Rare Case of Cardiac Hydatitosis and Review of the Literature

Hydatid disease or hydatid cyst results from the tissue development of the hydatid larva of an echinococcus taenia. It is an endemic disease in certain regions of the world such as the Mediterranean basin. We report here the observation of a 39 year old patient with no particular pathological history admitted for pericardial effusion revealing a cardiac hydatid. After clinical and biological explorations we made the diagnosis of a cardiac hydatid located on the inter venticular septum. The patient was put under medical treatment because of the refusal of the surgery

Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with N-acetylcysteine mitigates liver injury and steatosis in experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Although numerous efforts have been directed toward searching for new treatments against non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease (NAFLD), there are no approved pharmacologic agents up to date. This study evaluates the therapeutic effectof concomitant administration of atorvastatin (ATO) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) with/without diet control. Ninegroups of rats were divided into: normal, rats fed on high-fat diet for 12 weeks (NAFLD-HFD model), HFD-ratsswitched to regular diet (NAFLD-RD model), NAFLD-HFD or -RD rats treated with either ATO or NAC orally with30 or 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, or both for 8 weeks. NAFLD-HFD rats exhibited remarkable steatosis with lobularinflammation, hepatocytes vacuolation, and fibrosis, as well as significant changes in lipid profile, oxidative stress,and adipocytokines and these manifestations were less prominent in the HFD-RD group. ATO and NAC combinationwith diet control has the added benefits on ameliorating lipid levels, liver enzymes, oxidative stress, hepatic steatosis(9.01% ± 1.66% vs. 13.21% ± 2.20% for ATO and 25.60% ± 2.11% for NAC), inflammation, hepatocyte vacuolation,and fibrosis versus each drug separately. Conclusion: ATO and NAC concomitant therapy has a greater effect onNAFLD as compared to monotherapy and is recommended for further investigation in clinical trials.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori vacA, cagA and iceA1 virulence genes associated with gastric diseases in Egyptian patients

Background: Helicobactor pylori [H. pylori] virulence markers would be useful to predict peptic ulcer disease [PUD] or gastric cancer

Aim: In Egypt, since inadequate data are present regarding H. pylori virulence-related genes in different age group patients with gastro-duodenal diseases, it becomes crucial to study the clinical status of cagA, vacA and iceA1 genotypes of H. pylori strains recovered from patients with dyspepsia

Subjects and methods: The study included 113 dyspeptic patients who were exposed to upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination. Four antral biopsies were obtained from each patient for the analysis of H. pylori infection by rapid urease test and detection of 16S rRNA

Results: Sixty [53.1%] patients were confirmed to be infected with H. pylori. Upon endoscopy, gastritis was revealed in 27 patients [45%] and10 patients [16.7%] had PUD. Of the 60 H. pylori strains, 39 [65%] had at least one virulence gene. Six different genotypic forms were recognized; vacA [9/60], iceA1 [1/60], vacA/cagA [7/60], vacA/iceA1 [13/60], vacA/cagA/iceA1 [8/60] only one of cagA/iceA type and we could not detect cagA. The overall vacA, iceA1and cagA genes identified were 61.6%, 38.8%, 26.6% respectively, by PCR-based molecular testing. The vacA gene status was highly significant related to gastritis patient [P ? 0.036]. The vacA s1m1 and s2m2 alleles were significantly found in 50% of H. pylori infected patients with PUD and with gastritis 57.1% respectively [P

Conclusion: In conclusion, the main genotype combinations in the studied Egyptian patients were; vacAs2m2/iceA1, vacAs1m1/cagA, mostly associated with gastritis, and vacAs1/cagA/icA, mainly in PUD. The less virulent [s2, s2m2] H. pylori genotypes were found in patients aged over 43 years

Biological studies concerning the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pelargonium species cultivated in Egypt (Family-Geraniaceae).

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals have become prominent in the market place, making it a favored healthcare choice. In this study, air dried samples of aerial parts of Pelargonium X fragrans Willd. and Pelargonium peltatum L’Hérit. were separately extracted using successive extraction with a soxhlet apparatus. Each extract was tested for its antimicrobial activity using two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus subtillus and Staphyllococcus aureus), and clinical fungal isolates (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). Also, their antioxidant activity was tested using a DPPH free radical assay. The ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and the total extracts showed moderate activity against the tested microorganisms with significant high activity against E. coli. The free radical scavenging property was found to be in a concentration dependent manner in all the tested fractions. The most effective antioxidant fractions in both spp. was the n-Butanol fraction (85% and 85.2%) at the concentration of 0.375μg/ml followed by the total ethanolic extracts (78.1% and 84.62%), respectively, with the same concentra-tion compared to the standard reference ascorbic acid which showed a significant radicals scavenging potential (79.1%) in the concentration of 1μg/ml.

Contribution à l'étude de l'hypertension artérielle étude prospective à propos de 91 cas en consultation de médecine interne au centre hospitalier régional de Niamey. Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques, et thérapeutiques

HTA, l'une des affections les plus courantes dans les pays en voie de développement est un problème de santé publique. Notre étude est une étude prospective descriptive longitudinale portant sur 91 patients hypertendus vus en consultation sur une période de 2 ans allant de Janvier 2013 à Décembre 2014. AU total, 1130 patients étaient hypertendus soit une prévalence de 39,12%. Une prédominance féminine était observée avec un sex/ratio de 4. La tranche d'âge de 30-59 était la plus représentée avec 80,20%. L'âge moyen a été de 46,57 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 20 à 80 ans. Cette population était constituée majoritairement de patients ayant un faible niveau socioéconomique (61,5%) et provenant de Niamey et ses alentours. On note 41 patients soit 54,9% qui étaient hypertendus connus depuis au moins 1 an et 49,5% avaient l'un des parents hypertendus. Les manifestations cliniques dominantes motivant les consultations sont les palpitations (42,80%), la dyspnée d'effort (29,9%), troubles visuels (16,5%), les céphalées (15,4%). La PA moyenne était de 140 mm Hg pour la systolique et 90 mm Hg pour la diastolique, le Stade II selon la classification de JNC VII 2007 était présent dans 57,2% des cas. Les facteurs de risque associés à l'HTA dans notre étude sont : l'obésité (40,66%), les dyslipidémies (26,37%), l'âge > 65 ans (15,38%), le diabète (9,9%) et la sédentarité (7,69%). On notait 14 patients soit 15,4% des patients ont présenté un retentissement rénal et 56% des atteintes cardiaques. La bithérapie a été utilisée dans 50,5% des cas, mais il faut noter que 10% des patients ont nécessité une quadrithérapie accompagnée toujours des mesures hygiéno-diététiques ce qui nous a permis d'avoir des bons résultats

[Evaluation of maximum levator resection in management of severe Blepharoptosis]

Objective: To study the efficacy of maximal levator resection in patients with severe ptosis with poor levator function [LF]

Patients and methods: 31 patients with severe ptosis underwent maximal levator resection.Palpebral fissure height and LF were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: All patients showed an excellent reduction in ptosis with a single intervention resulting in a clear visual axis. Palpebral fissure height improved from means [SD] 2.98 preoperatively to 7.70 postoperatively [P value <0.001], No patients underwent additional surgery because of cosmetic issues. All patients showed a marked, consistent, and lasting improvement in LF, going from mean [SD] 2.60 preoperatively to 7.82 postoperatively [P value < 0.001]

Conclusions: Maximal levator resection is an effective surgical technique in management of patients with severe ptosis with good cosmetic appearance in terms of ptosis reduction in the majority of cases and with a significant increase of the levator palpebrae superioris function

Biological studies concerning the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pelargonium species cultivated in Egypt (Family-Geraniaceae).

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals have become prominent in the market place, making it a favored healthcare choice. In this study, air dried samples of aerial parts of Pelargonium X fragrans Willd. and Pelargonium peltatum L’Hérit. were separately extracted using successive extraction with a soxhlet apparatus. Each extract was tested for its antimicrobial activity using two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus subtillus and Staphyllococcus aureus), and clinical fungal isolates (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). Also, their antioxidant activity was tested using a DPPH free radical assay. The ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and the total extracts showed moderate activity against the tested microorganisms with significant high activity against E. coli. The free radical scavenging property was found to be in a concentration dependent manner in all the tested fractions. The most effective antioxidant fractions in both spp. was the n-Butanol fraction (85% and 85.2%) at the concentration of 0.375μg/ml followed by the total ethanolic extracts (78.1% and 84.62%), respectively, with the same concentra-tion compared to the standard reference ascorbic acid which showed a significant radicals scavenging potential (79.1%) in the concentration of 1μg/ml.

Cytotoxicity of Enterolobium timbouva Plant Extract and Its Isolated Pure Compounds.

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activities of the aqueous alcohol extract of Enterolobium timbouva leaves as well as its isolated pure compounds. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of pharmacy, Ain Shams University, between March 2010 and May 2012. Methodology: In vitro Cytotoxic study was conducted for the aqueous methanol extract and the isolated pure single compounds to determine the IC50 by sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay. Results: Phytochemical investigation of the extract resulted in the isolation and structural determination of ten phenolic compounds isolated for the first time from entitled genus viz; 3,4-Dihydroxy-Cinnamic acid (Caffeic acid) (1); Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (Isoquercitrin) (2); Quercetin-3-O-β-D-galacto-pyranoside (Hyperin) (3); Kaempferol-3-O- β-D–glucopyranoside (Astragalin) (4); Hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside (Hesperidin) (5); Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (Rutin) (6); Quercetin (7); Kaempferol (8); 7-methoxycoumarin (Herniarin) (9); and Chrysin (10). The aqueous alcohol extract exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against diffferent cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 2.67 μg/mL against MCF-7 cell line, 3.89 μg/ml against HCT116 cells, 4 μg/mL against HEp2 cells, 4.5 μg/mL against HeLa cells, 1.7 μg/mL against PC-3 cells, and 5.7 μg/mL against Huh-7 cells. In vitro cytotoxic assay of the isolated pure compounds against Huh-7 cell Line showed that compounds 1, 9 and 10 are the only tested compounds exhibiting potent cytotoxic activity with IC50 of 3 μg/mL, 0.76 μg/mL, and 18.51 μg/mL respectively. The rest of tested compounds exhibited IC50 exceeding 1000 μg/mL which reflects their safety. Conclusion: The current study indicated that the phenolic compounds isolated from Enterolobium timbouva leaves are promising molecules with potentially useful cytotoxic activity profiles. This confirms that this terrestrial plant has great value as a source of lead compounds with pharmaceutical applications.

Genus Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal, Botanical, Chemical and Pharmacological Properties.

Genus Kalanchoe comprises hundred species. Different extracts of these Kalanchoe species have been widely used in traditional medicine. Recently it has been reported that Kalanchoe extracts possess various biological activities viz. antiviral, sedative, antiulcer, immunomodulatory, antileishmanial, CNS depressant, anti-inflammatory, thyroid peroxidase inhibitor, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, inhibition of B cell development, cardiovascular, antihyperglycemic, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, insecticidal and larvicidal activities. Earlier studies on different Kalanchoe species have reported the isolation of polysaccharides, flavonoids, sterols, ascorbic acid, trace elements, organic acids, hydrocarbons, triterpenoids, phenolic components and bufadenolides. This review presents the botany, chemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological data of genus Kalanchoe.

Pharmacological and antioxidant actions of garlic and/or onion in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] in rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] includes a broad spectrum of fat-induced liver injury, ranging from mild steatosis to cirrhosis and liver failure. This study investigates the hepatoprotective properties of garlic and onion in NAFLD rat model. Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 9 groups; normal [I], NAFLD induced with high fat diet [HFD; II], NAFLD switched to regular diet [RD; III], NAFLD-HFD or NAFLD-RD treated with garlic [IV, V] onion [VI, VII] or the combined garlic+onion [VIII, IX] respectively. A NAFLD rat model was established by feeding the animals with a high-fat diet for 12 wk. These animals were then treated with garlic or/and onion or vehicle for 8 wk [weeks 13-20] and then killed to obtain serum samples and liver tissues. Liver histology, lipids, parameters of oxidative stress, TNF-alpha and TGF-p were measured. The liver in NAFLD-HFD showed typical steatosis, accompanied with mild to moderate lobular inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, leptin, cholesterol, triglycerides, TNF-alpha, TGF-P and hepatic MDA were significantly increased [P<0.05] compared with normal group. This was accompanied with reduction of hepatic GSH, GR, GPx, GST, SOD and serum adiponectin. These changes were to a less degree in NAFLD-RD group. Combined administration of garlic+onion produced a better and significant decrease in liver steatosis, serum liver enzymes, oxidative markers and lipid peroxidation versus each one alone. In the same time, NAFLD-induced inflammation was also mitigated via reduction of TNF-alpha and TGF-P. In addition, these results were better in the group IX versus group VIII

description of haemogregarina species naturally infecting white-spotted gecko [tarentola annularis] in Qena, Egypt

The present study describes the developmental stages of Haemogregarina species in the blood and tissues of naturally infecting white-spotted gecko Tarentola annularis collected from Qena, Egypt. Different parasite's forms were observed infecting the erythrocytes. The gamonts enclosed within parasitophorous vacuole and seems to have no clear effect on the host cell especially in case of immature parasite forms. But in the presence of mature gamonts the host cell nucleus displaced. The parasitaemia level is up to 280 per 10,000 erythrocytes counted. Trophozoites and gamonts have been recognized in the blood smears. The rounded trophozoite diameter is 3.84 +/- 0.87 fim, while the elongated trophozoite measured 4.42 +/- 0.692.8 +/- 0.56 microm. The mature gamonts were differentiated into two forms; short gamont measuring 10.82 +/- 0.82x3.30 +/- 0.73 microm [range: 10-12.1x2.2-4.4 micronm] and the long gamont measured 14.67 +/- 0.83x3.96 +/- 0.77 |nm [range: 14.1-16.5x3.3-5.5 urn]. Merogony carried out only in the endothelial cells of the blood capillaries in the lung. Different merogonic stages have been recognized and differentiated in two forms; micromeront measured 13.25+0.50x12+0.0 |um and produces a few number of large merozoites, macromeront measured 19.75+0.87xl3.25 +/- 0.50 |nm and produces more small sized merozoites. The gamonts and merozoites have the general characteristic ultrastructures of the Apicomplexa containing components of the apical complex, e.g. pellicle, micronemes, rhoptries, and few dense bodies and subpellicular microtubules

Hepatitis B and C status among health care workers in the five main hospitals in eastern Libya

The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of hepatitis B and C transmission to health care workers [HCWs] in five major hospitals in eastern Libya and to analyze how the risk of these infections are affected by the type of occupation, hospital work place and working period. From July 2008 to June 2009, 601 HCWs [mean age: 32.90 +/- 8.85 years] were tested for HBV and HCV markers using ELISA techniques. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] was performed on all positive samples of HBsAg and Anti-HCV antibody to determine the level of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA viremia, respectively. The overall frequency of HBsAg positivity was 1.8%. Anti-HBc, HBeAg and Anti-HBe antibodies were found in 8.5%, 0.7% and 8.0% of samples, respectively. The HBV-DNA level was positive in 55% of all HBsAg-positive samples. Approximately half of the HCWs [51.4%] were Anti-HBs antibody positive. The overall positivity rate of Anti-HCV antibodies was 2.0%, and HCV-RNA was positive in 33.3% of these samples. Overall, 52% of HCWs reported receiving full vaccination doses [three doses] against HBV infection. Among them, anti-HBs positivity was approximately 98.0%. 3.9% of those who never received any HBV vaccination dose were HBsAg positive, compared to 1.3% HBsAg positive in those HCWs who had received one or two doses of hepatitis B vaccine [p = 0.01 for all comparisons]. Nurses and nurse-aides had the highest rates of both HBsAg and Anti-HCV among the studied HCWs [HBsAg: 2.1% and 3.2%; Anti-HCV: 3.2% and 4.9%, respectively]. It is noteworthy that doctors also had a relatively high prevalence rate of Anti-HCV [2.2%]. Obstetric wards, isolation room, dialysis units and dentist work places had higher frequencies of HBV. HCV was found to be higher in the medical and surgical wards [the prevalence varied between 3% and 5.6%]. There was no significant difference between HBsAg status and the work period of HCWs. In conclusion, universal precautions should be applied for the care of all patients by all HCWs. Further, HBV vaccines should be more readily available for Libyan HCWs by reinforcing current vaccination programs

antiproliferative effect of mulberry [Morus alba L.] plant on hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2

This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative effect of aqueous and organic extracts of mulberry leaves [Morus Alba L.] on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line. Mulberry leaf extracts were prepared using the solvents: water, 50% aqueous MeOH, and 100% MeOH for different time intervals, while the cells treated with dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] served as control. The effects of aqueous and organic extracts of M. alba L. leaves on HepG2 cell viability, nuclear factor kappa B [NF-kappaB] gene expression, alfa-fetoprotein [AFP], albumin [ALB], gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [gamma-GT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] were measured. The results of the cell viability assays showed that water, 50% aqueous MeOH, and 100% MeOH extracts exhibited a highly significant inhibitory effect on HepG2 cell proliferation which was evidenced by a reduction in viable cell count. The results were confirmed by microscopical examination of cell morphology. Furthermore, the mulberry leaf extracts suppressed the activity of NF-?B gene expression of HepG2 cells compared to the control. Also a highly significant depression occurred at the levels of AFP, gamma-GT and ALP in HepG2 cells compared with that of controls in a time dependent manner. By contrast, the mulberry leaf extracts increased the secretion of ALB. Therefore, the conclusion was that the organic and aqueous extracts of mulberry leaves inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells through suppressing the activity of NF-?B gene expression and modulate the biochemical markers.

Effect of Ketoconazole, a Cytochrome P450 Inhibitor, on the Efficacy of Quinine and Halofantrine against Schistosoma mansoni in Mice

The fear that schistosomes will become resistant to praziquantel (PZQ) motivates the search for alternatives to treat schistosomiasis. The antimalarials quinine (QN) and halofantrine (HF) possess moderate antischistosomal properties. The major metabolic pathway of QN and HF is through cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Accordingly, this study investigates the effects of CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole (KTZ), on the antischistosomal potential of these quinolines against Schistosoma mansoni infection by evaluating parasitological, histopathological, and biochemical parameters. Mice were classified into 7 groups: uninfected untreated (I), infected untreated (II), infected treated orally with PZQ (1,000 mg/kg) (III), QN (400 mg/kg) (IV), KTZ (10 mg/kg)+QN as group IV (V), HF (400 mg/kg) (VI), and KTZ (as group V)+HF (as group VI) (VII). KTZ plus QN or HF produced more inhibition (P<0.05) in hepatic CYP450 (85.7% and 83.8%) and CYT b5 (75.5% and 73.5%) activities, respectively, than in groups treated with QN or HF alone. This was accompanied with more reduction in female (89.0% and 79.3%), total worms (81.4% and 70.3%), and eggs burden (hepatic; 83.8%, 66.0% and intestinal; 68%, 64.5%), respectively, and encountering the granulomatous reaction to parasite eggs trapped in the liver. QN and HF significantly (P<0.05) elevated malondialdehyde levels when used alone or with KTZ. Meanwhile, KTZ plus QN or HF restored serum levels of ALT, albumin, and reduced hepatic glutathione (KTZ+HF) to their control values. KTZ enhanced the therapeutic antischistosomal potential of QN and HF over each drug alone. Moreover, the effect of KTZ+QN was more evident than KTZ+HF.

Kalanchoe thrysiflora Harv. and Kalanchoe marmorata Baker; DNA Profiling, biological guided fractionation of different extracts; isolation and identification of cytotoxic compounds.

DNA profiling of two closely related ornamental plants belonging to family crassulaceae viz. Kalanchoe thrysiflora Harv. and Kalanchoe marmorata Baker were performed to establish genetic polymorphism. Biological guided fractionation of the two plant extracts to assess their cytotoxicity, had led to the isolation of one steroidal and one triterpenoidal compound from the most active dichloromethane fraction of Kalanchoe thrysiflora. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds were evaluated against normal (HFB4) and cancer (MCF7) cells. Compound 1 (3-oxo-olean-12-ene) and compound 2 (β-sitosterol) showed similar cytotoxic activity on MCF7 at IC50 17.4 and 17.6 μg/ml respectively while on HFB4, the compounds revealed cytotoxic activity at IC50 21.9 and 21.6 respectively.

Hepatotoxic effect of chloramphenicol administration to albino rats

There are many concerns about safety of food contaminated with antibacterial residues of veterinary drugs in meat, milk and their products. Ghloramphenicol is a potent and broad spectrum antibiotic used in veterinary practice and it is used extensively in nonindustrialized countries, thus the need to design this experiment to explore the dose and time response effects of chloramphenicol administration on several parameters in either prophylactic or therapeutic dose for 12 weeks on liver enzymatic activities as well as histopathological changes. A total number of 240 male albino rats were divided into four equal groups. Solutions of chloramphenicol succinate were diluted in distilled water and administered to rats by gavages at a constant dose volume of 10 ml/kg body weight. Chloramphenicol was administered to the first and second groups in a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 12 weeks. Rats in the third group [considered as a control group of the group one] and fourth group [considered as a control group of the group two] were given distilled water in a volume of 10 ml/kg body weight l0 rats from each group were scarified under anesthesia after 2,4,6,8,10 and 12 weeks post dosing. Samples of blood were obtained without anticoagulant for determination of serum AST, AP, Gamma-GT and LDH. Liver samples were taken for histopathological examination. Results of liver enzymatic activities including serum AP and, GT revealed a significant increase in both prophylactic and therapeutic doses of chloramphenicol treated-rats compared with control. Histopathological study revealed degenerative changes of hepatic parenchymal cells corroborated to serum enzymatic activity. Serum LDH concentrations showed a significant increase after 2nd week of exposure until the end of experiment at 12th week. Changes in the serum levels of AST were not statistically significant in both prophylactic and therapeutic dose administered groups. Hepatotoxic effect of chloramphenicol is attributed to inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P45o. High rate of tissue turnover with destroyed cells leading to an elevated serum LDH. Therefore, increase the level of this enzyme in this study may be attributed to cytotoxic effect induced by chloramphenicol on multiple cellular compartments including hepatic tissue breakdown. These lesions varied greatly in its severity and distribution according to the duration of exposure as well as the dose of chloramphenicol. Hydropic degeneration with hypertrophy of the Kupffer cells associated with the loss of ribosomes in rough endoplasmic reticulum was recorded. Mitochondria appeared slightly swollen, the bile canaliculi dilated and some areas of necrosis was the most common histopathological change. Swelling in hepatic cells recorded in this study besides congestion of the hepatic vasculature, accumulation of fat globules and presence of bundles of collagen fibers in between the hepatic cells and in the Disse space represented chronic reaction to chloramphenicol toxicity or side effects. Such reaction could be considered as secondary for hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis

Pharmacodynamics of mefloquine and praziquantel combination therapy in mice harbouring juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni

Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only drug widely used for the treatment of schistosomiasis, but the antimalarial drug mefloquine (Mef) possesses interesting antischistosomal properties. Combination therapy with these two drugs has been suggested as a strategy for transmission control, as PZQ is active against adult worms and Mef is active against schistosomula. To examine the efficacy of combination therapy, Schistosoma mansoni-reinfected mice were separated into seven groups: untreated (I), treated with PZQ in doses of 200 mg/kg (II) or 1,000 mg/kg (III), treated with Mef in doses of 200 mg/kg (IV) or 400 mg/kg (V); each dose was divided equally and given on two consecutive days. Group VI was treated with doses of PZQ + Mef as in groups II and IV, respectively, while group VII was treated with PZQ + Mef as in groups III and V, respectively. PZQ + Mef at the reduced doses of 200 mg/kg each enhanced the therapeutic efficacy over the reduced PZQ dose alone as shown by a very high reduction in the total numbers of mature worms (95 percent vs. 49 percent), immature worms (96 percent vs. 29 percent) and the complete eradication of immature females, mature females and immature eggs. The reduction in worm burden was associated with the healing of hepatic granulomatous lesions and the normalisation of all liver enzymes. Therefore, the use of Mef with PZQ is more effective than PZQ alone and should be considered for clinical trials in humans as a potential treatment regimen to prevent treatment failures in areas with high rates of schistosomiasis.

Profile of nurses working in chemotherapeutic oncology departments in Sohag governorate

The aim of this descriptive study is to determine the individual and professional characteristics of the oncology nurse, their working condition. Status and actual usage of safety measures while handiling cytotoxic drugs in their daily work surrounding. A self-evaluation questionnaire divided in three parts developed by the investigator after review of the literature. A total of 29 murses participated in the survey [2 male and 27 females]. The mean age of the nurses was [22.0 +/- 3.2] in hospital 1.2 compared with hospital 3 was [25.0 +/- 4.3], the majority of nurses [86.2]% were secondary school nursing graduate and the rest had a technical of nurses [13.8%]. In the 55.2% of all participants had from 1-5 years experience. [72.4%] of participant always preparing and administering of chemotherapeutic drugs. 55.2% of them exposure to needle stick in the last 6 months from 1-3 times. The mean weekly work hours was [55.0] in hospital 1, [72.0] in hospital 2, [44.6] in hospital 3, mean number of patients receiving care at day time and night in hospital 1, 2, 3 were 29.0 +/- 2.2:15.0 +/- 1.3;35.0 +/- 11.6 and 25.0 +/- 46.0;5.1 +/- 1.1.mean daily chemotherapy preparation and administration period were 24.4 +/- 45.9,20.0 +/- 7.9;26.3 +/- 6.1,20.0 +/- 7.5.38.0 +/- 12.0 in hospital 1, 2, 3 respectively. The result of this study revealed that the level of knowledge of nurses concerning the tumor and antineoplastic hazards was satisfactory. However, the items concerning the skills when handling the drugs and use personal protective equipment while handling and administering antineoplastic agents to prevent occupational hazarde was unsatisfactory

Effect of Ficus sycomorus and Azadirachta indica extracts on liver state of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni

The potential role of hepatoprotective and antipathological effect of Ficus sycomorus and Azadirachta indica extracts was evaluated for scavenging the reactive oxygen species [ROS] and reduced the oxidative damage and pathological changes in the liver of S. mansoni infected mice. The levels of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], asparate aminotransferase [AST] and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] were evaluated in the infected mice and treated orally with each plant extract 12 weeks post infection [P.I.] in a dose of 500 mg/kg of each plant extract for five consecutive days and sacrificed two weeks P.I. The infection of mice showed an elevation of ALT, AST and GGT. Treatment of mice with 70% methanol extract of each plant extract reduced significantly ALT, AST and GGT elevation. The highest reduction was with the methanolic extract of F. sycomorus [42%, 35% and 44% for ALT, AST and GGT respectively]. Fractionation of the methanolic extract of each plant was carried out. The effect of ethyl acetate and butanolic fractions of each plant was also evaluated. The result showed that the two fractions lowered the levels of the tested enzymes and decreased the number and size of granuloma diameters with an increased in the percentage of degenerated ova

Impact of end-stage renal failure on quality of sleep in haemodialysis recipients at Sohag university hospital

Many patients with end stage renal disease [ESRD] undergoing dialysis therapy suffer from sleep disturbances. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of end-stage renal failure on quality of sleep in [HD] patients. The study sample was 221 ESRD patients receiving haemodialysis in a Sohag university hospital dialysis unit. Data were collected using a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] in addition to Personal information Form [PIF]. The mean +/- SD age of patients was 42.3 +/- 13.1 years, more than half were males [55.2%]. [36.2%] of the patients were illiterates and [34.4%] of them were house-wives. The major causes of [ESRD] were hypertension [44.3%] and diabetes mellitus [18.1%]. The majority of the subjects attended haemodialysis more than 3 hours/ session with frequency of HD patients [78.7%] ranged from 3-4 session/week. More than half [58.8%] of the study sample had history of dialysis > 3 years. The mean PSQI score was [11.85 +/- 4.45]; in total [87.3%] of all patients were poor sleeper [global PSQI>5]. Frequency and history of dialysis has no significant effect on global, component PSQI, while age was significantly correlated with a global PSQI, sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency and sleep disturbance. Also significant correlation was found between duration of session and daytime dysfunction. The findings indicate a high prevalence of sleep disturbances in dialytic populations. Awareness by Sohag nephrologists and nurses regarding sleep disorder seems to be insufficient. The results might help nephrologists and nurses to deal with uraemic patients with possible sleep disorders