areas showed mitotic division and cell crowding. Ultramicroscopic results revealed cytoplasmic vacuolations, scanty mitochondria, and widely spaced microvilli. The distal convoluted tubules showed loss of cell polarity and basolateral infoldings. The interstitium was wide, edematous, and contained congested blood capillaries and a few mononuclear cells. Aflatoxin had a cytotoxic effect on the renal tubules of albino rats. Regulations should be implemented to avoid the presence of aflatoxins in high concentrations in human food and minimize their negative effects on agriculture and health

Effect of aluminum chloride on the hippocampus of adult rats and the possible protective role of Nigella sativa: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Aluminum is among the most abundant elements on earth and it is associated with the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. The hippocampus plays an important role in short-term memory and decision making. The Nigella sativa was reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To investigate the histopathological effects of aluminum chloride on the hippocampus of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of N. sativa. Twenty-five adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into five groups [each group included five rats]: group I [control] received no treatment and group II [N. sativatreated] received N. sativa oil daily at a dose of 1 ml/kg orally for 8 weeks. Group III [aluminum chloride treated] received aluminum chloride daily at a dose of 320 mg/kg/l added to the drinking water for 8 weeks. Group IV [aluminum chloride + N. sativa] received N. sativaoil with aluminum for 8 weeks at the same dose as the two previous groups. Group V [withdrawal] received aluminum only without N. sativa oil at the same previous dose for 8 weeks and then the animals were left without treatment for another 4 weeks. Specimens from the hippocampus were processed for light and electron microscopical examination. Also, the immunohistochemical technique was used with glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]. Group III showed apoptotic changes in many pyramidal cells. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the number of pyramidal cells. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in GFAP-positive astrocytes. In group IV, minimal apoptotic changes were detected in pyramidal cells, with a significant increase in their number. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in GFAP-positive astrocytes. In group V, many pyramidal cells still showed degenerative changes, with a significant decrease in their number. GFAP-positive cells showed a significant increase. Gliosis was marked in the pyramidal cell layer. One-month withdrawal of aluminum chloride was not sufficient to gain a normal histological appearance of the hippocampus. N. sativa could be used to protect the hippocampus against aluminum chloride-induced damage

Methylprednisolone therapy in 63 Iraqi patients with multiple sclerosis: a profile of side effects

To detect the nature and frequency of short and long term side effects of Methylprednisolone pulse therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis. sixty three patients with multiple sclerosis treated in multiple sclerosis clinic in Baghdad teaching hospital from April 2001 till December 2002 with one gram methylprednisolone [MPN] succinate pulse therapy were studied for short term side effects; forty six patients who received more than six doses were studied for short and long term side effects including serum lipid profile, ophthalmological complications, vascular necrosis of head of femur and osteoporosis by Achilles express device. body weight studied cross sectional at the start and after six months showed no significant changes; short term symptoms that occurred during and after pulse therapy were transient and occurred infrequently apart from taste changes in form of bitter sensation in 420 [60.87%] out of 690 pulses. There was no anaphylactic reactions, no cardiac dysrrhythmias and no deep venous thrombosis nor serious infections or septicemic complications during follow up. Blood pressure changes were not significant. Hematological investigation including hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelets count changed within normal values after one week of pulse therapy. None of the patients developed diabetes mellitus at the end of the study. Among the 46 patients studied for long term side effects, one developed post subcapsular cataract non developed glaucoma, two showed increment in serum triglyceride, and one developed a vascular necrosis of the neck or the femur. Eighteen women receiving more than six pulses were evaluated for osteoporosis by Achellis express at the end of the study. Of them, 7 [38.88%] showed osteoporosis, 7 [38.88%] osteopenia, and 4 [22.22%] normal readings. methylprednisolone, when used on our therapeutic protocol, was a safe drug; there was a risk of developing osteoporosis for patients receiving more than 6 pulses

Phytochemical and biological study of petrea volubilis L. [verbenaceae]

Petrea volubilis L. was studied for its secondary metabolites and biological activities. The phytochemical screening of dried aerial parts revealed the presence of different constituents such as unsaturated sterols, triter pens, and flavonoids. The biological activities of the total extract and different fractions were evaluated in a series of bioassays [antioxidant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antibacterial], the majority of them showed significant activities in the applied test systems. Extensive purification of the ethyl acetate extract led to isolation of apigenin [1], quercetin [2], 4, 6-dimethylscutellarien [3], hypogallic acid [3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid] [4], trans-caffeic acid [5] vanillic acid [6] and acteoside [7]. The structure elucidation of 1-7, was carried out by [1]H-NMR, UV and MS analyses

Importance of Residual Water Permeability on the Excretion of Water during Water Diuresis in Rats

When the concentration of sodium (Na+) in arterial plasma (P(Na)) declines sufficiently to inhibit the release of vasopressin, water will be excreted promptly when the vast majority of aquaporin 2 water channels (AQP2) have been removed from luminal membranes of late distal nephron segments. In this setting, the volume of filtrate delivered distally sets the upper limit on the magnitude of the water diuresis. Since there is an unknown volume of water reabsorbed in the late distal nephron, our objective was to provide a quantitative assessment of this parameter. Accordingly, rats were given a large oral water load, while minimizing non-osmotic stimuli for the release of vasopressin. The composition of plasma and urine were measured. The renal papilla was excised during the water diuresis to assess the osmotic driving force for water reabsorption in the inner medullary collecting duct. During water diuresis, the concentration of creatinine in the urine was 13-fold higher than in plasma, which implies that ~8% of filtered water was excreted. The papillary interstitial osmolality was 600 mOsm/L > the urine osmolality. Since 17% of filtered water is delivered to the earliest distal convoluted tubule micropuncture site, we conclude that half of the water delivered to the late distal nephron is reabsorbed downstream during water diuresis. The enormous osmotic driving force for the reabsorption of water in the inner medullary collecting duct may play a role in this reabsorption of water. Possible clinical implications are illustrated in the discussion of a case example.

Is There Escape from Renal Actions of Vasopressin in Rats with a Hyponatremia for Greater than 48 Hours?

Escape from the renal actions of vasopressin is said to occur in rats with chronic hyponatremia. Our objective was to provide specific evidence to test this hypothesis. Hence the osmolality in the excised renal papilla and in simultaneously voided urine (U(Osm)) was measured in rats with and without hyponatremia. To induce hyponatremia, rats were fed low-electrolyte chow for 6 days. In the first 3 days, water was provided ad lib. On days 4 to 6, a long acting vasopressin preparation (dDAVP) was given every 8 hours to induce water retention. The hyponatremic rats drank 21 mL 5% sucrose on day 4 and 6 mL on day 5. On the morning of day 6, these rats were given 10 mL of 5% glucose in water (D5W) by the intraperitoneal route at 09:00 hour and at 11:00 hour. Analyses were performed in blood, urine, and the excised renal papilla at 13:00 hour on day 6. The concentration of Na+ in plasma (P(Na)) in rats without intraperitoneal D5W was 140+/-1 mEq/L (n=7) whereas it was 112+/-3 mEq/L in the hyponatremic group (n=12). The hyponatremic rats had a higher osmolality in the excised papillary (1,915+/-117 mOsm/kg H2O) than the U(Osm) (1,528+/-176 mOsm/kg H2O, P<0.05). One explanation for this difference is that the rats escaped from the renal action of vasopressin. Nevertheless, based on a quantitative analysis, other possibilities will be considered.

Aging changes of the olfactory bulb of albino rats

The olfactory bulb plays a central role in relaying olfactory information from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory cortex. Olfactory loss is a common age-related complaint that may be caused by changes in the anatomy of the structures required which are required for olfaction [for example, change in the olfactory bulb]. The aim of the work is to study the structural changes which occur during aging in the olfactory bulb of albino rats. Twenty albino rats were used. The animals were subdivided into two age groups: adult and aged [24 months]. The animals were anaesthetized, perfused with appropriate fixative solution, then the animals were killed and brains were extracted and specimens of olfactory bulbs were dissected. For each group, some specimens were fixed in Bouin's fluid and after routine histological technique were embedded in paraffin. Other specimens were sectioned and stained with Einarson's Gallocyanine solution to study the cellular histology and morphology of the olfactory bulb. Other specimens were fixed in Golgi-Cox solution and embedded in cellodin and dendritic organization of the neurons of the olfactory bulb was examined. Also other specimens were fixed in 5% buffered glutaldehyde and electron microscopic technique was made, semi thin and ultra thin sections were obtained and examined to show the ultra structure of the neurons of olfactory bulb. The results revealed that aging induced reduction in the thickness of the layers of olfactory bulb, decreased neuronal density of the mitral cells with decreased dendritic arborization of the neurons. Also elecrtomicroscopic feature of the aged olfactory bulb revealed evidence of nuclear damage, perinuclear vacuolation, dilated Golgi and cisternia of rough endoplasmic reticulum with destructed mitochondria

Prevalence and patterns of hearing impairment in Egypt: a national household survey

We conducted a national household survey to estimate the prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Egypt. From 6 randomly selected governorates [Alexandria, Dakahlia, Luxor, Marsa Matrouh, Minia and North Sinai], 4000 individuals were screened for hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss was 16.0% with no significant sex differences. There were significant differences between the age groups and governorates: Marsa Matrouh had the highest prevalence of hearing loss [25.7%] and North Sinai the lowest [13.5%]; those >/= 65 years had the highest prevalence [49.3%], but it was also high in those aged 0-4 years [22.4%]. Otitis media with effusion [30.8%] was the commonest cause of hearing loss, followed by presbycusis [22.7%]

Carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in adult mice and potential protective role of honey

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on dietary and medical natural products that inhibit, reverse or retard diseases caused by oxidative and inflammatory process. Honey has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore the aim of the present work is to investigate the possible protective role of honey on carbon tetrachloride-treated mice, a model of liver injury. In chronic hepatotoxic mice, liver damage was studied by using some histological, histochemical methods and morphometric analysis. The experimental animals were divided into four groups treated as follows: Group [I] was kept as control; Group [2] was injected daily subcutaneously with carbon tetrachloride [CCL4] for 30 days; Group [3] was treated with CCL4 and honey at the same time for 30 days: Group [4] was given CCL4 for 30 days then stopped and was given honey for another 30 days. Cell shrinking, chromatin condensation, fatty infiltration, marked decrease in glycogen, fibrosis, and dilatation of central vein and blood sinusoid were observed in group [2] The observations of the present study provide evidence for apoptosis of hepatocytes in the necrotic zone. These changes were reduced when CCL4and honey were given simultaneously. In contrast, there was no improvement of hepatic changes when honey was given after withdrawal of CCL4. Based upon these results, honey may play a preventive and protective role in hepatic cellular injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and it is advisable to be given in patients with chronic liver diseases

Effect of sildenafil on the blood vessels [angiogenic effect] of adult rat striatal neurons

Sildenafil [Viagra] is a selective inhibitor of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate [cGMP] specific phosphodiesterase 5 [PDE5] used for the oral treatment of male erectile dysfunction of organic, psychogenic or mixed aetionlogy. The corpus striatum is the largest component of the basal ganglia which is located within the depth of each cerebral hemisphere and have a diverse function ranging from movement control, cognitive function and regulation of emotional behaviour. The study aimed to study the effect of sildenafil citrate on the striatal neurons of adult albino rats. Fifteen adult male albino rats would included in the study, ten of them were given 2mg/kg sildenafil citrate orally on alternate days for one month and five rats would taken as a controls. The animals were anaesthetized with ether and perfused with fixative solution, then the animals were decapitated and the brains were extracted. Slices of striatal neurons were carefully dissected and fixed in 5% buffered glutardehyde and electron microscopic technique was made and semithin and ultrathin sections were obtained and examined by light and electron microscopically. The results revealed severe dilatation and congestion of the blood vessels of rat striatal neurons compared to controls. This may be mediated through enhancement of nitric oxide [NO]-mediated effects. Sildenfil citrate induced angiogenic effect of adult male striatal neurons which may suggest that sildenfil may have a role in treatment of some neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and cerebrovascular stroke which may need further investigation

Protective role of folic acid against iron induced nephrotoxicity in rat female offspring

Pregnancy exhibits increased susceptibility to oxidative stress that may resulting in potential damage. Supplementation with iron is recommended during pregnancy to meet the demands of both the mother and rapidly growing foetus however excess free iron may induced oxidative stress and through cascade of iron release and free radical production causing extensive cell damage. Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy has been associated with decreased occurrence and recurrence of neural tube defects. The aim of this work was to study the histological changes that was induced by iron supplementation of pregnant female rats in the kidney of rat offsprings and potential protective role of folic acid administration. Thirty [30] pregnant female albino rats was included in the study and was divided into three groups. Group [1] was included [10] rats and taken as a control, Group [2] was included [10] rats and was given iron gluconate in a dose of 50 mg/kg during the period of 6-16 days of pregnancy and Group [3] was included [10] rats and was given iron gluconate as well as folic acid 4 mg/kg during the same period. The off springs of pregnant female rats were anaesthetized with ether and perfused with fixative solution. Then the kidneys were extracted. Slices of renal tissues were carefully dissected and fixed in 5% buffered glutardehyde and electron microscopic technique was made and semithin and ultrathin sections were obtained and examined by light and electron microscopice. Results revealed reduction of mean glomerular diameter, mean diameter of both proximal convoluted tubules [PCT] and distal convoluted tubules [DCT] in offsprings of group [2] of iron treated group, also there was dark cells with deep pyknotic nuclei of the glomerulr mesangial matrix. electron microscopic study revealed also that the brush border of proximal convoluted tubules was disrupted with vacuolation of cytoplasm and degeneration of mitochondriae, on the other hand of folic acid administration druing pregnancy in group [3] revealed that these changes were improved markedly in the newlyborn off springs. Iron induced renal oxidative stress in the off springs of pregnant female rats and routine use during pregnancy shouldn't advised and should e reserved only to anemic women - folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is recommended to protect against oxidative stress that was induced by iron or other oxygen free radicals

Injurious effect of X-ray irradiation on albino rat enterocytes and potential radio protective effect of melatonin [histological and morphometric study]

Radiation enteritis is a significant clinical problem in patients receiving ionizing radiation directed at the abdomen or pelvis. Although radiation therapy is aimed to be directed against the malignant tissue, adjacent healthy tissues are also affected and the small intestine is the most sensitive organ to radiation. Melatonin has been documented as a direct free radical scavenger and an indirect antioxidant, as well as an important immunomodulatory agent. The aim of the research is to study the histological and ultrastructural changes of X-ray irradiation on rat jejunal mucosa and possible radioprotective role of melatonin. Thirty six adult male albino rats were included in the study and were divided into three groups, the first group was included twelve rats and was served as controls, the second group was included 12 rats and was exposed to a whole body X-ray irradiation dose of 8 Grays [Gy]. The third group was included twelve rats and was subjected to intraperitoneal injection of melatonin [10 mg/kg body weight melatonin one hour before irradiation]. The animals were anaesthized at 48 hours after X-ray irradiation and perfused with fixative solution and laparotomy was performed. Immediately after laparotomy, the small intestine [jejunum] was removed. Some specimens of jejunum were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Other specimens were fixed in 5% buffered glutardehyde and electron microscopic technique was made and semithin and ultrathin sections were obtained and examined to show the ultrastructure of small intestine. The results revealed that X-ray irradiation resulting in loss of architecture and disarrangement of cells of the microvilli which have pale cytoplasm and degenerated nuclei with a reduction of mean villous height, mean crypt diameter and mean number of villi per cross section. Also electromicroscopic feature revealed lack of parallel arrangement of microvilli, loss of glycocalyx covering, desquamation of microvilli, vacoulation of apical part of the cells, dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and damage of mitochondrial cristae. In group of irradiated animals pretreated with melatonin [group three], these changes were improved and the intestinal mucosal structure was preserved. Administration of melatonin prior to irradiation can protect the intestine against X-rays destructive effects

Clonidine as an adjuvant for lidocaine in peribulbar block a comparison of three doses

The dose response relationship of clonidine added to lidocaine in peribulber block were assessed in 52 adult patients of both sexes, undergoing cataract surgery. They were given 7 mL mixture of 2% lidocaine with clonidine in 0.5 micro g / kg [0.5 Clon]. 1.0 micro g /kg [1.0 Clon] and 1.5 micro g / kg [1.5 Clon] doses and compared to lidocaine alone [control]. The onset and duration of lid and globe akinesia and globe anaesthesia and analgesia, adverse effects [hypotension, bradycardia, hypoxia and sedation] and postoperative analgesic requirement were recorded. The success rate and onset of block were comparable in all groups. The duration of lid and globe akinesia, globe anaesthesia and analgesia was significantly prolonged in patients receiving 1.0 and 1.5 micro g/kg clonidine as compared with the control group [P <0.01]. Perioperative pain score and analgesic requirement were significantly less in these groups, 0.5 micro g/kg clonidine did not significantly increase the duration of anaesthesia and analgesia. Hypotension and dizziness were observed more in patients receiving 1.5 mirco g /kg clonidine as compared to other groups. In conclusion, clonidine 1.0 mirco g / kg mixture with lidocaine [2%] was significantly prolonged the duration of anaesthesia and analgesia after peribulbar block with limited side effects

Gastrointestinal motility disorders in type 1 diabetes: a pilot study

This work aimed to study gastric and esophageal motility by scintigraphy and gallbladder contractility by scintigraphy and ultrasonography in type 1 diabetic patients and to assess any association with demographic data, GIT symptoms, metabolic control or chronic complications of diabetes. A case control study including 30 patients more than 9 years of age and more than 5 years duration of type I diabetes as well as 15 healthy controls age and sex matched with patients was carried out. All patients were subjected to thorough history including gastrointestinal symptoms, insulin dosing, glycemic control and diet pattern and history of chronic complications as peripheral or autonomic neuropathy. Physical examination included blood pressure measurement, signs of peripheral neuropathy and fundus examination to exclude retinopathy. Mean glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc] was estimated in diabetic patients in the preceding five years before testing. Albumin/creatinine ratio was determined to detect microalbuminuria. Real-time ultrasonography was performed to evaluate gallbladder volume and ejection fraction in diabetic and control groups, while scintigraphic studies were done to detect the esophageal emptying rate, the gastric emptying time and the gallbladder ejection fraction. Compared with mean values of controls as well as reference values, there was reduction in gallbladder ejection fraction in 76.7% of diabetics by scintigraphy and in 53.3% by ultrasonography, decreased esophageal emptying rate in 43.3% of diabetics and abnormal gastric emptying in 56.7% of diabetics [20% had delayed gastric emptying and 36.7% had accelerated gastric emptying]. The above findings were more pronounced in patients having chronic diabetic complications, especially autonomic neuropathy

Student perception of clinical learning: a comparative study

This study was conducted at Sohar NG Institute, Sultanate of Oman, at the end of the first semester of academic year [2000/2001] for 2nd year students and at the end of 2nd semester for 3rd year students. All students in the 2nd [36] and 3rd year [35] were included in the study. The initial items tool was generated by a review of clinical learning environment that reflects the content domain of subscale including the objective of the clinical experience, student-teacher interaction, theory practice application assignment, evaluation and anxiety resources. Likert scale involving 5 points was selected for this instrument ranging from strongly agreement to strongly disagreement. It was concluded that NG educators are needed to consider the impact of the learning environment on the learning process and outcomes attention must be paid to the environment conditions that maximizes the personal and academic success in undergraduate nursing program. The correlation between theory and practice is essential

Nailfold and labial in vivo capillary microscopy in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis [SSc] is characterized by a wide spread vascular disease. This study was designed to assess the vas cular damage in patients with SSc by in vivo capillary microscopy of the conventional site; the nailfold, as well as a second window the labial mucosa. The study included 17 patients [all females] suffering from SSc as well as 5 healthy controls. Nailfold and labial capillary microscopy was done to assess loop length, loop width [lumen included], loop density number/linear than, enlarged capillaries, avascualr areas, hemorrhages, and the architectural arrangement of the capillary network. Conventional nailfold capillary microscopy revealed shorter loop length, wider loop, and decreased number of capillaries/linear mm in SSc. than normal control. The SSc. patients capillaries were markedly tortuous, with frequent megacapillaries, avascular areas, and less frequently hemorrhages. Labial capillary microscopy proved as valuable as conventional nailfold examination. Labial capillaries were far easier to examine than nailfold capillaries due to the transparency of labial mucosa. In SSc patients there was loss of the normal organized architectural pattern of the capillaries. Hemorrhages were detected more frequently in labial mucosa than in nailfold, also enlarged capillaries, avascular areas, and very short capillaries were also noted. Howevere, measurements of capillary loop length and width were not as accurately recorted as those of the nailfold capillaries, but still were shorter and wider than healthy controls, respectively. Nailfold capillary microscopy is a valuable means of assessment of microvasculature in vivo for patients with SSc. It is noninvasive, informative, and reproducible. Labial capillaroscopy can be used when the nailfold is damaged or pigmented. Also, it is less affected by cold stress, chemical or mechanical factors. Patients with SSc showed a typical scleroderma pattern of microvascular changes when compared to controls