An antimicrobial activity of oil extracted from Saara hardwickii / Atividade antimicrobiana do óleo extraído de Saara hardwickii

Present research work represents antiviral and antibacterial value of body fat of Saara hardwickii commonly called as spiny tailed lizard. Oil was extracted from body fats located in the ventral region of this animal using hydrocarbons e.g., n-hexane, methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of lizard oil was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines ofEscherichia coli, Styphalococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris alone and with antibiotic ampicillin. For antibacterial potential, Ethyl acetate and Butanol solvent extract showed best zone of inhibition (7mm) with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. For antiviral potential, Butanol and Methanol extract showed best HA (Hemagglutination) titer of 04 with NDV and IBV viral strain respectively. It is concluded that lizard oil has antimicrobial potential against different pathogens strains (virus, bacteria).

O presente trabalho de pesquisa apresenta a importância antiviral e antibacteriana da gordura corporal de Saara hardwickii, comumente chamado de lagarto de cauda espinhosa. O óleo foi extraído de gorduras corporais localizadas na região ventral desse animal usando hidrocarbonetos, por exemplo, n-hexano, metanol, butanol e acetato de etila, como solvente. A atividade antibacteriana do óleo do lagarto foi testada em linhagens padrão e multirresistentes de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Proteus vulgaris, de forma isolada e com antibiótico ampicilina. Para o potencial antibacteriano, acetato de etila e extrato de butanol apresentaram melhor zona de inibição (7 mm) com P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, respectivamente. Para o potencial antiviral, o extrato de butanol e o extrato de metanol apresentaram melhor título de hemaglutinação de 4 com as cepas virais NDV e IBV, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o óleo do lagarto possui potencial antimicrobiano contra diferentes cepas de patógenos (vírus e bactérias).

An antimicrobial activity of oil extracted from Saara hardwickii

Abstract Present research work represents antiviral and antibacterial value of body fat of Saara hardwickii commonly called as spiny tailed lizard. Oil was extracted from body fats located in the ventral region of this animal using hydrocarbons e.g., n-hexane, methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of lizard oil was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines ofEscherichia coli, Styphalococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris alone and with antibiotic ampicillin. For antibacterial potential, Ethyl acetate and Butanol solvent extract showed best zone of inhibition (7mm) with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. For antiviral potential, Butanol and Methanol extract showed best HA (Hemagglutination) titer of 04 with NDV and IBV viral strain respectively. It is concluded that lizard oil has antimicrobial potential against different pathogens strains (virus, bacteria).

Resumo O presente trabalho de pesquisa apresenta a importância antiviral e antibacteriana da gordura corporal de Saara hardwickii, comumente chamado de lagarto de cauda espinhosa. O óleo foi extraído de gorduras corporais localizadas na região ventral desse animal usando hidrocarbonetos, por exemplo, n-hexano, metanol, butanol e acetato de etila, como solvente. A atividade antibacteriana do óleo do lagarto foi testada em linhagens padrão e multirresistentes de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Proteus vulgaris, de forma isolada e com antibiótico ampicilina. Para o potencial antibacteriano, acetato de etila e extrato de butanol apresentaram melhor zona de inibição (7 mm) com P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, respectivamente. Para o potencial antiviral, o extrato de butanol e o extrato de metanol apresentaram melhor título de hemaglutinação de 4 com as cepas virais NDV e IBV, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o óleo do lagarto possui potencial antimicrobiano contra diferentes cepas de patógenos (vírus e bactérias).

Revision of some mensural measurements, food preference, and haematological parameters in breeding pairs of blue rock pigeon, Columba livia sampled from punjab Pakistan / Revisão de algumas medidas mensurais, preferência alimentar e parâmetros hematológicos em pares de criação de pombo blue rock (Columba livia), amostragem de punjab, Paquistão

Abstract The present study describes the haematological profile, feeding preference, and comparison of morphometric characters of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) breeding pairs. For this purpose, 25 pairs (25 samples per sex) were sampled through Mist nets from district Okara and Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Birds were then anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine HCL (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) and subjected to morphometric measurements. 5µL blood also was taken from the jugular vein of each anaesthetized bird for haematological analysis. Few pairs were also dissected to remove gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) for food preferences. Results revealed that there are no significant differences in the haematological parameters and feeding preference of breeding pairs of Columba livia. The gut analysis further revealed, the major portion of gut contents consisted of pea and corn in most of the pairs. Regarding the mensural measurements, significant differences were recorded in the body weight, length of the longest primary feather, and chest circumference, whereas the rest of the studied parameters remain nonsignificant between sexes. So, it is concluded that apart from 3 morphometric parameters (body weight, length of longest primary feather and chest circumference), both sexes are alike in term of morphometry, haematology and food preference.

Resumo O presente estudo descreve o perfil hematológico, a preferência alimentar e a comparação de caracteres morfométricos de casais reprodutores de pombo-rocha (Columba livia). Para tanto, 25 pares (25 amostras por sexo) foram amostrados por meio de redes de névoa do distrito de Okara e Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Paquistão. As aves foram então anestesiadas com uma combinação de cetamina HCL (10 mg/kg) e diazepam (0,2 mg/kg) e submetidas a medidas morfométricas; 5 µL de sangue também foram retirados da veia jugular de cada ave anestesiada para análise hematológica. Poucos pares também foram dissecados para remover o trato gastrointestinal (GITs) para preferências alimentares. Os resultados revelaram que não há diferenças significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos e na preferência alimentar dos casais reprodutores de Columba livia. A análise intestinal revelou ainda que a maior parte do conteúdo intestinal consistia em ervilha e milho na maioria dos pares. Em relação às medidas mensurais, foram registradas diferenças significativas no peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica, enquanto os demais parâmetros estudados permanecem não significativos entre os sexos. Assim, conclui-se que além de três parâmetros morfométricos (peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica), ambos os sexos são semelhantes em termos de morfometria, hematologia e preferência alimentar.

Revision of some mensural measurements, food preference, and haematological parameters in breeding pairs of blue rock pigeon, Columba livia sampled from Punjab Pakistan / Revisão de algumas medidas mensurais, preferência alimentar e parâmetros hematológicos em pares de criação de pombo blue rock (Columba livia), amostragem de Punjab, Paquistão

The present study describes the haematological profile, feeding preference, and comparison of morphometric characters of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) breeding pairs. For this purpose, 25 pairs (25 samples per sex) were sampled through Mist nets from district Okara and Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Birds were then anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine HCL (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) and subjected to morphometric measurements. 5µL blood also was taken from the jugular vein of each anaesthetized bird for haematological analysis. Few pairs were also dissected to remove gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) for food preferences. Results revealed that there are no significant differences in the haematological parameters and feeding preference of breeding pairs of Columba livia. The gut analysis further revealed, the major portion of gut contents consisted of pea and corn in most of the pairs. Regarding the mensural measurements, significant differences were recorded in the body weight, length of the longest primary feather, and chest circumference, whereas the rest of the studied parameters remain nonsignificant between sexes. So, it is concluded that apart from 3 morphometric parameters (body weight, length of longest primary feather and chest circumference), both sexes are alike in term of morphometry, haematology and food preference.

O presente estudo descreve o perfil hematológico, a preferência alimentar e a comparação de caracteres morfométricos de casais reprodutores de pombo-rocha (Columba livia). Para tanto, 25 pares (25 amostras por sexo) foram amostrados por meio de redes de névoa do distrito de Okara e Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Paquistão. As aves foram então anestesiadas com uma combinação de cetamina HCL (10 mg/kg) e diazepam (0,2 mg/kg) e submetidas a medidas morfométricas; 5 µL de sangue também foram retirados da veia jugular de cada ave anestesiada para análise hematológica. Poucos pares também foram dissecados para remover o trato gastrointestinal (GITs) para preferências alimentares. Os resultados revelaram que não há diferenças significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos e na preferência alimentar dos casais reprodutores de Columba livia. A análise intestinal revelou ainda que a maior parte do conteúdo intestinal consistia em ervilha e milho na maioria dos pares. Em relação às medidas mensurais, foram registradas diferenças significativas no peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica, enquanto os demais parâmetros estudados permanecem não significativos entre os sexos. Assim, conclui-se que além de três parâmetros morfométricos (peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica), ambos os sexos são semelhantes em termos de morfometria, hematologia e preferência alimentar.

Revision of some mensural measurements, food preference, and haematological parameters in breeding pairs of blue rock pigeon, Columba livia sampled from punjab Pakistan

Abstract The present study describes the haematological profile, feeding preference, and comparison of morphometric characters of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) breeding pairs. For this purpose, 25 pairs (25 samples per sex) were sampled through Mist nets from district Okara and Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Birds were then anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine HCL (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) and subjected to morphometric measurements. 5µL blood also was taken from the jugular vein of each anaesthetized bird for haematological analysis. Few pairs were also dissected to remove gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) for food preferences. Results revealed that there are no significant differences in the haematological parameters and feeding preference of breeding pairs of Columba livia. The gut analysis further revealed, the major portion of gut contents consisted of pea and corn in most of the pairs. Regarding the mensural measurements, significant differences were recorded in the body weight, length of the longest primary feather, and chest circumference, whereas the rest of the studied parameters remain nonsignificant between sexes. So, it is concluded that apart from 3 morphometric parameters (body weight, length of longest primary feather and chest circumference), both sexes are alike in term of morphometry, haematology and food preference.

Resumo O presente estudo descreve o perfil hematológico, a preferência alimentar e a comparação de caracteres morfométricos de casais reprodutores de pombo-rocha (Columba livia). Para tanto, 25 pares (25 amostras por sexo) foram amostrados por meio de redes de névoa do distrito de Okara e Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Paquistão. As aves foram então anestesiadas com uma combinação de cetamina HCL (10 mg/kg) e diazepam (0,2 mg/kg) e submetidas a medidas morfométricas; 5 µL de sangue também foram retirados da veia jugular de cada ave anestesiada para análise hematológica. Poucos pares também foram dissecados para remover o trato gastrointestinal (GITs) para preferências alimentares. Os resultados revelaram que não há diferenças significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos e na preferência alimentar dos casais reprodutores de Columba livia. A análise intestinal revelou ainda que a maior parte do conteúdo intestinal consistia em ervilha e milho na maioria dos pares. Em relação às medidas mensurais, foram registradas diferenças significativas no peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica, enquanto os demais parâmetros estudados permanecem não significativos entre os sexos. Assim, conclui-se que além de três parâmetros morfométricos (peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica), ambos os sexos são semelhantes em termos de morfometria, hematologia e preferência alimentar.

Delirium in the Critically Ill Patients: Is It Easily Diagnosed? What is the Incidence and What is the Management?

Introduction: Delirium is common in critically sick patients and related prolonged length of medical intensive care unit (ICU) and long-run psychological impairment. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to assess the incidence of delirium in critically ill patients. Evaluate the effectiveness of diagnosing delirium by subjective global assessment compared to CAM-ICU score in critically ill patients. Evaluate the effect of haloperidol versus atypical antipsychotic drugs in the treatment. Methods: Total 200 critically ill patients selected sequentially on their admission to ICU and subjected for full medical history taking, clinical examination daily with emphasis on full neurological assessment, daily assessment of delirium along their stay in the ICU by 2 methods: subjective global assessment which is the subjective individual clinical impression performed by the attending resident in the ICU. CAM-ICU score which is performed by the physician in charge of the study using CAM-ICU worksheet. Results: Delirium is a frequent complication in the intensive care unit. The CAM-ICU scoring system appears to be rapid, valid, and reliable for diagnosing delirium in the ICU setting and may be a useful instrument for both clinical and research purposes. Use of objective criteria may identify patients mistakenly thought to have delirium who do not meet objective criteria for the diagnosis of the condition. The degree of agitation is an essential indicator of the dosage of the used antipsychotic drug, need for additional antipsychotics. Conclusion: Delirium is a common problem in critically ill patients and is not easy to manage.

Serum procalcitonin in Egyptian patients with acute meningitis and a negative direct cerebrospinal fluid examination

To reduce the morbidity and mortality related to bacterial meningitis, it is important to discriminate bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis during the acute phase of the disease, when the clinical symptoms are often similar. To test the reliability of serum procalcitonin [PCT] to discriminate bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis in patients who have a negative direct cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] examination, and to evaluate the role of serum PCT to assess treatment efficacy compared with the total leukocyte count [TLC], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and C-reactive protein [CRP]. Forty patients with suspected acute meningitis and negative gram stains were included, and ten healthy persons were included as controls. According to the clinical examination and the CSF cytochemical analysis and cultures, the patients were divided into bacterial and aseptic groups. The measurements of serum PCT, ESR, CRP and TLC were performed. Patients in the bacterial group had a higher value of serum PCT at admission and at 3 days post-treatment than those in the aseptic group, with a highly significant difference between them. Serum PCT and, to a lesser extent, TLC had prognostic value in patients with acute meningitis, and PCT is more useful because it can be frequently measured for the diagnosis and follow-up of bacterial meningitis.

Medico legal examination of alcoholics

Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. The use of alcoholic beverages is very common in western society. To examine alleged alcoholic intake with the objective to assess whether clinical evaluation is sufficient to declare the case as positive for alcoholism. The study includes examination of 100 cases in the office of additional Police Surgeon GMMC Hospital Sukhur over a period of 01 year from January 2009 to December 2009. All the subjects were males and they were 16 - 35 years of age. All the cases belonged to Sukhur city. Majority were from labour class [40%] and followed by business community, and others. Among them 95% were Muslim. Clinically 85% were positive but laboratory tests showed 70% positive cases in 5% the report was misplaced or pilfered. We found that laboratory confirmation should be done before declaring the cases positive; to avoid the pilferage of samples they should be sent to laboratory through proper and fool proof mechanism

Ceftriaxone induced acute multi-organ failure syndrome in a Saudi boy with sickle cell disease

Multi-organ failure syndrome [MOFS] is a rare life threatening complication of sickle cell disease. It is precipitated by severe vaso-occlusive episodes. We report a Saudi boy with sickle cell anemia, who developed acute MOFS following anaphylaxis to ceftriaxone administration. He had a dramatic recovery after red blood cell exchange transfusion and peritoneal dialysis

Sodium and potassium excretion in normotensive and hypertensive population in Kashmir.

One hundred thirty five hypertensive patients and equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls were taken up for studying the relationship of 24 hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion, sodium-potassium molar ratio and body mass index (BMI) with blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive population in Kashmir. There was statistically significant elevated 24 hour urinary sodium excretion (p < .001), increased Na+-K+ molar ratio, significantly higher BMI in hypertensive population as compared to controls whereas there was a lower 24 hour urinary excretion of potassium (p > .20) in patients with hypertension. Thus sodium and potassium excretion, Na+-K+ molar ratio and body mass index has direct bearing in perpetuation or causation of hypertension in Kashmir which may be related to intake of salt tea.

Comparative study of transvaginal hysterosonography and biopsy for the evaluation of post-menopausal bleeding

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate transvaginal hysterosonography [TVHS] in post-menopausal bleeding [PMB] as an alternative to endometrial biopsy. The study was conducted at the Zarka Military Hospital, Amman, Jordan, over a one-year period from 1996 to 1997. Patients and The study comprised 98 women presenting with post-menopausal bleeding who had been listed for diagnostic dilatation and curettage. Transvaginal sonography [TVS] and transvaginal hysterosonography were performed one week before operation. The mean age of the women was 57 years, and all of them had had their menopause for at least six months. Sixty-one women [62%] demonstrated endometrial thickness of more than 5 mm by transvaginal sonography. All the women had transvaginal hysterosonography, except seven on whom hysterosonography could not be performed for technical reasons and who had to be excluded from the study, leaving a total of 54 women. TVS confirmed the presence of endoluminal mass in 30 of 54 women [60%]. Twenty-two of the 30 endoluminal mass cases were pedunculated while eight were sessile. Sixteen of the pedunculated cases were endometrial polyps while the remaining six were fibroid polyps. Five of the sessile cases were fibroid, two were endometrial hyperplasia, and the last one endometrial carcinoma. The other 44 out of the 98 patients also underwent transvaginal hysterosonography. No pathology could be detected in these patients, but they were noted to have atrophic endometrium after dilatation and curettage. The combination of transvaginal sonography and transvaginal hysterosonography is both sensitive and specific with regard to detecting and excluding endoluminal masses as the cause of post-menopausal bleeding. Diagnostic dilatation and curettage fails to detect a large percentage of some lesions, so TVS in combination with TVHS should be considered as the initial examination in the evaluation of all women with post-menopausal bleeding

Thyrotoxicosis in Qatar

A retrospective study of 179 patients with thyrotoxicosis was undertaken to determine the cause of thyrotoxicosis in our hospital and the outcome of the three available treatment modalities for patients with hyperthyroid Graves' disease. Graves' disease was found in 84% of the patients, toxic multinodular goiter in 8.5%, toxic adenoma in 4%, and thyroiditis in 3.5%. Graves' disease affected women predominantly; the female to male ratio was 3:2, with mean age of 35 +/- 11 years. Ophthalmopathy was seen in 41% of the patients; goiter was absent in 8%. Most of the patients received antithyroid drugs as primary treatment. Forty-six patients with Graves' disease were seen in 1989; 89% had antithyroid drugs as primary treatment for a duration of 1 +/- 0.7 years, 68% relapsed. Of these relapsed patients, 82% were treated with radioiodine and 11% were treated with surgery In 105 patients with Graves' disease treated with radioiodine, 60% were cured; additional doses were needed in 19%; and hypothyroidism developed in 49% In 19 patients treated with surgery, 63% were cured; hypothyroidism developed in 16%; and permanent hypocalcemia developed in 5%

Methylprednisolone as a prophylactic drug aginst multiple organ failure [MOF] in severely injured patients

The objective of this retrospective and prospective study was to assess the prophylactic use of mega doses of Methyl prednisolone to prevent Multiple Organ Failure [MOF] after sever trauma. Review of all severely injured patients who were admitted from Accident and Emergency Department to SICU in Hamad G. Hospital and to surgical dept. in Al Zahraa University Hospital in the period between Jan 1997 to May 1998. Eighty five patients were included based on an injury severity score [I.S.S.] of at least 36. The diagnosis of MOF was based on Multiple Organ Failure scoring system [adapted from Goris et al. 1985]. All patients had received I.V. bolus dose of M.P. [30 mg/kg, body weight within first 6 hours after trauma]. Most of the patients were in the 3 rd decade of life with mean age of [33 years]. Male sex was predominant [90.6%] and the Qatari people followed by the Egyptians occupied the highest number involved in this study [30.6%], [14.1%]. Road Traffic Accident was the most common mechanism of injury [68.2%] followed by Fall from height [21.2%]. The head was the most commonly injured organ [72.9%], followed by the limbs [40.0%], the chest [36.5%], then the abdomen and pelvis. All patients were thoroughly investigated both biochemically and radiologically. CT and MRI as well when indicated. Some patients were submitted to Diagnostic Peritoneal lavage [15.1%] and Ultra sound for [9.6%], one patient exposed to angiographic embolisation. 37 patients [43.5%], had different surgical procedures, craniotomy, chest procedure, laparotomy and orthopedic operations. 7 patients developed MOF [8.2%], within the first week. 85 severely injured patients given Methylprednisolone were studied retrospectively and prospectively. 7 patients [8.2%] developed MOF. This reflect an encouraging result for the use of Methyl prednisolone as a prophylactic drug against MOF in severe trauma patients taking in consideration a high incidence at different centers who are not using Methylprednisolone

Primary tension - free epigastric hernioplasty: procedure and outcome

Between January 1992 and May 1998, we operated upon 110 patients with large epigastric hernias [3cms or more] performing a primary pure prosthetic tension-free repair using the onlay polypropylene mesh graft technique, aiming to reduce the expected high recurrence rate after other repairs [1,4]. This group is retrospectively reviewed. There were 77.3% females and 22.7% males. Only elective repairs were included. All recurrent cases, the pediatric age group and those with ascites were not included. 7 patients [6.4%] has other types of hernia while 13 [11.8%] had more than one epigastric hernia. 8 patients [7.3%] presented with diastases [divarication] of recti in addition to their hernias. No perioperative mortality. Removal of the mesh, mesh extrusion or deep mesh infection did not occur in any case. Recurrence rate was 2.7% [3 cases] and was attributed either to emergence of a new hernia [in 2 cases] or to a correctable technical error [in one case]. Total complication rate was 18% while, complication rate related to mesh application was 10.7%. All complications were not serious and easily controlled as they necessitated minor surgical reintervention in only 4.5% of cases. It is to be concluded that the results are gratifying and the technique used is simple, durable and has a few and easily treatable complications. So, we recommend this repair as the primary repair of all epigastric hernias 3 cm or more to reduce the high recurrence rates noticed with other repairs

Single stage repair of hypospedias by mustrade technique: experience in

Thirty patients having distal and mid penile hypo-spedias with chordee were operated upon during the period from January 1993 to May 1998 in Al Zahraa University hospital. Their ages ranged between 3 and 24 years. Mustarde technique was used in construction of the new urethra. This technique proved its efficacy in the repair of distal and mid penile hypospedias with chordee as a single stage repair without obvious complications

Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy

Remarkable success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy encourage the trials for laparscopic herniorrhaphy. Sevceral types of techniques were used. Our study followed the transabdominal pre peritoneal TAPP. A Prospective study for thirty five patients with 45 inguinal hernias under went TAPP. It was carried on from Jan. 1994 to May 1999, in Al-Zahraa University Hospital in Cairo and in Hamed G. Hospital in Doha Patients were selected without complications. Peak age incidence was between the fourth and fifth decades, with mean age 36 years. There were 6 cases direct and 39 indirect with five cases recurrent. All the patients were selected well and prepared properly preoperative. There were no operative complications, but post operative complications were infected wound and 2 recurrent cases who were treated by the open methods. Most of the patients were delivered on the same day. In conclusion TAPP is feasible and safe procedure for hernia repair with low recurrent rate and early convalescence

Incidence of carcinoma in multiple thyroid nodules and experience of surgical management

A retrospective study of thyroid carcinoma with emphasis on the incidence of carcinoma in multiple thyroid nodules and surgical management was carried out. The study covered a 12 years period from June 1986 to May 1998. Details of the cases were obtained from the records of the Surgical Notes, Medical Records Dept of AL-Zahrra university Hospital-Cairo. and Hamad G. Hospital-Doha. There was a total of 56 [9.1%] cases of carcinoma out of 616 surgically treated thyroid diseases. Females accounted for 45 and the males 11 cases giving a female to male ratio of4.1:1. The peak age incidence was between the third and fifth decades. Thirty three patients presented with single nodule [59%], 20 with multiple nodules [35%] and 3 diffuse, [5.3%] giving an overall incidence of malignancy in single and multiple thyroid nodules of 5.6% and 3.8% respectively from the 585 patients who presented with nodules. Thirteen patients [23%] presented with cerivcal lymphadenopathy. Most of the patients had a preoperative Ultrasound, T. Scan and general laboratory investigations. Firm diagnosis was made by one of these; FNA, frozen section or paraffin section. The following procedures were performed as the definitive treatment [i]; Hemithyroidectomy [27 cases] [ii] subtotal thyroidectomy [4 cases]; [iii] Near Total thyroidectomy [7 cases]; [v] Total thyroidectomy [17 cases]; One case was inoperable. Papillary carcinoma was the most common thyroid carcinoma [80.4%] and followed by follicular carcinoma [12.5%], medullary 5.3% and anaplastic carcinoma 1.8%. Of the 20 patients who presented with multiple nodules, there were 14 papillary, 3 follicular 2 medullary and one anaplastic carcinoma. No deaths were recorded amongst the papillary and follicular carcinoma cases, over a maximum of twelve years follow up. There was one death each in cases of medullary and anaplastic carcinoma. The incidence of 3.8% malignancy in patients with multiple thyroid nodules would war rant interventional rather conservative surgery. Near total or total thyroidectomy is the best choice as initial or completion surgery for all types of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Hemithyroidctmy could be accepted in some cases

Effect of natural antioxidants on lead toxicity in rats; histological and histochemical assessment of the liver

The present study was conducted on 40 adult male albino rats divided into four4 equal groups. Groups I and II were used as controls, they received 1 ml distilled water in group I, or sodium acetate 400 mg/kg/day orally in group II. Group III received lead acetate 400 mg/kg/day orally and group IV received lead acetate plus a combination of the 3 natural antioxidant vitamins E [100 mg/kg/day], A [7500 IU/kg/day] and C [1000 mg/kg/day]. Results showed that, the toxic manifestations of lead in group III, cellular degeneration, proliferation, widening of hepatic sinusoids, infiltration and decreased activity of lactic dehydrogenase [LD], succinic dehydrogenase [SD], and adenosine triphosphatase [ATP-ase] enzymes, were greatly improved in group IV. It can be concluded that the combination of the three antioxidant vitamins [E, A and C] seemed to have a remarkable effect in improving the hazards of lead intoxication

Effect of natural antioxidants on lead toxicity in rats

The present study was conducted on 40 male albino rats to study the effect of combined oral administration of three natural antioxidants [vitamin E, A and C] on different parameters during one month oral lead intoxication. The animals were divided into four groups: Group one and two were considered as controls as they received sodium acetate 400 mg/kg/day in group one or sodium acetate plus 2% gum acacia + 1 ml distilled water in group two, group three received lead acetate and group four received lead acetate plus a combination of the three vitamins. It was observed that administration of the combination of the three vitamins significantly improved the toxic manifestations of lead in group three